Abstract: A method and apparatus for sewing a fringe to a woven textile work piece. A method and apparatus for cutting a uniform fringe edge on woven textile material fringe. A method and apparatus for severing a woven textile work piece from a sewing machine.

Abstract: An oven temperature control circuit utilizes one or more light emitting diodes to establish a clamping voltage that limits the voltage at the input of a circuit component, such as an analog-to-digital converter, when a sensor, such as a thermistor, is connected to the input of the circuit component and the sensor is subjected to an EMI pulse. A method is provided for continued execution of a heating process after an unavoidable and unintentional interruption.

Abstract: A device for metering pressurized fluid in proportion to a supplied input signal to a solenoid provides non-proportional magnetic flux rectified by a piece-wise non-linear spring assembly. The non-linear spring assembly includes a pair of flexure springs each with four independent spring fingers. The spring fingers supply a plurality of piece-wise forces opposing movement of the armature caused by magnetic flux generated by an electromatic coil to provide a non-proportional opposing force the non-proportional force of the magnetic flux. This allows the metering valve to be moved, and thereby fluid metered, in proportion to the input signal supplied to the coil. A position transducer can be coupled the armature to provide valve position feedback to an electronic control unit for correcting deviations in the actual position of the valve.

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 smart camera system provides focused images to an operator at a host computer by processing digital images at the imaging location prior to sending them to the host computer. The smart camera has a resident digital signal processor for preprocessing digital images prior to transmitting the images to the host. The preprocessing includes image feature extraction and filtering, convolution and deconvolution methods, correction of parallax and perspective image error and image compression. Compression of the digital images in the smart camera at the imaging location permits the transmission of very high resolution color or high resolution grayscale images at real-time frame rates such as 30 frames per second over a high speed serial bus to a host computer or to any other node on the network, including any remote address on the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling refrigeration including a temperature sensor operable to measure a temperature from a refrigeration case and a transceiver in communication with the temperature sensor and operable to wirelessly transmit data. A repeater receives the wirelessly transmitted data and further wirelessly transmits the data to a receiver. A controller in communication with the receiver controls the refrigeration system based upon the wirelessly transmitted data from the refrigeration case. The refrigeration case also includes a mode switch for suspending temperature reading and control for a period of time. For example, the mode switch can be used by an operator during cleaning or maintenance of the refrigerator case. Temperature control algorithms are used by the controller, and include: dead-band range (DB), proportional/integral (PI), proportional/integral/differentiation (PID) and fuzzy-logic (FL).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing data regarding the operation of a control system. A Web server module is provided that is electrically connected to a control system controller. The Web server module contains a memory operative to store a non-markup language Web site database that completely defines a Web site for providing information regarding control system. A Web server module configuration application is also provided that receives user input to create the Web site database. The Web site database is transmitted to the Web server module from the Web site configuration application. When a request is received at the Web server module for a Web page, the Web server module utilizes the Web site database to dynamically generate the requested Web page.

Abstract: A curable composition useful for repairing worn surfaces on housings comprising an admixture of: (1) a mixture of (a) an one-component epoxy resin, (b) solvent and (c) reactive diluent, wherein said epoxy resin is present in a major amount in said mixture; (2) graphite powder; and (3) polytetrafluoroethylene powder.

Abstract: A motor controller includes: a driver stage operable to provide voltage and current to a plurality of induction motors over a single power bus; and a control unit operable to monitor the current drawn from the driver stage and cause one or more of the induction motors to operate in a regenerative mode to supply current to at least one other of the induction motors when the current drawn from the driver stage exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel metering pump for delivering fuel to rocket or jet engine having a motor driven face cam and a pair of reciprocating rolling diaphragm pump mechanisms movable through opposite suction and pump strokes. The face cam has a ramping cam surface that extends radially more than 180 degrees. This permits both pump mechanisms to be simultaneously in the pump stroke for a portion of the pump stroke so that they alternately reciprocate through the suction and pump strokes at essentially a constant velocity, thereby providing an essentially non-pulsating flow of fuel to the engine.

Abstract: A web tension transducer for mounting between a stationary fixture and a pillow block rotationally supporting a web roller shaft is provided. The transducer includes a body mounted to said fixture for pivotal movement about a single horizontal axis at one longitudinal end, and having a strain gage mounted in a transverse horizontal slot at the opposite end of said body, thus providing maximum deflection of the strain gage in response to downward force applied to the shaft for measurement of the web tension.

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: This invention provides a condiment dispensing apparatus of economically and effectively dispensing condiment by controlling condiment pump activation and opening and closing of the dispensing outlet without requiring electronic circuitry. The apparatus employs pneumatic devices to open and close the dispensing outlet and to drive the condiment pump and a mechanical mechanism to synchronize pump activation and opening and closing of the dispensing outlet. In a specific embodiment, a pneumatically driven valve is coupled to the pump for activating the pump after it is moved to at least partly open the dispensing outlet during a valve opening step and for deactivating the pump after it is moved to partly close the dispensing outlet during a valve closure step. The delay in pump activation during the valve opening step and the lead in pump deactivation during the valve closure step avoid excessive pressure buildup to ensure smooth operation of the apparatus in dispensing the condiment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Transmissions, transmission lock assemblies, methods of adjusting a gear ratio of a transmission, and methods of forming a transmission shift mechanism are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, a transmission includes a mount assembly including a mount support adapted to couple about a central axle having a central axis, and an eccentric mount defining an eccentric axis and movably coupled with the mount support allowing radial adjustment of the eccentric mount relative to the central axle intermediate a first position and a second position to adjust a gear ratio of the transmission; and wherein resultant forces are generated responsive to the eccentric axis being spaced from the central axis, and the mount support and the eccentric mount are configured to minimize effects of the resultant forces upon the eccentric mount in positions intermediate the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A position detector includes an outer tube of having a magnetostrictive wire disposed therein. An electric circuit is mounted completely within the outer tube and is electrically connected to a pickup coupled to the magnetostrictive wire. A multi-pin connector is mounted at one end of the outer tube for coupling conductors extending from the circuit in the outer tube to external conductors. In an alternative embodiment, the position detector includes a threaded adapter threadingly mountable within an end wall of a pressurized fluid operated cylinder. Conductors extend from the circuit in the outer tube through the adapter to an external connector.

Abstract: An induction motor system operable in a wet environment comprises an induction motor and an apparatus for controlling the speed of the motor. The motor is adapted to be coupled to an AC source for supplying an AC signal. The motor includes a rotor having rotor laminations. The reflected rotor resistance over reflected rotor reactance ratio of the motor is adjusted to be greater than one. The controlling apparatus includes a switching device, user controls, controller means and isolation means. The switching device is connected in series with the motor and is operative in either a high impedance state wherein significant current flow through the motor is prevented or a low impedance state wherein current flow through the motor is substantially undisturbed. The user controls provide motor speed input signals.

Abstract: A system for supplying air to first and second regions of a vehicle passenger compartment, has a first fan, a heater device, and first and second air conduits. The heater device has a first air inlet and outlet for air from the first fan and a second air inlet and outlet for recirculating air within the passenger compartment. The first and second outlets of the heater device supply air through the first and second air conduits to the first and second regions of the said vehicle.

Abstract: A hanger for an I-beam includes two brackets positioned over the lower flange of the I-beam and tied together by tie-rods. The brackets each include a base section with a mounting section at 90° thereto on one side and an engagement section at an obtuse angle on the other. A channel is formed on each bracket to accommodate an edge of the I-beam flange. The tie-rods are juxtaposed with the mounting section and also constrain the head of a bolt extending through the mounting section against rotation. The threaded shaft of the bolt provides an equipment mount for the I-beam.

Abstract: A retractable sensor assembly for use with an alarm system to prevent theft of valuable products while eliminating the problem of entangled and unsightly sensor cords is disclosed. The retractable sensor allows the user to grasp the product and pull it to a comfortable position. The invention consists of a housing, a retraction means contained in the housing, a sensor having two states, 1) secured when attached to the product and 2) unsecured when detached from the product, a multiconductor cable having a first end connected to the sensor, cooperating with the retraction means and a second end extending out of the housing, where the retraction means urges the sensor to the housing, yet allows the sensor to be pulled from the housing when an external force is exerted on the sensor, while maintaining a continuous electrical path from the first, sensor end of the cable to the second end of the cable.