Abstract: A device measures the operating angle of a universal joint in a drive train system without any physical contact with the components of the drive train system. The drive train system can include first and second shafts that are connected together by the universal joint. The device includes a first sensor for generating a first signal that is representative of the angular orientation of the first shaft relative to the horizontal and a second sensor for generating a second signal that is representative of the angular orientation of the second shaft relative to the horizontal. Each of the first and second sensors can include a pair of non-contact sensors, such as a pair of laser distance sensors, that are mounted on a base. A controller is responsive to the first and second signals for determining the operating angle of the universal joint.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing temperature overshoot in an engine, such as in a gas turbine aircraft engine, are described. In an exemplary embodiment, an unmeasured temperature to be regulated in an engine is determined by measuring a temperature in the engine wherein the measured temperature being related to the unmeasured temperature, determining a bias of the measured temperature wherein the bias being an amount estimated to be a difference between the measured temperature and a steady state measured temperature and adding the bias to the measured temperature to restore the relationship between measured and unmeasured temperature so that the unmeasured temperature may be properly regulated. The bias is determined using a heat transfer model.

Abstract: The present invention provides a truck assembly for use on a skateboard. The truck assembly preferably includes a base block having a battery chamber and a circuit board cavity, a battery contained within the battery chamber, a circuit board housed inside the circuit board cavity, wherein the circuit board is in electrical communication with the battery, and an effect module that is operably connected to the circuit board to produce a selected effect.