Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an airfoil configured to be disposed at a distal end of a tank. In an illustrative example, the airfoil may be configured such that, when the tank travels at a predetermined minimum speed in a proximal direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tank, the airfoil coalesces off-coming air from the tank and distally repositions a low-pressure region downstream of the tank below a plane horizontal to the longitudinal axis. The region may be distally displaced, for example, by at least one of a length scale of the tank. A cross-section of the tank may, for example, define a substantially conic section. A span of the wing may, for example, be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The wing may, for example, be below an upper surface of the tank. Various embodiments may advantageously reduce turbulence in the wake of the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a vehicle having independent fluid reservoirs for a fluid-activated brake system and at least one auxiliary fluid consumer. In an illustrative example, a first reservoir may be mounted above a chassis and outboard of a vehicle such that longitudinal axes of the reservoir and the vehicle are substantially aligned. The first reservoir may, for example, be fluidly coupled to a fluidly activated brake configured to brake at least one wheel on at least one axle of the vehicle and fluidly coupled to the first reservoir. At least one second reservoir may be fluidly coupled to at least one auxiliary fluid consumer of the vehicle such that the first reservoir is fluidly independent from the at least one second reservoir and the at least one auxiliary fluid consumer. Various embodiments may advantageously provide stable air supply for critical braking functions of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an airfoil configured to be disposed at a distal end of a tank. In an illustrative example, the airfoil may be configured such that, when the tank travels at a predetermined minimum speed in a proximal direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tank, the airfoil coalesces off-coming air from the tank and distally repositions a low-pressure region downstream of the tank below a plane horizontal to the longitudinal axis. The region may be distally displaced, for example, by at least one of a length scale of the tank. A cross-section of the tank may, for example, define a substantially conic section. A span of the wing may, for example, be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The wing may, for example, be below an upper surface of the tank. Various embodiments may advantageously reduce turbulence in the wake of the tank.

Abstract: A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches.

Abstract: A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for indicating stitching position in a stitching machine. The apparatus includes a laser assembly which emits laser light. The laser assembly is mounted to an upper arm assembly of the stitching machine, and is operable to indicate a location of at least a portion of a pattern to be stitched using the stitching machine. The laser assembly is mounted such that the laser light is unobstructed prior to hitting fabric which is to be stitched. The stitching machine may include a user interface which can be used to activate the laser assembly. The stitching machine may also trace an outline of a pattern to be stitched while the laser assembly is activated in order to verify that the pattern does not overlap a hoop which holds the fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide a plurality of stitching machines which may be synchronized without mechanical coupling of the stitching machines. Each of the plurality of stitching machines are connected to a control, which coordinates operations of the stitching machines, including the download of patterns to be stitched by the stitching machines. A master stitching machine is selected by either the control, or the stitching machines. Each of the stitching machines, during stitching operations transmits a heartbeat signal to the master stitching machine. The heartbeat signal can include information related to stitching operations, which the master can use to determine that each stitching machine is operating properly. Several clusters of stitching machines may also be present, with each cluster having a master stitching machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide a plurality of stitching machines which may be synchronized without mechanical coupling of the stitching machines. Each of the plurality of stitching machines are connected to a control, which coordinates operations of the stitching machines, including the download of patterns to be stitched by the stitching machines. A master stitching machine is selected by either the control, or the stitching machines. Each of the stitching machines, during stitching operations transmits a heartbeat signal to the master stitching machine. The heartbeat signal can include information related to stitching operations, which the master can use to determine that each stitching machine is operating properly. Several clusters of stitching machines may also be present, with each cluster having a master stitching machine.

Abstract: A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for indicating stitching position in a stitching machine. The apparatus includes a laser assembly which emits laser light. The laser assembly is mounted to an upper arm assembly of the stitching machine, and is operable to indicate a location of at least a portion of a pattern to be stitched using the stitching machine. The laser assembly is mounted such that the laser light is unobstructed prior to hitting fabric which is to be stitched. The stitching machine may include a user interface which can be used to activate the laser assembly. The stitching machine may also trace an outline of a pattern to be stitched while the laser assembly is activated in order to verify that the pattern does not overlap a hoop which holds the fabric.

Abstract: Automatic testing and diagnosing a computerized stitching machine of a stitching system is provided. The system includes one or more programs that test operation of stitching machine components and generate specific error or status messages related to such components. Control panel software can be invoked to allow viewing of detailed status information for various components and the operation of specific components individually. Networking software can be enabled to allow this information to be viewed using a screen display and controlled from a location remote from the site of the stitching machine.