Abstract:
A battery pack includes at least one voltaic cell module. A substrate is mechanically coupled to the module and configured to receive excess heat therefrom. A section of an electrically insulating thermal gap pad is arranged between the module and the substrate. The pad includes a dielectric sheet supporting a deformable layer.
Abstract:
A frame for a bicycle that has a fork and a handlebar. The frame includes a head tube, a bottom bracket adapted to support a crankset, and a down tube coupled between the head tube and the bottom bracket. The frame also has a fork bumper that is coupled to and is disposed on an underside of the down tube. The fork bumper extends outward from the down tube and includes a base and a resilient outer layer engageable by the fork to prevent contact between the down tube and the fork
Abstract:
Scan blocks with scan chains are used to partition and test semiconductor devices using scan groups. The partitioning of the semiconductor device enables testing of all elements within each scan block, at speed, to provide fault coverage. A challenge in scan testing is keeping the power dissipation during testing under the allowed power capabilities of the tester power supplies, as the power used during scan test is much higher than that used during functional testing. A method for estimating the power dissipation of scan blocks in a circuit during the design stage is disclosed. Using the results generated, the circuit designer divides the design into an optimum number of scan blocks for test. Thus at-speed scan of the individual or groups of scan blocks can be estimated, during design, for optimizing test time while keeping the test power within acceptable limits.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for health monitoring of complex systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a plurality of signals indicative of observation states of plurality of operating variables, performing a combined probability analysis of the plurality of signals using a diagnostic model of a monitored system to provide a health prognosis of the monitored system, and providing an indication of the health prognosis of the monitored system. In some embodiments, the monitored system may be an onboard system of an aircraft.
Abstract:
An LED light string employs a plurality of electrical components defined by LEDs and sockets wired in block series-parallel, where the one or more series blocks, each driven at the same input voltage as the source voltage (110 VAC or 220 VAC), are coupled in parallel. The LED light string interfaces to the source voltage using a common household plug; it may also include a corresponding common, household socket, coupled in electrical parallel, to enable multiple light strings to be connected to each other from end to end. In order to directly drive a network of diodes without current-limiting circuitry, the voltage of each series block of diodes must be matched to the input source voltage. This voltage matching requirement for direct AC drive places fundamental restrictions on the number of diodes on each diode series block, depending on the types of diodes used. For the voltage to be “matched,” it is possible to employ LED assemblies of different resistance values; e.g., the LED assemblies may emit different colors or be formed with a dedicated resistor (e.g., drop down resistor) integrally formed as part of at least one of the LED assemblies.
Abstract:
A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
Abstract:
A jacketed light emitting diode assembly is provided, which includes a light emitting diode including a set of positive and negative contacts, and a lens body containing a semiconductor chip and end portions of the contacts. An electrical wire set of first and second electrical wires are connected to the positive contact and the negative contact, respectively. A light transmissive cover receives the lens body, and has an opening through which at least one of the contact set and the electrical wire set passes. An integrally molded plastic jacket at the opening of the light transmissive cover provides a seal at the opening against moisture and airborne contaminants. A waterproof light string including one or more of the jacketed light emitting diode assemblies is also provided, as are related methods.
Abstract:
A fan assembly, such as a rotary axial fan assembly, is disclosed with a shroud that is adapted to be mounted proximate to a heat exchanger. The shroud is sized for conveying a flow of fluid through the heat exchanger and the shroud. A stator fan blade extends inward from the shroud for supporting a hub generally central within the shroud. A motor stator is encapsulated within the hub for receiving a fan rotor and fan blades for forcing the flow of fluid through the heat exchanger and the shroud. The hub may be formed from a thermally conductive material for transferring heat from the motor stator into the flow of fluid for dissipating the heat.
Abstract:
A fluid valve for use in proportioning/mixing fluid between at least one input and at least one output. The fluid valve including a rotary actuated diverter for controlling fluid flow between the inlet(s) and outlet(s). The fluid valve may be configured to support proportioning any number of fluids, including liquids and gases, for any number of applications, including automotive and industrial applications.
Abstract:
An LED light string where the parallel connections of additional series blocks of LED lamps are added through an intermediate or junction circuit. The first half of the rectifying diode pair in the junction circuit receive the series connected LED lamps positive connection, complete the rectification of the first rectifying diode pair and couple with the parallel wires of the lighting chain, thus completing the circuit. The second diode pair contained in the junction circuit forms a second, independent circuit by coupling with the lighting chain parallel (AC) wires the join to form the series connection for the subsequent LED lamps connected in series. This circuit is completed by a subsequent junction circuit, or by the diode pair contained in or around the end plug.