Abstract: A signal separator and bandpass filter that use plates with posts. The signal separator uses two bandpass filters to separate two signals of different carrier frequencies from one another. The bandpass filters each have a transmission line with the metallic plates disposed along its length. The number of plates and the distances between adjacent plates determine the bandwidth and the rejection capability of the filter.

Abstract: Interface circuitry for linking an automobile diagnostic scanner to the electronic control unit of an automobile. The disclosed circuitry provides a lower cost, reduced board space solution for an universal scan tool interface circuitry.

Abstract: A system for processing sensed vehicle data includes a sensor for sensing data related to at least one characteristic of a passing vehicle and a host unit that receives sensed data from the sensor. The sensor and the host unit are integrated into a single housing. The host stores data and communicates with peripheral devices and/or with a central processing facility.

Abstract: A apparatus for determining the rotational speed of an object or an assembly. The apparatus includes a device that emits a light as well as detect the light reflected from the measured object. A reflective surface is attached to the object to enable it to reflect the light from the device. The device is connected to an analyzer that reads the detected signal and display the results.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool communicates with a plurality of motor vehicle control units and implements at least two different communication protocols within a single motor vehicle. The diagnostic tool includes a processor and a field programmable gate array. The processor executes diagnostic routines and thereby provides messages to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units. The field programmable gate array provides a selectable multiple protocol interface that is coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor. The selectable multiple protocol interface converts processor messages into a format that is readable by the selected motor vehicle control unit and converts received control unit information into a format that is readable by the processor.

Abstract: An adjustable steady bearing support assembly and method provides support for a bearing in rotational contact with a shaft in a vessel such as a mixing vessel. The assembly and method allows axial movement of the bearing along the shaft in response to changes in the radial dimensions of the vessel while providing radial support of the bearing. The assembly employs strut assemblies having pivotally mounted strut pairs with an included angle between the struts in each pair to resist torsional forces on the bearing.

Abstract: An improved flexible support for a steady bearing in rotational contact with the surface of a shaft allows the bearing and housing to substantially track the contact surface of an impeller shaft when the shaft is subject to elastic deflection during operation. The flexible support employs a flexible disc pack, which is comprised of a plurality of thin, flexible disc elements in a stacked arrangement. The disc pack is mounted to a support ring and is also mounted to the bearing housing such that the bearing housing and other bearing elements are capable of deflection to substantially align with the axis of the impeller shaft when the shaft deflects.

Abstract: An extensible handle includes an elongated inner member and an elongated outer member. The outer member is hollow and telescopically receives the inner member. The inner member includes a section having an expanded width, and the outer member includes a restriction so that when the section having expanded width contacts the restriction, the inner member is prevented from fully passing through the outer member. The extendability of the handle allows the handle to be used with vehicle part jacks and other applications where handles of varying lengths are desired.

Abstract: A push button assembly for a portable electronic apparatus includes an upper surface having a translucent portion, a stem positioned substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and an actuating switch. The switch is located within the interior of the electronic apparatus and is positioned to be actuated by the stem when the upper surface is pressed by a user. A spring maintains the upper surface in a relaxed position when the spring is undepressed. At least one light source is positioned within the electronic apparatus such that emissions from the light source extend through the translucent portion of the upper surface when the light source is actuated. The push button assembly may also include at least three ribs positioned along the stem. Each rib has a locking rib sized and positioned to engage at least one link of the spring so that the spring may remain attached to the stem during assembly of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A rotary control valve includes a flow control element having a lower valve shaft rotatably received in a non-magnetic body portion. A magnet is coupled with a lower valve shaft and rotatable therewith to produce an external magnetic field that varies in accordance with the angular position of the flow control element. A magnetic field detector, positioned in the external magnetic field, is operable to detect the external magnetic field and to produce position signals representative thereof, such being indicative of the angular position of the flow control element.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital signal conversion system includes two analog-to-digital converters having equal inherent frequencies. The analog-to-digital converters share common input channels, and the output of each analog-to-digital converter is directed to a multiplexer that is arranged on a programmable logic device. The converters alternate in the sampling of analog signals, thus delivering digital signals to the multiplexer at a higher speed than either analog-to-digital converter could do on an individual basis. The multiplexer delivers the digital signals to slots of a memory mailbox, where the slots correspond to the input channels of each converter.

Abstract: A vehicle analysis system includes a system analyzer, such as an engine analyzer, having probes that gather data from vehicle parameters such as engine components. The data is converted into digital signals, which are processed into display data and stored in a computer memory. A controller converts the display data into packets that may be transmitted across a communications network to a remote computer using transmission control protocol/Internet protocol.

Abstract: Handheld electronic instrument for diagnosing the operating condition of a vehicle. The instrument is capable of performing the basic functions of a multimeter as well as able to test at least one system of a vehicle. This reduces the need for additional equipment that a technician must use and increases the efficiency and profitability of the technician. The instrument has a microprocessor, a memory storage for a computer program controlling the microprocessor and for other information, a display screen, a plurality of buttons, a rotary switch capable of being rotated by one finger of the operator of the instrument. The instrument has at least two display screens selections for monitoring and diagnosing a system of the vehicle, and each display screen has at least one operating mode for monitoring and diagnosing a function of the system, and the display screen selections are capable of being selected by the rotary switch.

Abstract: An impeller for use in a mixing apparatus having a rotating shaft has at least one longitudinal member extending substantially radially from the shaft; and a plurality of individual impeller segments each having a bore therethrough. The segments are stacked together with the longitudinal member extending through said bores. The longitudinal member may be an at least partially threaded rod or may be a beam. A method of assembling an impeller for use in a mixing apparatus having a rotating shaft employs the steps of stacking a plurality of individual impeller segments onto a longitudinal member that extends substantially radially from the shaft; and fastening the stacked impeller segments onto the longitudinal member to retain the impeller segments on the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing keypad and shock absorbing gasket for use in connection with a portable computing device.

Abstract: A plug for covering an opening of an electronic device includes at least two elongated members and at least one tab. The elongated members are sized and positioned to substantially fill or cover two or more openings of an electronic device. Preferably, the plug also includes two gripping wings to facilitate insertion of the plug into the openings and removal of the plug from the openings.

Abstract: An antenna driving circuit for connecting an antenna to two transmitters is disclosed. The antenna driving circuit includes a hybrid combiner that has two isolated inputs. The hybrid is configured so that when a first signal is input to the first input, substantially one half of the energy of the first signal is output at the first output and the first signal is phase shifted by about −90 degrees at the first output. Substantially one half of the energy of the first signal is output at the second output and the first signal is phase shifted by about 0 degrees at the second output. When a second signal is input to the second input, substantially one half of the energy of the second signal is output at the second output and the second signal is phase shifted by about −90 degrees at the second output. Substantially one half of the energy of the second signal is output at the first output and the second signal is phase shifted by about 0 degrees at the first output.