Abstract: A method for estimating the state of a battery having multiple cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, strain gauges are coupled to battery binding bands that hold cells of the battery together. The strain measured by the gauges may be related to the electrical charge stored by the battery. The method may improve estimates of battery state of charge during conditions when battery voltage changes little and the battery continues to accept charge.

Abstract: A torque sensor packaging system and method includes a torque member that includes one or more holes formed therein for receiving one or more respective fasteners associated with a sensing element. The sensing element can be connected to the torque member to the sensing element in order to transfer torque associated with the torque member to the sensing element for torque sensing operations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to torque sensors or more particularly to automotive torque sensors which measure the torque transmitted at one or more positions within an automotive power train. The invention provides a method for zeroing an automotive power train torque sensor while a vehicle is moving during the zero torque condition.

Abstract: A fluid quality sensor system comprising a light source, a first light sensitive element disposed at a distance from the light source, forming a gap having dimensions suitable for permitting a fluid to flow therebetween, and aligned with the light source to receive light transmitted by the light source through the fluid, a second light sensitive element disposed perpendicular to a midpoint of a light path between the light source and the first light sensitive element, and a third light sensitive element disposed so as to form an acute angle at the midpoint with the light source.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting mass transfer in a rotating device or rotating system, such as a washing machine or dishwasher. Mass may be transferred from the stationary member to the rotating member. The transfer of the mass from the stationary member to the rotating member may be detected utilizing a sensor. A controller linked to the rotating system thereafter may receive a signal that the transfer of mass has been detected, in response to detecting the transfer of mass, thereby permitting the controller to compensate future mass placements in the rotating system according to measured latencies. The mass may comprise a fluid. The fluid itself may be conductive. A gap is generally configured between the stationary member and the rotating member. At least one wire connected to the sensor may be inserted into a stream of such fluid that is created when injectors are activated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting mass transfer in a rotating device or rotating system, such as a washing machine or dishwasher. Mass may be transferred from the stationary member to the rotating member. The transfer of the mass from the stationary member to the rotating member may be detected utilizing a sensor. A controller linked to the rotating system thereafter may receive a signal that the transfer of mass has been detected, in response to detecting the transfer of mass, thereby permitting the controller to compensate future mass placements in the rotating system according to measured latencies. The mass may comprise a fluid. The fluid itself may be conductive. A gap is generally configured between the stationary member and the rotating member. At least one wire connected to the sensor may be inserted into a stream of such fluid that is created when injectors are activated.

Abstract: A fluid quality sensor system comprising a light source, a first light sensitive element disposed at a distance from the light source, forming a gap having dimensions suitable for permitting a fluid to flow therebetween, and aligned with the light source to receive light transmitted by the light source through the fluid, a second light sensitive element disposed perpendicular to a midpoint of a light path between the light source and the first light sensitive element, and a third light sensitive element disposed so as to form an acute angle at the midpoint with the light source.

Abstract: A fluid quality sensor system comprising a light source, a first light sensitive element disposed at a distance from the light source, forming a gap having dimensions suitable for permitting a fluid to flow therebetween, and aligned with the light source to receive light transmitted by the light source through the fluid, a second light sensitive element disposed perpendicular to a midpoint of a light path between the light source and the first light sensitive element, and a third light sensitive element disposed so as to form an acute angle at the midpoint with the light source.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the on/off condition of a railroad car handbrake that utilizes a manual wheel which applies tension to a chain extending under the car to the brake setting system and the sensor utilizes a bias member which pushes against the side of the chain so that when the car brakes are not set, and the chain is loose, the bias member moves to distort the chain and such movement causes a sensor, such as a Hall effect device, to approach a magnetic member to produce a signal indicating that the brake is in a released condition.

Abstract: On a railroad car handbrake system the main handbrake shaft, used to turn the chain, is utilized during its rotation to drive a target object to a magnetic sensor. The target object may be driven by cam plates, gears, screw mechanisms or the like and may be a magnetic or ferromagnetic object. The sensor system disclosed is rugged and easily adapted to existing handbrake systems.

Abstract: A method for washing objects automatically provides the taking of turbidity measurements before and after a portion of water is removed from the dishwasher. This partial drain allows first and second magnitudes of turbidity characteristics, taken before and after the partial drain, to be compared to each other for an analysis of the degree and/or character of particulates within the water of a dishwasher. In certain applications of this method, the turbidity characteristics can be the absolute magnitude of turbidity, the rate of change of turbidity, the absolute magnitude of turbidity variability and the rate of change of the absolute magnitude of turbidity variability. The portion of water removed between the two sets of readings that yield the first and second magnitudes of the selected characteristics is less than the total amount of water within the dishwasher.

Abstract: A method is provided to test turbidity sensors using a solid block that is particularly formulated to have a predetermined turbidity value. The solid block, which is partially transparent, is made by mixing calcium carbonate with a clear acrylic. A plurality of sample sensors are selected to be used as an intermediate standard to correlate the results achieved when the block is tested to results that would be achieved if liquid turbidity samples are tested. The six sample sensors are used to measure the turbidity of a plurality of liquid samples. The six sample sensors are then used to test the solid block in order to make sure that the turbidity represented by the solid block is within an acceptable range that is normally dictated by either a national standard or a particular customer requirement. Each of the plurality of sample sensors is used to test the solid block a plurality of times to form an average ratio value that can be used as a first representative magnitude for each of the sample sensors.

Abstract: A machine for washing articles is provided with a turbidity sensor that is activated by an electromechanical timer. When activated, the turbidity sensor determines the magnitude of turbidity of water within the machine for washing articles and decides whether or not to inhibit a subsequent drain operation. If the turbidity of the water is sufficiently low, the drain operation is inhibited and the machine for washing articles is prevented from purging the existing water from its interior. This allows the relatively clean water to be reused at a savings of both water and energy.

Abstract: A machine for washing articles is provided with a wash process sensor that is capable of measuring a plurality of physical parameters that relate to the progress of a washing procedure. The wash process sensor also monitors the changes in the measured parameters and calculates a value that represents the degree of cleanliness or dirtiness of the articles being washed. In one embodiment, the wash process sensor also directly controls a plurality of devices, such as motors, heaters, dispensers and valves, to directly control the washing process.

Abstract: A turbidity sensor is provided in which a light source, a first photosensitive device and a second photosensitive device are arranged in a manner that permits easy removal and replacement of a cover which is used to protect the components. The cover is attachable to a support structure. The light source, which can be a light emitting diode, is attached to the support structure. The first and second photosensitive devices are also attached to the support structure. Light scattered by particulates in a fluid are directed toward the support structure and received by the second photosensitive device. Light which passes through a detection zone and is not scattered by the particular matter in the monitored fluid passes to a first photosensitive device. Many different types and shapes of covers can be used in conjunction with a single style support structure.

Abstract: A plurality of fluid condition sensors are combined together to provide a sensor cluster that senses turbidity, temperature, conductivity and the movement of a ferromagnetic object. The plurality of sensors are attached to a substrate and encapsulated, by an overmolding process, with a light transmissive and fluid impermeable material. The sensor cluster can be disposed at numerous different locations within a body of fluid and does not require a conduit to direct the fluid to a particular location proximate the sensor. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a circuit is provided which monitors the signal strength of first and second light sensitive components to determine turbidity and, in addition, those signal strengths are also used to advantageously determine the most efficient magnitude of current necessary to drive a light source, such as a light emitting diode.

Abstract: An endosseous dental implant system comprises a root formed, mechanically retained base and an intimate, inter-locking threaded coronal attachment. The root formed base is comprised of a self-locking, externally threaded, tapered shell, and an anti-rotational internally threaded, countersunk plug which is permanently attached below the coronal surface of the shell, thus forming a single unit. Internally, the coronal portion of the shell has a downward tapered bevel for locking the anti-rotational coronal attachment to the base once attached via the internal threads of the permanently connected countersunk plug. Self-tapping threads are incorporated into the apex of the root formed base for easy insertion and immediate locking with the osteotomy. Downward from the coronal portion through the midsection of the root formed base is a specially designed stress distributing thread for uniform loading through the implant site.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor is provided with a single piece pivotable device which is used to move a permanent magnet into and out of the detection zone of a magnetically sensitive component, such as a Hall effect element. The pivotable device comprises a buoyant portion, a magnet holding portion and a pivot portion with arms connecting the pivot portion to the buoyant portion and the magnet holding portion. The pivot portion of the pivotable device is shaped to be received over a fixed post attached to a container. The injection gate of the mold used to form the pivotable device is advantageously located so that the pressures throughout the mold cavity are positive to the action of the foaming agent to result in the buoyant portion of the pivotable device having a significantly lower density than the other portions of the pivotable device. This variable density in a single piece device permits a smaller overall size to be used without sacrificing the sensitivity needed to detect changes in a liquid level.

Abstract: A plurality of fluid condition sensors are combined together to provide a sensor cluster that senses turbidity, temperature, conductivity and the movement of a ferromagnetic object. The plurality of sensors are attached to a substrate and encapsulated, by an overmolding process, with a light transmissive and fluid impermeable material. The sensor cluster can be disposed at numerous different locations within a body of fluid and does not require a conduit to direct the fluid to a particular location proximate the sensor. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a circuit is provided which monitors the signal strength of first and second light sensitive components to determine turbidity and, in addition, those signal strengths are also used to advantageously determine the most efficient magnitude of current necessary to drive a light source, such as a light emitting diode.