Abstract: A diagnosable seat belt latch system for use in a vehicle seat belt system provides a latch assembly incorporating a force sensitive sensor interposed between a latch housing and a pressure distribution bushing. A pivoting latch arm having a latch tab at one end for engaging an orifice of a seat belt buckle transfers a compressive load to the force distribution bushing and thereby to the force sensor. A signal processor diagnoses the force sensor to determine whether the seat belt is latched and generates a signal to a vehicle safety restraint system based on the determination.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and method having automated exchange and precise alignment of probes, wherein one or more additional stored probes for installation onto a probe mount are stored in a storage cassette or a wafer, a selected probe is aligned to a detection system, and the aligned probe is then clamped against the probe mount. Clamping is performed using a clamp which is disabled when removing a replacement probe from the storage cassette, enabled when installing the probe on the probe mount and disabled when releasing the probe at a later time for subsequent probe exchange. Probe alignment is automated using signals from the probe detection system or by forming an optical image of the probe using a camera or similar technique and determining probe positioning using pattern recognition processing of the probe image to allow probe removal and exchange without operator intervention. Techniques for error checking are employed to ensure proper probe installation and operation.

Abstract: A device for controlling power to an electrical load. The device has two components: a portable desktop detector unit and an electrical powerstrip. The desktop detector detects the presence of a human in a room and sends signals to the powerstrip to supply power to or withhold power from individual electrical loads connected to the strip. Since the detector is portable, it can be positioned and repositioned at different locations in a room to maximize its ability to detect the presence of a person. The system can also communicate by wireless signals to a wall-mounted control unit to control light fixtures in the room. When used with a wall-mounted control unit, a photo sensor that detects the level of ambient light in a room allows the system to adjust the brightness of lights in the room depending upon the available ambient light level.

Abstract: An optical non-contact surface profiler for determining (i) the surface profile of a transparent layer on a light-absorbing or opaque substrate, (ii) the surface profile of a light-absorbing or opaque substrate through a transparent layer, and (iii) the thickness profile of a transparent layer on a light-absorbing or opaque surface. A microscope alternatively configured in interferometric mode and in spectrophotometric mode provides phase data from an interference pattern and reflectance data from a reflectance pattern, respectively. A photo-sensing device receives the interference patterns and reflectance patterns and inputs the corresponding phase data and reflectance data to a computing device. The computing device processes the data to determine the appropriate surface or film thickness profiles.

Abstract: A device which is for reclaiming oil from a body of water and which is mounted on a floating vehicle, including a dispersal mechanism to spread ferromagnetic particles in the oil, a collection apparatus connected to a vacuum chamber, and a pulsating magnetic field for drawing oil impregnated with ferromagnetic particles toward the collection apparatus. The oil-particle mixture is separated in the hold of the floating vehicle.

Abstract: A tubular body portion has an internally threaded portion and a cylindrical portion and includes an annular recess portion therebetween. The annular recess portion includes a first shoulder adjacent the threaded portion and a second shoulder adjacent the cylindrical portion. A circumferential cutting edge portion is provided at the juncture of the second shoulder and the adjacent cylindrical portion. A first conduit to be joined is extended through the cylindrical portion into substantially abutting relation with the first shoulder. A suitable expanding tool expands the end portion of the first conduit outwardly into the annular recess portion and against the cutting edge to produce a distinct gouge or circumferential cut therein. The coupling remains rotational relative to the first conduit with the end portion thereof expanded into the annular recess portion. A second conduit to be joined is threadedly advanced into the threaded end portion of the coupling by rotation of the coupling.