Abstract: A programmable fuel pump control for a fuel system includes integral sensors, an expansible fill chamber and a return chamber. The control can be used in either a return-style of returnless fuel system. The expansible fill chamber is in fluid communication with the fuel rail. A restrictable fuel passage connects the fill chamber to a return chamber that in a return-style fuel system can be optionally connected to a return line. The control includes an integral pressure transducer measuring fuel pressure relative to intake manifold pressure and one or more adjunct sensors that allow real time control of a fuel pump speed, and therefore fuel pressure, as a function of engine performance.

Abstract: A method of installing a piston position sensor proximate to a closed end of a hydraulic cylinder is provided. The sensor is attached to the face of a piston and that piston/sensor combination is inserted into the cylinder tube to position the sensor in the desired location. When properly located within the cylinder tube, the sensor is affixed to the cylinder tube by means of beveled holes in the sensor that receive bolts threadedly inserted through the cylinder tube to further properly align the sensor within the cylinder tube. When so affixed, the sensor is then detached from the piston so that the piston can thereafter move independently of the sensor. A fixture is also used that allows the assembler to accurately align the angular orientation of the sensor prior to being inserted into the cylinder tube.

Abstract: A return-flow electronic fuel pressure regulator for a fuel-injected engine fuel system is plumbed to the fuel rail and return line of the fuel system. The regulator includes a fill chamber connected to the fuel rail, a return chamber connected to the return line and a return reservoir disposed between the fill chamber and return chamber. Fuel flow from the fill chamber to the return reservoir is regulated via a diaphragm valve assembly. Fuel flow from the return reservoir to the return chamber is subject to restriction by an adjustable valve. Integral comparative pressure sensing means measures the fuel pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber. An electronic control module, preferably programmed to maintain a constant pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber, receives a signal from the pressure sensing means and outputs a power supply signal to the fuel pump to control pump speed.

Abstract: A programmable fuel pump control for a fuel system includes integral sensors, an expansible fill chamber and a return chamber. The control can be used in either a return-style of returnless fuel system. The expansible fill chamber is in fluid communication with the fuel rail. A restrictable fuel passage connects the fill chamber to a return chamber that in a return-style fuel system can be optionally connected to a return line. The control includes an integral pressure transducer measuring fuel pressure relative to intake manifold pressure and one or more adjunct sensors that allow real time control of a fuel pump speed, and therefore fuel pressure, as a function of engine performance.

Abstract: A field-altering device for an inductive sensor has an elongated body with a substantially saw-tooth profile. The body is made of steel or other type ferrous material. With use in a Hall-effect sensor, the body moves relative to the sensor causing the field to vary periodically with time. The sensor generates an electrical signal in dependence on the field variations, the electrical signal having a saw-tooth pattern.

Abstract: A fuel pump for deployment in a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprises a 3-phase brushless direct current motor, a sling vane impeller with blade-shaped sling vanes, sensorless electronic motor drive and an electronic controller. The controller is adapted to receive analog or pulse-width modulation inputs to control pump speed.

Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of telescoping actuator and a housing having holes of different sizes, the larger hole being sized to completely receive a fastener within the housing and the smaller one of the holes being sized to retain a portion of the fastener within the housing while the rest of the fastener extends from the housing.

Abstract: A system for filtering debris carried by stormwater flowing through a gutter inlet into a catch basin utilizes a filter device configured to conform to and to substantially cover the gutter inlet and a retainer device for maintaining the filter device in place covering the gutter inlet. The retainer device is attached to the filter device and configured to extend through the gutter inlet to hang gravitationally downwardly into the catch basin. The retainer device is weighted to gravitationally pull and hold the filter device securely against the gutter inlet against dislodgement under the forces of flowing stormwater.

Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of counteracting biasing elements that operate upon the actuating area of the switch in the absence of externally applied forces. These biasing elements set the switch very close to its actuation point. In the disclosed embodiments, these counteracting biasing elements include a lever and at least one spring which are arranged to provide a low-profile switch.

Abstract: A system for filtering debris carried by stormwater flowing through a gutter inlet into a catch basin utilizes a filter device configured to conform to and to substantially fully cover the gutter inlet and a retainer device for maintaining the filter device in place covering the gutter inlet. The retainer device is attached to the filter device and configured to extend through the gutter inlet to hang gravitationally downwardly into the catch basin. The retainer device is weighted to gravitationally pull and hold the filter device securely against the gutter inlet against dislodgement under the forces of flowing stormwater.

Abstract: An electrical cordset for connecting a sensor connector used with a piston position sensor located within a high pressure environment and a control system. The cordset has a connector that is comprised of a housing having a cavity formed therein. A high pressure assembly having a plurality of pins is affixed and sealed to an opening in the housing such that inner ends of the pins are located within the cavity and the outer ends of the pins extend outwardly from the housing to be connected to the piston sensor. There is an electrical circuitboard within the cavity and the inner ends of the pins are electrically connected to the circuitboard.

Abstract: A sensor mountable within a hydraulic cylinder provides a precision signal indicative of the position of the piston. The sensor includes a flexible connector attached between the cylinder piston and a converting element for sensing the piston displacement. The converting element comprises a pick-up spool, under tension, coupled to the other end of the connector and rotatable about an axis. A lead screw engages threads on the spool, and translates linearly when the spool rotates. A non-contacting electromechanical transducer senses the position of the lead screw, and provides an output signal proportional to the motion or position of the movable element. The transducer may be an LVDT or other transducer. A high-pressure seal assembly provides an electrical path between the sensor and an external connector. A piston stop prevents the piston from damaging the sensor.

Abstract: A position sensor includes a stationary frame supporting a rotatable spool onto which a cable is wound in a plurality of individual windings. A distal end of the cable extends through a lead guide for attachment to an object whose position is desired to be sensed. As the object moves, the cable is would or unwound about the spool and the spool rotates in direct correlation to the movement of the object. The spool is retained in the frame through a threaded engagement between a threaded extension extending from the spool and a threaded opening in the frame. Thus, as the spool rotates, the spool travels along a linear path and a sensor determines the location of the threaded extension to determine the location of the object. A recoil spring is used which may be located within the spool itself.

Abstract: A position sensor and sensor assembly having a spool onto which is wound a plurality of individual windings to make up a cable coil. A free end of the cable extends through a guide for attachment to an object whose position is desired to be sensed. The cable passes through an elongated slot formed the guide and which is preferably formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis of rotation of the spool. By means of the elongated slot, the individual windings can be wound about the spool without successive windings overlapping each other. The elongated slot further has an internal surface that has a minimum radius to prevent the cable from making too small a bend during the winding function.

Abstract: A method of installing a piston position sensor proximate to a closed end of a hydraulic cylinder is provided. The sensor is attached to the face of a piston and that piston/sensor combination is inserted into the cylinder tube to position the sensor in the desired location. When properly located within the cylinder tube, the sensor is affixed to the cylinder tube by means of beveled holes in the sensor that receive bolts threadedly inserted through the cylinder tube to further properly align the sensor within the cylinder tube. When so affixed, the sensor is then detached from the piston so that the piston can thereafter move independently of the sensor. A fixture is also used that allows the assembler to accurately align the angular orientation of the sensor prior to being inserted into the cylinder tube.

Abstract: An automatic portion control system, comprising: a dispensing mechanism adapted for dispensing a first substance into a container; a scale adapted for weighing said container; and control circuitry adapted for reading a container weight from said scale and controlling said dispensing mechanism accordingly. The invention further comprises a method for dispensing a product into a container, comprising the steps of: weighing a container; and dispensing the product into the container until reaching the estimated filled weight of the container.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a plurality of spaced posts comprising an outer frame member; a plurality of bracket assemblies mounted to the outer frame member at a first set of spaced locations thereon to receive the posts; and a plurality of bracing members extending between a second set of spaced locations on the outer frame member, intermediately of the first spaced locations, for stabilizing the outer frame member.

Abstract: A high pressure seal assembly provides an electrical path between the sensor and an external connector.

Abstract: A sensor mountable within a hydraulic cylinder provides a precision signal indicative of the position of the piston. The sensor includes a flexible connector attached between the cylinder piston and a converting element for sensing the piston displacement. The converting element comprises a pick-up spool, under tension, coupled to the other end of the connector and rotatable about an axis. A lead screw engages threads on the spool, and translates linearly when the spool rotates. A non-contacting electromechanical transducer senses the position of the lead screw, and provides an output signal proportional to the motion or position of the movable element. The transducer may be an LVDT or other transducer. A high-pressure seal assembly provides an electrical path between the sensor and an external connector. A piston stop prevents the piston from damaging the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for organizing information that can be shared among multiple individuals. The information is structured and categorized according to areas of concern, sub-areas of concern, concerns, outcomes, commitments, and occasions. Multiple disparate individuals may be associated with one or more areas of concern, concerns, outcomes, commitments, and/or occasions. If one individual fails to achieve an outcome, the remaining individuals may be notified automatically, enabling corrective action to be taken. New areas of concern, and their associated concerns, outcomes, and occasions may be added for one or more individuals. Additional features, such as calendars, to-do lists, and other features may be integrated with the present invention. Web-based and/or client-server interfaces can be used to review and/or update system information. Messages and conversations can be associated with particular nodes within the concern cascade.