Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor employs an electromagnetic device (EMD) to transduce and amplify the response of an impedance element to a physical measurand. A measurand is defined as a physical parameter being quantified by measurement. One embodiment uses a magnetic field sensor employing a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) capacitor to affect a change in the response of a SAW filter.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bearing to support a rotating shaft. The bearing includes a cylindrical housing defining a central opening. A plurality of bearing pads integrally coupled to the housing with each bearing pad having a circumferential surface defining a portion of the central opening. A plurality of pins disposed in a bore defined in the housing, with each pin aligned as a pivot for each corresponding pad. Each pad can tilt about the pin in relation to the rotating shaft. Each pad is coupled to the housing by a pair of webs defined by a plurality of cuts forming a plurality of openings in the housing substantially parallel to a line tangent with the circumferential surface of the pad. Each pin is aligned parallel with the rotating pad.

Abstract: A coating providing high abrasion and chemical resistance composed of a barrier layer from vanadium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum and the like, and an outer layer of diamond-like carbon. The coating is especially applicable for acoustic wave device (AWD) based sensors, and for passivating an electrode such as an electrode deposited on the AWD sensing area. The coating provides excellent mechanical and acoustical characteristics for coating acoustic wave devices allowing the sensor to operate in harsh environments.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a leak in a conduit line includes a housing in fluid communication with the line, a valve including a valve seat and a valve element movable relative to the seat between opened and closed positions, a bypass line around the valve, a flow detector coupled to the bypass line for detecting fluid flow therethrough, and a first mechanism configured to urge the valve element toward the closed position. The apparatus may further include a second mechanism separate from the first mechanism for maintaining the valve element in the closed position until a threshold pressure drop is reached. The first mechanism may operate on the principle of buoyancy and the second mechanism may operate on the principle of magnetism.

Abstract: An integrated package provides contactless communication through a coupling mechanism embedded in the package. Package types include Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) technology, and dual-in-line integrated circuit pressed ceramic packages generally. The package can include an acoustic wave device (AWD) sensor such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device or a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) device. Coupling includes inductive and capacitive effects through plates, loops, spirals, and coils. Coil inductance and SAW capacitance can be parallel resonant at the desired SAW resonance with the coil impedance higher than the SAW impedance, minimizing load-pull effects.

Abstract: A heavy duty slide for use in a manufacturing environment. The heavy duty slide includes a base and a rail support secured to the base. The heavy duty slide also has an inverted rail arranged on a bottom surface of the rail support. A removable bearing system is arranged on the inverted rail and a carriage plate is secured to the removable bearing system.

Abstract: A controller and method of using same are disclosed. Preferably, the controller includes a pilot cartridge housing supporting an invertible pilot cartridge assembly (“cartridge”). The cartridge preferably includes a cartridge body supporting a number of pneumatic seals adjacent the housing, wherein at least two of the seals are diaphragms. The cartridge preferably provides a first pilot activation feature and an opposing second pilot activation feature. The operating mode of the cartridge is determined by a selected orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; and preferably the method of operating the controller includes the steps of: selecting an orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; setting a span control mechanism to a neutral position relative to the housing; adjusting a float communicating with the cartridge to a neutral position; and adjusting said span control mechanism to determine a response type of said cartridge.

Abstract: A material handling system includes a support assembly, a cup assembly comprising a cup and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a post extending from the cup, and a mounting collar movably attached to the post and adjustably attached to a support arm of the support assembly. The mounting assembly may include a level indicating element for indicating an orientation of the mounting assembly. The mounting collar is adjustable relative to the support arm to establish a first or level orientation of the mounting assembly. The level indicating element provides an indication when the mounting assembly is generally at the first or level orientation, and the mounting collar is securable relative to the support arm when the mounting assembly is in the first or level orientation.

Abstract: Circularly polarized resonant structures are obtained utilizing piezoelectric resonators made of materials and orientations selected in accordance with the teaching provided herewith. Further provided are radially polarized structures. Furthermore, the utilization of such resonators and structures as sensors, for frequency control application, for signal filtering, and the like, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pin assembly including a piston pin configured to couple a piston to a connecting rod. The piston pin includes a pin body having an inner cavity and a stiffening rib positioned to resist forces applied to the pin body by a connecting rod. The assembly further includes a pair of ovalarity-resisting ribs and a pair of shear-resisting ribs. Each shear-resisting rib is axially positioned between one of the ovalarity-resisting ribs and the stiffening rib and positioned to resist shear forces applied to the pin body by a connecting rod and a piston. The assembly further includes at least one insert received in the inner cavity, wherein the at least one insert provides at least one of the stiffening rib, or at least one of the ovalarity-resisting ribs, or at least one of the shear-resisting ribs.

Abstract: A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.

Abstract: A clamp used for clamping a work piece to a fixture. The clamp includes a base for mounting to the fixture and a handle having a body portion and an arm portion. The handle includes a pivotal connection to the base. The clamp further includes a holding member and a latch. The holding member has a holding position for clamping the work piece to the fixture and a pivotal connection to the handle. The latch includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is engaged with the base for locking the holding member in the holding position and becomes disengaged from the base by moving the second end portion in a direction generally away from the arm portion of the handle. The latch has a pivotal connection to the handle.

Abstract: An electrical gripper has a housing and a solenoid plunger. A pair of jaws are movably mounted with the housing. The jaws are movable towards and away from each other. The jaws are coupled with the solenoid plunger to provide movement to the jaws. A first mechanism is associated with the solenoid plunger to lock the solenoid plunger in a first position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger. A second mechanism is associated with the solenoid plunger to lock the solenoid plunger in a second position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger. Thus, the jaws are actively locked in an open or close position when power is terminated to the solenoid plunger.

Abstract: A manipulator system having a slave tong with an input, a master handle having two outputs, and a planetary gear assembly having a sun gear, a planet gear, and a ring gear and is configured to receive the two outputs of the master handle and provide a single input to the slave tong.

Abstract: A system including a flow shaper configured to be positioned in a spout such that fuel flowing through the spout passes through the flow shaper and exits in a fuel stream. The flow shaper includes an outer wall and a plurality of cavities formed therein, each cavity having a L/D ratio. An average L/D ratio of the cavities, weighted by cross sectional area, is at least about 8:1.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle system including a spout configured to dispense fuel flowing therethrough, and a flow shaper positioned in the spout such that fuel flowing through the spout passes through the flow shaper. The flow shaper includes a central cavity and a plurality of outer cavities positioned about the central cavity. The central cavity and the plurality of outer cavities each have a L/D ratio, wherein the L/D ratio of the central cavity is less than the L/D ratio of each of the outer cavities.

Abstract: A method utilizing a vacuum cup for a material handling system including a body portion and a perimeter seal that functions to substantially seal against an object. Engaging the vacuum cup with an object to substantially seal the cup perimeter against the object. Substantially closing a relief port, via the sealing member, as the vacuum cup is engaged with the object. Transporting the object to a targeted location while the perimeter seal is substantially sealed against the object. Moving the vacuum cup in a direction generally away from the object at the targeted location. At least partially opening the relief portion to at least partially vent the cavity from the vacuum cup. Removing the vacuum cup from the object.

Abstract: A piston including a crown and a skirt extending generally axially away from the crown. The skirt includes a pair of opposed skirt panel portions and a band spaced away from the crown and extending generally around a perimeter of the piston. The piston further includes a pair of strut assemblies, each strut assembly including a pair of struts which converge in a radially outward direction. Each strut terminates at or adjacent to one of the panel portions.

Abstract: A compliant electrical contact assembly for interconnecting a lead or terminal of an integrated circuit having two cantilever beams positioned within a slot in a housing arranged such that a portion of the beams slide along a portion of one another and within the housing as the beams are deformed elastically in order to allow more travel and compliance without yielding or totally deforming the beam. The sliding action during deformation effectively multiplies the total compliance in the assembly above and beyond the compliance otherwise available to elastic compression of the cantilever beams.

Abstract: A hazardous material transfer system for the transfer of waste from a containment cell through a transfer port to a storage vessel. A port door in the containment cell is movable between a open and closed positions relative to the transfer port. The port door has a closure face with a first connector set. A storage vessel sealed by a storage vessel cover is provided for receipt of waste transferred through the port. The cover has an outside face that carries a second connector set that interlocks with the first connector set on the port door. The inside face of the vessel cover has a third connector set. A fourth connector set is located on the storage vessel and mates with the third connector set to lock and seal the cover to the vessel. The connector sets are the variety that engage and disengage upon rotational motion.