Abstract: A method for determining a linear density of a carbon fiber tow. The method includes providing a pulse of air directed toward the carbon fiber tow, determining, via a first sensor, an air pressure of the pulse of air, and measuring, via a second sensor, a displacement of the carbon fiber tow in response to the pulse of air directed toward the carbon fiber tow. The method further includes calculating, via a controller, a linear density of the carbon fiber tow based on the air pressure and the displacement, and outputting, via the controller, the linear density.

Abstract: A system for determining one or more characteristics of a carbon fiber tow. The system including a first laser profilometer, a second laser profilometer, and a controller. The first laser profilometer is located on a first side of the carbon fiber tow. The second laser profilometer is located on a second side of the carbon fiber tow. The controller is configured to receive, from the first profilometer, a first profile of the first side of the carbon fiber tow, and receive, from the second profilometer, a second profile of the second side of the carbon fiber tow. The controller is further configured to determine at least one characteristic selected from a group consisting of a tow width of the carbon fiber tow, a tow fuzz of the carbon fiber tow, a tow thickness of the carbon fiber tow, and a tow angle of the carbon fiber tow, the at least one characteristic based on the first profile and the second profile. The controller further configured to output the at least one characteristic of the carbon fiber tow.

Abstract: A system for determining one or more characteristics of a carbon fiber tow. The system including a first laser profilometer, a second laser profilometer, and a controller. The first laser profilometer is located on a first side of the carbon fiber tow. The second laser profilometer is located on a second side of the carbon fiber tow. The controller is configured to receive, from the first profilometer, a first profile of the first side of the carbon fiber tow, and receive, from the second profilometer, a second profile of the second side of the carbon fiber tow. The controller is further configured to determine at least one characteristic selected from a group consisting of a tow width of the carbon fiber tow, a tow fuzz of the carbon fiber tow, a tow thickness of the carbon fiber tow, and a tow angle of the carbon fiber tow, the at least one characteristic based on the first profile and the second profile. The controller further configured to output the at least one characteristic of the carbon fiber tow.

Abstract: A method for determining a linear density of a carbon fiber tow. The method includes providing a pulse of air directed toward the carbon fiber tow, determining, via a first sensor, an air pressure of the pulse of air, and measuring, via a second sensor, a displacement of the carbon fiber tow in response to the pulse of air directed toward the carbon fiber tow. The method further includes calculating, via a controller, a linear density of the carbon fiber tow based on the air pressure and the displacement, and outputting, via the controller, the linear density.

Abstract: A spring seat assembly for a fluid valve includes a first spring seat having a first protruding member extending away from a first seating surface and a second spring seat having a second protruding member extending away from a second seating surface, the first spring seat being slidable relative to the second spring seat. A spring is disposed between the first seating surface and the second seating surface. A locking element is disposed on at least one of the first protruding member and the second protruding member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diagnosing the condition of a vehicle. Some embodiments include providing an input to a vehicle suspension similar to an impact, and then measuring the response of the vehicle as it drives over an instrumented member. The motion of the instrumented member is recorded and corrected, and in some embodiments a fault index is calculated. The fault index can be displayed to a user to indicate a maintenance condition of the vehicles, such as a worn or broken component.

Abstract: A fluid control device or a device for coupling a rotary valve actuator to a rotary valve shaft comprises a housing, a lever, a threaded collet, and first and second stops carried by the housing. The lever comprises a cylindrical member containing the threaded collet. During operation, the first and second stops limit the rotation of the lever between first and second positions, thereby limiting rotation of the valve shaft. During assembly, the device further comprises a third stop that is removably carried by the housing. The third stop engages the lever in the first position simultaneously with the first stop, for example, thereby locking the lever against rotation. With the lever locked, a technician may apply generally any amount of torque to a draw nut disposed on the collet to tighten and/or loosen the collet onto the rotary valve shaft without rotating the lever.

Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device with low noise generation. A stack of annular disks with fluid passageways formed of inlet slots, outlet slots, and interconnecting plenums. Selectively stacking and orienting the annular disks along with an asymmetric slot pattern creates the desired fluid passageways without creating an uninterrupted axial fluid flow path. High recovery inlet stages are in fluid communicating series with low recovery outlet stages and the combination provides a high performance fluid pressure reduction device with low noise generation.

Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device with low noise generation. A stack of annular disks with fluid passageways formed of inlet slots, outlet slots, and interconnecting plenums. Selectively stacking and orienting the annular disks along with an asymmetric slot pattern creates the desired fluid passageways without creating an uninterrupted axial fluid flow path. High recovery inlet stages are in fluid communicating series with low recovery outlet stages and the combination provides a high performance fluid pressure reduction device with low noise generation.

Abstract: In a hydraulic mount the use of multiple primary orifices with unequal area reduces the effects of rapid transitions in dynamic rigidity and the amplitude of impulsive vibration generated thereby. This invention's reduced impulsive vibration has lead to the substantial elimination of mode transition related noise in associated vehicle structures in the 200 Hz to 500 Hz range.