Abstract: Methods, antennas and other embodiments associated with impedance matching an antenna feed slot. A slot antenna includes a planar metal sheet. A feed slot opening is formed in the metal sheet. The feed slot has a first end and a second end. A tapered opening is formed in the metal sheet. Adjacent sides of the tapered opening touch the first end of the feed slot. An impedance matching star shaped opening is formed in the metal. The impedance matching star shaped opening touches the second end of the feed slot.

Abstract: A system for actively controlling the span-wise rotational twist of a hollow beam along its longitudinal axis, including a hollow beam structure having a leading edge and a trailing edge region, the beam being split along its length, an actuator arranged between split surfaces of the beam, the actuator adapted to move the split surfaces in a longitudinal direction relative to each other, inducing a twist in the beam. In one embodiment, the actuator is a plurality of thermal expansion material blocks alternating with mechanical compression blocks, the thermal expansion material blocks being heated to cause expansion in the spanwise longitudinal direction. Other alternative actuators include a rotary actuators such as a threaded screw, piezoelectric or magnetostrictive blocks, a hydraulic actuator, or a pneumatic actuator. In an embodiment, the beam is an airfoil shape.

Abstract: A varnish composition for producing an electrically insulative thermoset coating is disclosed. The varnish composition comprises a functionalized poly(phenylene ether), an unsaturated polyester, and/or a vinylester resin. The varnish composition further comprises a reactive liquid monomer and a block copolymer comprising a poly(olefin) block, or a poly(diolefin) block, and at least one terminal poly(alkenyl aromatic) block comprising repeat units derived from an alkenyl aromatic monomer. When cured, the polymers and reactive liquid monomer forms an electrically insulative thermoset that provides superior crack resistance.

Abstract: A gravity conveyor assembly includes a first track member downwardly pitched from a first end toward a second end with respect to a first reference plane oriented parallel to a ground surface. A second track member positioned directly above the first track member is downwardly pitched from a first end toward an opposite second end with respect to a second reference plane oriented parallel to the ground surface. A curved track member connects the second track member second end to the first track member first end and defines a vertically downward oriented arc. A wheeled cart is moveable from the second track member first end to the first track member second end by gravity. A cart travel direction reverses from a first travel direction on the second track member to an opposite second travel direction on the first track member as the cart downwardly traverses the curved track member.

Abstract: A varnish composition for producing an electrically insulative thermoset coating is disclosed. The varnish composition includes a functionalized poly(phenylene ether) having at least one aliphatic unsaturated group and exhibiting an intrinsic viscosity in the range of about 0.06 to about 0.25 deciliter per gram, measured in chloroform at 25° C. The varnish composition further includes an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin, a reactive liquid monomer, and a compatibilizing agent. When cured, the polymers and reactive liquid monomer form an electrically insulative thermoset.

Abstract: A process for preparing a redistributed poly(phenylene ether), comprising reacting a poly(phenylene ether) in a reactive diluent monomer with a polyhydric phenol in the presence of a redistribution catalyst to form a composition comprising a redistributed poly(phenylene ether) in the reactive monomer diluent. The redistributed poly(phenylene ether) exhibits an intrinsic viscosity in the range of about 0.06 deciliters per gram to about 0.25 deciliters per gram, measured in chloroform at 25° C. The redistributed poly(phenylene ether) can be functionalized and admixed with unsaturated resin such as an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin to obtain a varnish composition that, when cured, can form an electrically insulative thermoset.

Abstract: Methods, antennas and other embodiments associated with impedance matching an antenna feed slot are based on a fractal shape. A slot antenna includes a planar metal sheet. A feed slot opening is formed in the metal sheet. The feed slot has a first end and a second end. A tapered opening is formed in the metal sheet. Adjacent sides of the tapered opening touch the first end of the feed slot. An impedance matching fractal shaped opening is formed in the metal. The impedance matching fractal shaped opening touches the second end of the feed slot.

Abstract: Methods, antennas and other embodiments associated with impedance matching an antenna feed slot. A slot antenna includes a planar metal sheet. A feed slot opening is formed in the metal sheet. The feed slot has a first end and a second end. A tapered opening is formed in the metal sheet. Adjacent sides of the tapered opening touch the first end of the feed slot. An impedance matching star shaped opening is formed in the metal. The impedance matching star shaped opening touches the second end of the feed slot.

Abstract: A varnish composition for producing an electrically insulative thermoset coating is disclosed. The varnish composition includes a functionalized poly(phenylene ether) having at least one aliphatic unsaturated group and exhibiting an intrinsic viscosity in the range of about 0.06 to about 0.25 deciliter per gram, measured in chloroform at 25° C. The varnish composition further includes an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin, a reactive liquid monomer, and a compatibilizing agent. When cured, the polymers and reactive liquid monomer form an electrically insulative thermoset.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually.

Abstract: A system for actively controlling the span-wise rotational twist of a hollow beam along its longitudinal axis, including a hollow beam structure having a leading edge and a trailing edge region, the beam being split along its length, an actuator arranged between split surfaces of the beam, the actuator adapted to move the split surfaces in a longitudinal direction relative to each other, inducing a twist in the beam. In one embodiment, the actuator is a plurality of thermal expansion material blocks alternating with mechanical compression blocks, the thermal expansion material blocks being heated to cause expansion in the spanwise longitudinal direction. Other alternative actuators include a rotary actuators such as a threaded screw, piezoelectric or magnetostrictive blocks, a hydraulic actuator, or a pneumatic actuator. In an embodiment, the beam is an airfoil shape.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually.

Abstract: A gravity conveyor assembly includes first and second track assemblies positioned parallel to each other. Each of the track assemblies includes a body, having a slot in a first surface. A track member includes a frictional engagement portion received and frictionally engaged within the slot. A track extending portion freely extends above the first surface of the body. The track extending portion is oriented at an angle with respect to an axis oriented transverse to a ground surface such that the track extending portion has a continuous slope with respect to the ground surface. A cassette supported on the first and second track members is adapted for gravity induced rolling motion by the continuous slope. Wheels mounted to opposing sides of the cassette each have a concave perimeter surface aligned for rolling contact with the track extending portion of the track assemblies.

Abstract: A gravity conveyor assembly includes first and second track assemblies positioned parallel to each other. Each of the track assemblies includes a body, having a slot in a first surface. A track member includes a frictional engagement portion received and frictionally engaged within the slot. A track extending portion freely extends above the first surface of the body. The track extending portion is oriented at an angle with respect to an axis oriented transverse to a ground surface such that the track extending portion has a continuous slope with respect to the ground surface. A cassette supported on the first and second track members is adapted for gravity induced rolling motion by the continuous slope. Wheels mounted to opposed sides of the cassette each have a concave perimeter surface aligned for rolling contact with the track extending portion of the track assemblies.

Abstract: A process for preparing a redistributed poly(phenylene ether), comprising reacting a poly(phenylene ether) in a reactive diluent monomer with a polyhydric phenol in the presence of a redistribution catalyst to form a composition comprising a redistributed poly(phenylene ether) in the reactive monomer diluent. The redistributed poly(phenylene ether) exhibits an intrinsic viscosity in the range of about 0.06 deciliters per gram to about 0.25 deciliters per gram, measured in chloroform at 25° C. The redistributed poly(phenylene ether) can be functionalized and admixed with unsaturated resin such as an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin to obtain a varnish composition that, when cured, can form an electrically insulative thermoset.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator includes a cylinder and piston for driving a load and defining a chamber in which is disposed a buffer gas, such as nitrogen, and a solid or water-based electrolyte, and electrodes for generating hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis that mixes with the buffer gas serving to control the combustion pressure profile, and into which chamber, above the electrolyte, is inserted an igniter for combusting the hydrogen and oxygen for creating high pressures in the chamber to move the piston and create efficient mechanical work.

Abstract: A varnish composition for producing an electrically insulative thermoset coating is disclosed. The varnish composition comprises a functionalized poly(phenylene ether), an unsaturated polyester, and/or a vinylester resin. The varnish composition further comprises a reactive liquid monomer and a block copolymer comprising a poly(olefin) block, or a poly(diolefin) block, and at least one terminal poly(alkenyl aromatic) block comprising repeat units derived from an alkenyl aromatic monomer. When cured, the polymers and reactive liquid monomer forms an electrically insulative thermoset that provides superior crack resistance.

Abstract: A varnish composition for producing an electrically insulative thermoset coating is disclosed. The varnish composition includes a functionalized poly(phenylene ether) having at least one aliphatic unsaturated group and exhibiting an intrinsic viscosity in the range of about 0.06 to about 0.25 deciliter per gram, measured in chloroform at 25° C. The varnish composition further includes an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin, a reactive liquid monomer, and a compatibilizing agent. When cured, the polymers and reactive liquid monomer form an electrically insulative thermoset.

Abstract: A sound suppression method includes using a passive noise suppression technology to destructively interfere with a sound wave propagating through a structure at portions of the structure that are positioned apart less than half of a wavelength of the sound wave.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually.