Abstract: Methods and related apparatus embodiments are disclosed that allow combinations of legacy devices and new higher capability devices to be compatibly integrated on a model railroad control system to provide; higher system speed, new control capabilities and lowered control latency delays.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatus embodiments are disclosed that allow combinations of legacy devices and new higher capability devices to be compatibly integrated on a model railroad control system to provide; higher system speed, new control capabilities and lowered control latency delays.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a calorimeter device and an electrochemical system analysis method. The device includes a first thermo-electric gauge (TEG) and a first conductor thermally coupled to the first TEG, the first conductor comprising a first surface. The device may also include a second conductor with a second surface, the second surface facing the first surface, thereby forming a gap. The device may also include a second TEG thermally coupled to the second conductor and an adjustment mechanism attached to the second TEG, operable to modify a size of the gap between the first surface and the second surface. The method includes applying a plurality of electrical signals across an electrochemical system, determining, using a calorimeter, at least one rate at which heat is generated by the system, and determining at least one thermal characteristic of a component of the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a calorimeter device and an electrochemical system analysis method. The device includes a first thermo-electric gauge (TEG) and a first conductor thermally coupled to the first TEG, the first conductor comprising a first surface. The device may also include a second conductor with a second surface, the second surface facing the first surface, thereby forming a gap. The device may also include a second TEG thermally coupled to the second conductor and an adjustment mechanism attached to the second TEG, operable to modify a size of the gap between the first surface and the second surface. The method includes applying a plurality of electrical signals across an electrochemical system, determining, using a calorimeter, at least one rate at which heat is generated by the system, and determining at least one thermal characteristic of a component of the system.

Abstract: A motorized broom that may be used in the game of curling is provided. The broom comprises a moveable synthetic fabric brush head that can provide a sweeping motion consistent with the regulatory requirements governing the game of curling. The motorized curling broom can assist individuals who would otherwise not be able to effectively accomplish a sweeping motion with their own strength or stamina to participate recreationally and competitively in the game. The curling broom comprises: a motor and associated gear reduction and crank configuration for causing a sinusoidal back and forth sweeping action of the brush head. The broom further includes a user control mechanism for intuitive adjustment of the power supplied to the brush head by way of controlling the speed of the motor and the pressure applied to the sweeping surface. A dynamic balancing mechanism reduces unwanted vibration transmitted to the individual using the broom.

Abstract: Large volume calorimeters (100) and small volume, or cell, calorimeters (700), as well as methods of making and using the same, are provided.

Abstract: Fail-safe systems and design methodologies for large capacity battery systems are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methodologies serve to locate a faulty cell in a large capacity battery, such as a cell having an internal short circuit, determine whether the fault is evolving, and electrically isolate the faulty cell from the rest of the battery, preventing further electrical energy from feeding into the fault.

Abstract: A motorized broom that may be used in the game of curling is provided. The broom comprises a moveable synthetic fabric brush head that can provide a sweeping motion consistent with the regulatory requirements governing the game of curling. The motorized curling broom can assist individuals who would otherwise not be able to effectively accomplish a sweeping motion with their own strength or stamina to participate recreationally and competitively in the game. The curling broom comprises: a motor and associated gear reduction and crank configuration for causing a sinusoidal back and forth sweeping action of the brush head. The broom further includes a user control mechanism for intuitive adjustment of the power supplied to the brush head by way of controlling the speed of the motor and the pressure applied to the sweeping surface. A dynamic balancing mechanism reduces unwanted vibration transmitted to the individual using the broom.

Abstract: Large volume calorimeters (100) and small volume, or cell, calorimeters (700), as well as methods of making and using the same, are provided.

Abstract: Fail-safe systems and design methodologies for large capacity battery systems are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methodologies serve to locate a faulty cell in a large capacity battery, such as a cell having an internal short circuit, determine whether the fault is evolving, and electrically isolate the faulty cell from the rest of the battery, preventing further electrical energy from feeding into the fault.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided to allow expanded control capability of digital locomotives on model railroad layouts, and to permit compatible speed and direction operation simultaneously for non-digital or conventional locomotives alongside. The improvements employ mixed-mode control encoding and decoding algorithms and methods that are expanded beyond other known structures for control mode changes used on model railroad layouts. The method and the apparatus also provide a capability for occupancy detection, transponding or data feedback detection and intelligent power management in the same apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown to provide a downloadable and user configurable sound generator based on a Sound Definition Language method with inline modifiers, which provides the maximum user customization, flexibility and adjustment of sounds that can be produced. The embodiments of this method allow the creation of sound decoders that may be securely downloaded with sound and IPL data and that will operate in power limited environments with resistance to power drop outs and are significant improvements beyond prior art devices.

Abstract: A circuit board threadplate for connection of a component to a circuit board is provided wherein such threadplate may be mechanically mounted to a circuit board without the use of manual labor. Specifically, the threadplate is compatible with present Surface Mount Technology robotic placement machines. Such circuit board threadplate includes a hollow substantially cylindrical member forming an extruded neck having an elongated section and a substantially flat surface at a first end of the elongated section and a flange extending from a second end of the elongated section. The flange provides a substantially flat surface suitable for soldering onto a surface of a circuit board. Additionally, the threadplate includes a cylindrical cavity positioned inside the substantially cylindrical member, extending in a direction aligned with the substantially cylindrical member. The cylindrical cavity may have a thread pattern suitable for receiving a screw-type fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for transporting quantities of drilling fluid additive. The system includes at least one pump, at least one intake assembly, at least one exhaust assembly, and can also include at least one intake member operably connected to the intake assembly, and at least one exhaust member operably connected to the exhaust assembly.

Abstract: New techniques are presented for providing proportional activation of model railroad functions and effects with control keys on a model railroad layout control system. This permits for example a throttle device connected to a digital layout control system to provide for a “playable” or variable-pitch whistle sound effect where prior art was severely limited in providing this effect realistically. This invention allows proportional keys with the added ability to control multiple aspects of any effect and to latch proportional values at any state. This invention also allows the expansion of the wireless and Internet connection capabilities of the network of a layout control system so the new proportional capabilities can be carried across these connections.

Abstract: A circuit board standoff for use with SMT placement machinery is provided comprising a hollow substantially cylindrical member, a flange extending from a bottom section of the cylindrical member and an opening positioned in the top section of the substantially cylindrical member operable to receive a fastener. The circuit board standoff operates to provide physical connection between two circuit boards while maintaining a minimum distance there between for inclusion of any required electronic components.

Abstract: A printed circuit board stiffener is provided comprising a generally U-shaped elongated horizontal assembly having a substantially horizontal surface, an elongated vertical member extending downward from and rigidly coupled to one of the elongated horizontal assembly members opposite the assembly's curved edge and having a plurality of legs extending from the elongated vertical member, each such leg further comprising a flange extending substantially perpendicular to its respective plurality of legs in a direction toward the elongated horizontal assembly's curved edge. Each of said flanges are suitable for attachment to a surface of a circuit board. Further, such stiffener is capable of being moved, oriented, placed and mechanically bonded to the printed circuit board using existing SMT robotic assemblies.

Abstract: A printed circuit board stiffener is provided comprising a generally U-shaped elongated horizontal assembly having a substantially horizontal surface, an elongated vertical member extending downward from and rigidly coupled to one of the elongated horizontal assembly members opposite the assembly's curved edge and having a plurality of legs extending from the elongated vertical member, each such leg further comprising a flange extending substantially perpendicular to its respective plurality of legs in a direction toward the elongated horizontal assembly's curved edge. Each of said flanges are suitable for attachment to a surface of a circuit board. Further, such stiffener is capable of being moved, oriented, placed and mechanically bonded to the printed circuit board using existing SMT robotic assemblies.

Abstract: A circuit board threadplate for connection of a component to a circuit board is provided wherein such threadplate may be mechanically mounted to a circuit board without the use of manual labor. Specifically, the threadplate is compatible with present Surface Mount Technology robotic placement machines. Such circuit board threadplate comprises a hollow substantially cylindrical member forming an extruded neck having an elongated section and a substantially flat surface at a first end of the elongated section and a flange extending from a second end of the elongated section. The flange provides a substantially flat surface suitable for soldering onto a surface of a circuit board. Additionally, the threadplate comprises a cylindrical cavity positioned inside the substantially cylindrical member, extending in a direction aligned with the substantially cylindrical member. The cylindrical cavity may have a thread pattern suitable for receiving a screw-type fastener.

Abstract: A circuit board standoff for use with SMT placement machinery is provided comprising a hollow substantially cylindrical member, a flange extending from a bottom section of the cylindrical member and an opening positioned in the top section of the substantially cylindrical member operable to receive a fastener. The circuit board standoff operates to provide physical connection between two circuit boards while maintaining a minimum distance there between for inclusion of any required electronic components.