Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a radiant energy heated oven is disclosed, where the cooling apparatus cools the oven by directing a flow of coolant through a chamber in thermal communication with the oven resulting in sub-ambient cooling, sub-ambient holds, and in chromatography instruments, higher sample throughput by reducing cycle time or column cool down time.

Abstract: A method for forming a polychromatic pressable porcelain dental restoration. A wax model of the dental restoration is prepared as is commonly used in the lost wax technique. Chards or pieces of porcelain are embedded into the wax model. The porcelain embedded wax model is then used in the common pressable porcelain technique to form a polychromatic porcelain dental restoration with natural tooth shading.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a mounting bracket, a pedal arm, and a pivot shaft pivotably connecting the pedal arm and the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes integrally formed bearing surfaces to support the pivot shaft and pedal arm. The pivot shaft is self-lubricating. The mounting bracket is a unitary component, with the bearing surfaces being inwardly-protruding surfaces formed through a deep drawing process. A treadle, or pedal pad, is attached to one end of the pedal arm. A magnetic assembly, including magnets and a ferromagnetic shield, is mounted to one end of the pivot shaft via features integrally formed with a mounting cap attached to the end of the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A hysteresis assembly for a pedal includes an elastic member support, two adjacent hysteresis blocks, and an elastic member connecting the elastic member support to the more distant hysteresis block. The hysteresis blocks interface at a slope. The assembly is attached at one end to a mounting bracket for the pedal via a shaft, and at the other end to the pedal arm. As the pedal is displaced, the hysteresis blocks slide relative to each other and frictionally engage the mounting bracket. The frictional force is proportional to the return force generated by the elastic member. The spring rate of the elastic member, the angle of the slope between the hysteresis blocks, and the point of attachment are determined, through analysis, to provide desired hysteresis forces (i.e., idle force, frictional force, and return force) to the pedal, thus providing the feel of a mechanical pedal in an electronic pedal.

Abstract: An electronic pedal assembly including a treadle, a pedal arm connected to the treadle, and a rotor assembly about which the pedal arm rotates. The assembly also includes one or more Hall sensors positioned within a cavity in the rotor assembly and one or more magnets that fixedly attached to the rotor assembly. The Hall sensors detect the position of the treadle by monitoring the positions of the magnets. Also, a method of monitoring an electronic pedal assembly using one or more magnets and one or more Hall sensors.

Abstract: A pedal assembly that includes a snap-on treadle that can easily be attached to a pedal arm but that cannot be removed without either plastic deformation or fracture of a portion of the treadle. Also, a kickdown mechanism that changes the amount of force required to push a treadle on the pedal as the treadle is pushed further and further.

Abstract: The invention provides hand levers having integrated controllers. A hand lever according to the invention may include a housing and a horn controller that is adapted to be electrically connected to a horn. The horn controller, which may include a horn button, is coupled to the housing and is accessible from the exterior of the housing. The controller may also be a speed controller for controlling speed or cruise control. The hand lever is adapted to control at least one of transmission shift position and engine throttle.

Abstract: The invention provides hand levers having integrated controllers. A hand lever according to the invention may include a housing and a horn controller that is adapted to be electrically connected to a horn. The horn controller, which may include a horn button, is coupled to the housing and is accessible from the exterior of the housing. The controller may also be a speed controller for controlling speed or cruise control. The hand lever is adapted to control at least one of transmission shift position and engine throttle.