Abstract: A method for dynamic electrical testing of head gimbal assemblies may include initiating an automated continuous process that includes selecting an unmounted head gimbal assembly; aligning the unmounted head gimbal assembly; loading the unmounted head gimbal assembly to a disc; and testing the unmounted head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for testing a head gimbal assembly (HGA) comprises a support platform configured to hold a base plate of the HGA. A base plate of the HGA is mounted on the support platform. The assembly further comprises a channel with an opening adjacent to a tail of the HGA and a vacuum source connected the channel. The vacuum source creates a negative pressure in the channel to secure the tail of the HGA to the opening of the channel. Embodiments of the invention may be useful to inhibit vibration in the tail of an HGA, which may also reduce vibration in the head of the HGA. Reducing vibration in the head of the HGA may increase the accuracy and precision of tests performed on the HGA using the assembly.

Abstract: A method for dynamic electrical testing of head gimbal assemblies may include initiating an automated continuous process that includes selecting an unmounted head gimbal assembly; aligning the unmounted head gimbal assembly; loading the unmounted head gimbal assembly to a disc; and testing the unmounted head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: A method for making an electrical connection between a head gimbal assembly and a tester. The method includes providing a solderless connector including a housing with bores extending from a first side of the housing to a second opposed side of the housing, and conductors within the bores of the housing. The conductors have a first end protruding from the first side of the housing and a second end protruding from the second side of the housing. The solderless connector is positioned so the first end of the conductor engages the conductive pad of the tester, and a clamp is applied to the first side of the electrical contact on the head gimbal assembly to urge the second side of the electrical contact against the second end of the conductor on the solderless connector.

Abstract: An assembly for testing a head gimbal assembly (HGA) comprises a support platform configured to hold a base plate of the HGA. A base plate of the HGA is mounted on the support platform. The assembly further comprises a channel with an opening adjacent to a tail of the HGA and a vacuum source connected the channel. The vacuum source creates a negative pressure in the channel to secure the tail of the HGA to the opening of the channel. Embodiments of the invention may be useful to inhibit vibration in the tail of an HGA, which may also reduce vibration in the head of the HGA. Reducing vibration in the head of the HGA may increase the accuracy and precision of tests performed on the HGA using the assembly.

Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for providing electrical power onboard a vehicle. In one embodiment, the system comprises: an AC/DC converter; an onboard power supply connected to the AC/DC converter so as to provide an input to the AC/DC converter; an external power source; a cable connected at one end to the external power source and at the other end to the AC/DC converter so as to provide electrical power from the external power source as an input to the AC/DC converter; and a controller, connected to the AC/DC converter and controlling various parameters of the selected power supply.

Abstract: Lost motion systems and methods for providing engine valves with variable valve actuation for engine valve events are disclosed. The system may include a master piston hydraulically linked to a slave piston, and a dedicated cam operatively connected to the master piston. The slave piston may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the master piston in a common housing. The slave piston is adapted to actuate one or more engine valves. The slave piston may incorporate an optional valve seating assembly into its upper end. A trigger valve may be operatively connected to the master-slave hydraulic circuit to selectively release and add hydraulic fluid to the circuit.

Abstract: An electromagnetic retarder system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the retarder system comprises: a shaft; a coil statically disposed on the shaft and having a hollow cylindrical shape; a yoke statically disposed on the shaft, the yoke having a first cylindrical surface and a second cylindrical surface, the second cylindrical surface disposed coaxial with said coil; at least one claw pole rotor mounted on the shaft, the at least one claw pole rotor formed of magnetic half wheels that taper into claws; and an induction drum disposed coaxial with the shaft and mounted so as to encompass the coil, the yoke and the at least one rotor.

Abstract: A control valve system is disclosed which provides a mechanism by which the valve can be moved to its fail-safe position. The system includes a valve actuator which receives pressurized fluid from a regulator. The regulator is provided with a reverse pressure exhaust valve such that if pressure within the valve actuator is to be alleviated, as when the valve is to be positioned into its fail-safe position, the reverse pressure exhaust valve is opened thereby providing an immediate and accurate passageway through which excess pressure within the regulator outlet can be alleviated.

Abstract: A ladder stabiliser 1 comprises a metal frame (2) of substantially A-shape, comprising a pair of ground-engaging legs 3 connected by an upper cross-member (4) and a lower cross-member (5). A retaining bar 6 is mounted at an upper part of the frame (2), and serves to attach the stabiliser 1 to a ladder 10, in use. A pair of hooks 7 are mounted on the lower cross-member (5) and serve to support the lowermost rung 102 of the ladder 10 in use of the stabiliser 1. Each of the legs 3 is of adjustable height and is such that, even in the least extended position of the legs 3, the foot of the ladder 10, represented by the lowermost part of its stiles 101, is maintained clearly above ground level. This ensures that the weight of the ladder 10 is transferred to the ground 20 via the legs 3, rather than the ladder stiles 101, thereby providing a reliably wider support base for the ladder 10.

Abstract: A method of forming a solid matrix for use with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is described. The method comprises the steps of: admixing a colloidal metal solution with a polymeric support medium to form a suspension; optionally depositing said suspension on a surface; and then drying the suspension to form the matrix. The polymeric support medium provides a plymer/sol suspension in which the sol particles are resistant to aggregation and precipitation. Upon drying the suspension shrinks to provide a mechanically-hard film subsequently usable to provide a sample for spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: A method of forming a solid matrix for use with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is described. The method comprises the steps of: admixing a colloidal metal solution with a polymeric support medium to form a suspension; optionally depositing said suspension on a surface; and then drying the suspension to form the matrix. The polymeric support medium provides a plymer/sol suspension in which the sol particles are resistant to aggregation and precipitation. Upon drying the suspension shrinks to provide a mechanically-hard film subsequently usable to provide a sample for spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device for use by infants, toddlers and small children as an effective tool for soothing and strengthening the gums and, when the new teeth begin to grow in, as an implement employed to keep the teeth clean and maintain both the gums and the teeth in a healthy condition, comprising a handle member, which is symmetrically oriented about a longitudinal axis, a head member, a nodule support surface and a plurality of nodules of varying heights and thicknesses supported by and extending from the nodule support surface, and a flange member mounted at the interface of the handle member and the head member. The head member and the nodule support surface are oriented longitudinally in a direction generally in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle member.