Abstract: A trailer braking system having a surge component used in combination with an electric over hydraulic brake system. The surge component includes a sliding member with a magnetic sensor for detecting trailer deceleration, the sliding member providing an initial pressurization of the hydraulic system. A trailer mounted electrical circuit detects when the tow vehicle brakes are applied and includes a microcontroller for detecting the speed of deceleration provided by the magnetic sensor. A trailer mounted electric motor receives a signal from the circuit board to vary pressure to the brakes in accordance with the speed of deceleration.

Abstract: A device obtains permission to use a Radio Frequency (RF) resource to transmit/receive data. The device comprises a transceiver and a processor that: controls the transceiver to communicate with a RF resource allocation system over the RF resource to determine whether the device can use the RF resource; while the transceiver communicates with the RF resource allocation system, repeatedly determines whether a cumulative use of the RF resource satisfies a condition until the processor determines that the cumulative use satisfies the condition or the device is permitted to use the RF resource; upon the processor determining that the cumulative use satisfies the condition, control the transceiver to not communicate with the RF resource allocation system over the RF resource for a period of time; and upon determining that the device is permitted to use the RF resource, controls the device to use the RF resource to transmit/receive the data.

Abstract: A device obtains permission to use a Radio Frequency (RF) resource to transmit/receive data. The device comprises a transceiver and a processor that: controls the transceiver to communicate with a RF resource allocation system over the RF resource to determine whether the device can use the RF resource; while the transceiver communicates with the RF resource allocation system, repeatedly determines whether a cumulative use of the RF resource satisfies a condition until the processor determines that the cumulative use satisfies the condition or the device is permitted to use the RF resource; upon the processor determining that the cumulative use satisfies the condition, control the transceiver to not communicate with the RF resource allocation system over the RF resource for a period of time; and upon determining that the device is permitted to use the RF resource, controls the device to use the RF resource to transmit/receive the data.

Abstract: A trailer braking system having a surge component used in combination with an electric over hydraulic brake system. The surge component includes a sliding member with a magnetic sensor for detecting trailer deceleration, the sliding member providing an initial pressurization of the hydraulic system. A trailer mounted electrical circuit detects when the tow vehicle brakes are applied and includes a microcontroller for detecting the speed of deceleration provided by the magnetic sensor. A trailer mounted electric motor receives a signal from the circuit board to vary pressure to the brakes in accordance with the speed of deceleration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide redundancy in a process control system are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, at a first network host, first integrity messages transmitted from a second network host over a first network. The method includes detecting a network failure over a first communication path between a first network interface of the first network host and a second network interface of the second network host via first network when a first network interface of the first network host fails to receive one of the first integrity messages expected from a first network interface of the second network host. The method includes automatically establishing a second communication path between the first network host and the second network host in response to the detected network failure.

Abstract: A mobile drilling unit having a floatable platform for use in a body of water with a plurality of vertical support legs. With each vertical support leg configured to move with a cleat at the lower end of each support leg. Each cleat having a lower surface to transmit gravitational force from the unit to the sea floor. The cleats are asymmetric with respect to the legs which allows expansion of the center of pressure on the cleats to be beyond the vertical support legs.

Abstract: A method for making shaped cooling holes in a substrate by pulsing and stopping a laser while moving the laser or substrate. The method produces shaped cooling holes with a bore angled relative to an exit surface of the combustor liner. One end of the bore is an inlet formed in an inlet surface of the combustor liner. The other end of the bore is an outlet formed in the exit surface of the combustor liner. The outlet has a shaped portion that expands in only one dimension.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide redundancy in a process control system are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, at a first network host, first integrity messages transmitted from a second network host over a first network. The method includes detecting a network failure over a first communication path between a first network interface of the first network host and a second network interface of the second network host via first network when a first network interface of the first network host fails to receive one of the first integrity messages expected from a first network interface of the second network host. The method includes automatically establishing a second communication path between the first network host and the second network host in response to the detected network failure.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover that houses the sensor, indicator, power and communication elements of a driver safety system is disclosed. The objective is to discourage texting, eating, primping one's self and cell phone use that distract drivers and causes accidents. The steering wheel cover is light, easy to install and lock in place but strong and difficult to forcibly remove. The driver safety system senses the positions of the driver's hands on the wheel rewarding safe habits. When the system senses bad habits the driver is warned, incidence is recorded for third party information in addition to alerting and annoying dis-rewards are given.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover that houses the sensor, indicator, power and communication elements of a driver safety system is disclosed. The objective is to discourage texting, eating, primping one's self and cell phone use that distract drivers and causes accidents. The steering wheel cover is light, easy to install and lock in place but strong and difficult to forcibly remove. The driver safety system senses the positions of the driver's hands on the wheel rewarding safe habits. When the system senses bad habits the driver is warned, incidence is recorded for third party information in addition to alerting and annoying dis-rewards are given.

Abstract: A substrate having one or more shaped effusion cooling holes formed therein. Each shaped cooling hole has a bore angled relative to an exit surface of the combustor liner. One end of the bore is an inlet formed in an inlet surface of the combustor liner. The other end of the bore is an outlet formed in the exit surface of the combustor liner. The outlet has a shaped portion that expands in only one dimension. Also methods for making the shaped cooling holes.

Abstract: This disclosure presents an apparatus and method for automatic gain control correction for a television signal in which the Radio Frequency (RF) and Intermediate Frequency (IF) power signal levels are collected for a band of channels, identifying a channel having a strong RF power signal level and an IF gain signal level that is lower than a nominal IF gain signal level, comparing the identified channel RF gain signal level with the RF gain signal level of adjacent channels to identify the relative power signal levels of the channel and associated adjacent channels, and applying correction to the channel wherein there is an imbalance in the RF and IF power signal levels of the identified channel. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle driver safety device that serves the purpose of helping and encouraging drivers to drive attentively and with alertness with a degree of vehicle control that adapts to driver experience, vehicle speed and road conditions. Should the unsafe habits persist the system warns nearby cars and officials and records the incidents for review by a parent or mentor to serve as a deterrent. The new and unique wheel watcher utilizes a steering wheel with sensor arrays that determine the number and position of the drivers hands on the wheel, a vehicle speed and road condition sensor to judge the degree of control that is appropriate, a clock/timer to determine the length a unsafe practice persists and a driver identification device that affects the degree of safety practices that are encouraged by the system.

Abstract: A cushioning bandage with absorbent properties, configured to permit easy positioning over a wound. The bandage comprises a highly lofted lamb's wool pad attached to variable lengths of elastic material. The bandage is configured for easy application to patients.

Abstract: A low profile, color-based counting system. A housing has a light source, such as a matrix of LEDs, preferably disposed in the housing for generating electromagnetic radiation upwardly. A removable, translucent tray is disposed above the light source. A second light source can be added above the tray, directing light downwardly thereto. A color camera is mounted on the housing and above the removable translucent tray.

Abstract: A vehicle driver safety device that encourages drivers to drive attentively and with both hands on the steering wheel is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical penetration graph (EPG) system includes a monitoring device with a buffered and stabilized voltage source assembly and a buffered internal amplifier with switched gain control. The system also includes a head stage amplifier. During the EPG process, the voltage source assembly directs an electrical current through a feeding insect. As the current passes through the insect, the insect's feeding process modulates the current and creates voltage waveform data. A head stage amplifier with selectable input resistance receives and amplifies the voltage waveform data. The data is transmitted back to the monitoring device where it is manipulated and further amplified by the monitoring device internal amplifier assembly. The waveform data is then transmitted to a controller and ultimately to an output device where the data is displayed.

Abstract: A damage tolerant cut resistant chemical handling glove that is flexible and lightweight comprises a cured, liquid-impervious polymeric latex shell, a knitted cut resistant liner comprising a cotton yarn and at least one cut resistant yarn, the liner being infiltrated with a soft nitrile or polyurethane layer such that the liner bonds to the shell. The soft nitrile or polyurethane layer seals interstices of the cut resistant liner and replicates its rough texture on the external surface of the glove, providing enhanced grip properties. A thin nitrile latex layer applied to and cured together with the polyurethane layer to protect the polyurethane layer from oil or chemical degradation. The intimate seal thus created between the shell and the liner prevents accumulation of liquid there between, which prevents formation of a liquid boundary layer and interference with grip properties of the glove.

Abstract: A vehicle driver safety device that encourages drivers to drive attentively and with both hands on the steering wheel is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle driver safety device that serves the purpose of helping and encouraging drivers to drive attentively and with alertness with a degree of vehicle control that adapts to driver experience, vehicle speed and road conditions. Should the unsafe habits persist the system warns nearby cars and officials and records the incidents for review by a parent or mentor to serve as a deterrent. The new and unique wheel watcher utilizes a steering wheel with sensor arrays that determine the number and position of the drivers hands on the wheel, a vehicle speed and road condition sensor to judge the degree of control that is appropriate, a clock/timer to determine the length a unsafe practice persists and a driver identification device that affects the degree of safety practices that are encouraged by the system.