Abstract: Example embodiments of the described technology provide an apparatus for testing an electrochemical system. The apparatus may comprise a testing module electrically coupled to the electrochemical system. The testing module may comprise a discharge circuit configured to draw current from the electrochemical system at a plurality of different rates. The discharge circuit may be configured to continuously draw current from the electrochemical system once a test of the electrochemical system is commenced. The apparatus may also comprise a measurement module which may be configured to measure voltage across terminals of the electrochemical system and current drawn from the electrochemical system during the test. The apparatus may also comprise a processor. The processor may be configured to compensate at least in part the measured voltage for voltage drift which was generated by continuously drawing current from the electrochemical system.

Abstract: A system (20) and method are disclosed for the self-calibrating, on-line determination of size distribution f(x) and volume fraction ? of a number of particles (P) dispersed in a medium (M) by detecting one or more propagation characteristics of multiply scattered light from the particles (P). The multiply scattered light is re-emitted in response to exposure to a light source (21) configured to provide light at selected wavelengths. The determination includes calculating the isotropic scattering and absorption coefficients for the particles (P) by comparing the incident and detected light to determine a measurement corresponding to the propagation time through the scattering medium (M), and iteratively estimating the size distribution f(x) and volume fraction ? as a function of the coefficients for each of the wavelengths. An estimation approach based on an expected form of the distribution and the mass of the particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system with a housing for a seat belt retractor, the housing having a rotatable escutcheon with an exit slot for the seat belt webbing. The escutcheon is preferably mounted to a bearing attached to the housing.

Abstract: A pump apparatus for pumping undergound fluids from a well. The pump includes inner and outer chambers, and a float slidable within the outer chamber. A source of compressed air is directed to a valve on the pump. The valve controls the flow of the compressed air into the outer chamber during the pumping cycle, and also controls the opening of a vent during the intake cycle. The float, while sliding up and down within the outer chamber in response to the fluid level within the chamber, activates the valve to begin the pumping of fluid when the chamber is full. When the chamber is empty, the float activates the valve is turn off the compressed air.