Abstract: The present invention features a metallic resistive heater and uses thereof. The resistive heater includes a metallic component that is electrically conductive (i.e., has low resistivity) and an oxide, nitride, carbide, and/or boride derivative of the metallic component that is electrically insulating (i.e., has high resistivity). The resistivity is controlled in part by controlling the amount of oxide, nitride, carbide, and boride formation during the deposition of the metallic component and the derivative.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system designed for ceiling installation. The system includes a woofer, a midrange speaker and a tweeter commonly supported on a rotatable support member which in turn is supported on and is rotatable with respect to an annular rim that is designed to be fixed about an opening in the ceiling. The woofer is aligned at one acute angle and the midrange speaker and tweeter at another acute angle to the annular rim. The mid range speaker and tweeter are partially segregated from the woofer by a baffle.

Abstract: Audio processing methods and apparatus are provided for at least partially compensating for the Fletcher-Munson effect. An audio processor includes a variable filter receiving an input signal and providing a filtered output signal, the variable filter having a fixed cutoff frequency and a quality factor that is controllable in response to a control signal, and a control circuit configured to detect a signal level representative of input signal level in a selected band and to generate the control signal in response to the detected signal level. The control circuit may include a low-pass band select filter and a detector for detecting a signal level in the band selected by the low-pass filter and for generating the control signal.

Abstract: A system and method modifying wavefront shape is provided. Generally, the system contains a wavefront shape modifying device for modifying the shape of the wavefront. The system also contains a series of optical devices for returning the modified wavefront to the wavefront modifying device with an orientation that enables further modification of the modified wavefront by the wavefront modifying device. The method contains the steps of: reflecting a wavefront from a surface of a wavefront shape modifying device, resulting in the wavefront having a modified shape; and reflecting the wavefront having a modified shape from the surface of the wavefront shape modifying device a second time resulting in a final wavefront having a shape that has been modified twice.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating fluid and a method for providing the same is provided. Generally, the system contains a metallic core; a dielectric layer thermally sprayed on the core; a resistive heater layer thermally sprayed on the dielectric layer; a metallic layer portion located at ends of the resistive heater layer; and a source of power providing said power via said metallic layer portion.

Abstract: A microcontact printing tool having a print unit including a stamp head with a stamp and a wafer chuck for retaining a substrate. The stamp contained by the stamped head movable relative to the substrate by an actuator and a stage. A plurality of sensors detect the position of the stamp relative to substrate. A method of using the printing tool that includes a real-time feedback for consistent and accurate application of force during the printing of the substrate. The stamp head includes a pressure chamber carrying the stamp. The stamp backing is deflected prior to contact of the stamp with the substrate to form a minimum point and the stamp backing and the stamp is returned to a plane to create a printing propagation contact. An apparatus and method of producing the stamp on a stamp backing. The apparatus has a master backing and a stamping backing in close proximity and the stamp material drawn in through a vacuum. The stamp is separated from the master by use of a parting fluid.

Abstract: A thermal overload and resonant motion control circuit is provided for an audio speaker, the circuit generating a feedback signal to control the input applied to the speaker, which feedback signal is dependent on both the drive current to the speaker and the speaker impedance. More specifically, the feedback signal has a voltage which is substantially equally to the absolute value of K(bv?ai)H(s); where, K=a gain for the circuit, i=current of drive signal applied to the speaker, v=voltages of drive signal, a=percentage of drive current (i) sensed by the control circuit; b=percentage of drive voltage (v) sensed by the control circuit, H(s)=a lowpass filter transfer function for a lowpass filter of the control circuit, and s=a complex frequency variable.

Abstract: According to the process for coating metal substrates, a light-sensitive (or photo-sensitive) bonding material, such as an emulsion or a photopolymer film, is used to adhere metal directly to a substrate to provide various forms of metal coatings on the substrate. The light-sensitive bonding material is generally applied directly between the substrate and the metal layer. The light-sensitive bonding material is applied under conditions (e.g., lighting and temperature) that prevent premature curing of the light-sensitive bonding material. The light-sensitive bonding material applied between the substrate and metal is then dried and exposed to light to cure the light-sensitive bonding material in selected areas, causing the metal to adhere to the substrate in the selected areas.

Abstract: A fastener cover capable of covering exposed studs on a boat contains a padded portion having a top surface and a bottom surface and at least one socket sized to couple to an exposed stud. The socket is located on the bottom surface of the padded portion, so that when the fastener cover is attached to the exposed stud, the stud is covered by the padded portion.

Abstract: An omnidirectional tilt and vibration sensor contains a first electrically conductive element, a second electrically conductive element, an electrically insulative element, and multiple electrically conductive weights. The first electrically conductive element has a first diameter on a proximate portion of the first electrically conductive element and a second diameter on a distal portion of the first electrically conductive element, where the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The second electrically conductive element is similar to the first. In addition, the electrically insulative element is connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element. The electrically conductive weights are located within a cavity of the sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by surface of the first electrically conductive element, the electrically insulative element, and the second electrically conductive element.

Abstract: A device for processing liquid with a main body having a valve housing chamber with a main inlet port and a main outlet port along a non-horizontal axis; a liquid inlet processing port and a liquid outlet processing port. The valve housing chamber has a rotatable valve mounted within and moves from a position allowing the liquid to flow from the main inlet port to the main outlet port to a position that directs the flow from the main inlet port to the inlet processing port and directs a flow from the outlet processing port to the main outlet port. The device also has a processing chamber along a vertical axis, receiving the flow from the inlet processing port, processing the liquid, and directing the flow into the outlet processing port.

Abstract: A system for automatically purifying solvents has a solvent holding portion having at least one solvent stored therein, a filter holding portion having at least one filter tube located therein, a peripheral device, and a computer. The computer has a memory and a processor, and the processor is configured by the memory to perform the steps of: receiving an electronic selection of a solvent to be automatically purified; automatically causing the flow of the electronically selected solvent from the solvent holding portion to the at least one filter tube; and automatically filling a collection vessel with the purified solvent.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a hermetic seal between a lens or window and a lid, which minimizes bending moments, and therefore, bifringance on the window or lens is disclosed. This is accomplished by use of a transition member, specific geometries, and selection of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials to insure that the solder joint is in compression on cool down and solder strains are maintained within acceptable limits. The transition member may be soldered or welded to lid or integral through machining.

Abstract: A chalk line helper having a generally planar top section, a generally planar bottom section, the bottom section having a plurality of bottom projections positioned perpendicular to the bottom section, a front leading edge, a rear following edge, a first side section having a first wing-shaped projection, the first wing-shaped projection generally slanted toward the rear following edge and inward toward the top section, and a second side section having a second wing-shaped projection, the second-wing shaped projection generally slanted toward the rear following edge and inward toward the top section.