Abstract: Porous silicon and methods for preparation and use of the same are disclosed. The porous silicon materials have utility either alone or in combination with other materials, for example, combined with carbon particles for energy storage applications.

Abstract: A diverter valve can include an inlet; a main line outlet; a flow control outlet; and a bypass member, wherein the bypass member comprises a passage extending through an axis of the bypass member and a plurality of notches. In some embodiments, the diverter valve can provide that the bypass member is configured to be switchable between an open position that allows a flow from the inlet to the main line outlet and a flow control position that allows flow from the inlet to the flow control outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an energy storage system using a combination of battery and ultra-capacitor storage components and having passive voltage control. An inductor is placed inline between the batteries and ultra-capacitors of the hybrid module. In another embodiment, the inductor/ultra-capacitor module is configured to be connected to a battery. The disclosed device is suitable for use in high-power applications where high-currents can have adverse effects on impedance-matching components.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a pump includes a first end section having a fluid inlet and a fluid intake valve, a second end section having a fluid outlet, and a midsection disposed between the first and second end sections, wherein the midsection includes a piston coupled to a drive member. The pump also includes a first set of bolts coupling the first end section to the midsection, and a second set of bolts coupling the second end section to the midsection, wherein the first and second end sections are independently releasable from the midsection via the first and second sets of bolts, respectively.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated device. The pneumatically operated device comprises a movable member disposed within a housing. The movable member is operable to control operation of the device. Pressurized air is directed to a first side of the movable member to drive the movable member in a first direction to operate the device. The pneumatically operated device comprises a check valve disposed through an opening in the housing to enable air to vent from a second side of the movable member. The check valve may comprise a flexible cover extending over the opening and biased against the housing to form a seal.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing fluid drainage into air passageways of a spray device during disassembly. The present technique provides an internally mountable fluid nozzle having a fluid inlet, a fluid exit, and a converging central passageway extending substantially between the fluid inlet and the fluid exit. Accordingly, the internally mountable fluid nozzle has a relatively small internal volume, which reduces the amount of fluid that can be spilled during disassembly of the spray device. The present technique also provides a section of the spray device having an air passageway with an air exit, and a protrusive fluid passageway with a fluid exit in a protrusive offset position from the air exit. The internally mountable fluid nozzle can be mounted to the section in fluid communication with the protrusive fluid passageway, such that fluid spillage or drainage during disassembly does not flow into the air passageway.

Abstract: An air cap for an air-assisted spray nozzle assembly of a spray gun system is disclosed. The air cap has a body formed by a housing having an inner surface which includes a plurality of apertures configured to pass a pressurized medium therethrough. The plurality of apertures includes at least one non-circular bounded discharge orifice through which the pressurized medium passes through providing improved air flow through the air cap.

Abstract: An air cap for an air-assisted spray nozzle assembly of a spray gun system is disclosed. The air cap has a body formed by a housing having an inner surface which includes a plurality of apertures configured to pass a pressurized medium therethrough. The plurality of apertures includes at least one non-circular bounded discharge orifice through which the pressurized medium passes through providing improved air flow through the air cap.