Abstract: A thermionic energy converter, preferably including an anode and a cathode. An anode of a thermionic energy converter, preferably including an n-type semiconductor, one or more supplemental layers, and an electrical contact. A method for work function reduction and/or thermionic energy conversion, preferably including inputting thermal energy to a thermionic energy converter, illuminating an anode of the thermionic energy converter, thereby preferably reducing a work function of the anode, and extracting electrical power from the system.

Abstract: An engine system and method utilizing a compressor map to control compressor speed of a driven turbocharger in the engine system is provided. A desired compressor speed is determined that corresponds to a boost pressure and to a mass flow rate of intake from the compressor map. The transmission of the driven turbocharger is shifted to a ratio that drives the compressor to a desired speed to provide the desired boost pressure and air flow to the engine system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handle for an electronic device that consists of a ring mounted on a hinge that slides over a user's finger to aid in holding the electronic device. The hinge allows the handle to either be stored in a recessed area of the exterior face of the electronic device when not in use, or rotated perpendicular to the exterior face of the electronic device when in use. The handle also features standardized contact patches that mate with clips that can be used to mount the electronic device on a vehicle dashboard or similar. The handle can be integrated into the electronic device itself, or into a separate, protective case placed around the electronic device.

Abstract: A thermionic energy converter, preferably including an anode and a cathode. An anode of a thermionic energy converter, preferably including an n-type semiconductor, one or more supplemental layers, and an electrical contact. A method for work function reduction and/or thermionic energy conversion, preferably including inputting thermal energy to a thermionic energy converter, illuminating an anode of the thermionic energy converter, thereby preferably reducing a work function of the anode, and extracting electrical power from the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a curtain configured decorative lighting system. The curtain configuration of decorative light stings is obtained by using light-string distribution elements, each of which receives an input signal by a conductive lead. The input signal is indicative of a plurality of lighting commands. The light-string distribution element then provides an output signal to a tap connector, to which a decorative light string can be connected. The provided output signal is indicative of lighting commands corresponding to a plurality of lighting elements distributed along the decorative light string connected thereto. The plurality of lighting elements of the attached decorative light string each illuminate in response to one of the lighting commands indicated by the output signal. In some embodiments, the decorative light string provides to the tap connector a signal indicative of lighting commands that do not correspond to lighting elements of that decorative light string.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of eccentric planetary traction drives for use in a driven turbocharger. The eccentric planetary provides torque-based loading of the traction interfaces in the traction drive. A loading planet has a larger outer diameter and has translative movement when torque is applied to the traction drive so that it is forced into a wedge gap between the turbo shaft and outer ring of the planetary drive. The torque capacity of the traction drive increases with an increase of torque demand.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a curtain configured decorative lighting system. The curtain configuration of decorative light stings is obtained by using light-string distribution elements, each of which receives an input signal by a conductive lead. The input signal is indicative of a plurality of lighting commands. The light-string distribution element then provides an output signal to a tap connector, to which a decorative light string can be connected. The provided output signal is indicative of lighting commands corresponding to a plurality of lighting elements distributed along the decorative light string connected thereto. The plurality of lighting elements of the attached decorative light string each illuminate in response to one of the lighting commands indicated by the output signal. In some embodiments, the decorative light string provides to the tap connector a signal indicative of lighting commands that do not correspond to lighting elements of that decorative light string.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a curtain configured decorative lighting system. The curtain configuration of decorative light stings is obtained by using light-string distribution elements, each of which receives an input signal by a conductive lead. The input signal is indicative of a plurality of lighting commands. The light-string distribution element then provides an output signal to a tap connector, to which a decorative light string can be connected. The provided output signal is indicative of lighting commands corresponding to a plurality of lighting elements distributed along the decorative light string connected thereto. The plurality of lighting elements of the attached decorative light string each illuminate in response to one of the lighting commands indicated by the output signal. In some embodiments, the decorative light string provides to the tap connector a signal indicative of lighting commands that do not correspond to lighting elements of that decorative light string.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a housing configured to contain a volume of water, the housing including an interior surface adjacent a first portion of the water having a first net charge. The radiation detector also includes a first electrode coupled to the housing within the first portion of the water, and a second electrode coupled to the housing within a second portion of the water adjacent the first portion of the water. The radiation detector further includes a current detector connected in series between the first electrode and the second electrode, the current detector configured to detect a current associated with an ionized radiation product that enters the housing.

Abstract: A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which comprises: a body; and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material (not shown), the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position (shown in FIG. 8) where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position (shown in FIG. 9) which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The device is characterized in that the body slideably supports the sample collection member, and in that the body or collection member include a ramp-like projection portion (116 FIG. 10) operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect said transfer as the collection member slides within the body.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) gantry system is described herein. The CT gantry system includes a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, and a gantry resting upon the plurality of support wheels. In some embodiments, the gantry includes two gantry rings, and a cross member extending between the two gantry rings. In other embodiments, the gantry includes a first gantry ring, and a second gantry ring spaced apart from the first gantry ring in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the gantry. In some embodiments, the plurality of support wheels includes a plurality of front support wheels and a plurality of back support wheels. In some embodiments, the gantry includes a front gantry ring resting upon the front support wheels, a back gantry ring resting upon the back support wheels, and a cross member coupled between the front and back gantry rings.

Abstract: A system for implementing an electrical rotary joint in a large-diameter system using relatively small-diameter capsule slip rings is described herein. The system includes a system rotor that rotates about a system axis of rotation, and a system stator that is stationary with respect to the system rotor. The system also includes at least one conductive contact channel disposed on one of the system rotor and the system stator. The system further includes at least one capsule slip ring (CSR) coupled to the other of the system rotor and the system stator. The at least one CSR has a conductive annular element coupled thereto, the conductive annular element in mechanical contact with the at least one conductive contact channel such that the at least one CSR forms an electrical rotary joint between the system rotor and the system stator.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for monitoring a status of a CT system includes at least one radiation detector configured to monitor a CT component and generate signals representing measurement data associated with the CT component. The system also includes a diagnostic computer device in communication with the detector. The device is configured to receive an electrical signal from the detector and identify a first frequency in the electrical signal. The device is also configured to compare the first frequency in the electrical signal to a first reference frequency stored in memory. The first reference frequency is at least partially indicative of a first mechanical status of the CT component. The device is further configured to determine that the first frequency in the electrical signal is substantially similar to the first reference frequency and, in response, determine that the CT system has the first mechanical status.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a series-connectable decorative light string. High-voltage power is received via a first electrical connector at a first end of the decorative light string and is conducted to a complementary second electrical connector at a second end of the decorative light string. The decorative light string has a power converter that converts the received high-voltage power to low-voltage DC power for consumption by a plurality of lighting elements distributed along the decorative light string. Each of the plurality of lighting elements has an illumination controller. The plurality of lighting elements is wired in daisy chain fashion from the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector via data-in and data-out ports of each lighting element. The wire high-voltage power received by the first electrical connector can provide power to additional decorative light strings connected via the second electrical connector without resulting in degraded illumination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-speed section disconnect for a driven turbocharger with a traction drive. The turbo shaft is attached to a turbine and compressor, and interfaces with a high-speed traction drive. A mechanical coupling connects the traction drive to a transmission, which is connected to the engine so that power can flow to or from the turbo shaft, but the mechanical coupling can be selectively disconnected so that the high-speed section of the driven turbocharger can also be decoupled from the engine during certain operating conditions to reduce mechanical losses in the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand-held, dual mode self-care device for use by individuals for care of their bodies. A three-way switch selectively powers either a vibrational pad at one end of the device or a vacuum pump at the opposite end of the device from the same electric motor. This provides compact packaging of the device to make it portable, as well as easy to use while providing both a vibrational function and a suction function for the regions consisting but not limited to soft tissue consisting of tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, fibrous tissues, fat, synovial membranes and muscles.

Abstract: A system for implementing an electrical rotary joint in a large-diameter system using relatively small-diameter capsule slip rings is described herein. The system includes a system rotor that rotates about a system axis of rotation, and a system stator that is stationary with respect to the system rotor. The system also includes at least one conductive contact channel disposed on one of the system rotor and the system stator. The system further includes at least one capsule slip ring (CSR) coupled to the other of the system rotor and the system stator. The at least one CSR has a conductive annular element coupled thereto, the conductive annular element in mechanical contact with the at least one conductive contact channel such that the at least one CSR forms an electrical rotary joint between the system rotor and the system stator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speed reduced driven turbocharger that utilizes a step-down roller that is coupled to a turbo shaft with a traction interface. Either a flat or a shaped traction interface can be used. The step-down roller mechanically actuates either a mechanical or hydraulic transmission, or can be mechanically coupled to an electric motor/generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air pump for a fuel cell that utilizes a speed-reduction traction drive so that a low speed electric motor can be used to drive a high-speed rotodynamic compressor. The rotodynamic compressor is an efficient air pump, but operates at high speeds that would require a specialized high-speed electric motor. The speed-reduction traction drive couples to the compressor and provides a low-speed output that is connected to a lower speed electric motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-piece shaft assembly for a driven turbocharger with a traction drive. The turbo shaft is attached to a turbine and compressor, and is inserted into a traction barrel that has traction surfaces to mate to the traction drive. In this way, the traction drive can be assembled with only the traction barrel, and the turbo shaft can be inserted through the barrel at the end to simplify assembly.