Engineering - Mechanical Patents for Sale or License

Patent Portfolio for Sale

Our patents anticipate several broad fields of use including automotive applications, oil & gas production, renewable energy, and robotics. Seeking strategic partners to help develop our intellectual property.
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Refrigerant Composition for Refrigeration Systems

The invention relates to a single stage vapour compression refrigerators such as those used in home refrigerators can be used down to temperatures of about -35°C. Even lower temperatures require use of two or more refrigerators in series (the so called cascade refrigerators). In this invention, temperatures as low as -203°C (70 K) can be achieved, with a single stage vapour compression refrigerator. The system operates at pressures similar to those in home air conditioners (window AC, mini spl
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Tactile tile product for the visually impaired

The present invention provides a tactile tile comprising hemispherical outward protruding domes on an upper surface for pedestrian traffic, and a plurality of longitudinal and transverse members integral with each other and integral with a bottom side of the tile opposite the upper surface forming a honeycomb pattern. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the problems of durability and replaceability found in conventional pedestrian identification and wayfinding surface
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System for Passive Alignment of Surfaces

Temporarily bringing two surfaces in physical contact with each other is required during several manufacturing processes. For example, during imprinting-based transfer of patterns from a stamp/template onto a substrate surface, the template must make conformal contact with the substrate. Conformal contact means that the entire surface of the template is in contact with the substrate; this ensures that pattern transfer is successful over the entire surface area of the template. Conformal contact
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Dipper door retarding mechanism

The SnubbPack snubber system designed to braking the door dipper on the large rope shovel. Designed on the principle caliper brake, capacity and versatility of the invention are that the brake system is adaptable to any type of equipment.. The enormous cylinders are controlled by an accumulator and a bank valve sytem, allowing him to remain effective and allows at the same moment an adjustment of the pressure by a small portable power pack. Set apart its robustness unequalled, the system applies
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Foil journal bearing having straight foils to support for high speed rotors

Title: Foil journal bearing having straight foils useful for providing support for high speed rotors and a process for fabricating said bearing Abstract:A foil journal bearing having straight foil useful for providing support for a high speed rotor and a process for manufacturing the foil journal bearing, said foil journal bearing comprising an outer holder enclosing an inner holder, the inner holder being provided with a plurality of slots for straight flexible foils one end of which being fi
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A completely new system for cooling or heating

This is new system for air-conditioning or heating which uses a new simple way for that. This device includes a simple filter, an ionic fluid and an electrical field which acts like a pump and moves the ionic fluid in a specific direction. Ionic fluid contains hot ions and cold ions (according to Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution theory), by using the filter this device is able to separate hot ions and cold ions and make temperature gradient which means it can act like an air-conditioner. AD
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Fingertip Force, Location, and Orientation Sensor

An integrated system for studying human grasping techniques includes a fingerprint sensor and a force sensor for simultaneously measuring the contact position and orientation of a fingertip together with the contact force and torque exerted by the fingertip during a grasp. The system uses the fingerprint image obtained from the fingerprint sensor to identify the contact position and orientation of the fingertip based on fingerprint features such as the core point and local ridge orientations. Th
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Motor running two system.

Motor running two system is a motor that can generate mechanical energy and electric energy at the same time. By this type of motor is designed to have a reunion between the electric motor and dynamo in the same machine made while working motor is able to generate mechanical energy and electric energy at the same time. The electric motor can be created from the electromagnetic field that has major occurring while the motor is running. The electric power that happen to be more or
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Sectional Folding Up Garage Door

SECTIONAL FOLDING UP GARAGE DOOR US PATENT 8327908 This is a new, patented automatic sectional garage door. The door opening is going up, where it folds up like an accordion, saving considerable space inside promise and reducing the overall design. The working prototype is already running for a long time, demonstrating reliability and convenience. This garage door can be produced of pair number of sections from 2 to 8. The 2-sectional design easily wins the consumer interest due to the co
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Mechanical Transmission for Electric Motors

Most systems use a clutch to change gear - Our system uses brake. The system is unique propulsion system suitable for electric motors, the system includes an innovative combination of an electric motor with a mechanical transmission with two speeds or more in order to increase efficiency and allow different capacities. Changing gear is instantly. The system is simple and easy to manufacture, reliable, with low maintenance level. From google patent: A driven mechanical transmission system
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720° analogue dial - invertible loop dial face

One time auction only - ends April 15, 2014. Worldwide licensing agreement or patent ownership valid until 2021. Ownership of the world's first annular 720° dial. It is especially relevant for the clock industry, where timepieces could be endowed with the ability to mechanically change their face. Applications could exist outside clock industry. It is the perfect blend of aesthetics and mechanical ingenuity. The dial undergoes a constant metamorphosis, using a system of pinions, racks and a
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KT Connector

aviation tool that solves the overheating problem on the Airbus. saves airlines on fuel costs. less fuel used is also better for environment . prevents delays and cancellations. improves on time performance and customer satisfaction.
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Locking device for motorcycles

theft prevention device for motorcycles, where the lock fits on the break/lever gas handle of the motorcycle handle.
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Mold Tooling with Integrated Conformal Thermal Management Fluid Channels and Method

Method and device patents covering process for creating mold tooling (primarily injection mold) with conformal cooling channels and high thermal conductivity materials. The tooling is extremely efficient at exchanging heat between the molded polymer and the cooling medium, which enables faster molding cycles. This method of producing conformal cooling channels fills the niche where 3-D freeform fabrication methods (e.g. DMLS) fail from resolution constraints (e.g. optical applications). Tool
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An automatic Engine Working by Air Pressure and Electricity

The present invention relates to an automatic motor working by air pressure and electricity. The currently used engines depend completely on petroleum and gas oil, which are oil products in the possession of petroleum-producing countries. In contrast, the inventive engine works by Air pressure and electricity.
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Tube Cleaning Apparatus

This essentially magnetic device is foremost intended for use with tubing in fish-tanks. Algae, natural waste and food debris all combine to deprive fish of life-sustaining oxygen. In a healthy aquatic environment with waters replenished, filters rinsed, oxigen levels maintained - fish may thrive. Contrariwise, fail to achieve the above and your pump will soon grind to a halt. Result, "dead fish!" Brushes often don't reach, or have to be re-inserted. The magnetic device does facilitate tub
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Synergistically-Layered Armor Systems and Methods for Producing Layers Thereof

The armor system according to the present invention also exploits synergistic multi-layering to provide different properties as a function of depth within a sandwich panel. Various embodiments of the invention include a combination of composite sandwich topology concepts with hard, strong materials to provide structures that (i) efficiently support static and fatigue loads, (ii) mitigate the blast pressure transmitted to a system that they protect, (iii) provides very effective resistance to pro
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Root pin for endodontic complex supply, has fibers with longer longitudinal rigidity and smaller longitudinal rigidity arranged in center of root pin and boundary region of root pin respectively

The pin (100) has a base body made of a fiber-reinforced plastic matrix (13) incorporated on two kinds of fibers (14, 15). The two kinds of fibers have different wetting behaviors and/or different mechanical characteristics, and are radially arranged at two-part short-fiber reinforcements. The fibers with longer longitudinal rigidity and smaller longitudinal rigidity are arranged in center of the pin and a boundary region (16) of the pin respectively. The fibers with smaller longitudinal rigidit
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Radial Plain Bearing with Optional Hydrostatic And/or Hydrodynamic Function

The invention relates to a radial plain bearing that comprises a shaft (1), a bearing shell (2) having a cylindrical sliding surface (15) in each case, several lubrication pockets (3) distributed over the circumference, to a device for hydrostatically supplying lubricant, and to a device for hydrodynamically supplying lubricant. The device for hydrostatically supplying lubricant is connected to each lubrication pocket (3). The device for hydrodynamically supplying lubricant is connected to at le
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Reinforced piezoresistive pressure sensor

A MEMS-based silicon pressure sensor for the ocean environment is presented. The invention is a multiple diaphragm piezoresistive pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of a liquid, comprising an inner deformable diaphragm formed on a silicon substrate, the inner deformable diaphragm having a first thickness an outer deformable diaphragm formed on the silicon substrate, the outer deformable diaphragm having a second thickness which is greater than the first thickness, positioned below the in
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Phase change on demand integrated pressure pump and power plant

Activation of a propellant in a constant volume container causes a phase change material to rapidly expand so that the pressure in the container increases. Programmability and sequential actuation are enabled by patterning the phase change material into the integrated device. The pressure generated may be used to activate an energy transducer such as a high pressure turbine, a piezoelectric material, and an elastic strain material. This provides a hybrid actuation system of electrical energy, pn
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Practical method of CO2 sequestration

A process and device to capture of CO2 at its originating source, such as a power plant, is disclosed. Absorbent material is recharged by desorbing CO2, so that it may be sequestered or used in another application. Continual recharging results in loss of absorbent surface area, due to pore plugging and sintering of particles. Calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide was immobilized to a fibrous ceramic-based fabric substrate as a thin film and sintered, creating an absorbent material. The samples were
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Device for the Continuous Annular Electrochromatography

An annular gap apparatus (110) for performing a capillary electrochromatography is disclosed. The annular gap apparatus (110) has at least one separator (112) with at least one fixed annular gap (114), wherein the annular gap (114) is at least partially filled with at least one stationary phase (204) and can be filled with at least one electrolyte (136). The annular gap apparatus (110) has at least one feeding system (138) for feeding a starting substance (140) into the annular gap (114). The an
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Device Having a Surface Displaceable in Two Spatial Directions

The invention relates to a device having a surface displaceable in two spatial directions, comprising a carrier frame 11, a conveyor means 16 disposed such that it surrounds the carrier frame in a first direction, a plurality of belt units 20, wherein each belt unit is mounted to the conveyor means such that it is displaceable in the first direction. Each belt unit comprises a first continuous belt 22, which is disposed such that it surrounds the belt unit in a second direction, and a first driv
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Fluid flow operated machine e.g. blower, compressors, pumps and fan, has housing and rotary shaft formed flowing path, where axial arrangement is selected such that certain partial length of recess is

The fluid flow operated machine has a housing (1) and a rotary shaft (2) formed flowing path. An axial arrangement is selected such that a certain partial length of a recess (4) is extended before a front edge of a shovel (3) against a flow direction. The radial depth of the recess amounts to a certain percentage of an axial cord length of the shovel. An inclination angle of a rear surface in circumferential direction amounts to 30 degrees to 60 degrees.
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Shaft power house for electricity generation by energy conversion of overflow between top water and bottom water, comprises vertical shaft, where shaft crown forms bottom parallel inlet plane

The shaft power house (1) comprises a vertical shaft (7), where a shaft crown (10) forms a bottom parallel inlet plane (11). The bottom parallel inlet plane extends below a water level (3) of top water (2). The shaft is open at the top, and is closed with a base (9) at a lower end. A turbine (16) is completely arranged under the water in the shaft. An independent claim is also included for a shaft power module for electricity generation by energy conversion of an overflow between top water and b
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Method of Designing Magnetorheological Fluid Energy Absorbing Device Using Hydromechanical Analysis

A method of designing a magnetorheological (MR) fluid energy absorbing damper is provided that uses hydromechanical analysis with lumped parameters to allow a determination as to whether a potential damper design will provide predetermined characteristics, such as a desired dynamic force range and maximum piston velocity, with a selected MR fluid and yield stress and preferably meeting predetermined geometric limitations.
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Ultra-miniature Fiber-optic Pressure Sensor System and Method of Fabrication

Ultra-miniature surface-mountable Fabry-Perot pressure sensor is constructed on an optical fiber which utilizes a 45 DEG angled fiber tip covered with a reflective layer which steers the optical axis of the fiber by 90 DEG . The Fabry-Perot cavity is formed on the sidewall of the fiber and a polymer-metal composite diaphragm is formed on the top of the Fabry-Perot cavity to operate as a pressure transducer. The sensor exhibits a sufficient linearity over the broad pressure range with a high sens
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Magnetically Driven Micropump

A magnetically driven micropump for handling small fluid volumes. The micropump includes a first chamber and a second chamber. A flexible membrane being disposed between the first and second chambers. The flexible membrane being magnetically coupled to an actuator for displacing the membrane.
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For Natural muscle's movement behavior simulation device for e.g. robot arm, has mechanical energy source arranged parallel to damping member, where damping member regulates force delivered by device

The device has a mechanical energy source (2) and an elastic element e.g. mechanical tension spring (3), arranged in series. The mechanical energy source is arranged parallel to a damping member (6) e.g. magneto-rheological damper and hydro-pneumatic suspension system, that regulates force (5) delivered by the device to a load. The mechanical energy source comprises electromechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic drive, electric motor, a drive using metal hydride as a working medium, a drive using sha
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Ballistic Resistant Fabric Armor

A woven ballistic resistant fabric armor system comprising at least one ply having a yarn-yarn angle between the warp and fill yarns of less than 90 DEG , with each ply oriented relative to an axis along the thickness of the plies such that adjacent plies have a different yarn-yarn angle, a different orientation, or both. The armor system may feature materials of different stiffness, strength, and strain-to-failure in each ply or a filler between selected plies, including a filler comprising dis
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Electroosmotic Pump with Improved Gas Management

An electroosmotic (EO) pump is provided that includes a housing having a pump cavity, a porous core medium and electrodes. The porous core medium is positioned within the pump cavity to form an exterior reservoir that extends at least partially about an exterior surface of the porous core medium. The porous core medium has an open inner chamber provided therein. The inner chamber represents an interior reservoir. The electrodes are positioned in the inner chamber and are positioned proximate the
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Fuel cell system for use in electrical or electronic device e.g. computer, has fuel double cell with cathode-sided devices, cathodes, anodes and proton exchange membranes, where cathodes are connected

The system (1) has a fuel double cell (2) comprising two cathode-sided devices (3), two cathodes, two anodes and two proton exchange membranes. The cathode-sided devices are provided for supplying current and for cathode-sided gas diffusion, where the cathodes are connected with oxygen-containing gas layers through the cathode-sided devices. A tubular reformer unit (6) has a container in inner side for accommodating the fuel (7, 8), and an opening for discharging the fuel is provided in an area
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Method for reducing the thermal background radiation of spectroscopes and detector assembly for use in the infrared range

The method involves cooling a detector heat shield (20) and arranging a filter unit (21) within an evacuated area (17). A diffractive or dispersive optical system (11) is arranged before an aperture (22) facing away from the detector (16) for generating a spectrum. The filter unit is cooled to the temperature of the detector. The detector is shielded from unwanted background radiation by the cooled filter unit. An independent claim is included for a detector arrangement for use in infrared range
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Carrier, which is coated with ceramic, useful in and/or as water distribution system, heating/cooling device, tube, pipeline and/or reactor material in pharmaceutical, medical or food processing indus

The carrier that is coated with ceramic, is claimed. The ceramic comprises a micro-structured ceramic layer applied on the carrier. The micro-structured ceramic layer is functionalized with an enzyme having an anti-bacterial activity, is made of nano-particles with a diameter of 100-500 nm, and has a pattern made of crests and troughs and having a height difference between the crest and trough of 5-15 mu m. The carrier is made of metal, plastic and/or ceramic. The enzyme is covalently bonded to
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Fluid-Pressure Regulator and Related Methods and Systems

A fluid-pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of a fluid. The regulator includes a variable-resistance fluid element and a variable-volume fluid element located downstream of the variable-resistance element. Pressure in the fluid at the outlet of the regulator is controlled by substantially simultaneously changing the resistance of the variable-resistance element and the volume of the variable-volume element. In one example, a decrease in pressure is effected at the outlet by simultaneo
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Thermally Driven Heat Pump for Heating and Cooling

A thermally driven heat pump includes a low temperature evaporator for evaporating cooling fluid to remove heat A first heat exchanger located at an outlet of a converging/diverging chamber of a first ejector receives a flow of primary fluid vapor and cooling fluid vapor ejected from the first ejector for condensing a portion of the cooling fluid vapor An absorber located in the first heat exchanger absorbs cooling fluid vapor into an absorbing fluid to reduce the pressure in the first heat exch
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Hollow Structures Formed with Friction Stir Welding

A hollow structure, and a method of forming the hollow structure, where the hollow structure includes first and second metal parts, the second metal part having an interior surface and a tapered support member extending from the interior surface. The hollow structure also includes a friction stir welded joint that extends through the first metal part and into the tapered support member.
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Microfluidic Valve Systems and Methods

The present disclosure provides a microfluidic valve with a liquid-film-core to open and close one or more dispensing orifices of an ejection nozzle of a microfluidic system, such as an inkjet printhead, to prevent nozzle-clogging. The microfluidic valve employs a non-volatile liquid to control ambient air exposure at a liquid-air interface. Particularly, the microfluidic valve utilizes a microfluidic driving mechanism, such as electrowetting principles or magnetic fields, to control movement of
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Peristaltic Pump Devices, Methods, and Systems

A peristaltic pump with a removable pump race module has guiding channels for receiving at least a portion of a flexible fluid-carrying tubing and an adjusting device for displacing a flexible inner portion of the removable pump race module to change the compression on the fluid-carrying tubing. The arrangement of the various elements makes it particularly suitable in configurations where compactness and convenience are important considerations.
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System to handle samples taken under pressure has a sealed transfer mechanism into a vessel to maintain the pressure and temperature conditions of the sampling point

The system is for handling and/or study of samples gathered under pressure, to maintain the pressure conditions of the sample environment. The holder for the test object has a ball valve (3) for a fluid- and pressure-tight sealing of the sample holding zone. A coupling (6) gives a gas- and pressure-tight connection to an additional vessel (5). A telescopic threaded spindle, with a motor drive, moves the sample along a tube (1) into the additional vessel for measurement and investigation under a
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Geothermal heat assembly

The method involves producing a forced ground water circulation at the underground (U) at a region of an earth heat exchanger (12) by blowing of gas i.e. air (L), into a well (2) provided at the underground. The air is blown near a well bottom (28) in the ground water (G) in the well, and a wellhead is sealed. The air escaped from the ground water is thermally utilized. A sealing (26) is provided above a ground water level (GS) at the well, and a vent pipe (27) is guided into the sealing. The ve
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Bonding agent

Binder (11) comprises a particulate body (12), which forms a solid phase while contacting with a liquid medium (13), where each body is encapsulated with at least a first agent and then formation of solid phase can takes place, and the quantity of the encapsulated body (14) is so loaded that the encapsulation is destroyed.
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Method for Braking an Internal Combustion Engine

The invention relates to a method for braking an internal combustion engine having a non-flammable fluid, wherein the non-flammable fluid is injected into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and the injection occurs around the time of the highest pressure within the combustion chamber.
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Method for Characterization of Objects

A method for characterization of objects has the steps of: a) describing an object with an elliptical self-adjoint eigenvalue problem in order to form an isometrically invariant model; b) determining eigenvalues of the eigenvalue problem; and c) characterizing the object by the eigenvalues.
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Electromagnetic Microsystem for Manipulating Magnetic Micro- Or Nanopearls

The invention relates to an electromagnetic microsystem for manipulating magnetic micro- or nanopearls in a fluid. Based on this, possibilities for specific manipulation of such micro- or nanopearls are specified. For this purpose, the electromagnetic microsystem comprises at least one microelectromagnet (3), which is arranged on a substrate (30) and which attracts the magnetic micro- or nanopearls (1) upon excitation and thus enables the movement of the magnetic micro- or nanopearls.
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Maple Syrup Production Spout Assembly with Backflow Check Valve

A maple syrup production spout assembly (10) with a backflow check valve (79) is disclosed. The spout assembly is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup productions systems (200) and is used to prevent the backflow of sap (270) into the maple tree (100) and thus prevent the drying out of the taphole (110) due to microbial contamination. Certain existing maple production spout assemblies can be retrofitted to form the backflow check valve spout assembly disclosed herein. Methods of using
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Method of Making a Decision on the Status of a Mechanical System Using Input and Response Data Acquired in Situ

An in-situ monitoring system is engaged with a mechanical system for which it is desired to assess or monitor the in-situ performance of the mechanical system. The in-situ monitoring system includes at least one input sensor and at least one output sensor for collecting data corresponding, respectively, to input into, and output from, the mechanical system. The monitoring system also includes an analyzer that utilizes the input and output data to generate an in-situ response representation of th
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Reduction of Flow-induced Noise in a Centrifugal Blower

A centrifugal blowing apparatus for reducing flow-induced noise is disclosed. The apparatus includes a blower housing having a scroll section formed about a rotational axis and an exhaust section extending from the scroll section. The scroll section includes an opening defining an inlet configured to draw in air and the exhaust section defines an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet. The scroll section commences with a reduced cross-sectional area defining a cutoff and expands to an incr
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Check Valve Diaphragm Micropump

A micropump device including a first wafer and a second wafer attached to the first wafer. The first and second wafers are configured to define a chamber therebetween having a predetermined volume. A third wafer is attached to the second wafer to define an inlet section and an outlet section in fluid communication with the chamber. At least one of the second and third wafers are formed to define a moveable diaphragm configured to change the predetermined volume of the chamber for pumping a fluid
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Multi-sensing Fuel Injection System and Method for Making the Same

A multi-sensing fuel injection system for internal combustion engines. The system includes a fuel injector for injecting fuel into the internal combustion chamber. The fuel injector is electrically insulated from an engine body of the internal combustion engine by way of a first electrically insulated member. A second electrically insulated member is provided for fixedly disposing the fuel injector within the combustion chamber. The electrical insulation of the fuel injector, in conjunction with
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Arrangement for determination of intraorbital pressure, designed in shape of goggles joined to appropriate devices

When the intraocular pressure rises there is only a minimal. backwards motion possible for the socket to give way, which is not sufficient to solve the problem. A chamber with a hermetically closed expansion space at the front is connected with tubes fitted with valves (UV) to a compressor (KP), an outlet (AL), and a pressure sensor (DS). The chamber can be designed in the shape of diving goggles and joined to the head of the patient (PT) with an elastic band. The obtained data are transmitted t
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Transmitter/receiver Antenna for Mr with Improved Decoupling Between Antenna Elements

The invention relates to a magnetic resonance tomograph having a magnetic resonance system comprising at least two high-frequency transmitting/receiving units.
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Micromechanical Devices for Materials Characterization

The present disclosure describes micromechanical devices and methods for using such devices for characterizing a material's strength. The micromechanical devices include an anchor pad, a top shuttle platform, a nanoindenter in movable contact with the top shuttle platform and at least two sample stage shuttles. The nanoindenter applies a compression force to the top shuttle platform, and the at least two sample stage shuttles move apart in response to the compression force. Each of the at least
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Miniature Oxygen Concentrators and Methods

Provided herein are new compact and miniature oxygen concentrator apparatus, as well as methods incorporating use of the apparatus. The apparatus and methods utilize selected cycle times, adsorbent specifications and novel conditions to produce a fast Pressure Swing Adsorption ("PSA") system. The oxygen concentrator apparatus and methods herein have significant utility in the fields of biotechnology, engineering, and medicine. A particularly advantageous use of this invention is as a "snap on" p
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Method & apparatus for treatment of fluid

An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid which produces at least one magnetic field for a period of time, Tc at or above a critical magnetic field strength, Hc, the period Tc and the field strength Hc determined relative to one another and dependant upon the properties of the fluid.
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Electric-field Assisted Fuel Atomization System and Methods of Use

An apparatus (100) for reducing the size of fuel particles injected into a combustion chamber is disclosed. The apparatus includes fuel line (110), a first metallic mesh (114) disposed within the fuel line (110), and a second metallic mesh(112) disposed within the fuel line (110), upstream of the first metallic mesh (114). An electrical supply (130) is electrically coupled to the first metallic mesh (114) and the second metallic mesh (112). Operation of the electrical supply (130) generates an e
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Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

A vertical axis wind turbine is disclosed, including an axle and a plurality of blades circumferentially spaced about the axle and coupled to the axle. Each blade can include an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface and inner surface meeting at a leading edge and a trailing edge. Each blade can include a leading portion extending from the leading edge along the outer surface and the inner surface, the leading portion having, in longitudinal cross-section, an airfoil shape. Each b
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Piezoelectric Stun Projectile

The present invention provides a non-lethal projectile for delivering an electric pulse to a target. In one aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and an electrical oscillating circuit in order to generate a pulse. In another aspect of the invention, the projectile utilizes a piezoelectric device and a mechanical oscillating circuit in order to generate an electric pulse. Since the projectile of the present invention contains the structure to generate the require
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Solid State Supersonic Flow Actuator and Method of Use

A method and device are provided for manipulating high-speed flows without moving aerodynamic structures. More particularly, a flow control actuator device (10) is provided that is capable of producing a pulsating synthetic jet (31) with high exhaust velocities for manipulating high-speed flows without moving aerodynamic structures. The high exhaust velocities of the actuator device may reach sonic levels of Mach 1 or greater. In one embodiment, the device may be constructed as an array of devic
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Mechanical Processing of Reactive Laminates

A method of producing a reactive powder includes providing a bulk structure of reactive material comprising a first reactant and a second reactant, the bulk structure having a preselected average spacing between the first and the second reactants; and mechanically processing the bulk structure of reactive material to produce a plurality of particles from the bulk structure such that each of the plurality of particles comprises the first and second reactants having an average spacing that is subs
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Uniform Shear Application System and Methods Relating Thereto

Disclosed herein is a shear application system for applying substantially uniform amounts of shear throughout a powder sample. The shear application system preferably includes a cylinder assembly having an inner cylinder, a housing, an inner set of lugs, and an outer set of lugs. The inner cylinder has an external cylindrical surface and the housing has an internal cylindrical surface concentric with said external cylindrical surface. The internal and external cylindrical surfaces form an annula
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Measuring Method and Device for Characterizing a Semiconductor Component

The invention relates to a measuring method for characterizing a semiconductor component (1) having at least one pn junction and a measuring surface, which is the front and/or rear of the semiconductor component and which has at least one contacting subarea, which is covered by a metallization or is intended for coverage by a metallization, comprising the following steps: A. Planar application of electromagnetic excitation radiation onto the measuring area of the semiconductor component (1) for
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Double-fed Asynchronous Generator and Method for Its Operation

The invention relates to a double-fed asynchronous generator, which is provided with a slipring rotor (1b), and to a method for its operation. In the normal manner, the asynchronous generator has a machine-side converter (5) and a network-side converter (6). According to the invention, the asynchronous generator is designed to supply short-circuit power in that at least one machine-side rotor current (iRM) is maintained in the event of a short circuit, in order to allow the formation of a stator
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Intake screen for water removal structures, for example hydro-electric plants

The intake rake (1) is arranged in front of an intake of a turbine, and has multiple rake bars (2), which are arranged one after another. The rake bars have a flanged over portion in form of a strap. A light distance between the computing distances is provided between 10 millimeter and 20 millimeter within the range of the flanged over portion.
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Device for diverting fishes and flotsam from intake screen, has collecting trough comprising stripping device, and perforated plate for producing flow shade and arranged at trough in direction of back

The device has a collecting trough (20) comprising a stripping device (25), and a perforated plate (28) for producing a flow shade and arranged at the trough in the direction of backwater in a vertically displaceable manner, where the trough extends over breadth of an intake screen (1). The plate extends over length of the trough, and the trough is guided in a vertically movable manner by a guiding device (21) that is arranged parallel to the intake screen, where the trough has a base locking ca
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Device for Transmitting Energy Between a Flowing Medium and a Crankshaft

The invention relates to a device for transmitting energy between a flowing medium and a crankshaft (1), on which a motor or generator is arranged, wherein the device comprises an oscillating bearing surface (35), which is rigidly fastened to a control shaft (30), wherein the control shaft (30) is rotatably retained by a cantilever (19a), wherein the cantilever (19a) is arranged on a rotatable body (19), wherein the rotatable body (19) is connected to the crankshaft (1) by means of a force trans
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Method and Apparatus for Transporting Magnetic Fluids and Particles

A method of transporting a magnetic fluid (104) or at least one magnetic particle (509, 510). The method comprises the steps of: providing a magnetic layer (102) with an asymmetric re-magnetization property; placing the magnetic fluid (104) or the magnetic particle(s) (509, 510) in the vicinity of the magnetic layer (102) so that they can magnetically interact with the magnetic layer (102); and applying an external magnetic field.
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Reactor Comprising an Archimedes Screw Conveyor

The invention relates to a reactor (2) comprising a rotary kiln (47) from which a reacted bulk material (16) is removed by way of an Archimedes screw conveyor (1). According to the invention, the screw conveyor (1) comprises a baffle element (41) in an exit area (18), said baffle element effecting a sort of "backup" of the conveyed bulk material (16) in the screw conveyor (1) so that a high fill level results in the screw conveyor (1). When the fill level is high enough so that cross sections of
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Highly Porous Magnetic Temporary Fixed Bed

The present invention relates to a fixed bed, for example for the isolation and/or purification of components originating from a biological system, which fixed bed comprises magnetic beads and a magnetizable fabric arranged at least in part in the fixed bed, a fluidized bed-fixed bed, which comprises the fixed bed of the invention after application of an alternating magnetic field, and also to a process for the isolation and/or purification of components originating from a biological system.
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Method and Device for Industrial Trucks

The invention relates to a prime mover comprising a machine frame and a load carrier damping means for damping the movements of load carriers relative to or with the machine frame. The damping means is adapted to damp movements that do not impair the machine frame tilt resistance, preferably machine frame steadiness, and movements that reduce and/or endanger the machine frame tilt resistance, preferably machine frame steadiness, especially reciprocating movements, in a different manner.
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Radanordnung

Compared with known chassis allows the present innovation, a discontinuous conveyors, in the form of a driverless transport vehicle with omnidirectional drive, without manual intervention to use as a trail sponsor, in the form of a roller conveyor section. The chassis has the following features: Wheels (1) are mounted on a pipe (3), in which the drive motor and gearbox are mounted.At one end of the wheel is connected via a parallel key with the output shaft of the gearbox. Opposite the wheel is
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Gear Assembly

The invention relates to a gear assembly for conveyors comprising a gear shaft and a journal bearing. According to the invention, the journal bearing has an annular section over which the gear shaft and/or a mounting therefor extends transversely.
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Barium-doped Bond Coat for Thermal Barrier Coatings

A metallic article for high temperature applications such as a turbine engine component is protected by a thermal barrier coating system on the article's metallic substrate. The thermal barrier coating system includes a bond coat layer of aluminum containing alloy on the metal substrate, an alumina layer on the bond coat layer and a ceramic thermal barrier layer on the alumina layer. The bond coat layer is doped with elemental barium that enhances the creep resistance of the alumina layer, thus,
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Collapsible Reaction Turbine

A collapsible reaction turbine is disclosed. The turbine includes a rotatable shaft, a plurality of hub portions that are fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft, a plurality of turbine blades, and upper and lower pluralities of spokes. An upper spoke and a lower spoke from each of the spoke pluralities provide a spoke pair to which the upper and lower ends of a corresponding turbine blade are attached. Each upper and lower spoke and each spoke pair is advantageously structured and arranged to b
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Universal Spherical Turbine with Skewed Axis of Rotation

A universal spherical reaction turbine for any flowing fluid at any depths or elevation that is capable of unidirectional rotation under reversible flow conditions. The turbine includes a rotatable shaft that is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation; turbine blade support members that are fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft and a plurality of meridian turbine blades. The meridian turbine blades are fixedly attached to diametrically-opposite points that define a geometrical north-south
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Pulse Electrothermal and Heat-storage Ice Detachment Apparatus and Methods

Systems and methods for pulse electrothermal and heat-storage ice detachment. A pulse electrothermal ice detachment apparatus includes one or more coolant tubes, and optionally, fins in thermal contact with the coolant tubes. The tubes and/or fins form a resistive heater. Apparatus applies electrical power to the resistive heater, generating heat to detach ice from the tubes and/or the fins. A freezer unit forms a heat-storage icemaking system having a compressor and a condenser for dissipating
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Pulse Electrothermal Mold Release Icemaker with Safety Baffles for Refrigerator

An icemaker and a refrigerator having an icemaker are discussed. The icemaker has pulse-electrothermal ice release and includes an ice-making tray having several ice forming portions in which water is stored and ice is formed; and a housing surrounding the ice-making tray provided with at least one cold air inlet and/or ice ejection port through which cold air is supplied and ice released along a bent channel. The cold air inlet and/or ice ejection ports are baffled to prevent contact with a use
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Pulse Electrothermal Mold Release Icemaker for Refrigerator Having Interlock Closure and Baffle for Safety

The present document relates to an icemaker having a pulse electrothermal ice release system for separating ice bodies from an ice mold. The pulse electrothermal ice release system operates by applying an electric current through the ice mold through two wires. Safety apparatus for preventing electric shock to users of the icemaker is described. A refrigerator having the icemaker, and an operating method of the icemaker are disclosed. In an embodiment, the safety apparatus interrupts current flo
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Refrigerant Evaporators with Pulse-electrothermal Defrosting

An pulse electro thermal defrost evaporator system has multiple refrigerant tubes formed from an electrically conductive metal and connected in parallel for refrigerant flow. These tubes are, however, connected electrically in series. A controller is capable of detecting ice accumulation and connecting the tubes to a source of electrical power for deicing when it is necessary to deice the tubes. Embodiments having a manifold having multiple conductive sections insulated from each other are discl
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Compact Helical Heat Exchanger with Stretch to Maintain Airflow

A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between gasses such as air and a liquid or gaseous coolant has narrow spacing between exchanger surfaces for high efficiency. To avoid undue obstruction of gas flow due to ice buildup on the exchanger surfaces, the heat exchanger is equipped with sensors to monitor the gas flow and an actuator that widens the spacing between exchanger surfaces such that gas flow remains unimpeded. Embodiments provide for defrosting of the exchanger surfaces when an limit on s
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Pulse Systems and Methods for Detaching Ice

A pulse system for detaching ice includes a power supply for applying a high-power heating pulse to the interface between ice and an object such as a cold plate of an ice making system, an ice-container, a heat-exchanger, a refrigerator surface or an airplane wing. Pulse heating may be generated within a metal foil or resistive film disposed upon an object to be deiced, or a capillary tube proximate the object to be deiced. An interfacial layer of ice is melted and the ice is released from the o
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Systems and Methods for Enhanced Control of Laser Drilling Processes

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring and/or controlling laser drilling processes based on atomic emission spectral emissions that are collected in real time during laser drilling. The systems and methods may be used to monitor and control laser drilling operations across a range of materials, e.g., metals (including alloys) and ceramics, and may be used to identify spectral characteristics that signify hole completion and to manage/discontinue laser drilling operations based thereon.
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Joining coated materials using stamp rivets with semi-hollow rivets

Before the coated sheets are joined, a sacrificial plate (5) with a specially shaped cavity is placed on the matrix (3), to act as an underlay on which the materials to be joined (1) are laid. With the stamp rivet process, the sacrificial plate is shaped into the cavity in the matrix and after the stamp rivet process the connected parts for joining and the sacrificial plate are separated from one another. A coated or uncoated metallic plate is used as the sacrificial plate. The sacrificial plate
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Shear Sensors and Uses Thereof

The present invention relates to shear sensors. In particular, the present invention relates to deformable sensors for measurement of shear forces during chemical mechanical polishing.
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Disposal Separator/concentrator Device and Method of Use

The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (103) connected by a first valve (111), whereby operation of the first valve controls the material transfer
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Reservoir-buffered Mixers and Remote Valve Switching for Microfluidic Devices

The present invention relates generally to the control of fluid flow rate and direction on a microfluidic device. In particular, the present invention provides an integrated valveless microfluidic device, where directional fluid control is controlled using off-chip remote valve switching and fluid flow rate changes are controlled using on-chip flow-rate changing fluid reservoirs. The present invention provides methods and systems for directional fluid control and control of fluid flow rate in an
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Switching Devices and Related Methods

A mechanical device capable of switching between two states is described. The device may include a micromechanical resonator with two distinct states in the hysteretic nonlinear regime. The devices can be used as a low-power, high-speed mechanical switch integrated on-chip with silicon circuitry.
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Electro-mechanical Oscillating Devices and Associated Methods

Electro-mechanical oscillating devices designed to convert the frequency of electrical signal(s) and methods associated with the same are described. One example of such a frequency converting device is a mixer.
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Bevel gear normal has calibration reference surface, which is designed such that coordinate system of bevel gear normal is determined, and two geometric elements are configured in form of spheres or s

The bevel gear normal (10) has a calibration reference surface (12), which is designed such that a coordinate system of bevel gear normal is determined. Two geometric elements (14.1,14.2,14.3) are configured in the form of spheres or sphere portions. The geometric elements are arranged in equidistant angle steps. An independent claim is also included for a method for monitoring or correcting a bevel gear-measurement process.
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Device and Method for Gas Enrichment Or Generation of Mechanical Power

The present invention relates to a device comprising: a first container and a second container, a capillary device arranged between the first container and the second container with one or more capillaries, each of the one or more capillaries connecting the first container to the second container, and each of the one or more capillaries tapering at least in sections from the second container in the direction towards the first container, means for generating and/or maintaining a temperature gradi
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Measuring Apparatus and Method for Measuring Large Components

The invention relates to a measuring apparatus for measuring large components (10), comprising a measuring device and a drive unit (12) for actuating the measuring device. The invention further relates to a method for measuring large components (10) with such a measuring apparatus. The aim of the invention is to be able to measure large components (10) simply and inexpensively. To achieve this, the measuring apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the measuring unit has a p
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Drive tool i.e. impulse drive tool, for driving e.g. nail, has tappet executing stroke movements per rotation via return spring and acting in impulse compensated manner, during simultaneous angular ac

The tool has an electrical operated balance wheel drive actuated via a switch. Two electrical driven upper and lower cam disks (2a, 2b) are rotated in opposite directions for producing impulse-type forces in a striking mechanism. The disks displace a tappet (14) in movement. The tappet executes number of stroke movements per rotation via a return spring (10) and acts in an impulse compensated manner, during simultaneous angular acceleration of rotating mass. A drive motor (4) is utilized for dri
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Method for Joining Components

The invention relates to a method for joining components (4, 6) made at least partially of thermoplastic material and of which at least one is reinforced with long fibers, wherein the components (4, 6) are welded to each other in a joint zone. The components (4, 6) are thereby welded in the joint zone (8) by means of heat input generated by laser radiation (10), wherein at least one (4) of the components (4, 6) is at least partially transparent to the laser radiation (10) and wherein the laser r
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Heat exchanger with a phase change material and method for its manufacture

Heat storage device comprises a housing (10), in which a phase change material and a heat conducting structure surrounded by the phase change material (14) are arranged. The heat conducting structure exhibits a space grid-a (16) made of bars of same material extending to the junction of the space grid. An independent claim is also included for producing a heat storage device comprising: (i) supplying a powdery active material to be produced on the heat conducting structure; (ii) fusing defined r
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Mechanically Driven, Hubless, High-efficiency Ship Propulsor

The invention relates to a mechanically driven, hubless, high-efficiency ship propulsor comprising at least one rotor having blades (10) in a ring, wherein the rotor fitted with a gear rim is joined to the engine of a ship via a shaft (1) having pinions (2) for transferring a torque, and wherein the rotor is arranged in an orifice (8) and wherein rotating blades (10) of the rotor are constructed to be individually adjustable in angle and upon each rotation allow a continuous adaptation of the an
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Three Dimensional Micro-fluidic Pumps and Valves

A system is disclosed for the control of fluid flow in a micro-fluidic system, the system having: a substrate; at least one micro-fluidic channel having disposed in a microchannel layer atop the substrate; a conformable layer disposed on the micro-fluidic layer; a receiving cavity disposed within the at least one micro-fluidic channel; at least one occluding member disposed within the conformable layer, and configured to be received by the receiving cavity so as to occlude the micro-fluidic chan
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Superhydrophobic Surfaces for Drag Reduction

Superhydrophobic surfaces according to the invention contain micro or nanoscale hydrophobic features which can support a shear-free air-water interface between peaks in the surface topology. The surface of an engineered structure is patterned with a plurality of parallel ridges extending from the surface. The ridges have a width d and a height h, and are spaced apart by a first spacing dimension w. The ridges extend along the surface of the solid object for a predefined length l. Breaker ridges
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Osmotic Heat Engine.

A method of converting thermal energy into mechanical work that uses a semi- permeable membrane to convert osmotic pressure into electrical power. A closed cycle pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) process known as an osmotic heat engine (OHE) uses a concentrated ammonia-carbon dioxide draw solution to create high osmotic pressures which generate water flux through a semi-permeable membrane against a hydraulic pressure gradient. The depressurization of the increased draw solution volume in a turbine
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Hygro-adjustable Wall Base Ventilation System for the Treatment of Rising Damp'

This patent of invention relates to a hygro- adjustable wall base ventilation system (3) intended both for accelerating the process of transporting humidity outwards and decreasing the level reached by the rising damp. The said system comprises a mechanical ventilation device (8) which is activated by a control module (7), the latter being associated to two probes (5 and 6), temperature and relative humidity, respectively, which measure the hygrothermal conditions of the system inlet (1) and exh
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Hydraulic Cylinder

The invention relates to a hydraulic cylinder allowing a double stroke and three positions owing to the machine-finish provided both on the inside thereof and along the rod which enables pistons to travel over a predefined set distance with a high degree of precision.
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Linear Peristaltic Pump and Pumping Process

The invention pertains to linear peristaltic pump containing an elastic hose included in four or more following chambers, where the working media - a gas or liquid is filled. The chambers through regulated valves are fitted at the output manifold of the pump, and they could be fitted also at the pump's input manifold. The working process of these valves is directed by a programmed regulation device. The working process of these pump consist of following operations: to pump out the working media
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Locomotive Brake

The invention pertains mechanical engineering, particularly to locomotive brakes with three pipe mains connected to each brake valve installed in control cabins of sections. At the same time in some types of the locomotives at each of three mains the disconnection valve is installed. In the greater part of the locomotives a group switch is set up, where three valves of it are installed on each of three mains. In the working control cabins all three valves are open, but in non-working cabins all
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Electromechanical Generator

Invention relates to mechanical human motion energy converter to the electric energy. It is proposed the electromechanical generator which operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction and consists of a flat coil and magnet. The mechanical energy of the periodic motion of human body that occurs during walking is used for electric power creation. Human motion-induced periodic force or human body parts relative motion induces periodic movement of the magnet parallel to coil. Periodic moti
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Method for Prevention of Tripping of Generating Sources During a Frequency Decline Emergency

The protection method relates to the field of power engineering, particularly, to the anti-emergency automatics, and can be used for prevention of a blackout as a result of tripping of generating sources caused by a frequency decline emergency (frequency avalanche). Under the conditions of power deficit the frequency declines; as a result, the productivity of the auxiliary equipment (boiler feed pumps, gas turbine compressors and the circulating pumps of nuclear power plants) decreases. Conseque
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Apparatus for Determining Flow Parameters of a Particle-fluid Flow

Disclosed is an apparatus for determining flow parameters of a particle-fluid flow. Said apparatus comprises a first sensor array (SA1) that reacts to particles and has an equidistant division within planes extending vertical/at an angle to the direction of flow (z) in accordance with the position of the particle path, and an evaluation unit (4) to which the sensor unit signals (e) of the sensor unit are fed that can be attributed to passing particles and which is designed to determine a particl
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Device for holding a pipe in a groove of a temperature control system integrated in a surface and method therefor

The present invention is directed to a device and a method for holding a pipe in a groove of a temperature control system and for forming a thermal connection between the surface and the pipe. More particularly the invention is directed to a device and a method for fixing a pipe of a floor heating system or for example a ceiling cooling system and for diffusing to the exterior of the surface the flow of heat circulating in the pipe. The holding device has a longitudinal axis parallel to the groo
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Impregnation Method

The invention relates to calendering devices for impregnating a flexible support structure with liquid impregnating substance characterized in that said roll assembly (2) comprises two parallel horizontally aligned rolls mounted onto a calender frame (3), the said two parallel aligned rolls are positioned at a distance relative to one another defining a slit in between said rolls, wherein each roll comprises a central rotation axis (4), wherein the surface of at least one roll is a relief surfac
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An Improved Combined Heat Power System

A combined heat power system comprises a Rankine cycle, optionally an organic Rankine cycle, using a fluid both in gaseous phase and liquid phase. The Rankine cycle comprises - an evaporator for evaporating the fluid from liquid phase to gaseous phase, - an expander for expanding the fluid in gaseous phase provided by the evaporator. The expander is suitable to transform energy from the expansion of the fluid in gaseous phase into mechanical energy, - a condenser for condensing the fluid from ga
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Method for Improving Mechanical Properties of Polymer Particles and Its Applications

A method for improving the mechanical hardness of polymer particles is provided, the method comprising subjecting the polymer particles to a thermal cycle of heating and subsequently cooling. The method is applicable for use with combinations of preferably three monomers, the monomers having hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups in their polymer chain in order to achieve preferential orientation of the polymer chains in a polar solvent after applying the heating cycles of the invention (for example
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Active 3dDoF Stiffness Element

A dynamic three-degree-of-freedom actuator/transducer element comprising at least three piezoceramic actuators and force sensors, as integrated stacks, which are preloaded in the housing by a low-stiffness tension bar, and are constrained, by means of a flexible shell, against shear force and torsion moment, whereby the element, when powered by external voltage source, this actuator/transducer is able to generate a dynamical axial force and displacement and dynamical bending and moment in the tw
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Device for Quickly Generating a Torque on an Extended Dynamic Range with Low Inertia

The invention relates to a device for generating a torque on an output member (3) in response to a torque setpoint, comprising: a first driving member comprising at least one motor (1) with a first power, or small motor, with a shaft (2) onto which the output member is connected; a second driving member including at least one motor (11) having a second power higher than the first power, or large motor, with a shaft (12) rotatingly connected to the output member via viscous coupling means (4); dr
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Centrifugal Device

A device consisting of a rotatable substrate (10) with at least one cavity (14) or channel/chamber structures is described. Fluids may be provided into the at least one cavity (14) and on rotation of the substrate will experience the effects of pseudo forces. At least one functional element (15, 16) which is based on organic conductors as for instance an LED or a photodiode is connected with the rotatable substrate.
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Fluidic Single Use Valve and Microfluidic Systems Incorporating Said Valve

A fluidic device (100) comprising first (120) and second (130) formations separated from one another by one or more localised photoactuable separators (140) (141), the photoactuable separators (140) (141) being responsive to photoactuation to transform from a first closed state to a second open state, adoption of the open state defining a fluid path between each of the first (120) and second (130) formations. The device is desirably rotatable, rotation of the device effecting a biasing of the fl
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Three-dimensional Microfluidic Systems

A three-dimensional microfluidic system including: at least one hydrophilic thread along which fluid can be transported through capillary wicking; and at least one hydrophobic substrate for supporting the hydrophilic thread. A method of transporting and mixing a plurality of fluids within a microfluidic system including at least two hydrophilic threads and a hydrophobic substrate having at least two zones, each of the hydrophilic threads supported on a different hydrophobic substrate zone, inclu
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Particle Image Velocimetry Suitable for X-ray Projection Imaging

A 2D or 3D velocity field is reconstructed from a cross-correlation analysis of image pairs of a sample, without first reconstructing images of the sample spatial structure. The method can be implemented via computer tomographic X- ray particle image velocimetry, using multiple projection angles, with phase contrast images forming dynamic speckle patterns. Estimated cross-correlations may be generated via convolution of a measured autocorrelation function with a velocity probability density func
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Method of Fabricating Microfluidic Systems

A method of fabricating a microfluidic system having microfluidic channels on a surface of a hydrophilic substrate, the method including the steps of: hydrophobizing the substrate surface; locating a mask defining the substrate surface, the mask having open areas defining the periphery of the microfluidic channels; and applying an irradiation treatment to areas of the substrate surface exposed by the open areas of the mask, said exposed areas becoming hydrophilic to therefore form said microflui
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Switches for Microfluidic Systems

A microfluidic system including a substrate in sheet form, at least one hydrophilic microfluidic channel supported on a surface of the substrate, and at least one function component formed as part of the substrate for providing a functional component for the microfluidic channel wherein the functional component comprises at least one cut within the substrate for providing a switch or filter component for the microfluidic channel.
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Means for Isolating Rotational Vibration

A rotational vibration isolator for a sensor is disclosed. The isolator comprises a first enclosure surrounding the sensor and a second enclosure surrounding the first enclosure, with a spherical gap between the enclosures. A fluid is supplied into this gap, the density of the fluid being sufficient to support the first enclosure in a condition of neutral buoyancy. The first and second enclosures are connected by springs of low spring constant.
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Control Gates

A control gate is adapted to be installed across a channel for liquids. The control gate has a barrier member capable of vertical or tilting movement and it is either slidingly or pivotally mounted to a frame of the control gate. In one instance, the control gate has at least one side member attached to the barrier member. A drive member co-operates with the side member(s) to allow raising and lowering of the barrier member to regulate flow of liquid through the control gate. The drive member in
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Controllable Magnetic Systems

This invention relates to methods and devices for propulsion through a fluid, in particular at low Reynolds number. We describe a method of propelling one of a magnetic device and a fluid relative to the other, the magnetic device comprising a pair of magnetic moments linked by an elastic coupling element, one of said moments having a greater resistance to a change in orientation due to an external applied magnetic field than the other, the method comprising applying an elliptical or ellipsoidal
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Anomaly Detection Based in Baysian Inference

A method is described for determining the presence of anomalies in a water system, the method comprising the steps of: (a) periodically sensing at least one water system parameter at least one sensing location; (b) transmitting data representative of the sensed parameter to a processing unit; (c) performing a checking and cleaning operation on the data received at the processing unit; (d) performing a noise removal operation to the data received at the processing unit; (e) predicting a subsequen
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Apparatus for the rotation of objects to allow inspection and/or treatment thereof

The apparatus 10 for the rotation of objects 20 includes at least two object holding devices 30. Each holding device 30 has holding means 35 for removably and fixably holding, on its outer surface, an object relative to the holding device and rotation assistance means 90. At least two cradles 40 receive a holding device each, and each cradle includes bearing means 110 for supporting each holding device. At least one of each cradle includes rotation means 70 and a drive belt 80. In use, the drive
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An Ice Making System

This invention relates to an ice making system including a clarity of evaporators (7a,b,c), a cooling circuit for circulating refrigerant through the apparatus (7a,b,c) and a defrost circuit for defrosting at least one evaporator (7a) at a time for circulating fluid through said evaporator (7a) to defrost that evaporator (7a) wherein the system includes at reservoir (5) for defrost fluid and wherein there is a heat exchanger (4) in the cooling circuit for allowing the defrost liquid to cool the
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A Condenser for Breath Condensate

A condenser for collecting breath condensate comprises a vessel for holding a condensing medium and a conduit having an inlet at a first end and an exhaust at a second end, in which the first and second ends are outside of the vessel. A collection port is provided outside of the vessel and in fluid communication with the conduit for collecting condensate. A portion of the conduit is housed within the vessel and positioned so as to be submerged in the condensing medium when the condenser is in us
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Method of Operating a Fluidic Device and a Fluidic Device for Use in the Method

A method comprises introducing a fluid carrying mobile elements, such as particles (24), into a fluidic device. Simultaneously a mobile element receiving fluid and one or more further fluids are also introduced into the fluidic device. The fluids are passed through a chamber (12) in respective, parallel fluid streams (32, 34, 36, 38, 40). The fluid streams are arranged such that each fluid stream contacts at least another one of the fluid streams in the chamber (12). The dimensions of the chambe
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Devices with a passageway for electroosmotic flow and method of making same

A device has a passageway 14 for electroosmotic flow therealong. The passageway 14 is bordered by an internal surface 12. A porous plug, 16, 18 is located in the passageway so that there are no gaps between the porous plug 16, 18 and the internal surgce12. The plug 16, 18 is made by curing a paste comprising a filler, such as glass powder, and a silicate solution. The passageway may have a maximal cross-sectional dimension of great than 500 m, a minimum cross-sectional dimension of greater than
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Fluid turbine

A shaft-less axial flow (inline) turbine for insertion into a fluid pipe, providing pressure regulation and by doing so generating useable energy. A turbine rotor 104 may be the only moving part of the turbine. The flowing fluid 301 may provide a hydrodynamic bearing 309 between the rotor 104 and a turbine casing 205. The rotor 104 may include a plurality of magnets, and a stator may include a plurality of wire coils to generate electricity. The stator may be located within the casing 205 or out
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Low Frequency Folded Pendulum with High Mechanical Quality Factor, and Seismic Sensor Utilizing Such a Folded Pendulum

The invention concerns a folded pendulum, comprising: - a support (F); - a test mass (PM); - a simple pendulum (SP); - an inverted pendulum (IP); the simple pendulum and the inverted pendulum being connected at one of their ends to the test mass (PM) and at the other end to the support (F) by means of 4 corresponding joint systems (G), the test mass being not connected to the support (F) and being therefore free to oscillate, each joint system (G) relevant to the simple pendulum (PS) comprising
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Actuator with Interchangeable Bending-vibrating Foils, Based on a Langevin-type Transducer

The invention concerns an actuator with bending-vibrating foils, comprising: a transducer (20) of the "Langevin" type, connected to a foil (1) with a longitudinal principal extension direction, characterised in that: the transducer (20) is such to excite longitudinal modes, i.e. modes in which the direction of the produced motion is equal to that of the applied electrical field; foil (1) is placed in such a way that its longitudinal principal extension direction is substantially perpendicular to
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Autothermic Catalytic Reactor with Flat Temperature Profile

The present invention relates to the make of a heterogeneous gas-solid catalytic reactor operated in autothermic conditions, characterised by a flat temperature profile. This invention concurrently uses three actions to optimise the operation of the ATR reactor both in terms of energy and of catalytic activity: the adoption of a specifically formulated catalyst so as to favour a "direct type" reaction mechanism, the use and the make of the catalyst on a structured support with a high porosity an
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Shear Stress Sensors

This invention relates to hot film shear stress sensors and their fabrication. We describe a hot film shear stress sensor comprising a silicon substrate supporting a membrane having a cavity underneath, said membrane bearing a film of metal and having electrical contacts for heating said film, and wherein said membrane comprises a silicon oxide membrane, where in said metal comprises aluminium or tungsten, and wherein said membrane has a protective layer of a silicon-based material over said fil
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Force-controlling Hydraulic Device

A device for use in the control of mechanical forces is provided. The device comprises first and second terminals for connection, in use, to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces and independently moveable. The device further comprises hydraulic means connected between the terminals and containing a liquid. The hydraulic means are configured, in use, to produce upon relative movement of the terminals, a liquid flow to generate an inertial force due to the mass of the liquid to
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Method for governable pumping of fluid through miniaturized flow path is carried out in such way that flow of fluid or its vapour in active flow path section is coupled to flow of heat

The method for the governable pumping of a fluid through a miniaturized flow path is carried out in such a way that the flow of fluid or its vapour in an active flow path section is coupled to a flow of heat, and during the operation of the pump a flow of heat is directed through the active flow path section by means of at least one controllable heat producing or heat consuming heating or cooling element acting on the active flow path section on one side. Independent claims are also included for
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Compression determining method for agricultural horizontal silo, involves considering characteristics of agricultural goods in horizontal silo during determination of local compression, and detecting

The method involves determining local compression achieved by repeated riding of a silo surface with a compressor vehicle. A position of the compressor vehicle is detected using optical and Global positioning systemdetermination during each riding of the silo surface and is fed to a controller together with detected sensor signals. The characteristics of agricultural goods in a horizontal silo are considered during determination of the compression. Dried substance content is considered during th
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Gas Turbine Combustor

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas turbine combustor capable of reducing NOx without increasing the size and cost of the combustor. ; SOLUTION: The combustor for burning compressed air A supplied from a compressor 1 and fuel F and supplying them to a turbine 3 includes: a main burner 21 provided at a head portion of a combustion cylinder 10 forming a combustion chamber 11; and a reheating burner 40 arranged downstream of the combustion cylinder 10 from the main burner 21 and penetrated throu
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Heat Flow Model for Building Fault Detection and Diagnosis

Systems and methods are described that provide a Heat Flow Model (HFM) graph modeling methodology. Embodiments automatically translate formal HVAC system descriptions from a Building Information Model (BIM) into HFM graphs, and compile the graphs into executable FDD systems. During an engineering phase, a user interface is used to enter parameters, conditions, and switches not found in the BIM. During a runtime phase, real-time data from an HVAC control system is input to the generated FDD syste
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Axial-piston engine for use in vehicle

The engine has pistons (3) coupled with a spherical head crankshaft (5) by adjacent crankshafts (4). The pistons are connected with a cylinder block (1) by a bevel gear (6). The spherical head crankshaft is arranged on a crankshaft of a crank (7) tilted for an axis of rotation of a motor shaft of a double supported crankshaft (8), where the double supported crankshaft has an axially moving counterweight (9) that is arranged diametrically opposite to the crankshaft of the crank. The adjacent cran
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Method of Producing Ring Member

A method of producing a ring member includes a cutting process in which a rectangular sheet is formed by cutting a strip-shaped material pulled out from a coiled material; a joining process in which opposite edges of the sheet are butted, and a cylindrical member is formed by joining the edges to each other; and a ring formation process in which a ring member is formed by cutting the cylindrical member in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical member. In the cutting process, the
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Acceleration Sensor

An acceleration sensor is provided with: a rectangular movable electrode (4, 5); a pair of beams (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), which are connected to the center of facing two sides of the movable electrode (4, 5) and swingably support the movable electrode (4, 5); and first and second fixed electrodes (20a, 20b, 21a, 21b) which are respectively provided on one side and the other side of a boundary line by having the straight line connecting the pair of beams (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) as the boundary line, and are ar
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Heat Ray-shielding Glass, and Heat Ray-shielding Multi-layered Glass

Disclosed is a heat ray-shielding glass product which has excellent heat ray-shielding properties, particularly excellent heat-shielding properties, can be produced at low cost, and can exhibit high durability in the presence of water (i.e., under high-humidity conditions). Specifically disclosed is a heat ray-shielding multi-layered glass (40) which is characterized in that a heat ray-shielding glass (30) comprising a glass plate (21) and a heat ray-reflecting layer (24) arranged on the surface
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Fuel Pump Mounting Structure of Motorcycle

A fuel pump unit is mounted on a predetermined position in a fuel tank. There are a supporting mechanism to support the fuel pump unit at the mounting position and a holding mechanism to fixing and holding the fuel pump unit supported at the mounting position, and an opening portion through which the fuel pump unit is inserted into the fuel tank is closed by a cover member being a separate body from the supporting mechanism and the holding mechanism.
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Electrolytic Copper Coating and Method of Manufacture Therefor, and Copper Electrolyte for Manufacturing Electrolytic Copper Coatings

An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic copper coating that exhibits a bendability and flexibility equal to or better than those of rolled copper foil after the heat history in a circuit board fabrication process, especially after a heat history equivalent to the heat history applied when bonding with a polyimide film. The present invention provides an electrolytic copper coating and a method of manufacturing the same wherein, when performing heat treatment so that the L
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Carven Motor

Carver rotary motion device improves the usual features of a cylinder-piston rod-crankshaft scheme for many kinds of applications in internal combustion, hydraulic or pneumatic engines and other devices as compressors, actuators, etc... This invention main feature is producing rotary motion from a pressure fluid or vice versa, achieved with only two moving parts in a fixed cylinder. Due to it's special shape, allows more compact engines and they remain scalable to meet the power and torque requi
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Commercial Retrofit of Power Plant for Major Fuel & Co2 Savings

This worldwide available technology is retrofitted into any size or any fuel type power plant units and has proven efficiency improvement of about 10% in 600mw over the past 5 years. The inventions major CO2 reductions in a coal plant same as 25% reduction in gas plant. This improvement is due to more expansion in turbine. Payback occurs in a few days. At today's fuel costs it saves over $100,000 per week in even smaller size units. Certain cap-and-trade of CO2 and other gases will incre
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Hydraulically Boosted Micro Positioning Device

The University of Waterloo has developed a hydraulically boosted micro-positioning device that can be used to amplify or de-amplify the stroke displacement of smart material actuators (eg. piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, etc..) commonly used in micro-positioning devices. The new device can be used and applied to a variety of micro-positioning devices to induce linear and rotational movement. Previous efforts to boost stroke displacement have attempted to use mechanical levers in linear micr
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Mono-Track Vehicle

The invention generally relates to a vehicle (large or small), cart, robot, etc. that uses a mono-track (e.g., single-track or uni-track) for its main motion in place of wheels or multiple tracks, although the invention could be applied to multi-track and wheeled vehicles as an aid toward turning. The mono-track vehicle (MTV) steers with a set of appendages that extend from the sides of the vehicle. These steering appendages steer by either causing drag on one side of the vehicle or by titling t
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A Method and System for Direct Implementation of Formal Specifications Derived Mechanically from Informal Requirements (GSC-14941)

Abstract: A technique is claimed for mechanically deriving not only formal specifications but also executable computer-code from both English language and programming language representations of scenarios of hardware or software system behavior. The formal specifications will allow us to check the scenarios for potential errors that are difficult or nearly impossible to find either with natural language specifications or with specifications having no formal underlying mathematical foundation. F
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Two-Dimensional Digital Surfaced Grid of High Resolution Bathymetry (including SeaBeam(TM) multibeam) and Topography around the Island of Hawai’i

Description A digital two-dimensional grid of position and elevation data for the land and sea portions of the Big Island of Hawai’i, also referred to as a Digital Elevation Model. This grid is composed of various marine and subaerial survey data from numerous sources, most of which are publicly available for nominal fees from the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC). This technology improves and combines the geographically separate NGDC data into a format readily usable in The GMT-System(T
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Gear Bearings (GSC-14207)

Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) seeks partners to bring new gear technologies to the commercial marketplace. Developed by Goddard Space Flight Center, these technologies can be applied to most gear types, including spur, helical, elliptical, and bevel gears. Goddard’s innovative designs combine gear and bearing functions to reduce weight, parts count, size, and cost associated with conventional gearsets.
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Rotary Actuator (MFS-28581)

Abstract: Rotary actuators and other mechanical devices incorporating shape memory alloys are a group of metals which when deformed at temperatures below their martensite temperatures, resume the shapes which they had prior to the deformation if they are heated to temperatures above their austensite emperatures.
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Quick Connect Fastener (MFS-28833)

Abstract: A quick-connect, slow-disconnect nut and bolt are being offered by NASA for technology transfer. The designs of the nut and the bolt are available together or separately. The design permits the nut to be installed simply by pushing it onto a s t a n d a rd bolt or threaded stud. Once installed, it can be re m oved only by unscrew i n g it in the manner of a conventional nut.
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Double-Vacuum-Bag Process for Composite Fabrication (LAR-16877)

NASA Langley Research Center is actively seeking partnerships and collaborations to commercialize its Double-Vacuum-Bag Process for Composite Fabrication technology
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Self-Regulating Shock Absorber (MSC-22111)

Abstract: This technology is a mechanical shock absorber that keeps the frictional damping force within a tolerable limit through a force feedback mechanism. The damping force does not increase with the coefficient of friction between its energy-absorbing components unlike other mechanical shock absorbers.
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Three Degree of Freedom Parallel Mechanical Linkage (ARC-14066)

Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration seeks partners to commercialize the Three Degree of Freedom Parallel Mechanical Linkage (patent number 5,816,105). This linkage was developed to achieve a low-friction, high-stiffness mechanism that transfers the rotation and torque from three fixed-base motors to three dimensional translational end-effector displacements.
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Deceleration Limiting Roadway Barrier (MSC-23178)

Abstract: Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed a roadway barrier system that will safely and effectively decelerate and retain a rapidly moving vehicle or object.
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Environmental Barrier Coatings for Ceramic Gas Turbine Components (TOP3-00165)

Abstract: This technology is specifically designed for use on ceramic components. This EBC has a low CTE, which matches the CTE of the ceramic components it protects. In contrast, engine components made from superalloy metals have larger CTEs, so they require EBCs with larger CTEs. If the CTE of the EBC and the component do not match, the coating will fail when the engine is thermally cycled. A patent application has been filed for the technology. If your company is interested in learning more
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Pressure Vessel Flex Joint (MSC-21748)

Abstract: The technology could be used for undersea vessels and large vacuum systems where one vessel must move with respect to another part of the system. Also, pressurized vessels in process industries, such as oil refineries, could benefit from this design in applications where pressurized gases are handled or where thermal motion occurs because the flex joint allows for temperature variations, achieves angular motion and lateral displacement, and achieves axial loading capacity. Initial pro
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Control System for Prosthetic Devices (MSC-21941)

Abstract: Although many prosthetic devices have been developed, including computer controlled "bionic" or hydraulically actuated devices, these devices do not provide user feedback. Additionally, below-the-elbow amputees favor some derivation of the traditional hook-and-cable harness system developed in the last century because of the low cost, ease of repair, reliability and simple hook prehension (derived from the shoulder and back muscles through a harness and cable assembly). The Myoelec
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Vacuum-insulated Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter has an inner canister that contains catalyst-coated substrates and an outer canister that encloses an annular, variable vacuum insulation chamber surrounding the inner canister. An annular tank containing phase-change material for heat storage and release is positioned in the variable vacuum insulation chamber a distance spaced part from the inner canister. A reversible hydrogen getter in the variable vacuum insulation chamber, preferably on a surface of the heat storage ta
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Underwater Laser Profiler

Background This technology represents a device and method for measuring seafloor (or other objects where topographical representation is desired) roughness, using low-power lasers and a video recorder, that may be deployed on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and other platforms with similar limitations in size, weight, and power. Development began as an initiative to understand how sound waves behave for different sea floor characteristics which cause scattering of the sound waves. Inventio
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Shock and Vibration Reduction Grip for Sports Equipment

Background Users of conventional impact instruments (e.g., golf clubs, baseball bats, hammers) tend to experience shock and vibration due to impact. This causes pain, fatigue, and repetitive stress disorders such as medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) or lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Traditional methods to address this add mass to the system and dampening components, which make the instrument heavier and give it a sluggish feel. This reduces performance. Invention Description This
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Remote Temperature Measuring System for Hostile Industrial Environments Using Microwave Radiometry

Background Numerous industrial processes presently operate with either no temperature monitoring or inadequate monitoring due to current technology limitations. Present technologies either require contact with the object or, if they are optical pyrometers or infrared sensors, are unable to operate in the presence of particulates that block light and infrared rays. Invention Description This technology is able to remotely sense temperature despite the presence of obstructing particulates in t
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Rapid Microwave-solvothermal Synthesis and Surface Modification of Nanostructured Phospho-olivine Cathodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

Background Lithium ion batteries offer higher energy density compared to other rechargeable systems such as nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Due to their higher energy density, lithium ion batteries have become the choice of power source for portable electronic devices such as laptop computers and cell phones. Lithium ion batteries currently use layered LiCoO2 as a cathode material, but cobalt is relatively expensive and toxic. The high cost of cobalt is preventing the deve
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On-Board Gasoline Distillation for Reduced Hydrocarbon Emissions at Start-Up

Background Sixty to ninety-five percent of the total hydrocarbon emissions from gasoline engines are generated during the first one to two minutes of operation following a cold start. This occurs in part because of the difficulty in vaporiz ing enough fuel in a cold engine to achieve stable combustion. Over-fueling currently overcomes the challenge but results in massive pollution. Invention Description This invention uses heat rejected by the engine to separate some of the lighter, higher v
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Methods for Making Reinforced Composite Flywheels and Shafts

Background The maximum safe operating speed of flywheels and shafts made of low tensile strength material is often determined by the speed at which radial tensile stress exceeds stress limit for the material. In the field of electrical pulsed power generation, generators with increased power and energy storage capability are needed to satisfy a host of new applications. Laboratory electromagnetic accelerator experiments, such as impact fusion studies, require reliable high energy sources, while
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Low-Cost, Scaleable Inertial Energy Storage

Background Generated electrical energy is instantaneously consumed. Over the last several decades, storage approaches have been aggressively pursued, including chemical battery, inertial, magnetic, compressed air, hydrogen (hybrid), and capacitor-based systems. None of these has satisfied the commercial metrics of low maintenance and cost for large-scale energy storage. Invention Description Inventors at The University of Texas at Austin have devised a conceptual design for an inertial energ
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Hydrogen Production Using Superadiabatic Counterflow Reactors

Background Conventional technologies for reforming rich hydrocarbon fuel/air mixtures or for oxidizing lean hydrocarbon mixtures generally rely on catalysis to promote the reactions. Catalysts can be expensive, have limited operating range, and are susceptible to "poisoning" if the hydrocarbon sources are not pure. Invention Description The invention is a mesoscale hydrogen reformation technology that can provide low cost, continuous reformation for an extremely wide range of fuel/oxidizer m
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Freeform Deployable Parts with Lattice Skins

Invention Description A method for design, solid freeform fabrication (SFF), and deployment of customizable structures with nearly arbitrary surface profiles. The novel feature is a lattice skin mechanism for deploying structures with freeform surface profiles and open, usable, internal space. The research team was able to fabricate large deployable structures using Duraform FLEX material in a selective laser sintering machine with a nominal build chamber Before fabrication, the lattice sub-s
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Flywheel Motor Generator with Power Electronics for Kinetic Energy Recovery System

Background Flywheel energy storage systems excel in vehicular applications (passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses), as they allow the storage system designer to tailor power capability and energy storage independently and thus avoid over-designing either parameter. In this regard, flywheel systems meet the energy storage needs of a broad class of vehicles, while simultaneously using their higher power density advantage and improved efficiency to achieve a significantly lower mass system, resulti
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Electroporation for the Processing of Sugar Cane, Algae, and Soybeans

Background Electroporation is not presently used for the processing of sugar from cane or oil extraction from algae and soybeans. In each case more expensive processes are involved. For sugar cane, it is either heat and denaturization or slow diffusion. With algae and soybeans, it is pressing accompanied by drying for the algae. Invention Description The Center for Electro-Mechanics has created a new invention that uses an electrical field to modify cell walls to process sugar from sugar can
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Direct Selective Laser Sintering of Metals

Background Selective laser sintering could be used commercially to fabricate metallic objects. Due to the relatively high ratio of surface tension to viscosity of metals compared to polymers (four orders of magnitude), metal powders have a strong propensity to form spherical balls when irradiated. In order to alleviate this problem and to ensure full density throughout the part, careful design of beam scan path, power, and scan spacing is required. These scanning methods maintain continuity of t
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Direct Forming of Microoptics Using a Dynamic Photomask

Background Microoptics are key to information processing, optoelectronics, and integrated optics. Existing fabrication methods involve expensive lithographic masks, complicated molding, and reactive ion etching. These methods lack the flexibility in geometry and are often limited to low-profile microoptics, which typically do not possess high numerical aperture required by many applications. Invention Description The technology is an innovative method to design and fabricate microoptics usin
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Constant Force Suspension

Background There are several drawbacks to a traditional, passive suspension system. First, the system cannot eliminate the transmission of ground irregularities to the passenger. Second, ground disturbances are magnified by the suspension system, resulting in large disturbances to the passenger. Further, choosing spring and damper constants for optimum low-frequency ride quality results in poorer high-frequency ride quality. Additionally, choosing the best compromise set of constants for vehicle
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Binder Compositions for Laser Sintering Processes

Background Rapid prototyping has developed steadily as an industry over the past two decades. The leading four companies in the field had aggregate sales estimated at $387 million in 2007, approximately a 10% increase over 2006. However, currently there is no binder capable of providing the structural support to cast ceramic or metal powders and then dissolving. Consequently, access to hard, durable metal or ceramic parts through rapid prototyping processes is not currently available. Invent
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Algorithm for Vibration Analysis Simulators

Background Over the years, engineers have had great success in regulating unwanted noises created in automobiles/machines. These noise frequencies are caused by vibrations in the machine. Conventional ways for analyzing such vibrations in automobiles involves first calculating the natural frequencies and modes of vibration, and then finding the responses of these modes to approximate the response of the structure. There is an ongoing demand to be able to do this analysis at higher frequencies, a
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A Method for Reducing the Viscous Drag on a Submerged Surface

Background A submerged surface (e.g., a ship hull) traveling through a liquid, as well as liquid flowing through a pipeline, experience viscous drag, requiring increased power to overcome such drag. Invention Description The solution proposes creating a pattern of small holes on a submerged surface, or in the interior surface of a pipeline, to hold small, nearly flush, bubbles in place. This approach reduces viscous drag over the entire submerged, or pipeline surface. Viscous drag reduction
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An Auto-Calibrated Refractometer for Single-Shot Measurement of Ultra-Fast Phenomena

Background Materials index of refraction (IOR) is a sensitive measure to variations of density, charge-state, conductivity, temperature, chemical composition, and microscopic structure. IOR measurements are common in a wide range of industrial and research applications, including materials processing, biological membrane development, pollution detection, semiconductor manufacturing, glucose monitoring, and nanofabrication. Invention Description This invention is offers an ultra-fast (femtose
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Algorithm for Vibration Analysis Simulators

Background Over the years, engineers have had great success in regulating unwanted noises created in automobiles/machines. These noise frequencies are caused by vibrations in the machine. Conventional ways for analyzing such vibrations in automobiles involves first calculating the natural frequencies and modes of vibration, and then finding the responses of these modes to approximate the response of the structure. There is an ongoing demand to be able to do this analysis at higher frequencies, a
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Novel Micromechanical Devices for in situ Characterizations of One Dimensional Nanomaterials

The invention is a micro-machined device that can be used, in conjunction with a quantitative nanoindenter, to perform ex situ or in situ nano-mechanical testing experiments within an SEM or TEM chamber. The device, and the technique in general, can perform nano-mechanical characterization of 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional nanomaterials Advantages Most current techniques in nanomaterial mechanical characterization are unable to simultaneously image a specimen and independently measure load
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A Method for Measurement of Pipe Wall Thickness using Magnetic Flux Leakage Signals

The proposed technique uses magnetostatic Maxwell's equations to model the magnetic fields associated with the magnetizing device and the magnetized pipe. Given certain geometric and magnetic parameters of the magnetizing device and the pipe, the proposed technique yields reference plots of the simulated axial magnetic flux leakage (MFL) signal versus wall thickness. These reference plots can then be used to determine the wall thickness of pipe specimens from experimentally obtained axial MFL si
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Frictionless Nano-bearing

Summary Micro- and nanofabricated rotation and translation devices usually rely on the possibility to support the moving part on small dimples in order to reduce the contact area with the substrate. Nonetheless, large forces must be applied to overcome the residual friction. Furthermore, results largely vary from sample to sample, because friction strongly depends on the chemical and physical properties of the surfaces (notably, surface roughness and water contamination). The invention relies on
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Robust and inexpensive actuator to generate motion in small-scale devices

Summary Innovation and Advantages: The invention is a novel design and fabrication of a millimeter scale SMA actuator used to generate motion. In addition, the researchers have developed a novel system for annealing shape memory alloys (SMA). This system allows for the creation of a spring that has discrete contraction lengths, as opposed to the “all or nothing” contraction of current SMA springs. Unlike existing techniques, our method is robust and can create accurate contraction le
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Design of Thermal Interface Material Based on High Temperature Shape Memory Alloy for Connecting Two Thermoelectric Legs

Introduction Efficient heat management is crucial for electronics to optimize performance and to avoid premature component deterioration. An area of primary concern is at the interface of adjoining thermal components, such as with heatsink interfaces and with connections between thermoelectric legs. Problems arise due to the inability of the two surfaces, necessarily of differing metals, to fully connect because of imperfections. This issue is addressed by using thermal interface material (TIM)
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Design of Spring Actuators Based on Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys and Composites

Introduction Shape memory alloys (SMA) and ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMA) have shown tremendous promise for a wide variety of applications because of their ability to “remember” a previous state when either heat or a magnetic field is applied, respectively. This is especially important for novel actuators and sensors as a way to transduce either heat or a magnetic field directly into mechanical energy for work or signaling. Technology Description Professor Taya and others at the U
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Methods and Apparatus for Force Reduction in the Self-Piercing Riveting Process with Resistance Heating and Multi-Step Punching

Introduction Self-piercing riveting (SPR) requires a very high processing force to finish its piercing and riveting actions. U.S. auto manufacturers are hesitant to adopt SPR because of this particular disadvantage. Reducing the processing force is therefore a key factor in eventually adopting SPR for robotic automation. Technology description Researchers at the UW have developed a method to reduce the SPR processing force by elevating metal temperatures, thereby lowering the yield stress and re
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PAAD Domain-Containing Polypeptides, Encoding Nucleic Acids, and Methods of Use

PAAD Domain-Containing Polypeptides, Encoding Nucleic Acids, and Methods of Use
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Breast Homing Peptides and Methods of Identifying Same Using Aminopeptidase P

Breast Homing Peptides and Methods of Identifying Same Using Aminopeptidase P
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Breast Homing Peptides and Methods of Identifying Same Using Aminopeptidase P

Breast Homing Peptides and Methods of Identifying Same Using Aminopeptidase P
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Methods for Identifying Modulators of Apoptosis (Humanin Binding Proteins)

Methods for Identifying Modulators of Apoptosis (Humanin Binding Proteins)
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Serine/Threonine Hydrolase Proteins and Screening Assays

Serine/Threonine Hydrolase Proteins and Screening Assays
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Selective Substrates for Matrix Metalloproteinases

Selective Substrates for Matrix Metalloproteinases
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Photonic Devices Having Degenerate or Split Spectral Band Edges

Background: The manipulation of electromagnetic energy can be advantageous to numerous applications within many industries. For instance, much effort has been focused on reducing the velocity of electromagnetic energy, such as light and microwave pulses. The reduced velocity of electromagnetic energy can facilitate manipulation of electromagnetic waves. It can also enhance the light-matter interaction essential in numerous optical and microwave applications. One common photonic device explo
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Chronic Sequential Sensorimotor Neural Probe Array

Background: The Chronic Sequential Neural Probe Array is designed for patients with an axonal injury in the peripheral nerves or spinal cord who require chronic intervention where stimulation of and/or recording from the axonal bundles is desired. There are two major categories of potential patients: those dealing with paralysis and those dealing with spinal cord injury (SCI) or amputation. The useable life of currently employed neural probes is typically less than one year due to a variety
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Conformal Deposition of Carbon Particles on Three-Dimensional Microstructures

Background: When working with carbon particles, the traditional manufacturing techniques require preparation of slurries that are afterwards coated onto a surface. With this method, only planar structures (layers) can be created. When three dimensional microstructures are needed, one of the options is micromolding, which usually results in arrayed structures that contain defects in the individual rods due to the difficult deposition of the particles into the micromold, even when using centrifug
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A Capacitive Detection Scheme with Inherent Self-calibration for Resonant MEMS

Background: SEVERAL important classes of MEMS devices, such as resonators, gyroscopes, and chemical sensors, rely on resonance phenomenon in their operation. In these devices, resonant motion needs to be actuated, sensed, and controlled. Capacitive phenomena are commonly used for transduction in vibratory MEMS devices due to the ease of fabrication, low sensitivity to temperature changes, and other practical advantages. However, conventional capacitive detection schemes produce a signal proport
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Single Wafer Fabrication Process for Wavelength Dependent Reflectance for Linear Optical Serialization of Accelerometers

Background: Fiber optic sensors (FOS) networks are an attractive approach for the pervasive monitoring of a wide variety of systems. FOS operate through the modulation of a light beam signal carried by an optical fiber by environmental effects in terms of its intensity, phase, frequency, polarization, spectral content, or some combination there of. It is widely reported that FOS have the advantages of being small and lightweight, immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), passive, low power,
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Smart Colloidal Dampers with Controllable Damping Curves Using Magnetic Field

Background: Current dampers with controllable damping curves, e.g., magnetorheological fluid (MRF) dampers, are primarily hydraulic dampers, which are based on viscous flow through orifices. The viscous-flow dissipates energy by the internal friction mechanism of the fluid, converting external energy to thermal energy totally. However, increased temperature degenerates the damping efficiency of dampers through decreasing the viscosity of the fluid. The damper efficiency is defined as the ratio
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Restoring Cough Using Microstimulators

Background: Respiratory complications are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality following spinal cord injury. Patients with such injuries often suffer a disruption in the neuromuscular central nervous system control of the expiratory muscles. Such disruption or loss of control leads to direct loss of the ability to cough or produce an inner effective inner to clear airway secretions. This inability to cough or to clear airways results in respiratory tract infections and other related
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Six-Bar Rear Bicycle Suspension

Background: Current bicycle rear suspension designs cannot ensure that the axle of the rear wheel follows a circle around the bottom bracket that holds the pedal wheel axle. This means that pedal forces cause the suspension to deflect, which wastes rider energy. Technology: University researchers have developed a new rear suspension design which introduces additional control linkage that ensures the wheel axle follows a circular trajectory around the bottom bracket that holds the axle of the
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Advanced Materials Processing

Background: Materials with a grain size smaller than one micron, and larger than a nanometer, are known as ultra-fine grained materials. Ultra-fine grained materials are attracting considerable amounts of interest primarily due to their superior properties in strength, ductility, formability, fatigue, and wear resistance. Following the Hall-Petch relationship, as the material's grain size decreases, its strength increases. Therefore, by reducing the grain size of a material below one micron, th
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Single-Mask Fabrication Process for Linear and Angular Piezoresistive Accelerometers

Background: Piezoresistive accelerometers are traditionally fabricated by doping selected areas of wafer to achieve isolated pn-junctions. Often, two separate doping steps are employed to obtain both highly-doped conductors as well as lightly-doped piezoresistors. Once the piezoresistors and conductors have been defined, additional fabrication steps are required to etch the suspension system as well as the free-standing proof mass, which normally deflects in the out-of-plane direction. Norma
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Applications of Photonic Crystals with Degenerate Spectral Band Edge

In a vacuum, light propagates with a constant velocity, while in an optically transparent non-dispersive media, the speed of light propagation can be different. At optical frequencies, the refractive index of transparent materials usually does not exceed several units, and the speed of light propagation is of the same order of magnitude as the speed of light in vacuum. The situation can change dramatically in strongly dispersive media. Although the phase velocity of light is still determined
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Humid Air Turbine - Combined Cycle Hybrid

Background: The Humid Air Turbine (HAT) cycle is an intercooled gas turbine-based cycle which utilizes generation of water vapor by directly contacting pressurized air leaving a compressor of the gas turbine with hot water in a counter-current humidifier and circulating the water leaving the humidifier to recover heat from the aftercooler and the stack gas. The resulting advantages of the cycle are: (1) high thermal efficiency, (2) high specific power output, (3) low NOx emissions. Despite thes
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Post-Release Capacitance Enhancement in Micromachined Devices

Background: Capacitive detection and actuation are commonly used in micromachined devices due to simplicity of implementation and effectiveness. However, the performance of capacitive sensors and actuators highly depends on the nominal capacitance of the microsystem. For example, in capacitive micromachined inertial sensors (i.e. accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.) the performance is generally defined by the nominal capacitance of the sensing electrodes. Furthermore, in electrostatically actuated
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Torsional Z-axis Surface-Micromachined Gyroscope

Background: The limited thickness of structural layers attained in current surface-micromachining processes results in very small sensing capacitances and higher actuation voltages, restricting the performance of the surface-micromachined gyroscopes. Technology: University researchers have developed a novel gimbal-type torsional z-axis micromachined gyroscope with a non-resonant actuation scheme,that measures angular rate of an object with respect to the axis normal to the substrate plane (t
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Microfluidic Flow Transducer Based on the Measurement of Electrical Admittance

Background: The development of multifunctional, high throughput lab-on-a-chip depends heavily on the ability to measure flow rate and perform quantitative analysis of fluids in minute volumes. Traditionally, there have been many microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based flow sensors for gaseous flows. In recent times, there is some advancement in measuring micro flows of liquids. Examples of sensing principles explored in the measurement of microfluidic flow are heat transfer detection molecul
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Fuel Cell System for Aircraft Propulsion

Background: Aircraft thrust is traditionally come from a combustion engine (internal combustion or gas turbine) coupled to either a propeller or a nozzle to produce thrust. These systems deliver high performance but also have high emissions and low fuel efficiency. Some proposals have used fuel cells as propulsion devices by using the electricity a fuel cell produces to power an electric motor linked to a propeller. This system lowers emissions and increases fuel efficiencies, but increases wei
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Nickel Diimine Cyclophane Catalysts for High Temperature Gas Phase Olefin Polymerization

Late transition metal olefin polymerization catalysts have received much attention recently because they can produce polyolefins with interesting new branching topologies and have better tolerance to functional groups. The PdII and NiII alpha diimine complexes are such catalysts, however they respectively decompose rapidly at 50° C and 70° C degrees. The molecular weights (MW) of polyethylenes, formed by these catalysts also decrease precipitously as the temperature of polymerization is raised
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Broadband Distributed-Mass Micromachined Gyroscope

University researchers have invented a distributed-mass micromachined gyroscope which minimizes quadrature error, eliminates effects of directional residual stresses, and completely decouples the drive and sense modes. The device has multiple drive-mode oscillators, distributed symmetrically around the center of a supporting frame. The multi-directional linear drive-mode and the rotational sense-mode allows complete decoupling of the drive and sense direction oscillations, minimizing instability
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Multi Stage Control Architecture for Error Suppression in Micromachined Gyroscopes

Background: In the past, for micromachined gyroscopes to operate with highest precision required characterization by the manufacturer followed with post processing such as laser trimming, ion beam milling or selective material deposition and integration of feedback control. This process is expensive and time consuming and contributes to additional costs of the sensor. Another disadvantage is this type of post processing is exclusively done by the manufacturer under ideal laboratory conditions.
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Miniature Liquid-Fueled Combustion Chamber

Background: Several challenges exist with the development of miniature combustors (sometimes named micro-combustors). The large surface-to-volume ratio can result in substantial heat losses causing inefficiency at the least and flame quenching at the worst. The low residence times causes difficulty in completing vaporization, mixing, and chemical oxidation in the small volume of the combustion chamber. Scale-down of traditional designs for chambers with direct injection of liquid fuels do not p
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High Speed Fabrication of Highly Uniform Metallic Spheres

An inexpensive method of generating highly uniform metallic balls from capillary stream break-up at ultra high speeds. Manufacture of solder balls (and other metallic balls), commonly used in the electronics industry, can be achieved using this method. Due to the nature of the droplet formation from the capillary stream break-up employed by this method, the resulting balls are highly uniform. The fabrication rate is on the order of tens of thousands of drops/sec, with no sieving or sorting neces
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Mixing Enhancement Using Propulsive Means

A novel mixing enhancement method exploits a previously unknown flow instability to enhance mixing in a compressible jet flow or in a flow (gaseous of liquid) in contact with the compressible jet flow. No mechanical mixers and no actuators of any kind are used. Nozzle shapes are streamlined and simple. The invention is expected to impact the state of the art in many applications, including fuel injectors, reduction of thermal emissions from aircraft engines, jet noise suppression, supersonic com
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Method of Eliminating Mach Waves from Supersonic Jets

Background: Community noise is one of the major technological challenges faced by designers of future supersonic transports, such as the High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). The hot supersonic jets exhausting from the engines of such aircraft are powerful noise generators, especially during take-off. Untreated, they create noise levels which are environmentally unacceptable. A great portion of the noise is due to Mach waves, which are shock waves attached to turbulent eddies moving at supersonic
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A Novel Method for Eliminating Mach Waves in Supersonic Jets

Aircraft designers face the technological challenge of reducing the noise produced by supersonic aircraft exhausts. These exhausts, if left untreated, produce environmentally unacceptable levels of noise. Much of this noise is due to Mach waves, the shock waves attached to turbulent eddies moving at supersonic velocities. Researchers have attempted to eliminate much of the noise associated with supersonic engines by minimizing the Mach waves produced in the engines' exhaust. Currently, onl
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A New Polymerization Method for Polymethylene

Background: The most common method for manufacturing polyolefins and their derivatives is by polymerization of olefin monomers with Ziegler-Natta catalysts or by the use of free radical, nucleophilic, or electrophilic initiators. Although one can achieve high molecular weights with these methods, the resulting products are often polydisperse. Many types of polymers are very difficult, if not impossible to manufacture by olefin polymerization. Technology: Researchers at the University of Cali
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3-D Roller Locking Sprags (GSC-13617)

Many machines with rotating parts use brakes and clutches to stop or control the degree and direction of motion of the driven parts. Brakes and clutches often are incorporated between concentric races (i.e., rotating shafts). One class of locking brake/clutch uses spherical balls or cylindrical rollers located between an inner and outer race. At least one of the races contains cam surfaces against which the balls or rollers wedge and lock to produce instantaneous torque coupling. A variation on
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Gear Bearings (GSC-14207)

Goddard's technologies are based on two innovative designs: the roller gear bearing and the phased-shifted gear bearing. The roller gear bearing has crowned roller ends with the roller radius equaling the gear pitch radius. The gear can mesh with another roller gear, with the crowned ends contacting each other in rolling contact. The phase-shifted gear bearing has teeth rotated with respect to each other such that the top land of one side intersects with the bottom land of the other side. In the
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Power Tester

Abstract The present invention relates to a power tester for testing reaction time and muscular power. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable power tester which can be used to determine muscular power. The ability to exert muscle power is important in the effective performance of many sport skills where the body has to change speed and/or direction quickly. Low leg extensor power has also been identified as a primary predictor of falls in the elderly. The PowerTool is u
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Front-side Breakthrough Sensor for Laser Micromachining (BreatThrough-Vision)

New Technology Offering and Market Opportunity: BreakThrough-Vision is an innovative machine vision and breakthrough sensor technology which improves the control and quality of the laser micromachining process. Laser micromachining finds applications in a wide number of fields across the mechanical engineering, physics, electronics, microsystems and biomedical sectors. In laser micromachining applications, it is desirable, both for process efficiency, and for the quality of the hole or slot cut
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Fibre Hole Breakthrough Inspection System for Laser Micromachining (BreakThrough-Fibre)

New Technology Offering and Market Opportunity: BreakThrough-Fibre is an innovative hole inspection technology which uses side-emitting fibre optic illumination and detection to improve the quality control of laser drilled holes in catheters and narrow-bore tubes. The system allows real-time detection of hole breakthrough for online process control and also offer unrivalled accuracy and speed in offline measurement and qualification of highaspect ratio holes. Laser micromachining finds appl
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