Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medicament injection devices. An injection device includes: a movable dosage programming component comprising a rotary encoder system having a predefined angular periodicity, a sensor arrangement including a first optical sensor configured to detect movement of the movable dosage programming component relative to the sensor arrangement during dosing of a medicament, wherein the first optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a first frequency, a second optical sensor configured to detect movement of the rotary encoder system relative to the second optical sensor wherein the second optical sensor is configured to operate in a strobe-sampling mode at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on the detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device.

Abstract: A shingle coating asphalt composition is provided that is produced from a paving grade asphalt. The asphalt composition comprises a paving-grade asphalt that has been modified with one or more polymer additives; and a secondary additive comprising one or more of a viscosity reducing agent, a wax, a salt of a fatty acid ester, and an amide of a fatty acid. The shingle coating asphalt coating composition is used to make a shingle. The shingle includes a substrate, the asphalt, and roofing granules.

Abstract: A system for identifying accurate assembly of a component to a workpiece is disclosed. The system includes a light source for projecting light indicia onto the component assembled to the workpiece. A controller includes an artificial intelligence (AI) element defining a machine learning model that establishes a convoluted neural network trained by stored images of light indicia projected onto the component assembled to the workpiece. An imager includes an image sensor system for imaging the workpiece and signaling a current image of the workpiece to the controller. The machine learning model directs inspection of the workpiece to the light indicia imaged by said imager. The AI element determines disposition of the component disposed upon the workpiece through the neural network identifying distortions of the light indicia in the current image.

Abstract: A system identifying an area of interest of an inspection surface is disclosed. A controller includes a machine learning model trained using stored images defining an area of interest on the inspection surface. A laser projector for projecting laser indicia onto the inspection surface is spatially located relative to the inspection surface enabling the laser projector to project the laser indicia onto the area of interest. An imager includes an image sensor system generates a current image of the inspection surface and signals the current image to the controller. The machine learning model is directed to the area of interest of the current image as identified by the laser indicia and the machine learning model implementing the neural network to inspect the current image of the area of interest as defined by the laser indicia enabling localized inspection of the inspection surface.

Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve is provided that includes an interior spool and a surrounding cage. A supply port and a return port are connected to the cage and the interior of the cage is in fluid communication with a control port. The interior spool is positioned between an on and off position using a solenoid and a spring. In the off position, slots in the spool and cage align to place the return port in fluid communication with the interior of the spool. Conversely, in the on position, different slots in the spool and cage align to place the supply port in fluid communication with the interior of the spool.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for an adjustable spring plunger bumper with high initial load and low final load. The spring plunger bumper includes an exterior body surrounding a plunger. The plunger has a plunger indent into which a displacement ball is induced by a ramp sleeve biased by a ramp sleeve spring. As the plunger is displaced relative to the exterior body, the displacement ball contacts a lower displacement ball inclined surface, which provides a high initial load resisting the displacement of the plunger. However, as the displacement of the plunger continues, the displacement ball comes into contact with a smooth lower displacement ball indent surface which provides a lower load. A return spring is positioned between the plunger and the exterior body to return them to their initial position relative to each other when the displacement of the plunger is removed.

Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.

Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a bottom bracket coupled to a ledge of a hand truck and configured to engage/secure a heavy-duty tripod. In such embodiments, the bottom bracket may prevent the tripod from accidently slipping off of the ledge while the hand truck is in motion. The bottom bracket may include a front plate, a back plate, and a gap formed between the front plate and the back plate. A first portion of the gap may be configured to receive a first foot of the tripod, and a second portion of the gap may be configured to receive a second foot of the tripod. Once the feet are placed into the first and second portions of the gap, the tripod may be held firmly in place between the front plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A system and method for a check valve system is provided including a plurality of interlocking guide plates that are inserted into a guide plate retainer in order to maintain their relative position to one another. A retainer nut is positioned to structurally engage the guide plates. An insert adapter receives a check valve to open and close the valve. A threaded screw engages both the check valve and the retainer nut to form the check valve system. A valve spring is positioned between the guide plate retainer and the insert adapter to bias the check valve into a closed position and to maintain a closed position as desired. The check valve system provides a low mass solution the reduces initial pressure overshoot and instability oscillations as well as providing a good flow path for fluid and high capability for back pressure.

Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.

Abstract: A system and method for a check valve system is provided including a plurality of interlocking guide plates that are inserted into a guide plate retainer in order to maintain their relative position to one another. A retainer nut is positioned to structurally engage the guide plates. An insert adapter receives a check valve to open and close the valve. A threaded screw engages both the check valve and the retainer nut to form the check valve system. A valve spring is positioned between the guide plate retainer and the insert adapter to bias the check valve into a closed position and to maintain a closed position as desired. The check valve system provides a low mass solution the reduces initial pressure overshoot and instability oscillations as well as providing a good flow path for fluid and high capability for back pressure.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for an adjustable spring plunger bumper with high initial load and low final load. The spring plunger bumper includes an exterior body surrounding a plunger. The plunger has a plunger indent into which a displacement ball is induced by a ramp sleeve biased by a ramp sleeve spring. As the plunger is displaced relative to the exterior body, the displacement ball contacts a lower displacement ball inclined surface, which provides a high initial load resisting the displacement of the plunger. However, as the displacement of the plunger continues, the displacement ball comes into contact with a smooth lower displacement ball indent surface which provides a lower load. A return spring is positioned between the plunger and the exterior body to return them to their initial position relative to each other when the displacement of the plunger is removed.

Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a bottom bracket coupled to a ledge of a hand truck and configured to engage/secure a heavy-duty tripod. In such embodiments, the bottom bracket may prevent the tripod from accidently slipping off of the ledge while the hand truck is in motion. The bottom bracket may include a front plate, a back plate, and a gap formed between the front plate and the back plate. A first portion of the gap may be configured to receive a first foot of the tripod, and a second portion of the gap may be configured to receive a second foot of the tripod. Once the feet are placed into the first and second portions of the gap, the tripod may be held firmly in place between the front plate and the second plate.

Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve is provided that includes an interior spool and a surrounding cage. A supply port and a return port are connected to the cage and the interior of the cage is in fluid communication with a control port. The interior spool is positioned between an on and off position using a solenoid and a spring. In the off position, slots in the spool and cage align to place the return port in fluid communication with the interior of the spool. Conversely, in the on position, different slots in the spool and cage align to place the supply port in fluid communication with the interior of the spool.

Abstract: An integrated energy metering system having an energy meter including a voltage ADC for sensing voltage, a current ADC for sensing current, a microcontroller; a first memory device for storing program data for the energy meter; and a plurality of circuit blocks; a voltage monitor for monitoring a primary power supply; a power supply switch circuit for selectively applying one of the primary and auxiliary power supplies to the energy meter; and a system controller responsive to the voltage monitor for operating the switch circuit to apply the auxiliary power supply when the primary power supply voltage decreases below a predetermined level and gating the power to a first class of circuit blocks in the energy meter and applying power continuously to a second class of circuit blocks.

Abstract: A piezo-electric actuated valve having an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, and an end chamber is disclosed. The valve also includes a main poppet disposed within the valve body. The main poppet is configured to be selectively movable between a flow blocking position substantially blocking a flow of pressurized fluid and a plurality of flow passing positions allowing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet chambers. The valve also includes a pilot valve configured to be selectively movable between a first position substantially blocking a flow of pressurized fluid and a plurality of second positions allowing fluid communication between the end chamber and the one of the inlet and outlet chamber exposed to a pressurized fluid having a lower pressure. The valve further includes a piezo-electric actuator configured to be selectively movable between a de-energized position and an energized position to affect the pilot valve to selectively move to at least one the plurality of second positions.