Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: A compression method for resource constrained local area networks (LANs) of an Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) reduces the volume of raw data sent from “Things” to connection points on the LAN. Applications include industrial processes, and typically include multiple sensor nodes. Sensors on machines wirelessly send data to a base station using a wireless LAN. A computer or server in communication with the wireless LAN computes the health of a machine based on the data received. The method operates by taking advantage of unique similarities between sequential groups of certain types of data that can be sent on the LAN. Mathematical operations are performed on the baseline and subsequent data sets to determine similarities. A difference is taken between the baseline and subsequent data sets, and this difference is compressed and sent to the base station where the original data is reconstructed using the baseline data and uncompressed difference data.

Abstract: A system having a variety of mobile assets to which are attached one or more wireless sensors and associated with each mobile asset to automate enterprise software organization of assets among dynamically changing sites. A plurality of receivers receive data from redundant wireless sensors, and at least one gateway aggregates wireless sensor data from the receivers, the wireless sensors, receivers and gateway forming a local network associated with a given site. At least one server hosting enterprise software receives aggregated data from the at least one gateway. The enterprise software identifies the location of an asset based on association of a local network with a site and association of sensors with an asset.

Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: A improved method of monitoring a structure by mounting a sensor within a cavity of the structure to measure at least one of strain experienced by the structure and vibration experience by the structure. Mounting a wireless communication unit mounted within the structure and connecting the wireless communication unit to the sensor to receive data from the sensor and transmit the data to a receiver outside the structure. Mounting a power supply within the structure and connecting the power supply to the sensor and the wireless communication unit to supply necessary electrical power to the sensor and the communication unit.

Abstract: An internal structural monitoring system for a structure that includes a sensor mounted within the structure to measure at least one of strain experienced by the structure and vibration experience by the structure. It includes a first system support mounted and second system support mounted in the structure, where the first system and the second system support are mounted in the structure such that the sensor is between the first system support and the second system support to hold the sensor in position so that the sensor senses at least one of strain and vibration. It includes a wireless communication unit mounted within the structure, the wireless communication unit connected to the sensor to receive data from the sensor and transmit the data to a receiver outside the structure. It includes a power supply mounted within the structure to supply necessary electrical power to the sensor and the communication unit.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device using a piezoelectric member in connection with an atomizing head and a passive metering method to supply liquid to the atomizing head. Preferably, the device is used to but not limited to dispensing of fragrances, insecticides or other aromatic solutions. The piezoelectric member does not vibrate the nozzle plate through which the liquid is dispensed. The passive metering method relies only on surface tension forces within the supply passageway. The device can work with a wider range of liquid properties than existing piezoelectric devices of this type. The passive metering method is robust and consistent, enabling larger and more varied liquid reservoirs because the reservoir height is not a factor in determining the performance of the device. The atomizing head functions with a wider range of liquids than atomizers whose nozzle plates are directly excited.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate and a transducer attached to the substrate, wherein the substrate includes a surface to which the transducer is attached and at least one edge member extending along at least a portion of the outside edge of the surface. The surface can be a generally planar surface. The edge member is stiffer than the surface. In several embodiments, the transducer is adapted to vibrate. The transducer can, for example, be selected from the group consisting of a piezoelectric transducer, an electrostrictive transducer and a magnetostrictive transducer. Preferably, the transducer is attached to the surface of the substrate by a metallic bonding agent and, more particularly, by welding.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device using a piezoelectric member in connection with an atomizing head and a passive metering method to supply liquid to the atomizing head. Preferably, the device is used to but not limited to dispensing of fragrances, insecticides or other aromatic solutions. The piezoelectric member does not vibrate the nozzle plate through which the liquid is dispensed. The passive metering method relies only on surface tension forces within the supply passageway. The device can work with a wider range of liquid properties than existing piezoelectric devices of this type. The passive metering method is robust and consistent, enabling larger and more varied liquid reservoirs because the reservoir height is not a factor in determining the performance of the device. The atomizing head functions with a wider range of liquids than atomizers whose nozzle plates are directly excited.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate and a transducer attached to the substrate, wherein the substrate includes a surface to which the transducer is attached and at least one edge member extending along at least a portion of the outside edge of the surface. The surface can be a generally planar surface. The edge member is stiffer than the surface. In several embodiments, the transducer is adapted to vibrate. The transducer can, for example, be selected from the group consisting of a piezoelectric transducer, an electrostrictive transducer and a magnetostrictive transducer. Preferably, the transducer is attached to the surface of the substrate by a metallic bonding agent and, more particularly, by welding.