Abstract: An enterprise platform may retrieve, from a collaboration data store, information about a selected enterprise team. The enterprise platform may then transmit, from a set of integration tools to a workflow tool of a remote cloud-based environment, a data payload including a notification request associated with a channel. The enterprise platform may also transmit, from a runtime environment to a business communication platform of the cloud-based environment, a request to post a notification to the channel and arrange for a member of the selected enterprise team to receive an adaptive information card, pushed by the business communication platform via the channel, containing information associated with at least one of the integration tools. The member who receives the adaptive information card may also, via selection of a graphical icon on the card, respond to the business communication platform via bi-directional communication.

Abstract: A wheel washer includes a frame. The wheel washer also includes a arm attachable to the frame, the arm being capable of movement with respect to the frame. The wheel washer further includes a brush attachable to the arm, the brush being capable of movement both in and out with respect to a surface of the frame and being capable of rotation in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The arm can be an articulated arm or a multi-axis arm.

Abstract: A wheel washer includes a frame. The wheel washer also includes a arm attachable to the frame, the arm being capable of movement with respect to the frame. The wheel washer further includes a brush attachable to the arm, the brush being capable of movement both in and out with respect to a surface of the frame and being capable of rotation in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The arm can be an articulated arm or a multi-axis arm.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing activity on or around an object, includes sensor cords provided in a parallel or a substantially parallel arrangement. Each sensor cord includes sensors disposed adjacent one another. Each sensor includes a resilient top portion having at least one resilient conductive member, and a resilient lower portion having active sections and resilient lower portion conductive members channeled and interconnected through the lower portion, the lower portion conductive members being separated by non-conductive material. Each active section further includes a layer of resilient conductive material at a top of the lower portion, resilient non-conductive material arranged over the lower conductive members to insulate the lower portion conductive members from the conductive layer, and a communicating conductive material to connect one of the conductive members to the resilient conducting material on top of the active section.

Abstract: An event sensing component includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a first tube that is provided along an entire length of the housing, and a second tube that is provided along the entire length of the housing. The housing also includes a first connector provided at one end of the first tube and configured to couple with a first bypass tube that is attached at another end to another traffic sensing component. The housing further includes a second connector provided at one end of the second tube and configured to couple with a second bypass tube that is attached at another end to the another traffic sensing component.

Abstract: An acoustic pulse transfer device according to the invention has one or more carrier segments that can be connected together to transport acoustic pulses through them. Acoustic pulses generated by events in a first segment are transported through a second segment, which may or may not have its own acoustic pulse generator generating acoustic pulses in response to different events. Acoustic pulses generated in the first and second segments are then independently transported through a third segment. Any number of such segments can be connected together. Typically, acoustic pulses are generated by compressing a pneumatic tube in a carrier segment. The pneumatic tube is connected to a substantially non-compressible acoustic pulse carrier tube connected to the segment's pneumatic tube through a trough in a wall separating the pneumatic tube from the acoustic pulse carrier tube.

Abstract: An acoustic pulse transfer device according to the invention has one or more carrier segments that can be connected together to transport acoustic pulses through them. Acoustic pulses generated by events in a first segment are transported through a second segment, which may or may not have its own acoustic pulse generator generating acoustic pulses in response to different events. Acoustic pulses generated in the first and second segments are then independently transported through a third segment. Any number of such segments can be connected together. Typically, acoustic pulses are generated by compressing a pneumatic tube in a carrier segment. The pneumatic tube is connected to a substantially non-compressible acoustic pulse carrier tube connected to the segment's pneumatic tube through a trough in a wall separating the pneumatic tube from the acoustic pulse carrier tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a micro-gyro and method of driving a micro-gyro. The method and structure are embodied in a micro-gyro of the type where first flexures extend from an anchor connect to a sense plate, where second flexures extend from the sense plate connect to a drive ring, where the drive ring is driven to oscillate about a drive axis, and where the first flexures constrain the sense plate from moving about the drive axis but permit the sense plate and the attached drive ring to rock about a sense axis. The sense plate, drive ring and flexures form a plate-ring-flexure system that is tuned such that the system rocks about the sense axis in a first or fundamental mode where the plate and ring move substantially in phase at the lowest resonant frequency.

Abstract: A micro-gyro device is disclosed combining an element which oscillates around the drive axis and an element which rocks around the output axis, so arranged that Coriolis force is transmitted from one element of the other without any substantial transfer of motion of either element to the other in its own direction of motion. In other words, the masses of the two elements operate independently of one another, providing improved performance, and individual adjustability to compensate for any manufacturing imprecision. The presently-preferred device combines an outer ring which oscillates around the drive axis with an inner disk which rocks around the output axis, whenever external rotating motion occurs about the rate axis.

Abstract: A self-regulating tire pressure system and method employs a bistable valve (10) that allows air from a high pressure reservoir (6) to replenish the pressure within a tire (4) when it has fallen below an actuating pressure, and discontinues its operation only after the tire pressure has increased to a closing pressure that is greater than the actuating pressure. The system is capable of sensing the valve's (10) frequency of operation as an indication of a slow tire leak when the frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, of sensing the number of valve (10) operations and the duration of each operation as an indication of a flat tire condition when the number of operations for a predetermined duration exceeds a second threshold, and of sensing the duration of the valve's (10) operation as an indication of a low reservoir (6) pressure condition when that duration exceeds a third threshold.

Abstract: A self-regulating tire pressure system and method employs a bistable valve (10) that allows air from a high pressure reservoir (6) to replenish the pressure within a tire (4) when it has fallen below an actuating pressure, and discontinues its operation only after the tire pressure has increased to a closing pressure that is greater than the actuating pressure. The system is capable of sensing the valve's (10) frequency of operation as an indication of a slow tire leak when the frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, of sensing the number of valve (10) operations and the duration of each operation as an indication of a flat tire condition when the number of operations for a predetermined duration exceeds a second threshold, and of sensing the duration of the valve's (10) operation as an indication of a low reservoir (6) pressure condition when that duration exceeds a third threshold.

Abstract: A traffic counting cord has a plurality of sections designed to be identical in physical characteristics, set-up procedures, durability and performance as a road tube. Each section has a portion with conductive upper and lower members and a portion with non-conductive upper and lower members. The upper and lower members are separated by resilient, non-conductive material. Embedded within the members are a plurality of wires insulated with nylon or other material and at least one non-insulated wire which is in contact with the conductive member. A count occurs when traffic impacting the cord causes the upper and lower members of a section to make contact. Individual counts for each lane can be obtained by cross-wiring the sections, so that the uninsulated conductors of each section are routed to a counter through insulated conductors or wires of the other sections. Any even or odd number of lanes, typically four, six, or eight lanes can be accommodated, although there is no theoretical limit.

Abstract: A tire air pressure sensor is mounted on a vehicle wheel and includes an inertial mass which is urged radially outwardly by centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the wheel. The tire air pressure is applied to the inertial mass in opposition to the centrifugal force. When the rotational speed of the wheel is sufficient that the centrifugal force overcomes the applied air pressure, the inertial mass moves radially outwardly and opens a switch. The speed at which the switch opens is a predetermined function of the tire pressure. In another embodiment, a second sensor is provided to sense when the tire pressure is below a minimum value. A spring urges an inertial mass inwardly in opposition to the centrifugal force, and the tire pressure is applied to a bellows having an end which moves radially outwardly in proportion to the applied pressure.

Abstract: A self-regulating tire pressure system and method employs a bistable valve (10) that allows air from a high pressure reservoir (6) to replenish the pressure within a tire (4) when it has fallen below an actuating pressure, and discontinues its operation only after the tire pressure has increased to a closing pressure that is greater than the actuating pressure. The system is capable of sensing the valve's (10) frequency of operation as an indication of a slow tire leak when the frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, of sensing the number of valve (10) operations and the duration of each operation as an indication of a flat tire condition when the number of operations for a predetermined duration exceeds a second threshold, and of sensing the duration of the valve's (10) operation as an indication of a low reservoir (6) pressure condition when that duration exceeds a third threshold.

Abstract: A chamber (24) is filled with a fluid whose pressure is to be regulated to a predetermined value. A valve (30) is disposed between the chamber (24) and a high pressure source of the fluid. A rolling diaphragm (18) has a face (18c) exposed to the fluid in the chamber (24), and actuates the valve (30) to connect the chamber (24) to the source when the chamber pressure drops below the predetermined value and to disconnect the chamber (24) from the source when the chamber pressure rises to substantially the predetermined value. A spring (26) urges the diaphragm (18) against the chamber pressure with a force corresponding to the predetermined pressure value.

Abstract: A traffic counting cord has a plurality of sections designed to be identical in physical characteristics, set-up procedures, durability and performance as a road tube. Each section has a portion with conductive upper and lower members and a portion with non-conductive upper and lower members. The upper and lower members are separated by resilient, non-conductive material. Embedded within the members are a plurality of wires insulated with nylon or other material and at least one non-insulated wire which is in contact with the conductive member. A count occurs when traffic impacting the cord causes the upper and lower members of a section to make contact. Individual counts for each lane can be obtained by cross-wiring the sections, so that the uninsulated conductors of each section are routed to a counter through insulated conductors or wires of the other sections. Any even or odd number of lanes, typically four, six, or eight lanes can be accomodated, although there is no theoretical limit.

Abstract: A protective helmet, such as a football helmet, motorcycle helmet, construction helmet, or the like comprises a shell made of impact-resistant material. Inside of the helmet is a complete transceiver system which allows two-way wireless communication between persons in the same location or to a remote base unit. No components of the system protrude from either the interior or exterior of the helmet shell as the antenna follows the configuration of the shell centerline while one or more microphones are contained within elements of the face guard. A switch device, also contained within the face guard and including an illuminated element, is disposed within the field of view of the wearer.

Abstract: A positioning stage is disclosed which achieves high-speed step-and-repeat alignment of a semiconductor wafer to a mask with a full six degrees of freedom. A precision planar translational stage is mounted on a rotating stage to allow a single-laser interferometric system to be utilized to make precise measurements of translational (X and Y) and rotational (.theta.) positions. The entire X-Y-.theta. stage system can also be moved vertically in a Z direction, or tilted with respect to the X-Y plane, by independently adjustable flexible mounts. The center of rotation of the rotational stage is on the beam axis, so that registration of the wafer to a mask is simplified. Because the mass of the rotating stage is not moved during high-speed X- and Y-positioning steps, fast response is possible. In lithography applications, one rotational correction at the beginning of the writing procedure suffices for all the chips on the wafer, if all the rows and columns of chips are perfectly straight.

Abstract: A light stabile composition for imparting stain resistance to polyamide fiber-containing textile articles (e.g. nylon, wool or silk carpets) comprises a halogenated (e.g. brominated or chlorinated) aryl group-containing product of the condensation polymerization of a hydroxyaryl sulfonic acid (e.g., para-hydroxyphenyl sulfonic acid), a dihydroxydiaryl sulfone (e.g., dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone) and an aldehyde (e.g., formaldehyde). The polyamide fiber-containing textile articles are converted to a stain resistant product by containing the fibers with an acidified aqueous solution of the aforesaid composition.

Abstract: A secondary ion mass spectrometry system and method is described which operates several orders of magnitude more quickly than previous systems, and captures information that might previously have been missed. A parallel detection approach is used which simultaneously monitors all secondary ion masses of interest, as opposed to prior serial approaches which sense only one ion mass at a time. The secondary ions are spatially separated according to mass and sensed by a detector array. An ion-electron converter and amplifier, implemented as a microchannel plate assembly, is preferably interfaced between the mass separator and detector. The detector preferably uses an array of wires to collect charge emitted by the microchannel plate. The wires are coupled to output lines by an encoding scheme which allows many fewer output lines to be employed than there are wires.