Abstract: In embodiments, a mobile device includes a primary battery as a power source to power components of the mobile device, and includes a secondary battery as an additional power source to power the components of the mobile device. A sensor is implemented to detect a free-fall of the device that indicates an impending secondary battery disconnect event due to the mobile device being dropped. A battery controller is implemented to receive a sensor input of the detected free-fall from the sensor. The battery controller can then switch from the secondary battery to the primary battery as the power source based on the detected free-fall of the mobile device. The battery controller can switch back from the primary battery to the secondary battery as the power source based on a lack of acceleration of the mobile device.

Abstract: A belt conveyor having a pair of side frames between which a belt is moved for conveying items includes a pair of idler rollers about which the belt is disposed for conveying items there between, a tension roller that is biased into engagement with the belt, and a driven roller operative to drive the belt about the idler and tension rollers. The tension and driven rollers are mounted between the side frames and are disposed lower than the idler rollers, with the tension roller mounted by a tensioner mount configured to impart a biasing force to the tension roller against the belt.

Abstract: A combination axial fan and LED lighting system configured to fit into the footprint of a standard ceiling tile. The system includes a housing container and an axial fan. The fan has a fan cavity including air diversion mechanism to direct air from the fan cavity toward the lighting and fan components. The invention includes an airflow surface to direct air existing the fan cavity along an LED light fixture.

Abstract: A conveyor system, control assembly used with the conveyor system, and method of assembling a control assembly to a member made of ferromagnetic material. The control assembly has a control housing that houses at least one control component that is adapted to perform a control function. A support mechanism supports the control housing with the member. The support mechanism includes at least one permanent magnet mounted at a surface of the control housing that is adapted to attract the housing to the ferromagnetic material and a positioning feature. The positioning feature resists movement of the housing with respect to the member. The positioning feature may be adapted to resist movement of said housing with respect to the member in at least one degrees of freedom and perhaps in at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A method of sorting articles with a sorter apparatus and a sorter apparatus having a conveying surface that is adapted to transport articles in a direction of conveyance and a mechanism adapted to displace articles on the conveying surface, the sorter apparatus having an endless web of bodies travelling in an endless loop defining the conveying surface includes a distributed drive system having at least one drive that is adapted to produce to provide force with at least one of the bodies to propel the endless web. A diagnostic device traveling with the web and positioned at one of the bodies of the endless web. The diagnostic device is adapted to monitor operation of the sorter apparatus and includes at least one sensor that is adapted to detect at least one parameter of a proximate drive that is proximate to the at least one sensor, and a controller adapted to receive the at least one parameter from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A fan blade apparatus for use in a high-volume, low-speed fan wherein the fan blade includes a body portion, a leading edge portion and a trailing portion. The leading edge portion of the fan blade includes a series of steps extending along the length of the leading edge. The stepped configuration creates turbulent air flow when the electric motor rotates in the intended direction. A manifold including a stepped louvre to control airflow along a fan blade. A fan blade for use in a high-volume, low-speed fan, wherein the fan blade includes a body portion, a leading edge portion and a trailing portion. The leading edge portion of the fan blade includes a series of steps extending along the length of the leading edge. The fan distributes airflow from the manifold.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber, dish racks located within the wash chamber, and pump assembly for recirculating wash liquid is further provided with a rotating spray arm located configured to direct a spray of liquid into the wash chamber to define a first wash zone and at least one nozzle configured to direct a spray of liquid into the wash chamber to define a second wash zone.

Abstract: An improved sensor fish with robust design and enhanced measurement capabilities. This sensor fish contains sensors for acceleration, rotation, magnetic field intensity, pressure, and temperature. A low-power microcontroller collects data from the sensors and stores up to 5 minutes of data on a non-volatile flash memory. A rechargeable battery supplies power to the sensor fish. A recovery system helps locating sensor fish. The package, when ready for use is nearly neutrally buoyant and thus mimics the behavior of an actual fish.

Abstract: A training device for use with a bicycle includes a shuttle guide member including a lower end and an upper end that define an axis therebetween. A shuttle is operably coupleable to a front end of the bicycle and translatable along the axis by a drive coupled to the shuttle. When coupled to the front end of the bicycle, translation of the shuttle along the axis by the drive results in each of a rotation of the shuttle guide member about a pivot and a change in elevation of the front end of the bicycle.

Abstract: A belt conveyor having a pair of side frames between which a belt is moved for conveying items includes a pair of idler rollers about which the belt is disposed for conveying items there between, a tension roller that is biased into engagement with the belt, and a driven roller operative to drive the belt about the idler and tension rollers. The tension and driven rollers are mounted between the side frames and are disposed lower than the idler rollers, with the tension roller mounted by a tensioner mount configured to impart a biasing force to the tension roller against the belt.

Abstract: A combination axial fan and LED lighting system configured to fit into the footprint of a standard ceiling tile. The system includes a housing container and an axial fan. The fan has a fan cavity including air diversion mechanism to direct air from the fan cavity toward the lighting and fan components. The invention includes an airflow surface to direct air existing the fan cavity along an LED light fixture.

Abstract: A plurality of diverters each selectively divert at least one article moving member having a diverting member from a non-diverting path extending longitudinally along said sorter to a diverting rails in a diverting state. At least one of the diverters has a gate having a diverting surface. The gate is selectively rotatable between the diverting state and a non-diverting state about a generally horizontal axis. An actuator moves the gate between the non-diverting state and the diverting state. The actuator is an electrically operated rotary actuator that is rotatable about another generally horizontal axis of rotation.

Abstract: An improved sensor fish with robust design and enhanced measurement capabilities. This sensor fish contains sensors for acceleration, rotation, magnetic field intensity, pressure, and temperature. A low-power microcontroller collects data from the sensors and stores up to 5 minutes of data on a non-volatile flash memory. A rechargeable battery supplies power to the sensor fish. A recovery system helps locating sensor fish. The package, when ready for use is nearly neutrally buoyant and thus mimics the behavior of an actual fish.

Abstract: An extendable bag roller for supporting a bag of material during removal of the material from the bag includes a bag support having a curved surface configured to support the bag of material on the curved surface and a roller that rolls along the curved surface of the bag support to squeeze the material out of the bag. The bag support includes a base defining a first portion of the curved surface of the bag support and an extension defining a second portion of the curved surface of the bag support, the extension being moveable to selectively increase and decrease the area of the curved surface of the bag support to accommodate different bag sizes.

Abstract: Acoustic tags and a process for fabrication are disclosed for identifying and tracking various hosts including inanimate and animate objects in up to three dimensions. The acoustic tags may be powered by a single power source. Tags can have an operation lifetime of up to 90 days or longer at a transmission rate of 3 seconds. The acoustic tags have an enhanced signal range that enhances detection probability when tracking the hosts.

Abstract: Injectable acoustic tags and a process of making are described for tracking host animals in up to three dimensions. The injectable acoustic tags reduce adverse biological effects and have a reduced cost of manufacture compared with conventional surgically implanted tags. The injectable tags are powered by a single power source with a lifetime of greater than 30 days. The injectable tags have an enhanced acoustic signal transmission range that enhances detection probability for tracking of host animals.