Abstract: A torque sensor is disclosed based on a SAW die configured on a surface of a plate, and an isolator formed from a flexible material. The isolator is rigidly mounted to the plate, such that the isolator flexes when a force perpendicular to the surface of the plate are applied while transferring a torque that is applied within a plane of the plate to the SAW die, thereby eliminating or minimizing the effect on the SAW die of out-of-plane forces on the plate so as to isolate the torque transferred to the plate.

Abstract: A device for mounting a sensor on a device being subjected to torque such as a shaft or plate in the form of a retaining ring having an opening or chamber sized to hold the sensor. The ring has a first open end for insertion of the sensor into the chamber or opening and a second end having a lip for retaining the sensor in the opening. The second end has an opening for the sensor wires or other connecting elements. The ring has threads on the outer periphery of the retaining ring for engaging similar threads on the device being subjected to torque.

Abstract: A sorting and feeding apparatus causes components to be deposited into the central portion of a rotatable tube. As the tube rotates, the components are caused to move out of a first end or a second end of the tube, depending on the physical orientation of the components when they are deposited into the tube's central portion. When the components have a first end that has a larger diameter than a second end, rotation of the tube causes the components to move in a direction away from the larger diameter end and toward the smaller diameter end. This principle is used to urge the components to exit from the rotatable tube at an end of the tube that is determined by the physical orientation of the component. Components that are oriented in a desirable direction are fed into an associated apparatus or machine while the components that are oriented in an undesirable direction are returned to a feeding mechanism that recycles them back to the central portion of the tube.

Abstract: A switch is specifically shaped to be retained in position within an apparatus, such as a household appliance, by inserting edges of an opening formed in the sheet material of the apparatus into first and second slots shaped into the housing of the switch. The first and second slots can be formed in opposite edge surfaces of the switch housing structure, either within the flat edges or at the corners of the housing structure. When attached to an appliance, no screws or other fasteners are necessary to rigidly attach the switch to the apparatus. The switch can be pushed into a slot formed in an edge of one panel of the apparatus and then captivated by an opening in another panel of the apparatus. Alternatively, the switch can be inserted into a larger portion of a single opening and then moved into a narrower portion of that opening. Another device can then be inserted into the larger portion of the opening to prevent inadvertent removal of the switch from its attached position within the opening.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl feeder is provided with an automatic cleanout feature which comprises an opening formed in the bottom surface of a vibratory bowl proximate a ramp formed on that bottom surface. The ramp extends a predetermined angular distance around the bottom surface of the bowl and locally raises the surface that parts pass along as they move in response to the vibrations of the bowl. The raised surface of the ramp creates a step between the upper most surface of the ramp and the bottom surface of the bowl proximate the opening formed in the bottom surface of the bowl. A door is provided to selectively cover and uncover the opening. During normal operation, the door is closed and parts pass over the ramp, along the upper surface of the door and back to the bottom surface in response to the vibration of the bowl.