Abstract: A centrifuge includes a shaft and a center tube. The shaft has a single flow passage from which fluid is supplied and has one or more fluid ports defined therein. The center tube has two sets of openings defined therein. A portion of the fluid in the centrifuge is directed to bypass the cleaning operation and is directly used to drive the centrifuge. The remaining fluid flows through the centrifuge and particulate matter is removed from the liquid. The fluid is then discharged through the nozzles in order to rotate the centrifuge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved torque actuator control system using data inputs from an operator controlled input transducer relating to the desired torque output of a controlled member and inputs concerning the directly measured speed and torque of the controlled member. The improved torque actuator control circuit uses the inputs to generate an output command to the controlled member that results in the direct application of the desired torque output from the controlled member.

Abstract: A pulsed detonation engine wave rotor apparatus and method of using a pressure wave to compress a buffer gas disposed within the engine flow passages. The high pressure buffer gas is routed out of the wave rotor and subsequently reintroduced to the wave rotor to discharge and scavenge the latter stages of the combustion gas remaining under the engine flow passages.

Abstract: A silver-based alloy thin film is provided for the highly reflective or semi-reflective layer of optical discs. Alloy additions to silver include gold, palladium, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. These alloys have moderate to high reflectivity and reasonable corrosion resistance in the ambient environment.

Abstract: Novel formulations of DEET are provided which comprise liposomes and other carriers. Methods and materials for preventing Schistomiasis and other parasitic and microbial diseases are also provided. Also provided are improved materials and methods for repelling biting insects.

Abstract: A system for implementing a telecommunication number processing technique is disclosed. The deployed system, e.g. a call center, comprises a CT server and a telecommunication switch. The deployed system can further comprise a computer network. The CT server receives a telecommunication number input from a telecommunication switch or the computer network. The telecommunication number input represents a telecommunication number to dial a telecommunication call to a telecommunication subscriber located within the system, or an external telephone. In response to the telecommunication number input, the CT server provides a standardized number corresponding to the telecommunication number input. The CT server subsequently provides a dial plan corresponding to the standardized number. The dial plan includes a dial string, a dial group, and a dialing classification.

Abstract: A lid lifter mount is installed on the hinge pin of a conventional manway lid, and has a compression spring assembly engaging a lever which is also installed on the hinge pin. The lever has a bar engaging a lid hinge arm. A spring force adjustment screw connected to the mount enables adjustment of the amount of lift assist the bar applies to the hinge arm by cam action against the arm as the operator lifts the lid. Two embodiments are shown for attachment to two types of lid hinges.

Abstract: Borate-diol reaction products for wound healing are disclosed. The product is obtained by reacting 0.01-1% by weight of borate with 1-10% by weight of a mixture polyvinyl alcohols. A 1% of the polyvinyl alcohols have viscosities of 25-30 mPa s and 3-10 mPa s.

Abstract: A cover is provided for an end of a conduit. The cover comprises a front face covering the conduit end and a back face having fasteners for attachment to a conduit. A plurality of apertures pass between the front face and back face to allow the flow of liquid to and/or from the conduit. The edges of the front face defining the entrances to the apertures are non-planar. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the apertures are formed such that the flow of liquid between the front and back faces is deflected so that the liquid follows at least two directions in passing between the front and back faces. The cover can be used as a grille over drainage in a swimming pool.

Abstract: A system for executing a method for estimating atmospheric air pressure ambient to an internal combustion engine as a means to preclude the need for an atmospheric air pressure sensor. The system includes an absolute boost pressure sensor, an engine speed sensor, and an electronic control unit. The absolute boost pressure sensor provides a first signal that is indicative of the absolute boost pressure of the air received within the intake manifold of the engine. The engine speed sensor provides a second signal that is indicative of the engine speed of the engine. The electronic control unit generates a third signal that is indicative of the atmospheric air pressure ambient to the engine, a fourth signal that is indicative of a gage boost pressure of the engine, and a fifth signal that is indicative of a fuel command for the engine. When the engine is idling, the atmospheric air pressure signal is generated as a function of the absolute boost pressure signal.

Abstract: A method for the conduct of a measurement of proximity between luminescent species based on detection of transfer of excitation energy between them. A first photoluminescent species (the “donor”) and a second photoluminescent species (the “acceptor”) are provided and are such that the donor species and the acceptor species have at least some excitation spectral regions which differ and that at least a part of the emission spectrum of the donor overlaps with at least a part of the excitation spectrum of the acceptor.

Abstract: A casing drilling shoe adapted for attachment to a casing string and comprising an outer drilling section constructed of a relatively hard material such as steel and an inner section constructed of a readily drillable material such as aluminum. The drilling shoe further includes a device for controllably displacing the outer drilling section to enable the shoe to be drilled through using a standard drill bit and subsequently penetrated by a reduced diameter casing string or liner.

Abstract: A spinal implant for intervertebral disc replacement. The implant is formed from two hemicylindrical elements, each engaging one of an adjacent pair of vertebrae. An articulating ball-and-socket joint and/or rocker and channel between the two elements resists compression and lateral movement between the vertebra, but allows pivotal movement, thereby preserving mobility. Fusion chambers are provided for allowing bone ingrowth to fuse the elements to the vertebrae. Biocompatible, bioreabsorbable struts, shims, fillers and/or end caps are provided for temporary stabilization of the first and second hemicylindrical elements. Bone chips removed from the vertebrae during implantation or bone growth stimulators can be inserted into the fusion chamber or otherwise applied to the implant to enhance bone ingrowth.

Abstract: An invention for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strips.

Abstract: Rod reducers for use in orthopedic surgery are disclosed that include a fastener engaging member and a reducing member coupled together by an actuator assembly. The fastener engaging member can be secured to a fastener engaged to bone or tissue of the patient. The actuator assembly moves the reducing member such that its distal end contacts a rod and moves it toward the fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the bearing compartment of a gas turbine engine includes a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit defines inner and outer surfaces between an inlet end and an outlet end. The second conduit defines inner and outer surfaces between an inlet end and an outlet end. At least a portion of the second conduit is substantially coaxial with and enclosed by at least a portion of the first conduit. One of the first conduit or the second conduit is a lubricant feed to the bearing compartment. The other of the first conduit and the second conduit is the air vent from the bearing compartment.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for implementing a technique for managing torque of a drivetrain. The drivetrain includes an air intake passage having a throttle valve, an internal combustion engine having an output shaft, a transmission having an output shaft, and a rotational propulsion member operatively coupled to the transmission by a propeller shaft and a drive axle. The system includes a throttle valve sensor, an engine speed sensor, a transmission speed sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a transmission controller, and an engine controller. The throttle position sensor provides a throttle position signal that is indicative of a rotational position of the throttle valve. The engine speed sensor provides an engine speed signal that is indicative of a rotational speed of the engine output shaft. The transmission speed sensor provides a transmission speed signal that is indicative of a rotational speed of the transmission output shaft.