Abstract: An optical linear encoder for measuring distance includes a housing with a glass bar having precision gratings; a reading head body which moves along the housing in a measuring direction; and a carriage which is coupled to the reading head body rigidly in the measuring direction while allowing for minor movements in lateral directions. The carriage includes a scanning reticle guided along the glass bar by the carriage at a constant gap from the glass bar; a photo electronic sensor array which reads variations in intensity of the collimated light passing through both scanning reticle and glass bar, and a light source and a beam forming optics, with the beam forming being performed by an off-axis reflector.

Abstract: The present application provides a thermostat configuration system comprising a first thermostat having a processor, a transceiver, a storage area and a control button, the processor genera ting configuration data for the first thermostat and the storage area for maintaining the configuration data, the transmitter for transmitting configuration data to multiple target devices, including at least one of a mobile device capable of running an application to receive the configuration data in a memory or a second thermostat wherein the control button on the first thermostat being activated and configuration data being transmitted by the transmitter to the second thermostat

Abstract: A method and power converter unit for operating a generator includes a rotatable shaft operably coupled with a source of rotational force, a rotor mounted to the rotatable shaft and having at least one rotor pole defining a rotatable direct axis, a stator encircling the rotor and having a set of stator windings, and a power output electrically coupled with the set of stator windings and operable in a power generating mode and a power absorption mode

Abstract: A general ventilation and air filtration system includes an air filtration control unit that monitors and controls an air flow through an air filter and maintains the air flow at a target velocity set point. The target velocity set point is maintained by monitoring and regulating the power of a motor powering a blower that generates an air flow though the air filtration system and through the air filter. By regulating the air flow and maintaining it in the target set point, power consumption and air filter life are significantly improved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying adhesive to a compressor liner having a longitudinal central axis. A first roller has a longitudinal central axis and has an outer circumferential surface which is immersed in adhesive in an adhesive sink. A second roller has a longitudinal central axis and is radially spaced apart from the first roller. The second roller has same outer diameter as the first roller and has an outer circumferential surface which is not immersed in adhesive in the adhesive sink. The first and second rollers cooperate to support the compressor liner for rotation about its longitudinal central axis. A drive mechanism includes a constant speed drive for rotating the first and second rollers about their longitudinal central axes at a constant rotational speed to allow a consistent weight and uniform layer of adhesive to be transferred from the first roller to the compressor liner.

Abstract: A fuel system for a vehicle is provided. The fuel system is configured to couple to a frame rail of the vehicle. A fuel system frame assembly of the fuel system is configured to couple with the frame rail directly or with another component that is coupled, directly or indirectly, with the frame rail. A cowling of the fuel system can include a fuel pressure vessel. The fuel pressure vessel configured to be placed within and supported by the fuel system frame assembly. The fuel system is configured to enhance component arrangement efficiency when mounted to a vehicle frame rail.

Abstract: A cinch strap system for securing cargo to a dolly or other type of hand truck having a first and second strap. The first strap has opposing first and second loop ends. A first loop is on the first loop end of the first strap and secures at least two rings to the first strap. A second loop is on the second loop end of the first strap. The second strap is of longer length than the first strap and includes a second strap loop on one end of the second strap. The end of the second strap opposing the second strap loop is a free end.

Abstract: A beverage making machine having a tank may be arranged to carbonate and/or chill liquid in the tank. A thermoelectric device may be thermally coupled to the tank to cool precursor liquid in the tank, and a heat pipe may transfer heat from the thermoelectric device to a heat sink. The heat sink may be located remotely from the thermoelectric device, e.g., in an air duct that helps prevent contact of moisture, dirt, etc. in the duct with the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: An automated at-the-pump method manages vehicle fuel purchases at a fuel station. The method includes transmitting driver identification data to a mobile device assigned to a vehicle driver. The driver identification data is electronically verified to confirm that the driver identification data received by the mobile device matches the assigned vehicle driver. Vehicle data is transmitted from a data bus of the vehicle to the mobile device for storage in the memory. The vehicle data and driver identification data are transmitted to a remote terminal. Using the remote terminal, the vehicle data and driver identification data are electronically authenticated. An authorization signal is then transmitted from the remote terminal to an at-the-pump fuel control terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving color accuracy and uniformity in LED illumination systems are disclosed including light engines and switching circuits for controlling the addition or subtraction of light from one or more color light sources of the light engines to produce light of a uniform and consistent color. Systems and methods of providing LED light engines and associated illumination spectrums that are both visually appealing and rich in melanopic flux are also disclosed.

Abstract: A way to analyze/visualize the options available to safely and effectively drill an oil or gas well through a pore pressure/fracture gradient (drilling) window is presented. This method has not been previously recognized or developed and switches the focus from the traditional view using a pressure gradient (mud weight or density) to a view using pressure relative to the pressure that would be supplied by the mud weight that is in the well at a static condition (the baseline). This analysis/visualization has many advantages. It is easy to integrate Managed Pressure Drilling Operations, Horizontal wells, information from logging while drilling tools and in a real-time environment allows for the impact of operational fluctuations to be readily assessed and modeled. It is also envisaged that this analysis/visualization will enable regulatory authorities to better assess the safety of well operations reinforcing their ability to influence safe and effective drilling.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices to detect perforation of the bowel, for example, resulting from surgical procedures, such as laparoscopy, diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopy, medical conditions, such as diverticulitis, and trauma. The present disclosure also relates to filtration systems and electrical connector assemblies for use in the methods and devices.

Abstract: Co-planarity adjustment systems and methods, gantries capable of applying high force without imposing moment loads to their bearings, systems and methods for achieving rapid heating and cooling and efficient slidable seal systems capable of sealing a chamber and injecting one or more fluids into the chamber as well as actively recovering portions of such fluid which have migrated into the seal itself are disclosed in the context of thermo-compression bonding systems, apparatuses and methods, although many alternative uses will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

Abstract: A lime slaker system for converting quicklime to a lime slurry includes: a lime feeder; a base slaker that includes a slaking chamber and a dilution chamber; a grit remover; and a modular water panel with a piping assembly in fluid communication with at least the base slaker and grit remover. The modular water panel is configured to independently control water distributed to the slaking compartment, the dilution chamber, and the grit remover.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamically cloning application infrastructures are provided. In one embodiment, a computer system can monitor one or more metrics pertaining to an infrastructure for an application at a first site. If the one or more metrics exceed or fall below one or more corresponding thresholds, the computer system can clone the infrastructure at a second site distinct from the first site, thereby enabling the application to be hosted at the second site.

Abstract: A multimode system for receiving data in a retail environment includes: a secure input module for receiving high security input and low security input from a customer, the high security input to be communicated by the secure input module in cipher text, and the low security input to be communicated by the secure input module in plaintext. The multimode system is adapted to operate in a high security mode and a low security mode. The multimode system is adapted to enter the low security mode upon detection by the multimode system of a security breach condition. In the high security mode, the secure input module accepts low security input and high security input. In the low security mode, the secure input module accepts the low security input and does not accept the high security input.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating port mirroring in virtual networks are provided. In one embodiment, a computer system can receive, from a user, port mirroring configuration information for enabling port mirroring within a virtual network, the port mirroring configuration information including an identity of a port to be mirrored and an address of a traffic receiver intended to receive traffic mirrored from the port. The computer system can further power-on a virtual machine (VM) within the virtual network in response to receiving the port mirroring configuration information, where the VM executes an instance of a virtual bridge. The computer system can then transmit one or more configuration commands to the virtual bridge, where the one or more configuration commands cause the virtual bridge to perform port mirroring in accordance with the port mirroring configuration information received from the user.

Abstract: A general ventilation and air filtration system includes an air filtration control unit that monitors and controls an air flow through an air filter and maintains the air flow at a target velocity set point. The target velocity set point is maintained by monitoring and regulating the power of a motor powering a blower that generates an air flow through the air filtration system and through the air filter. By regulating the air flow and maintaining it in the target set point, power consumption and air filter life are significantly improved.