Abstract: A method of monitoring main contact conditions of main contacts in an automatic transfer switch is provided. The automatic transfer switch is coupled to a plurality of electrical power sources and an electrical load. The method includes: measuring, by sensors, temperatures of a plurality of main contacts coupled to the plurality of power sources; determining if the measured temperatures indicate a temperature rise at one or more main contacts of the plurality of main contacts; in response to determining that the measured temperatures indicate a temperature rise at the one or more main contacts, comparing a current value of the temperature rise with stored temperature rise values that represent main contact damages; and determining an amount of main contact damage at the one or more main contacts based on the comparison.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: An ethanol sensing unit and a method of using, wherein the unit is particularly suitable for use in a confined environment such as the passenger compartment of a passenger vehicle. The sensing unit comprises a device for collecting ethanol vapors while the device is at a first temperature, a device for heating the collecting device to a second temperature higher than the first temperature so as to release ethanol vapors from the collecting device, and a device for sensing the ethanol vapors released from the collecting device when heated by the heating device. The sensing unit is also adapted to delay the operation of the heating device until a period of time sufficient for the collecting device to adsorb ethanol vapors from air contained in the confined environment.

Abstract: A MR fluid formulation based upon a silicone liquid vehicle thickened with a treated fumed metal oxide and doped with one or more chemicals having hydrogen-bonding capability for use with natural rubber mounts. The MR fluid is resistant to settling of the magnetizable particles upon contact of the fluid with natural rubber. In one exemplary embodiment, the doping chemical is one or a combination of propylene glycol and a bifunctional ethoxylated amine.

Abstract: An ethanol sensing unit and a method of using, wherein the unit is particularly suitable for use in a confined environment such as the passenger compartment of a passenger vehicle. The sensing unit comprises a device for collecting ethanol vapors while the device is at a first temperature, a device for heating the collecting device to a second temperature higher than the first temperature so as to release ethanol vapors from the collecting device, and a device for sensing the ethanol vapors released from the collecting device when heated by the heating device. The sensing unit is also adapted to delay the operation of the heating device until a period of time sufficient for the collecting device to adsorb ethanol vapors from air contained in the confined environment.

Abstract: To measure the percentage of soot in a diesel engine crankcase oil without any significant influence by oil additives or contaminants which build up in the oil during usage. The relative permittivity of the oil is measured in the microwave region of 8-12 GHz (X band). For soot content up to about five percent, the relative permittivity of the oil is a substantially linear function of the soot content.