Abstract: A superficial flow sensor is provided, which may comprise a substrate, and a thin film comprising a self-rolled portion, a stationary portion, and a free ribbon portion. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the self-rolled portion may be configured to have a residual stress and to deform under external forces.

Abstract: An improved volatility index and related derivatives contracts are provided. An index in accordance with the principals of the present invention estimates expected volatility from the prices of stock options in a wide range of strike prices. Also, an index in accordance with the principals of the present invention is calculated from a price dragging methodology to derive expected volatility. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, derivative contracts such as futures and options based on the volatility index of the present invention are provided.

Abstract: A superficial flow sensor may include a substrate; a thin film with a self-rolled portion, a stationary portion, and a free ribbon portion; an embedded strain gauge circuit; and at least one contact pad. According to some aspects, the self-rolled portion may deform under external forces, and the embedded strain gauge circuit may detect the deformation of the self-rolled portion.

Abstract: A gas flow sensing device, and related method of manufacturing, comprising a conductive layer encapsulated in dielectric film, suspended over a cavity to form a diaphragm. The conductive layer functions as both a heating a sensing element and is patterned to provide uniform heat distribution across the diaphragm. The device is designed to sense flow from any direction relative to the device and the design of the dielectric film and diaphragm reduces sensor drift during prolonged operation.

Abstract: A gas flow sensing device, and related method of manufacturing, comprising a conductive layer encapsulated in dielectric film, suspended over a cavity to form a diaphragm. The conductive layer functions as both a heating a sensing element and is patterned to provide uniform heat distribution across the diaphragm. The device is designed to sense flow from any direction relative to the device and the design of the dielectric film and diaphragm reduces sensor drift during prolonged operation.

Abstract: A system and process for loading control software into the control panel of a liquid chiller system is provided. A PCMCIA card socket is installed on a circuit board of a liquid chiller control system and is in direct connection with microprocessor data and address buses. A linear flash PCMCIA card having new control software for the control panel is inserted into the PCMCIA card socket when the control panel is de-energized. The control software from the PCMCIA card is loaded into a flash memory of the control system by software executed directly from the PCMCIA card. The software in the PCMCIA card erases the flash memory of the control system, copies the control software from the PCMCIA card to the flash memory and then confirms that the copy of the control software was successful. After the control software has been copied, the control panel is de-energized, the PCMCIA card is removed and the chiller system is restarted and executes the new control software stored in the flash memory.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) control system and method for controlling a device, a subsystem, and/or a process using a flash mini-card. Preferably, the present invention is directed to an HVAC control system and method for controlling a chiller and the devices and subsystems associated with the chiller using a flash mini-card. More preferably, the present invention obviates the need for the HVAC control system and method to use at least one of the following: a hard disk, a disk controller, a card reader, or a card controller.

Abstract: A barrier member fixed in the end of a fuel column retaining spring to prevent contact between the retaining spring and the adjacent end plug of the fuel element whereby contamination of the weld between the cladding tube and end plug with retaining spring material is avoided.