Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to configure a reconfigurable device. In an illustrative example, a device programming module (DPM) of the reconfigurable device may receive a user input indicating a model number of a legacy device. The DPM, for example, may identify the user-selected functions based on a first set of rules to determine predetermined functions of the legacy device. The DPM, for example, may generate a binary machine instruction code to configure the reconfigurable device to perform the identified predetermined device functions. The DPM may then transmit the binary machine instruction code to the reconfigurable device such that the reconfigurable device is configured to operate as the legacy device identified. Various embodiments may advantageously eliminate a need for studying the complete functionalities of the legacy device before programming the reconfigurable device, and a need for assigning unique part numbers to replacements of the legacy devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a dual mode power regulation system (DMPRS) having an energy storage device configured to store energy from a power supply. In an illustrative example, a DMPRS may include a passive mode switching circuit (PMSC). The PMSC, for example, may regulate a current output from the energy storage device to a passive electric load (PEL). For example, in a high power mode, the PMSC regulates the current output to be greater than a power rating of the power supply. When the energy stored in the energy storage device is dissipated, for example, the PMSC may passively and automatically transition to a steady-state mode. For example, in the steady-state mode, the output power may be maintained above a minimum operating current such that the PEL may operate normally. Various embodiments may advantageously provide an energy pulse higher than the power rating to the PEL.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to generate a mapping between reconfigurable predetermined detection windows (RPDWs) and sensing elements across adjacent distance sensing arrays. In an illustrative example, two or more adjacently placed distance sensing arrays may each include sensor elements coupled to uniquely and physically addressable memory registers. A master controller coupled to the distance sensing arrays may, for example, receive a signal to set up a virtual address mapping for a RPDW. For example, the RPDW may associate adjacent distance sensing elements across the two distance sensing arrays. The master controller may, for example, identify activated registers during a teaching operation to generate a mapping between the RPDW and the identified range of activated registers. When the RPDW is monitored, only the registers associated with the virtual address may, for example, be activated to be monitored.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a light device with a programmable display. In an illustrative example, a linear multi-mode programmable indicator light (LMPIL) may include a housing extending along a longitudinal axis having a display surface. For example, the LMPIL may include an indicator light, and a programmable display coupled to the housing. For example, the indicator light may emit a light indicium orthogonal to the display surface. For example, the programmable display may display a predetermined visual indicium along a longitudinal axis through the display surface when the indicator light emits the light indicium. For example, based on predetermined associations between light indicia and corresponding predetermined visual indicia, the programmable display may display the predetermined visual indicium as the corresponding predetermined interpretation of the light indicium based on the predetermined associations.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a stackable distributed communication and control hub (DCCH) configured to provide a wide viewing angle for instantly inspecting multiple connections when multiple DCCHs are stacked. In an illustrative example, a DCCH may include multiple connection ports distributed on one or more edge surfaces. An offset bracket, for example, may couple two DCCHs, each at a coupling surface of the corresponding DCCH. Upon coupling, the DCCHs are held at substantially parallel planes. For example, a first DCCH is offset from a second DCCH in two directions. In a first direction, respective planes are offset along a vertical axis by a predetermined first offset. In a second direction, the DCCHs are offset by a predetermined second offset, orthogonal to the first direction. Various embodiments may advantageously allow visual status of the connection ports visible in at least one viewing angle along the vertical axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a cascading safety network configured to address each safety device in a multi-drop protocol. In an illustrative example, a cascading safety network (CSN) may include a server device connected a serially connected sequence of client safety devices. The CSN, for example, may include a communication line having a multi-drop layer and a enumeration layer connecting to each of the safety devices in the CSN. For example, in operation, each of the at least one client safety device is directly addressable by the server device through a client address uniquely assigned by the server device. When the server device detects a change in the client node sequence, the server device is triggered to perform safe state operations to automatically configure the cascaded multi-drop safety network. Various embodiments may advantageously allow automatic configuration of the CSN without physical switches and/or external software tools.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to configure a reconfigurable device. In an illustrative example, a device programming module (DPM) of the reconfigurable device may receive a user input indicating a model number of a legacy device. The DPM, for example, may identify the user-selected functions based on a first set of rules to determine predetermined functions of the legacy device. The DPM, for example, may generate a binary machine instruction code to configure the reconfigurable device to perform the identified predetermined device functions. The DPM may then transmit the binary machine instruction code to the reconfigurable device such that the reconfigurable device is configured to operate as the legacy device identified. Various embodiments may advantageously eliminate a need for studying the complete functionalities of the legacy device before programming the reconfigurable device, and a need for assigning unique part numbers to replacements of the legacy devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an electronic device enclosure having a water resistant property capable of withstanding a predetermined minimum displacement force. In an illustrative example, a pressed fit self-aligning device enclosure (PFSADE) may include a housing and a cover. The housing, for example, may include an opening configured to receive electronic components during an assembly processing. After the electronic components are installed, for example, the cover may be coupled to the housing to cover the opening. For example, the cover may include an edge surface around a perimeter of the cover and at least one self-aligning element (SAE) extending orthogonal to the edge surface. For example, the SAE may align the cover in a relative position to the housing, and to withstand a predetermined minimum displacement force threshold. Various embodiments may advantageously prevent leakage due to out of tolerance alignment between the housing and the cover.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein relates to a magnetic mounting assembly having a frame. A first ferromagnetic extension is fixed to the frame and extends in an axial direction. A second ferromagnetic extension is fixed to the frame and extends in the axial direction. A bar magnet has a first lateral end defining a first magnetic pole magnetically coupled to the first ferromagnetic extension. The bar magnet has a second lateral end defining an opposite magnetic pole magnetically coupled to the second ferromagnetic extension. The first ferromagnetic extension and the second ferromagnetic extension are configured to fix the bar magnet relative to the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a stackable distributed communication and control hub (DCCH) configured to provide a wide viewing angle for instantly inspecting multiple connections when multiple DCCHs are stacked. In an illustrative example, a DCCH may include multiple connection ports distributed on one or more edge surfaces. An offset bracket, for example, may couple two DCCHs, each at a coupling surface of the corresponding DCCH. Upon coupling, the DCCHs are held at substantially parallel planes. For example, a first DCCH is offset from a second DCCH in two directions. In a first direction, respective planes are offset along a vertical axis by a predetermined first offset. In a second direction, the DCCHs are offset by a predetermined second offset, orthogonal to the first direction. Various embodiments may advantageously allow visual status of the connection ports visible in at least one viewing angle along the vertical axis.

Abstract: A sensor device having a sensor housing and a printed circuit board coupled to the sensor housing. A light emitting device is coupled to the printed circuit board. The light emitting device has an emitter face defining an emission face area. An aperture plate is coupled to the sensor housing, the aperture plate defines an aperture having an aperture area that is less than the emission face area of the emitter face. The aperture is less than 1 mm from the emitter face wherein the light emitting device is not fixed to the aperture plate. A lens is coupled to the sensor housing, having an optical axis extending through the aperture. The aperture plate is positioned between the lens and the emitter face. Boresighting angle variation across sensor components on a manufacturing line may advantageously be reduced without increased cost associated with active alignment. Irradiance drop-out may also be reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a vibrational sensing system (VSS) including an accelerometer and a data processor, which determines an “operational state” of a mechanical drive unit, the processor further employing the “operational state” to gate learning of long-term vibrational data to exclude collection of non-operational data, the long-term data collected to calculate alarm thresholds. For example, vibrations from a target motor are sensed by a coupled accelerometer. Vibrational data from the accelerometer is fed into a data processor which determines the operational state of the motor. The operational state (e.g., on/off indication) may gate data collection such that data is only acquired during on-time, which may advantageously create accurate baselines from which alarm thresholds may be generated, and nuisance alarms may be avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an alignment system including an alignment source module (ASM) and an alignment indicator module (AIM) configured to be releasably coupled to a first unit and a second unit, respectively, of a pair of optoelectronic arrays. In an illustrative example, the ASM may be oriented, when coupled, to emit an optical beam in substantial alignment with a first optical axis of the first unit. The AIM may, for example, be configured, when coupled, to provide a visible indication when the optical beam is within a predetermined near-alignment orientation range relative to a second optical axis of the second unit. Each of the AIM and the ASM may, for example, be configured to axially couple along respective longitudinal axes of the first unit and the second. Various embodiments may advantageously facilitate manipulation of the pair of optoelectronic arrays into near alignment with each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a stackable distributed communication and control hub (DCCH) configured to provide a wide viewing angle for instantly inspecting multiple connections when multiple DCCHs are stacked. In an illustrative example, a DCCH may include multiple connection ports distributed on one or more edge surfaces. An offset bracket, for example, may couple two DCCHs, each at a coupling surface of the corresponding DCCH. Upon coupling, the DCCHs are held at substantially parallel planes. For example, a first DCCH is offset from a second DCCH in two directions. In a first direction, respective planes are offset along a vertical axis by a predetermined first offset. In a second direction, the DCCHs are offset by a predetermined second offset, orthogonal to the first direction. Various embodiments may advantageously allow visual status of the connection ports visible in at least one viewing angle along the vertical axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lens alignment system having opposing end effectors configured to control a position of a rigid lens body with respect to a plane. In an illustrative example, each of the opposing end effectors may engage a corresponding receptacle on respective opposite faces of the lens body. Each of the end effectors may, for example, frictionally contacts each of the corresponding receptacles within a respective portion of each of at least two contact regions. During the engagement, each of the contact regions may, for example, lie on opposite sides of an axis of rotation that extends between the end effectors. In response to at least a predetermined minimum net moment applied to the lens body, the lens body may, for example, be rotatable about the axis of rotation. Various embodiments may advantageously enable precise and/or rapid positioning of the lens body in the plane.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a field selectable gain mode system. In an illustrative example, an APD-based sensor may, for example, have two or more predetermined gain modes. The gain modes may, for example, be activated in response to a selection signal(s) generated by a user. For example, the APD-based sensor may apply the user-selected gain mode by independently controlling a circuit gain, an emitter gain, and an APD gain. When the user selection signal is selected, for example, a controller may apply corresponding independent gain parameters to the circuit gain, the emitter gain, and the APD gain, such that a collective high dynamic range sensor system is provided. For example, the independent gain parameters may include a range of control voltages, a range of control current, and/or a range of gain input. Various embodiments may advantageously achieve increased accuracy across an extended operating range of gain values.