Abstract: A system and method of controlling a compressor rack having a plurality of variable capacity components is provided. A variable capacity component is selected from the plurality of variable capacity components as a designated variable capacity component. The designated variable capacity component is operated by varying a capacity of the designated variable capacity component. Each variable capacity component of the plurality of variable capacity components, except for the designated variable capacity component, is operated at a fixed capacity corresponding to one of a maximum and a minimum capacity of the variable capacity component.

Abstract: An air duct outlet includes a housing having a front wall with an opening therein through which air flows. A louver assembly is operably coupled with the housing and includes a first set of louvers pivotally secured within the housing, and a second set of louvers pivotally secured within the housing. A joystick is remotely positioned relative to the front wall opening away from the front wall opening. The joystick is operably coupled with the first and second sets of louvers and is configured to pivot the first and second sets of louvers in response to user movement thereof. The joystick is connected to the first set of louvers via a shaft and is connected to the second set of louvers via multiple interconnected linkages. The linkages are configured to allow the joystick to move the first set of louvers without moving the second set of louvers.

Abstract: A fluid control valve utilizes a rotatable plug valve member mounted in a fluid passage to control the flow of fluids. Two segments are placed on each side of the plug valve member within a recess located between the plug valve member and the body of the fluid passage. The outer surface of the segments includes an elastomeric seal and metal annular boss, which acts as a stop to limit deformation of the seal when the valve is closed and under pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods of a transducer having a plastic matching layer. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are transducers comprising a housing (having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal volume, the housing configured to couple to a spoolpiece of an ultrasonic meter), a plastic matching layer that has an external surface and an internal surface (the plastic matching layer seals to and occludes the distal end of the housing), and a transducer element abutting the internal surface of the plastic matching layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector that provides secure and convenient connection to a product container. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing fluid flow connection to a container opening of a container comprises a connector including a proximal end, a distal end, a flow passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and at least one side opening extending from an external surface of the connector to the flow passageway, the side opening being disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The connector is configured to be inserted into the container opening and to be movable between a closed position and an open position. The side opening is blocked by an internal surface of the container opening in the closed position. The side opening is at least partially open to an interior of the container to permit fluid flow between the interior of the container and the flow passageway of the connector in the open position.

Abstract: A high differential pressure, low torque precision temperature control valve is disclosed herein. This valve is trunnionated with stem components that are separable from the plug for ease of maintenance and manufacturability and thus reducing the need to remove the entire plug and sealing assemblies in the field. Field repair of stem sealing devices can be accomplished inline. The stem design can be smaller in diameter with smaller bearing surfaces than would be anticipated creating a lower requirement of torque to rotationally transposition the plug within the fluid chamber while under high pressure. This valve's lower trunnionated stem is stationery reducing the problems associated with o-ring failure and leakage problems with objects that rotate. Due to the design of the orifices in the plug, this valve is capable of repeatability at lower opening ranges than prior art valves and reduces jetting, caviation and erosion often associated with lower opening ranges.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a flexible cord into a wrapped configuration around a reel. The apparatus has a housing and a reel that is movable around a first axis relative to the housing. The apparatus further includes a spring system through which a rotational force is exerted on the reel tending to rotate the reel around the first axis to thereby cause a flexible cord associated with the reel, that is drawn away from the housing by turning of the reel in one direction around the first axis, to be wrapped around the reel by turning of the reel oppositely to the one direction around the first axis. The spring system permits a user to selectively vary at least one of a) the nature and b) the magnitude of the rotational force exerted on the reel.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an uncertainty value. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a device in fluid communication with a conduit, and a flow computer electrically coupled to the device. The flow computer is configured to generate a flow value based on parametric data, and the flow computer is configured to generate an uncertainty value of the flow value based on the parametric data and on an accuracy value received from the device.

Abstract: A back-up safety apparatus and method that enables the driver of a large vehicle with inherent rear blind spots to receive signals, to proceed or stop, based on changing safe or unsafe conditions. A spotter who monitors the vehicle's progress from a safe and remote vantage point in the rear, uses a hand held wireless transmitter to signal the driver. The transmitter also provides a deadman style safety switch for the benefit of the spotter that will automatically signal the driver to stop if the spotter becomes disabled, falls or drops the transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method of grip force feedback for use with a prosthetic device is provided in the present invention. The system can include a prosthetic hand having a plurality of digits for use with the prosthetic device. A force sensor can be provided to produce a force signal and the force sensor is configured to be associated with the plurality of digits for the prosthetic hand. In addition, a force feedback controller can receive the force signal from the force sensor. A force feedback actuator is also in communication with the force feedback controller. The force feedback actuator can provide feedback vibrations to a user of the prosthetic device.

Abstract: A heave compensation system to enable the transfer of tubulars between a floating platform and a snubbing jack. The heave compensation system includes a first end connected to the floating platform and a second end in connection with a traveling slip assembly of the snubbing jack, the heave compensation system is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. When the heave compensation system is in the disengaged position the traveling slip assembly moves separate and independent from the movement of the floating platform, and when the heave compensation system is in the engaged position the traveling slip assembly is locked in a constant position relative to the floating platform.

Abstract: A blower is formed with multiple sets of rotatable rings of blades coupled to each other. Multiple inlet rings are correspondingly coupled to the multiple sets of rotatable rings of blades. In one embodiment, the blades may be forward facing blades and include a volute to accomplish pressure recovery. In further embodiments, the blades are backward facing. Such backward facing blades are designed to provide a static pressure rise. In some embodiment, three or more rings of blades with corresponding inlet rings are utilized.

Abstract: Capping head assemblies that are useful for applying pre-threaded closures onto containers with improved sensitivity. The novel features of the devices are a simple and novel means of adjusting the torque in a magnetic clutch assembly. In addition, the advantage of preventing contamination by water and other liquids during the filling and capping of liquid containers, and further, have the capability of being greased without having to disassemble the device. In addition, these can be accomplished without changing the capability of being able to read the adjustment scales on the outside surface of the magnetic clutch assembly and the adjustment scales on the outside surface of the upper spring assembly for adjusting the tension in the spring.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to management of status information from a plurality of external medical devices, such as AEDs. A system may include one or more medical devices associated with one or more docking stations. The medical devices and docking stations may communicate with one another and with a remote unit. A medical device or a docking station in the system may acquire status information and may communicate the status information to the remote unit, which may serve as a central point for collecting and aggregating status information pertaining to medical devices and docking stations in the system. The remote unit may present the status information to a person via an input/output device, may maintain a status log for the devices in the system, and may interrogate the devices in the system for status information.

Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.

Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.

Abstract: A link and sensor assembly includes a first rod, a second rod received telescopingly within the first rod, a force sensor attached between the rods and a motion limiter. The force sensor has a longitudinal range of motion. The limiter limits longitudinal motion between the rods to the range of motion and limits angular motion between the rods.

Abstract: An illuminated bar gun, having a first housing portion; a second housing portion dimensioned to connect with the first housing portion and form a unitary body; a recess formed in one or both of the first and second housing portions; and an illumination source fitted within the recess. The present invention also provides an illuminated beverage dispensing handle, having a first portion and a second portion; cavities formed in the first portion and a recess formed in said second portion; and an illumination source fitted inside the cavity, the recess, or both.

Abstract: A modular fitting for use with a commercially-available fluid or pneumatic switch, such as solenoid valves. The modular fittings disclosed can be aggregated to form a resulting modular fitting assembly according to the number of fluid circuits desired. The modular fittings include one or more coupling features that provide the ability to couple adjacent modular fittings.