Abstract:
In a device for wireless transmission of electrical signals between the steering wheel of a vehicle and the chassis of the vehicle, a first transmission module, which includes a microcontroller and a transmitter for electromagnetic waves, is provided on the steering wheel. The microcontroller is designed to condition and convert electrical signals of operator control elements, arranged on the steering wheel, into signals which are suitable for the transmitter module. A second transmission module which includes a receiver and a microcontroller is arranged on a fixed region or chassis of the vehicle. The latter microcontroller is designed to convert signals which are received in the receiver into switching and/or control signals for electrical devices of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A one-piece tube for use as a watertube within a watertube boiler or heat exchanger has a free end section that is formed to have an integral, outward-extending circumferential ring, or flange, a spaced distance from an adjacent end face of the tube. This is preferably accomplished by radially expanding the tube within the free end section and by axially compressing the free end section to cause a portion of the tube to bulge radially outward to from the circumferential ring, or flange. The flange enables the watertube to be readily driven into engagement with a dome, manifold or like casting without the creation of leaks, such as weld leaks. The free end section of the tube that extends from the circumferential ring, or flange, to the adjacent end face of the tube can be formed with a taper such that the diameter of an outer wall of the tube progressively decreases from the circumferential ring, or flange, to the end face. A boiler or heat exchanger having the above described watertube and a method of assembly are also provided.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods for the in situ production of hydrogen and for the synthesis of high value/energy chemical products from low value/energy organic material.
Abstract:
A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.
Abstract:
A sensor has a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based conductors operatively positioned on a substrate. The conductors are arranged side-by-side, such as in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. At least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes is coupled to opposing ends of the conductors. A portion of each of the conductors spanning between each pair of electrodes comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged end-to-end and substantially aligned along an axis. Because a direct correlation exists between the resistance of a carbon nanotube and its strain, changes experienced by the portion of the structure to which the sensor is coupled induce a corresponding change in the electrical properties of the conductors, thereby enabling detection of crack growth in the structure.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a procedure used in the overall treatment of a patient who is identified at birth as having an elevated risk of a previously unidentified disorder and method of using a data system to assist in the procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the procedure involves, at the birth of the patient, making a first time determination that the patient is at an elevated risk of a previously unidentified disorder based on a metric of some type. If it is determined by a medical professional, based upon the metric, that the patient has an elevated risk for a previously unidentified disorder that could benefit from treatment using the patient's own cord blood stem cells, the cord blood stem cells of the patient are collected at birth. After this collection, the collected cord blood stem cells of the patient are available for the subsequent use on the patient at an appropriate time.
Abstract:
A TEM sample holder is formed from at least one nano-manipulator probe tip and a TEM sample holder pre-form. The probe tip is permanently attached to the TEM sample-holder pre-form to create a TEM sample holder before attachment of a sample to the probe tip inside a FIB. In the preferred embodiment the probe tip is attached to the TEM sample holder pre-form by applying pressure to the pre-form and the probe tip, so as to cause plastic flow of the pre-form material about the probe tip. The TEM sample holder may have smaller dimensions than the TEM sample holder pre-form; in this case the TEM sample holder is cut from the larger TEM sample holder pre-form, preferably in the same operation as attaching the probe tip.
Abstract:
The preferred embodiment further includes a press for cutting a TEM sample holder from a TEM coupon and joining a probe-tip point with an attached sample to the TEM sample holder. The press includes: an outer die; an inner die situated inside the outer die; a former rod opposing the inner and outer dies; and, a shear punch situated coaxially with the former rod. A hold-down spring biases the former rod toward the inner die. A trigger or other mechanism responsive to the contact of the former rod and the inner die, and an actuator responsive to the trigger, drive the shear punch toward the inner and outer dies. This press can be located either inside or outside the vacuum chamber of the FIB or other analytical instrument.
Abstract:
A method and computer-readable medium are provided for consistent configuration of language support between an operating system and application programs. According to the method, an integrated process is provided for receiving and implementing one or more language settings for an operating system and one or more language settings for application programs. The integrated process includes prompting a user for new language settings for both the operating system and the application programs. The language settings for the operating system may include language group support, user interface language, keyboard layout, preferences for standards and formats, and other settings. The language settings for the application programs may include preferences for a user interface language and a default language for use in the application programs. Once the language settings have been received from the user, the new settings may be applied and utilized in future operations of the computer system.
Abstract:
A method, system, and apparatus for providing information related to a location or geographic region. When a string is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string relates to one or more locations or geographic regions. If the string relates to a location or geographic region, the string is associated with additional information related to the location or geographic region. A list of actions may be provided, wherein each action allows for the selection of the additional information. In one embodiment, a geographical map, telephone area codes or time conversion information may be selected and displayed. In other embodiments, currency conversions related to a specific country may be selected and displayed.