Abstract: A masterbatch composition is provided that includes a colorant, a thermoplastic carrier, a metallocene polymer processing aid, and optionally an additive. Also provided is a method for making a masterbatch composition and a method for making a colorized polymer.

Abstract: A method for monitoring changes in a gap which corresponds to changes in a particular environmental parameter using a tunable laser and interferometer at high frequency is disclosed. The laser light provided to the interferometer is swept through a small range of wavelengths. Light modulated by the interferometer is detected and a non-sinusoidal light intensity output curve is created, a reference point on the curve identified and subsequent sweep of the laser performed. The difference in time, wavelength, or frequency at the occurrence of the reference point between the two sweeps allows for measuring the relative changes in the gap and, as a result, the change in the environmental parameter.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to differential pressure transducers. In an embodiment of the invention, a differential pressure transducer includes a transducer housing, a diaphragm, a bellows, and a sensing assembly. The transducer housing, diaphragm, and bellows are coupled to form a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is separated into two portions by the diaphragm, with each portion arranged to be filled with a process fluid. A pressure differential across the diaphragm causes displacement of the diaphragm. Such displacement is measured by the sensing assembly and used to calculate the pressure differential between the two process fluids.

Abstract: A trailer coupler pivot assembly comprising a pivot mount member connected to a trailer frame member and a hinge bracket connected to a trailer tongue arm. The hinge bracket is pivotally connected to the pivot mount member so that the trailer tongue arm is pivotal relative to the trailer frame member between an open position and a closed position. However, either of the pivot mount member or the hinge bracket comprises a single, prefabricated component to make assembly more efficient and cost effective. With both the pivot mount member and the hinge bracket being single, prefabricate components, the trailer coupler pivot assembly can be more easily installed with fewer components and welds and by less skilled labor.

Abstract: A damper and method for tuning a damper utilizing a surface contact reducing resilient member is disclosed. A damper for dampening torsional and bending vibrations in a rotating shaft includes a hub member, an inertia member spaced radially outwardly from the hub member, and a resilient member positioned under compression between the hub member and the inertia member. The resilient member has at least one protrusion extending axially thereon to reduce the amount of surface contact between the resilient member and the hub member or the inertia member. A method for tuning dampers is also disclosed wherein reducing the amount of surface contact between the resilient member and the hub member and inertia member allows the damper to achieve lower part frequency based primarily on the geometry of the resilient member.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides for a jack-winch assembly. The assembly includes a jack; a winch, secured to the jack; and a crank. The crank is independently engageable with the winch and the jack. The crank shifts between a first position, where the crank engages the winch, and a second position, where the crank engages the jack. In another embodiment, a jack-winch assembly is provided that includes a winch; a jack, secured to the winch; and a crank. The winch includes a base; a drum that is rotatably secured to the base; and a gear for driving the drum. The crank is engageable with both the gear and the jack to independently operate the winch and the jack. The crank includes an actuating member to shift the crank between a first position, where the crank engages the gear, and a second position, where the crank engages the jack.

Abstract: A key cutting machine is provided for cutting a key blank from a master key. The key cutting machine comprises a first cutting member that rotates about a substantially horizontal axis for cutting a key pattern on a key blank and a second cutting member that rotates about a substantially vertical axis for cutting a key pattern on a key blank. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: Linear variable reflector sensors can be used to measure the displacement of objects. These sensors are useful in that they can be very small, do not conduct electricity, and are resistant to electrical interference from EMI/EMP and lightning strikes. The present linear variable reflector system comprises a light source, a light transmitting member in optical communication with the light source, a sensor in optical communication with the light transmitting member. The sensor comprises a moveable transparent body, a reflective material deposited on the transparent body, and at least one film deposited over said reflective material, wherein said reflective material reflects light. Further, the linear variable reflector system comprises a detector coupled to the sensor to detect displacement of the moveable transparent body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantitatively measuring the distance of an unknown variable gap is disclosed. Light is provided to two Fabry-Perot interferometers arranged in a series, one spanning the unknown gap and the other spanning a controllably variable gap. Means for verifying the positioning of the Fabry-Perot interferometer having the controllably variable gap work in conjunction with a signal processor, a correlation burst signal detector and means for conveying the light to the various system elements to perform a comparison of detector signals from the two interferometers and quantitatively establish the gap distance. The invention may also be varied to function on a time basis, include more than one source of light, possess filter means to distinguish between light sources and/or include one or more reference interferometers.

Abstract: A mechanical jack that is used with trailers that has a functional combination of several working gears as well as a drop leg feature is disclosed. The mechanical jack has a gearbox having gears that not only have the capacity to handle a relatively heavy load, but also have the ability to handle small and midsize loads while maintaining sufficient and commercially acceptable cranking speeds without excessive force required. The jack includes a crank or handle for use with the mechanical jack that assists in both effective raising and lowering of the jack, as well as efficient transition from one working gear to another. The jack may also utilize an electric motor as the source of input power to the jack.

Abstract: A signal conditioner to measure the length of an interferometric gap in a Fabry-Perot sensor (interferometer). The invention includes a light source, a Fabry-Perot interferometer capable of spanning a range of gaps in response to physical changes in the environment, a second interferometer that is placed in series with the Fabry-Perot interferometer which does not filter any particular wavelengths of light but acts as an optical cross-correlator, a detector for converting the correlated light signal into electronic signals, and an electronic processor which controls system elements and generates a signal indicative of the length of the gap spanned by the Fabry-Perot sensor.