Abstract: Magnetostrictive sensing systems and methods are disclosed. One such system comprises a magnetostrictive wire having first and second ends. A magnet is movable along a length of the magnetostrictive wire. An excitation device is operable to apply an electrical excitation signal to the magnetostrictive wire. A torsional motion sensor is operable to detect a torsional motion of the magnetostrictive wire. A reflective termination is configured to reflect the torsional motion of the magnetostrictive wire. A processor is in communication with the excitation device and the torsional motion sensor. The processor is programmed to (i) apply the electrical excitation signal to the magnetostrictive wire with the excitation device, (ii) identify whether the torsional motion detected by the torsional motion sensor has been reflected by the reflection termination, and (iii) calculate a position of the magnet along the magnetostrictive wire based on only the detected torsional motion reflected by the reflection termination.

Abstract: Magnetostrictive sensing systems and methods are disclosed. One such system comprises a magnetostrictive wire having first and second ends. A magnet is movable along a length of the magnetostrictive wire. An excitation device is operable to apply an electrical excitation signal to the magnetostrictive wire. A torsional motion sensor is operable to detect a torsional motion of the magnetostrictive wire. A reflective termination is configured to reflect the torsional motion of the magnetostrictive wire. A processor is in communication with the excitation device and the torsional motion sensor. The processor is programmed to (i) apply the electrical excitation signal to the magnetostrictive wire with the excitation device, (ii) identify whether the torsional motion detected by the torsional motion sensor has been reflected by the reflection termination, and (iii) calculate a position of the magnet along the magnetostrictive wire based on only the detected torsional motion reflected by the reflection termination.

Abstract: Adjustable constant force spring systems are disclosed. An adjustable constant-force spring system includes first and second rolled metal strips and a spool. The first strip is rolled around a first axis. The first strip has an inner end adjacent the first axis and an outer end configured for selective attachment to a load. The second strip is rolled around the first axis such that the second strip overlaps the first strip. The second strip has an inner end adjacent the first axis and an outer end configured for selective attachment to the load. The spool is located on a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. The spool is sized to enable the first strip to reroll around the spool.

Abstract: A low torque magnetic pick-off assembly has both a stationary magnet and a magnet mounted on a rotating member. The stationary magnet is oriented parallel to the axis of the rotating member and is used to establish a magnetic field in a field guide passing through a coil. The magnet on the rotating member modulates the magnetic field passing through the coil thereby inducing an output voltage in the coil. The output voltages indicates the passage of the magnet on the rotating member past the stationary magnet.

Abstract: A fire retardant polymer foam composite suitable for the making of packaging material, including a thin film of fire-retardant plastic extruded between layers of polymer foam sheets and bonded together to form a composite sheet of material having a sandwich structure.

Abstract: A process for hot pin perforation bonding of a plurality of lamina of thermoplastic foam sheet material to produce a controllably rigid, strong, lightweight and easily shaped cushioned foam plank; and a product as formed in that process.

Abstract: A reflective device for providing 360 degrees of reflective surface to an attached support post having only forward and rearward faces suitable for viewing. The device comprises an elongate, hollow tubular body having a top rim, intermediate side wall and bottom rim. A closed top cover is coupled to the top rim and includes a recess which projects above the cover and is configured to provide a conformed fit around the upper end of the support post which is received therein. A slotted opening is positioned in the bottom cover which is coupled to the bottom rim and provides a port for inserting the post for seating within the 360 degree reflective structure.