Abstract: A slot milling sequence includes a plurality of material removal processes or operations. Each of the material removal operations includes utilization of an end mill tool. Some of the material removal operations utilize trochoidal tool paths, whereas other material removal processes utilize one or more profile cuts. Some material removal operations that utilize profile cuts remove material from both sides of the cut in a single pass, whereas other material removal operations remove material from one side of the cut via a first pass of the end mill tool and remove material from the opposing side of the cut via a second pass of the end mill tool.

Abstract: An infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection, comprising a grille and an infrared transmitting material. The grille comprises a network of bars with an array of apertures between the bars, the grille providing mechanical protection to the infrared transmitting lens. The infrared transmitting material is positioned, in a combination of: on one, or both sides of the grille, or within the apertures of the grille; and thus enables infrared inspection through the array of apertures of the grille and through the infrared transmitting material. A method of manufacturing an infrared transmitting lens for mounting in an aperture of a housing containing an apparatus to be subjected to infrared inspection.

Abstract: A thermal imager includes a detector, a lens, a shutter disposed between the detector and the lens, and a motor operably connected to the shutter for moving the shutter between a first and a second position. There is a source of electrical energy operably connected to one or more of the detector, lens and motor by an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit includes one or more of a capacitor, a diode, and a resistor.

Abstract: A safety system for a boat includes a base unit securable to the boat and operably connected to one or more of the boat steering, engine and throttle controls. The base unit comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader and speed measuring means. The safety system also includes a portable unit securable to a person on the boat, with the portable unit comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transmitter. The RFID reader and RFID transmitter are adapted to wirelessly communicate with one another when the portable unit is within a predetermined range of the base unit. There is also described a method of controlling a boat.

Abstract: A method of assessing the condition of a component through a thermal window, the method including storing information on a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the component or the thermal window and taking a thermal image of the component through the thermal window using a thermal imaging device. The method also including retrieving the information on the RFID tag using a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader on the thermal imaging device. Also, a thermal imaging system comprising a thermal imaging device including a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, and a thermal window having a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the thermal window. The RFID reader may be adapted to access information on the RFID tag.

Abstract: A thermal window comprising a thermally transparent window member, a window frame for receiving the thermally transparent window member, and at least one transmitter configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation with a frequency from 3 Hz to 300 GHz. The thermal window also has a cover for protecting the thermally transparent window member, wherein the cover may be mounted to the window frame by a spring loaded hinge.

Abstract: An apparatus including a detector comprising a microbolometer, and a power converter operably connected to the detector and a power source. Also a method of operating a detector in a hazardous environment, the method including the steps of providing a detector comprising a microbolometer, a power source, and a power converter operably connected to the detector and the power source; supplying power from the power source to an input of the power converter; converting the power using the power converter to produce an output power; and supplying the output power to the detector.

Abstract: A safety system for a boat includes a base unit securable to the boat and operably connected to one or more of the boat steering, engine and throttle controls. The base unit comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader and speed measuring means. The safety system also includes a portable unit securable to a person on the boat, with the portable unit comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transmitter. The RFID reader and RFID transmitter are adapted to wirelessly communicate with one another when the portable unit is within a predetermined range of the base unit. There is also described a method of controlling a boat.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes first and second cylinders adapted to contain respective first and second fluids, one being fuel and the other being a fuel additive such as a lubricant. First and second pistons in the cylinders displace the fluids through outlets and into a mixing line. The dispenser typically allows the volume of fluids displaced from each cylinder to be accurately controlled and adjusted in order to change the ratios. This is achieved by an adjustable aperture adapted to be opened and closed and optionally varied in degree of opening, typically by rotation of at least one of the components, to release fluid contained in the cylinder in front of the piston without passing the fluid into a mixing line. The adjustable aperture includes an aperture in a piston head, allowing the fluid in front of the piston to pass into or through the piston.

Abstract: A thermal imager includes a detector, a lens, a shutter disposed between the detector and the lens, and a motor operably connected to the shutter for moving the shutter between a first and a second position. There is a source of electrical energy operably connected to one or more of the detector, lens and motor by an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit includes one or more of a capacitor, a diode, and a resistor.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes first and second cylinders adapted to contain respective first and second fluids, one being fuel and the other being a fuel additive such as a lubricant. First and second pistons in the cylinders displace the fluids through outlets and into a mixing line. The dispenser typically allows the volume of fluids displaced from each cylinder to be accurately controlled and adjusted in order to change the ratios. This is achieved by an adjustable aperture adapted to be opened and closed and optionally varied in degree of opening, typically by rotation of at least one of the components, to release fluid contained in the cylinder in front of the piston without passing the fluid into a mixing line. The adjustable aperture includes an aperture in a piston head, allowing the fluid in front of the piston to pass into or through the piston.