Abstract: The present invention detects contact bouncing in a contactor by measuring contact voltage fluctuations caused by the bouncing power delivery contacts controlled by the contactor. When these fluctuations are detected, a circuit causes a pull-in coil of the contactor to be temporarily re-energized to re-establish a higher magnetic field needed to pull and maintain the power delivery contacts into proper position, which eliminates the bouncing. Because of the high power required by the pull-in coil, the time that the pull-in coil is actuated is limited in order to avoid thermal damage to the coil or other electronic components. After the pull-in coil is activated to move the power delivery contacts into proper position, a lower magnetic field hold coil is instead energized to maintain the power delivery contacts in place.

Abstract: An improved motorcycle handlebar includes a titanium tube having a center section, left and right hand sections, and a motorcycle handlebar bend profile, and a carbon fiber tube internally seated in the center section of the titanium tube—the section that will be clamped into a handlebar mount on a motorcycle. The carbon fiber tube reinforces and strengthens the center section and eliminates the need for a handlebar crossbar. Advantageously, the carbon fiber-reinforced handlebar reduces the vibration felt by a rider when traveling on rough terrain.

Abstract: The present invention detects contact bouncing in a contactor by measuring contact voltage fluctuations caused by the bouncing power delivery contacts controlled by the contactor. When these fluctuations are detected, a circuit causes a pull-in coil of the contactor to be temporarily re-energized to re-establish a higher magnetic field needed to pull and maintain the power delivery contacts into proper position, which eliminates the bouncing. Because of the high power required by the pull-in coil, the time that it is actuated is limited in order to avoid thermal damage to the coil or other electronic components. After the pull-in coil is activated to move the power delivery contacts into proper position, a lower magnetic field hold coil is instead energized to maintain the power delivery contacts in place.

Abstract: Series arcing in wiring is a potentially catastrophic situation that has proven to be difficult to detect reliably with existing methods. This invention allows for the quick and accurate detection of series arcing in an electrical circuit. The method works with AC or DC power sources, and at any voltage or current level. This method will also detect high resistance in a circuit, which is another indicator of a potentially hazardous fault condition. The method compares the voltage at each end of a conductor, and will declare a fault when this voltage exceeds the minimum voltage required to sustain arcing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filler machine and method. The filler machine and method allow efficient filling of containers (e.g., bottles) with liquids, and have particular application to filling containers with liquids while maintaining a low oxygen environment in the filled containers.

Abstract: A method which allows for the quick and accurate detection of faulty operating conditions and bad interconnections between and within devices in an electrical system. The method allows for the detection of arcing in wiring and components, high resistance connections, loose components, and the like. Voltage or current at each end of a conductor, or on each side of a system component, or the current through a component, may be detected and analyzed. A fault or abnormal condition is indicated when the voltage or current exceeds an expected level. Alternatively, resistance may be detected and analyzed, and a fault condition indicated when the resistance exceeds an expected level. Existing detection or computation equipment already associated with the system may be used for the detection and analysis.

Abstract: Series arcing in wiring is a potentially catastrophic situation that has proven to be difficult to detect reliably with existing methods. This invention allows for the quick and accurate detection of series arcing in an electrical circuit. The method works with AC or DC power sources, and at any voltage or current level. This method will also detect high resistance in a circuit, which is another indicator of a potentially hazardous fault condition. The method compares the voltage at each end of a conductor, and will declare a fault when this voltage exceeds the minimum voltage required to sustain arcing.

Abstract: A hybrid contactor device that provides the ability to use the device with both AC and DC circuits is provided. The hybrid contactor includes a series-parallel arrangement of mechanical contacts with solid state devices, increasing the switching capacity of the mechanical contacts, and maintains galvanic isolation when open. The hybrid contactor includes two mechanical contacts, and is arranged so that one contact closes shortly before the other. The second contact forms a parallel circuit with an electronic switch.

Abstract: A hybrid contactor device that provides the ability to use the device with both AC and DC circuits is provided. The hybrid contactor includes a series-parallel arrangement of mechanical contacts with solid state devices, increasing the switching capacity of the mechanical contacts, and maintains galvanic isolation when open. The hybrid contactor includes two mechanical contacts, and is arranged so that one contact closes shortly before the other. The second contact forms a parallel circuit with an electronic switch.

Abstract: An agent and method for inducing food search behavior in fish and other aquatic life forms is disclosed. The agent comprises one or a combination of amino acids. The agent may be applied to or incorporated with a wide variety of baits, lures or other carriers. When immersed in water, the loading of the agent combined with the porosity of the carrier will cause an optimal flux rate of dispersion in the water that will stimulate involuntary food search behavior in fish and other aquatic life forms.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: A fish feeding stimulant in one example comprises a host media. The host media comprises an amino acid component with a dominant amino acid. The host media is configured to release the dominant amino acid with a predetermined flux rate into an aqueous environment upon placement of the host media in the aqueous environment. The predetermined flux rate is selected to provide a concentration of the dominant amino acid, in an area surrounding the host media, which exceeds a threshold level for an involuntary feeding response of one or more fish in the area surrounding the host media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical and bioanalytical sensors and sensor systems, particularly to systems incorporating a calibration device for sensors where the calibration device is composed of structures and materials for trapping and retaining calibrant materials until they are needed and released quantitatively.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: A tester for testing a circuit breaker includes a plurality of load elements each having a nominal fixed impedance and an electronic switch associated with each load element. The electronic switch, when turned on, electrically connects a corresponding load element in series with a circuit breaker load terminal and in parallel with none or with a number of other load elements. A controller turns on a number of the electronic switches selected to draw through a corresponding number of the load elements a test current selected as a function of a designated rated current for the circuit breaker and sufficient to trip open the same. A pulse width modulation circuit cooperates with the controller and with the electronic switches. The pulse width modulation circuit provides a constant magnitude of the test current to accommodate variations of the nominal fixed impedance or variations of the voltage of the load terminal.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus, such as an aircraft circuit breaker or an aerospace circuit breaker, is for a corresponding aircraft or aerospace panel including a first aperture and a second aperture. The circuit breaker includes a status, such as a health status or trip status, a housing adapted to be coupled to the panel, separable contacts and an operating mechanism adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes an operating handle adapted to pass through the first panel aperture and a light indicator adapted to be disposed through the second panel aperture to indicate the status of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker comprising a non-conductive housing assembly; a pair of separable contacts including a first, fixed contact coupled to said housing assembly and having a terminal extending outside said housing assembly, and a second, movable contact having a terminal extending outside said housing assembly; an operating mechanism coupled to, and structured to move, said movable contact between a first position, wherein said movable contact engages said fixed contact, and a second position, wherein said movable contact is spaced from said fixed contact; a trip device coupled to said operating mechanism and structured to actuate said operating mechanism to separate said separable contacts upon the occurrence of a trip condition; an arc fault trip mechanism having an arc fault detector and a shape memory alloy element; said arc fault detector structured to detect an arc fault on the load side of said separable contacts and to provide an electrical pulse; said shape memory alloy element structured to

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a molded housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism adapted to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip circuit cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The molded housing includes two molded halves. The trip circuit includes a pair of arc fault printed circuit boards which cooperate with the corresponding molded halves to form an external composite structure. That external composite structure includes the printed circuit boards and an over-molding material, such as, for example, a thermally conductive epoxy coating disposed thereon.