Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus includes a pump housing, a main housing containing an evacuation chamber, and an operation unit attached to the main housing. The operation unit selectively isolates the evacuation chamber from communication with an air inlet. At least one vacuum pump is operable to generate a vacuum in the evacuation chamber, while a heating element also operates. A mouthpiece is attached to the main housing, and may be selectively placed in communication with the evacuation chamber. When oil is placed in the evacuation chamber and the operation unit is operated, the evacuation chamber is temporarily sealed off from the inlet, creating a vacuum sealed chamber connected with the pump(s). Then, the pump(s) is/are activated to reduce pressure in the evacuation chamber, and the oil is vaporized at reduced pressure and at an elevated temperature. When the operation unit is released, the evacuation chamber is emptied via the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus includes a pump housing, a main housing containing an evacuation chamber, and an operation unit attached to the main housing. The operation unit selectively seals the evacuation chamber off from communication with an air inlet. One or more pumps in the pump housing is/are operable to generate a vacuum in the evacuation chamber. A mouthpiece is attached to the main housing, and may be selectively placed in communication with the evacuation chamber. When oil is placed in the evacuation chamber and the operation unit is operated, the evacuation chamber is temporarily sealed off from the inlet, creating a vacuum sealed chamber connected with the pump(s). Then, the pump(s) is/are activated to reduce pressure in the evacuation chamber, and the oil is vaporized at an ambient temperature without requiring a heater. When the operation unit is released, the evacuation chamber is emptied via the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A handheld, portable vaporizer apparatus is operable to vaporize oils, such as e-liquids, cannabis oils, or dry herbs, without heating the oils. The vaporizer apparatus includes a main housing having an oil chamber, an oil reservoir connected to the oil chamber, and an evacuation chamber connected to the oil reservoir formed therein; an operation unit; a manifold connected to the main housing; a pump; and a control unit connected to the operation unit and pump. When the operation unit is operated, the oil reservoir is isolated from the oil chamber and the bottom of the evacuation chamber is sealed thereby creating a vacuum sealed chamber having oil trapped therein and being connected with an inlet of the pump, and the control unit turns the pump on causing a pressure differential so that oil trapped in the vacuum sealed chamber vaporizes without heat and flows through the manifold and mouthpiece.

Abstract: A kit for connecting to, and monitoring fill levels of a fluid storage tank includes a control module and primary and secondary sensor units. The control module is electronically connected to the primary sensor unit. The control module includes a circuit board with a microprocessor, memory unit, and transmitter. Each sensor unit includes a housing a seal attached to the housing around an opening thereof, attachment structure for attaching the housing to a wall of the tank, and an infrared sensor disposed in the housing proximate the opening. The primary sensor unit also includes a circuit board disposed within the housing, an ambient temperature sensor disposed in the housing, and a communications link for communicating with the control module. A method of monitoring a fluid level in a storage tank, and a system for monitoring and reporting fluid levels in a plurality of storage tanks, are also described.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus includes a pump housing, a main housing containing an evacuation chamber, and an operation unit attached to the main housing. The operation unit selectively seals the evacuation chamber off from communication with an air inlet. One or more pumps in the pump housing is/are operable to generate a vacuum in the evacuation chamber. A mouthpiece is attached to the main housing, and may be selectively placed in communication with the evacuation chamber. When oil is placed in the evacuation chamber and the operation unit is operated, the evacuation chamber is temporarily sealed off from the inlet, creating a vacuum sealed chamber connected with the pump(s). Then, the pump(s) is/are activated to reduce pressure in the evacuation chamber, and the oil is vaporized at an ambient temperature without requiring a heater. When the operation unit is released, the evacuation chamber is emptied via the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A handheld, portable vaporizer apparatus is operable to vaporize oils, such as e-liquids, cannabis oils, or dry herbs, without heating the oils. The vaporizer apparatus includes a main housing having an oil chamber, an oil reservoir connected to the oil chamber, and an evacuation chamber connected to the oil reservoir formed therein; an operation unit; a manifold connected to the main housing; a pump; and a control unit connected to the operation unit and pump. When the operation unit is operated, the oil reservoir is isolated from the oil chamber and the bottom of the evacuation chamber is sealed thereby creating a vacuum sealed chamber having oil trapped therein and being connected with an inlet of the pump, and the control unit turns the pump on causing a pressure differential so that oil trapped in the vacuum sealed chamber vaporizes without heat and flows through the manifold and mouthpiece.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus includes a pump housing, a main housing containing an evacuation chamber, and an operation unit attached to the main housing. The operation unit selectively isolates the evacuation chamber from communication with an air inlet. At least one vacuum pump is operable to generate a vacuum in the evacuation chamber, while a heating element also operates. A mouthpiece is attached to the main housing, and may be selectively placed in communication with the evacuation chamber. When oil is placed in the evacuation chamber and the operation unit is operated, the evacuation chamber is temporarily sealed off from the inlet, creating a vacuum sealed chamber connected with the pump(s). Then, the pump(s) is/are activated to reduce pressure in the evacuation chamber, and the oil is vaporized at reduced pressure and at an elevated temperature. When the operation unit is released, the evacuation chamber is emptied via the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An air tool monitoring apparatus includes a housing having a hollow chamber formed therein, and also having an inlet and an outlet formed therein, each of the inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber. The apparatus also includes first and second sensors for sensing condition indicative of tool usage and wear, a battery disposed in the housing, a generator for recharging the battery, and a microprocessor operatively connected to the housing and including a timer, a memory storage module, and a unique identifier. The apparatus may include a baffle for guiding air past the generator. The apparatus further includes a switch for starting and stopping the timer, and a communication device for sending data from the microprocessor to a data collection device. Methods of using the apparatus, along with systems for monitoring and reporting on usage of multiple air tools equipped with the apparatus, are also described.

Abstract: A kit for connecting to, and monitoring fill levels of a fluid storage tank includes a control module and primary and secondary sensor units. The control module is electronically connected to the primary sensor unit. The control module includes a circuit board with a microprocessor, memory unit, and transmitter. Each sensor unit includes a housing a seal attached to the housing around an opening thereof, attachment structure for attaching the housing to a wall of the tank, and an infrared sensor disposed in the housing proximate the opening. The primary sensor unit also includes a circuit board disposed within the housing, an ambient temperature sensor disposed in the housing, and a communications link for communicating with the control module. A method of monitoring a fluid level in a storage tank, and a system for monitoring and reporting fluid levels in a plurality of storage tanks, are also described.

Abstract: An air tool monitoring apparatus includes a housing having a hollow chamber formed therein, and also having an inlet and an outlet formed therein, each of the inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. The apparatus also includes a first sensor for sensing a condition indicative of tool usage, a battery disposed in the housing, and a microprocessor operatively connected to the housing and including a timer, a memory storage module, and a unique identifier. The apparatus further includes a switch for starting and stopping the timer, and a communication device for sending data from the microprocessor to a data collection device. The apparatus may additionally include a second sensor for sensing a condition indicative of tool wear. Methods of using the apparatus, along with systems for monitoring and reporting on usage of multiple air tools equipped with the apparatus, are also described.

Abstract: An air tool monitoring apparatus includes a housing having a hollow chamber formed therein, and also having an inlet and an outlet formed therein, each of the inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber. The apparatus also includes first and second sensors for sensing condition indicative of tool usage and wear, a battery disposed in the housing, a generator for recharging the battery, and a microprocessor operatively connected to the housing and including a timer, a memory storage module, and a unique identifier. The apparatus may include a baffle for guiding air past the generator. The apparatus further includes a switch for starting and stopping the timer, and a communication device for sending data from the microprocessor to a data collection device. Methods of using the apparatus, along with systems for monitoring and reporting on usage of multiple air tools equipped with the apparatus, are also described.

Abstract: An air tool monitoring apparatus includes a housing having a hollow chamber formed therein, and also having an inlet and an outlet formed therein, each of the inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. The apparatus also includes a first sensor for sensing a condition indicative of tool usage, a battery disposed in the housing, and a microprocessor operatively connected to the housing and including a timer, a memory storage module, and a unique identifier. The apparatus further includes a switch for starting and stopping the timer, and a communication device for sending data from the microprocessor to a data collection device. The apparatus may additionally include a second sensor for sensing a condition indicative of tool wear. Methods of using the apparatus, along with systems for monitoring and reporting on usage of multiple air tools equipped with the apparatus, are also described.

Abstract: Horizontal guide rails are mounted on a base and receive linear bearings mounted on the bottom of a tower which carries vertical guide rails receiving linear bearings mounted on a vertical carriage plate. Linear bearings are mounted on the carriage plate and support a horizontal guide rail secured to a horizontal lift arm having an outer end portion supporting a precision locating pin device for a part. Separate gear belts extend around corresponding adjustable idler gears and drive gears and are clamped to the corresponding tower, carriage plate and lift arm. The drive gears are driven by corresponding drive units each including a reversible servo-controlled electric motor, a planetary gear reducer, an absolute resolver unit and an electrically actuated spring set brake. A plurality of the above apparatus are located on opposite sides of a linear part conveyor with the lift arms projecting inwardly in generally opposing relation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a learning programmable limit switch for use in a motion system which provides passive feedback to a controller. The learning programmable limit switch is capable of causing the motion control system to operate in accordance with a user-programmed motion profile. The learning programmable limit switch provides the capability of accurately “learning” and controlling the positions at which a motion system changes velocity, as well as the timing at which the system causes a driven mechanism to, for example, stop. The system is intended for use in variable speed drives, hydraulic, pneumatic drive systems or any system where real time, passive feedback control is desired. In one typical environment, the learning programmable limit switch is connected to an output shaft of a driver. The outputs of the learning programmable limit switch are turned ON/OFF based upon the detected angular position of the output shaft.

Abstract: An integral motor-brake incorporating an electrically actuated disc stack having minimized residual magnetism. A plurality of alignment pins are provided having abutments at each end therefor for trapping therebetween the discs of the disc stacks. Residual magnetism is minimized by the following features being provided, singly or in combination: 1) A non-magnetic material is located between an armature plate and an electromagnetic coil assembly, wherein the non-magnetic material serves as a spacer to add reluctance to the magnetic circuit and may be for example a wafer for instance composed of aluminum or stainless steel or may be a coating; and 2) A driver circuit for energizing the primary and secondary electromagnetic coils, wherein the self-induced EMF produced when current is shut-off is rapidly dissipated.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrically actuated disc stack for drives, brakes and combinations thereof having minimized residual magnetism. Residual magnetism is minimized by the following features being provided, singly or in combination, in a drive, brake or combination thereof. 1) A non-magnetic material is located between the clutch armature plate and the clutch electromagnetic coil assembly, and a non-magnetic material is located between the brake armature plate and the brake electromagnetic coil assembly. The non-magnetic material serves as a spacer to add reluctance to the magnetic circuit and may be for example a wafer for instance composed of aluminum or stainless steel or may be a coating. 2) A driver circuit for energizing the primary and secondary electromagnetic coils, wherein the self-induced EMF produced when current is shut-off is rapidly dissipated. 3) Non-magnetic drive components are used in the path of the magnetic circuit of the clutch and brake electromagnetic coil assemblies.

Abstract: A pre-assembled disc stack having a predetermined cross-section within a preset tolerance which is installable and removable as a unit with respect to a drive, brake or a combination thereof, composed of a plurality of annular discs stacked in a prearranged order, in which a first set of annular discs is structured for engaging a first component of a drive, brake or combination thereof, and in which a second set of annular discs is structured for engaging a second component of the clutch, brake or combination thereof which is rotatably mounted with respect to the first component. The first and second sets of annular discs are mutually connected together as a unit by a plurality of alignment pins which pass through circumferentially disposed alignment holes in the second set of annular discs which effectively trap the first set of annular discs with respect to the second set of annular discs in the aforesaid prearranged order.

Abstract: A two-speed drive utilizing an electromagnetically operated control system wired with respective drive motors, automatically braked in the event of a loss of power, provided with pre-assembled clutch and brake disc stacks, and provided with a manual over-ride. A primary drive motor is connected at one end to an external drive shaft and at an opposite end to a primary clutch drive shaft. The primary clutch drive shaft is connected with a first set of discs of an oil shear clutch disk stack. A secondary clutch drive shaft is connected with a second set of discs of the clutch disk stack. The clutch disc stack is biased by springs to be in a normally clamped mode which is released by a clutch electromagnetic coil assembly. The secondary clutch drive shaft is connected by a gear reducer to a shaft which is connected at one end to a secondary drive motor, and at the other end to a first set of discs of an oil shear brake disk stack. A second set of discs of the brake disk stack is connected to a housing component.

Abstract: An electrical actuation system for a drive utilizing one or more disc stacks having annular discs alternately connected with two or more drive components. A disc stack is directly selectively clamped by an armature of an armature assembly being magnetically attracted to an electromagnetic coil of an electromagnetic coil assembly upon energization of an excitation current in the electromagnetic coil. The armature has a zero air gap with respect to the electromagnetic coil when the disc stack is clamped. A plurality of armature springs are carried with the armature assembly and are compressed when the armature assembly biases against the disc stack, thereby accommodating wear of the discs. Clamping of the disc stack results in the two drive components connected therewith being interconnected. Upon the excitation current being switched off, the disc stack is no longer clamped and the two drive components are now unconnected.

Abstract: A master cylinder assembly and a motor vehicle power assist actuator utilizing the master cylinder assembly. In one form of the invention, a clutch actuator is provided in which the clutch may be actuated in the usual manner by depression of the clutch pedal to move the piston in the master cylinder assembly under the urging of the push rod or, in a power mode of the actuator, movement of the gear shift lever of the vehicle is sensed by a logic module whereupon the electric motor of the master cylinder assembly is energized in a sense to move the ball screw to apply a power assist force to the annular outer periphery of the rear end of the piston and thereby effect disengagement of the clutch. In another embodiment of the invention, the signal to the logic module to enable energization of the motor is generated by a switch connected to the clutch pedal so that the force for disengaging the clutch includes a manual force applied by the push rod and a power force applied by a ball screw.