Abstract: A heat spreader and method for thermal management of a computer memory module by promoting natural convection cooling of the memory module. The heat spreader includes a frame surrounding a planar body adapted to be mounted to a memory module of a computer, and a grid defined in the planar body by a plurality of uniformly distributed perforations. The perforations extend through the planar body to allow natural convention between an interior space beneath the planar body and an exterior space above the planar body.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis, front wheels each having an axis of rotation, and a suspension assembly for connecting the front wheels to the chassis. The suspension assembly is adapted to allow the front wheels to move transverse to their axes of rotation, but in opposite directions, in order to tilt the chassis. The suspension assembly includes a wheel orientation defining rod coupled to at least one of the front wheels, and a unit for pivotably coupling the wheel orientation defining rod to the chassis. The coupling unit ensures that a wheel orientation of the front wheel defined by the wheel orientation defining rod is essentially independent of movement of the front wheel transverse to the axis of rotation thereof.

Abstract: A micromachined sensor and a process for fabrication and vertical integration of a sensor and circuitry at wafer-level. The process entails processing a first wafer to incompletely define a sensing structure in a first surface thereof, processing a second wafer to define circuitry on a surface thereof, bonding the first and second wafers together, and then etching the first wafer to complete the sensing structure, including the release of a member relative to the second wafer. The first wafer is preferably a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer, and the sensing structure preferably includes a member containing conductive and insulator layers of the SOI wafer. Sets of capacitively coupled elements are preferably formed from a first of the conductive layers to define a symmetric capacitive full-bridge structure.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank for containing solid-state hydrogen storage media, and method for determining the hydrogen fill level in the tank. The tank has at least one compartment for storing the storage media, passages for transporting hydrogen gas to and from the compartment, and a heat distribution system for establishing a substantially uniform temperature in the storage media. A look-up table is generated for the tank that relates hydrogen pressure changes in the tank versus hydrogen fill levels in the tank as a function of temperature. The tank is filled to full capacity by adsorbing hydrogen on the storage media. Thereafter, hydrogen is released from the storage media for a time period during which there is a substantially constant demand on the tank, the change in pressure of the released hydrogen gas is measured, and the look-up table is applied to determine the hydrogen fill level in the tank.

Abstract: A fluid control valve capable of rapidly opening and closing. The valve includes a housing with an annular-shaped spool cavity that contains an annular-shaped spool capable of axial movement within the spool cavity between first and second spool positions. The spool has axially-spaced circumferential spool sealing features and optionally radial passages therethrough. The housing has axially-spaced circumferential housing sealing features configured and disposed within the spool cavity so that, with the spool in the first spool position, fluid flow is enabled through the spool cavity axially between the spool sealing features and the housing sealing features, which provide axial force balancing of the spool. With the spool in the second spool position, the spool sealing features and the housing sealing features cooperate to substantially prevent fluid flow through the spool cavity.

Abstract: A combination shredder and storage unit that combines various desirable features. The unit includes a cabinet having lower and upper ends and front, rear and side faces. A front access is located in the front face and configured to permit access to the interior of the cabinet. An upper opening is located in the upper end of the cabinet through which a shredding device within the cabinet is accessed. A door is provided for opening and closing the upper opening to allow and prevent access to the shredding device. A receptacle within the cabinet is sized for receiving and storing shredded material, and is accessible by opening the front access of the cabinet. The unit also includes at least one exterior storage compartment on the front access of the cabinet, and at least one closable drawer located beneath the receptacle. The unit can be configured as a floor-standing unit, as well as much smaller counter and wall-mounted units.

Abstract: A three-axis inertial sensor and a process for its fabrication using an silicon-on-oxide (SOI) wafer as a starting material. The SOI wafer has a first conductive layer separated from a second conductive layer by an insulative buried oxide (BOX) layer. The SOI wafer is fabricated to partially define in its first conductive layer at least portions of proof masses for z, x, and y-axis sensing devices of the sensor. After a conductive deposited layer is deposited and patterned to form a suspension spring for the proof mass of the z-axis sensing device, the SOI wafer is bonded to a substrate that preferably carries interface circuitry for the z, x, and y-axis devices, with the SOI wafer being oriented so that its first conductive layer faces the substrate. Portions of the BOX layer are then etched to fully release the proof masses.

Abstract: A system for monitoring blood pressure and other physiologic parameters is provided. The system is designed such that it can be delivered to the patient with ease and minimal invasion. The system contains at least one self contained implantable sensing device consisting of a sensor, an electrical circuit for signal conditioning and magnetic telemetry, a biocompatible outer surface and seal, an anchoring method, and an external readout device. The implant is small in size so that it may be delivered to the desired location and implanted using a catheter, although direct surgical implantation is also possible. The circuit, sensor, and antenna for telemetry are packaged together and sealed hermetically to the biologic environment. The larger readout unit remains outside the body but proximal to the implant for minimizing communication distance.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus having an annular-shaped cutting head and an impeller assembly coaxially mounted for rotation within the cutting head to deliver food products radially outward toward the cutting head. The cutting head has at least one knife extending radially inward toward the impeller assembly. The impeller assembly is equipped with paddles, each having a radially outer extremity adjacent the impeller assembly, a radially inner extremity, and a face therebetween facing the rotational direction of the impeller assembly. According to preferred aspects of the invention, removable posts radially extend from the radially outer extremity of each paddle, and/or the face of each paddle has grooves transverse to a radial of the impeller assembly.

Abstract: A multi-compressor heat pump system configured to provide heating and cooling over a range of ambient temperatures. The compressors can be operated independently and alone or together in series for maximum output. Heat exchangers are selectively fluidically connected to the compressors to enable refrigerant flow between the compressors and at least two heat exchangers in a manner that enables the heat pump system to be selectively operable in various modes. Preferred aspects include selectively operating the compressors based on the ratio of the evaporating and condensing pressures of the refrigerant within the heat pump system, a mixing chamber between the compressors, and a lubricant management system to prevent the accumulation of a lubricant in one of the compressors.

Abstract: An airflow window system that includes at least three glazing layers positioned roughly parallel to each other to define at least two internal airflow cavities within the window system. A first of the glazing layers is adjacent a first of the airflow cavities, a second of the glazing layers is adjacent a second of the airflow cavities, and a center glazing layer is between the first and second glazing layers and separates the first and second airflow cavities. Airflow cavity openings are located adjacent the uppermost and lowermost extents of each airflow cavity, and airflow is enabled through the first airflow cavity between the openings thereof and enabled through the second airflow cavity between the openings thereof. The window system operates as a crossflow heat exchanger capable of supplying fresh outdoor air to an enclosed indoor space, while thermally tempering the incoming fresh air with outgoing indoor air.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of temporarily limiting travel of the rear suspension system of a motorcycle for the purpose of obtaining better traction when accelerating. The apparatus includes a device having a first base secured to at least one frame member of the motorcycle at a location above a rear suspension member of the motorcycle, and a second base secured to the rear suspension member at a location in proximity to the first base. A post is pivotally mounted to the first base to have first and second positions. In the first position, the post extends toward the second base an engages a retention feature in the second base to prevent movement of the rear suspension member and frame member toward each other. In the second position, the post is disengaged from the retention feature and pivoted away from the second base to permit movement of the rear suspension member and frame member toward each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining a charge level of a refrigerant in a vapor-compression cycle system. The method and apparatus monitor the system while the system is operated to ascertain that the system is operating at approximately steady-state. The superheat and the subcooling of the system are then determined at the suction line and at the liquid line, respectively, and the refrigerant charge level is calculated based on the determined subcooling, the determined superheat, and rated operating conditions of the system, including rated refrigerant charge level, rated liquid line subcooling, and rated suction line superheat.

Abstract: An anchor and procedure for placing a medical implant, such as for monitoring physiological parameters. The anchor includes a central body in which a medical implant can be received. Arms and members extend radially from first and second ends, respectively, of the central body. Each member defines a leg extending toward distal portions of the arms to provide a clamping action. The anchor and its implant are placed by coupling first and second guidewires to first and second portions of the anchor, placing an end of a delivery catheter in a wall where implantation is desired, inserting the anchor in the catheter with the guidewires to locate the anchor within the wall, deploying the arms of the anchor at one side of the wall followed by deployment of the members at the opposite side of the wall, and thereafter decoupling the guidewires from the anchor.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for assessing properties of a fluid. The device utilizes a microtube capable of different vibration modes for promoting certain performance and/or structural aspects of the device. The microtube is supported by a base so as to be spaced apart from a substrate surface. The microtube has a peripheral portion surrounding the base, arms supporting the peripheral portion from the base, and a continuous internal microchannel having at least first and second microchannel portions. Each microchannel portion defines a separate flow route, and each flow route originates at the base, continues through a portion of the peripheral portion, and returns to the base. The first and second microchannel portions are fluidically connected to inlet and outlet ports, respectively, within the base. Vibration of the microtube is induced and sensed by driving and sensing elements. Fluid properties are determined from outputs of the sensing elements.

Abstract: A method of controllably producing chips with a desired shape and size. The method generally entails machining a body with a cutting tool while superimposing modulation on the cutting tool so as to move the cutting tool relative to the body being machined and cause instantaneous and periodic separation between the cutting tool and the body at a point of contact between the cutting tool and the body, wherein each separation between the cutting tool and the body yields a chip. In this manner, the shapes and sizes of the chips are determined at least in part by the modulation cycle, and particularly the length of time the cutting tool is engaged with the body being machined.

Abstract: A process by which nanostructured monolithic bodies can be produced in a single continuous operation, as opposed to multi-stage deformation processing. The process generally entails continuously producing a chip having a nanostructured microstructure by engaging a solid body with a cutting edge of a tool while the solid body and the cutting edge move relative to each other, and simultaneously extruding the chip in the immediate vicinity of the cutting edge, such as with a constraining member, as the chip is separated from the solid body by the cutting edge to continuously plastically deform the chip and produce a nanostructured monolithic body immediately downstream of the cutting edge. The shape and size of the chip can be simultaneously controlled by the extrusion process so that the nanostructured monolithic body has a predetermined geometry. The nanostructured monolithic body can be in the form of a product suitable for immediate use, or undergo further processing to yield a product.

Abstract: A process of using solutions containing thiosulfate and/or chloride salt reagents to remove SO3 and H2SO4 acid gases from a flue gas. The solution is injected into a moving volume of flue gas to achieve a droplet size that enables the solution to dry on contact with the flue gas, generating dried particles of the reagent that react with the SO3 and H2SO4 acid gases yielding a salt precipitate. SO2 present in the flue gas may also be absorbed with the solution, with a subsequent reaction yielding bisulfite species that, upon drying of the droplet, react with the SO3 and H2SO4 acid gases to form salts that are removed from the gas. The removal of these acid gases from a flue gas reduce corrosion of equipment used in coal or oil fired power plants downstream of the injection cite.

Abstract: A telemetric sensing system for monitoring physiological parameters for diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure in a patient. This system includes one or more implantable sensing devices implanted in a cavity of the patient's cardiovascular system, and a non-implantable reader unit. The implantable sensing device has an inductor and at least one sensor with an option of having electronic components, as well as a mechanism for anchoring the device inside the patient's body. The external readout device has at least one inductor coil with a telemetric device that provides for at least one of electromagnetic telecommunication and wireless powering of the sensing device. This wireless system provides a means for effective monitoring, management and tailoring of treatments for patients suffering from congestive heart failure as well as many other diseases.