Abstract: An embodiment of a linear electric machine includes two or more phases that define a central bore, and alternating permanent magnets that are disposed within the central bore and are free to move relative the windings. An embodiment of a method for selectively powering the windings is disclosed that enables the machine to realize a commanded force, or to determine the force present by using the current within the windings and the alignment of the magnets relative to the windings.

Abstract: An embodiment of a linear electric machine includes two or more phases that define a central bore, and alternating permanent magnets that are disposed within the central bore and are free to move relative the windings. An embodiment of a method for selectively powering the windings is disclosed that enables the machine to realize a commanded force, or to determine the force present by using the current within the windings and the alignment of the magnets relative to the windings.

Abstract: An embodiment of a linear electric machine includes two or more phases that define a central bore, and alternating permanent magnets that are disposed within the central bore and are free to move relative the windings. An embodiment of a method for selectively powering the windings is disclosed that enables the machine to realize a commanded force, or to determine the force present by using the current within the windings and the alignment of the magnets relative to the windings.

Abstract: An embodiment of a linear electric machine includes two or more phases that define a central bore, and alternating permanent magnets that are disposed within the central bore and are free to move relative the windings. An embodiment of a method for selectively powering the windings is disclosed that enables the machine to realize a commanded force, or to determine the force present by using the current within the windings and the alignment of the magnets relative to the windings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine and method to create force profiles within a two dimensional hemispherical plane. It utilizes an array of electromagnets to exert a magnetic force on a shaft that can pivot in two dimensions. The shaft rotates around the pivot point with one end inside the array of electromagnets and the other end exposed as a handle or end effector. The shaft end located within the array has a permanent magnet or electromagnet to receive a magnetic force from the array. The location of the shaft magnet relative to the array permits its location and force output to be controllable within its hemispherical range of motion. The position of the magnet is determined by Hall effect sensors that report the angular components of the shaft magnet's own magnetic field. The magnetic field of the force generating component is used both for motion and for sensing.

Abstract: An electric linear actuator includes a linear array of poloidal electrical cods. The central openings of each of the coils are coaxially aligned to define a central bore for the linear array. A shaft is received within and is movable along the central bore of the linear array. Magnets are affixed at spaced intervals along the shaft. A power source provides power to each of the coils of the linear array. Position sensors are provided for determining the axial position of the shaft along the central bore. A control processor receives position data from the position sensors and controls the application of power from the power source to each of the coils in the linear array. The control processor selectively activates the electrical coils to cause variable application of force on the shaft through electro-magnet attraction or repulsion.

Abstract: A low temperature process for extracting principal components from plants or plant materials and plant extracts produced by such a low temperature process, are provided. The inventive low temperature process improves the yield and quality of volatile and non-volatile components extracted from plants or plant materials.

Abstract: In the present invention, a single cylinder or solenoid, ratchet-action, three speed actuator is used on an in-line shifter which actuator can be controlled by a button, single rpm switch, timer or a multiple number of rpm switches, or timers with a special controller. In-line shifters can control forward or reverse pattern transmissions. The pattern for a three-speed forward shifting transmission is first gear, second gear, third gear, neutral, reverse, and park. The pattern for a three-speed reverse shifting transmission is third gear, second gear, first gear, neutral, reverse, and park. A shifter for a forward pattern transmission must be pushed or pulled in a forward direction to shift to the next higher gear, and a shifter for a reverse pattern transmission must be pushed or pulled in a rearward direction to shift to the next higher gear. The handle of an in-line shifter travels in an arc through these patterns.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is directed to a method for controlling the shifting of a drag race vehicle with a controller for controlling an actuatable shifter assembly. This method includes resetting the controller followed by actuating the controller and launching the vehicle. At a predetermined engine speed value or after a first timed duration based on a predetermined engine speed value, the shifter assembly is actuated for a second timed duration to shift to a next higher gear. Finally, shifter assembly actuation is repeated until all of the gears of the vehicle desired to be shifted have been shifted. Another aspect of the present invention is a controller for controlling the shifting of a drag race vehicle shifter with an actuatable shifter assembly and which is activatable by a first duration timer or an rpm switch based on a predetermined engine speed value.

Abstract: In the present invention a solenoid is used on a ratchet shifter and is controlled through a relay by an electronic controller. This controller can be an analog, digital, or microprocessor driven device. The power supplied to the solenoid most conveniently is the existing battery of the vehicle. This power source is the only source needed, unlike pneumatic cylinders that require a bottle of compressed gas, e.g., air or CO.sub.2. The electronic controller is reset when the hold button is activated at the starting line. When the hold button is released, the vehicle launches violently at or above the rpm lock up of the transmission converter. This is sometimes referred to as "converter flash". If the rpm lock up of the converter is close to the rpm level setting for the first shift, or tire spin occurs, the rpm level will be reached prematurely causing the vehicle to shift early. The electronic controller has a preset time delay, disabling a shift, that begins when the hold button is released.

Abstract: An improved shifter assembly useful in a multi-geared vehicle equipped with an in-line shifter having a front, a rear, an upstanding shift handle, and a cover which is attached to the vehicle by a housing attachment and which shifts the vehicle forward gears in a forward or reverse pattern with a shifter assembly. The improved shifter assembly includes a bracket mounted to the in-line shifter and attached to the vehicle by the housing attachment while the cover is in position; and an actuatable rod and piston assembly attached to the bracket and to the shift handle of an in-line shifter with shifter handle arc accommodation.

Abstract: Apparatus for pumping a liquid from a well comprises a drive unit on the surface, a well-bottom pump unit, two supply lines interconnecting the drive unit and the pump unit and a liquid discharge line extending from the pump unit to the surface for discharge of liquid. The pump unit has a drive piston which is reciprocated within a drive cylinder by applying pressure alternately by means of a changeover valve to the two supply lines. The drive piston drives a double acting driven piston which pumps oil from a well. The changeover valve is controlled by a logic unit which receives signals from sensors measuring the pressure and/or flow rate in a return line.