Abstract: A structure fabricated of a zeolite-based paste with an intra-layer continuous wire embedded is disclosed. Vitally, the continuous wire is extended past the bounds of the structure's walls, creating bare wire leads that allow for connection to a power source for electrification. The structure is made of multiple layers stacked together, typically in an additive manufacturing (3D printing) process. Within this structure, at least one layer has an embedded wire running through at least some portion of it, and is equipped with two bare wire leads protruding from the structure. This wire is designed to act as a heating element for uniform Joule heating of the zeolite structure for reduced power consumption and temperature ramp-up time during a desorption process, as well as reduced system footprint and enhanced mechanical properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extrusion of a solid strand into a matrix material is disclosed. The apparatus consists of two main parts including an adapter for constraining the strand until mixing with the matrix (‘strand injector’), and a motor-driven gear system that feeds the strand into the injector (‘strand extruder’). With this system, a bare strand can be extruded allowing for the creation of lead-in/lead-out sections, or for use with a matrix without an inherent curing, drying, or solidifying mechanism. Additionally, this apparatus allows for the extrusion of small (30-40 AWG) strands, enabling unique applications such as the injection of a resistive strand where smaller diameter strands are advantageous for minimized electrical or thermal overhead.

Abstract: A fluid coupler for reducing fluid pressure failures by simplifying the coupling of two or more fluid carrying receptacles, lines, lines to and from a manifold, lines to and from a pressure tank, or the like. The fluid coupler has a coupling body and a fitting that features a positive engagement feature that activates when the fitting is fully inserted into the coupling body. This feature ensures a technician can easily verify the fitting is fully inserted into the coupling body, therefore reducing failures due to improper or incomplete engagement of the fitting.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a structure of a zeolite-based paste with an intra-layer continuous wire embedded is disclosed. The structure is made of multiple layers stacked together, produced by an additive manufacturing (3D printing) process. Within this structure, at least one wire is embedded through a section of a layer or a layer in its entirety, where the wire comprises of both the encapsulated section within the structure and two bare wire leads protruding from the structure. The flowcharts for the overall process of the structure fabrication, as well as a flowchart for the specific process of fabricating the wire embedded layers is disclosed. The primary goal of this process is to fabricate a zeolite structure with an embedded, high resistance wire for uniform Joule heating for reduced power consumption and temperature ramp-up time during a desorption process.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a flexible, easily reconfigured vacuum chamber capable of physical property measurement at cryogenic temperatures. The chamber is easily constructed from existing cryogenic pumps. The cryostat cold finger forms a cryogenically-cooled stage, upon which a wide variety of experiment test setups can be placed for measuring many different properties at cryogenic temperatures. The lid and feedthrough ports are reconfigurable to obtain measurements and interact with samples inside the vacuum. Attached heating elements enable testing at many possible cryogenic temperatures. The specific case of laser cooling at cryogenic temperatures is presented as an example, along with necessary lid and interior components. Viewports allow a laser beam into the chamber, while mirrors redirect this into the sample. Temperature diodes and laser power meters measure any heating or cooling effects.

Abstract: A unitary hermetically sealed device is disclosed for providing self-contained electric propulsion drive power to a motor boat or sailboat, where the entire propulsion system is contained in a separable pressurized hermetic enclosure attached to the underside of the vessel and also acts as a keel of the vessel, and which simplifies production, provides improved safety from high voltages, and prevents drive system maintenance or repair when the vessel is located in the water. The rigid hermetically sealed device functions as a skid-plate to avoid damage to the softer typically fiberglass hull when running the vessel aground or when running up onto or off of the beach or onto or off a trailer.

Abstract: A lightweight portable heating device consisting of a container assembly and lid assembly that house a tub assembly for the purpose of heating liquids and food submerged in aforementioned liquids by means of a multi-fuel burner. Container assembly provides for several structures that improve ergonomics and handling of the lightweight portable heating device. For instance, container assembly includes an integrated handle that surrounds the container assembly proximate the top portion of the container assembly and is molded into the container assembly. Integrated handle allows for the ease of moving of the lightweight portable heating device by personnel. Proximate the bottom of container assembly are lifting handles that enable the lifting of the device above shoulder level while also functioning as a tie down point.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extrusion of a solid wire into a resin or paste is disclosed. The apparatus consists of two main parts including an adapter for constraining the wire until mixing with the resin or paste (‘wire injector’), and a motor-driven gear system that feeds the wire into the injector (‘wire extruder’). With this system, a bare wire can be extruded allowing for the creation of lead-in/lead-out sections, or for use with a resin or paste without an inherent curing, drying, or solidifying mechanism. Additionally, this apparatus allows for the extrusion of small (30-40 AWG) wires, enabling unique applications such as the injection of a resistive wire where smaller diameter wires are advantageous for minimized electrical or thermal overhead.

Abstract: A high-throughput method for identifying single crystal hexagonal-SiC off-axis surfaces that support surface chemistries and kinetics to selectively produce various epitaxial growth modes of the metastable 3C-SiC polytype is provided. In execution of the aforementioned method, the present invention also encompasses the use of a single crystal hexagonal-SiC domed substrate, and a method for manufacturing thereof. Said method for screening silicon carbide growth surfaces is comprised of: fabrication of a silicon carbide domed substrate; forming a step-terrace growth surface on the domed surface of said silicon carbide domed substrate by hydrogen etching; performing silicon carbide deposition upon said growth surface, thereby creating an silicon carbide epitaxial domed wafer; and characterization of said silicon carbide epitaxial domed wafer. Silicon carbide deposition upon a silicon carbide domed growth surface allows for the modulation of the supersaturation ratio under a single set of growth conditions.

Abstract: A high-throughput method for identifying single crystal hexagonal-SiC off-axis surfaces that support surface chemistries and kinetics to selectively produce various epitaxial growth modes of the metastable 3C-SiC polytype is provided. In execution of the aforementioned method, the present invention also encompasses the use of a single crystal hexagonal-SiC domed substrate, and a method for manufacturing thereof. Said method for screening silicon carbide growth surfaces is comprised of: fabrication of a silicon carbide domed substrate; forming a step-terrace growth surface on the domed surface of said silicon carbide domed substrate by hydrogen etching; performing silicon carbide deposition upon said growth surface, thereby creating an silicon carbide epitaxial domed wafer; and characterization of said silicon carbide epitaxial domed wafer. Silicon carbide deposition upon a silicon carbide domed growth surface allows for the modulation of the supersaturation ratio under a single set of growth conditions.

Abstract: A vapor compression system control implementations that maintain surface temperature uniformity of at least one cold plate throughout pulsed thermal loads from a minimal or zero load state suddenly to a high or 100% of design capacity state where the heat pulse occurrence, frequency, and durations are not known a priori. Vapor compression system control implementations that maintain surface temperature uniformity of at least one cold plate throughout pulsed thermal loads from a minimal or zero load state suddenly to a high or 100% of design capacity state where the heat pulse occurrence, frequency, and durations are not known a priori. Rapid thermal pulse applications require a robust control strategy of the cold plate assembly to maintain cold plate surface temperature uniformity. In one implementation, a control system for the cold plate assembly that maintains a uniform cold plate temperature given controlled supply and suction conditions is contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for curing composites out-of-autoclave and out-of-oven. The apparatus is a multilayered composite tool for shaping and curing composites. It also contains a sealant layer and composite resistive heating element on the tool's surface. This heating element provides heat to the composites during cure while binding it to the other layers, eliminating the need for external heat from autoclave and oven sources. A ceramic layer is applied to the top surface of the resistive heater for electrical insulation, heater protection and to provide a smooth surface for finish for the composite components being processed with the invention. A method for using the invention is also described. Finally, one embodiment of the invention is presented where a negative composite tool is created to apply additional pressure to the composite component during curing. This additional pressure enables the current invention to more closely mimic autoclave composite processing.

Abstract: A structure fabricated of a zeolite-based paste with an intra-layer continuous wire embedded is disclosed. Vitally, the continuous wire is extended past the bounds of the structure's walls, creating bare wire leads that allow for connection to a power source for electrification. The structure is made of multiple layers stacked together, typically in an additive manufacturing (3D printing) process. Within this structure, at least one layer has an embedded wire running through at least some portion of it, and is equipped with two bare wire leads protruding from the structure. This wire is designed to act as a heating element for uniform Joule heating of the zeolite structure for reduced power consumption and temperature ramp-up time during a desorption process, as well as reduced system footprint and enhanced mechanical properties.

Abstract: A high-throughput method for identifying single crystal hexagonal-SiC off-axis surfaces that support surface chemistries and kinetics to selectively produce various epitaxial growth modes of the metastable 3C-SiC polytype is provided. In execution of the aforementioned method, the present invention also encompasses the use of a single crystal hexagonal-SiC domed substrate, and a method for manufacturing thereof. Said method for screening silicon carbide growth surfaces is comprised of: fabrication of a silicon carbide domed substrate; forming a step-terrace growth surface on the domed surface of said silicon carbide domed substrate by hydrogen etching; performing silicon carbide deposition upon said growth surface, thereby creating an silicon carbide epitaxial domed wafer; and characterization of said silicon carbide epitaxial domed wafer. Silicon carbide deposition upon a silicon carbide domed growth surface allows for the modulation of the supersaturation ratio under a single set of growth conditions.

Abstract: An aerosolized HVAC/R system solvent for decontaminating HVAC/R components and line sets The solvent contains 25-90 wt % propellant, and 10-75 wt % solvent mixture which is about 60-95 wt % trans-1,2,dichloroethylene, about 5-20 wt % n-propanol, and an inerting constituent providing a weight percent ratio of the inerting constituent to n-propanol of less than 1.5. The solvent is packaged in a container that is connected to the HVAC/R components or line sets to be decontaminated for supplying the solvent mixture under pressure to the HVAC/R components or line sets.

Abstract: A mounting pad system for securing equipment, such as an HVAC outdoor unit or a standby generator, is provided in the form of a lightweight fillable pad member having a plurality of receivers located on a top surface of the pad member. The receivers are associated with attachment points located on the equipment and are used to secure the equipment to the pad. The pad member contains a filling port on its top surface and is configured as a molded hollow shell containing a gelling material which, when mixed with water, provides support to reduce deflection of the pad member caused by the equipment secured to the pad, prevents damage to the pad that would otherwise be caused by the expansion of internal contents upon freezing and prevents leakage of internal contents of the fillable pad in the event of an unintended breach in the hollow shell. The pad member is provided with at least one through-hole that acts as a supporting structure.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for curing composites out-of-autoclave and out-of-oven. The apparatus is a multilayered composite tool for shaping and curing composites. It also contains a sealant layer and composite resistive heating element on the tool's surface. This heating element provides heat to the composites during cure while binding it to the other layers, eliminating the need for external heat from autoclave and oven sources. A ceramic layer is applied to the top surface of the resistive heater for electrical insulation, heater protection and to provide a smooth surface for finish for the composite components being processed with the invention. A method for using the invention is also described. Finally, one embodiment of the invention is presented where a negative composite tool is created to apply additional pressure to the composite component during curing. This additional pressure enables the current invention to more closely mimic autoclave composite processing.