Abstract: A system for sensing the load carried in a structural member by attaching a load cell to a neutral axis of bending. Small deflections along an arc of bending create a desirable signal level via mechanical amplification. A load sensor is adapted for mounting on an axle that deviates from a neutral axis when under a load. The load sensor comprises a reaction portion adapted for mounting on the axle and an active portion adapted for mounting to at least two points along the axle. The active portion has an amplifier arm and at least one sensor element. The sensor element is attached at a first end to the reaction portion and the sensor is attached at its second end to the amplifier arm. At least one strain gauge is mounted on the sensor element. At least one flexion web is attached to the reaction portion and to the active portion.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for monitoring and detecting seat belt usage, having an enforcement device with an enforcement circuit board and a vehicle device with a vehicle circuit board. Each of the enforcement circuit board and the vehicle circuit board has a transformer and a receiver and a pair of antennas for transmitting and receiving a first signal and a return signal. The enforcement device and the vehicle device communicate a properly fastened state or an improperly fastened state for a seat belt.

Abstract: A system for detecting the weight of a person seated in a vehicle seat includes a pair of load sensor beams. Each load sensor beam has an intermediate section extending between a pair of opposite end sections. The opposite end sections of the load sensor beams are connected to a base frame of the vehicle seat. The load sensor beams are also connected to a seat pan of the vehicle seat that is positioned adjacent the base frame. The end sections of the load sensor beams are connected to opposite sides of the seat pan so that a plurality of loads generated by the weight of a person sitting on a seat cushion carried by the seat pan are transmitted to the intermediate sections of the load sensor beams. At least one sensor is mounted on the intermediate section of each load sensor beam for outputting signals representative of the plurality of loads generated by the weight of the person sitting on the seat cushion.

Abstract: A system for sensing the load on a load supporting beam of a vehicle. The system comprises an elongate sensor beam and means for releasably securing a pair of opposite end sections of the sensor beam to a load supporting beam of a vehicle. The sensor beam is secured to the load supporting beam so that a longitudinal axis of the load sensor beam is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the load supporting beam. A plurality of strain gauges are attached to a central section of the load sensor beam. The strain gauges are connected so that each of them can transmit an output signal processor.

Abstract: A system for controlling steam temperature in a boiler using a time delay feedback controller known as a Smith Predictor to provide control tuning of true boiler parameters which change with load.

Abstract: A system for the operation of once-through boilers which utilizes variable throttle pressure over a very wide load operating range is disclosed. The system utilizes a valving arrangement permitting the turbine valve (22) to be opened to a predetermined open position, typically 70 percent of its full open position, as soon as possible during the system loading process, maintaining the turbine valve (22) in this predetermined open position while the flow of steam from the boiler is being varied by a control valve (40) and the output pressure of the boiler is varying accordingly, and then allowing the turbine valve (22) to open further from the predetermined open position when the system reaches full design pressure so as to vary the flow of steam from the boiler while the output pressure thereof is maintained substantially constant. In this manner, the boiler is operated at a variable output pressure over a very wide load operating range.

Abstract: A coordinated control technique and arrangement for a steam power generating system is disclosed in which combined megawatt error and turbine pressure error signal are used to control the turbine control valve and the fuel flow to the boiler.

Abstract: A furnace draft control for a fossil fuel fired steam generator wherein the rates of flow of fuel, air and flue gas are adjusted in parallel in accordance with changes in power demand and the forced and induced drafts are adjusted in opposite directions as required to maintain furnace draft at set point.