Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. SOLUTION: The apparatus includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen, which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible, and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when fecal matter is carried. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sun sensor including reflective factor for converting angle response. SOLUTION: This solar sensor uses both shield factor and curved reflective factor between sun and a photosensitive electron device so that high signal level of the whole sensor and formation capability of angle response are provided. A specific angle response may be feasible by combining damping effect of the shield factor with increasing response effect of the curved reflector. These two factors may be either combined as one physical structure or a separate body each other. Additionally for this invention, a plurality of shield factors and reflectors are also intended to be used. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
A method of detecting a leak in an evaporative emissions system includes sealing an evaporative emissions system, achieving a first target pressure in the evaporative emissions system, achieving a second target pressure in the evaporative emissions system after achieving the first target pressure, and monitoring a system pressure subsequent to the second target pressure achieving step to determine a leak condition of the evaporative emissions system.
Abstract:
An actuator module for a driveline assembly includes, among other things, a cover housing and a fork driving unit supported by the cover housing. The fork driving unit includes a fork driver and a pusher assembly coupled to the fork driver by spaced apart pusher ends. The fork driving unit also includes a drive assembly carried by the pusher assembly to translate the fork driver relative to the cover housing. The fork driving unit further includes a spring that biases the pusher assembly and fork driver to a neutral position.
Abstract:
A rotary vane pump includes a housing that includes first and second plates respectively secured to first and second opposing sides of an intermediate plate. The intermediate plate includes a bore and inlet and outlet ports. The first and second sides respectively have first and second passages that are respectively in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports. The first and second passages are in fluid communication with the bore. The intermediate plate is reversible with respect to the first and second plates. A rotor is arranged in the bore. The rotor supports slidable vanes that are configured to pump fluid between the inlet and outlet ports.
Abstract:
A thermocouple including first and second thermoelements arranged to define a hot junction and a cold junction. A thermometer is coupled to at least one of the first and second thermoelements to measure the temperature of said cold junction independent of electronics used for conditioning a signal of said thermocouple. The thermometer may be thick film elements coupled to a substrate. The thermometer may also be coupled to the substrate.
Abstract:
A sensor assembly configured to sense a position of a seat in a vehicle includes a housing defining a cavity and having an open end. The sensor assembly may also include a carrier removably disposed in the housing cavity via the open end, wherein a permanent magnet may be disposed within a magnet cavity defined in the carrier, wherein the permanent magnet may establish a magnetic field. The sensor assembly may further include a single pole disposed within a pole cavity defined in the carrier and spaced from the permanent magnet and positioned in the magnetic field. In addition, the sensor assembly may include a magnetic sensor element affixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) and positioned in the magnetic field and adjacent to an end of the single pole. The magnetic sensor element and PCB may be at least partially disposed within the cavity.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for making and sensing a liquid substance such as liquid water. Also, apparatus and methods for sensing the change of phase of a substance. In one embodiment, a fringe-effect capacitor is placed proximate to a surface for which it is desirable to sense the presence of liquid water, such as a windshield. The presence of rain on the surface of the windshield changes the electrical flux between electrodes of the capacitor. This change is sensed, and used for other purposes, such as turning on windshield wipers. Also, apparatus and methods for a fringe-effect capacitor.
Abstract:
An electro-mechanical actuator is provided resisting back driving of a gear train in at least one direction. The actuator includes an internal gear train. A clutch is coupled to an output of the gear train and transmits a driving force from the gear train to a clutch output. When a back driving force is applied to the clutch output in at least one direction, the clutch assumes a locked configuration. When the clutch is in a locked configuration the clutch resists rotational movement of the output and back driving of the gear train.
Abstract:
An electrically actuated parking brake system and actuator therefor. The actuator includes a motor having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train provides at least one mechanical output from the actuator. The gear train may include a drive gear coupled to the drive shaft, a driven gear coupled to the drive gear, and a planetary gear set coupled to the driven gear. Various configurations are provided for isolating actuator components for controlling audible noise, including sub-frame isolation configurations, motor isolation configurations, and gear train isolation configurations.