Abstract: A method for controlling a magnetic valve and particularly a method for dispensing and/or aspirating a volume of liquid as well as a corresponding dispenser/pipetting apparatus is disclosed. The method for controlling a magnetic valve has measuring a capacitance at the magnetic valve and determining a position of a plunger based on the measured capacitance. The method for dispensing or aspirating a volume of liquid has controlling a flow of a system fluid by a magnetic valve located between a pressure source and a dispenser/pipetting tip, dispensing or aspirating a volume of liquid through an exterior opening of the tip dependent on the flow of the system fluid, wherein controlling the flow and determining a flow time in dependence of the volume of liquid to be dispensed or aspirated, and controlling the magnetic valve is held open for the duration of the flow time.

Abstract: In various implementations, a housing for a battery tester may include a body with a first side and an opposing second side. The first side may include a presentation member, such as a screen and an input member. The screen may include a touch screen and/or the input member may include a keypad, such as a keypad with arrows. The second side may be magnetic such that the battery tester can be coupled to a magnetic surface. The second side may, in some implementations, include holster(s) that allows clamps to be stored in the holster. The holster(s) may be removable.

Abstract: A system for automatically recognizing a battery characteristic includes a battery information storage device for storing battery information; and a battery management device is connected to the battery information storage device and configured to battery management standards with reference to the battery information stored in the battery information storage device. In various cases in which a battery model applied to a system changes or various battery models are applied to a single system, the battery management device automatically recognizes characteristics of the different battery models, which allows the battery to be managed according to the optimized management standards suitable for the characteristics of the battery.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a single flying capacitor. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that a primary analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process a representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. A secondary ADC is connected directly to the cell being measured. The measurements of the primary and secondary ADCs are then compared to verify the accuracy of the flying capacitor.

Abstract: A method and device for estimating magnetic flux in an electromagnetic actuator for controlling an engine valve, whereby the actuating body, made at least partly of ferromagnetic material, is moved towards at least one electromagnet by the force of magnetic attraction generated by the electromagnet; and the value of the magnetic flux through a magnetic circuit defined by the electromagnet and by the actuating body is estimated by measuring the values assumed by various electric quantities of an electric circuit connected to the magnetic circuit, calculating the time derivative of the magnetic flux as a linear combination of the values of the electric quantities, and integrating in time the derivative of the magnetic flux.

Abstract: A relatively high voltage is developed across a buzzer by placing a resistance in the discharge path of an buzzer, e.g., by shunting one or more Zener diodes or LEDs across a switching transistor, the switching transistor being connected in series with the buzzer between a voltage potential and ground. Alternatively, the buzzer is shunted with a resistive element, with or without series connected a reversed biased diode. The result is a higher audio output without a corresponding increase in power consumption.

Abstract: An inductive amplifier for identifying and tracing wires includes a comb filter for nulling out 60 Hz. power line "hum", as well as harmonics of 60 Hz. The inductive amplifier includes a probe for sensing an input signal. The comb filter includes a time delay circuit for providing a delayed output signal that is delayed by 16.67 milliseconds, or one 60 Hz. cycle, compared to the input signal. The comb filter also includes an inverter circuit for providing an inverted output signal that is 180 degrees out of phase with the input signal. The comb filter further includes a summer for summing together the delayed output signal and the inverted output signal to null out harmonic components of 60 Hz. while passing other signals to the output of the comb filter. The nulling method may also use digital processing techniques rather than discrete circuit components.

Abstract: An inductive amplifier for identifying and tracing wires includes an automatic gain control feature for sensing the connection of butt set leads to the inductive amplifier and reducing the gain of the inductive amplifier in such instances to reduce the likelihood of instability or oscillations. The inductive amplifier includes a probe for sensing an input signal which is filtered and amplified for driving either an internal speaker or a speaker in the earpiece of an external butt set. The inductive amplifier includes circuitry for sensing that the leads of the butt set have been connected to the inductive amplifier, and for reducing the gain of the inductive amplifier by a factor of ten under such circumstances.

Abstract: A solenoid type voltage, polarity and continuity tester has a solenoid operated voltage indicator, and separate positive polarity, negative polarity and continuity indicators. In the circuit for the tester, the solenoid is arranged in series with the polarity and continuity indication circuits so that continuity of the solenoid can be verified when the continuity of a circuit being checked is positively determined. A polarity indication circuit is in parallel with a continuity indication circuit. The continuity circuit has a battery which is switched into a circuit having a high resistance when a voltage is applied to the tester to reduce battery drainage.

Abstract: The system includes a direct-current voltage supply, an electric motor for rotating a movable pinion, and an electromagnetic operating device including a solenoid and an associated movable core. The core moves the pinion towards an operating position in which it can be coupled for rotation with a rotary member of the internal combustion engine. The connection between the electromagnetic operating device and the voltage supply is controlled by an electronic unit which measures the current flowing in the solenoid by means of a portion of the wire forming the solenoid, which portion is bent and preferably twisted, and acts as a resistive shunt.

Abstract: A compact, hand-held electrical line tester includes a normally-open relay switch which is closed by connection of its relay portion to a line of a predetermined voltage level, and a piezoelectric tone generator, connected in series with the relay switch and a battery, which emits an audible sound to indicate that the tested line is electrified with the predetermined voltage level. The tester circuit can include a plurality of relay switches and/or tone generators for emitting different sounds in response to different line voltages, so that the user can determine the line voltage(s) without having to check a light indicator or read a dial.

Abstract: A flame retardant polyphenylene ether resin composition excellent in heat aging resistance and impact resistance is disclosed. The composition comprises(A) a polyphenylene ether resin,(B) an aromatic alkenyl resin,(C) a modified polyorganosiloxane having an average particle diameter of 0.08 to 0.6 .mu.m,(D) a phosphate, and(E) a particulate silicic acid.

Abstract: Curable casting resins comprising a liquid or liquefiable curable organic polymer precursor, a high content of finely divided inorganic filler, and a polymerizable organosilicon component as an adhesion promoter, the liquid phase formed from the organic components containing lecithin in amounts from 0.01 to 5 percent by weight of the casting resin.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device including a gauge including a magnet supported for pivotal movement, a first wire coil adjacent the magnet and adapted to be connected to a power source, a second wire coil magnetically adjacent and in electrical connection with the first coil and adapted to be connected to ground, and a variable resistor in parallel electrical connection with the second coil.