Abstract: A personal respiratory isolation assembly includes a manifold-filter assembly configured to be attached to a suction port of a respiratory pump. The manifold-filter assembly has a bowl-shaped manifold housing with an inlet adapter configured for connecting a hose, and a filter releasably attachable to the manifold housing. The isolation assembly further comprises an exhaust baffle with a plurality of openings. The exhaust baffle fits a pressure port of the respiratory pump. A method of operating a personal respiratory isolation assembly involves attaching an exhaust baffle to an outlet adapter of a respiratory pump; connecting a manifold housing to a suction port of the respiratory pump with a filter disposed between the manifold housing and the suction port; connecting a hose to an inlet adapter of the manifold housing; attaching the hose to a hose port of a hood; and starting to operate the respiratory pump.

Abstract: A force distribution arrangement is configured as an array of compliant building blocks, each having a plurality of leg elements having respective leg thickness distribution and leg lengths. The plurality of leg elements are, in some embodiments, of uniform thickness and uniform leg length. The legs are joined to one another at corresponding compliant nodes, and are integrally formed. The array is constrained at a first end thereof, and optionally at a second end thereof. A membrane is arranged to overlie the array, and a control point is affixed to the array and optionally to the membrane that overlies the array. The membrane is formed of a compliant material or fabric. A further array is arranged in some applications at a predetermined orientation with respect to the first array. The arrays have respective actuation force response characteristics to achieve contour upon the application of actuation forces.

Abstract: A displacement amplifier receives an actuation displacement signal from a piezoelectric actuator. The displacement signal is amplified by one or more stages of compliant elements, and a corresponding force is applied to a load. Wide frequency response is achieved in response to the resilience characteristics of the compliant elements that are formed from any of several materials, illustratively aluminum, steel, titanium, plastics, composites, etc., and are produced by any of several manufacturing techniques, illustratively extrusion, die casting, forging, etc. The compliant elements can be configured as plural compliant mechanical displacement amplifier stages. In bilateral arrangements displacement signals from distal ends of the motive source are applied to symmetrical, or mirror image, arrangements of compliant elements. The motive source, which may be a piezoelectric actuator, delivers its displacement signal at one end thereof to one or more compliant elements.

Abstract: An engine system comprises an air cleaner, a combustion chamber coupled to an intake port, and an intake manifold. The intake manifold is configured to receive air from the air cleaner, and, under some conditions to receive exhaust from the combustion chamber. The engine system further comprises a multifunction, barrel-type throttle valve coupled to the intake port via an outlet, the throttle valve having a first inlet coupled to the intake manifold and a second inlet coupled to the air cleaner.

Abstract: A force distribution arrangement is configured as an array of compliant building blocks, each having a plurality of leg elements having respective leg thickness distribution and leg lengths. The plurality of leg elements are, in some embodiments, of uniform thickness and uniform leg length. The legs are joined to one another at corresponding compliant nodes, and are integrally formed. The array is constrained at a first end thereof, and optionally at a second end thereof. A membrane is arranged to overlie the array, and a control point is affixed to the array and optionally to the membrane that overlies the array. The membrane is formed of a compliant material or fabric. A further array is arranged in some applications at a predetermined orientation with respect to the first array. The arrays have respective actuation force response characteristics to achieve contour upon the application of actuation forces.

Abstract: An engine system comprises an air cleaner, a combustion chamber coupled to an intake port, and an intake manifold. The intake manifold is configured to receive air from the air cleaner, and, under some conditions to receive exhaust from the combustion chamber. The engine system further comprises a multifunction, barrel-type throttle valve coupled to the intake port via an outlet, the throttle valve having a first inlet coupled to the intake manifold and a second inlet coupled to the air cleaner.

Abstract: A wind turbine has a longitudinal airfoil blade that exerts a torque on the generator in response to an impinging air current. A compliant airfoil edge arrangement is disposed along an edge of the airfoil blade for at least a portion of a longitudinal dimension of the airfoil blade. A morphing drive arrangement varies a configuration of the compliant airfoil edge arrangement and consequently the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil blade. A drive arrangement applies actuation forces to the upper and lower compliant surfaces via the upper and lower actuation elements. The compliant airfoil edge is arranged as a trailing edge of the airfoil blade.

Abstract: A displacement amplifier receives an actuation displacement signal from a piezoelectric actuator. The displacement signal is amplified by one or more stages of compliant elements, and a corresponding force is applied to a load. Wide frequency response is achieved in response to the resilience characteristics of the compliant elements that are formed from any of several materials, illustratively aluminum, steel, titanium, plastics, composites, etc., and are produced by any of several manufacturing techniques, illustratively extrusion, die casting, forging, etc. The compliant elements can be configured as plural compliant mechanical displacement amplifier stages. In bilateral arrangements displacement signals from distal ends of the motive source are applied to symmetrical, or mirror image, arrangements of compliant elements. The motive source, which may be a piezoelectric actuator, delivers its displacement signal at one end thereof to one or more compliant elements.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, valve operation can be adjusted in a number of ways.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, armature levitation is strategically used during a cycle of a cylinder. The method can reduce fuel consumption and power supply requirements, at least under some conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, armature levitation position may be changed to accommodate varying rates of valve stem growth. The method may reduce valve noise during a wide range of engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A traction drive having multiple toroidal discs and power rollers located in toroidal cavities defined by the discs. Each roller is mounted in a trunnion and the trunnion is positioned in a gimbal frame wherein the axis of the trunnion is displaced through a caster angle about the roller axis.

Abstract: A traction drive having multiple toroidal discs and power rollers located in toroidal cavities defined by the discs. Each roller is mounted in a trunnion and the trunnion is positioned in a gimbal frame wherein the axis of the trunnion is displaced through a caster angle about the roller axis.