Abstract: A method for calibrating and aligning a metrology system comprising a machine including multi-axis part-positioning means and a wavefront-measuring gauge embedded in the machine. The gauge is used in determining spatial relationships among the translational and rotational axes, between part surface coordinates and machine coordinates, and between machine coordinates embedded gauge coordinates; in calibrating various components of the machine and the embedded gauge; and in aligning itself to the machine. A complete method comprises the steps of coarsely aligning the machine rotary axes with their respective translational axes and setting nominal zero points for the rotary axes; aligning the embedded gauge mainframe to the machine axes; aligning the embedded gauge focal point onto a spindle axis; determining the spatial offsets between the rotary axes when so aligned; precisely aligning the machine rotary axes with their respective translational axes; and setting precise zero points for the rotary axes.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff including an inflatable bladder disposed between an elastic, resilient inner layer of material and at least one outer layer of material. The bladder is secured to these layers along the elongate ends but not along the elongate edges. The bladder is not laterally constrained during inflation. The cuff is formed into a cylindrical shape having a fixed outer diameter and includes a backing layer and apparatus for securing the bladder to a layer of the cuff to hold the bladder in place during donning of the cuff. Because the bladder is not constrained along its contact-width edges, the shape of the bladder automatically adjusts to provide a longer contact surface for larger arms and a shorter contact surface for smaller arms. The cuff is especially suited for use as a closed cuff in an automated blood pressure measurement machine or in stand-alone measurement use.

Abstract: An arcuate, preferably cylindrical, magnetic shunt bar supports a plurality of pin magnets having alternate north and south orientations, defining a ring-shaped array of magnets of alternating orientation. The magnet free ends opposite the shunt bar are positioned to conform closely to the shape of a surface to be sealed, forming a narrow gap therebetween containing a multi-polar magnetic field extending beyond the free ends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface. The axes of the magnets may be disposed at any desired angular orientation to the surface. Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) in the gap is magnetically stiffened and held as a dynamic seal. The arrangement is useful as a shaft seal, wherein the seal surface passes axially through the array, and also as a wiper for MRF from a carrier surface wherein the surface passes by the array.

Abstract: A system for mounting a tool in a tool holder for high-precision centering of the tool and positive restraint of the tool from rotation within the holder. The tool holder includes a cylindrical aperture having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the shank of a cylindrical tool. The tool is installed into the tool holder by heating the tool holder to a temperature sufficient to increase the aperture diameter sufficiently to accept the tool shank. The tool shank is further provided with an angular flat for engagement with a set screw to prevent the tool from being turned in the holder in use. Preferably, a second tool flat is provided opposite the first flat and extending to the end of the tool shank for orientation of the tool by a second set screw during insertion of the tool into the tool holder.

Abstract: An externally heated engine is provided which has at least two pistons. The first piston has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid. A heater heats the working fluid in the first cylinder. Preferably, the cylinder is heated by a heat source so that the working fluid has a temperature of no more than 500° Fahrenheit with a temperature difference between the heat source and the working fluid of less than 5° Fahrenheit. The second piston reciprocates within a second cylinder, and has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side and the cylinder define a working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the piston and the cylinder define a second opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid delivery system includes a mixing and tempering vessel. Fluid is admitted to the vessel via a plurality of tangential ports, creating a mixing of the fluid in the vessel and promoting homogeneity. Fluid may be reconstituted in the vessel by metered addition of carrier fluid. A fixed-speed centrifugal pump disposed in the vessel pressurizes the system. Fluid is pumped through a magnetic-induction flowmeter and a magnetic flow control valve having solenoid windings whereby MR fluid is magnetically stiffened to restrict flow. A closed-loop feedback control system connects the output of the flowmeter to performance of the valve. A nozzle having a slot-shaped bore dispenses MR fluid for re-use in the work zone.

Abstract: A method for accurately synthesizing a full-aperture data map from a series of overlapped sub-aperture data maps. In addition to conventional alignment uncertainties, a generalized compensation framework corrects a variety of errors, including compensators that are independent in each sub-aperture. Another class of compensators (interlocked) include coefficients that are the same across all the sub-apertures. A constrained least-squares optimization routine maximizes data consistency in sub-aperture overlap regions. The stitching algorithm includes constraints representative of the accuracies of the hardware to ensure that the results are within meaningful bounds. The constraints also enable the computation of estimates of uncertainties in the final results. The method therefore automatically calibrates the system, provides a full-aperture surface map, and an estimate of residual uncertainties.

Abstract: A method for separating oil from geological formations by application of an aqueous oxidant. The oxidant breaks the interfacial attraction between the oil phase and the geological formation and also produces ketone moieties which assist in separating the oil phase from the mineral phase and also dissolve into the oil phase, thereby decreasing the viscosity. The method is especially useful in recovering heavy oil from geological formations wherein oil has been previously extracted to exhaustion by prior art methods.

Abstract: A system for dispensing magnetorheological fluid to an MR finishing machine includes a pump for pressurizing the system; a first magnetic valve for regulating MR fluid flow by magnetically varying the structure and apparent viscosity of the fluid through a first flow passage; a similar second magnetic valve magnetically controlling a second flow passage in line with the first valve and flow passage; a pressure sensor disposed between the first and second valves; and an electronic control means. MR fluid flow through the system is controlled to a predetermined flow rate solely by the first valve. When the second valve is deactivated, a reference pressure is determined and saved. When the second valve is activated, a second pressure is determined and saved. From the pressure difference, the solids concentration of the fluid is determined, and a computer algorithm adds a calculated amount of water to the fluid reservoir as needed.