Abstract: A method of using a magnetic fluid clutch for torque measurement comprises steps of modulating electric current through a coil of the magnetic fluid clutch to maintain a steady-state quasi-solid phase of a magnetic fluid medium contained within the magnetic fluid clutch when the magnetic fluid clutch is clutched to transmit torque from a torque input end of the clutch to a torque output end of the clutch, thereby ensuring that the torque output end rotates in response to the rotation of the torque input end without relative rotational slippage therebetween; and measuring a deflection value associated with the magnetic fluid clutch. The clutch is thereby used as a combined torque measurement and clutch apparatus.

Abstract: A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired.

Abstract: A concave fire-rated industrial door for use in underground transportation systems includes a door panel mounted to a doorframe by pivot points. An extremely effective noncombustible seal member is interjected between door frame and door panel, and along perimeter of door panel comprised of an intumescent gasket being aided by a flexible outer sleeve housing a resilient ceramic fiber blanket along top. The door panel is latched to the doorframe by a door closure aided by a latching device that ensures that the seal integrity is maintained in the event of a fire. This door is also blast resistant. This door comes in 2 sizes.

Abstract: A glucose measuring system includes a glucose meter that incorporates wireless communication capabilities. The meter can advantageously be a low cost meter by eliminating expensive components, such as the display. The user nevertheless is able to retrieve and view his or her glucose values by referring to displays within the glucose measuring local area network. Feedback via these displays can advantageously be used by the diabetic to create a higher level of confidence and safety.

Abstract: A method of using a magnetic fluid clutch for torque measurement comprises steps of modulating electric current through a coil of the magnetic fluid clutch to maintain a steady-state quasi-solid phase of a magnetic fluid medium contained within the magnetic fluid clutch when the magnetic fluid clutch is clutched to transmit torque from a torque input end of the clutch to a torque output end of the clutch, thereby ensuring that the torque output end rotates in response to the rotation of the torque input end without relative rotational slippage therebetween; and measuring a deflection value associated with the magnetic fluid clutch. The clutch is thereby used as a combined torque measurement and clutch apparatus.

Abstract: A method for gas turbine engine off-load starting includes using a starter connected to a rotor of a gas turbine engine to start the gas turbine engine while terminating or reducing torque transmission from the starter to accessory devices until a gas turbine engine starting cycle is completed and the gas turbine engine is operating under a self-sustaining condition.

Abstract: A method for gas turbine engine off-load starting includes using a starter connected to a rotor of a gas turbine engine to start the gas turbine engine while terminating or reducing torque transmission from the starter to accessory devices until a gas turbine engine starting cycle is completed and the gas turbine engine is operating under a self-sustaining condition.

Abstract: A fire retarding device for covering a hot casing is disclosed. The device includes a member adapted to cover at least a portion of the hot casing and consists at least in part of a porous flame arresting matrix having a plurality of substantially interconnected voids defined therein. The voids have a maximum size which is predetermined to limit flame propagation of an ignited fluid across said voids. One possible construction for the matrix is one or more intermingled metal filaments arranged in a blanket-like form.

Abstract: A method of using a magnetic fluid clutch for torque measurement comprises steps of modulating electric current through a coil of the magnetic fluid clutch to maintain a steady-state quasi-solid phase of a magnetic fluid medium contained within the magnetic fluid clutch when the magnetic fluid clutch is clutched to transmit torque from a torque input end of the clutch to a torque output end of the clutch, thereby ensuring that the torque output end rotates in response to the rotation of the torque input end without relative rotational slippage therebetween; and measuring a deflection value associated with the magnetic fluid clutch. The clutch is thereby used as a combined torque measurement and clutch apparatus.

Abstract: A shift control mechanism for manually shifting an automatic transmission includes a housing having a shift control pattern The shift control pattern has a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion for manually shifting the transmission. The shift control mechanism additionally includes a shift lever manually movable along the shift control pattern for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings and for manually shifting the transmission. A switch is provided which is actuated by moving the shift lever in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal portion in the transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift or downshift the automatic transmission. A centering mechanism centers the shift lever within the transverse portion.

Abstract: A shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission includes a housing having a shift control pattern with a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings, a shift lever which is manually movable along the shift control portion for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting the manual transmission operating settings, and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving the shift lever to a first position in the transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in the transverse portion opposite the first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission.

Abstract: An electronic gear display for an electronically-controlled automatic transmission system having an automatic transmission, a shift lever mechanism, a transmission controller interconnecting the automatic transmission and the shift lever mechanism, a body controller, and a communication bus interconnecting the transmission controller and the body controller includes a first set of indicators connected to the body controller to indicate that the shift lever mechanism is in an automatic mode of operation of the automatic transmission, and a second set of indicators connected to the body controller to indicate that the shift lever mechanism is in a manual mode of operation of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission includes a housing having a shift control pattern with a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings, shift lever structure being manually moved along the shift control portion for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting the manual transmission operating settings, and a switch assembly actuated by moving the shift lever structure in a first direction in the transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and a second direction in the transverse portion opposite the first direction to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A method of logging data relative to the operation of a transport refrigeration unit, during each trip of the transport refrigeration unit, with the transport refrigeration unit including control means and non-volatile memory means. The method includes the steps of monitoring a plurality of predetermined variables of the transport refrigeration unit to provide data, and selecting those variables of the plurality of monitored variables whose data is to be logged in the memory means during a trip of the transport refrigeration unit. The method further includes the steps of dividing the non-volatile memory means into at least first and second data segments for storing data from the selected variables, storing an address pointer in the first data segment which points to an address in the second data segment, for each trip of the transport refrigeration unit, and storing data from the selected variables in the second data segment, during each trip of the transport refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A floor mounted shift control mechanism for a vehicle wherein adjustment of each of the cables from the transmission and the key cylinder can be made inside the vehicle within the shift control mechanism. The shift control mechanism also includes provisions for locking the shift lever in its Park position when the key cylinder is in its Lock or Accessory positions; and for preventing the ignition key from being removed from the key cylinder unless the shift lever is in its Park position. There are also included provisions for requiring a high force to override the Locked-in Park condition, while operationally subjecting the cable from the key cylinder to reduced loads; and for an assured detent feeling for the driver while shifting through the various shift positions.

Abstract: A shift control lever assembly for use with a transmission shift control mechanism, wherein the assembly includes a palm abutting knob housing an actuating assembly secured to an operating button extending from an end of the palm abutting knob. A push rod extends downwardly from the latter for actuating the shift control mechanism. A ramp is formed on the actuating assembly, and a ball is rotatably mounted at the top end of the push rod for cooperation with the ramp to urge the push rod downwardly upon manual depression of the operating button.

Abstract: The present system performs linear transformations on input probabilities and produces outputs which indicate the likelihood of one or more events. The transformation performed is a product of linear transforms such as P.sub.o =[A.sub.j P.sub.j +B.sub.j ].multidot.[A.sub.k P.sub.k +B.sub.k ] where P.sub.j and P.sub.k are input probabilities, P.sub.o is an output event probability and A.sub.j, B.sub.j, A.sub.k and B.sub.k are transformation constants. The system includes a basic processing unit or computational unit which performs a probabilistic gate operation to convert two input probability signals into one output probability signal where the output probability is equal to the product of linear transformations of the input probabilities. By appropriate selection of transformation constants logical and probabilistic gates performing the functions of AND, NAND, OR, NOR, XOR, NOT, IMPLIES and NOT IMPLIES can be created.

Abstract: A self-adjusting gear shift lever assembly serving as a link in the shift cable connection between the transmission and the shift lever providing a spring preload on the shift cable and fastener means for adjusting backlash and build tolerances in the shift cable. Two embodiments of the assembly each include a relatively rotatably interconnected lever member and clamp plate. One embodiment has a D-shaped opening formed in the clamp plate for being secured to the transmission shift shaft, with the fastener means on the clamp plate and pin means on the lever member for mounting the end of the shift cable, and a tension spring between the lever member and clamp plate. The other embodiment has the D-shaped opening formed in the lever member, with the fastener means on the lever member and the pin mounting means on the clamp plate, and a compression spring between the lever member and clamp plate.

Abstract: A method of mapping addresses of a plurality of refrigerated containers having remote monitoring units (RMUs) connected to a power line carrier based monitoring system which includes a master monitoring unit (MMU). The method adapts to the size of the expected number of containers to be mapped by any mapping command, to reduce the overall time to map either a large or small number of containers. The method includes the MMU selecting a modulo having a magnitude determined by the number of containers expected to be mapped, and the RMUs generating a random number within the range responsive to the modulo. The RMUs apply response messages to the power line, which include the addresses of the associated containers, at a time responsive to the magnitude of the random number.

Abstract: A power line carrier communication system for monitoring refrigerated containers which includes a master monitoring unit and a first power line interface which interchange messages in a first format. The first power line interface translates the first format to a second format suitable for power line environment, and messages in the second format are applied to a power line. Remote monitoring units receive the messages from the power line, and they return messages to the power line containing status data relative to refrigerated containers. The second format includes a message starting preamble having a duration and logic level which is not duplicated by normal operation of the apparatus, enhancing the probability of proper message synchronization and reception over noisy power line environments.