Abstract: A latch communications method and system are disclosed herein, which generally includes a communications receiver and transmitter unit associated with a latch. Additionally, an interface component is provided for interfacing with the communications receiver and transmitter unit, wherein the interface component is co-located with the communications receiver and transmitter unit in association with the latch. Also, an interpreter is associated with the interface component and the communications and transmitter unit, wherein the interpreter processes information received from the communications receiver and transmitter unit in order to provide latch diagnostics and functionalities.

Abstract: A combined liquid flow tube alignment and liquid sensing system includes flow tube mounting and alignment hardware including a clip for fastening the hardware to a substrate; and a sensor for sensing integrated with the liquid flow tube mounting and alignment hardware, wherein fluid flowing through a flow tube mounted and aligned by the flow tube The flow tube mounting and alignment hardware includes a clip with internal periphery edges sized to match the external periphery edges of at least one sensing element associated with the sensor. At least two posts located at outer members of the clip above and below the tube. Posts are sized to be located ideally within a system to position and retain the outer diameter of liquid flow tube with respect to internal periphery edges of the clip and subsequently, the sensing element both horizontally and vertically. A center flexing member associated with the clip.

Abstract: An automatically compensated fluid flow sensor uses chemometric analysis to produce a compensated fluid flow measurement. A compensation measurement having at least one additional measurement, such as a measurement of thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, pressure or density can be used to augment the fluid flow measurement in order to compensate for errors in the fluid flow measurement. A reference fluid flow is required to calibrate the sensor via chemometric analysis.

Abstract: A foot scooter adapted with a stabilizing mechanism secured to hardware associated with the upper assembly of the scooter in front of a use's knee high location. The stabilizing mechanism includes a padded receiver adapted to firmly and comfortably hold a user's knee within the receiver during scooter operation. The padded receiver has a recessed center comprised of resilient material adapted for receiving a user's knee and further comprising an outer ridge comprised of resilient material adapted for firmly holding the user's knee within the recessed center. The stabilizing mechanism can be adjustably secured the frame of a scooter using an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can include a quick release mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can also include a guide to limit adjustment/movement of the adjustment mechanism along the scooter frame.

Abstract: A method and system for sensing linear position utilizing a magnetoresistive bridge circuit. A permanent magnet is provided having a gap formed therein. The magnetoresistive bridge circuit is generally located within the gap of the permanent magnet. The magnetoresistive bridge circuit includes a plurality of magnetoresistors. The magnet can be positioned in proximity to the ferrous target, which is associated with a slider that moves along a shaft. The magnetoresistive bridge circuit is generally biased by a magnetic field of the magnet. The magnetic field can saturate the magnetoresistive bridge circuit and a response of the magnetoresistors thereof. An output signal of the magnetoresistive bridge circuit can then be detected such that the output signal is produced by a change in an angle of the magnetic bias field. The output signal determines a target position with respect to a torque applied to the shaft.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a magnetic field utilizing a magnetoresistor of a magnetic sensor is disclosed. A normalized magnetoresistance associated with the magnetoresistor can be calculated such that the magnetoresistor comprises an initial magnetization direction thereof. The magnetic field is generally permitted to exceed an ability of the magnetoresistor to remain pointed in the initial magnetization direction, thereby enabling the magnetoresistor to experience a magnetization reversal thereof. The normalized resistance can be placed into a new state in response to the magnetization reversal thereof, thereby permitting the normalized resistance to be utilized as a switch thereof and allowing the magnetic sensor to detect changes in the magnetic field associated with the magnetoresistor.

Abstract: A calibrated, low-profile magnetic sensor and method for forming such a sensor are described herein. Generally, a magnetic sensing device is formed within a housing, wherein the magnetic sensing device comprises at least one magnet. The magnetic sensor includes a compact integrated circuit package such as, for example, a small outline integrated circuit package (SOIC). A magnetic sensing element is generally mounted to the compact integrated circuit package. The magnetic sensing device can be configured to additionally incorporate a printed circuit board (PCB) having a hole formed therein such that the compact integrated circuit package can be surface mounted off-center on the printed circuit board, so that the hole can be located within the printed circuit board to match a shape of the magnet, allowing the magnet to pass through the circuit board adjacent to the SOIC to complete the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for continuously transferring balancing mass to a rotating system or rotating device in order to dynamically balance the rotating system or rotating device are disclosed. A flow of balancing mass can be continuously provided to the rotating system at a controlled flow rate. A pump integrated with the rotating system can be utilized to provide via pump the flow of the balancing mass to the rotating system at a controlled flow rate. The flow of balancing mass can be thereafter discharged at a shutter device integrated with the rotating system, such that the balancing mass passes through a window of the shutter device if the window is open. The balancing mass is passed through the window so as to be transferred to the rotating device at predetermined locations, thereby contributing to the balancing of the rotating system. The balancing mass is generally automatically recirculated through the rotating system if the window of the shutter device is closed.

Abstract: Imaging methods and systems for concealed weapon detection are disclosed. In an active mode, a target can be illuminated by a wide-band RF source. A mechanically scanned antenna, together with a highly sensitive wide-band receiver can then collect and process the signals reflected from the target. In a passive mode, the wide-band receiver detects back-body radiation emanating from the target and possesses sufficient resolution to separate different objects. The received signals can then be processed via a computer and displayed on a display unit thereof for further analysis by security personnel.

Abstract: A toggle switch cover apparatus and method are disclosed, which includes a mounting nut and a bushing for a toggle switch, such that the bushing comprises a threaded area and an uppermost unthreaded area. The uppermost unthreaded area comprises a maximum outside diameter that is less than a corresponding minimum minor diameter of threads of the mounting nut. The mounting nut generally surrounds the uppermost unthreaded area of the bushing, such that a gap is formed between the mounting nut and the bushing, thereby promoting proper alignment of the toggle switch thereof and decreasing cross-threading issues.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system, such that sensor measurements and responses to control actions can be compiled utilizing one or more sensors associated with the rotating system. The rotating system may be represented utilizing sensor measurements and responses to control actions through an associated control model, such that the control model and the sensor measurements are determinative of future control actions. The rotating system may be perturbed utilizing a control action while improving a balance condition associated with the rotating system. Sensor data may be measured from one or more sensors associated with the rotating system. Responses thereof may be determined based on the control action. The sensor data may be manipulated in order to remove measurements and responses thereof that do not well-represent the rotating system.

Abstract: A system for improving the duty cycle output of a vehicle speed sensor circuit is disclosed. The vehicle speed sensor circuit can be configured, for example as a binary counter, to provide a particular number of pulses per distance of vehicle travel. An output of the vehicle speed sensor circuit is generally divided by placing varying values on particular load pins of an associated counter circuit, thereby providing a substantially improved duty cycle output from the vehicle speed sensor circuit, which is independent of an associated sensor duty cycle. The output of the vehicle speed sensor circuit can be divided utilizing a toggle flip-flop circuit integrated with the vehicle speed sensor circuit. The toggle flip-flop can be configured as an edge-triggered toggle flip-flop. The vehicle speed sensor can be utilized to sense rotating members present in a vehicle. The vehicle speed sensor thus provides a digital pulse output for every tooth that passes in front of the vehicle speed sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for harnessing an unsaturated flow of fluid utilizing a reversible unsaturated siphon conductor of fluid having a tubarc porous microstructure. Fluid is conducted from a zone of higher (+) fluid matric potential to a zone of lower (−) fluid matric potential utilizing a tubarc porous microstructure. The fluid can be reversibly transported from different zones bearing a differential fluid matric potential according to the status of the fluid matric potential in each zone utilizing the tubarc porous microstructure. The tubarc porous microstructure comprises an enhanced geometric porosity. In this manner, the fluid can be harnessed for irrigation, drainage, filtration, fluid recharging and other fluid delivery uses, such as refilling writing and printing instruments.

Abstract: Methods of and systems providing high reliability relative humidity sensors having integrated signal conditioning are described, providing a series capacitive circuit including a humidity-sensitive dielectric, a common top plate and first and second bottom plates associated with a first and second capacitor, respectively. Changes in humidity affect the humidity-sensitive dielectric thereby causing changes in the capacitive value of said series capacitive circuit.

Abstract: A power supply rejection circuit and method thereof for capacitively-stored reference voltages is disclosed. The power supply rejection circuit generally comprises a comparison circuit for comparing a signal associated with a power supply such as, for example, a Wheatstone bridge configuration, to a stored reference voltage, such that the comparison circuit includes at least one existing capacitor therein. At least one additional capacitor can be then coupled to the comparison circuit, such that the additional capacitor creates a capacitively-coupled voltage divider. This capacitively-coupled voltage divider negates the first order effects of power supply noise in the system. This effect significantly reduces the effect of power supply noise and improves signal jitter associated with the comparison circuit during a comparison of the signal to the stored reference voltage utilizing the comparison circuit.

Abstract: A conventional, full-scale emergency shower and eyewash unit uniquely retrofitted for use in work areas where water is not easily provided. An emergency shower and eyewash unit can be retrofitted at piping located near its top to be in fluid communication with a large capacity container suitable for containing liquid and located above the top of the shower/eyewash unit so that fluid (i.e., water) contained therein can flow into the shower/eyewash unit using the benefit of gravity. Additionally, a liquid release valve can be located near the base/bottom of the shower/eyewash unit so that liquid contained in the container can periodically be released during routine maintenance and cleaning. Conditioning means are also described ensures that fluid/water contained in the container is not allowed to become harmful through bacterial or microorganism growth, which is common in stagnant liquids such as water, and to maintain liquid temperature.

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 method for dynamically balancing a rotating system through strategic control model updates, wherein said system contains sensors and sensor measurements whose responses to control actions are used to represent the system through a control model, where said control model and sensor measurements are used to determine future control actions is disclosed. The performance of the control model is evaluated using sensor measurements and responses; the evaluation is further used to determine if it is necessary to update the control model. The ongoing performance of the current control model is anticipated utilizing rate-of-change metrics obtained by evaluating said sensor measurements and responses. When a new control model is needed, further evaluation is done to determine if sensor measurements and responses are adequate for updating the control model.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system based on a plurality of simultaneous and discrete control actions that place mass at predetermined locations within the rotating system so as to achieve balance is disclosed. A balance control algorithm may be utilized to provide a desired control action regarding an amount of mass to be placed, the extent each discrete action contributes, and the location of placement on the rotating system. The control action is broken down into subsets of discrete actuator steps whose whole will accomplish the desired control action. The composition of the actuator step subsets is based on particular ratios and limits and evolve based on the portion of the action already accomplished. A plurality of control actuators is simultaneously activated to deploy the discrete control actuator actions that place mass at predetermined locations within the rotating system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing degradation of a sensor exposed to a harsh fluid, such as one that might corrode or be exposed to radioactive contaminants, live pathogens, freezing temperatures, overheating, particle deposition or condensable vapors is disclosed. An auxiliary purge stream of comparatively clean fluid or purge fluid is utilized, which flows past the sensor in opposition to the harsh fluid, thereby preventing the harsh fluid from contacting and degrading the sensor. The clean fluid itself may comprise a purge gas, such as clean, dry air, or a liquid that is compatible with the composition of the harsh fluid. The flow and pressure of the clean fluid can be adjusted utilizing one or more supply regulator valves.