Abstract: Pultruded panels having a first longitudinal edge profile and a second longitudinal edge profile may be used to form a floor assembly mounted on a railway car underframe. The pultruded panels may also be used to form walkways, bridges, piers and other structures. A bead may be placed on at least one of the longitudinal edge profiles to form a gap between an adjacent pultruded panel. An adhesive may be placed within the gap to couple or bond adjacent pultruded panels with each other. Void spaces may be formed within the pultruded panel and filled with foam to provide improved resistance to heat transfer through the respective panel. Respective coverings may be placed on opposite ends of each panel to block access to the associated void spaces.

Abstract: A railway car includes a first end, a second end, and a first side disposed longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The first side includes a concave portion in a generally horizontal plane of the railway car. The concave portion provides a railway car with increased cargo-carrying capacity.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) oscillatory devices are placed adjacent a face of a microelectronic sensor platform and configured to oscillate to improve transport to the sensor of substances to be detected. The MEMS oscillatory devices can be configured to oscillate to disrupt the boundary layer that is formed adjacent the face of the microelectronic sensor platform, which may improve sensor performance. MEMS oscillatory devices may be far less susceptible to wear and breakdown than MEMS rotary devices, such as fans.

Abstract: An oscillating shaft is scanned to provide images including the oscillating shaft in vivo in real-time with a real-time three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound scanner. An interventional device can be guided in vivo using an ultrasound scanner and includes a sheath having a bore therethrough from a proximal portion to a spaced-apart distal portion. A shaft has a proximal portion and a spaced-apart distal portion and is configured for insertion into the bore of the sheath. A vibrator is coupled to the proximal portion of the shaft and is configured to cause the distal portion of the shaft to oscillate at a shaft frequency. An isolator is coupled to the proximal portion of the sheath and to the vibrator, wherein the isolator is configured to reduce damping of an oscillation of the shaft by the sheath.

Abstract: A disclosed scanner apparatus includes a member having spaced apart proximal and distal portions. An electromagnetic radiation device is configured to direct electromagnetic radiation therefrom and is moveably coupled to the distal portion of the member. The electromagnetic radiation device is configured to move in a first plane of movement to a first position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a first path and configured to move in the plane of movement to a second position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a second path. A MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator is coupled to the electromagnetic radiation device, wherein the MEMS actuator is configured to move in a first direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the first position and configured to move in a second direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the second position. Other scanning and robotic structure devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A roof assembly mounted on a composite box structure with an air plenum assembly attached to and extending from an interior surface of the roof assembly. The composite box structure includes a pair of end wall assemblies, a pair of side wall assemblies, a floor assembly and the roof assembly. An opening may be formed in one end of the end wall assemblies to allow installing a temperature control system. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure. The composite box structure may be assembled on a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or an insulated box car.

Abstract: A roof assembly mounted on a composite box structure with an air plenum assembly attached to and extending from an interior surface of the roof assembly. The composite box structure includes a pair of end wall assemblies, a pair of side wall assemblies, a floor assembly and the roof assembly. An opening may be formed in one end of the end wall assemblies to allow installing a temperature control system. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure. The composite box structure may be assembled on a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or an insulated box car.

Abstract: A connection or weld attachment and method are disclosed for use in connecting a first structural member with a second structural member. An end plate is preferably attached to one end of the first structural member. The end plate and first structural member may then be attached by mechanical fasteners and at least one weld to the second structural member. A railway car having an underframe defined in part by a pair of side sills and a plurality of crossties may be formed with this mechanical connection. The end plate may be attached to a first leg which is in turn attached to the respective crosstie. The first leg preferably increases in width extending from the crosstie to the end plate. The mechanical fasteners are preferably disposed at opposite ends of the weld to minimize possible fatigue cracking and to increase the life of the associated connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a micromachine relay is provided. A pin controller comprises at least one spring pin designed to movably couple the pin controller to a device under test (DUT) to provide signals to the DUT. The pin controller further includes a micromachine relay coupled to the at least one spring pin to control the movement of the at least one spring pin and an integrated circuit for controlling the micromachine relay.

Abstract: A siphon drainpipe system and method for use in a railway tank car includes a railway tank car having a tank at least partially defined by a generally elongate hollow cylinder having closed ends. The tank includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and forms a generally enclosed interior portion. A nozzle is coupled with the upper surface of the tank. A siphon pipe which extends from the nozzle toward the lower surface of the tank is coupled with the nozzle. The siphon pipe is at least partially disposed within the interior portion of the tank. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention the siphon pipe includes a generally rigid, metallic portion disposed adjacent the upper surface of the tank, and a generally flexible portion disposed adjacent the lower surface of the tank.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) oscillatory devices are placed adjacent a face of a microelectronic sensor platform and configured to oscillate to improve transport to the sensor of substances to be detected. The MEMS oscillatory devices can be configured to oscillate to disrupt the boundary layer that is formed adjacent the face of the microelectronic sensor platform, which may improve sensor performance. MEMS oscillatory devices may be far less susceptible to wear and breakdown than MEMS rotary devices, such as fans.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) oscillatory devices are placed adjacent a face of a microelectronic substrate and configured to oscillate to dissipate at least some heat that is generated by the microelectronic substrate during operation thereof. The MEMS oscillatory devices can be configured to oscillate to disrupt the thermal boundary layer that is formed adjacent the face of the microelectronic substrate, which may limit heat dissipation therefrom. MEMS oscillatory devices may be far less susceptible to wear and breakdown than MEMS rotary devices, such as fans.

Abstract: A composite box structure assembled on and securely attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or on insulated boxcar. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic attached to the side stakes. Foam insulation may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The foam insulation provides improved resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure.

Abstract: Methods of scanning using a two dimensional (2D) ultrasound transducer array are disclosed. The 2D ultrasound transducer arrays include at least one row of ultrasound transducer elements that is configured to extend in a curved dimension of the array and at least one column of ultrasound transducer elements that is configured to extend in a linear dimension of the array. A 2D ultrasound transducer array can be used to scan by defining a sub-aperture of the 2D ultrasound transducer array that includes a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements in the curved dimension of the array and in the linear dimension of the array and exciting the ultrasound transducer elements included in the sub-aperture to generate a transmit/receive ultrasound beam. Related 2D ultrasound transducer arrays and elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Pultruded panels having a first longitudinal edge profile and a second longitudinal edge profile may be used to form a floor assembly mounted on a railway car underframe. The pultruded panels may also be used to form walkways, bridges, piers and other structures. A bead may be placed on at least one of the longitudinal edge profiles to form a gap between an adjacent pultruded panel. An adhesive may be placed within the gap to couple or bond adjacent pultruded panels with each other. Void spaces may be formed within the pultruded panel and filled with foam to provide improved resistance to heat transfer through the respective panel. Respective coverings may be placed on opposite ends of each panel to block access to the associated void spaces.

Abstract: A siphon drainpipe system and method for use in a railway tank car includes a railway tank car having a tank at least partially defined by a generally elongate hollow cylinder having closed ends. The tank includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and forms a generally enclosed interior portion. A nozzle is coupled with the upper surface of the tank. A siphon pipe which extends from the nozzle toward the lower surface of the tank is coupled with the nozzle. The siphon pipe is at least partially disposed within the interior portion of the tank. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention the siphon pipe includes a generally rigid, metallic portion disposed adjacent the upper surface of the tank, and a generally flexible portion disposed adjacent the lower surface of the tank.

Abstract: Methods of scanning using a two dimensional (2D) ultrasound transducer array are disclosed. The 2D ultrasound transducer arrays include at least one row of ultrasound transducer elements that is configured to extend in a curved dimension of the array and at least one column of ultrasound transducer elements that is configured to extend in a linear dimension of the array. A 2D ultrasound transducer array can be used to scan by defining a sub-aperture of the 2D ultrasound transducer array that includes a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements in the curved dimension of the array and in the linear dimension of the array and exciting the ultrasound transducer elements included in the sub-aperture to generate a transmit/receive ultrasound beam. Related 2D ultrasound transducer arrays and elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite box structure assembled on and securely attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or on insulated boxcar. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic attached to the side stakes. Foam insulation may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one layer of fiber reinforced plastic. The foam insulation provides improved resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure.

Abstract: A real time three dimensional ultrasound imaging probe apparatus is configured to be placed inside a body. The apparatus comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends with an ultrasonic transducer phased array connected to and positioned on the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array is positioned to emit and receive ultrasonic energy for volumetric forward scanning from the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array includes a plurality of sites occupied by ultrasonic transducer elements. At least one ultrasonic transducer element is absent from at least one of the sites, thereby defining an interstitial site. A tool is positioned at the interstitial site. In particular, the tool can be a fiber optic lead, a suction tool, a guide wire, an electrophysiological electrode, or an ablation electrode. Related systems are also discussed.

Abstract: A real time three dimensional ultrasound imaging probe apparatus is configured to be placed inside a body. The apparatus comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends with an ultrasonic transducer phased array connected to and positioned on the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array is positioned to emit and receive ultrasonic energy for volumetric forward scanning from the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array includes a plurality of sites occupied by ultrasonic transducer elements. At least one ultrasonic transducer element is absent from at least one of the sites, thereby defining an interstitial site. A tool is positioned at the interstitial site. In particular, the tool can be a fiber optic lead, a suction tool, a guide wire, an electrophysiological electrode, or an ablation electrode. Related systems are also discussed.