Abstract: Integrated axially varying engine mufflers, and associated methods and systems. An arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tailcone having a tapering external surface, a cavity disposed within the surface, and an engine muffler disposed within the cavity. The engine muffler can have a tapering outer surface, a porous inner surface disposed inwardly from the outer surface, and a plurality of cells disposed between the outer surface and the inner surface in fluid communication with the perforations of the inner surface. The inner surface can be positioned adjacent to an exhaust gas flow path having an entrance aperture and an exit aperture. Cells positioned toward the entrance aperture can have a first dimension extending away from the gas path, and cells positioned toward the exit aperture can have a second, different, dimension extending away from the exhaust gas path.

Abstract: A contactless pressure switch 10 sensitive to fluid pressure rates of change includes a housing 36 and a diaphragm 42 secured in the housing defining first and second chambers. Ports 48, 50 are included in the first and second chambers to vent the chambers. A magnet 52 is secured to the diaphragm and a switching module 54 is secured to the housing within one of the first or second chambers at a position spaced from the diaphragm. A biasing magnet 53 is mounted with the module to provide symmetrical switching by the module. The other of the first or second chambers is coupled to a sensing tube 28 such that upon a pulse or rate change of pressure being introduced in the other of first and second chambers, the diaphragm is deflected. This moves the magnet 52 toward the module actuating it to switch the module and actuate a desired circuit. In an alternative embodiment, the position of the module may be varied relative to the diaphragm to vary the sensitivity of the switch.

Abstract: A sensitive edge 10 for door systems, lifts, doors, or other moving portions of transit vehicles that come into contact with articles or passengers includes a body defining a resilient deformable leading edge portion 30 and a base portion 32 within which is defined an internal chamber. A coupling portion is defined on and extending from the base for coupling the sensitive edge to the door or similar device 36. The chamber 34 is hollow and at atmospheric pressure and in the preferred embodiment, is filled with air. Within the chamber is mounted a Wiegand wire and pick-up coil 38 that is electrically coupled to a switch for recycling the door or similar device upon engagement of the sensitive edge with an object such as a passenger.