Abstract: A smart switch has a magnetic operator, at least one magnetic sensor located to sense movement of the magnetic operator, and a processor that processes an output of the magnetic sensor so as to detect right and left over travel ranges and a normal operating range of the magnetic operator. The magnetic sensor may be a magnetoresistive sensor.

Abstract: A sensor array includes an array of nodes coupled to an optical transmission line. The nodes include a transducer, and encoder, and a transmitter. The transducer senses an environmental condition such as temperature and pressure. The encoder encodes readings from the transducer by means of a characteristic frequency to indicate which node generated the reading. The transmitter transmits the encoded reading to a decoder located near the opening of the oil well, or other blind hole. Power is transmitted to the nodes through the transmission line. A photo-electric converter at the node converts the optical power to electrical energy that is stored to power the node.

Abstract: A communication device is located within a well and includes a transducer that converts a first electrical signal into a first acoustic signal for transmission through the well and that converts second acoustic signal received from the well to a second electrical signal. The transducer is at least partially coated with an anechoic material in order to reduce the effects of acoustic signal impairments, such as echoes, flow and machine noise, and reverberations. The anechoic material has a thickness that is a fraction of a wavelength of the acoustic signals.

Abstract: A smart switch has a magnetic operator, at least one magnetic sensor located to sense movement of the magnetic operator, and a processor that processes an output of the magnetic sensor so as to detect right and left over travel ranges and a normal operating range of the magnetic operator. The magnetic sensor may be a magnetoresistive sensor.

Abstract: A manifold for providing the simultaneous processing of a plurality of laser block assemblies. In one embodiment, the manifold includes a hollow passage formed along the length of the manifold, and a plurality of passages extending between the hollow chamber and the exterior of the manifold. A laser block assembly is mounted to each of the plurality of passages of manifold. The assemblies can be arranged in a flat or parallel spaced arrangement relative to each other, and are mounted to the manifold with a fitting that is adapted to be easily severed after processing of the assemblies is completed. The manifold is mounted to a station of a processing tool, and a plurality of processing applications are performed on the plurality of laser block assemblies in a simultaneous fashion.

Abstract: A communication device is located within a well and includes a transducer that converts a first electrical signal into a first acoustic signal for transmission through the well and that converts second acoustic signal received from the well to a second electrical signal. The transducer is at least partially coated with an anechoic material in order to reduce the effects of acoustic signal impairments, such as echoes, flow and machine noise, and reverberations. The anechoic material has a thickness that is a fraction of a wavelength of the acoustic signals.

Abstract: A smart switch has a magnetic operator, at least one magnetic sensor located to sense movement of the magnetic operator, and a processor that processes an output of the magnetic sensor so as to detect right and left over travel ranges and a normal operating range of the magnetic operator. The magnetic sensor may be a magnetoresistive sensor.

Abstract: A position determining apparatus including a magnet that is attached to a movable member which moves along a defined path of finite length. An array of distributed bridge sensors are located adjacent to the predefined path. The distributed bridge sensors each have one or more magneto-resistive elements positioned at a first location along the defined path of the magnet, and one or more other magneto-resistive elements positioned at a second location along the defined path. The magneto-resistive elements at the first location experience a different magnetic field component than those at the second location. The distributed bridge sensors produce an increased linear range relative to non-distributed bridge sensors of the prior art.

Abstract: A manifold for providing the simultaneous processing of a plurality of laser block assemblies. In one embodiment, the manifold includes a hollow passage formed along the length of the manifold, and a plurality of passages extending between the hollow chamber and the exterior of the manifold. A laser block assembly is mounted to each of the plurality of passages of manifold. The assemblies can be arranged in a flat or parallel spaced arrangement relative to each other, and are mounted to the manifold with a fitting that is adapted to be easily severed after processing of the assemblies is completed. The manifold is mounted to a station of a processing tool, and a plurality of processing applications are performed on the plurality of laser block assemblies in a simultaneous fashion.

Abstract: A transducer packaging assembly for use in a sensing unit subjected to high forces of acceleration includes a base having a cavity. A pressure sensitive semiconductor die is bonded to a large backplate having a shape so that it nestles into the cavity but is spaced from a surface of the cavity. A planar cover secured to the base has a hole larger than the die but smaller than the backplate, and thin wires extend from the die to electrical connections on the assembly. A viscous fluid fills a space between the backplate and the cavity, and a space between the backplate and the cover, and transmits a pressure to be measured to the pressure sensitive die. The viscous fluid has a sufficiently high viscosity to oppose movement of the backplate relative to the cavity while cushioning the pressure sensitive die and the backplate from forces of acceleration.

Abstract: A core of semi-permeable material forms a magnetic circuit having air gaps. A movable magnet provides flux in a first portion and a second portion of the magnetic circuit with the location of the magnet determining the portion. Magnetoresistive sensors in the air gaps provide signals related to the position of the magnet.

Abstract: A system for positioning and blind marking construction material panels includes clips designed to support marking projections relative to installed construction components such as electrical outlet boxes and frames for windows and doors. A leg flexure of each clip is used to secure the clip to thin walled components. Each of the clips further has alignment projections that abut the component edges, for securely positioning the clips. The flexure legs break away to enable use of the clip on thick walled components, with an adhesive retaining the clip in lieu of the leg flexure. The system further includes stabilizers for aligning an unsecured panel in parallel spaced apart relation to a previously installed panel, thus to edge-align the panels for precise placement of markings on an inside surface of the panel to be installed.