Abstract: A system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a borehole, with a novel blast probe, the probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground casing tube separated by a dielectric separator except for an evacuated area where the plasma blast occurs, wherein the opening in the ground casing and the dielectric separator constitute a sliced and elliptical probe shape. The sliced and elliptical shape of the opening focuses a plasma blast in a specific direction and contours, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises water alone or in combination with other materials. The sliced and elliptical blast probe permit directional aiming of the blast.

Abstract: An exhaust and air intake system for a direct vent fireplace. A low-profile manifold assembly is coupled to a direct vent fireplace and is configured to receive exhaust gases from the fireplace and expel the exhaust gases outside of the building in which the fireplace is located. The manifold assembly also takes in fresh air from outside of the building and provides the fresh air to the fireplace to use during combustion. The manifold assembly includes separate chambers for the exhaust gases and the fresh air so that the exhaust gases and the fresh air do not mix together within the manifold assembly. Several pressure reduction and equalization structures are incorporated into the manifold assembly to regulate the amount and pressure of fresh air provided to the fireplace.

Abstract: A method of controlling an end effector of a surgical robot includes receiving a desired pose, generating motor torques, transmitting the motor torques, generating null torques, generating desired torques, and transmitting the desired torques to an IDU such that the IDU moves the end effector to the desired pose. A primary controller receives the desired pose of the end effector in three DOF. The primary controller generates the motor torques in response to receiving the desired pose. The primary controller transmits the motor torques which are received in a secondary controller. The secondary controller generates null torques to maintain tension in cables of a differential drive mechanism of the IDU. The desired torques are generated for each motor of the IDU to include a sum of the motor torques and the null torques.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a borehole, with a novel blast probe, the probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground casing tube separated by a dielectric separator except for an evacuated area where the plasma blast occurs, wherein the opening in the ground casing and the dielectric separator constitute a sliced and elliptical probe shape. The sliced and elliptical shape of the opening focuses a plasma blast in a specific direction and contours, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises water alone or in combination with other materials. The sliced and elliptical blast probe permit directional aiming of the blast.

Abstract: An exhaust and air intake system for a direct vent fireplace. A low-profile manifold assembly is coupled to a direct vent fireplace and is configured to receive exhaust gases from the fireplace and expel the exhaust gases outside of the building in which the fireplace is located. The manifold assembly also takes in fresh air from outside of the building and provides the fresh air to the fireplace to use during combustion. The manifold assembly includes separate chambers for the exhaust gases and the fresh air so that the exhaust gases and the fresh air do not mix together within the manifold assembly. Several pressure reduction and equalization structures are incorporated into the manifold assembly to regulate the amount and pressure of fresh air provided to the fireplace.

Abstract: A lens member for an LED lighting fixture having a plurality of LED dies mounted on a substrate includes a planar frame having a plurality of apertures and an optically transparent silicone rubber overmolded on a first side of the frame. The overmolded silicone rubber defines a plurality of optical elements. Each optical element is disposed within one of the apertures and is shaped to focus or redirect light transmitted through the optical element.

Abstract: A decorative optical element that has an appearance of a glass optical element includes an optically transparent body having a faceted globular portion defined by a solid volume of polymeric material. A luminaire, such as for a street light, employs the decorative optical element and an LED circuit board mounted to the circuit board.

Abstract: A one-piece molded lens member for use with a plurality of LEDs in a luminaire includes a generally planar base portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of optical structures arranged in rows and columns on the base portion, each optical structure having a hemispheroidal section extending upwardly from the upper surface of the base portion and a first hemicylindrical section extending upwardly from the lower surface of the base portion and from a side of the hemispheroidal section, the optical structure having upper surfaces contiguous with the upper surfaces of the base portion.

Abstract: A decorative optical element that has an appearance of a glass optical element includes an optically transparent body having a faceted globular portion defined by a solid volume of polymeric material. A luminaire, such as for a street light, employs the decorative optical element and an LED circuit board mounted to the circuit board.

Abstract: A one-piece molded lens member for use with a plurality of LEDs in a luminaire includes a generally planar base portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of optical structures arranged in rows and columns on the base portion, each optical structure having a hemispheroidal section extending upwardly from the upper surface of the base portion and a first hemicylindrical section extending upwardly from the lower surface of the base portion and from a side of the hemispheroidal section, the optical structure having upper surfaces contiguous with the upper surfaces of the base portion.

Abstract: A backlit sign exhibiting a uniform illumination intensity pattern is achieved in a structure having a light transmissive front panel, a back panel, and a plurality of backlight modules disposed on a surface of the back panel that faces the front panel, wherein the backlight modules are spaced apart in an array, and each module includes at least one LED and a lens member having a lens portion that collects light from the LED and redirects the light into a generally square illumination pattern on the front panel.

Abstract: A backlit sign exhibiting a uniform illumination intensity pattern is achieved in a structure having a light transmissive front panel, a back panel, and a plurality of backlight modules disposed on a surface of the back panel that faces the front panel, wherein the backlight modules are spaced apart in an array, and each module includes at least one LED and a lens member having a lens portion that collects light from the LED and redirects the light into a generally square illumination pattern on the front panel.

Abstract: A vertical connection apparatus for connecting a pipeline to a subsea structure comprises a guide funnel for controlling the position of the pipeline relative to the subsea structure; a moveable barrier and a attachment region for a drive mechanism; the moveable barrier is operable between an open position in which the pipeline can pass through the guide funnel and a closed position in which the barrier prevent the end of the pipeline passing through the end of the guide funnel. A tool with a drive mechanism can be attached between the pipeline and guide funnel to manipulate the pipeline into a connectable position. A clamp connector secures the connection between the pipeline and subsea structure conduit.

Abstract: A vertical connection apparatus for connecting a pipeline to a subsea structure comprises a guide funnel for controlling the position of the pipeline relative to the subsea structure; a moveable barrier and a attachment region for a drive mechanism; the moveable barrier is operable between an open position in which the pipeline can pass through the guide funnel and a closed position in which the barrier prevent the end of the pipeline passing through the end of the guide funnel. A tool with a drive mechanism can be attached between the pipeline and guide funnel to manipulate the pipeline into a connectable position. A clamp connector secures the connection between the pipeline and subsea structure conduit.

Abstract: Passive recovery of liquid water from the cathode side of a polymer electrolyte membrane through the design of layers on the cathode side of an MEA and through the design of the PEM, may be used to supply water to support chemical or electrochemical reactions, either internal or external to the fuel cell, to support the humidification or hydration of the anode reactants, or to support the hydration of the polymer electrolyte membrane over its major surface or some combination thereof. Such passive recovery of liquid water can simplify fuel cell power generators through the reduction or elimination of cathode liquid water recovery devices.

Abstract: Passive recovery of liquid water from the cathode side of a polymer electrolyte membrane through the design of layers on the cathode side of an MEA and through the design of the PEM, may be used to supply water to support chemical or electrochemical reactions, either internal or external to the fuel cell, to support the humidification or hydration of the anode reactants, or to support the hydration of the polymer electrolyte membrane over its major surface or some combination thereof. Such passive recovery of liquid water can simplify fuel cell power generators through the reduction or elimination of cathode liquid water recovery devices.

Abstract: The invention provides gas phase fuel cells for use in such fuel cells and methods of operating such fuel cells.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. The catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. Some embodiments of the invention are directed to in-vivo visualization devices and systems comprising user-actuatable control features and steering devices.