Abstract: A method for designing a microfluidic device includes steps of: a) receiving an input design of a bare microfluidic channel to which one or more cilia layers are to be added, the bare microfluidic channel having a predetermined cross section, the bare microfluidic channel defining an inner surface and an outer surface, a first direction being a fluid flow direction along a length of the bare microfluidic channel and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; b) receiving operation parameters for a ciliated microfluidic channel formed from the bare microfluidic channel, the operation parameters including fluid viscosity and an opposing pressure gradient in an adverse direction to the fluid flow direction; and c) determining cilia design parameters for the one or more cilia layers to be attached to and distributed over the inner surface, the cilia design parameters being determined from the incompressible Brinkman equation.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting space is described. A user may designate content to be inserted into a document and have the system insert space to accommodate the new content. The system and method permit some content to overlie other content as may be intended by a user.

Abstract: An improved upward flow constructed wetland cell for treatment of water contaminated with chlorinated aliphatics is disclosed. The improvements include adding ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms to the methane-oxidizing microorganisms already present in an oxygenated root zone and adding improved pore-water sample chambers for measuring the performance of the constructed wetland cell.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting space is described. A user may designate content to be inserted into a document and have the system insert space to accommodate the new content. The system and method permit some content to overlie other content as may be intended by a user.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting space is described. A user may designate content to be inserted into a document and have the system insert space to accommodate the new content. The system and method permit some content to overlie other content as may be intended by a user.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting content is described. A user may designate content to be inserted into a document and have the content inserted into the document at either a designed location or, by determining the content associated with a receiving page, the system may select a location on the receiving page. The user may further choose various options including shrinking the new content to fit the page and/or may choose to have the existing content shifted to make room for the new content.

Abstract: Passive entry sensor systems and associated sensors are disclosed. The system sensor is locatable in the handle of a door or like structure and can provide an electromagnetic radiation beam transmitted either along the length of the handle between opposite ends thereof or between the handle and the door such that the sensor can detect at least a partial interruption of the beam by a user actuating the handle. The system can include an independent optical locking switch for actuation by a user to lock the door which locking switch comprises a shutter for intercepting the beam so as to flag the sensor. The system can include a power-up switch for actuation by a user to power-up the system, back-up switches for detecting a pull on the handle, indicators for indicating system status to the user, and backlight and ground light lighting.

Abstract: Passive entry sensor systems and associated sensors are disclosed. The system sensor is arranged in the handle of a door or directly mounted to the door skin. When mounted in the handle, the sensor provides an electromagnetic radiation beam transmitted either along the length of the handle between opposite ends thereof or between the handle and the door so that the beam can be at least partially interrupted or modified by a user actuating the handle. When mounted directly to the door skin, the sensor provides an electromagnetic radiation beam transmitted between the handle and the door. The sensor system includes indicators for indicating system status to the user, back-up switches for detecting a pull on the handle, locking switches for activation by a user to lock or unlock the door and backlight and ground light lighting.

Abstract: A scissor apparatus for a latch assembly is disclosed, which includes a spring comprising a plurality of fingers for controlling the motion one or more sliders associated with said latch assembly, wherein said spring comprises a spring control independent of the actuation of such sliders. The fingers are generally integrated with the spring. Such a one-piece spring can be implemented as a stamped component with 2-off, 3-off or 6-off fingers to control the motion of the sliders. The stamped spring can clip onto existing latch assembly components in order to promote retention, and overcome friction with the latch assembly and return the sliders to a neutral position thereof.

Abstract: Latch control methods and systems are disclosed, including a latch that receives power from a motor associated with a latch. A sensor can be provided for monitoring the current consumption of the motor. A microcontroller can control the latch and/or the motor, based on the current consumption data received from the sensor concerning the current consumption of the motor. Monitoring of the current waveform of the motor therefore provides speed and direction feedback data for control of the latch. Additionally, a microprocessor can process instructions for controlling the interaction of the motor, the latch, the sensor and/or the microcontroller. Such a current monitoring control system is made possible by variation in current consumption of the motor during rotation as a result of commutation, which can be interrogated by measuring the voltage drop across the motor or a shunt resistor, or through the use of other current sensors, such as, for example, a Hall-effect type current sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for magnetically actuating latch components are disclosed herein. A door latch assembly comprising at least one latching mechanism can be provided for maintaining a door in a locked condition or an unlocked condition. One or more electromagnets can be integrated with the door latch assembly, such that the electromagnet generates one or more pulses in the form of electrical energy that can actuate the latching mechanism from a locked condition to an unlocked condition and vice versa. A pulsed electromagnet is therefore utilized such each pulse of energy applied actuates the latching mechanism a known amount. Such a configuration permits the latching mechanism to be accurately indexed from a known position to another.

Abstract: In general, a spring or spring mechanism can be associated with a latch mechanism wherein the spring is wound to a particular position thereof to store energy for dissipation and actuation of the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is responsive to the spring, and can be actuated based on energy stored and dissipated from the spring. When required, spring energy can therefore be dissipated to actuated the latch or latch mechanism. Thus, a motor with low current consumption and suitable gearing can be utilized to apply a high force to the spring.

Abstract: An invention for that incorporates RFID technology and a chip (2) with photovoltaic cells (1). To eliminate in some cases the need for batteries in active RFID tags or transponders. An invention that also uses rechargeable batteries (6) and also incorporates them connecting the batteries (6) to the photovoltaic cell (4) to recharge battery (6). This invention also covers all aspects related to combining or merging these two technologies RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and Photovoltaics.

Abstract: A latch assembly control method and, wherein a latch assembly is integrated with a motor having at least one gear thereof for actuating a plurality of components of the latch assembly. A geartooth sensor can be associated with the latch assembly, wherein the geartooth sensor senses a position of one or more gears, wherein the gear completes less than one revolution to thereby provide a known reference point registration and calibration of the latch assembly via data collected from the geartooth sensor.

Abstract: An injection molding method and system for an electrical circuit utilized in vehicle door latch mechanisms is disclosed herein. A mold is generally provided in which a mold cavity is formed therein from walls of the mold. An electrical circuit associated with vehicle door latch and/or integrated with the vehicle door latch can be located within the mold cavity. A plastics material can then be injection molded into the mold cavity of the mold, wherein the plastics material covers and seals the electrical circuit to provide insulation and environmental protection to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: Latching systems and methods are disclosed herein. A latch mechanism includes one or more sealed areas and one or more unsealed areas thereof. Also, a magnetic coupling mechanism is provided for coupling motion between the sealed area and the unsealed area and vice versa. The magnetic coupling mechanism can be configured to include a permanent magnet which generates a magnetic field for coupling the motion from the unsealed area to the sealed area and vice versa. The magnetic coupling mechanism can also be configured to include an electromagnet for generating a magnetic field for coupling thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting space is described. A user may designate content to be inserted into a document and have the system insert space to accommodate the new content. The system and method permit some content to overlie other content as may be intended by a user.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting content is described. A user may designate content to be inserted into a document and have the content inserted into the document at either a designed location or, by determining the content associated with a receiving page, the system may select a location on the receiving page. The user may further choose various options including shrinking the new content to fit the page and/or may choose to have the existing content shifted to make room for the new content.