Abstract: An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line, and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. In certain embodiments, the motor and transmission are substantially entirely contained within the drum. In the same or other embodiments, a bearing may provide support for both the transmission and the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A power sensor measures an amount of current drawn and/or voltage supplied to the motor as the motor applies torque to the line. A processor calculates an amount of weight that is attached to the line based on the amount of power consumed by the motor. Alternatively, if the motor is operated in generator mode, a current sensor may measure an amount of current generated by the motor and the processor may calculate an amount of weight that is attached to the line based at least partly on an amount of current that is generated by the motor.

Abstract: A system includes multiple lifting devices, where each lifting device includes a drum to draw in or let out a line, and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A grouping module groups the lifting devices for synchronized operation in lifting a shared load. A load distribution management module monitors an amount of weight carried by each of the grouped lifting devices and provides feedback to a user to enable more optimal distribution of the shared load amongst the grouped lifting devices.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. Logistics electronics are mounted proximate a first end of the drum and power electronics are mounted proximate a second end of the drum. In general, the logistics electronics include lower power electronics that enable data processing as well as data and commands to be communicated to the apparatus from an external location. By contrast, the power electronics may include higher power electronics needed to receive power and drive the motor.

Abstract: A system includes multiple lifting devices, where each lifting device includes a drum to draw in or let out a line, and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A grouping module is provided to group the lifting devices for synchronized operation. A synchronization module monitors an amount of line that is drawn in or let out from each of the lifting devices and, based on the amount, adjusts operating parameters (e.g., position, speed, etc.) of one or more of the lifting devices in the group to substantially synchronize the amount of line drawn in or let out with other lifting devices in the group.

Abstract: A magnetometer includes a sensor housing having an internal bore formed therethrough and a magnetic field sensor disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing. The magnetic field sensor is fixedly mounted within the internal bore of the sensor housing. A magnetic flux concentrating block is disposed proximate to an end of the at least one magnetic field sensor. An electronics unit is disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing and is operatively and communicatively connected to the magnetic field sensor. The electronics unit is configured to receive a signal from the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a voltage regulator circuit comprises at least one coil disposed around a rotor coupled to a first rectifier. The coil comprises an electric tap connected to a second rectifier. The first rectifier and second rectifier are coupled to each other with at least one switch. The second rectifier is connected to a common load and the first rectifier is connected to the load via the at least one switch.

Abstract: A method of producing a textured proteinaceous meat analogue, with an optimized fibrous appearance, from an extrudate which passes through a conduit of known cross-sectional shape, said method including the steps of: determining a cutting profile for said extrudate, said profile including the making of a slice through the extrudate that is substantially co-linear with the longest axis of said cross-sectional shape; and slicing through said extrudate, via one or more blades adapted to slice in a manner according to the above determined profile, in a direction substantially opposed to the direction of flow of the extrudate through, or exiting, said conduit.

Abstract: An extruder exit flow distribution device, for use in the transfer of high-moisture food extrudate material from an extruder, said extruder having one or more extrusion screws, to the inlet of a multi-channel cooling die, said flow distribution device having an internal extrudate passage which defines a flow path for any given element of extrudate passing from the extruder exit to the entrance of said cooling die.

Abstract: A method of modulating the flow of fluid extrudate as it passes through one or more product cooling channels in an extrudate cooling die, said cooling die utilising the flow of a coolant through one or more coolant flow channels, from a coolant inlet point to a coolant outlet point, at least one of said coolant flow channels being located in thermal proximity to at least an associated one of said product cooling channels, to effect cooling of the extrudate from an extrudate inlet temperature to an extrudate outlet temperature.