Abstract: A system and method is provided for wirelessly tracking a tracking device. The subject of the tracking device may be a person, group of people or an article of interest. The tracking device receives location information via GPS and transmits the location information to a remote server via a cellular network or some other communications network. The server may be employed to identify the subject of the tracking device, change operational parameters of the tracking device and may otherwise analyze the information received from the tracking device. Based on the analysis, the server may recommend or may make changes to the operational parameters of the tracking device.

Abstract: The present invention provides regenerative passive and semi-active suspension systems. A regenerative suspension system generally includes at least one regenerative damper, a module, an electric switch, and a battery. The at least one regenerative damper converts mechanical vibration energy within a vehicle into a voltage, which the damper passes to the module. The module measures the voltage from the regenerative damper, and in response, changes electric switch settings for each regenerative damper between an open circuit, a closed circuit completed by a power resistance, and a closed circuit completed by circuitry for charging a battery. Additionally, the module sets electric switch levels to adjust the damping forces within each regenerative damper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for estimating the mean pressure in a compressible fluid strut. A database is employed containing values for mean pressure variation corresponding to a specific combination of motor speed and flow demand, and may also account for strut temperature. The flow demand and the speed of the motor are determined, and the mean variation corresponding to the determined combination of motor speed and flow demand is selected. The estimation of strut mean pressure is updated with the selected mean pressure variation. In this way, costly pressure sensors are eliminated as well as the complicated control algorithms which are used therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides regenerative passive and semi-active suspension systems. A regenerative suspension system generally includes at least one regenerative damper, a module, an electric switch, and a battery. The at least one regenerative damper converts mechanical vibration energy within a vehicle into a voltage, which the damper passes to the module. The module measures the voltage from the regenerative damper, and in response, changes electric switch settings for each regenerative damper between an open circuit, a closed circuit completed by a power resistance, and a closed circuit completed by circuitry for charging a battery. Additionally, the module sets electric switch levels to adjust the damping forces within each regenerative damper.

Abstract: A misalignment detector for forging machine transfers is disclosed. Such transfers provide grippers which move from a first position in which workpieces are not present to a second position when a workpiece is properly gripped. If a misaligned workpiece is present, the gripper moves to a third position beyond the second position. Each of the embodiments provides a beam-type spring mounted for deflection as the associated gripper or grippers move between the three positions. In some embodiments, the spring is bent as a function of the relative position of two opposed grippers and in other embodiments a spring is associated with a single gripper and is bent as a function of the gripper position. In some embodiments, strain gauges are mounted on the springs to produce a modulated signal to indicate the gripper position and operate the machine's emergency stop if necessary. In one embodiment, the spring is associated with a pneumatic system and allows a bleed orifice to open when misalignment is present.

Abstract: A sensing probe for monitoring working forces in compressive elements such as found in presses and other machine tools. The probe has an elongated configuration which allows it to be mounted at a point remote from its load sensing end and enables it to be conveniently used with a plurality of like probe units in relatively confined spaces. A wedge profile of its sensing end permits the probe to be preloaded in compression for an increase in accuracy and reliability.