Abstract: An embodiment of the invention generally pertains to a method of compensating for temperature variations in an eddy current sensor signal. The method may include the steps of receiving an initial signal from an eddy current sensor (ECS) in response to a conductive element passing the ECS and sensing an ECS temperature and an ECS board temperature. The method may also include determining a subset of correction coefficients based on the ECS temperature and the ECS board temperature and determining a temperature correction factor from the subset of correction coefficients. The method may then compute a temperature corrected signal from the initial signal and the temperature correction factor.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention generally relates to a temperature-independent method of determining an engine health parameter, namely stand-off distance, between an eddy current sensor and a conductive element. The method includes receiving a signal from the eddy current sensor and demodulating a waveform from the received signal. The method also includes determining a predetermined set of substantially temperature-independent parameters from the waveform and determining the stand-off distance based on the predetermined set of substantially temperature-independent parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely and remotely securing in place and spacing building members such as roof trusses or gables. The apparatus is primarily comprised of a spacer having a first truss connector and a second truss connector. A pull-down arrangement is used to remotely engage the apparatus with a truss. In use, the apparatus is attached to a first building member which is then positioned with the apparatus attached. The apparatus is then remotely secured to a second, adjacent building member. A gable brace is provided that may be used alone or with an attached truss connector.

Abstract: A torque measuring device is described which provides for measurement of the rotative force applied against a shaft by engaging the shaft and an electric friction brake attached to a load cell for registering the force, and a reduced friction device for allowing the brake mounting plate to return to a neutral or zero position when force has been removed from the shaft. An externally selective voltage control actuates the friction brake.

Abstract: An electronic ratchet for allowing the application of mechanical resistance to an output shaft in one direction while ratcheting in the opposite direction, which comprises, in combination:(a) an electromagnetically controlled friction brake coupled to an output shaft;(b) provision for controlling the application of DC voltage across the electromagnet, regardless of the direction of rotation;(c) a switch for selectively applying such voltage to obtain resistance to clockwise, counter clockwise, or both directions of rotation;(d) an incremental shaft encoder coupled to the output shaft for determining the direction of shaft rotation;(e) a decoder for decoding the direction of shaft rotation; and(f) an armature through which the output shaft is inserted, the shaft and armature being held as a single rotating unit by opposing keys on the output shaft and the keyways being characterized by a degree of free play equal to the sensitivity of the shaft encoder, whereby the direction of shaft revolution can be determin