Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for applying liquid feed additives to a feed composition. In one embodiment, the system has a spray housing defining a spray chamber located adjacent a mix housing carrying a material composition. The mix housing defines a mix chamber, which contains an actuating device, such as an auger, that moves the material stream through the mix chamber. The mix chamber and spray chamber are in fluid communication. A spray nozzle is coupled to the spray housing and in fluid communication with an air source and liquid additive tank. The spray nozzle sprays a fog of air and liquid additive through the spray chamber and into the mix chamber, which gets deposited on the passing feed stream.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for applying liquid feed additives to a feed composition. In one embodiment, the system has a spray housing defining a spray chamber located adjacent a mix housing carrying a material composition. The mix housing defines a mix chamber, which contains an actuating device, such as an auger, that moves the material stream through the mix chamber. The mix chamber and spray chamber are in fluid communication. A spray nozzle is coupled to the spray housing and in fluid communication with an air source and liquid additive tank. The spray nozzle sprays a fog of air and liquid additive through the spray chamber and into the mix chamber, which gets deposited on the passing feed stream.

Abstract: A stairway assembly is pivoted between deployed and stowed positions. The stairway in one form includes a sliding support from which the stairway is suspended at a location spaced from a stairway pivot. A link, which may be adjustable in length, couples the coupler to the stairway. A snubber is provided to limit vibration of the stairway when stowed. An actuator, which may comprise an electric motor, is positioned above and overlies a portion of a platform of the stairway. Extension and retraction of the actuator pivots the stairway between stowed and deployed positions.

Abstract: A method of controlling a retractable stairway assembly for a vehicle includes monitoring at least one vehicle status condition such as (a) whether the vehicle is stopped, (b) whether the parking brake is set, (c) whether the cab is tilted in excess of a threshold, and (d) whether excess current is being required by a motor used to shift the stairway between stowed and deployed positions in the event an electric motor is used for this purpose. In the event any of these monitored conditions are not in a predetermined state, deployment of the stairway from a stowed position is blocked. Deployment and stowing of the stairway may also be interrupted depending upon vehicle status and other conditions. Interior and exterior vehicle alarms may be activated depending on vehicle status conditions and the mode of operation of the stairway.

Abstract: A device for providing a pedal operator with tactile indication that a pedal (32) has been depressed to a preselected position includes a cup-like housing (50), a ring-shaped magnet (52) mounted within the housing (50) and a displaceable member (54) provided with a pin (56) engageable by the pedal (32). The pin (56) extends through aligned openings in the magnet (52) and housing (50) and mounts the displaceable member (54) for linear sliding movement on the housing (50). Depression of the pedal (32) to the preselected position results in shifting of the displaceable member (54) away from the influence of the magnet (52) to provide the operator with a snap-like tactile indication of pedal position. The cup (50), magnet (52) and displaceable member (54) are each made of unitary, one-piece construction and of simple, circular geometry.

Abstract: Electronic drive circuitry for a solenoid that utilizes a pulse width modulation scheme is disclosed. The solenoid is connected in series with a transistor and a sense resistor. The voltage across the sense resistor is compared to a reference value to determine if an over-current condition exists within the solenoid. The circuitry operates on a repetitive time window scheme in which current is allowed to flow through the solenoid at the beginning of each time window, regardless of whether an over-current condition exists. If an over-current condition was detected at any time during the time window, then the current will be shut off to the solenoid during the next time window after the initial portion of that window. Conversely, if no over-current condition was detected during a time window, current will be allowed to flow during the entire duration of the next time window.

Abstract: A high pressure valve of the type employing a non-rotating valve needle having a tapered tip which may be selectively moved between seated and unseated positions relative to a valve seat in a valve chamber. The valve seat is tapered inwardly and has a smaller taper angle than the valve needle. A valve actuating stem is received through a valve packing nut with the actuating stem having a bifurcated inner end defined by a transverse, generally rectangular bore intersected by an axially directed slot. The slot is somewhat smaller in breadth than the width of the bore and extends between the bore and the innermost end of the stem. The valve needle includes an enlarged cylindrical or spherical connecting end adapted to be received in the actuating stem bore and slot. Sealing for the needle is provided by a sealing medium comprised of a combination of a seal member received between a pair of seal washers in an enlarged coaxial area at one end of the valve chamber.