Abstract: A jet actuator positioned within a hollow space in an aerodynamic structure for controlling the flow over an aerodynamic surface thereof includes a movable member linearly displaced by a voice coil mechanism and a flexible diaphragm defining a compression chamber open to the exterior of the aerodynamic surface through an orifice. Reciprocal displacement of the movable member changes the shape of the flexible diaphragm to alternately expel fluid (e.g., air) from and pull fluid into the compression chamber through the orifice. The movable member includes a pair of pistons joined by a cross element, one of the pistons being attached to the flexible diaphragm. In one embodiment, the flexible diaphragm comprises a bladder sealed around the orifice. The movable member is desirably made of composite material to reduce its inertia, and at least the piston attached to the flexible diaphragm may be stiffened with a composite laminate structure.

Abstract: A data entry and processing system providing for simple two stroke entry of numerous auxiliary alpha-numeric data in addition to the single stroke entry of numeric data, using conventional data entry keys. The key array includes a set of radial direction indicator keys that are used with the conventional keys to select and enter a given alpha-numeric data item. An LCD display, a pre-programed micro-processor and other electronic components are included to display the data entries, as well as to convert entered data signals to the necessary DTMF tones for telecommunication or ASCII codes for computer data entries. The system is simple for use by ordinary users, and all electronic components are standard, miniscule in size, small in number, low in power need and low in cost. It is particularly adaptable for miniaturized device application.

Abstract: An improved and simplified system for densifying a cryogenic liquid for space vehicles is provided, which includes a heat exchanger having heat exchange tubes therein for receiving a flow of liquid from a storage tank, for example a liquid propellant in a vehicle storage tank. The heat exchanger is filled around the exchange tubes with a two-component bath, the volume of a primary component substantially exceeding the volume of a secondary component. The secondary component has a boiling temperature that is lower than the boiling temperature of the primary component, and both are lower than the boiling temperature of the cryogenic liquid. In one example, the liquid to be densified is oxygen, the primary component is liquid nitrogen, and a secondary component is liquid hydrogen. The secondary component is preferably injected into the heat exchanger in separate flows to prevent localized freezing of the first component.

Abstract: A water disinfection system includes a housing having a plurality of risers 207 therein for directing independent columns of water from a manifold at the bottom of the housing. An ultraviolet light source 214 is disposed above the risers to treat the water flowing therein. The UV light source may also be in the form of a fiber optic system (FIG. 4) or a mercury arc lamp including a parabolic reflector 64. Each of the risers can also include notches 304 (FIG. 9) for inducing turbulence to the water flowing thereover in order to ensure that all of the microorganisms receive ultraviolet light. The water flow rate and the light intensity may be adjusted to accommodate different levels of water contamination.

Abstract: A device for treating heart disorders, and particularly cardiomyopathy. The device is comprised of a compliant containment structure shaped in a configuration such that it surrounds and encases the heart. Within this containment structure are housed two or more inflation pockets that are fabricated from a non-elastic compliant material. These pockets are disposed on the interior surface of the containment structure and are configured to oppose and support the external wall of at least one of the ventricles of the heart. In the preferred embodiment, there are a plurality of relatively small, spaced inflation pockets disposed to act against each ventricle which is to be contained.

Abstract: A sign stand has a mast with a flexible upper portion. The flexible upper portion of the mast inhibits the mast from piercing a windshield of a vehicle when the sign stand is struck by the vehicle. The sign stand may have a sign mounted on the mast flexible upper portion. Additionally, a top end of the mast flexible upper portion extends beyond a top edge of the sign. The mast flexible upper portion may have other items attached to it, such as a flag holder, a light mounting bracket, a light, or sign mounting brackets. The sign mounted to the flexible upper mast may be metal, such as aluminum, composite materials, or fabric. The mast also has a lower portion that is connected to a support stand. The mast lower portion may be flexibly connected to the support stand. The mast may be made up of two or more parts. The mast may be telescopic. The upper and lower portions of the mast may be in a telescopic relationship.

Abstract: Heat exchanging contact of water and blood with a pleated metal bellow heat exchanging surface in a heat exchanger for an extracorporeal blood circuit is improved by so forming the pleats of the bellows that the fluid chamber inside each pleat continuously narrows from the mouth of the pleat toward the inner end of the chamber. Uniform water distribution along the bellows is accomplished by making the water manifold in the heat exchanger core much larger in cross section than the inlet fitting to the manifold.

Abstract: A woven preform for a ceramic composite has a plurality of layers and structural members. The plurality of layer are of woven yarns of fibrous material. The structural members extend between the layers. The layers and members define interlayer spaces. One or more of the layers may have a plurality of openings extending therethrough. Low density ceramic insulation made be deposited in the interlayer spaces via a slurry that enters the preform, or the preform after it has been made a part of a composite, through the openings. The carrier of the slurry exits the preform, leaving the randomly packed fibers in the interlayer spaces. The structural members may be walls that, along with the layers, define channels. The channels may be used to direct fluid through so as the composite functions as an insulator. The channels may be directed in the warp direction for achieving increased benefits.

Abstract: A composition and method that provides a chemically grafted coating onto a substrate. The composition comprises an acrylate and a grafting initiator. The acrylate may be a waterborne urethane acrylate. The composition may also comprise resistance agents, adhesion agents, UV curing photoinitators, defoaming agents, and/or deglossing agents. The substrate may be any wood or plastic, but works well with heat shrinkable polyolefin tubing. The composition may also be quick curing such that the coating from the composition may be cured under a D bulb and an H bulb at a rate of 100-160 feet/minute. The coating on the substrate resists delamination and wear. The coating may have indicia printed on the coating, the indicia being composed from ink or other printable materials.

Abstract: A bulk absorber has a continuous concentration gradient of particles with dielectric or magnetic altered properties. The bulk absorber may be made from foam or, ceramic. The particles may be carbon fibers, carbon black, carbon whiskers, coated hollow microspheres, or a combination thereof. A manufacturing system for fabricating a bulk absorber has two delivery devices, a controller, an intermingling device, a positioning device, and a forming device. The delivery devices produce flows of absorber precursors, with at least one of the flows having a concentration of particles having dielectric or magnetic altering properties. The ratio of the flows is controlled by the controller. The intermingling device receives and mixes the flows to produce a combined flow. The particle concentration in the combined flow is controlled by the controller. The positioning device directs the depositing of the combined flow into a cavity to build a non-solidified item.

Abstract: A high temperature electrical insulation is described, which is suitable for electrical windings for any number of applications. The inventive insulation comprises a cured preceramic polymer resin, which is preferably a polysiloxane resin. A method for insulating electrical windings, which are intended for use in high temperature environments, such as superconductors and the like, advantageously comprises the steps of, first, applying a preceramic polymer layer to a conductor core, to function as an insulation layer, and second, curing the preceramic polymer layer. The conductor core preferably comprises a metallic wire, which may be wound into a coil. In the preferred method, the applying step comprises a step of wrapping the conductor core with a sleeve or tape of glass or ceramic fabric which has been impregnated by a preceramic polymer resin.

Abstract: A vertical panel system has a vertical panel and a base. The vertical panel has one or more panels. Each panel has opposing first and second panel surfaces and a plurality of edges, wherein the plurality of edges has a base edge. A tab extends from the first panel base edge and terminates at a tab bottom edge. The tab has two opposing side surfaces extending between two opposing side edges. At least one of the tab side surfaces has a tab groove extending from the tab bottom edge and towards the first panel base edge. The base has a top surface and a slot extending from the top surface and into the base. The slot complements at least a portion of the tab and the tab groove. The tab bottom edge extends a length that is shorter than the length of the panel base edge. When assembled, a portion of the vertical panel is in contact with the base top surface, which stabilizes the vertical panel laterally. The edges of vertical panel are raised to protect the panel surfaces.

Abstract: An improved dialysis cell and method for using the same to achieve shorter dialysis times wherein the two dialysis solutions used in the dialysis are brought into greater mutual contact with a semipermeable membrane, requiring the use of a smaller volume of dialysis. Because the dialysis cell is substantially rigid and in the shape of a test tube it can be used with an automated pipettor.

Abstract: A solid-state gyroscope in a closed flight-control loop produces a DSSC QAM body angular-rate output signal and a drive current, which is converted to a demodulation reference signal. The frequency of the demodulation reference signal drifts slowly. A digital complex AM demodulator must demodulate the rate-output signal and correct the phase shift with as little delay as possible. This demodulator employs three elemental Hilbert transformers (EHT), one for direct current (d.c.) blocking and two for phase shifting. The gains of these Hilbert transformers shift with the drive frequency. In order to hold signal-path delays to a minimum, the gains of the Hilbert transformers are held to unity by means of a simple Least Mean Squared (LMS) adaptive loop whose output feeds the gain multiplier of all three Hilbert transformers. Automatic phase-shift correction is also included by adaptively rotating the demodulator reference phase in order to decorrelate the outputs of the demodulator.

Abstract: A lightweight, simple, foldable changing table is disclosed, which can be easily carried and utilized to provide a safe and clean platform on which a child can be laid, in any setting, including a floor, the ground, or the like. The portable changing table comprises a table member having first and second foldable portions, which may be unfolded to an extended position to provide a surface on which the child may be laid, and may be folded and secured in the folded configuration, for storage and transport. A convenient carrying strap is provided for carrying the table on one's shoulder or slung over the handle of a stroller, for example. Advantageously, the inventive portable changing table is foldable into a very compact configuration, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A solution of a non-reconstituted hormone and a preservative having a useful shelf life of at least six months, and, in some circumstances, at least a year. A series of solution of varying levels of the non-reconstituted hormone may be in a test kit and used in a process to determine the level of the hormone in a patient sample. In an aspect of the invention, the hormone is parathyroid hormone. The preservatives may be polyvinyl alcohol, a dissolved EDTA salt, or dissolved sodium molybdate. The hormone may be in an aqueous or a buffered matrix containing very little protein and substantial amounts of TX100 to reduce non-specific binding. The solution is incubated with a solid phase coated with an anti-hormone antibody and a labeled hormone antibody. The solid phase is read using a suitable device for measuring the labeled hormone antibody. An example of a labeled hormone antibody is an acridinium labeled hormone antibody that is read using a light reading device.

Abstract: A sawhorse type of traffic barricade constructed from identical leg units. The legs are equipped with a stop to prevent them from opening beyond a predetermined point. The legs have the cross section of a right triangle, allowing the hypotenuse sides of the legs to nest within each other. The legs may be equipped with complementary convex and concave portions to allow the barricades to be stacked securely atop one another by fitting the portions together.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for applying labels having a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least one face to articles. The label applicator includes a supporting structure supporting a label dispenser having a peeler bar and a label receiver. The label dispenser is adapted to remove labels from a backing strip and transfer the labels to the label receiver. The peeler bar is configured with an integral heater to heat each label as the label is passed over the peeler bar. A hot gas dispenser is attached to the label dispenser and is used to dispense a flow of heated air against the label to soften the adhesive on each label as the label is passed from the label dispenser to the label receiver. The label receiver is adapted to releasably retain the label and transfer the label onto a surface on the article.