Abstract: A fluidic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes fluid interaction elements (FIEs) that are configured to be monitored by a sensing device to generate an electrical signal in response to a fluid flow through the device. The FIEs include a serial arrangement of cantilevered lever arms to achieve increased sensitivity in a fluid flow sensor as compared to some conventional MEMS devices.

Abstract: A fluidic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes fluid interaction elements (FIEs) that can be displaced by an actuator to generate fluid flow. The FIEs include a serial arrangement of cantilevered lever arms to achieve, for example, high sound pressure levels in a micro speaker or high pump rates in a micropump as compared to some conventional MEMS devices.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly including a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and first and second electrodes. The PEM is situated between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode includes a first catalyst material layer including a first catalyst material and having first and second surfaces. The first electrode includes first and second material layers adjacent to the first and second surfaces, respectively, of the first catalyst material. The first material layer faces away from the PEM and the second material layer faces the PEM. The first material layer comprises a graphene-based material layer having a number of defects configured to mitigate dissolution of the first catalyst material through the first material layer.

Abstract: A transducer includes one or more actuator components configured to be encompassed by a cavity of a frame, wherein the one or more actuator components are configured to allow in-plane and out-of-plane movement with respect to the frame and configured to create haptic feedback in the in-plane or out-of-plane movement to the frame. The transducer also includes one or more sensing layers configured to detect changes of displacement in the frame, wherein the sensing layer is connected to the one or more actuator components.

Abstract: A transducer includes one or more actuator components configured to be encompassed by a cavity of a frame, wherein the one or more actuator components are configured to allow in-plane and out-of-plane movement with respect to the frame and configured to create haptic feedback in the in-plane or out-of-plane movement to the frame. The transducer also includes one or more sensing layers configured to detect changes of displacement in the frame, wherein the sensing layer is connected to the one or more actuator components.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly including a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and first and second electrodes. The PEM is situated between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode includes a first catalyst material layer including a first catalyst material and having first and second surfaces. The first electrode includes first and second material layers adjacent to the first and second surfaces, respectively, of the first catalyst material. The first material layer faces away from the PEM and the second material layer faces the PEM. The first material layer comprises a graphene-based material layer having a number of defects configured to mitigate dissolution of the first catalyst material through the first material layer.

Abstract: A system of determining a location of a force exerted on a mobile communication device, the system comprising a first pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and adjacent an outer surface of the mobile communication device, wherein the first pressure sensor is attached to the outer surface via a first interface material, wherein the first pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure below the outer surface, a second pressure sensor disposed within the mobile communication device and adjacent the outer surface of the mobile communication device, wherein the second pressure sensor is attached to the outer surface via a second interface material, wherein the second pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure below the outer surface, and a processor coupled to the first and second pressure sensors and configured to activate an associated mobile communication device command in response to the detected pressure being above a threshold.

Abstract: A mobile communication device and associated control system is provided for determining a presence and location of pressure applied to the mobile communication device. The system can replace physical buttons on the mobile communication device. In embodiments, a sealed chamber, such as a tube, is filled with a pressure-transferring medium inside the sidewalls of the frame of the mobile communication device. Two (or more) pressure sensors can be mounted to the chamber to measure the pressure at two different locations in the chamber. In an embodiment, the time difference of the pressure wave arriving between the pressure sensors can indicate the location of the applied force. By knowing where the force is applied, a desired command from a user can be inferred.

Abstract: A tool for tightening and loosening a pipe fitting, comprising a cup-shaped tool head having an opening for receiving a pipe and a shaft attached to and extending from the tool head. The tool head has an interior surface adapted for a pipe fitting such that the pipe fitting may rotate with respect to the tool head. The shaft is shaped to receive a pneumatic hammer. The pneumatic hammer has a hammer head, and the hammer head in operation extends into the interior of the tool head to act on a wing of the pipe fitting.

Abstract: A waste fluid containment and draining system may have a black waste water holding structure for holding black waste water and a grey waste water holding structure for holding grey waste water. First and second valves may be included for enabling selective emptying of the two holding structures. A macerator pump may be used which has an input in flow communication with both of the first and second valves. A discharge conduit may be in flow communication with an output of the macerator pump. A control subsystem may be in communication with the first and second valves and the macerator pump for controlling the first and second valves, together with the macerator pump, to enable selective pumping out of the holding structures by the macerator pump through the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A tool for tightening and loosening a pipe fitting, comprising a cup-shaped tool head having an opening for receiving a pipe and a shaft attached to and extending from the tool head. The tool head has an interior surface adapted for a pipe fitting such that the pipe fitting may rotate with respect to the tool head. The shaft is shaped to receive a pneumatic hammer. The pneumatic hammer has a hammer head, and the hammer head in operation extends into the interior of the tool head to act on a wing of the pipe fitting.

Abstract: A waste fluid containment and draining system may have a black waste water holding structure for holding black waste water and a grey waste water holding structure for holding grey waste water. First and second valves may be included for enabling selective emptying of the two holding structures. A macerator pump may be used which has an input in flow communication with both of the first and second valves. A discharge conduit may be in flow communication with an output of the macerator pump. A control subsystem may be in communication with the first and second valves and the macerator pump for controlling the first and second valves, together with the macerator pump, to enable selective pumping out of the holding structures by the macerator pump through the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A design lace is provided for insertion into an object. The design lace includes a plurality of image sections for forming a unified image. Each image section forms a part of the unified image. All of the design lace is formed so as to be continuous and unbroken.

Abstract: A bag that is made silent for purposes of using the bag on a studio set in movies, television, and other live and pre-recorded settings, where set props are needed to recreate real life situations for dramatization, but where real life sound that is created by bags interferes with the recording, broadcasting, or amplification of the dramatic performance. The bag is able to maintain real or imaginary brand labels for either product placement or true-to-life dramatization applications.

Abstract: A bag that is made silent for purposes of using the bag on a studio set in movies, television, and other live and pre-recorded settings, where set props are needed to recreate real life situations for dramatization, but where real life sound that is created by bags interferes with the recording, broadcasting, or amplification of the dramatic performance. The bag is able to maintain real or imaginary brand labels for either product placement or true-to-life dramatization applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a seed dehulling device including mechanism for adjusting the aggressiveness of the device. The adjusting mechanism provides for changing the spacing between an abrading disc and an adjacent plate.