Abstract: A hybrid spiral waveguide geometry is proposed that exhibits essentially zero curvature (i.e., infinite bend radius) at the center of the spiral (similar to a Fermat spiral), with the curvature then increasing in value as the spiral moves outward. Advantageously, as the spiral moves away from the center, the spacing between adjacent waveguides quickly approaches a constant value (similar to an Archimedean spiral). This hybrid spiral structure has been found to allow for a high density waveguide to be created with lower loss and requiring a smaller size than many conventional spiral configurations and finds use in optical delay lines, amplifiers and arrayed waveguide gratings.

Abstract: A method for designing feedforward and feedback controllers for integration of stochastic sources and loads into a nonlinear networked AC/DC microgrid system is provided. A reduced order model for general networked AC/DC microgrid systems is suitable for HSSPFC control design. A simple feedforward steady state solution is utilized for the feedforward controls block. Feedback control laws are provided for the energy storage systems. A HSSPFC controller design is implemented that incorporates energy storage systems that provides static and dynamic stability conditions for both the DC random stochastic input side and the AC random stochastic load side. Transient performance was investigated for the feedforward/feedback control case. Numerical simulations were performed and provided power and energy storage profile requirements for the networked AC/DC microgrid system overall performance.

Abstract: A pedicle screw mounted retractor has a split tube body that has a central tube longitudinally split into two split halves, a first half portion and a second half portion. The split halves form a central working portal. Each half portion has a cylindrical retractor tube appended on a side along an external surface. Each cylindrical retractor tube has a flange with a post extending at or near a proximal end. The pair of cylindrical retractor tubes is configured to pass onto and over a tower or extended top threaded post of a pedicle screw prepositioned in a pair of vertebrae for retracting the vertebrae. The central working portal has at least a 20 mm diameter in a closed and abutted orientation of the first and second split halves. In one embodiment, the central working portal has a 22 mm diameter in the closed and abutted orientation.

Abstract: A system includes a thermal transpiration generator having a vacuum-sealed container, a rotatable shaft within the container, bearings supporting the shaft within the container, a first set of vanes secured to the shaft, a second set of vanes secured to the shaft, a first receiving lens for focusing energy on the first set of vanes, a second receiving lens for focusing energy on the second set of vanes, and a flywheel secured to the shaft. An electric generator is located outside the container and is coupled to the rotatable shaft with a magnetic coupler to be driven by rotation of the shaft. The system further includes a light energy collector system concentrating energy on each of the first and second receiving lenses, and an outer housing located about the container and the electric generator.

Abstract: A method for recovering an acidic gas, includes: a step of bringing a gas to be treated that contains an acidic gas into gas-liquid into contact with an amine absorbing solution, allowing the amine absorbing solution to absorb the acidic gas, thereby removing the acidic gas from the gas to be treated; a step of allowing the amine absorbing solution that has absorbed the acidic gas to release the acidic gas, thereby regenerating the amine absorbing solution, and at the same time, recovering the released acidic gas; and an analysis step of calculating concentrations of iron ions and/or heavy metal ions in the amine absorbing solution.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to an electronics assembly that includes a semiconductor device, a substrate layer, a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer. Jet channels that have a first inner diameter are disposed within the substrate layer. The first mesh layer includes a first plurality of pores that have a perimeter opening. The second mesh layer includes a second plurality of pores that have a second inner diameter. The jet channels, the first and the second plurality of pores are concentric to create a fluid path for a fluid to impinge a first device surface of the semiconductor device. The second inner diameter is smaller than the perimeter opening and the first inner diameter of the substrate layer such that a cooling fluid velocity increases when flowing from the substrate layer through the second mesh layer.

Abstract: An antenna package includes a patterned antenna structure and an encapsulant. The patterned antenna structure includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and a third surface extended between the first surface and the second surface. The encapsulant is disposed on the first surface of the patterned antenna structure. The third surface of the patterned antenna structure includes a first portion covered by the encapsulant and a second portion exposed from the encapsulant.

Abstract: Provided are a plasma generating apparatus and a substrate treating apparatus. The plasma generating apparatus includes a plurality of ground electrodes arranged inside a vacuum container and extending parallel to each other and power electrodes arranged between the ground electrodes. An area where a distance between the ground electrode and the power electrode is constant exists, and the power electrodes are tapered in a direction facing the substrate. The power electrodes are connected to an RF power source, and height of the power electrode is greater than that of the ground electrode in the direction facing the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluid seal to prevent fluid and lubricant loss during automotive transmission testing. The fluid seal may be disposed on a surface of an axle shaft such that a variety of transmissions may be evaluated without replacement of the axle shaft, a laborious and ergonomically stressful task. Moreover, the fluid seal may be disposed on a standard collar of the axle shaft for interaction with an internal surface of a transmission coupler.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for an air filter configured to be mounted onto an air inlet of an internal combustion engine. The air filter comprises a first end cap configured to couple with a base which is configured to support a conventional air filter and provide an interface between the conventional air filter and the air inlet. A filter medium which is relatively thicker than the conventional air filter is configured to remove particulate matter and other contaminates from an incoming airstream. A second end cap is configured to couple with a cover which is configured to fasten the conventional air filter and the base onto the air inlet, such that the incoming airstream is directed through the filter medium. The air filter is configured to be installed in place of the conventional air filter without necessitating alteration of the base and cover.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body including a quarter panel assembly. The quarter panel assembly includes an inner quarter panel and an outer quarter panel located outboard of the inner quarter panel forming a volume therebetween. The outer quarter panel has a vent opening extending therethrough. A quarter vent assembly is connected to the outer quarter panel covering the vent opening. An exterior fascia covers the quarter vent assembly such that an air gap is provided between the quarter vent assembly and the exterior fascia. A service hole cover is located in the volume between the inner quarter panel and the outer quarter panel. The service hole cover includes a cover body and a noise reduction flange at a bottom of the cover body that extends inboard toward the inner quarter panel at the vent opening.

Abstract: A semiconductor package device includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a first spacer. The first substrate includes a first divided pad. The second substrate includes a second divided pad disposed above the first divided pad. The first spacer is disposed between the first divided pad and the second divided pad. The first spacer is in contact with the first divided pad and the second divided pad.

Abstract: A method for performing diagnostics on a target transformer includes applying a voltage output of a voltage generator to a winding or phase of the target transformer; controlling the voltage generator to output an AC voltage at a first frequency and then a second frequency and measuring first and second excitation currents flowing into the target transformer associated with the first frequency and second frequency, respectively. The method further includes determining an actual excitation current of the target transformer as a function of both the first and second excitation currents, and comparing the actual excitation current of the target transformer to excitation currents associated with one or more benchmark transformers having known electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A low cost disposable utility knife includes a hollow handle having an elongated slot and an opening at each end. A blade shuttle holds a trapezoidal razor blade and is slidably mounted on tracks integrally formed within the hollow handle and slidable between each end of the handle. When the shuttle is located at either end, a cutting edge of the razor extends beyond the opening of the adjacent handle end and is accessible for useful cutting work by a user. The shuttle includes a tab that is positioned within the elongated slot and includes a portion that is accessible to the user. The user may use the accessible tab to slide the shutter and the blade within the handle between the two ends, as desired. A U-Shaped flip lock is pivotally attached to the handle between a down position, wherein the tab is physically blocked from sliding along the elongated slot, and an up position, wherein the tab is permitted to slide along the elongated slot, passing under the U-shaped flip lock.

Abstract: A semiconductor package structure includes a semiconductor die, at least one wiring structure, a metal support, a passive element, a plurality of signal vias, and a plurality of thermal structures. The semiconductor die has an active surface. The at least one wiring structure is electrically connected to the active surface of the semiconductor die. The metal support is used for supporting the semiconductor die. The passive element is electrically connected to the semiconductor die. The signal vias are electrically connecting the passive element and the semiconductor die. The thermal structures are connected to the passive element, and the thermal structures are disposed on a periphery of the at least one wiring structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for inspecting an elongated tube-like object. The apparatus comprises a body (1, 2) for moving along the elongated tube-like object by clamping the object; and a sensor frame (15, 15b, 15c) supporting one or more sensors (20) for measuring a state indication property. One or more one or more body-to-sensor-frame connections (39, 40, 43, 72b, 72c) connect the sensor frame (15, 15b, 15c) to the body (1, 2), wherein the one or more body-to-sensor-frame connections (39, 40, 43, 72b, 72c) are arranged to allow an adjustable relative position between the sensor frame and the body, while the sensor frame can position itself with respect to the tube.

Abstract: A clad metal composite produced according to a method for edge-to-edge cladding of two or more different metals (such as aluminum and copper). The metals are joined next to each other to form an edge-to-edge or side-by-side clad bimetal. In one embodiment, nine metal strips are used to create the desired clad metal composite. The design includes strips of metal that have industry standard cut edges (such as, slit-cut edges). In one embodiment, the clad metal composite includes multiple layers of metals positioned edge-to-edge. In one embodiment, the method of making an edge-to-edge composite includes providing multiple layers of metal made of separate strips, aligning the strips in the multiple layers with one another so that edges of the strips of the multiple layers do not align with one another, and then bonding the layers and strips to one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for low-power optical transceivers. In one embodiment, a low-power optical transceiver may include a microcontroller and an optical receiver and an optical transmitter in communication with and controlled by the microcontroller. The optical receiver may include a photodetector configured to receive a first optical representation of a first signal to be received and to generate an electrical representation of the first signal. An amplifier may amplify the electrical representation of the first signal, and an output in electrical communication with the amplifier may generate an electrical output. The optical transmitter may include a laser diode configured to generate a second optical representation of a second signal to be transmitted. The microcontroller may be configured to control an output power of the laser diode.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mobile data power and lighting distribution station (10) and a data, power and lighting distribution system (250). The Station (10) has a plurality of power over ethernet sources (114, 136, 156) for powering LED lights (178, 190, 192, 204) and for providing 240 V AC power via charging station 216 and conversion module 228. Station 10 also communicates data/network connectivity for communicating with IP enabled devices including cameras (196), sensors (198, 166, 200) and for communicating and controlling access control systems (202). Station 10 is controlled via touchscreen (116) or remotely via web based interface made available via local wireless network (118) or via a telecommunications network (126) including the internet (128). The invention also encompasses driverless LED light fixtures controlled directly from the station (10) as well as DALI enabled Ethernet powered LED light fixtures.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computationally efficient technique for determining a location of a fault on a power line using local measurements and remote current measurements. For example, a method may include receiving one or more local measurements of a power line. The method includes receiving a signal indicating one or more remote current measurements of the power line. The method includes determining a location of a fault on the power line based on a fault voltage multiplied by a conjugate of a compensated differential current. The method includes providing the location of the fault.