Abstract: A floor marking system includes a floor having a predetermined location intended for use of a predetermined character, the predetermined location being marked with impinging light. The floor marking system also includes a lighting unit having a light source for marking light onto the floor at a predetermined location. A patterning device is disposed between the light source and the floor, and is configured and arranged to mark at least one of a graphic pattern and a color onto the floor at the predetermined location with the impinging light. The at least one of the graphic pattern and the color marked on the floor by the lighting unit and the patterning device forms an indicator, and the indicator corresponds to the character of use of the floor at the predetermined location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a pierce fitting or member for penetrating a container to access the interior of the container. The pierce fitting is configured to cut a flap through the surface of the container. In one embodiment, a device for penetrating a container to access an interior of the container comprises a pierce member including an external surface and an internal surface forming a hollow interior extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a slanted surface with a pierce leading edge on a first side between the external surface and the internal surface. The external surface expands outwardly in a region proximal of the distal end in a direction toward the proximal end except on a second side opposite from the first side.

Abstract: The solid state switching section of a high frequency PWM switching power supply may encounter problems in accurately regulating output power when the requested output power is above a threshold level, the threshold level typically being a high level approaching one hundred percent of the power of the sinusoidal AC power source. Below the threshold level, the power supply is operated in a full PWM mode to regulate the output power level. Above the threshold level, the power supply is operated in a full on, continuously conducting mode in a central part of the half cycles of the AC supply. Outside of this central portion, the power supply is operated in the in the PWM mode, using a duty cycle within the capability of the solid state switching section. The output power level is regulated by varying the duration of the central full on portion of the half cycle. A similar control method is used for reducing heat generated by the solid state switching section of the power supply.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting a solenoid and/or receipt printer in an electronic device, such as a point-of-sale terminal, includes a resistance and a capacitance. The resistance is electrically coupled in parallel with the capacitance, and the parallel network of resistance and capacitance is coupled in series with the solenoid. An energizing signal is applied to the parallel network to energize the solenoid. A method of protecting a solenoid and/or receipt printer in the electronic device includes the steps of coupling a resistance electrically in parallel with a capacitance, coupling the parallel network electrically in series with the solenoid, and applying an energizing signal to the parallel network to energize the solenoid. The capacitance preferably includes two polarized electrolytic capacitors electrically coupled in a back-to-back series configuration with common polarities connected to each other.

Abstract: The wall thickness and ovality of a tubular are simultaneously determined. The theoretical radius of a pipe is computed from a measurement of its circumference. An ultrasonic device conventionally used to measure the wall thickness of tubulars is adapted to also measure the maximum and minimum diameters and ovality by equipping or utilizing existing ultrasound inspection device with contact surfaces which contact the tubular at a fixed distance apart and at a known distance from the surface of the ultrasonic transducer. The contact surfaces define a chord of known length on the tubular under test. The mean radius of the tubular may be computed from multiple water path measurements around the circumference relative to a known fixture. The maximum and minimum diameter and ovality are calculated from the measured differences in distance from the surface of the tubular to the ultrasonic transducer and the theoretical circle.

Abstract: An integrated gas strut actuator strut assembly particularly adapted for providing power actuation of a motor vehicle lift gate or other opening closure. The system integrates the function of a counterbalancing gas spring and that of a electrically powered actuator. The system incorporates a strut assembly including a gas charged cylinder, and internal plunger and a threaded rod. Rotation of the threaded rod through a cable drive system causes the internal plunger to be advanced or retracted within the cylinder. Another feature of the invention are various embodiments of couplers between the gas cylinder plunger and rod and connectors for the assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A meter proving method and system. At lease some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising establishing a prover time by a prover device, measuring a flow rate of a fluid with a flow meter that uses multiple measurements taken over a period of time to produce each individual flow rate value (the flow meter electrically coupled to the prover device), and generating a meter volume over the prover time based on the flow rate. The generating the meter volume based on the flow rate does not involve: generating a pulse train output signal by the flow meter; and generating the meter volume based on an attribute of the pulse train.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for detecting and eliminating the buildup of snow and/or ice on the viewable face of an LED traffic signal lens. The circuit measures the ambient temperature within the LED signal, and when the temperature falls to a level where snow and/or ice accumulation can occur, the circuit begins looking for snow and/or ice buildup on the lens of the LED signal. An infrared LED transmits a signal which is reflected when snow or ice is present on the lens of the traffic signal. When the reflected signal is received by an infrared receiver, it sends a signal to a microcontroller, which analyzes the signal to determine if it is a valid signal. If it is, a heater is turned on until the ice and snow are removed.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump assembly includes piston rod that is movable and reciprocates in order to pump a fluid. The piston rod has a piston portion at an end that stokes within a piston chamber. The pump assembly also includes a piston rod sleeve that houses the piston rod. The piston rod sleeve does not reciprocate with the piston rod. Thus, the piston rod sleeve remains stationary. The piston rod sleeve defines and annulus between the piston rod and the piston rod sleeve. The pump assembly has a fluid line that leads into the annulus. The fluid line delivers coolant to the annulus. The pump assembly also includes a flow passage. The flow passage has an inlet in fluid communication with the annulus for receiving the coolant. The passage also has an outlet in fluid communication with the piston chamber for delivering the coolant.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a coalescent oil separator for removing oil from a refrigerant gas and oil mixture discharged from a compressor. Upon a pressure condition being exceeded a directional flow valve opens to allow the refrigerant gas and oil mixture to bypass the coalescent oil separator. There is included a method for servicing the coalescent oil separator without having to resort to shutting down the refrigeration system or removing the refrigerant material.

Abstract: A segmented touch screen overlies the display or displays of a console having an operating system and display controller for the display. A touch screen controller is continuously connected to each of the touch screen segments and separate touch position information is obtained for each touch screen segment. The console operating system can be supplied with separate position information for each segment or with a single touch position for combined segments. A number of docking module ports near the display optionally receive docking modules that cover segments of the touch screen and display. A module, including tactile elements such as push button switches, can be docked at any port. When a module is detected, the touch screen segment under the module is disabled and the display under the module is switched to display module specific information.

Abstract: An input/output module for implementing directions from a controller for sending and receiving signals to and from devices. The input/output module includes a microprocessor for communication with, and receiving programming from the controller. The input/output module further includes device communication connectors, each having number of pins, each pin for interconnection with a cable conductor to a device. The input/output module has an ASIC for each of the pins, providing a controlled interface with the corresponding pin. Each ASIC has interconnection apparatus, selectable by the microprocessor for providing a particular interface with the pin served by the ASIC.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for detecting and eliminating the buildup of snow and/or ice on the viewable face of an LED traffic signal lens. The circuit measures the ambient temperature within the LED signal, and when the temperature falls to a level where snow and/or ice accumulation can occur, the circuit begins looking for snow and/or ice buildup on the lens of the LED signal. An infrared LED transmits a signal which is reflected when snow or ice is present on the lens of the traffic signal. When the reflected signal is received by an infrared receiver, it sends a signal to a microcontroller, which analyzes the signal to determine if it is a valid signal. If it is, a heater is turned on until the ice and snow are removed.

Abstract: An industrial scale fire fighting nozzle and method, the nozzle having a selectively adjustable discharge gap and providing for gap coordinated, independently selectable additive proportioning ratio selection, the method including discharging fire fighting fluid at a selectively adjustable flow rate with an independently selectable, gap coordinated adjustable additive proportioning ratio, and use of reinforced high temperature polymer for at least a barrel element or a bafflehead element component.

Abstract: An apparatus to evaluate an illuminated panel comprises a camera to acquire a real-time digital color image of the illuminated panel and a stored digital color image of a standard illuminated panel. A monitor is provided to alternately display the real-time image and the stored image to detect any differences in the illuminated panel.

Abstract: A duct coupled air sampling detector housing includes a box to contain the detector. The box has a slotted sleeve adapted to receive tubular conduit having a protruding conduit tab. The conduit upon passing the protruding conduit tab through the sleeve slot is rotated such that the tab rests against a notch in the sleeve end that prevents the conduit from disengaging from the box. A conduit retainer overlies the inner end of the sleeve. A cover seals against the front face of the box to enclose the box volume containing the detector.

Abstract: A tethering system having an elongate flexible element, with a length, and an anchoring system. The anchoring system has a block defining first and second surfaces. The anchoring system further includes (a) a first anchoring assembly for bearing a first portion of the elongate flexible element against the first surface with the first anchoring assembly in a first state to maintain the first portion of the elongate flexible element substantially fixed against movement relative to the first surface, and (b) a second anchoring assembly for bearing a second portion of the elongate flexible element against the second surface. The first anchoring assembly is changeable selectively between its first state and a second state wherein the first portion of the elongate flexible element can move relative to the first surface to allow the elongate flexible element to be formed into a loop with a variable diameter.

Abstract: A flowline connection assembly connects first and second tubular members to each other. Each tubular member has an external flange on its end. A conical recess is formed in the bore at the end of each of the tubular members. A metal ring has a pair of legs extending in opposite axial directions, each of the legs having a conical outer surface that engages one of the conical recesses. Each ring has an elastomeric seal that seals the recess. A clamp has cam surfaces that engage the flanges and pull the tubular members axially toward each other.

Abstract: A thermistor is pulsed with energy, and a time constant of decay of temperature is calculated based on measured resistance of the thermistor over a number of known intervals. The time constant is representative of the mass air flow. The ambient air temperature may be found without waiting for the thermistor to reach the ambient air temperature.

Abstract: A distributed network is for use with a general purpose computer having a communications port. The network includes a master controller having first and second communications ports. The first communications port communicates with a general purpose computer. The network includes input/output controllers, having a first communications port for communicating with the master controller and a second communications port for communicating with peripheral devices. The peripheral devices are connected together in a serial daisy chain configuration. The master controller communicates with the input/output controllers via an RS-485 or Ethernet network bus. The master controller also communicates with the general purpose computer via an RS-232, USB, Ethernet, or wireless communication links. The master controller performs protocol management functions including conversion between RS-232 or Ethernet and RS-485, USB, Ethernet, or wireless protocols, error correction and detection, bus arbitration and data buffering.