Abstract:
A flex fuel internal combustion engine system includes means for sensing ethanol concentration of the fuel. If the ethanol concentration is determined to be above a given threshold, engine operation is adjusted for lean combustion of the fuel. An aftertreatment system is provided to remove harmful emissions from the exhaust.
Abstract:
Oral, topical and injectable contraceptives, which are based on sperm protein 22 kDa (SP22) polypeptides and antibodies and infertility diagnostics are provided.
Abstract:
A multi-filter chemical speciation sampler and a virtual impaction particle separation inlet therefore are provided. The inlet includes a housing having a bottom, a collection tube that extends through the bottom, and collection apertures formed in the bottom, arranged around the collection tube; a first plate disposed on top of the housing, having acceleration nozzles disposed at the perimeter thereof; a second plate disposed in the housing below the first plate, having a central aperture and separation apertures disposed around the central aperture. The sampler includes: an inlet; a virtual impaction separator to further fractionate the PM into a course fraction and a fine fraction; a first separation assembly to divide the course fraction into coarse aliquots, comprising first filters to collect the coarse aliquots; a second separation assembly to divide the fine fraction into fine aliquots, comprising second filters to collect the fine aliquots.
Abstract:
Multiple species of fungi in an environment can be identified in one sample by extracting and purifying fungal DNA in the sample. PCR is then performed followed by cloning the amplifed DNA and transforming the DNA into bacteria for purposes of growing the organisms. Colonies of the growth containing transformed bacteria are then chosen on the basis of coloration. Plasmids from the chosen colonies were then purified and the DNA is analyzed to identify fungi present in the sample.
Abstract:
A hydraulic brake system includes a piston that separates a first pressure chamber from a second pressure chamber of a cylinder bore. A valve within a piston bore is movable between three positions. In the first position, the first and second pressure chambers are in fluid communication with a low-pressure fluid supply; in the second position, the second pressure chamber is isolated from the first pressure chamber and the low-pressure fluid supply; in the third position, a high-pressure fluid supply is in fluid communication with the second pressure chamber, allowing high-pressure fluid to flow into the second pressure chamber. High pressure in the second pressure chamber moves the boost piston, applying boosted braking pressure to a vehicle brake. Pressure in the second chamber against a surface of the valve biases the valve toward the first position. An accumulator stores pressurized fluid and provides the high-pressure fluid supply, enabling on-demand brake boosting force during engine-off operation of a hybrid vehicle.
Abstract:
A pump/motor includes a back plate having first and second fluid ports configured to be differentially pressurized, first and second reaction plates rigidly coupled to the back plate, and a valve plate slideably coupled to the back plate and having first and second fluid feed channels configured to receive fluid from the first and second fluid ports. A plurality of hold-down pistons is positioned in respective hold-down cylinders formed in the valve plate. Each of the hold-down pistons is configured to be biased, by pressurized fluid in the respective hold-down cylinder, against a surface of one of the reaction plates. A barrel, having a plurality of drive cylinders, is rotatably coupled to the valve plate. Drive pistons positioned in the drive cylinders are biased against a thrust plate by pressurized fluid in the drive cylinders. The thrust plate is coupled to an output shaft of the pump/motor.
Abstract:
A system is provided to monitor targeted pest populations, disease, presence of transgenic and non-transgenic plants, or targeted pest population in a transgenic crop using remote imagery to discern differences in crops along with pest infestation in all crop varieties. The system relies on the fact that plant leaves are known to change color based on stress, herbivory, and other environmental factors. The system provides a special camera that can see reflected light energy across the visible and near infrared (about 400-1000 nm) to identify these effects.
Abstract:
A method for treating a subsurface formation with a ferrous compound, to reduce a contaminant therein, involves introducing into the subsurface formation a ferrous compound in combination with sodium hydrosulfite in an amount sufficient to substantially prevent precipitation, during the introducing, of a major portion of the ferrous compound. The method was found to be useful in the reduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium at a Superfund site.
Abstract:
A variable displacement hydraulic/pump motor has a yoke with a pair of shafts aligned to define a yoke pivot axis and connected to a valve plate therebetween having intake and discharge apertures. A rotatable cylinder barrel has piston cylinders open at one end to receive a piston head and opening through fluid ports at another end, flush against the valve plate surface. A drive block is mounted on an input/output shaft for rotation about a central axis of rotation inclined at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder barrel which may be changed by a drive engaging the yoke at a point near its pivot axis. Loads on bushings supporting the yoke shafts are reduced by providing radially extending fluid ports in the shafts and in communication with the intake and discharge apertures of the valve plate.
Abstract:
A hydraulic machine includes first and second opposing motors. Displacement of the first and second motors is controlled such that while the sum of the displacements of the first and second motors is below a threshold, the displacement of the first motor is substantially equal to the sum, and the displacement of the second motor is substantially equal to zero. While the sum of the displacements is above the threshold, the displacement of the first motor may be substantially equal to the displacement of the second motor, either as a displacement percentage or as a displacement volume. The first motor may be equal in capacity, or smaller than the second motor.