Abstract: At least one second beam of light from a first beam of light generated by a laser is directed into an atmosphere. Light therefrom scattered by molecules or aerosols in the atmosphere is collected by at least one telescope as at least one light signal, which together with a reference beam from the first beam of light are simultaneously processed by an interferometer, and resulting fringe patterns are imaged onto a detector adapted to output a resulting at least one signal responsive thereto. In various aspects: a plurality of transversely separated light collectors collected the scattered light; at least two telescopes are associated with a common second beam of light; or the telescope is coupled to a gimble mount that provides for positioning a region of overlap of the second beam of light with the field of view of the telescope.

Abstract: A bobbin system for use with a sewing machine is disclosed. The system includes a bobbin and a thread wound around the bobbin. The system also includes an anti-unwinding member arranged around the thread to ensure that the thread does not dislodge and unwind off of the bobbin thus reducing or eliminating entanglements and jamming of the moving parts of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A first beam of light from a laser is split by a beam splitter into a reference beam and at least one second beam of light, the latter of which is directed into an atmosphere. Light from the at least one second beam of light scattered by molecules or aerosols in the atmosphere is collected by at least one telescope as at least one light signal. The at least one light signal and the reference beam are simultaneously processed by a common interferometer, and resulting fringe patterns are imaged onto a detector and processed by a data processor to determine at least one associated air data product.

Abstract: A coil at a first location in magnetic communication with a door of a vehicle generates a magnetic field responsive to a time varying signal applied thereto. The first location and the coil are adapted so that the magnetic field is influenced by an opening state of the door, and by a crash involving the door. A signal is generated from the coil responsive to the time-varying signal and to the magnetic field, wherein the signal provides for sensing an opening state of the door and for sensing a crash involving the door.

Abstract: A method of mitigating propagation of a thermal event in an energy storage system having a plurality of cells is disclosed. The method includes the steps of identifying the heat sources within the energy storage system and plurality of cells. The method then controls a temperature of the energy storage system and plurality of cells and also detects predetermined conditions within the energy storage system. The method then performs a predetermined action based on when one of the predetermined conditions is detected. A plurality of sensors and switches along with associated hardware or software will be used to control the temperature of the energy storage system upon detection of predetermined conditions involving overheating, over current, over voltage of the like.

Abstract: A removable storage console for use in a vehicle. The console includes a base and a body. The console also includes a handle on the outside of the body. A link member is connected to the handle. An upper housing is secured to a bottom portion of the body. A lower housing is secured to the upper housing. The console includes a plurality of latches arranged between the lower housing and the body member. The console is removable from and capable of being secured at multiple positions within the vehicle.

Abstract: A seam for use in a vehicle armrest or other interior component. The seam includes a first material and a second material joined to the first material. The seam also includes a T-member connected to the first material and the second material to form a French seam appearance on the outer surface of the material. The T-member is then used to align with a groove in a foam of an armrest or other interior component to create an exterior seam on an armrest or interior component of a vehicle. The seam is created using a guide member attached to a sewing machine that will allow for sewing of the first material and second material to the T-member in a simultaneous process at a predetermined speed thus increasing efficiency of manufacturing the upholstery panel and reducing costs to the manufacturer.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and processing physiological sounds. The method includes sensing physiological sounds to acquire analog physiological signals, where the acquired analog physiological signals corresponding to basic heart sounds and sounds of interest. A predetermined frequency range of the acquired analog physiological signals that encompasses the sounds of interest are amplified, where at least a portion of the predetermined frequency range is higher than another frequency range of the acquired analog physiological signals that encompasses the basic heart sounds.

Abstract: A predictive collision radar system in a vehicle incorporates a first antenna and a guard antenna, the associated radiation patterns of which overlap with one another, but the radiation pattern of the guard antenna is broader than that of the first antenna. A comparison of signals from the first and guard antennas provides for rejecting targets that are not likely a threat to the vehicle. In one embodiment the first antenna is a multi-beam antenna with an electromagnetic lens, for example, either dielectric or planar, and a signal from a forward looking element thereof is compared with the signal from the guard antenna aligned therewith. In another embodiment, an electromagnetic lens is adapted to cooperate with the guard antenna so as to provide for forming the associated radiation pattern.

Abstract: A camera (32) captures successive images of light stripes (22) projected onto an object by a light curtain (18) positioned by a light source positioner (28). A background image is subtracted (616) therefrom, and the resulting image is boosted by binning (618), binarized with a thresholding algorithm (620), skeletonized (622), interpolated (624) and stored (626). Interpolated images are acquired for a plurality of light stripes (22). A processor (30) generates (1604) a 3-D surface model from Cartesian coordinates computed for non-zero camera pixels. A volumetric representation is determined (1610) from the offset of the object surface model relative to a model of a proximate surface, e.g. a seating surface (24). The object is classified (1614), e.g. by a trainable pattern recognitions system, responsive to 3-D shape descriptors (1606) of the 3-D surface model and to the volumetric representation (1610) or portions (1612) thereof.

Abstract: An electro mechanical connector for use in an electrical vehicle having a battery pack is disclosed. The connector includes a locking collar having a slot therein and a plug body arranged within the locking collar. The connector also has a switch mount sleeve arranged on the plug body and a micro switch connected to the switch mount sleeve at a predetermined position. The electrical connector also includes a switch actuator that is slidingly arranged within the slot and is aligned with the micro switch when the electrical mechanical connector is in its fully locked position.

Abstract: A tool for use in a powder metal process is disclosed. The tool includes an upper tool and a lower tool. The upper and lower tools may include multiple members for each tool. The lower tool having a predetermined cross sectional profile that continuously expands outward from or near a center point of the lower tool. The lower tool is also secured within a press for the powder metal process via a fastening mechanism.

Abstract: At least one time-varying signal is applied to a plurality of coil elements in cooperative relationship with and spanning different portions of a vehicle. The coil elements generate an associated plurality of magnetic field components that interact with the vehicle. At least one detection circuit generates a detected signal responsive to signal components from the coil elements so as to provide for detecting a change in a magnetic condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A plurality of antenna end-fire antenna feed elements disposed along a contour on a dielectric substrate cooperate with a discrete lens array. An electromagnetic wave launched by an antenna feed element is received by a first set of patch antennas on a first side of the discrete lens array, and the associated received signals are propagated through associated delay elements to a corresponding second set of patch antennas on the opposite side of the discrete lens array from which the associated received signals are reradiated, wherein the corresponding delays of the associated delay elements are location dependent so as to emulate a dielectric electromagnetic lens and thereby provide for forming an associated beam of electromagnetic energy. A signal applied to a corporate feed port is switched to the antenna feed elements by a switching network, whereby different antenna feed elements generate different beams of electromagnetic energy in different directions.

Abstract: A method for applying a liner to a pipe is disclosed. The methodology includes inserting an apparatus within the pipe and moving the apparatus at a predetermined speed through the pipe. The method sprays a material from a spray head secured to the apparatus. The methodology also includes an oscillation system wherein the spray head assembly will move relative to the base assembly thus creating an over lapping pattern for the spray coating being applied to the interior surface of the pipeline. This oscillation system will allow for a more uniform coating to be applied.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle security shade having one or more axially biased end caps and at least one end cap extension slidingly disposed upon an end cap to adjust the length of the security cover assembly. The end cap has a resilient latch which engages mating recesses in the extension to fix the length of the shade as desired.

Abstract: A device for the assembly of at least two standard elements of a precision mechanical structure by a linking element, where the first standard element includes a reference surface, while the second standard element includes a bearing surface which has to be positioned with precision in an orthonormal coordinate system associated with the aforementioned reference surface, given that the connection between the linking element and at least one of the standard elements includes two contact faces provided on the linking element and the standard element. A clamp composed of two half collars, and presenting shapes which interlock with the corresponding shapes of the linking element and of the standard element in such a way that the clamping of the two half collars causes the application and the centering of the two aforementioned contact faces against each other.

Abstract: A portable memory element containing encrypted data is operatively connected to a first client, and the person associated with the portable memory element provides passcode information necessary to access the encrypted data, wherein the passcode information can be either alphanumeric or biometric, e.g. a fingerprint. The first client communicates with a server, which returns a passkey if the passcode information is authentic for the portable memory element. The first user of the first client then communicates, via a separate communications path, the passkey to a second user of a second client also in communication with the server, who then provides the passkey to the server. If the passkey provided by the second user is valid, the server provides for communication between the first and second clients, and enables the second client to access the portable memory element.

Abstract: A power clamp for use in a manufacturing environment. The power clamp including a base and an extruded body secured to the base. The power clamp also includes a cylinder having a rod secured to the body. A shaft is rotatably supported by the body of the clamp. The clamp also includes a bar connected to the shaft and a rotator pin engaged with the shaft. The clamp also includes a link member connected to the rotator pin on one end and to the rod on the opposite end.

Abstract: A hook pin unit for use in a manufacturing environment. The hook pin unit includes a pin having an orifice through a surface. A base having an orifice with the pin arranged within the orifice of the base. A hook arranged within the pin and moveable between a first and second position.