Abstract: Provided is an auxiliary power module removably connectable to a mobile platform, such as a municipal vehicle having a prime mover mounted thereon for powering the auxiliary power module. The auxiliary power module includes at least one auxiliary power module, such as a generator, at least one hydraulic motor mechanically connected to the generator for driving the generator, and a fluid connector fluidly connected to the hydraulic motor and configured to mate with a coupler to fluidly connect the hydraulic motor to a hydraulic pump on the mobile platform. When the auxiliary power module is connected to the municipal vehicle, the existing vehicle hydraulic circuit may be used with the auxiliary power module to provide output power from the generator during emergency and disaster situations.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel quantity gauging system is described. The method includes utilizing redundant sensor sets at separate locations within a fuel tank to measure properties of the fuel mixture within the fuel tank, inputting the measured properties into a fuel regression equation, a separate fuel regression equation for each sensor set location, solving the multiple fuel regression equations to determine a slope and intercept and define a fuel regression curve for the fuel mixture, and utilizing the defined fuel regression curve to calculate at least a quantity of fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: An actuator system (14) comprising a valve assembly (40) having an inner spool (50), an outer spool (60), and a sleeve (70). An assembly (80) directly drives the inner spool (50) to move it relative to the outer spool (60), and thereby hydromechanically causes the outer spool (60) to move relative to the sleeve (70). A control assembly (90) provides current input to the drive assembly (80), which converts current input into mechanical motion. The control assembly (90) senses the position of the inner spool (50) and regulates current in accordance with the sensed position.

Abstract: An enclosure (100) comprising a wall structure (110) defining a container space (112) and electronic devices (114) contained within this space (112). The wall structure (110) includes an entrance for providing an operative fluid (e.g., a heat-transfer fluid) into the container space (112) and an exit for draining the operative fluid therefrom. The wall structure (110) includes an inducement chamber that, when a motive fluid is introduced through an inlet (120), produces a differential pressure that induces the operative fluid in the container space (112) to flow through the exit to an outlet (122). The wall structure (110) can be at least partially constructed from a stack (400) of plates having openings and grooves forming the inlet, the outlet, the entrance, the exit, the fluid circuits, and the chambers.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor for determining a fluid level within a container, includes a transducer for generating sonic or ultrasonic waves and a wave guide. The wave guide has a first end operatively coupled to the transducer and a second end for immersion into the fluid, the second end spaced a predetermined distance from the first end, wherein a gap is formed between the first end and the second end. The sensor can be used to measure a fluid level using both an impedance mismatch signal and a fluid conductance signal.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the position of at least one field producing element (e.g., a magnet) without a direct electrical or physical connection between the field producing element and one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the output from an array of sensors (e.g., Hall Effect sensors) is curve fit using an algorithm having a characteristic bell curve (e.g., curve fit tracking algorithm, center of gravity algorithm, etc.) to determine at least one of an absolute or relative position associated with the field producing element and/or a property associated with the field producing element (e.g., magnetic flux). Another embodiment is directed to detecting errors in one or more of the sensors and excluding the output of the faulty sensors in determining the position associated with the field producing element.

Abstract: A fluid coupling includes various features. One feature is a disconnect tool that may expand a lock ring from engagement with a lock shoulder to permit the male half and female half to be separated. Another feature is to utilize geometry and structure whereby a leak would occur to indicate the condition of wear within the coupling while the coupling halves remain mechanically coupled. A further feature is to provide connection verification structure to assure that a complete connection of the male and female halves has been made. A still further feature is to provide an anti-rotational sleeve which would selectively prevent and permit relative rotation between the male half and the female half.

Abstract: At least one bypass assembly for use in a heating-refrigeration system having a distributor body with a first and second orifice, an inner chamber and a plurality of fluid passages integrated within, and a conduit connected to the distributor body. The conduit has a first end that connects with a component in the heating-refrigeration system, a second end that connects to the first orifice of the distributor body and a third end connected to the second orifice of the distributor body. A metering device is integrated into the conduit. The second orifice of the distributor body has a valve seat integrated therewithin and the conduit has at least one inwardly projecting indentation located in close proximity to the third end of the conduit. A ball is positioned between the valve seat and the inwardly projecting indentations for reciprocating movement therebetween.

Abstract: A quick disconnect female coupler comprises, inter alia, a wiper seal retained in a radially opening annular groove and including at its rear side an annular recess that allows rearward rolling of the wiper seal in the annular groove when the wiper seal is subjected to a surge of high pressure fluid from the main cavity to the back side of the piston, whereby the wiper seal moves out of the way of the high pressure fluid surge to avoid being forced out of the annular groove; a tubular spacer in the female housing bore the forms therewith an outer flow passage and which serves as a guide for an axially movable valve body, the spacer having an annular land and a rear end post press-fitted in the housing bore and a housing counterbore, respectively, for retaining and aligning the spacer in the housing; a poppet valve provided with orifices in an angled shoulder thereof for avoiding interference with flow previously caused by coil springs used to bias the poppet valve; and an annular protection shield which perfo