Abstract: Described is a device and method of measuring the linear position of a piston 002 movable within a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder barrel 001. The measuring device includes a photo optical sensing apparatus 011 mounted at the cylinder head. The photo optical sensing apparatus 011 can be located inside or outside of the cylinder 001. The sensing apparatus 011 design utilizes a typical optical sensing apparatus, and optional functional modules for determining absolute displacement, and communication. Calibration locations, which are used to obtain absolute displacement measurements, are determined by calibration images or separate sensors indicating their presence.

Abstract: A knowledge-based system is defined that ensures network radiatity during reconfiguration of a power distribution system. Network radiality heuristics idenufy a pair of switching operations that will preserve radiality. A line section table specifies the line section identifier, start bus, end bus, line section type, and switch existence for each line section in the network. A bus table identifies the line section that supplies the bus and those line sections that are fed by the bus for each bus in the network. A matrix-structured knowledge base with five distinct rule bases is used. The line section and bus tables must be updated after any switching operations are enacted. Extensive simulations of the knowledge-based system revealed that a solution was found in a time-efficient manner. This knowledge-based system enhances network reliability and hence prevents power outages.

Abstract: Described is a device and method of measuring the linear position of a piston 002 movable within a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder barrel 001. The measuring device includes a photo optical sensing apparatus 011 mounted at the cylinder head. The photo optical sensing apparatus 011 can be located inside or outside of the cylinder 001. The sensing apparatus 011 design utilizes a typical optical sensing apparatus, and optional functional modules for determining absolute displacement, and communication. Calibration locations, which are used to obtain absolute displacement measurements, are determined by calibration images or separate sensors indicating their presence.

Abstract: A fluid actuator with fluid limit valves (550, 551) and adjustable mechanical limits enables the construction of fluid linkages which are able to completely replace mechanical linkages. In a fluid circuit comprising of two or more fluid actuators, the pistons (102) of the fluid actuators can become uncorrelated when fluid leakage occurs. At the piston (102) extension and retraction limits, fluid limit valves (550, 551) open. The open fluid limit valves (550, 551) allow fluid to bypass pistons (102) and/or allow fluid from an external source to compensate the fluid leakage. The fluid bypassing pistons (102) at their extension or retraction limit and/or externally supplied fluid forces the uncorrelated pistons (102) to reach their extension or retraction limit as well. The fluid actuator with adjustable mechanical limits have one or more additional pistons (686, 688), which have an adjustable separation from the main piston (102) or end of cylinder.

Abstract: The radial distribution system is the most commonly used power distribution system, but lacks reliability because there is only one power source for a group of customers. A knowledge-based system is defined that ensures network radiality during reconfiguration of a power distribution system. Network radiality heuristics identify a pair of switching operations that will preserve radiality. A line section table specifies the line section identifier, start bus, end bus, line section type, and switch existence for each line section in the network. A bus table identifies the line section that supplies the bus and those line sections that are fed by the bus for each bus in the network. A matrix-structured knowledge base with five distinct rule bases is used. Rule base A is used in determining which other rule bases to activate.

Abstract: Described is a belt used in conjunction with road wheels device and method of supporting weight of hybrid tire tracking-laying vehicles more safely and efficiently at highway speeds. The supporting device includes belts 004, road tires 002, track tires 003, tensioning tires 015, and supporting frame and axles. The road tires 002 are located outside beside the belt 004 with a larger diameter than the belt 004. The outside road tires work to laterally guide the belt 004 and to prevent the rubber belt 004 from track-throwing. The tensioning tires 015 running inside the belt 004 along the wheel runways 027, are guided by the belt guide horns 020. In this proposed device, the belt 004 can remain sufficiently taut to prevent the guide horns 020 from slipping over the track tires 003 and road tires 002. The designed hybrid belt with tires can remove debris such as mud and sand, and prevent track-throwing even during turning maneuvers.