Abstract: Powder fluidizing apparatus includes a unitary pressure vessel having a powder compartment and a transfer compartment, a lid on a first open end of the powder compartment and a base on a second end of the unitary pressure vessel, the second end sealing an open end of the transfer compartment. A plate separates the powder compartment from the transfer compartment, the plate being located between the lid and the base. A coupling collar secures a sieve disk packet in an opening in the plate. A tube extends from the transfer compartment to the powder compartment, the tube extending to a location near the lid of the unitary pressure vessel. When the transfer compartment is pressurized with a carrier gas, pressure in the transfer compartment and pressure in the powder compartment are equalized by the tube.

Abstract: Powder fluidizing apparatus includes a unitary pressure vessel having a powder compartment and a transfer compartment, a lid on a first open end of the powder compartment and a base on a second end of the unitary pressure vessel, the second end sealing an open end of the transfer compartment. A plate separates the powder compartment from the transfer compartment, the plate being located between the lid and the base. A coupling collar secures a sieve disk packet in an opening in the plate. A tube extends from the transfer compartment to the powder compartment, the tube extending to a location near the lid of the unitary pressure vessel. When the transfer compartment is pressurized with a carrier gas, pressure in the transfer compartment and pressure in the powder compartment are equalized by the tube.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in the form of a honeycomb with a plurality of rectangular or otherwise polygon in cross-section passages which share common walls with adjacent passages. Two or more flow paths each comprises a plurality of serially connected passages. Each flow path passes through the heat exchanger in a helical pathway, thus through one passage in a first vertical stack of passages, then through a lower passage in an adjacent second vertical stack of passages, then through a lower passage in the first vertical stack, then through a lower passage in the second vertical stack and in this helical manner to the outlet from the heat exchanger. Thus, the flow path comprises alternate passages in each vertical stack, and another flow path comprises the alternate passages in at least one of the vertical stacks not taken up by the first flow path, whereby the flow paths at least partially overlap each other thereby providing both counter-flow and co-flow.

Abstract: A magnetic fluid seal includes a pole ring having an inner diameter, a rotatable shaft having an outer diameter, the rotatable shaft configured to extend along the inner diameter of the pole ring between an atmosphere side and vacuum side, at least one magnet coupled to the pole ring, the at least one magnet configured to emit a magnetic field having a strength and a shape, and grooves formed on either the inner diameter of the pole ring or the outer diameter of the shaft, the grooves capable of containing ferromagnetic fluid. The ferromagnetic fluid contained the grooves varies so as to improve the performance of the magnetic fluid seal.

Abstract: The method involves a pipe bundle arrangement, each bundle having a length, a width and a depth and being a shape bundle having a rectangular or a round bundle having a hexagonal cross-section. Each bundle has a type, each type having predetermined ranges of length and width, the bundle being assigned to that type in respect of which the length and width falls within the predetermined ranges. In the arrangement: no stack exceeds a predetermined height; no round bundle has stacked thereupon a shape bundle nor a round bundle of another type; the predetermined length range of each bundle in a stack is common; the predetermined width range of each shape bundle in a stack is common; and in no stack is a round bundle stacked upon a shape bundle wherein the predetermined width range of the round bundle is greater than the predetermined width range of the shape bundle.

Abstract: An assembly for Kratky collimator is provided. The assembly may be used for a small angle x-ray camera or system requiring such filtering. The assembly may include a first block with a first working surface and a second block with a second working surface. The first and second blocks may be aligned with the first working surface pointing an opposite direction of the second working surface and the first working surface being aligned in a common plane with the second working surface. In some implementations, the first block may comprise a crystal material. In some implementations, an extension may of the first block may be configured position a beamstop.

Abstract: A foil journal bearing. A single foil engages an inner surface of and is mounted to the bearing housing. The single foil extends circumferentially of the inner surface and has a generally flat top foil portion and a bump foil portion which is disposed between the top foil portion and the inner surface of the housing. The bump foil portion comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced ridges which engage the top foil portion and further comprises a plurality of generally flat portions between the ridges respectively and which engage the inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: A micro-machine powered by an electric motor and/or a gas turbine drive and capable of rotation speeds to 1,500,000 rpm is disclosed. The micro-machine may include a rotating spindle which is constructed, balanced and arranged to provide a tool holder function and may incorporate a portion of the drive system. The other portion of the drive system is incorporated in a machine housing. The housing locates and supports at least one foil thrust bearing and at least one foil journal bearing to support the spindle. The housing and the bearings may be split into at least two parts and reassembled and the housing incorporates a gas reservoir and gas distribution channels for forced gas cooling of the bearings. In one embodiment of a foil journal bearing, a plurality of overlapping top foil segments supported by individual bump foil segments consisting of generally uniformly-spaced ridges and flats are secured within a housing.

Abstract: A foil journal bearing. A single foil engages an inner surface of and is mounted to the bearing housing. The single foil extends circumferentially of the inner surface and has a generally flat top foil portion and a bump foil portion which is disposed between the top foil portion and the inner surface of the housing. The bump foil portion comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced ridges which engage the top foil portion and further comprises a plurality of generally flat portions between the ridges respectively and which engage the inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: A magnetic fluid seal includes a pole ring having an inner diameter, a rotatable shaft having an outer diameter, the rotatable shaft configured to extend along the inner diameter of the pole ring between an atmosphere side and vacuum side, at least one magnet coupled to the pole ring, the at least one magnet configured to emit a magnetic field having a strength and a shape, and grooves formed on either the inner diameter of the pole ring or the outer diameter of the shaft, the grooves capable of containing ferromagnetic fluid. The ferromagnetic fluid contained the grooves varies so as to improve the performance of the magnetic fluid seal.

Abstract: A foil journal bearing applicable to high speed machining and grinding machines for machining microscopic features. A single foil is secured to and supported by a hollow, generally cylindrical, housing. The foil has a length substantially equal to twice the interior circumference of the housing and a mounting feature, extending across its width, for engagement with a feature of complementary shape in the housing. One portion of the foil has a length approximately equal to one half of the foil length, and comprises a bump foil and a plurality of regions comprising groups of generally uniformly-spaced ridges and flats, the regions being separated by extended flat regions. The other portion of the foil has a length approximately equal to one half of the foil length, and comprises the top foil and is generally flat and overlies the bump foil which overlies the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a sample is provided. The system includes an optical system capable of providing a one-dimensional beam and a two-dimensional beam. The system may include a beam selection device to select between providing a one-dimensional x-ray beam to the sample in a one-dimensional operation mode and a two-dimensional x-ray beam to the sample in a two-dimensional operation mode.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a sample is provided. The system includes a beam selection device for selecting between a one-dimensional operation mode for providing a one-dimensional x-ray beam to the sample and a two-dimensional operation mode for providing a two-dimensional x-ray beam to the sample.

Abstract: A foil journal bearing applicable to high speed machining and grinding machines for machining microscopic features. A single foil is secured to and supported by a hollow, generally cylindrical, housing. The foil has a length substantially equal to twice the interior circumference of the housing and a mounting feature, extending across its width, for engagement with a feature of complementary shape in the housing. One portion of the foil has a length approximately equal to one half of the foil length, and comprises a bump foil and a plurality of regions comprising groups of generally uniformly-spaced ridges and flats, the regions being separated by extended flat regions. The other portion of the foil has a length approximately equal to one half of the foil length, and comprises the top foil and is generally flat and overlies the bump foil which overlies the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a computer system, data exported from a Building Information Model (BIM). The exported data is indicative of a first plurality of sets of units and values, each set associated uniquely with a different element defined in the BIM. The computer system parses a specification document to identify a second plurality of sets of units and values, each set associated uniquely with a different element listed in the specification document. The computer system compares the first plurality of sets of units and values to the second plurality of sets of units and values, and automatically identifies a set of units and values that is a member of only one of the first plurality of sets of units and values and the second plurality of sets of units and values. An inconsistency between the elements listed in the specification document and the elements defined in the BIM is registered automatically.

Abstract: A method includes using a process in execution on a processor of a computer system to generate a data file, which includes first data indicative of a classification of an element of a construction project. In particular, the classification is in accordance with a first classification standard such as the UniFormat classification standard. The data file includes second data associated with the first data, the second data indicative of at least a label that is descriptive of the element. The at least a label is not in accordance with the first classification standard. The method further includes implementing filtering rules based on the at least a label. Responsive to the first data and the second data and the filtering rules, the element is automatically mapped to a unique number and title of a second classification standard, such as for instance the MasterFormat classification standard.

Abstract: A foil journal bearing applicable to high speed machining and grinding machines for machining microscopic features. A single foil is secured to and supported by a hollow, generally cylindrical, housing. The foil has a length substantially equal to twice the interior circumference of the housing and a mounting feature, extending across its width, for engagement with a feature of complementary shape in the housing. One portion of the foil has a length approximately equal to one half of the foil length, and comprises a bump foil and a plurality of regions comprising groups of generally uniformly-spaced ridges and flats, the regions being separated by extended flat regions. The other portion of the foil has a length approximately equal to one half of the foil length, and comprises the top foil and is generally flat and overlies the bump foil which overlies the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A magneto-fluidic seal includes a shaft, a pole piece, and a plurality of sealing fluid rings located between the shaft and the pole piece. The sealing fluid rings may be defined by the shaft and/or the pole piece and contain a ferromagnetic fluid. At least one channel having a bottom is defined by either the shaft or the pole piece. A shunt is located directly adjacent to the bottom of the channel. The thickness of the shunt is based on the energy differential in the plurality of sealing fluid rings as the fluid is displaced from one side of the sealing fluid rings to the other side of the sealing fluid rings.

Abstract: Methods of using a non-irritant, low pH acidic composition to destroy undesirable microorganisms are described. The methods may be used on food products, food processing equipment, and in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A produce wash is provided that reduces or eliminates the chlorine used in treating produce and inhibits the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria and mold, on pre-harvest and post-harvest produce and extends the shelf-life of the treated produce. Methods of making and using the produce wash also are provided.