Abstract: A digital synchro/resolver bridge is provided, which may be operated individually, or optionally, may be interfaced with a computer for inclusion in an automated test system. The digital bridge includes a plurality of relay modules operated by an embedded processor to digitally set taps for a plurality of integral transformer windings. The bridge provides feedback to the computer in the form of status messages and also to the front panel thereof, for local mode (i.e., stand along) use. The resolver bridge utilizes a standard communication interface, such as a conventional RS232 interface. The resolver bridge performs a power-on self-test to insure accurate calibration prior to testing of individual resolvers.

Abstract: An apparatus to normalize a flow rate of a fluid in a main flow channel is provided. The apparatus uses a moveable member, such as a flexible membrane disposed for reciprocating displacement, to produce a constant dither flow of the fluid that is independent of fluid composition. This dither flow generates a signal output from a normalizing flow sensor that both represents a characteristic property of the fluid and a flow rate calibration factor. A similar apparatus to determine the characteristic property or flow rate calibration factor is also provided. The devices disclosed may be used in numerous industrial, process, and medical flow system applications for normalization of flow sensors and to derive other properties of a fluid.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity carbon monoxide sensor is shown and described. The sensor includes a sensing element having a catalyst dispersed over a metal oxide layer. The catalyst is capable of adsorbing carbon monoxide. The sensing element can also include a heater and a temperature sensor. A flow sensor is provided for sensing a flow rate of gas directed at the sensing element. The signal processing module is coupled to the flow sensor and the temperature sensor. A flow sensor sends signals indicative of the flow rate to the processing module while the temperature sensor sends signals indicative of the temperature of the sensing element to the processing module. After carbon monoxide has been adsorbed onto the catalyst and metal oxide layer for a fixed time period, the heater is activated to heat the sensing element above the light-off temperature or at least as high as the oxidation temperature of the adsorbed carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensor which utilizes an acoustic system for determining object range, extent, and direction. The system is composed of an ultrasonic transmitter formed from an array of air chamber resonator elements driven in relative phase to each other to produce a steered acoustic beam. Electrical excitation circuitry converts waveform data stored in memory elements to electrical signals to drive the transmitter. One or more ultrasonic receivers receives the acoustic waves reflected from objects, and a processor determines the range, extent and direction of the objects based on the received acoustic waves.

Abstract: Layers of boron-doped silicon having reduced out-of-plane curvature are disclosed. The layers have substantially equal concentrations of boron near the top and bottom surfaces. Since the opposing concentrations are substantially equal, the compressive stresses on the layers are substantially balanced, thereby resulting in layers with reduced out-of-plane curvature.

Abstract: A method for identifying resonance in a rotating system, wherein the rotating system includes sensors and sensor measurements thereof whose responses to control actions is utilized to represent the rotating system through a control model is disclosed. The control model determines actions required to balance the system (i.e., to drive sensor measurements to zero). The current state of the system is evaluated and recorded by obtaining current sensor readings from at least one sensor associated with the rotating device. The system model can then be used with at least one current sensor reading to calculate at least one predicted sensor reading due to changes in rotational speed of the rotating system. After changing the speed of the rotating system new sensor readings can be obtained and recorded.

Abstract: A microbolometer for the detection of infrared radiation that has a substrate and an array of sensor elements fixed relative to the substrate. In one embodiment, at least some of the sensor elements are less thermally isolated from the substrate than others. The less thermally isolated sensor elements are selected when transients are expected to exist within the sensor array. In another embodiment, all of the sensor elements are deselected when transients are expected.

Abstract: A burner system for controlling the gas/air mixture of a burner has a sensor providing a signal dependent on the pressures in gas and air lines supplying the burner. A summing device receives a signal based on the air flow rate and the signal from the sensor, and provides a regulating signal controlling the setting of a gas regulating valve regulating the flow of gas in the gas line.

Abstract: A method for operating a boiler including sensing a demand for heat and generating and ignition request to a flame safety controller. An ordered succession of evaluation modes compares normal operation to actual operation of control devices through the step of controlled ignition and transitions to a failure mode if an evaluation mode is not successfully completed. In addition, a series of status modes with each status mode being represented as an input condition are tested. A relative priority structure is established among the status modes and a unique message is associated with each status mode having an input condition that is true. Testing of the individual status modes proceeds in a predefined order until a status mode in a true condition is found and the unique message is displayed.

Abstract: A microwheel having stators constructed on a wafer material forming an evacuated. cavity in which a rotor is levitating to lessen friction losses. A plurality of microwheels can be integrated to serve as energy storage and/or momentum control devices.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing a rotating device or rotating system having a rotatable member and a shaft attached to the rotatable member, such that balancing is based on system response to simultaneous control actions to place mass, such as for example, fluid, at predetermined locations within the rotating system or rotating device. Mass can be simultaneously placed at predetermined locations within the rotating system. A system model of measured force and motion parameters can then be calculated in response to simultaneously placing mass at predetermined locations within the rotating system, in order to determine a required correction necessary to place the rotating system in a balanced state. Force can be measured at predetermined locations throughout the rotating system or rotating device in response to simultaneously placing the mass at the predetermined locations within the rotating system or rotating device.

Abstract: A connector block for connecting a plurality of electrical connectors includes a molded housing having a face. A plurality of female connectors are integrally molded within the face of the housing, each female connector having a well molded into the face of the housing and a receptacle extending from a bottom of the well. A threaded cylindrical bushing is integrally formed within the well around each receptacle. At least one male connector is also integrally molded within the housing.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite diaphragm for a pressure transducer is disclosed. The method comprises providing a substrate layer having a first conductivity type and a first surface. Positive implants are deposited in the first surface of the substrate layer, and an epitaxial layer is grown on the first surface of the substrate layer so that the positive implants form positive diffusions in the epitaxial layer. An oxide pattern is formed on the epitaxial layer, and a top layer is deposited over the epitaxial layer and oxide pattern. The substrate layer and positive diffusions of the epitaxial layer are then etched to form the composite diaphragm. The positive diffusions can be patterned so that the resulting etched structure has improved diaphragm performance characteristics. For example, the remaining pattern can include a plurality of bosses and interconnecting battens so that the diaphragm has a relatively high burst pressure and a high output signal with improved linearity at low pressures.

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: Systems and methods are discussed that detect the position of an actuator. One aspect of the present invention includes a system to detect a position of an actuator. The system includes a magnetic source coupled to the actuator radiating a field, at least two sensors to generate a response based on angles of the field, and an analyzer receptive to the response to produce an enhanced position of the magnetic source. Such analysis occurs in the presence of undesired effects arising from misalignment of the at least two sensors. Another aspect of the present invention includes a method for detecting a position of an actuator. The method includes interpolating a response of at least two sensors to form a quantity. The quantity is indicative of a position of a magnetic source coupled to the actuator. The method further includes adjusting the quantity by selecting one of two compensation techniques. One compensation technique is based on maximum slopes of the response curve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving microprocessor data acquisition. Noise in analog signals is removed by a low pass filter with a variable cutoff frequency controlled to cut off all frequencies above a frequency range of interest. The filtered signal is sampled by an analog-to-digital converter at a sampling rate which is variable and controlled to sample at a rate that is at least two times the low pass filter cutoff frequency thereby reducing the rate at which data is passed to a microprocessor and reducing the need for speed in the microprocessor's processing.

Abstract: A dual directional cable actuated emergency stop device has two shaft assemblies attachable to two respective cables spanning along an industrial and/or manufacturing operation. The first shaft assembly is slideably disposed within a housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a first path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said first shaft. The second shaft assembly is slideably disposed within said housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a second path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft and opposite movement of said first shaft, in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said second shaft.

Abstract: A connector cable assembly has first and second plugs wired to permit plugging into a first pair of electrical plugs with a pair of terminals in a first configuration to place the terminals of those plugs in parallel connection, and to permit plugging into a second pair of electrical plugs with a pair of terminals in a second configuration, to place the terminals of those plugs in series connection. In a commercial embodiment, such a cable assembly can be used to provide power to electrical devices such as gas valves connected to receive power in parallel from the first pair of electrical plugs, and to connect in series, safety switches connected to plugs with a pair of terminals in the second configuration. By using an adapter with specialized connections between two sets of terminals it is possible to use additional cable assemblies to connect in excess of two switches in series.

Abstract: A microbolometer film material VOx having a value such that the thermal coefficient of resistance is between 0.005 and 0.05. The film material may be formed on a wafer. The VOx material properties can be changed or modified by controlling certain parameters in the ion beat sputter deposition environment. There is sufficient control of the oxidation process to permit non-stoichometric formation of VOx films. The process is a low temperature process (less than 100 degrees C.). Argon is used for sputtering a target of vanadium in an environment wherein the oxygen level is controlled to determine the x of VOx. The thickness of the film is controlled by the time of the deposition. Other layers may be deposited as needed to form pixels for a bolometer array.