This application relates to methods and apparatus for phase locked loops. A phase-and-frequency detector (101) receives a reference clock signal (CKref) and a feedback signal (SFB) and outputs a first adjustment signal (U) that is modulated between respective first and second signal levels to provide control pulses indicating that an increase in frequency required for phase and frequency lock, and a second adjustment signal (D) that is modulated between respective first and second signal levels to provide control pulses indicating that a decrease in frequency required for phase and frequency lock. First and second time-to-digital converters (201-1 and 201-2) receive the first and second adjustment signals respectively and output respective first and second digital signals indicative of the duration of said control pulses. Each time-to-digital converter comprises a controlled-oscillator (401, 801) configured so as to operate at a first frequency when the respective adjustment signal is at the first signal level and operate at a second frequency when the respective adjustment signal is at the second signal level and a counter (403) configured to produce a count value of the number oscillations of the controlled-oscillator in each of a succession of count periods defined by a count clock signal. The first and second digital signals are based on the count values output from the respective counters. The difference between the first and second digital signals may be determined and input to digital loop filter (203) before driving numerically-controlled-oscillator (204) to produce the output signal.

A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode containing olivine-structured Fe or a Mn-containing phosphorus compound as a positive electrode active material; a negative electrode containing a titanium-containing metal oxide capable of inserting and extracting lithium ions as a negative electrode active material; a nonwoven fabric separator, which contains an electrically insulating fiber and is bonded to a surface of at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and a nonaqueous electrolyte. In a thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric separator, a density of the fiber on a side having contact with the positive electrode is high, and a density of the fiber on a side having contact with the negative electrode is low.

The present invention relates to processes that may be used singly or in combination to prevent lithium (or alkali metal) plating or dendrite buildup on bare substrate areas or edges of electrode rolls during alkaliation of a battery or electrochemical cell anode composed of a conductive substrate and coatings, in which the electrode rolls may be coated on one or both sides and may have exposed substrate on edges, or on continuous or discontinuous portions of either or both substrate surfaces.

One embodiment includes a method comprising the steps of providing a first dry catalyst coated gas diffusion media layer, depositing a wet first proton exchange membrane layer over the first catalyst coated gas diffusion media layer to form a first proton exchange membrane layer; providing a second dry catalyst coated gas diffusion media layer; contacting the second dry catalyst coated gas diffusion media layer with the first proton exchange membrane layer; and hot pressing together the first and second dry catalyst coated gas diffusion media layers with the wet proton exchange membrane layer therebetween.

A catalyst composition and a use thereof are provided. The catalyst composition includes a support and at least one RuXMY alloy attached to the surface of the support, wherein M is a transition metal and X≧Y. The catalyst composition is used in an alkaline electrochemical energy conversion reaction, and can improve the energy conversion efficiency for an electrochemical energy conversion device and significantly reduce material costs.

A solid oxide fuel cell having an electric power generating element unit that is configured by sandwiching a solid electrolyte layer between a fuel electrode layer and an oxygen electrode layer with a pore that is present in the solid electrolyte layer and is covered with a sealing material. In addition, a pore that is present in an interconnector, which is electrically connected to the fuel electrode layer or the oxygen electrode layer, is covered with the sealing material. Consequently, the solid oxide fuel cell is capable of easily preventing gas leakage.

A fuel cell stack includes a pair of end plates disposed on opposing sides of a fuel cell stacked body in a first direction, a coupling bar that bridges between the end plates, a fastening member that connects the end plates and the coupling bar in the first direction, and a cylindrical knock disposed inside an end plate side mounting hole and a coupling bar side mounting hole of the end plates and the coupling bar in the first direction, and being externally fitted to the fastening member inside the end plate side mounting hole and the coupling bar side mounting hole. A first seal member in close contact with at least an inner circumferential surface of the end plate side mounting hole and the fastening member is disposed in a portion located between the cylindrical knock and the fastening member inside the end plate side mounting hole.

Set forth herein are garnet material compositions, e.g., lithium-stuffed garnets and lithium-stuffed garnets doped with alumina, which are suitable for use as electrolytes and catholytes in solid state battery applications. Also set forth herein are lithium-stuffed garnet thin films having fine grains therein. Disclosed herein are novel and inventive methods of making and using lithium-stuffed garnets as catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes for all solid state lithium rechargeable batteries. Also disclosed herein are novel electrochemical devices which incorporate these garnet catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes. Also set forth herein are methods for preparing novel structures, including dense thin (

A battery pack has a battery pack housing that defines an interior region, and a battery module that is disposed in the interior region. The battery module has a first battery cell, and a first heat exchanger defining a first flow path portion therethrough. The battery pack further includes a first electric fan and a thermally conductive housing that are disposed in the interior region. The thermally conductive housing has a first housing portion, and at least first and second cooling fins defining a second flow path portion therebetween. At least a portion of the second flow path portion is substantially in-line with the first flow path portion. The first electric fan urges air to flow through an inlet aperture, the first flow path portion, the second flow path portion, and through the first electric fan to a first outlet aperture to cool the battery module.

A unit cell pack according to the present disclosure includes a first battery module including battery cartridges that are sequentially stacked, a plurality of batteries wherein two batteries are seated on an upper surface of each of the battery cartridges, electrode connection members respectively positioned on both sides of the battery cartridges, and a battery cover covering the battery cartridges, the plurality of batteries, and the electrode connection members; a second battery module being adjacent to the first battery module and including same constituent elements as the first battery module; a battery housing surrounding the first battery module and the second battery module, and including air inflow window covers and air outflow window covers facing each other; and a fan duct disposed on the air outflow window covers of the battery housing, in which the two batteries on the upper surface of each of the battery cartridges are electrically connected in parallel, the battery cartridges are electrically connected in series through the electrode connection members, a lower surface of each of the battery cartridges defines air guide grooves with respect to each other, and the air guide grooves are aligned with the air inflow window covers and the air outflow window covers on one of the first battery module and the second battery module, forming straight air passages.

An apparatus for making a carbon nanotube yarn includes a tube and a bobbin. The tube has an opening capable of introducing organic solvent into the tube. The tube further has an inlet and an outlet defined through lateral walls thereof. The inlet is capable of accepting one or more carbon nanotube yarn strings and the outlet is capable of accepting the carbon nanotube yarn. The bobbin is positioned around the tube for collecting the carbon nanotube yarn as it comes out of the outlet.

In a device on a spinning room preparation machine, for example a fiber flock feeder, carding machine, cleaner or the like, for supplying and/or discharging fiber material, a tray-like guide element having a guide surface co-operates with at least one conveyor roll located opposite, the fiber material being guided towards and along the guide surface. In order to provide a simple way of supplying and/or discharging fiber material without undesirable adhesion of fibers, the guide element located opposite the at least one conveyor roll is arranged to be set in vibration by at least one actuator.

A rotary drum for a fiber-stacking device includes a drum body, pattern plates each having a single fiber-stacking depression, and holding mechanisms each detachably holding a corresponding pattern plate on the outer circumferential surface of the drum body. Each holding mechanism has a fixed hook and a moveable hook. The fixed hook is immovably attached to one side of the drum body and forms a first groove with the drum body. The movable hook is attached to the other side of the drum body to be moveable between a holding position and a release position, forms a second groove with the drum body at the holding position, and opens the second groove at the release position. When the movable hook is at the holding position, the two side parts of the pattern plate are accommodated inside the first and second grooves.

A working assembly (1) includes a rotatable hollow drum or cylinder (2) having a cylindrical wall (3) with ends having transverse header walls (4) with openings (16, 17), and with a longitudinal shaft (5). The external lateral surface of the cylindrical wall (3) has a clothing device intended to interact with the fibers being carded. First and second support uprights (6, 7) are fixed in operation, and adapted to support the ends of the shaft (5) of the drum or cylinder (2) for rotation about a preferably horizontal axis. The support uprights (6, 7) and the drum or cylinder (2) are configured and coupled with each other such as to define at least one fluid path for a flow of a refrigerating fluid, which extends through the openings (16, 17) and inside the drum or cylinder (2) and is adapted to cause cooling of the lateral cylindrical wall (3) thereof.

The device for producing a uniform or profiled fleece or a fiber flock mat includes a material dispensing device which produces a fleece and a transport device for the further transport of the fleece. The device also includes a measuring device to determine a transverse profile and a longitudinal profile of the fleece by measuring the mass per unit area of the fleece across its width, and a profile-changing device for supplying individualized fibers or fiber flocks to the fleece. A control unit controls the profile-changing device on the basis of the results of the measuring device in such a way that the profile-changing device supplies the individualized fibers or fiber flocks section by section in a targeted manner. Thus, depending on the purpose of the application, a uniform fleece or a fleece with a nonuniform transverse profile or longitudinal profile can be produced.

A structure of a mounting bracket that connects a vehicle body and a transmission is provided. The structure includes an outer pipe having an insulator disposed therein and the insulator includes a plurality of stoppers having curved portions and a protrusion formed at an inner top portion of an aperture of the insulator and directed downwards. An inner pipe is coupled in the aperture of the insulator and a core is press-fitted into the inner pipe. The inner pipe and the core abut each other by the protrusion. Accordingly, vehicle dynamics control and quasi-static motion performance are improved, and operational noise, vibration, and noise attributable to vibration are reduced. Since the outer pipe and the inner pipe are made of plastic, the weight of the structure is decreased. Further, a decrease in the gap between stoppers is achieved without a swaging process.

A securing device for mechanical components that is comprised of the securing device is designed as a longitudinal plastic strip comprised of a first complementary tab and a second complementary tab. The first complementary tab and the second complementary tab interlock together and rest flush against one another in a manner that lines up the hole of the first complementary tab with the hole of the second complementary tab. The securing device may be surrounded by a cushion to improve the securing functionality of the device.

A connection device for setting up an arrangement of a plurality of loudspeaker boxes that are suspended beneath one another comprises a first assembly rail which is provided for assembly on a first loudspeaker box and to which a latching part is attached, and a second assembly rail which is provided for assembly on a second loudspeaker box and to which a retaining element that interacts with the latching part is attached. Herein, a free path length of a longitudinal displaceability of the latching part in relation to the first assembly rail is preselectable. Furthermore, the position of the retaining element in relation to the second assembly rail is preselectable.

A connector hub assembly usable as a standalone module or as a component in a work space system. The connector hub assembly optionally includes features for connecting one or more arms of a support frame for supporting a modular workspace system including desk space, cabinet space, view screens, electronic equipment, and/or other workspace system components.

A railway car air brake hose support bracket has an upper portion with first and second attachment members, a lower portion and an air hose connector. The first attachment member enters into and engages a portion of an accessible compartment of an uncoupling mechanism housing below the coupler head, and the second attachment member is secured to an air brake hose support lug of the railway car coupler. The air brake hose connector engages an air brake hose assembly and suspends this hose assembly from the railway coupler at a predetermined distance above the rail bed. A method of installing the hose support bracket includes positioning the first and second attachment members, securing them in place, and attaching one or more railway brake hose units to the air hose connector, either before or after this positioning and securing of the upper portion of the bracket.

An intermediate support structure for an escalator or moving walk having a dampening device with slots formed therein allowing a supported escalator truss to be free to move laterally to accommodate lateral displacement caused by story drift during an earthquake or seismic event.

A wedge member for securing an electrical conductor box within a hollow concrete block which is to be incorporated in a concrete block wall. The wedge member includes an elongated member dimensioned for a force fit within a hole within the concrete block.

An apparatus for reverse mounting an electronic device in a server housing is provided. The apparatus includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and a coupling. The first bracket couples to the device body and extends outward from the device body toward a front rail of the server housing. The first bracket includes a first end configured to releasably couple to front rail of the server housing. The second bracket includes a protrusion that extends outward from the device body in an opposite direction relative to the first bracket. The coupling includes a first portion that couples to a rear rail of the server housing and a second portion defining a channel that receives the protrusion of the second bracket.

A bracket is configured to be mounted to a post of a rack. The bracket includes a side plate, an end plate, a first mounting member and a foolproof device. The end plate is substantially perpendicularly connected to the side plate. The first mounting member is mounted to the end plate. The foolproof device is arranged at a side of the end plate. When the bracket is placed at a first mounting angle relative to the post, the fool proof device does not interfere with the bracket, in order to allow the bracket to be mounted to the post. When the bracket is placed at a second mounting angle relative to the post, the foolproof device interferes with the bracket, in order to prevent the bracket from being mounted to the post.

Disclosed are a method and/or a system of a mounting bracket. In one aspect, the mounting bracket includes a rectilinear faceplate. The rectilinear faceplate has three edges. The adjacent edges produce a specific angle between the adjacent edges. The rectilinear faceplate is capable of being attached to an item to be mounted onto a surface. The mounting bracket includes three walls where each edge is adjoined perpendicular to a corresponding wall. The mounting bracket includes three lips. Each lip is adjoined perpendicular to the corresponding wall such that each edge is associated with a corresponding lip. Each lip is capable of attaching to a fixture affixed to the surface. The mounting bracket allows the item to be mounted on the surface in two specific orientations. The two specific orientations are determined based on being able to rotate the item by a difference between 180 degrees and the specific angle.

A stud mounting bracket for a junction box includes a mounting extension extending outward from a longitudinal end margin of a main body. The mounting extension includes a mounting body connected to the longitudinal end margin of the main body and an extension tab connected to the mounting body. The extension tab is pivotable relative to the mounting body about an axis from a compact configuration to an extended configuration to increase the length of the mounting extension. A box mounting bracket for mounting a junction box on a stud mounting bracket includes first and second jaws. The first and second jaws engage the stud mounting bracket for use in attaching the box mounting bracket to the stud mounting bracket. The first and second jaws are resiliently deflectable both relative to the base and independent of one another when attaching the box mounting bracket to the stud mounting bracket.

Embodiments are disclosed that relate to mounting brackets for speakers. In some embodiments, a mounting bracket includes a first plate portion; a second plate portion, the second plate portion perpendicular to the first plate portion; and a slot extending continuously from the first plate portion to the second plate portion.

This invention is a mounting system for a loudspeaker system that is capable of positioning and re-positioning the box-like device of the loudspeaker without requiring the use of any retaining/tensioning fasteners. A bracket facilitates constraining the positioning and repositioning for the roll and pitch axes while simultaneously providing audible feedback angular movement indication that enable vertical and horizontal orientation with respect both to the installation environment and to match its positioning to other like installed systems.

A backboard for an automated cardio pulmonary resuscitation system, said backboard comprising a board element, the board element defining a plane and having a top edge, a bottom edge a first side edge and a second side edge; a set of connectors adapted for connection of the backboard to an automated cardio pulmonary resuscitation unit, said connectors being provided at said side edges; and at least one set of stabilizing elements extending away from an edge and transversely to said plane.

Levitation devices are disclosed for use with beds. In one embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate rotation of a mattress with respect to a box spring. In another embodiment, the levitation device is configured to facilitate making a bed which allows sheets and blankets to be tucked between the mattress and the box spring without the need to lift the mattress. In a third embodiment, the levitation device functions as a hybrid device and can be used for making a bed or rotating a mattress.

The embodiments disclosed herein are related to a supportive head and neck pillow with a supportive bone structure inside the pillow. The pillow is used for head and neck support, and comfort while sleeping sitting up during transportation. It can also be used for head and neck support for people who have neck injuries, or to prevent neck injuries during transportation. The sleepy heads neck pillow disclosed comprises a pillow with a bone structure support inside it.

Drainable hammocks with an arrangement of drainage paths in the fabric of the hammock bed are disclosed, wherein the drainage paths are openings in the fabric of the hammock bed. In one example, the openings are formed by grommets that are positioned in the fabric of the hammock bed. A method of operation of the drainable hammocks includes, but is not limited to, the steps of water impinging the uppermost surface of the hammock bed, water flowing due to gravity from the high points in the hammock bed to the low points in the hammock bed, and water exiting the hammock bed through the drainage paths and onto the ground below.

A method includes optically interacting a bulk material or powder stored in a hopper with an integrated computational element (“ICE”) configured to detect a characteristic of the bulk material or powder. The method also includes generating an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the bulk material or powder, and receiving and processing the output signal with a signal processor to yield a value for the characteristic of the bulk material or powder. Also, the method includes transmitting a message flagging the hopper when it is determined that the bulk material or powder is not suitable for usage.

A method includes optically interacting a bulk material or powder stored in a storage bin with an integrated computational element (“ICE”) configured to modify an electromagnetic radiation according to a characteristic of the bulk material or powder. The method also includes detecting the modified electromagnetic radiation with a detector, and producing an output signal correlated to a value for the characteristic of the bulk material or powder, and receiving and processing the output signal with a signal processor to yield a value for the characteristic of the bulk material or powder. Also, the method includes transmitting a message flagging the storage bin when it is determined that the bulk material or powder is not suitable for continued storage. The bulk material or powder includes a dry cement or a dry cement component.

A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless communications device and a lock assembly to be mounted on a door. The lock assembly may include a lock, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry, a touch sensor, and a lock controller. The lock controller may be configured to unlock the lock based upon the touch sensor, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, determine whether the remote access wireless device is in an interior or an exterior based upon the directional antennas, switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the interior, and not switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the exterior.

A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless communications device and a lock assembly to be mounted on a door. The lock assembly may include a lock, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry, and a lock controller. The lock controller determine whether the lock is manually unlocked, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, and determine whether the remote access wireless device is in an interior or an exterior based upon the directional antennas. The lock controller may also switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the exterior, and not switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the interior.

An apparatus may include a housing defining a compartment, wherein the housing is configured to accept at least one item within the compartment. The apparatus may also include a member coupled with the housing, wherein the member defines a container, wherein the member is configured to provide access to the compartment in a first state, and wherein the member is further configured to restrict access to the compartment in a second state. The apparatus may further include an electronic lock disposed at least partially within the container, wherein the electronic lock is configured to limit relative movement between the member and the housing in the second state. The apparatus may also include an interface routed between the compartment and the container, wherein the interface is configured to allow control of the electronic lock.

A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product. The detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individuals from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. The detection system can be interconnected to surveillance towers scanning detector cases disposed at seaport docks, freight depots and rail terminals for monitoring containers being prepared for shipment or sitting on docks for long periods of time.

A system includes a sensor configured to sense an input at a skin surface, a processor configured to receive an output signal from the sensor and generate a haptic control signal based on the output signal, and a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect based on the haptic control signal.

A system, method, and device for improving the functioning of security tags for use with merchandise are provided. A security tag device, to be used in conjunction with a tag monitoring device, may be provided with a product. The product may be conductive or may have metallic packaging. The security tag may include a planar dielectric substrate having a first side and an opposing side. An electronic article surveillance (EAS) circuit may be placed on the first side of the planar dielectric substrate. A ferrite sheet having a first side and an opposing side may be coupled to the opposing side of the planar dielectric substrate. A metal backing sheet may be coupled to the opposing side of the ferrite sheet. The planar dielectric substrate may be centered or offset on the ferrite sheet and the ferrite sheet may be centered or offset on the metal backing sheet.

Various embodiments are described herein for methods and systems for managing a parking area. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a parking authorization request from a parking lot user, the request specifying a parking stall identifier corresponding to a parking stall occupied by the user's vehicle, the request further specifying a parking duration parameter identifying a time duration the user's vehicle can occupy the stall; determining a parking duration rule for the stall based on the parking duration parameter, the rule indicating a parking expiration time; at a first time, receiving a first data associated with the parking stall identifier, the first data comprising an occupancy parameter indicating a presence or absence of a parked vehicle at the identified stall; if the occupancy parameter indicates a presence of a parked vehicle, generate a citation alert for the stall if the first time exceeds the parking expiration time.

Processes and apparatuses for co-processing pyrolysis effluent and a hydrocarbon stream in which a char produced by the catalytic cracking of the pyrolysis effluent is recovered and utilized to provide energy, such as heat to the catalytic cracking zone. The char can be burned in various combustion zones associated with the catalytic cracking zone. The char is produced from a renewable resource.

Helical wick candle and method of manufacturing this candle. The candle typically comprises a candle with meltable fuel such as wax, and at least one helical wick with a helical radius of at least ¼″ or greater. This helical wick is configured so that as the candle burns, the burning tip of the wick doesn't remain stationary, but rather circles the axis of the wick so as to burn more of the wax than would otherwise be possible with a prior art straight wick candle, at least when the diameter of the candle is larger than the pool of melted wax surrounding the wick. This results in higher fuel burning efficiency, often 1.5× or higher, as well as various interesting artistic shapes as the wick burns. Various wick sheath methods to improve the rigidity and burn resistance of the wick during the burning process are also discussed.

A candle wick trimming device including a cutting assembly having first and second elongated members that are pivotably coupled together. A distal portion of the first elongated member has a cavity defined by a floor and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom. One of the sidewalls defining the cavity forms a first cutting edge. A distal portion of the second elongated member closes the cavity when the cutting assembly is in a closed state. The second elongated member also has a second cutting edge at its distal-most end. The first and second cutting edges interact to shear a candle wick to a desired length and force the sheared portion of the candle wick into the cavity.

Helical wick candle and method of manufacturing this candle. The candle typically comprises a candle with meltable fuel such as wax, and at least one helical wick with a helical radius of at least ¼″ or greater. This helical wick is configured so that as the candle burns, the burning tip of the wick doesn't remain stationary, but rather circles the axis of the wick so as to burn more of the wax than would otherwise be possible with a prior art straight wick candle, at least when the diameter of the candle is larger than the pool of melted wax surrounding the wick. This results in higher fuel burning efficiency, often 1.5× or higher, as well as various interesting artistic shapes as the wick burns. Various wick sheath methods to improve the rigidity and burn resistance of the wick during the burning process are also discussed.

This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, the valve assembly may include a valve body with an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid path extending between the inlet and outlet ports, one or more valves situated about the fluid path, one or more valve actuators for selectively moving respective valves, one or more sensors for sensing one or more parameters within the fluid path, and a controller secured relative to the valve body and in communication with the one or more sensors for determining one or more valve assembly conditions based on the one or more sensed parameters. Illustratively, the controller may be configured to communicate information from the valve assembly to a combustion appliance controller that is located remotely from the valve assembly through a communications interface of the controller and across a communications bus.

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a climate control system that includes an igniter and a controller having an igniter relay. The controller senses a current level through the igniter and senses voltage between terminals of a second relay of the controller. In a given one of a plurality of operational phases of the system, the controller is configured to compare the sensed current level and sensed voltage to a current level and voltage associated with a specific condition of the igniter, igniter relay, or second relay in the given phase. Based on a result of the comparing, the controller is configured to distinguish between a failure of one of the relays and a failure of the igniter.

A substantially planar wick is formed with a two- or three-dimensional pattern. The contours of this pattern are determined by the desired flame characteristics or the desired visual aesthetics of the pattern itself.

A hands-free striker assembly for use with a torch cart for igniting a torch attached to the torch cart. The hands-free striker has a mounting body mounted to the torch cart having a striker tip for lighting the torch. The hands-free striker also has a friction pad for lighting the torch by passing the torch over the friction pad and into contact with the striker tip.

A candle assembly for making a personalized scented candle including a candle body comprises a coring device that is configured to remove a core from the candle body, the coring device including (i) a leading edge that selectively extends into the candle body; and (ii) a plurality of measurement markers that measure a depth of the leading edge within the candle body. The coring device can be configured to remove the core from the candle body to form a cavity in the candle body. Additionally, the measurement markers can be utilized to determine a depth of the cavity formed in the candle body by the coring device.