Abstract: A retention, release, and separation device is disclosed. The device includes a clip to secure a component and a capturing sleeve to secure the clip and prevent release of the component. The capturing sleeve can alternately facilitate displacement of the clip to release the component. The device also includes a separation piston that provides a separation force to the component to actively separate the component from the device upon release of the component. Additionally, the device includes a fluid source to provide a fluid pressure sufficient to displace the capturing sleeve and the separation piston, and to generate the separation force.

Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided, as are methods for using such cartridges. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.

Abstract: An underwater image projection system submerged in a body of water and projecting an image within said body of water is provided having an enclosure with a lens assembly. A projection element has a light source projecting an image within the body of water from the projection element with an at least one light source steering the image. A system controller is coupled to and controls the projected light source, the projected light source steering device and the further image steering device. A user inputs image data to the controller through the user input device and the controller interprets the image data into a set of image control variables and executes control of the projected light source and image source and further image steering device in coordination and projects the image through the projection element to project from underwater a static or animated image on an underwater surface of the body of water.

Abstract: Underwater image projection system submerged in body of water and projecting an image within said body of water is provided having an enclosure with lens assembly. Projection element has light source projecting an image within the body of water from projection element with at least one light source steering and further image steering device moving the image. System controller is coupled to and controls the projected light source, the projected light source steering device and the further image steering device. User inputs image data to the controller through the user input device and the controller interprets the image data into a set of image control variables and executes control of the projected light source and image source and further image steering device in coordination and projects the image through the projection element to project from underwater a static or animated image on an underwater surface of the body of water.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophone is provided comprising: a rigid tubular substrate; an annular cavity formed around the rigid tubular substrate by affixing a tubular diaphragm around the rigid tubular substrate; a flexible piezoelectric element wrapped around and bonded to the flexible tubular diaphragm; and a molded portion covering the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A PZT (lead zirconate titanate) element including one or more outside surfaces including a layer of encapsulation and metallization material and the method of making the same including at least the steps of providing a wafer of ceramic material including a base and one or more walls defining one or more recesses in the wafer which are filled with an encapsulation material. The encapsulation material is then cured and a layer of metallization is applied to one or more of the outside surfaces of the wafer and encapsulation material. Cuts are then made through the layer of metallization and cured encapsulation material to divide the wafer into a plurality of individual and separate ceramic elements with one or more surfaces including a layer of metallization and encapsulation.

Abstract: A PZT (lead zirconate titanate) element including one or more outside surfaces including a layer of encapsulation and metallization material and the method of making the same including at least the steps of providing a wafer of ceramic material including a base and one or more walls defining one or more recesses in the wafer which are filled with an encapsulation material. The encapsulation material is then cured and a layer of metallization is applied to one or more of the outside surfaces of the wafer and encapsulation material. Cuts are then made through the layer of metallization and cured encapsulation material to divide the wafer into a plurality of individual and separate ceramic elements with one or more surfaces including a layer of metallization and encapsulation.

Abstract: A pH balancing solution dispenser having an upper body portion and a lower dispenser body portion. An interior support portion is provided with a dispensing grid and an at least one piercing mechanism thereon. A dispenser lid and an at least one dispensing mechanism are provided wherein a container of pH balancing solution is placed within the upper body portion and situated in communication with the piercing mechanism. The container is pierced and opened and the pH balancing solution flows from the container through the dispensing grid and is stored for distribution by the at least one dispensing mechanism. A unit controller can be provided to meter a dose of pH solution when instructed by the pH balancing solution dispenser to balance the pH of the body of water based on the estimation made by the unit controller using the measured operational time.

Abstract: A PZT (lead zirconate titanate) element including one or more outside surfaces including a layer of encapsulation and metallization material and the method of making the same including at least the steps of providing a wafer of ceramic material including a base and one or more walls defining one or more recesses in the wafer which are filled with an encapsulation material. The encapsulation material is then cured and a layer of metallization is applied to one or more of the outside surfaces of the wafer and encapsulation material. Cuts are then made through the layer of metallization and cured encapsulation material to divide the wafer into a plurality of individual and separate ceramic elements with one or more surfaces including a layer of metallization and encapsulation.

Abstract: A tubular light-emitting diode (LED) lamp including a planar printed circuit board (PCB) with a first side and a second side, wherein the planar PCB is positioned within a tubular sheath; a first plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the first side, wherein at least one of the first plurality of LEDs is mounted substantially perpendicular to the first side; a second plurality of LEDs mounted on the second side, wherein at least one of the second plurality of LEDs is mounted substantially perpendicular to the second side; an electrical end cap coupled at a first end of the PCB; and a non-electrical end cap coupled at a second end of the PCB, wherein the first end and the second end are at opposite ends of the tubular sheath. In one example, the LED lamp includes a capacitor reactance ballasted power supply for supplying voltage to the LEDs.

Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.

Abstract: A laminar flow water jet having a housing with a water channel flowing therethrough. A water input admits water into the housing and the water channel. One or more filter member(s) is provided along the water channel. One or more jetting element in communication with the housing jets a laminar flow tube or segment from the jet. One or more lighting element(s) emits light and communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment. An additive supply element communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment, where a laminar water flow is jetted through the jetting element to form the laminar flow tube or segment which is lit by the light emitted by the lighting element and receives an additive stream from the additive supply element to produce wave effects within the laminar flow tube or segment.

Abstract: Members working on the same project can access similar resources at substantially the same time to facilitate active participation in the project. A meeting associated with the project can be given a unique identifier that can allow the project members to access a meeting or other content and view similar documents or other content as it is discussed in the meeting. As information is edited, modified, created, etc. the members can selectively be presented with the information. A common repository can provide the members with an area or platform in which the project material can be accessed, discussed or other functions performed by the project members, allowing for collaboration of the project details.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing sewage sludge using a gasification process. The gasification process takes place at high temperatures in an oxygen-starved environment, which enables carbon-containing materials in the sewage sludge to chemically react under the preferred temperature and oxygen levels, resulting in the formation of usable products, including ash, electricity, and syngas—all of which are generally environmentally benign.

Abstract: A laminar flow water jet having a housing with a water channel flowing there through. An at least one water input admits water into the housing and the water channel. An at least one filter member is provided along the water channel. An at least one jetting element in communication with the housing and jets a laminar flow tube or segment from the jet. An at least one lighting element emits light and communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment. An at least one additive supply element communicates with the at least one laminar flow tube or segment, where a laminar water flow is jetted through the at least one jetting element to form the laminar flow tube or segment which is lit by the light emitted by the at least one lighting element and receives an additive stream from the at least one additive supply element to produce wave effects within the laminar flow tube or segment.