Abstract: A solution precursor plasma spray process (SPPS) produces compositionally graded and porosity graded coatings with no discrete interfaces and with reduced coating stress and improved coating durability. The disclosed SPPS process may fabricate superior thick monolithic thermal barrier coatings with engineered microstructural defects (cracks, pores) and thin, dense coatings for a variety of engineering applications. The disclosed coatings may possess a continuous variation of one or more physical properties selected from density, thermal conductivity, emissivity, thermal expansion coefficient, abrasion resistance, erosion resistance, hardness, fracture toughness, gas penetration resistance, liquid penetration resistance, elastic modulus, and strain tolerance.

Abstract: Detachable adjustable-width motor assemblies. Some embodiments may be configured for retrofitting between two legs of a golf cart. Some embodiments may comprise a motor housing having a first motor disposed within the motor housing, a first drive shaft, and a second motor disposed within the motor housing having a second drive shaft. The assembly may further comprise a first housing mount configured to be connected to the first wheel leg and a second housing mount configured to be connected to the second wheel leg. The first housing mount and/or the second housing mount may be concentrically and/or slideably engaged with the motor housing and configured to adjust the width of the motor assembly. The first drive shaft may be configured to engage with and transmit torque to the first wheel and the second drive shaft may be configured to engage with and transmit torque to the second wheel.

Abstract: A coating on a substrate is disclosed having layers including yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) and yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAP).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating cardiac tissue to modulate ischemic heart tissue with topical sub-atmospheric pressure to minimize cell death and damage.

Abstract: An indicator device with wireless communication functionality for monitoring a position of a valve actuating device. The indicator device including a visual indication device having an outer beacon and an inner beacon received within the outer beacon and arranged to rotate relative to the outer beacon, a wireless module including at least one sensor, positioned within the inner beacon of the visual indication device, and configured to transmit a message using the wireless module, and a shaft extending through the visual indication device and coupled to the valve actuating device. Rotation of the shaft is detectable by the at least one sensor of the wireless module to indicate the position of the valve actuating device, and the indicator device is sealed to inhibit infiltration of liquid and penetration of debris to the wireless module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating cardiac tissue to modulate ischemic heart tissue with topical sub-atmospheric pressure to minimize cell death and damage.

Abstract: A microwave plasma apparatus for processing a material includes a plasma chamber, a microwave radiation source, and a waveguide guiding microwave radiation from the microwave radiation source to the plasma chamber. A process gas flows through the plasma chamber and the microwave radiation couples to the process gas to produce a plasma jet. A process material is introduced to the plasma chamber, becomes entrained in the plasma jet, and is thereby transformed to a stream of product material droplets or particles. The product material droplets or particles are substantially more uniform in size, velocity, temperature, and melt state than are droplets or particles produced by prior devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of hydrated alkaline silicate compositions for making intumescent layers for fireproof glazing, said compositions being such that, when applied between glass sheets, they form a solid gel without drying, wherein the compositions are obtained from a stable and fluid solution subjected to partial dehydration at a limited temperature and under a reduced pressure for a duration shorter than that required for the mass curing of the final composition.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for producing substantially uniform droplets. The system includes a fluid reservoir vessel defining a fluid reservoir, a separation membrane at one end of the fluid reservoir, at least one capillary channel at an opposite end of the fluid reservoir, a solution dispenser, and a piezo actuator in contact with a separation membrane. The separation membrane has a thickness greater than about 0.2 mm, and the solution dispenser maintains the fluid reservoir filled with fluid such that the fluid simultaneously contacts the separation membrane and the capillary channel. The solution dispenser maintains the fluid reservoir under pressure to create a fluid stream exiting the capillary. The piezo actuator is in contact with the separation membrane on a side opposite that in contact with the fluid, and the piezo actuator transfers a pressure wave through the fluid in the fluid reservoir to break up the fluid stream into uniform droplets.

Abstract: There is disclosed a piezoelectric droplet maker that is driven at high frequency and energized with high power and high frequency Operational Amplifier (OP-AMP) electronics. The droplet maker implements a method of producing jets of uniform droplets of solution precursors (or any other homogeneous liquids). The formation of droplets results from stream break up due to the disturbance of liquid jets by the piezo actuator as they leave an orifice. This disturbance can be electronically tuned to produce uniform droplets with high repeatability. In another aspect, the droplet maker can be used to inject axially uniform diameter solution precursor droplets into process gas flow of a microwave plasma apparatus.

Abstract: A differential pressure-operated blanking completion tool for use at a Y-Block with an electrical submergible pump (ESP) in oil or other wells. The tool has a body having an inlet and first and second outlets, the outlets being arranged in parallel and opposite the inlet; a support member located between the outlets; a sealing element mounted on the support member and rotatable with respect to the support member, the element including a substantially spherical surface; and wherein the support member is pivoted between the outlets to bring a fresh sealing surface into contact with either outlet and thereby selectively seal the respective outlet and prevent fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: An indicator device with wireless communication functionality for monitoring a position of a valve actuating device. The indicator device including a visual indication device having an outer beacon and an inner beacon received within the outer beacon and arranged to rotate relative to the outer beacon, a wireless module including at least one sensor, positioned within the inner beacon of the visual indication device, and configured to transmit a message using the wireless module, and a shaft extending through the visual indication device and coupled to the valve actuating device. Rotation of the shaft is detectable by the at least one sensor of the wireless module to indicate the position of the valve actuating device, and the indicator device is sealed to inhibit infiltration of liquid and penetration of debris to the wireless module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating cardiac tissue to modulate ischemic heart tissue with topical sub-atmospheric pressure to minimize cell death and damage.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating that includes a YAG-based ceramic is prepared by a solution precursor plasma spray method that includes injecting a precursor solution into a thermal jet, evaporating solvent from the precursor solution droplets, and pyrolyzing the resulting solid to form a YAG-based ceramic that is melted and deposited on a substrate. The thermal barrier coating can include through-coating-thickness cracks that improve the strain tolerance of the coating.

Abstract: A barbell support safely assists with adding and removing weight plates between exercises. The barbell support provides leverage and stability for manipulating weight plates on the barbell. An embodiment of the barbell support has at least one cradle, a leverage handle, and at least one pivot foot. The cradle or cradles are capable of supporting and balancing a barbell. The cradles may be tilted forward using the leverage handle to lower the cradle below the height of the barbell comprising weight plates.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating that includes a YAG-based ceramic is prepared by a solution precursor plasma spray method that includes injecting a precursor solution into a thermal jet, evaporating solvent from the precursor solution droplets, and pyrolyzing the resulting solid to form a YAG-based ceramic that is melted and deposited on a substrate. The thermal barrier coating can include through-coating-thickness cracks that improve the strain tolerance of the coating.

Abstract: A microwave plasma apparatus for processing a material includes a plasma chamber, a microwave radiation source, and a waveguide guiding microwave radiation from the microwave radiation source to the plasma chamber. A process gas flows through the plasma chamber and the microwave radiation couples to the process gas to produce a plasma jet. A process material is introduced to the plasma chamber, becomes entrained in the plasma jet, and is thereby transformed to a stream of product material droplets or particles. The product material droplets or particles are substantially more uniform in size, velocity, temperature, and melt state than are droplets or particles produced by prior devices.

Abstract: A microwave plasma apparatus for processing a material includes a plasma chamber, a microwave radiation source, and a waveguide guiding microwave radiation from the microwave radiation source to the plasma chamber. A process gas flows through the plasma chamber and the microwave radiation couples to the process gas to produce a plasma jet. A process material is introduced to the plasma chamber, becomes entrained in the plasma jet, and is thereby transformed to a stream of product material droplets or particles. The product material droplets or particles are substantially more uniform in size, velocity, temperature, and melt state than are droplets or particles produced by prior devices.

Abstract: There is disclosed a piezoelectric droplet maker that is driven at high frequency and energized with high power and high frequency Operational Amplifier (OP-AMP) electronics. The droplet maker implements a method of producing jets of uniform droplets of solution precursors (or any other homogeneous liquids). The formation of droplets results from stream break up due to the disturbance of liquid jets by the piezo actuator as they leave an orifice. This disturbance can be electronically tuned to produce uniform droplets with high repeatability. In another aspect, the droplet maker can be used to inject axially uniform diameter solution precursor droplets into process gas flow of a microwave plasma apparatus.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.