Abstract: An apparatus and method for a multi-axis wheel transducer are disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises a wheel transducer for measuring the loads and moments acting on a vehicle wheel. Tubular load cells positioned in a radial fashion around the perimeter of the transducer hub join the rim and hub. Loads and moments acting on the rim of the wheel are transferred through the spoke-like load cells to the hub of the wheel. Sensors strategically positioned around the circumference of the tubular load cell monitor the intensity of the loads and moments. To detect angular position of the wheel, a light source generates a cone of polarized light to flood the wheel of the vehicle and detector-polarizing filter pairs detect an angle of the polarization relative to the wheel to determine its angular position. The transducer hub computer processes the sensor data and transfers the information via infrared signal to a computer located in the fender of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for filling a plurality of vials, and for securing respective caps on each vial securely mounting a plurality of caps on, and filing with a substance, a plurality of vials. A guidance apparatus is provided that has a guide member with a T-shaped track mounted thereon and an traverse carriage having a T-shaped channel formed therein. The traverse carriage further includes two opposingly spaced and offset apertures for receiving the substance therethrough. The two opposingly spaced and offset apertures are each in axial alignment with one of the plurality of vials at the set points as the traverse carriage is slid along the guide member for filing two of the plurality of vials at each of the set points with the substance. A capping apparatus is also included that has two opposingly spaced side walls, and a track mounted between the base and side walls for slidably receiving the plurality of vials.

Abstract: A multi-axis force platform for determining forces and moments exerted on the platform along x, y and z axes includes at least one multi-axis spring. The multi-axis spring includes a block of rigid material through which a pattern of slots pass through to form a series of deflectable beams separated from each other by the slots. The deflectable beams surround an interior region of the spring and elastically couple the interior region of the spring to an outer region of the spring such that the interior region can deflect relative to the outer region along x, y and z axes when subjected to a load. One or more magnetic sensors are positioned within the interior region of the spring for sensing loads exerted on the spring.

Abstract: An engine-driven heat pump system is disclosed in which the waste heat from the engine is used to only heat the water contained in a water heater. Space heating may be then provided by circulating the water through an air-handling unit. In order to simplify the operation, the engine's coolant is circulated through a tube surrounding the heater's storage tank. Any risk of contamination to the potable water supply is removed by venting the region surrounding the coolant-to-water heat exchanger. This is achieved by assuring that a surrounding insulation layer does not form a seal over the heat exchanger and by using a non-setting thermally conductive paste between the tube and tank.

Abstract: An optical sensor grating in a fiber-optic experiences a measurable parameter, such as strain, pressure and/or temperature. A passive nonuniform optical grating receives a light signal reflected by the optical sensor grating and spread out by a lens. A photodiode array behind the passive nonuniform optical grating senses a light intensity distribution of the reflected light signal. A microprocessor employs a simple peak detection algorithm to detect a maximum or minimum intensity of the reflected light signal at the photodiode array, and correlates the location of the maximum or minimum intensity to the measurable parameter experienced by the optical sensor grating.

Abstract: A control system for a magnetic bearing includes a sensor which generates an output representative of the relative shaft position. The signal from the sensor is processed by an integrator and offset adjustment block and a difference amplifier to subtract the processed sensor signal from a reference voltage. The difference signal result is fed to a bias control circuit including voltage dividers which generates a voltage which is received by coil current power amplifiers for both the upper and lower magnetic coils. Coil currents are then generated to stabilize the magnetic bearing.

Abstract: The invention is an actively controlled radial magnetic bearing using inexpensive and rugged search coils as sensors instead of costly and delicate displacement or position sensors. It involves a feedback control scheme totally different from the conventional PID control algorithm. It comprises a velocity estimator with search coil signals as input, a velocity feedback controller with high-frequency gain and phase modification for the purpose of controlling flexible rotors, a self-starter automating the levitation, and a unique design and tuning method of analysis.

Abstract: This invention involves a balanced single stage linear compressor with an oil-filled cavity to equalize pressure on the diaphragm. The oil-filled cavity further includes a volume compensating gas chamber and a passive balancer. A balance mass is attached to the bellows and is supported by a fluid film bearing. The balance mass is arranged so that the oil displaced by the piston acts on the mass and displaces the mass in a direction opposite to that of the piston thereby balancing the apparatus.

Abstract: A heat pump system for heating and cooling including a vapor compressor driven by a heat engine in which the refrigerant is isolated from a space being conditioned, by a two-pipe loop that, in a heating mode transfers both refrigeration derived heat and heat rejected by the heat engine in an efficient serial manner. The system circuitry includes a counterflow heat transfer fluid to air heat exchanger and a heat transfer fluid to potable water heater exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a multi-axis wheel transducer are disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises a wheel transducer for measuring the loads and moments acting on a vehicle wheel. Tubular load cells positioned in a radial fashion around the perimeter of the transducer hub join the rim and hub. Loads and moments acting on the rim of the wheel are transferred through the spoke-like load cells to the hub of the wheel. Sensors strategically positioned around the circumference of the tubular load cell monitor the intensity of the loads and moments. To detect angular position of the wheel, a light source generates a cone of polarized light to flood the wheel of the vehicle and detector-polarizing filter pairs detect an angle of the polarization relative to the wheel to determine its angular position. The transducer hub computer processes the sensor data and transfers the information via infrared signal to a computer located in the fender of the vehicle.

Abstract: Diesel fuel is vaporized and then burned on a cylindrical screen flame holder. The fuel is vaporized in a finned, vertical tube vapor generator and directed through a superheater tube past the flame to a flow control valve and nozzle. A flow restriction is provided between a liquid fuel supply and the vapor generator. The flame holder is vertically supported over a mixer and the nozzle. A flame deflector about the flame holder and a reservoir about the nozzle collect fuel condensate during start-up.

Abstract: An optical slip ring for acting as an interface between rotary member and a stationary detector includes a source for generating a light beam directed at a sensor on the rotary member and an optical fiber transmitting said beam to the sensor. The sensor generates in response a sensor signal indicative of a physical parameter of interest. This sensor signal is transmitted through the fiber to an output lens for pick up by a stationary detector.

Abstract: The apparatus and method includes the heating of an inert gas stream, such as nitrogen or inert gas with a low oxygen content, to remove volatile organic compounds from an adsorption bed. The inert gas is then cooled by an evaporator to precipitate or condense the volatile organic compounds into a sump. Gas sensors sense the various volatile organic compound gas concentrations at the inlet and discharge of the evaporator and send signals representative of the concentrations to a signal processor and control logic module. The signal processor and control logic module selectively opens and closes valves which lead from the sump to various containers thereby separating various volatile organic compounds into selected containers. Further, the signal processor and control logic module can generate process control signals to vary the operation of the heating of the gas stream, the cooling of the gas stream, and the circulation of the gas stream.

Abstract: A multi-axis force platform for determining forces and moments exerted on the platform along x, y and z axes includes at least one multi-axis spring. The multi-axis spring includes a block of rigid material through which a pattern of slots pass through to form a series of deflectable beams separated from each other by the slots. The deflectable beams surround an interior region of the spring and elastically couple the interior region of the spring to an outer region of the spring such that the interior region can deflect relative to the outer region along x, y and z axes when subjected to a load. One or more magnetic sensors are positioned within the interior region of the spring for sensing loads exerted on the spring.

Abstract: A device for measuring displacement and force comprises two masses of material linked together by a parallel beam linkage which permits displacement of one mass relative to the other in a single direction. The displacement or force input to be measured is applied to one of the masses in the allowable direction. The displacement of the masses with respect to each other is sensed by a sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor attached to one of the masses positioned between two magnets attached to the other mass. Movement of one mass relative to the other changes the magnetic field around the Hall effect sensor. The change is sensed by the Hall effect sensor.

Abstract: A bolt torque and tension transducer for determining torque and tension on a bolt includes a pair of nested concentric sensing elements. The inner sensing element measures tension on a bolt as well as the thread torque required to tighten the nut on the bolt. The outer sensing element measures the applied torque to the bolt.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a stationary spirally or concentrically wound heat exchanger core with rotating baffles on upper and lower ends thereof. The rotating baffles include rotating inlets and outlets which are in communication with respective fixed inlets and outlets via annuli. The rotation of the baffles causes a concurrent rotation of the temperature distribution within the stationary exchanger core, thereby preventing frost build-up in some applications and preventing the formation of hot spots in other applications.

Abstract: Supercurrent bearings make use of high temperature superconducting coils to support a loaded rotor against radial or thrust loads. One such bearing is an electrodynamic bearing in which superconducting coils are used on both the stator and the rotor to develop a repulsive force. Current is induced in the rotor coils by current supplied to stator coil. Another bearing is an active magnetic bearing in which both superconducting and non-superconducting coils are used on the stator, while the rotor has a laminated secondary to develop attractive forces. The superconducting coils are used for biasing or static loads while the standard (non-superconducting) coils are used for balancing dynamic loads. The high current density of superconductors translates to higher load capacity, smaller bearing size and a lighter bearing.

Abstract: The apparatus is a low-temperature solar to electric power conversion system. A solar collector directs solar insolation to a cavity receiver which heats primary thermal transport fluid to approximately 700.degree. F. An auxiliary fossil or biomass heater may be used to replace or supplement the solar-powered cavity receiver. The primary thermal transport fluid is provided to a Stirling engine which provides electric power and hot water heated to approximately 160.degree. F.

Abstract: Diesel fuel is vaporized and then burned on a cylindrical screen flame holder. The fuel is vaporized in a finned, vertical tube vapor generator and directed through a superheater tube past the flame to a flow control valve and nozzle. A flow restriction is provided between a liquid fuel supply and the vapor generator. The flame holder is vertically supported over a mixer and the nozzle. A flame deflector about the flame holder and a reservoir about the nozzle collect fuel condensate during start-up.