Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided for a vehicle having at least one opening to allow passengers to enter and exit the vehicle. The passenger detection system includes a plurality of passenger detection devices placed on opposed sides of the at least one opening to detect passengers entering and exiting the vehicle through the at least one opening. The passenger detection system also includes a plurality of passenger number devices placed on at least one side of the at least one opening to detect the number of the passengers entering or exiting the vehicle through the at least one opening.

Abstract: A flow through humidifier includes a media, a water supply assembly to supply inlet water from a source to the media, a collector to collect unevaporated water from the media, and a reflow pump to pump the unevaporated water from the collector and to combine the unevaporated water with the inlet water from the water supply assembly, thus enabling more water to pass over the media for evaporation.

Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling the application of a fastener to a surface and a support, for use with a support sensor and an automatic fastener applying device. In the circuit, a comparator receives a primary signal from the sensor and generates an intermediate signal when a preselected condition is satisfied between the primary signal and the predetermined value. A controller generates a control signal in response to receipt of a secondary signal from the sensor and the intermediate signal. An actuator operates the automatic fastener applying device to apply the fastener to the surface and support in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling the application of a fastener to a surface and a support, for use with a support sensor and an automatic fastener applying device. In the circuit, a comparator receives a primary signal from the sensor and generates an intermediate signal when a preselected condition is satisfied between the primary signal and the predetermined value. A controller generates a control signal in response to receipt of a secondary signal from the sensor and the intermediate signal. An actuator operates the automatic fastener applying device to apply the fastener to the surface and support in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Alternative tool wear compensation modules employing drawbar actuated tool position adjustment or electrically activated solid-state prime mover adjustment including means for physically sensing and verifying the extent of adjustment without awaiting the gaging of successive work piece dimensions following compensation adjustment. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric stack is employed with a flexure unit mounted tool to produce adjustment deflection through controlled voltage applied to the piezoelectric stack.

Abstract: A fiber optic display sign is provided comprising a plurality of magnetically actuatable indicator elements, each having associated therewith at least two fiber optic cables for transmitting light. Each of the fiber optic cables has an end face for emitting light which terminates in an indicator element, and an end face for receiving light which is positioned in close proximity with the other light receiving end faces to form a light receiving surface. A light source assembly moveable with respect to the light receiving surface includes a primary light source and a secondary light source each adapted to illuminate the light receiving surface when aligned therewith. The light source assembly is alternatively moveable to a first position at which the primary light source is aligned with the light receiving surface or a second position at which the secondary light source is aligned with the light receiving surface.

Abstract: A boring type tool includes mean for biasing a cutting bit in a first radial direction with respect to an axis of rotation and means for adjustably moving the cutting bit to a predetermined desired position against the force of the biasing means. The adjustable moving means includes a fluid pressure source for an incompressible electrorheological fluid and a means communicating with the fluid pressure source and the cutting bit for the flow of electrorheological fluid for adjustably moving the cutting bit in a direction opposing the first radial direction in proportion to pressure being generated by the fluid pressure source. A valve means is operably associated with the communicating means for effecting changes in the dynamic stiffness of the electrorheological fluid in response to an electric field.

Abstract: A plurality of adjustable feelers are mounted to a gage head in front of relatively delicate sensing fingers. The feelers will contact the part before the sensing fingers in the event of part abnormality or improper positioning of the part within the gaging apparatus. In such manner, further movement of the gage head relative to the part can be stopped before the sensing fingers crash into the part thereby preventing damage to them.

Abstract: A gauging apparatus for making at least one displacement measurement comprises an elongated flexure member having a pair of spaced apart and substantially parallel body sections. Each body section has an extending portion for contacting a workpiece to be gauged and movable from one position to another corresponding to a displacement measurement. Spaced apart and substantially parallel top and bottom sections join the parallel body sections forming a unitary flexure member having a central opening. The flexure member includes a plurality of webs formed by a sufficiently thin section of material so as to form a hinge. Each of the parallel body sections include a pair of spaced webs for permitting the top and bottom sections to move in parallel motion. The bottom section includes an additional pair of web for permitting movement of the respective extending portions toward and away from each other and a proportional movement of the bottom section in response to such movement of the respective extending portions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for use in monitoring the operation of an automated machine tool which has at least one linear slide axis. Motion along the various machine axes is detected and used to provide an output signal for synchronizing the comparison of real time monitored parameters with previously stored data which varies depending upon the operational stage of the part cycle in which the machine tool is operating. In one embodiment, a plurality of sections are stored in a memory. Each section contains limit values associated with normal characteristics of parameters such as power, vibration, acoustical emission and the like which occur during a given operational stage. A preselected detected change in motion along any of the slide axes initiates the generation of a new section of limit values to be used during the comparison. Provision is also made for inhibiting the comparison when the motion information indicates that the machine is not presently removing metal from the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating simulated waveforms for testing the operability of a vectorcardiogram (VCG) machine. Three distinct waveforms are provided which generally simulate electrical activity within the human heart along three separate axes. Preferably, the waveforms are generated from a single electrocardiographic reference signal. The apparatus includes a plurality of connectors which are selectively coupled to the waveforms and supply output signals to the VCG machine which correspond to waveforms which would ordinarily be supplied by a plurality of electrodes attached to a live patient at various positions.

Abstract: A device for testing the operability of a blood pressure monitor. The device includes a signal generator for generating a plurality of different output signals simulating a variety of static blood pressure levels. A plurality of display devices are included, each device corresponding to one of the given static blood pressure levels. Control circuitry coupled to a single push button switch simultaneously selects a different blood pressure level to be generated and energizes its corresponding display device upon each sequential activation of the switch.

Abstract: The controller includes a power sensing device which monitors the instantaneous power drawn by the machine and compares it with a predetermined limit level of desired power consumption. A user programmable timer is manually accessible for loading a selected time delay period therein. The controller provides an output capable of altering the machine operation when the machine power consumption has continuously exceeded the limit value for the selected time period. The controller outputs may be latched or nonlatched once an overlimit condition is detected in accordance with a user selectable programmed parameter. In an adaptive mode, the controller forces the feed rate to a programmable feed rate for a selected period of time upon initial impact between the workpiece and the machine tool.

Abstract: A remote metering system for monitoring, collecting, analyzing, transmitting and displaying data generated by a plurality of metering devices. A controller, preferably a microprocessor, stores the continually up-dated data, analyzes it, and initiates transmission of the data to at least one remote data receiving device. The data transmission from the controller is in serial format and includes a plurality of different channels, with at least one channel corresponding to a combination of selected data associated with different metering devices. A scaling factor can be applied to particular metering data prior to transmission, for example, so as to provide cost analyses. The remote data receiving device includes the capability of receiving and displaying data corresponding to any of the output data transmission channels from the controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring tool wear and breakage as a function of the electrical power dissipated by a machine tool which is carrying out subsequent cuts for removing stock. Optimal tool life is achieved by monitoring tool wear and breakage as a function of the power dissipated by a machine tool by monitoring said power, storing pertinent selected values thereof associated with successive cuts of the tool and periodically comparing the stored values with one another to determine if the difference therebetween exceeds a predetermined limit value, in which case the operator is warned and/or the machine tool is de-energized. The analysis phase can be carried out by a general-purpose microprocessor or discrete digital or analog components.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating waveforms utilized to check the operability of a remote display device. The apparatus includes a waveform generator for providing electrical signals representing simulated waveforms. An interface circuit for coupling the waveforms to the remote display device includes a bridge network having a plurality of resistive legs in which a variable resistance element is provided in one of the legs. The variable resistance element is coupled to the waveform generator. An excitation signal from the remote display device is coupled to an input of the bridge. The electrical signals from the generator causes the resistance of the variable resistance element to correspondingly vary and provide simulated waveforms at the output of the bridge network to the remote display device.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for generating complex time-varying analog signal waveforms such as electrocardiogram and blood pressure transducer signals employs analog signal shaping circuits coupled to a summing network to shape the sequential output stage signals of a multiple stage counter and also employs an interface to couple the signal waveforms to external display devices.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for automatically zeroing or nulling an analog offset voltage by using multiple bit successive approximation to generate an analog zeroing voltage of equal magnitude and opposite polarity to that of the offset voltage, and then summing the zeroing voltage with the offset voltage.

Abstract: A multiple probe gage system wherein the analog output signal of a plurality of probes is successively sampled, digitized and stored. The stored information is then digitally processed by a microprocessor to produce a digital signal which is a function of the analog output signals of selected probes.

Abstract: A high power source load simulator presents itself to a power meter as a conventional electrical load, but in fact is highly portable and dissipates relatively little power and heat. A current source generates a selectively variable current signal which is characterized by a relatively low, constant voltage. A voltage source generates a selectively variable voltage signal which is phase locked with the current signal and is characterized by a relatively low, constant current. The phase angle between the two signals is selectively variable by means of a phase shift network interposed mediate the voltage and current sources. The current and voltage signals are impressed upon the current and voltage sensing inputs of a power monitor via jumper cables. An AGC circuit is also interposed between the voltage and current sources to insure the amplitude independence of their respective signals.