Abstract: A method and systems for an engine igniter excitation system includes an energy storage device, a first adaptive comparator configured to control the storage of an amount of energy in the energy storage device wherein the amount of energy is determined using at least one of an environmental parameter of the engine and a process parameter of the engine. The system also includes a second adaptive comparator communicatively coupled to the energy storage device wherein the second adaptive comparator is configured to control a rate of energy delivery to the energy storage device using at least one of an environmental parameter of the engine and a process parameter of the engine. The system also includes an igniter configured to generate a spark based on the amount of stored energy and the rate of energy delivery.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring a characteristic of a machine is provided. The system includes a speed sensor including a housing, a variable reluctance sensor (VRS) mounted at least partially within the housing, and a digitization circuit electrically coupled to an output of the VRS. The digitization circuit is also mounted within the housing and is configured to convert a substantially sinusoidal output of the VRS into a digital output signal.

Abstract: The present application discloses curb components that represent various shapes of glass blocks to be used in the construction of a curb for a glass block wall, along with a system and method for laying out the curb components. The curb components can be fitted together to lay out the positioning of glass blocks, such that a user can lay out potential designs for glass block walls prior to constructing the glass block wall. Connection mechanisms are used, which enable a variety of joint sizes, as well as angled joints to be formed.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extender adapted to be used in conjunction with a vehicle having a cargo bed. The present invention includes a pair of sidewalls spaced from one another, a center wall extending between the pair of sidewalls, the pair of sidewalls and the center wall cooperating to define a bed extender having an open end. Each of the pair of sidewalls of the bed extender include a pivot assembly disposed between the sidewall of the bed extender and a sidewall of the cargo bed and including a pivot axis defined by a post, and a slot adapted to slidingly accept the post. The post and the slot cooperate to facilitate both pivotal movement of the bed extender and rectilinear longitudinal movement of the bed extender relative to the cargo bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extender adapted to be used in conjunction with a vehicle having a cargo bed. The present invention includes a pair of sidewalls spaced from one another, a center wall extending between the pair of sidewalls, the pair of sidewalls and the center wall cooperating to define a bed extender having an open end. Each of the pair of sidewalls of the bed extender include a pivot assembly disposed between the sidewall of the bed extender and a sidewall of the cargo bed and including a pivot axis defined by a post, and a slot adapted to slidingly accept the post. The post and the slot cooperate to facilitate both pivotal movement of the bed extender and rectilinear longitudinal movement of the bed extender relative to the cargo bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: This application discloses parts for use in constructing a curved glass block wall using regular shaped glass blocks. The assembly parts include a vertical spacer, which provides for adjustable widths of spacing to be obtained between adjacent glass blocks, as well as a horizontal connector which provides for both lateral and transverse adjustments to be made.

Abstract: This application discloses a horizontal spacer for rectangular and non-rectangular glass blocks, which enables non-rectangular glass blocks to be connected to adjacent non-rectangular or rectangular glass blocks such that any configuration of wall may be formed using such blocks. The horizontal spacer has elongated tabs and receiving holes which extend from opposing sides. The elongated tabs engage the receiving holes of adjacent horizontal spacers.

Abstract: The present application discloses curb components that represent various shapes of glass blocks to be used in the construction of a curb for a glass block wall, along with a system and method for laying out the curb components. The curb components can be fitted together to lay out the positioning of glass blocks, such that a user can lay out potential designs for glass block walls prior to constructing the glass block wall. Connection mechanisms are used, which enable a variety of joint sizes, as well as angled joints to be formed.

Abstract: This application discloses a horizontal spacer for rectangular and non-rectangular glass blocks, which enables non-rectangular glass blocks to be connected to adjacent nonrectangular or rectangular glass blocks such that any configuration of wall may be formed using such blocks. The horizontal spacer has elongated tabs and receiving holes which extend from opposing sides. The elongated tabs engage the receiving holes of adjacent horizontal spacers.

Abstract: This application discloses a system and method for assembling glass block walls from straight and non-straight glass blocks using horizontal and vertical spacers. The horizontal spacer is shaped to fit a top or bottom surface of the glass block and has elongated tabs and receiving holes, which extend from opposing sides. The elongated tabs engage the receiving holes of adjacent horizontal spacers. The vertical spacers are positioned on a side surface of the glass block, and have a shape and a thickness that corresponds to the vertical space between adjacent glass blocks and engage the side surface.

Abstract: This application discloses parts for use in constructing a curved glass block wall using regular shaped glass blocks. The assembly parts include a vertical spacer, which provides for adjustable widths of spacing to be obtained between adjacent glass blocks, as well as a horizontal connector which provides for both lateral and transverse adjustments to be made.

Abstract: A system for criticality incident detection is described. The system comprises a plurality of sensors at least partially comprised of storage phosphors. The sensors are distributed throughout the environment to be monitored. The sensors are coupled to a central detection system comprised of at least a luminescence detector and a processor. The luminescence detector measures the luminance of the sensors and provides that measurement to the processor. The processor then calculates the radiation level that the luminance measurement corresponds to. In other embodiments, monitoring units are installed in various portions of the environment being monitored. The monitoring units accept the sensors and are coupled to the central detection system so that the remote monitoring units can be interrogated from the central detection system.

Abstract: A file management system allows the linking of objects. In each link one object serves as a parent and the other as a child. When a parent object is copied the parent object is copied to produce a copy of the parent object. Additionally, the child objects of the parent object are copied s well, except in the case when the child object is designated as a special public object, each child of the parent object is copied to produce a copy of the child object. Each copy of a child object is then linked to the copy of the parent object. When a child object is designated as a special public object, the child object is linked to the copy of the parent object.