Abstract: A server device includes a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute instructions associated with permitting searching of an electronic book profile of a desired electronic book by a user based on a predetermined search code provided thereto, and providing a search result based on the searching of the electronic book profile such that a non-discount price of the desired electronic book is presented to the user. The processor is also configured to execute instructions associated with authenticating the user based on a unique promotional code such that the desired electronic book is downloadable to an electronic device by the user, and resetting the non-discount price to a discount price less than the non-discount price associated with the desired electronic book based on tracking interaction of the user with a number of electronic book profiles.

Abstract: The invention includes a grain separator with a seal system. The seal system includes an elastomeric portion and an inelastomeric portion. The seal system interfaces with an inlet spout at at least two locations. The seal system is rotatable about an inlet spout. A sealing pressure is increased as grain interacts with the seal system.

Abstract: An actuator for moving a component of an HVAC system includes a housing, a motor, and a hub configured to receive a shaft. The actuator also includes a processing circuit configured to temporarily shift the actuator from a first speed mode to a second speed mode that is different than the first speed mode upon receiving an input signal.

Abstract: A linear motion brake (10) includes a channel shaped shoe guide (90) straddling a linear race (20) and having shoe bores (95) defined in leg plates (92) for receiving brake shoes (12). A piston (100) is reciprocally received in a piston cavity (86) of a plate-shaped housing (80) secured to the shoe guide (90). The piston (100) includes first and second protrusions (76, 134) extending from the piston head (102) in the reciprocation direction. Springs (114) are sandwiched between the shoe guide (90) and the piston (100). Ribs (116) of the piston (100) are slideably received in cutouts (96) formed in the connecting plate (94) of the shoe guide (92). Reciprocation of the protrusions (76, 134) cams the brake shoes (12) against the linear race (20).

Abstract: A linear motion brake (10) includes a channel shaped shoe guide (90) straddling a linear race (20) and having shoe bores (95) defined in leg plates (92) for receiving brake shoes (12). A piston (100) is reciprocally received in a piston cavity (86) of a plate-shaped housing (80) secured to the shoe guide (90). The piston (100) includes first and second protrusions (76, 134) extending from the piston head (102) in the reciprocation direction. Springs (114) are sandwiched between the shoe guide (90) and the piston (100). Ribs (116) of the piston (100) are slideably received in cutouts (96) formed in the connecting plate (94) of the shoe guide (92). Reciprocation of the protrusions (76, 134) cams the brake shoes (12) against the linear race (20).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for controlling a vehicle actuatable occupant restraining system including a crash accelerometer (32) for sensing frontal crash acceleration and providing a first crash acceleration signal indicative thereof. A side crash accelerometer (46, 48) senses transverse crash acceleration and provides a second crash acceleration signal indicative thereof. A controller (50) actuates the actuatable occupant restraining system in response to the first crash acceleration signal and the transverse crash acceleration signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a vehicle actuatable occupant restraining system. A central crash accelerometer senses crash acceleration at a central vehicle location provides a first crash acceleration signal. A side-satellite accelerometer senses crash acceleration substantially parallel with a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle and provides a signal indicative thereof. A controller actuates the actuatable occupant restraining system in response to the central crash acceleration signal and the side-satellite signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a vehicle actuatable occupant restraining system including a central crash accelerometer sensing crash acceleration at a central vehicle location and providing a first crash acceleration signal indicative thereof. A crush zone crash accelerometer senses transverse crash acceleration at a forward location of the vehicle. A controller actuates the actuatable occupant restraining system in response to the central crash acceleration signal and the transverse crash acceleration signal from the crush zone sensor.

Abstract: A friction disc (16) for a torque and/or rotational control apparatus includes elongated and shortened fins (42, 43) upstanding between and equally circumferentially spaced intermediate first and second component discs (40, 41). The fins (42, 43) are free of circumferential interconnections to allow air to radially pass freely between the fins (42, 43). The fins (42, 43) extend in non-radial directions between the first and second component discs (40, 41). A mounting ring (48) is integrally formed with the elongated fins (42) intermediate and axially spaced from each component disc (40, 41) and radially inward of the inner edges (46) of the component discs (40, 41). The elongated fins (42) each includes a first elongated portion (42a) and a second shortened portion (42b) extending at an obtuse angle therefrom and on the mounting ring (48) radially inside of the inner edges (46). Windows (74) are formed in the mounting ring (48) radially inside of the component discs (40, 41) and of the elongated fins (42).

Abstract: A motion controller for use with a rod (10A, 10B, 10C) has a backlash reducer (88A, 88B, 88C) that substantially reduces or eliminates the space created after manufacturing parts with specified tolerance dimensions to substantially reduce or eliminate backlash. The backlash reducer (88A, 88B) can be in the form of a holder such as an internal retaining ring (78) and a shim (36), a threaded cap (38), or the like to accommodate various part size variances due to manufacturing tolerances. Alternately, the end cap (45) of the motion controller (10C) can have an outside thread (41) that mates to an inside thread (43) of the inside surface (54) of a housing (29). The motion controller (10A, 10B, 10C) has a friction collar (12) to hold the rod (14) under the action of balls (16) and a piston (18). The motion controller (10A, 10B, 10C) can be fluid powered with a fluid such as air.

Abstract: A system is provided for modeling and simulating a Six Sigma implementation. The system uses a process in which individuals in a Six Sigma initiative are the entities of the processes. The activities in the model correspond to the steps in implementing a Six Sigma initiative. Data is collected and outputted for review of performance.

Abstract: An actuator for an HVAC system includes a motor coupled by an electrically operated clutch to a gear train which drives an output connector. A spring is connected to the transmission to drive the output connector to a normal position in the event of a power failure. A control apparatus is connected to the transmission and provides the combined functions of a magnetic eddy current brake and a motion sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting actuation of a positioning member and a method for commissioning the apparatus wherein the apparatus includes a controller coupled to a drive motor and adapted to receive an input signal and to apply positioning signals to the drive motor. The positioning signals selectively effect positioning of the positioning member and determine a first position and a second position of the positioning member. The method for commissioning the apparatus selectively includes performing an end stop determination sequence in response to an end stop determination signal, winding a bias member, and determining a range of rotation for the positioning member. The end stop determination sequence seeks to detect the presence of both a load and spring when rotating the positioning member and biasing member, respectively, in one of a first and second direction.