Abstract: A solid-state hydroxide (OH−) conductive membrane provides up to five times higher ionic conductivity and surface oxygen exchange rate than conventional MIEC membranes, while operating at significantly lower temperatures and providing reduced overall system cost. The hydroxide conductive membrane utilizes a porous ceramic backbone, pores of which are injected with an electrolyte. A catalyst is provided as discrete layers disposed at the anode and cathode. The membrane of the present invention may be utilized in combination with an external voltage source to drive the oxygen generating reaction. Alternatively, the pores may be metallized and a pressure gradient utilized to drive the reaction. The membrane thus provides discrete materials to provide ionic conduction, electronic conduction, and structural support.

Abstract: A capacitance measurement circuit and probe includes a drive circuit couplable to a constant-current source, a threshold detector, a probe capacitor, and a reference capacitor. The circuit includes a plurality of switches being actuatable to alternately couple the current source to the probe capacitor and to the reference capacitor. The drive circuit is configured to alternately generate a signal of linear ramp waveform having a slope that is proportional to the magnitude of capacitance of the probe capacitor and of the reference capacitor. The voltage differential between the probe capacitor and reference capacitor are actively nulled to nominally eliminate a parasitic capacitance therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical shutter comprising an organic free compound, such as a radical cation or a radical anion, and a polydiacetylene compound, wherein the polydiacetylene compound is characterized by having a change in absorption in a wavelength region as a result of a photo-induced heat transfer from the free radical compound. The thermochromic change in absorption is reversed by thermal cooling or by a photo-induced reaction after the photo-induced heat transfer. Also provided is an optical shutter for use as an optical switch in fiber optic communications, and, alternatively, for use in a laser protection device, in a security protection system, or in an eyewear device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new seal system for resolving the problem of the contamination of special fluids carried in pumps and moreover providing improved sealing by virtue of its special geometry and design. According to the invention, one of the elements to be connected can replace the seal owing to the fact that the seal system includes a combination of two elements to be connected with a fine film ring, one of the elements to be connected having a geometry able to effect a double indentation on the film ring. The invention may be used in pumps and circuits for fluids of the semiconductor industry. The three elements of the seal system, including the pump body, tube, and film ring, may be made of PFA.

Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing an article in which a microporous layer is coated on a temporary carrier substrate and a substrate is then laminated to the microporous layer, prior to removing the temporary carrier substrate from the microporous layer. The microporous layer may comprise one or more microporous xerogel layers. Optionally, the microporous layer assembly may comprise one or more non-microporous coating layers which are in contact with at least one of the microporous xerogel layers, and one of the non-microporous coating layers may be coated on the temporary carrier substrate prior to coating the microporous layer. Also provided are articles, such as electrochemical cells, capacitors, fuel cells, ink jet ink printing media, and filtration media, prepared by such methods.

Abstract: A binary voting solenoid arrangement 10 is provided which operates in a “2 out of 3” manner to provide relatively high safety, low spurious tripping and a relatively low installation cost, while also enabling on-line testing of each solenoid individually without process interruption. Solenoid arrangements 10, 10′ and 10″ are preferably used in a three-way configuration, while solenoid 10′″ may be used in a two-way configuration.

Abstract: A sample introduction device is provided that is particularly useful in the critical care environment for the anaerobic withdrawal of small volumes of arterial blood from a sample collection syringe and introduction thereof into a sample chamber of a sensor for analysis. The sample introduction device includes a Luer fitting adapted to mate an outlet of the container in a concentric orientation with an input aperture of the sample chamber. A tubular probe is adapted for concentric placement with both the outlet and inlet aperture, with a first end thereof extending into the syringe and a second end adapted for attachment to an air supply. The probe has a predetermined diameter sufficient to provide an annular clearance between the probe and each of the outlet and inlet aperture. A predetermined volume of air is injected through the probe into the container to displace a predetermined volume of sample therefrom, through the annular clearance into the sample chamber.

Abstract: Provided are mass and heat flow measurement sensors comprising a microresonator, such as a quartz crystal microbalance; a heat flow sensor; and a heat sink coupled thermally to the heat flow sensor. The sensors may be used to measure changes in mass due to a sample on a surface of the microresonator and also to measure heat flow from the sample on the surface of the microresonator by utilizing the heat flow sensor, which is coupled thermally to the microresonator. Also provided are methods for measuring the mass of a sample, such as a gas, and the flow of heat from the sample to the heat sink by utilizing such mass and heat flow measurement sensors.

Abstract: A binary voting solenoid arrangement 10 is provided which operates in a “2 out of 3” manner to provide relatively high safety, low spurious tripping and a relatively low installation cost, while also enabling on-line testing of each solenoid individually without process interruption. Solenoid arrangements 10, 10′ and 10″ are preferably used in a three-way configuration, while solenoid 10′″ may be used in a two-way configuration.

Abstract: A material feeder having a flexible rotary dispensing member allows precise control over quantity and flow character of material being dispensed. Also, provided are a flexible dispensing member for a rotary material feeder, and a method of adjusting a dispensing amount on a rotary material feeder by adjusting a curvature of the rotating dispensing member.

Abstract: A hollow self-lubricating thrust rivet or fastener is adapted to pivotably fasten first and second members to one another. The fastener is laminated on its outer surface with a self-lubricating or lubricious bearing material such as an organic polymer or plastic material. The bearing material provides the fastener with requisite lubricity to enable the members to rotate about the fastener without requiring application of a discrete lubricant to the interface of the fastener and the members. The fastener thus effectively combines the functions of a conventional fastener and a conventional bearing into a single unitary device. The fastener preferably includes an annular thrust portion laminated with the lubricious bearing material and adapted for placement between the members. The thrust portion effectively eliminates the need for installation of a discrete washer between the members.

Abstract: A binary voting solenoid arrangement 10 is provided which operates in a "2 out of 3" manner to provide relatively high safety, low spurious tripping and a relatively low installation cost, while also enabling on-line testing of each solenoid individually without process interruption. Solenoid arrangement 10 is preferably manifolded (not shown), to facilitate maintenance on any detected failure, and to simplify installation and replacement.

Abstract: The present invention includes an electropneumatic positioner having an external binary input block which provides access to the electrical output of an integral electronic position controller to control operation of a valve relay. The invention enables manual control of the positioner for safety, maintenance etc.

Abstract: A hollow self-lubricating thrust rivet or fastener is adapted to pivotably fasten first and second members to one another. The fastener is laminated on its outer surface with a self-lubricating or lubricious bearing material such as an organic polymer or plastic material. The bearing material provides the fastener with requisite lubricity to enable the members to rotate about the fastener without requiring application of a discrete lubricant to the interface of the fastener and the members. The fastener thus effectively combines the functions of a conventional fastener and a conventional bearing into a single unitary device. The fastener preferably includes an annular thrust portion laminated with the lubricious bearing material and adapted for placement between the members. The thrust portion effectively eliminates the need for installation of a discrete washer between the members.

Abstract: A golf training aid is provided which includes a generally rectangular base configured for supportive contact with a ball playing surface. Posts or support members extend from the base and support first and second cross-bars. The first and second guide members each have a shaft guiding surface and a support surface disposed on opposite sides thereof. Each of the first and second guide members are supported by the base at the support surface so that each of the shaft guiding surfaces extends in a substantially unobstructed manner along substantially the entire length of the first and second guide members. The shaft guiding surfaces of the first and second guide members are adapted to guide a portion of the club shaft located proximate the club handle and a portion of the club shaft located proximate the club head along a notional surface defined by the shaft guiding surfaces of the first and second guide members.