Abstract: An air-purifying system for filtering and re-circulating room air. The air-purifying system includes a blower module, a first filter module, a second filter module and a supply module. The blower module defines a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The first filter module is spaced from the blower module, and is fluidly connected to the first inlet. Similarly, the second filter module is spaced from the blower module and the first filter module. The second filter module is fluidly connected to the second inlet. Finally, the supply module is spaced from the blower module and the filter modules. The supply module is fluidly connected to the outlet. With this configuration, the blower module is operated to draw air into the first and second filter modules for removal of contaminants. Further, the blower module forces cleansed air to the supply module.

Abstract: A blower module for use with a commercial air-purifying system. The blower module includes a housing, a blower unit and a chute. The housing defines an inlet region and an outlet region. The inlet region forms an intake port. The outlet region forms a supply port and an exhaust port. The blower unit is maintained within the housing, such that operation of the blower generates an airflow within the housing from the inlet region to the outlet region. Finally, the chute is mounted within the outlet region adjacent the exhaust port and is configured to direct a portion of the airflow to the exhaust port. With this configuration, an overall size of the blower module housing is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A filter module for use with a room air-purifying system. The filter module includes a housing and a filter. The housing forms an air inlet, a first outlet port and a second outlet port. The outlet ports are configured for fluid connection to commercial ductwork. The filter is maintained by the housing and is configured to retain air-borne contaminants. During use, airflow passes from the filter to the outlet ports. By incorporating at least two outlet ports, the filter module preferably assumes a low-profile configuration, thereby facilitating installation of the filter module at any desired location relative to a room of interest.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use with a commercial air filtration unit. The filter assembly includes a frame, a sorbent material filter, and a primary particulate filter. The frame defines an upstream portion and a downstream portion, with the upstream portion forming a lip. The sorbent material filter is coupled to the downstream portion. Conversely, the primary particulate filter is coupled to the upstream portion of the frame. In this regard, the primary particulate filter defines an inner face and an outer face. Upon assembly, the inner face is adjacent the sorbent material filter and the lip projects upstream of the outer face. During use, the lip provides a receiving surface for installation within a housing, while preventing damage to the filter materials. Further, the filter assembly can be selectively maneuvered to a partially released position relative to the housing whereby the filter assembly hangs freely from the housing, supported at the lip.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention can be used in situations in which heat and mass-transfer modified product, such as individual-sized pizzas, are to be prepared in relatively short periods of time, for example in one to five minutes. Through structural design features and air manipulation, embodiments of the invention provide distinct advantages over the prior art, including improving quality control by increasing uniformity of heating across the oven and within each particular product, decreasing required baking time by increasing the effectiveness of impinging air jets through air pulsation and fluctuation, and maintaining uniformity of air flow to contact the baked product substantially perpendicular to its surface. Tubes or pipes possessing impingement nozzles permit the use of compressed air instead of fans. Embodiments of the invention permit more compact oven design, better control of air jet parameters, and quieter oven operation, and other advantages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The surgical apparatus includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube defines a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion forms an orifice for distributing a conductive solution from the inner tube and further forms an electrode. The outer tube coaxially receives the inner tube such that the outer tube is slidable relative to the inner tube. With this configuration, the outer tube selectively blocks flow of conductive solution from the orifice. During use, conductive solution distributed from the orifice is subjected to a current from the electrode, thereby creating a virtual electrode.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus driven by a switched reluctance drive that is soft-started to substantially avoid any transient torque reaction disturbing the body of the cleaner. The soft-start is produced by profiling the current demand for the drive system as a function of the rotor speed. Profiling is typically done with a continuous function, a series of steps or a pair of values. Related methods provide similar advantages.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for ablating bodily tissue. The apparatus includes a tube fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid. The tube defines a proximal portion, a distal portion and a central pathway. The central pathway extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion and is configured to direct flow of conductive fluid to the distal portion. The distal portion is configured for placement at a target site of bodily tissue and forms a helical slot. The helical slot is configured to allow flow of conductive fluid from the central pathway. Following delivery of the conductive fluid, an electrical current is applied to create a virtual electrode for ablating bodily tissue at the target site.

Abstract: A waste and wastewater treatment and recycling system separates blackwater and greywater at their respective sources and includes a waste separation system for decomposing the blackwater into water vapor and carbon dioxide gas, a wastewater treatment system for circulating, aerating, and separating the greywater into precipitated solid matter and treated water, and a filtration, disinfection, and water recycling system for filtering and disinfecting the treated water to form recyclable water. The precipitated solid matter is transferred to the waste separation system and the recyclable water is passed through a membrane filtration system to form potable water. A monitoring system monitors and controls operation of the waste separation system, the wastewater treatment system, and the filtration, disinfection, and water recycling system.

Abstract: A switched reluctance drive is supplied from a supply. The excitation applied to the phase winding(s) has one or more gaps inserted so that, when the phase currents are summed, the resulting supply current has a reduced harmonic content. The supply may be alternating or direct.

Abstract: A garment having an adjustable waist is provided. The adjustable garment includes a waist portion and an adjustment device. The adjustment device is disposed along a surface of the waist portion and includes a central receiving element and opposing fastening elements. The opposing fastening elements are positioned laterally along the waist portion at opposite sides thereof. Furthermore, the opposing fastening elements are spaced from the central receiving element and are configured to be selectively secured to the central receiving element. With this configuration, a user can quickly and conveniently alter a position of the opposing fastening elements relative to one another, and maintain this position via attachment to the central receiving element. As a result, the area or circumference defined by the waist portion is readily adjustable.

Abstract: A polyphase switched reluctance machine controlled by a control system using sensorless position detection. The controller is robust and reliable and operates over the entire speed range of the machine. In the chopping mode, diagnostic pulses of predetermined flux linkage are injected into an idle phase. In the single-pulse mode, position prediction is done using an active phase. A method of starting the machine uses diagnostic pulses in two phases to provide a unique value for position, allowing the drive to start or re-start under full torque.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for providing a signal related to a physical condition of an object, such as an electronic component. Various types of electronic components may be used with the present invention, including leaded components, column, pin or grid array packages, and the like. The system includes a quill for releasably holding the object. The object has a major surface defining a plane, and a motion control system for rotating the quill about a central axis. Control electronics in the invention provide a plurality of trigger signals to each of two detectors, each detector adapted to view the same stripe in the plane upon receipt of a trigger signal and to output an image of the stripe. The detectors view a plurality of stripes while the motion control system rotates the quill, and the output from the detectors is received by processing circuitry for processing the plurality of images of the stripes to provide the signal related to the physical condition of the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable test system for in-situ, non-destructive identification of visco-elastic material. The system includes a probe-like member coupled to a controller, wherein the controller is responsive to an output signal from the probe-like member for determining properties of the visco-elastic material. The probe-like member includes a longitudinally extending housing. A transducer mechanism is operably positioned within the housing. The transducer mechanism includes an indentation tip member, wherein the indentation tip member is extendable through the housing. A load mechanism is provided for loading the transducer mechanism with a desired constant load, causing the indentation tip member to extend through the housing to perform an indentation. A force calibration mechanism is provided for calibrating the application of a fixed force between the indentation tip member and the visco-elastic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lid member for an original container of a liquid paint component. The lid member is usable with a system for dispensing the paint component from its original container into a paint receptacle according to a paint formula to form a liquid paint mixture. The lid member includes a base portion that is adapted to releasably engage an open top of the paint component container. The base portion has a pour spout through which the paint component can be dispensed, and a movable cover element. The cover element is movable between a closed state, wherein the cover element covers the pour spout, and an opened state, wherein the pour spout is uncovered and the paint component can be dispensed from its original container and into the paint receptacle. A resilient seal mechanism is positioned between the pour spout and the movable cover element.

Abstract: A polyphase switched reluctance machine is controlled by a control system using sensorless position detection. A method of operating the machine at high speeds interrogates every nth phase reference point to allow sufficient time for computations of position to be carried out, where n is an integer greater than one.

Abstract: A digital range sensor comprises a light source, an optical element to focus the light from the source down to a small spot on a target, a second optical element that is mounted obliquely from the source axis, and a prism mounted on a multi-element detector, which in turn is mounted at the focus of the light returning from the target. The purpose of the prism on the detector is to direct the light onto the active surface of the detector at an angle closer to normal incidence than would otherwise be possible. The detector produces digital data which is transferred to a control module for processing and to produce a numerical range measurement.

Abstract: A pan for baking e.g. single-serving-sized food product is adapted to promote substantially even heat distribution, to shield the food product from excessive browning and crisping, and to substantially prevent burning. The pan accomplishes these functions by utilizing one or more structural features, including, for example, perforations, sloped, variable-height walls and a sloped arcuate rim. Embodiments of the invention may be used in combination with a separator to stack and store food product in a heated or cooled receptacle, and in combination with a slicing/topping guide.

Abstract: A pizza pan receives and bakes a pizza to produce a pizza having a hearth-baked texture and appearance. The pizza pan comprises a base with a plurality of perforations therethrough, the perforations being disposed in first and second perforation regions. The perforation density in the first region, disposed toward the center of the pan, is greater than the perforation density of the second region, disposed toward the outside of the pan, to allow greater transmission of heat to the center of the pizza. A continuous, non-perforated rim extends circumferentially around the base of the pan to form an obtuse angle of intersection therewith. The pan evenly transmits baking heat through the base to the food product being prepared, resulting in consistent texture, appearance and doneness throughout the entire product. A pizza produced by using the pan has improved texture and coloration.