Abstract: A welding machine that includes a welding torch assembly, a first rotary head, a second rotary head, a fixture, a processor and a memory subsystem. The first rotary head is configured to receive and selectively retain a first end of a bar and a first link approximate the first end of the bar. The second rotary head is configured to receive and selectively retain a second end of the bar and a second link approximate the second end. The fixture is configured to receive and selectively retain a third link and the fixture is positioned between the first and second rotary heads. The processor is coupled to the welding torch assembly, the first and second rotary heads and the fixture, as well as the memory subsystem.

Abstract: A highway crash barrier includes a collision sensor that detects when a vehicle collides with the crash barrier. A transmitter is coupled with the collision sensor to transmit a radio frequency signal to a remote location when this collision sensor detects a collision. This radio frequency signal includes a fault message that is forwarded automatically to a user responsible for maintenance of the crash barrier. A camera is controlled in response to the collision sensor to store an image of the crash barrier shortly after the collision.

Abstract: A detector for detecting a characteristic and a speed of a vehicle includes a first magnetic field sensor for generating a first analog signal indicative of changes in magnetic field strength adjacent the first sensor in response to the vehicle passing. A differentiating circuit differentiates the first analog signal and produces a first output that changes binary state in response to detecting a predetermined change in the differentiated first analog signal. A counter accumulates values at a predetermined rate and a microprocessor stores values of the counter corresponding to each change in the binary state of the first output of the differentiating circuit. The microprocessor converts the stored counter values into a first time series profile corresponding to changes in the first output of the differentiating circuit and accumulates and stores a count of a characteristic of the passing vehicle based on the first time series profile.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a magnetically permeable mass by the disturbance of the earth's magnetic field in the vicinity of the sensor comprises a ferromagnetic strip with a conductive winding wrapped thereabout, a means for magnetically biasing the strip such that regardless of orientation the earth's magnetic field and the strip placing the ferromagnetic strip in a position on its BH curve where the slope is substantially linear, a means for generating an analog signal indicative of the inductance of the winding as the earth's magnetic field is disturbed in the vicinity of the ferromagnetic strip causing a change in the inductance of the winding, a means for digitizing the analog signal at spaced time intervals to produce a series of digitized values, and a digital computer means for processing the digitized signal values to characterize the presence and/or motion of the permeable mass.