Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an initial lubrication of a moving component including an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an ultrasonic output signal from the moving component and a processor for operating on the output signal. The processor determines if there has been an initiation of a lubrication operation. After identifying the initiation of the lubrication operation, the processor monitors the ultrasonic output signal received from the ultrasonic sensor to detect a momentary increase in the amplitude of the ultrasonic output signal above a level that indicates a need for lubrication, and which is indicative of an initial interaction between a lubricant and the moving component. Upon detecting the momentary increase in the amplitude, the processor tracks a progress of the lubrication operation by detecting for a sustained decrease in the amplitude of the ultrasonic output signal received from the ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication system includes an ultrasonic signal detector affixed in proximity or in contact with a set of bearings and a control unit. The control unit including (a) a lubrication dispenser fixed to a structure connected with the set of bearings and having an output for dispensing lubricant to the set of bearings through a controllable valve; and (b) a transceiver affixed in proximity to the set of bearings, said transceiver transmitting the ultrasonic signal to a location remote from the set of bearings. A hub computer is at the remote location that receives the ultrasonic signal from the transceiver. When the hub computer determines that the ultrasonic signal is above a local predetermined threshold the hub computer generates a local valve open/close signal and sends it back to the transceiver of the control unit.

Abstract: In the disclosure provided herein, the described apparatus, systems and methods are directed to compensation of errors caused by the difference between the specular port and the sphere in a sphere-based color-measurement instrument, and improvement of the performance of the instrument. In one or more implementations, described approaches eliminate the need for hardware replacement, and therefore reduce costs associated with the operation of color measurement instruments.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly having a spindle, a hub, and a rotary seal assembly. The spindle may have a spindle air passage. The hub may have a hub air passage and an annular hub chamber that may extend around an axis. The rotary seal assembly may fluidly connect the spindle air passage to an inlet of the annular hub chamber.

Abstract: In the disclosure provided herein, the described apparatus, systems and methods are directed to compensation of errors caused by the difference between the specular port and the sphere in a sphere-based color-measurement instrument, and improvement of the performance of the instrument. In one or more implementations, described approaches eliminate the need for hardware replacement, and therefore reduce costs associated with the operation of color measurement instruments.

Abstract: An automatic sensitivity adjusting analog ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transducer, and a front end adjustable gain amplifier that amplifies the received ultrasonic signal from the transducer. A processor generates a carrier signal and a heterodyning circuit combines the carrier signal and the amplified ultrasonic signal to form a modulated signal spectrum from which an audio spectrum signal is generated. The processor further monitors the amplitude level of the audio spectrum signal and executes an auto sensitivity adjustment algorithm that automatically adjusts the sensitivity (the gain) of the analog front end amplifier down if the amplitude is above a preset upper threshold or up if the amplitude is below a present lower threshold. The processor may also further monitors the amplitude level of the ultrasonic signal level directly from the front end adjustable gain amplifier and execute the auto sensitivity adjustment algorithm as required.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an initial lubrication of a moving component including an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an ultrasonic output signal from the moving component and a processor for operating on the output signal. The processor determines if there has been an initiation of a lubrication operation. After identifying the initiation of the lubrication operation, the processor monitors the ultrasonic output signal received from the ultrasonic sensor to detect a momentary increase in the amplitude of the ultrasonic output signal above a level that indicates a need for lubrication, and which is indicative of an initial interaction between a lubricant and the moving component. Upon detecting the momentary increase in the amplitude, the processor tracks a progress of the lubrication operation by detecting for a sustained decrease in the amplitude of the ultrasonic output signal received from the ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly having a spindle, a hub, and a rotary seal assembly. The spindle may have a spindle air passage. The hub may have a hub air passage and an annular hub chamber that may extend around an axis. The rotary seal assembly may fluidly connect the spindle air passage to an inlet of the annular hub chamber.

Abstract: An automatic sensitivity adjusting analog ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transducer, and a front end adjustable gain amplifier that amplifies the received ultrasonic signal from the transducer. A processor generates a carrier signal and a heterodyning circuit combines the carrier signal and the amplified ultrasonic signal to form a modulated signal spectrum from which an audio spectrum signal is generated. The processor further monitors the amplitude level of the audio spectrum signal and executes an auto sensitivity adjustment algorithm that automatically adjusts the sensitivity (the gain) of the analog front end amplifier down if the amplitude is above a preset upper threshold or up if the amplitude is below a present lower threshold. The processor may also further monitors the amplitude level of the ultrasonic signal level directly from the front end adjustable gain amplifier and execute the auto sensitivity adjustment algorithm as required.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication system includes an ultrasonic signal detector affixed in proximity or in contact with a set of bearings and a control unit. The control unit including (a) a lubrication dispenser fixed to a structure connected with the set of bearings and having an output for dispensing lubricant to the set of bearings through a controllable valve; and (b) a transceiver affixed in proximity to the set of bearings, said transceiver transmitting the ultrasonic signal to a location remote from the set of bearings. A hub computer is at the remote location that receives the ultrasonic signal from the transceiver. When the hub computer determines that the ultrasonic signal is above a local predetermined threshold the hub computer generates a local valve open/close signal and sends it back to the transceiver of the control unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic mechanical defect and/or fault detection and monitoring system includes at least one ultrasonic fault detection device configured to measure ultrasonic emissions from an object under evaluation and to generate an output signal in response thereto. The system further includes at least one processor configured by code to receive the generated output signal; access a library of stored signal patterns; compare the generated output signal against the library of stored signal patterns; and generate an alert where the generated output signal matches at least one of the library of stored signal patterns.

Abstract: An ultrasonic mechanical defect and/or fault detection and monitoring system includes at least one ultrasonic fault detection device configured to measure ultrasonic emissions from an object under evaluation and to generate an output signal in response thereto. The system further includes at least one processor configured by code to receive the generated output signal; access a library of stored signal patterns; compare the generated output signal against the library of stored signal patterns; and generate an alert where the generated output signal matches at least one of the library of stored signal patterns.

Abstract: A ventilator includes a compressor, a storage vessel, a valve assembly communicating with the compressor, the storage vessel, and an inhalation line. A controller directs the valve assembly between a storage configuration where ventilation gas is delivered from the compressor into the storage vessel, and a delivery configuration where ventilation gas is delivered from the storage vessel to the inhalation line. The controller is coupled to a pressure sensor for detecting a first pressure within the storage vessel when the valve assembly is directed to the delivery configuration, and detecting subsequent pressure while ventilation gas is delivered from the storage vessel to the inhalation line, the controller determining the volume of ventilation gas delivered to the patient based at least in part on the difference between the first pressure and the subsequent pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed an ultrasonic frequencies fault detecting apparatus. The present invention uses high frequency ultrasonic energy signals to analyze bearings and determine the presence of faults therein. The ultrasonic return signals are heterodyned (by amplitude demodulation) into the audio spectrum for purposes of audio detection. In addition, a FFT spectrum of the signal is displayed on a monitor for more accurate results. According to the present invention software is used to automatically analyze the FFT spectrum by comparing the current spectrum with stored spectrums of known bearing conditions as modified based on the rotary speed of the bearing and the number of balls. Once a defect in a bearing has been located in this manner using automated FFT analysis, an operator can then use a device, such as a calibrated lubricant dispenser, to effectuate maintenance and/or repair.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to passive cooling systems and methods for electronics. An exemplary passive cooling system for electronics has a circuit package and dielectric liquid. The circuit package has a cover positioned over a circuit element coupled to a substrate. The cover is attached to the substrate and creates a water-tight seal around the circuit element. The circuit package further has a porous media. The dielectric liquid directly contacts the circuit element, and heat from the circuit element is transferred to the dielectric liquid. As the liquid reaches its boiling point, vapor from the liquid is passed through the porous media for further cooling.

Abstract: A lubrication dispensing apparatus for lubricating a device with moving parts includes a lubricant reservoir, a lubricant dispenser for dispensing lubricant from the lubricant reservoir, an ultrasonic detection module which detects the amplitude of ultrasonic energy emitted by said device when its parts are moving and produces an signal related thereto, and a control module which analyzes the amplitude of the signal from the ultrasonic detection module and, in response to a lubricate signal, causes the lubricant dispenser to automatically dispense lubricant onto the moving parts of the device until the signal from the ultrasonic detector indicates that the ultrasonic energy produced by the device has decreased to a particular level. The control module includes a programmed processor and a storage memory. The memory stores as a base value the value of the detected amplitude of ultrasonic energy when the device is operating properly.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for determining testing the condition of a machine or device using ultrasonic signals with an array of ultrasonic sensors for receiving an ultrasonic signal transmitted from the machine or device. The apparatus possesses a heterodyne circuit coupled to receive the output signals from the ultrasonic sensors and convert the output signals to a heterodyned audio signal to be analyzed via a digital spectrum analyzer integral to the portable apparatus. The digital spectrum analyzer performs real-time fast fourier transformations on the heterodyned audio signal. After analyzing the signals, the hand held device uses a variety of audiovisual cues to direct a user to portions of the machine in need of repair or monitoring.

Abstract: The telescopic support with an internal brake provides a telescoping tube with a selectively actuable and adjustable internal braking mechanism. At least one lower opening is formed through a lower end of a sidewall of an inner hollow tube. A mounting plate is secured within the inner tube adjacent the lower end, and at least one resilient element is secured to the mounting plate so that the resilient element projects through the lower opening. At least one brake pad is secured to the resilient element, so that the brake pad contacts an inner surface of an outer hollow tube when the internal brake is engaged. At least one cable is provided, with a lower end thereof being secured to the brake pad. An actuating mechanism translates the upper end of the at least one cable to selectively disengage the brake pad from the inner surface of the outer hollow tube.

Abstract: A ventilator includes a compressor, a storage vessel, a valve assembly communicating with the compressor, the storage vessel, and an inhalation line. A controller directs the valve assembly between a storage configuration where ventilation gas is delivered from the compressor into the storage vessel, and a delivery configuration where ventilation gas is delivered from the storage vessel to the inhalation line. The controller is coupled to a pressure sensor for detecting a first pressure within the storage vessel when the valve assembly is directed to the delivery configuration, and detecting subsequent pressure while ventilation gas is delivered from the storage vessel to the inhalation line, the controller determining the volume of ventilation gas delivered to the patient based at least in part on the difference between the first pressure and the subsequent pressure.

Abstract: The telescopic support with an internal brake provides a telescoping tube with a selectively actuable and adjustable internal braking mechanism. At least one lower opening is formed through a lower end of a sidewall of an inner hollow tube. A mounting plate is secured within the inner tube adjacent the lower end, and an element is secured to the mounting plate so that the resilient element projects through the lower opening. At least one brake pad is secured to the resilient element, so that the brake pad contacts an inner surface of an outer hollow tube when the internal brake is engaged. At least one cable is provided, with a lower end secured to the brake pad. An actuating mechanism linearly translates the upper end of the cable to selectively disengage the brake pad from the inner surface of the outer hollow tube.