Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring environmental conditions of a sensing location, where a sensor including a measuring surface and a wire coupled in tension to the measuring surface over which ultrasonic signals may be transmitted and sensed. Signal analysis of ultrasonic signals transmitted over the tensioned wire are analyzed to measure one or more environmental conditions acting on the measuring surface.

Abstract: A broadband waveguide incorporates various reflection suppression techniques to reduce reflections in signals communicated thereby. The waveguide includes one or more filaments that each include a first and second end. A first matrix may be configured proximate the first end(s) while a second matrix may be configured proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends. A damping material may cover a portion of the filament(s) that extends from the second matrix to the second end(s) (including the second end(s) themselves) and/or the second end(s) of the filament(s) is/are shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the signal therefrom. When configured with multiple filaments, at least two of the filaments may have differing lengths that extend from the second matrix and also operate to at least partially suppress reflections of a signal.

Abstract: A fire training door assembly includes a door hingably connected in a door frame including first and second vertical posts and an upper horizontal beam connecting the vertical posts. A cutout space is defined along one of the lateral sides of the door. The cutout space has an upper end, a lower end, and a side portion. The reinforced section of the second vertical post extends at least from the lower end to the upper end of said cutout space. The fire door assembly further includes a lock element movably arranged in the cutout space and a spring arranged between the lock element and the side portion urging the lock element toward the second side of the door against a stop element arranged on the door along the second lateral side of the door. The lock element is movable against an urgency of the spring toward the first lateral side of the door, whereby the forces required to move the lock element against the spring simulate the forces required to pry open a steel door.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring environmental conditions of a sensing location, where a sensor including a measuring surface and a wire coupled in tension to the measuring surface over which ultrasonic signals may be transmitted and sensed. Signal analysis of ultrasonic signals transmitted over the tensioned wire are analyzed to measure one or more environmental conditions acting on the measuring surface.

Abstract: A broadband waveguide incorporates various reflection suppression techniques to reduce reflections in signals communicated thereby. The waveguide includes one or more filaments that each include a first and second end. A first matrix may be configured proximate the first end(s) while a second matrix may be configured proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends. A damping material may cover a portion of the filament(s) that extends from the second matrix to the second end(s) (including the second end(s) themselves) and/or the second end(s) of the filament(s) is/are shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the signal therefrom. When configured with multiple filaments, at least two of the filaments may have differing lengths that extend from the second matrix and also operate to at least partially suppress reflections of a signal.

Abstract: A method of simulating loading of an area on a workpiece in a production line type process. Also, a simulation press having a main body and an actuator attached thereto. The actuator is substantially aligned with the main body. A first plate is coupled to the main body and a second plate is coupled to the actuator. Both plates are adapted to engage a workpiece so as to simulate various modes of deformation of an area or areas on the workpiece when the second plate is moved relative to the first plate. The simulation press further includes a drive controller for controlling operation of the actuator. The drive controller additionally responds to feedback from at least one feedback sensor included with the simulation press.

Abstract: A simulation press having a main body and an actuator attached thereto. The actuator is substantially aligned with the main body. A first plate is coupled to the main body and a second plate is coupled to the actuator. Both plates are adapted to engage a workpiece so as to simulate various modes of deformation of an area or areas on the workpiece when the second plate is moved relative to the first plate. The simulation press further includes a drive controller for controlling operation of the actuator. The drive controller additionally responds to feedback from at least one feedback sensor included with the simulation press.

Abstract: A fire training door assembly includes a door hingably connected in a door frame including first and second vertical posts and an upper horizontal beam connecting the vertical posts. A cutout space is defined along one of the lateral sides of the door. The cutout space has an upper end, a lower end, and a side portion. The reinforced section of the second vertical post extends at least from the lower end to the upper end of said cutout space. The fire door assembly further includes a lock element movably arranged in the cutout space and a spring arranged between the lock element and the side portion urging the lock element toward the second side of the door against a stop element arranged on the door along the second lateral side of the door. The lock element is movable against an urgency of the spring toward the first lateral side of the door, whereby the forces required to move the lock element against the spring simulate the forces required to pry open a steel door.

Abstract: A simulation press having a main body and an actuator attached thereto. The actuator is substantially aligned with the main body. A first plate is coupled to the main body and a second plate is coupled to the actuator. Both plates are adapted to engage a workpiece so as to simulate various modes of deformation of an area or areas on the workpiece when the second plate is moved relative to the first plate. The simulation press further includes a drive controller for controlling operation of the actuator. The drive controller additionally responds to feedback from at least one feedback sensor included with the simulation press.

Abstract: A keyless access sensor system for use with a keyless access control mechanism (KACM) is described for controlling the operation of a locking device. The KACM receives a signal from a sensor device for keyless access to create a first output signal before the user has begun any action on the handle in order to open the door. The first output signal is sent to a general processor, which initiates a recognition process and, after recognition of the authorized user the processor then generates an unlocking signal which unlocks the locking device before the authorized user will have fully accomplished the action of opening the door. Thus the authorized user is allowed to open the door without any specific un-ergonomic and time-consuming additional action to the simple action of actuating the handle to open the door.

Abstract: A keyless access sensor system for use with a keyless access control mechanism (KACM) is described for controlling the operation of a locking device. The KACM receives a signal from a sensor device for keyless access to create a first output signal before the user has begun any action on the handle in order to open the door. The first output signal is sent to a general processor, which initiates a recognition process and, after recognition of the authorized user the processor then generates an unlocking signal which unlocks the locking device before the authorized user will have fully accomplished the action of opening the door. Thus the authorized user is allowed to open the door without any specific un-ergonomic and time-consuming additional action to the simple action of actuating the handle to open the door.