Abstract: Digitized images of the propagated waveforms returned by Time-Domain (TD) sensors reveal the effects of bound water in soil samples, causing errors in the volumetric water content reported for samples due to soil type. Pattern analysis yields not only correct volumetric water content values but also the soil type from which the waveform was taken. Collection and analysis of waveforms from soils having precisely known properties yield computer-generated algorithms to improve the accuracy and number of reporting variables for integrated TD sensors. These algorithms can be deployed in the Cloud for external analysis, or can be incorporated within the sensor to report highly accurate readings of water content, conductivity and soil type under all conditions of these variables with no interpretive burden placed on the user of the sensor. Machine learning algorithms are intended to externally augment data measured by these sensors, or can be added to similar sensors.

Abstract: A cable cutter (10) for an aircraft (27) comprises an electrically-conducting body (12) configured to be mounted on an aircraft (27) and to cut a cable and an electrically-conducting auxiliary member (38) attached to, and electrically isolated from, the body (12). The body (12) and auxiliary member (38) are configured to together form an antenna. A method of manufacturing an antenna for an aircraft comprises the steps of providing a cable cutter (10) for an aircraft, the cable cutter comprising an electrically-conducting body (12) configured to be mounted on an aircraft (27) and to cut a cable; providing an electrically conducting auxiliary member (38) and attaching it to the body (12) so as to be electrically isolated from the body (12); and providing an antenna connector (42) and connecting the terminals thereof to the body (12) and auxiliary member (38) respectively.

Abstract: A simulation support method includes generating an operation interface used to convert a subject model to a model for parallel computation, in which a plurality of subsystem models are connected to each other, wherein the plurality of subsystem models correspond to a plurality of processes in one step, and the processes repeatedly run in parallel in a cluster computer; inserting dummy blocks in the subject model, when an instruction for converting the subject model to the model for parallel computation is provided through the operation interface, wherein the dummy blocks are used to synchronize the data in the processes, which are transmitted between the processes that run in parallel; and editing a simulation program for parallel computation, based on the model for parallel computation, wherein the simulation program for parallel computation is used to generate the processes that run in parallel in the cluster computer.

Abstract: The described apparatus and methods use Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to determine the absolute volumetric moisture content of various media. The effects of dispersion caused by conductive and dielectric properties of the medium on the waveform are extrapolated by detecting the bulk propagation time and the slope of the distorted transition of the characteristic reflected waveform. Fast transitions are injected by a differential step function generator into a two-conductor waveguide, which is immersed in soil or other medium of interest. Unlike previous single-ended TDR systems, a differential digitizer senses the probes. Timing control between the two digitizers is critical. Use of an integrated fully differential system eliminates the need for a coaxial cable and an associated balancing transformer, or balun. This enables a two-conductor probe that is more easily inserted into soil, rather than requiring three conductors.

Abstract: This is to provide a computing method of motor model, a motor simulation method and a motor simulation apparatus in which high-speed real-time simulation is made feasible while saving computer resources. A motor model is formulated, motor model which uses a motor model of alternate-current motor which virtually includes the inverse matrix of an inductance matrix L(?), which is a predetermined function whose variable is a rotary angle ?, and, in the computation of this motor model, the value, which is obtained by computing a matrix ?(?) which is equal to the inverse matrix of the inductance matrix L(?), is used as the value of the inverse matrix of the inductance matrix L(?).

Abstract: A motorized and manual clutch of curtain track, set on a curtain track, the curtain track is provided with a belt which is driven by motor and carrier hook parts which are used to hang curtain. The motorized and manual clutch is composed of a clutch body module and a clutch bar module, the clutch body module and said clutch bar module are detachably connected. A gap is provided on the belt, the clutch body module is set in the gap, connected with the belt and moved with the belt. The clutch bar module is set under the clutch body module connected with the carrier hook parts and moves the carrier hook parts. The application of the new practical motorized and manual clutch of curtain track solves the operation problem when power cut or breakdown motor or electrical circuit. It further improves the practical value of motorized curtain track.

Abstract: An absolute moisture sensor is coupled to a controller circuit with the combination being integrated into a single device as a moisture-activated switch. The resultant switch is coupled in series with a power control line of a moisture-controlling device and can be placed within the medium for which moisture is to be controlled. In one typical use, the switch is buried in soil for control of valves that supply irrigation water. Since the moisture sensor is selected to provide an absolute reading of moisture, the switch programs itself when power from an external source is first applied. A communication protocol provides for readout of sensor values and allows for a remote reset of the controller.

Abstract: A corkscrew comprising a body and a handle, the body including a socket adapted to receive the neck of a bottle sealed by a cork, an actuation lever, an axially rotatable worm spiral mounted on a carriage within the body and arranged to rotate and penetrate the cork as the lever is lowered, the spiral being further arranged to cease rotation as the lever is raised to withdraw the cork from the bottle, the corkscrew being further arranged to discharge the cork from the screw by lowering and raising the lever after the neck of the bottle has been removed from the socket.

Abstract: The fuel cell system is provided which detects a freeze among specific components and portions thereof by evaluating various conditions upon starting operation of the fuel cell system. If a freeze is detected through those evaluations, the start of the system is prohibited in order to prevent some deterioration in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A combination of frequency and time division multiplexed signals communicates using bursts of higher frequency sinusoidal waves superimposed upon the alternating current in a two-wire power distribution network. A synchronization pattern precedes data, all bursts having the same frequency to overcome problems caused by varying reactances, and all bursts being confined within negative half-cycles of the AC power. Such networks minimize the amount of wire needed to connect large numbers of devices to a common controller while covering large distances, and requiring no particular connection pattern or terminations, whether near the surface, above ground, or in deep earth wells. In an irrigation system they accommodate at once solenoid valves and distributed environmental sensors. Landscape changes that would otherwise require new wiring to accommodate new irrigation zones are facilitated by merely tapping into the two-wire communications lines at the nearest accessible point.

Abstract: A corkscrew comprising a body and a handle, the body including a socket adapted to receive the neck of a bottle sealed by a cork, an actuation lever, an axially rotatable worm spiral mounted on a carriage within the body and arranged to rotate and penetrate the cork as the lever is lowered, the spiral being further arranged to cease rotation as the lever is raised to withdraw the cork from the bottle, the corkscrew being further arranged to discharge the cork from the screw by lowering and raising the lever after the neck of the bottle has been removed from the socket.

Abstract: A corkscrew comprising a body and a handle, the body including a socket adapted to receive the neck of a bottle sealed by a cork, an actuation lever, an axially rotatable worm spiral mounted on a carriage within the body and arranged to rotate and penetrate the cork as the lever is lowered, the spiral being further arranged to cease rotation as the lever is raised to withdraw the cork from the bottle, the corkscrew being further arranged to discharge the cork from the screw by lowering and raising the lever after the neck of the bottle has been removed from the socket.

Abstract: Narrow pulses transmitted wirelessly from a transmitting antenna to a receiving antenna are used to measure the electrical permittivity of the medium of interest between the two antennas. Timing signals are transmitted along a shielded transmission line coincident with the wireless transmission through the medium. The received waveform is digitized in the time domain and analyzed to determine the propagation time. The effects of dispersion caused by the conductive and dielectric properties of the medium on the transmitted waveform are overcome through analysis of the digitized waveform, resulting in an accurate measurement of the propagation time and thus the permittivity of the medium, from which volumetric moisture content may be derived.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for detecting volumetric moisture content and conductivity in various media based on a time-domain reflectometry (TDR) system wherein successive fast transitions are injected into a transmission line immersed in a medium of interest, and a characteristic received waveform is digitized and analyzed by continuously sampling multiple received waveforms at short time intervals. One method transmits a timing signal along a shielded transmission line while a coincident signal is transmitted through the medium of interest. Another method propagates the waveform along a transmission line, that may be either shorted or open-ended, and observes a reflected, rather than transmitted, waveform with a receiver connected to the same end of the transmission line as the transmitter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting volumetric moisture content and conductivity in various media based on the time-domain reflectometry (TDR) system disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 09/945528. As in patent application Ser. No. 09/945528, successive square waves are generated and transmitted on a transmission line through a medium of interest, and a characteristic received waveform is digitized and analyzed by continuously sampling multiple received waveforms at short time intervals. Unlike the former system, the system in this disclosure does not propagate the waveform along a transmission line to a receiver at the other end of the line, but uses a reflected wave approach in which the waveform propagates down a shorted or open ended transmission line and reflects back to a receiver connected to the same end of the line as the transmitter. The effects of dispersion caused by the conductive and dielectric properties of the medium on the waveform sent on the transmission line are extrapolated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting volumetric moisture content and conductivity in various media based on the time-domain reflectometry (TDR) system disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 09/945,528. As in patent application Ser. No. 09/945,528, successive square waves are generated and transmitted on a transmission line through a medium of interest, and a characteristic received waveform is analyzed by continuously sampling multiple received waveforms at short time intervals. Unlike the former system, the system in this disclosure does not house the transmitting and receiving circuitry on the same circuit board, but uses a bistatic approach to separate transmitting and receiving modules. A timing signal is coincidentally sent with the transmitted waveform along a separate shielded transmission line. The effects of dispersion caused by the conductive and dielectric properties of the medium on the waveform sent on the unshielded transmission line are extrapolated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for detecting volumetric moisture content and conductivity in various media based on a time-domain reflectometry (TDR) system wherein successive fast transitions are injected into a transmission line immersed in a medium of interest, and a characteristic received waveform is digitized and analyzed by continuously sampling multiple received waveforms at short time intervals. One method transmits a timing signal along a shielded transmission line while a coincident signal is transmitted through the medium of interest. Another method propagates the waveform along a transmission line, that may be either shorted or open-ended, and observes a reflected, rather than transmitted, waveform with a receiver connected to the same end of the transmission line as the transmitter.