Abstract: A clamping apparatus has a shaft (2) mounted in a housing element (1). The shaft (2) is rotated about an axis of rotation. One end of the shaft (2) is connected to a drive mechanism (3) disposed in the housing element (1). The other end of the shaft (2) is connected to an actuating element (4), in a torsion-proof manner. The shaft (2) implements a rotational and translational movement to the actuating element (4). The shaft (2) is mounted so that it can be displaced perpendicular to the axis of rotation in a guide element (5) connected to the drive mechanism (3). The guide element (5) is rotatably mounted in the housing element (1).

Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fluid including a nozzle body having a fluid path which is configured to receive fluid therein and a vapor path which is configured to receive vapor therein. The nozzle further includes a main fluid valve positioned in the fluid path to control a flow of fluid therethrough, the main fluid valve including a main fluid valve spring configured to bias the main fluid valve to one of its open or closed positions. The nozzle further has a main vapor valve positioned in the vapor path to control a flow of vapor therethrough. The main vapor valve includes a main vapor valve spring configured to bias the main vapor valve to one of its open or closed positions. At least part of the main fluid valve spring or the main vapor valve spring is positioned within the other one.

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 nozzle system including a nozzle body configured to dispense fuel through a fuel path thereof into a vehicle tank. The nozzle body includes a vapor path configured such that vapor recovered from the vehicle tank during refueling is passable therethrough. The nozzle system further includes a main vapor valve positioned in the vapor path and configured to selectively block the vapor path. The main vapor valve is movable to a position wherein the main vapor valve does not block the vapor path. The nozzle system further includes a relief valve in fluid communication with the vapor path. The relief valve is configured to open to allow ambient air to enter into the vapor path when sufficiently low pressure is present in the vapor path, and the relief valve is generally aligned with the main vapor valve.

Abstract: A chemical dispenser reads RFID tags on both chemical source and diluted chemical mixture containers. A dispensing button shifts and electric controller from low to high power state for such reading and initiation of dispensing when data read from such tags is determined compatible. A battery powers the controllers in both power states. A selector valve for selecting a chemical concentrate at one of several source stations also provides selected station information to the controller. A controller learn mode stores data from RFID tags on the concentrated chemical containers, with the controllers initiated in a high power state in response to entering the learn mode. An alternate embodiment substitutes an alternative receiving container such as a mop bucket, and a dispensing nozzle is provided with an RFID reader for reading an RFID tag on the alternative container. Methods are provided.

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 cartridge for mounting around a movable shaft is provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge features a cartridge housing, first and second rings having respective radial inner peripheries for establishing interfaces with a movable shaft, first and second pressure plates situated in the cartridge housing between the first and second rings, and a biasing member urging the first and second pressure plates towards the first and second rings, respectively. According to a second exemplary embodiment, the cartridge features a cartridge housing, a ring having a radial inner periphery for establishing an interface with a movable shaft, a pressure plate situated in the cartridge housing between the protruding portion and the ring, and a biasing member urging the pressure plate towards the ring. The cartridges of both embodiments may be designed to permit removal of the ring(s) from the cartridge housing without requiring removal of either the pressure plate (s) or the biasing member(s).

Abstract: An electric gripper has a housing with a motor. A gearhead is coupled with the motor. A controller is electrically coupled with the motor to control the gripper via the motor. A compliance device is coupled with the motor. The compliance device absorbs impact energy created by the device. A drive mechanism is coupled with the compliance device and with a jaw movable on the housing. Fingers are coupled with the jaw that opens and closes to grip a part.

Abstract: A system and methods including a direct ramp measurement method and a free running oscillator method is used to measure electrical properties of a material in contact with a sensor. Digital control of signal generation and switching cover a wider measurement range, but still maintain the relaxation oscillator running in an optimal frequency range. A variable amplitude voltage generator and independently controlled switching levels depend on measurement range and voltage generator level.

Abstract: A suction cup assembly has a housing with an actuator in the housing. A flexible cup is coupled with the housing. The actuator movement causes the flexible cup to move between at least two positions. In a first position, the flexible cup moves into an increased volume position. In a second position, the flexible cup moves into at least a neutral volume position. In the increased volume position, the flexible cup seals with a surface. In the neutral volume position, the flexible cup releases from the surface.

Abstract: A spring contact assembly having a first plunger with a tail portion having a flat contact surface and a second plunger having a tail portion with a flat contact surface wherein the flat contact surfaces are overlapping and are surrounded by an external compression spring such that the sliding engagement of the flat surfaces increases during compression of the spring.

Abstract: A wireless sensor device, system and method includes a handle/antenna component and probe shaft sensor. A spiralpole loop antenna interfaces with a probe shaft comprising electrical connection to a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor device for wireless temperature sensing. Applications include monitoring the internal temperature of the contents of ovens.

Abstract: A fluid handling swivel joint and fluid conveyance equipment incorporating the same includes a first flanged portion, a tail portion that form a conduit. The fluid handling swivel joint also includes a body secured to the first flanged portion and at least partially surrounding the tail portion, where the body and the tail portion form a raceway. The fluid handling swivel joint further includes a primary seal positioned between the first flanged portion and the tail portion, and a secondary seal positioned between the first flanged portion and the tail portion and radially outward of the primary seal. The fluid handling swivel joint also includes a first environmental seal and a second environmental seal positioned two contact two of the first flanged portion, the tail portion, and the body to form an isolated volume around the plurality of roller elements.

Abstract: A gripper has a frame with a plurality of guide rods secured to the frame. At least one jaw is slidably secured with the plurality of guide rods. The at least one jaw includes a housing surrounding a portion of at least one of the guide rods. A locking device is positioned in the jaw housing. The locking device is adjacent the at least one guide rod. The locking device removably applies a force onto the at least one guide rod. The locking device locks the jaw in position when the force is applied and enables the jaw to slide on the guide rods when the force is removed.

Abstract: Arrays of resonator sensors include an active wafer array comprising a plurality of active wafers, a first end cap array coupled to a first side of the active wafer array, and a second end cap array coupled to a second side of the active wafer array. Thickness shear mode resonator sensors may include an active wafer coupled to a first end cap and a second end cap. Methods of forming a plurality of resonator sensors include forming a plurality of active wafer locations and separating the active wafer locations to form a plurality of discrete resonator sensors. Thickness shear mode resonator sensors may be produced by such methods.

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 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: 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 mechanism configured to urge the valve element toward the closed position and to maintain the valve element in the closed position until a threshold pressure drop is reached. The mechanism may operate on the principle of magnetism.

Abstract: A method for improved handling of a blended fuel includes obtaining a sample of the blended fuel from a storage tank; cooling the same until the sample separates into phases; and determining a risk that the fuel in the storage tank will separate based on the cooling step. An apparatus for assessing the risk of phase separation of a blended fuel includes a test cavity for holding a sample of the blended fuel from a storage tank; a heat transfer device for cooling the sample in the test cavity; and at least one sensor for indicating when the sample in the test cavity has separated into phases.

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.