Abstract: A microprocessor based interengageable engine generator set control device that provides bi-directional communication and control via a common J1939 protocol of electronic engine control units. Such engine control units provide critical engine information and control using manufacturers proprietarycodes that are readable by the interface engine controller. Engine commands are issued by programmable software and operational input in response to information received and analyzed thereby.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method involving a voltage selectable alarm sensor for operably mounting an anti-theft device to an article being monitored. The voltage selectable alarm sensor comprises a sensor housing, a detector switch having at least first and second alternative positions to indicate that an alarm event is occurring, an electrical cord for providing power to the alarm sensor which power is then directed to the article being monitored through connection to a power output port on the sensor. The voltage emanating from the power output port and directed to the article may be varied by a voltage selection switch positioned on the sensor.

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.

Abstract: A theatrical luminaire for entertainment and architectural applications includes a lamp socket accessible from the exterior of the luminaire housing. A lamp includes a base, a bulb on one side of the base and a handle on the other side. The handle is grasped to insert the lamp into the socket. When the base is mounted in the socket, the bulb extends through the socket into the luminaire and the handle remains accessible at the exterior of the luminaire. The lamp is mounted with a one-handed push and turn motion, and contacts on wings of the base engage socket contacts as the lamp is turned to its final position. The socket is mounted on a support that is adjustable relative to the luminaire housing to preserve the correct lamp positioning when the lamp is replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus to substantially minimize low-cycle fatigue of at least one electrical connection between a first component and a second component includes at least one thermoelectric device to thermally contact at least the first component and includes at least one sensor that is coupled to at least one of the first component or the second component. A controller is provided and coupled to the at least one thermoelectric device and to the at least one sensor. The controller controls operation of the thermoelectric device to substantially minimize low-cycle fatigue by transferring heat from at least the first component in response to signals from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A wavelength detector is described. The wavelength detector directs an incoming optical signal into two paths, at least one of which varies with wavelength of the optical signal. The light in the two paths is detected by a photodetector and the output electrical signals are log amplified. The log amplified signals are applied to a difference amplifier whose output is indicative of the wavelength of the incident optical signal.

Abstract: A rotating machine including a rotating shaft: a plurality of conductive rotor bars spaced from the rotating shaft and fixed to the rotating shaft through at least one intermediate member, where at least one of the plurality of conductive rotor bars have at least one first internal conduit; and a circulator for establishing a coolant circulation through the first internal conduit.

Abstract: A mounting method and a mounting apparatus to enable the level mounting of a first article to a second article. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for mounting a first article to a second article to permit the level mounting of the first article comprises a bracket for fixed attachment to the second article, the bracket configured to receive the first article. The bracket has a level built into it, such that the bracket is installed such that the first article when mounted to said bracket is level.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fluid dispenser for dispensing landscape maintenance fluids or the like which contain products such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The fluid dispenser injects the fluids directly into the mainstream of an irrigation system. The dispensing system operates by shunting a portion of the main irrigation water stream through a bypass to the dispenser containing the product to be dispensed. The water dilutes the product to be applied, and is injected back into the main irrigation stream by the back pressure of the irrigation system. When the irrigation is completed, the fluid flow in the main irrigation stream is reduced or terminated and the pressure drops. After the pressure drops, the fluid ceases to be diverted to the container, and the main irrigation stream drains.

Abstract: An apparatus for shutting off power to a gate motor is disclosed when the gate to which the gate motor is connected is opened or closed manually. In a preferred embodiment a sensor is activated that immediately shuts off power to the gate motor upon insertion of a crank into a receptacle on a pulley of the power driven gate movement system to commence manual opening or closing of the gate with the crank. Rotation of the crank in the appropriate direction either opens or closes the gate. Power is restored to the gate motor when the sensor determines that the crank has been withdrawn from the pulley.

Abstract: A position sensor comprises a substrate having an array of pressure sensors and a membrane overlying the substrate. The membrane includes physical parameters which vary with position. The membrane may include discontinuous regions and protrusions which affect the way in which forces on the membrane are distributed to the substrate. A pressure sensor may also include a controller for receiving pressure information from the substrate, with a signal processor being programmed to localize the depressed region or regions of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of scrubbing SOx, NOx compounds and other air toxins from a flue gas stream. In the method, two distinct unit operations are amalgamated to scrub SOx, NOx and other air toxins compounds from a flue gas stream. More specifically, there is a dry scrubbing operation and a wet scrubbing operation. The dry injection scrubbing operation involves contacting a flue gas stream containing SOx and NOx compounds with a sorbent for removing substantially all of the SOx and NOx compounds present in the stream. The second wet scrubbing operation involves contacting the stream to remove any residual SOx, NOx compounds, and other air toxins remaining in the stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a security gate, is disclosed which may comprise a driving member connected to the security gate and adapted to move the security gate from a first position to a second position, responsive to operation of the driving mechanism; a position detection device associated with the operating mechanism and adapted to determine a first distance of the driving mechanism from a first reference point and a second distance of the driving mechanism from a second reference point, and to determine the position of the security gate based upon the relation between the first distance and the second distance. The apparatus and method may have the first reference point being the position of the position detector and the second reference point being at a preselected distance from the position detector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low-friction coating composition, comprising: about 10 to about 30 wt % of an epoxy resin composition consisting essentially of 4-glycidyloxy-N,N′-diglycidylaniline; about 30 to about 60 wt % of an epoxide resin composition consisting essentially of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether polymer; and about 20 to about 40 wt % of an aromatic amine composition consisting essentially of 4,4′-sulfonyldianiline; wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the low-friction coating composition, and wherein the low-friction coating composition is substantially free of chromate. The invention is also directed to a substrate coated with the above low-friction coating composition, and methods of coating a substrate with the low-friction coating composition.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting an electric motor, which is adapted to drive an endless belt at a predetermined tension, to a stationary frame, includes a housing that is adapted to receive the motor. A drive shaft extends from the front end of the housing and is adapted to drive the belt. An elongated base mount is integrally formed on the outside surface of the housing and extends from the front of the housing for pivotally coupling the housing to the stationary frame. The base mount has a first end and a second end, and a bore which extends longitudinally at least partially through the base mount from the first end and the second end of the base mount. A substantially rigid tab is fixedly attached to the cylindrical housing at a substantially opposite side from the base mount. The tension on the belt is set by applying a biasing force on the tab to pivot the motor about the axis of the base mount.

Abstract: A self contained multiple dimming channel package includes a housing with a main power circuit board supported on its bottom wall and a control circuit board extending laterally and vertically to baffle air flow through the housing. A cross flow cooling fan forces air through an opening in the control board and across power switching modules and toroidal chokes mounted to the main board. Each power switching module includes a heat sink with fins parallel to the air flow, and the chokes are mounted in rows with their central openings aligned with the air flow. The power switching modules include circuits attached to the heat sinks with terminals releasably plugged into mating connectors on the main board. Circuit breaker switches are snapped into place in the housing. The front corners of the housing are provided with integral mounting bracket and handle members.

Abstract: An arrangement, and an associated system, in which an actuator is utilized to move a flap. Within the arrangement, an actuator conveys motive force from a motor to cause movement of the flap relative to a supporting structure. A tube of the arrangement is operatively connected to the actuator and movable relative to the support structure in response to motive force conveyed by the actuator. The tube is for operative connection to the flap and is for moving of the flap. The actuator is located radially within an envelope of the tube. Within the system, a controller controls the motor.

Abstract: A method of constructing a section of an elongated dike comprises the following steps: First, an uninflated tube is positioned along an axis. Second, a strap is positioned at a first end along a second axis. Third, the strap is disposed subjacent to the first tube. The portion of the strap extending from the first tube defines a free portion of the strap. Fourth, the first tube is inflated with liquid. Fifth, a second tube is positioned parallel to and along side the first tube, opposite the first end of the strap. Sixth, the free portion of the strap Is disposed over the top of, down and subjacent the second tube and disposed over the top of the first tube. Seventh, the free portion of the strap is loosely coupled with a first buckle. Eighth, the second tube is inflated. Finally, the strap is tightened to secure the tubes together.

Abstract: An electrical safety monitor (20) includes a housing (50) with a display face (70) and a securing section (54) that connects with an electrical panel (62). Electrical circuitry (30) is contained in the housing (50). The electrical circuitry (30) communicates with electrical lines (L1, L2, L3, GND) of the panel (62), and defines high impedance electrical paths between pairs of electrical lines (L1, L2, L3, GND). Each high impedance path includes a positive light emitting diode (D1, D2, D3, D4) arranged to draw current from a line carrying a positive electrical energy potential and a negative light emitting diode (D5, D6, D7, D8) arranged to draw current from a line carrying a negative electrical energy potential relative to the positive electrical energy potential. The positive and negative light emitting diodes are disposed on the display face (70) of the housing (50). Each light emitting diode produces light responsive to current flow in a high impedance path that includes the light emitting diode.

Abstract: Computer software for and a method of calculating ring-wedge data from a digital image by performing a discrete Fourier transform of the digital image. A discrete autocorrelation, discrete cosine transform, and/or Hadamard transform is also preferably performed, together with providing the results to a neural network (most preferably a fully connected, three-layer, feed-forward neural network with sigmoidal activation functions) to perform pattern recognition on the data.

Abstract: An inexpensive semi enclosed alternator provides high power prolonged operation in environments having particle contamination in the ambient atmosphere. An alternator housing has front and rear housing portions, and a drive shaft carrying a rotor assembly is within the housing. A drive shaft extension from the housing holds a fan assembly. The rear housing portion has cylindrical sidewalls joined to a closed end portion 27 and forms an air sealed cavity except for an open end facing the front housing portion. The front housing portion comprises cylindrical sidewalls, having through-openings therein, which terminate in a first end opening 31, facing rear housing open end 28, and a substantially open second end opening 30 facing the fan assembly and the ambient atmosphere. Preferably rotor and stator assemblies, and rectifying diodes, are positioned within the housing substantially between the through openings and the closed end portion of the rear housing.