Abstract: This invention is embodied in a system and method for transferring energy and mass (supplies) in low-gravity environments. Broadly, the preferred system comprises a launcher, a receiver, and a capsule. The capsule is used to transfer a payload (e.g., supplies) between the launcher and a receiver. In addition, the receiver converts a portion of the payload's kinetic energy to potential energy via regenerative braking and stores the energy for later use. The stored energy can be used at the receiver end for applications such as powering habitats, mining operations, life-support systems, etc. In some instances, a portion of the stored energy can be used to re-launch the payload. Launchers and receivers can be established in different spatial network configurations in lower gravity environments such as in a circle with a centrally located launcher, a launcher downstream of a chain of receivers, or other configurations.

Abstract: A method of adjusting motor control voltages for a permanent magnet rotor motor comprising three phase coils, each phase coil having two free ends, the three phase coils being without a common node. The method comprises driving the motor by applying motor control voltages in turn to respective pairs of the three phase coils with a remaining one of the three phase coils not being driven. Then, determining for each of the pairs of the three phase coils respective values of a motor operating parameter. The values of the motor operating parameter are compared and, based on said comparison, three-phase stationary reference frame motor control voltages va, vb, vc generated for driving the coils in a field-oriented control (FOC) mode of operation are adjusted to provide adjusted three-phase stationary reference frame motor control voltages v?a, v?b, v?c for driving the coils in the FOC mode of operation.

Abstract: An RF signaling device can be configured to detect tampering with a door or cover of an opening of a compartment or container. The RF signaling device can comprise a controller, a first switch coupled to the controller, and a second switch coupled to the controller. The first switch can be configured to detect normal opening or closing of the door or cover and signal the normal opening or closing to the controller, and the second switch can be configured to detect the tampering with the door or cover and signal the tampering to the controller.

Abstract: An energy-conserving fluid pump is an apparatus used to transport low viscosity fluids like water and fuel without experiencing cavitation, recirculation, nor motor locking while also conserving energy. The apparatus includes a fluid diffuser, a fluid densifier, a convergent housing, and a strut assembly. The fluid diffuser improves the efficiency of the apparatus by expanding the fluid inflow and maintaining a fluid pressure buildup. The fluid densifier shears the incoming fluid flow from the fluid diffuser and increases the fluid outflow pressure. The convergent housing encloses the fluid diffuser and the fluid densifier while facilitating the outflow of the pressurized fluid without the loss of fluid pressure nor cavitation. In addition, the convergent housing facilitates the transfer of torque to the fluid diffuser for the operation of the apparatus. The strut assembly keeps the fluid densifier stationary while enabling the rotation of the convergent housing and/or the fluid diffuser.

Abstract: A seal includes a seal body formed as a closed loop. The seal body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The seal body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall. The lower surface comprises an inner wing and an outer wing extending laterally from the outer surface to provide lateral sealing. The upper surface of the seal is configured to provide a sealing contact when the seal is urged into engagement via a fluid pressure.

Abstract: A method of making a radioisotopic power source, including receiving a predetermined amount of a plurality of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) particles within a reactor vessel, degassing the received predetermined amount of the MOF. The degassing includes placing the predetermined amount of the MOF under vacuum conditions, heating the received predetermined amount of the MOF above a first predetermined temperature for a first predetermined time period, and sealing the heated MOF. The method also includes cooling the heated and sealed predetermined amount of the MOF to a second predetermined temperature, while maintaining a pressure of the reactor vessel to a first predetermined pressure value for a second predetermined time period, receiving a predetermined amount of a plurality of beta emitter particles at a gaseous state and mixing the predetermined amount of beta emitter particles with the cooled predetermined amount of the MOF.

Abstract: A pedal driven cycle comprising a cantilevered frame member coupled to a power input sprocket and a driven sprocket; a belt drive connecting the power input sprocket to the driven sprocket; and a side mounted rear wheel releasably coupled to a multi-speed gear hub that is coaxial with the side mounted rear wheel, wherein the multi-speed gear hub is coupled to the driven sprocket.

Abstract: A blowout preventer includes a main body having a through bore and defining a passage transverse to the through bore. A seal is disposed in the main body and arranged to restrict fluid flow from the through bore to the passage. The seal comprises a seal body formed as a closed loop having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the seal body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall. The lower surface comprises at least one wing extending laterally from the outer surface to provide a lateral sealing surface. The upper surface comprises at least one raised portion to provide a sealing surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allowing users to safely and efficiently conduct repeatable dynamic experiments involving coordinated applications of force, motion, pressure, temperature, flow, dispersion and other physical events via a testing fixture positioned within an imaging environment.

Abstract: A strength machine includes a housing having at least two openable or detachable housing shells, a support structure coupled to the housing, a rotatable flywheel mounted on a shaft supported by the support structure, the flywheel being situated between the two housing shells, the flywheel changing its direction of rotation while in operation, a strap- or belt-shaped flexible pulling element attached to the shaft, a hand grip which forms part of or is attached to the flexible pulling element, and an attachment module coupled to the housing, for securing the strength-training machine to an external support.

Abstract: Pressure Delivered 3D Dynamic Printing (PD3DP) comprise 3D printing wherein the polymerizable material (typically a resin) is delivered under positive pressure as each layer of a target object is built/printed. Such positive pressure can be applied intermittently and even reversed to provide a cyclical application of the pressure to assist delivery of the resin, placement of the resin at locations suitable for the shape of the target object, curing of the resin, and releasing of the target object from the projection place between printing of successive layers.

Abstract: Releasable tubular couplings entailing spring-based designs providing a mechanical solution for linking/coupling tubulars. A method for forming a releasable coupling between a first tubular member and a second tubular member.

Abstract: An initiator monitoring and actuating system includes a first power supply selectively electrically connectable to a charge initiator. The first power supply provides a current lower than an activation current of the initiator. A second power supply is selectively electrically connectable to the charge initiator. The second power supply provides a current of at least the activation current. Switches are selectively operable to connect the second power supply to a test circuit operable to measure a current generated by the second power supply. The switches are selectively operable to connect the second power supply to the charge initiator. A current sensor is operable to measure current through the test circuit and operable to measure current from the first power supply when the first power supply is connected to the charge initiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular reflux sampler, including a condenser container and a vortex tube. The condenser container is enclosed outside a gas pipeline to be cooled; the vortex tube has a cold air nozzle; the cold air nozzle extends into the condenser container to inject cold air in order to cool the gas pipeline; the vortex tube is connected with a compressed air duct to input compressed air as a cold air raw material; wherein the compressed air duct has a section to pass through the condenser container; and the vortex tube cools the compressed air duct while cooling the gas pipeline, so that the temperature of the compressed air flowing into the vortex tube is reduced, the temperature of the cold air ejected by the cold air nozzle is reduced, the cold air with a lower temperature is input to the condenser container to repeat cooling operation, and a better cooling effect is achieved.

Abstract: A visual display system creates various visual and audible effects from the motion of light particulate matter, such as beads. The system makes use of a variable flow air array generation device that facilitates a variable flow air array within the chamber. The device includes three or more array sections and a controller. The array sections each contribute distinct but coordinated air flows that coalesce with each other into forming the variable flow air array within the chamber. The controller controls each of the array sections. The variable flow air array generated by the device agitates, fluidizes, suspends, or floats at least some of a plurality of beads in the chamber creating a dynamic display of beads within the chamber.

Abstract: A removeable off-ice training blade for use in a convertible ice skate on a non-ice training surface. The blade has an upper retention surface shaped to engage the interior of a blade-holding groove and retention mechanism of the skate and has a lower tread to engage the non-ice training surface. Two side surfaces extend substantially perpendicularly from the lower tread to meet the upper retention surface. The tread surface comprises reflective non-cutting axial edges, to negate any destruction of the non-ice training surface during use of the blade. Certain embodiments of the training blade will include a tread surface that is wider than the upper retention surface, achieved with multiple lower profiles and cross-sections of the blade. Insofar as the training blade will not permit on-ice skating use, it can be removed from the skate for replacement with an ice blade having cutting edges. A skate incorporating the blade, and a related exercise method, are also disclosed.