Abstract: A method and apparatus for refrigeration system control is provided. The refrigeration system includes a plurality of circuits with each circuit having at least one refrigeration case. An electronic evaporator pressure regulator is in communication with each circuit and is operable to control the temperature of the corresponding circuit. A plurality of compressors are also provided with each compressor forming a part of a compressor rack. A pressure sensor is used for measuring the suction pressure of the compressor rack. A sensor is in communication with each circuit and is operable to measure a parameter from each circuit. A controller controls each electronic evaporator pressure regulator and the suction pressure based upon the measured parameters from each circuit.

Abstract: Arrangements and associated methods are described for providing an isolated electrically conductive path in a system in which a boring tool is moved through the ground in a region. The system includes a drill rig and a drill string which is connected between a boring tool, or other in-ground device, and the drill. The drill string is made up of a plurality of electrically conductive drill pipe sections, each of which includes a section length and all of which are configured for removable attachment with one another to facilitate the extension and retraction of the drill string by one section length at a time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixed orifice expansion device for use in connection with couplings, such as refrigerant couplings. The novel device includes a body having first and second ends, and an orifice therethrough. At least one end of the body includes a sealing mechanism for sealing the device within a bore of a cooperative coupling or the like, while the opposing end includes means for installing the body within the cooperative coupling. By use of the disclosed expansion device, a service valve for refrigerant expansion may be accomplished with three standard ARI fittings.

Abstract: A universal wiring harness that is capable of providing electrical connections to the various electrical components contained within a variety of vehicular automatic transmissions includes a plurality of electrical conductors that are supported on a relatively rigid support bracket that is shaped in accordance with the basic structure of the transmission such that the electrical conductors are generally directed toward the locations of the various electrical components. The electrical conductors are preferably covered with an electrical insulator that is formed from polytetraflouoroethylene because it provides enhanced resistance to degradation from chemical exposure, heat, penetration (such as from abrasion or cutting), and color fading. A plurality of terminals and connectors are connected to the ends of the electrical conductors so as to facilitate the connections to the various electrical components of the electronic control system.

Abstract: A gaseous alternative fuels vehicle has a vehicle body with an engine and a gas fuel tank. A gaseous fuel supply system establishes gas communication between the engine and the gas fuel tank. The gaseous fuel supply system includes a valve having a valve body with a housing having a first unvalved port and a second unvalved port. A through-flow channel extends between the first unvalved port and the second unvalved port. The through-flow channel provides continuous gaseous communication between the first unvalved port and the second unvalved port. A valved port is in gaseous communication with the gas fuel tank, and a valving channel extends between the valved port and the through-flow channel. The valving channel provides valved gaseous communication between the valved port and the through-flow channel. A flow controller has a valve element within the valving channel at a valve location.

Abstract: A rotary device, such as a downhole motor, with a rotary wave seal assembly. The seal assembly is formed by a sinuous or non-linear circumferential gland or groove and an annular seal member, such as an O-ring, supported in the groove. The device further includes at least one thrust bearing assembly for transmitting axial pressure from the bearing housing to the drive shaft. Each thrust bearing comprises a self-lubricating thrust washer as the bearing element. Still further, where the rotary device comprises two coaxial tubular structures that are not to rotate relative to each other, an anti-rotation means is provided. The anti-rotation means includes a cylindrical pin received in mating longitudinal, radiused grooves in the outer wall of the innermost elongate member and the inner wall of the outermost tubular member. The anti-rotation means includes a cylindrical pin received in the mating longitudinal grooves.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for indicating the instantaneous position of a movable member along a range of motion with respect to a reference position. The apparatus includes a magnetic body that is fixedly attached to the movable member. The body has a contoured surface to control the shape of a magnetic field relative to position, and further includes at least two magnetic field sensors. Each of the sensors is disposed adjacent to the contoured surface of the magnetic body and fixed with respect to the reference position, and is positioned apart from the other sensors, so as to form a non-uniform gap between the contoured surface and each of the magnetic field sensors. Each of the sensors produces a position dependent signal corresponding to a value of the magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a decoding circuit electrically coupled to each of the magnetic field sensors so as to receive each of the position dependent signals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing cooling capacity in a rotary vane compressor in such a way that the power requirement to drive the rotor is reduced to the same extent (or close to) as capacity is reduced. An economizer port operating in economizing and unloading cycles is located in the compression region at a point after the compression chamber has been closed for the compression and at a point where sufficient both unloading (reducing) and economizing (increasing) capacities are provided. A valve is associated with the economizer port, the valve body being formed from a part of the stator body. A seat of the valve in the closed position is shaped to be contiguous with the wall portion of the stator. In an opened position the valve provides conmumnication between the compression chamber and an external portion of the economizer port.

Abstract: An air bearing slide assembly including a carriage having a plurality of planar slide faces containing integrally mounted porous carbon air bearings, the carriage being movable over a slide ram. The slide faces of the carriage being mated to opposing planar slide surfaces on the slide ram, wherein compressed air expelled from the air bearings creates a hydrostatic fluid film between the slide ram and the air bearings, thereby separating and supporting the carriage for longitudinal movement over the slide ram.

Abstract: A variable support mechanism includes a plurality of pneumatic bladders and an electronic control system for controlling the inflation and deflation thereof. Each of the bladders communicates through a valve with a common manifold. The operations of the valves are individually controlled by a microprocessor. A pressure sensor communicates with the manifold and generates electrical signals that are representative of the magnitude of the fluid pressure in the manifold to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is also connected to a vent valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and the atmosphere. The microprocessor is further connected to a pressure valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and a pump. Initially, the magnitude of the pressure in each of the bladders is sampled, measured, and stored by the electronic control system.

Abstract: An air bearing slide assembly including a carriage having a plurality of planar slide faces containing integrally mounted porous carbon air bearings, the carriage being movable over a slide ram. The slide faces of the carriage being mated to opposing planar slide surfaces on the slide ram, wherein compressed air expelled from the air bearings creates a hydrostatic fluid film between the slide ram and the air bearings, thereby separating and supporting the carriage for longitudinal movement over the slide ram.

Abstract: A variable support mechanism includes a plurality of pneumatic bladders and an electronic control system for controlling the inflation and deflation thereof. Each of the bladders communicates through a valve with a common manifold. The operations of the valves are individually controlled by a microprocessor. A pressure sensor communicates with the manifold and generates electrical signals that are representative of the magnitude of the fluid pressure in the manifold to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is also connected to a vent valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and the atmosphere. The microprocessor is further connected to a pressure valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and a pump. Initially, the magnitude of the pressure in each of the bladders is sampled, measured, and stored by the electronic control system.

Abstract: A movable prosthetic limb includes a drive linkage which is configured to move the prosthetic limb. An ultrasonic drive motor is coupled to the drive linkage and powers the drive linkage. The ultrasonic motor is non-backdrivable and has high torque at low speeds. Specifically, a prosthetic limb uses an ultrasonic motor to drive an elbow joint or prosthetic fingers. A movable prosthetic wrist includes a base configured to be coupled to an amputee. An ultrasonic drive motor is attached to the base, and a hand piece is attached to the ultrasonic drive motor to form a wrist joint. In this configuration, the ultrasonic drive motor directly moves the wrist joint. A harmonic drive can also be used for gear reduction in the wrist joint.

Abstract: A method for regeneration of particulate filters or traps in the context of a hybrid electric vehicle includes the step of measuring the back pressure of the filter, and adjusting the engine parameters when the back pressure exceeds a particular value to increase the exhaust temperature, to aid in regeneration. In one mode, the engine speed and engine load are both reset toward particular target values. In another version in which the engine load includes an energy storage device such as a battery, increasing the load includes the step of increasing the battery charge level setpoint. Additionally, for those situations in which the battery cannot accept more charge, a power-dissipating resistor is coupled to an electric source to increase the load. In yet another version, the use of the electrical resistor is made dependent upon the temperature of the filter during regeneration.

Abstract: A voice input system has a microphone coupled to a computing device, with the computing device typically operating a computer software application. A user speaks voice commands into the microphone, with the computing device operating a voice command module that interprets the voice command and causes the graphical or non-graphical application to be commanded and controlled consistent with the use of a physical mouse. In one form of the invention, voice commands are overlayed on normal command points of the application program. Such voice commands are stored in a separate voice command repository, with an edit mode provided to create new voice command sequences and to edit existing voice command sequences.

Abstract: A grip device for an artificial or prosthetic arm, including at least two opposable digits and a drive linkage powered by a drive motor. When the drive motor is powered it enables the two opposable digits to grip. The drive linkage includes a drive and transmission attached to the drive motor. A backlock is connected to the drive and transmission. Surrounding the backlock is a backlock housing which contains the drive, selected transmission elements, and a backlock. A stop element is also included for holding the backlock housing fixed with respect to ground. The stop element can be released to allow the backlock housing to move freely and to avoid power transmission without disrupting the operating structure of the transmission.

Abstract: A flasher circuit for switching incandescent lamps with field effect transistor switches is described for use on a school bus. A current sensing resistor develops an actual load current signal and a current limiting circuit which generates a signal corresponding to a predetermined limit value of load current. A control circuit turns off the field effect transistor when the actual value of load current exceeds the predetermined value. A micro controller holds the reference voltage at a higher level during the inrush current interval and switches it to a lower level during the steady state current.

Abstract: A system is described in which a boring tool is moved through the ground in a region using a drill rig and associated drill string to move the boring tool in a forward direction or in a reverse direction, respectively, through the ground. The boring tool is configured for transmitting a locating signal through the ground. A locating configuration within the system includes a first arrangement for sending a data signal from the boring tool to the drill rig through the drill string. A locator, as part of the system, is configured for tracking an underground position of the boring tool using the locating signal while a second arrangement, at least partly at the drill rig and forming at least a portion of tile locator, transmits the data signal from the drill string to the locator for use by the locator.

Abstract: An electrical connector for providing an electrical connection with a mating connector for control of a vehicle transmission is disclosed. The mating connector has electrical terminals. The electrical connector includes a shank, a hollow receptacle, and terminals. The hollow receptacle is at the end of the shank for receiving the shaft of a mating electrical connector. The terminals are positioned within the hollow receptacle for providing electrical contact with the terminals of a mating electrical connector. The receptacle has a first side with a first slot extending substantially across the width of the first side so that the receptacle can interlock with any one of a number of mating male connectors. The receptacle has a second side having a second slot extending substantially across the width of the second side so that the receptacle can interlock with any one of a number of mating connectors.

Abstract: Simultaneous slicing and washing of relatively firm raw vegetable or fruit products is accomplished in a vat of water into which a slicer apparatus is positioned such that the slices are formed and discharge directly into the water. An inclined takeout conveyor serves to receive the slices and remove them from the water. A circulating water current and fluid jets urge the slices to disperse onto the conveyor. A spray of water or air blast removes residual vegetable matter from the slice surfaces before leaving the takeout conveyor for further processing. Slicing and washing a vegetable in a flume volute where the slices are dispersed onto a takeout conveyor is disclosed where the water medium is collected in a tub and recycled back to flow in the flume to a level that covers the slicer's operative parts. The apparatus may be used for simultaneous slicing and cooking of raw vegetables where hot cooking oil is maintained in the system and recycled for reheating.