Abstract: An active ventilation system for a toilet bowl is disclosed. The active ventilation system imparts an airflow to suction the air overlying the water level within the toilet bowl and carries the airflow where it is ejected into the sewer line servicing the toilet bowl. The active ventilation system includes a cavity, an upper airflow conduit having in fluid communication with a rim of the toilet bowl and the cavity, and a lower airflow conduit having an inlet at the cavity and an outlet configured for ejecting the airflow into the sewer line. A ventilation fan contained within the cavity, imparts an airflow that is drawn into the upper airflow conduit and ejected into the sewer line. Each of the cavity, the upper airflow conduit, lower airflow conduit may be cast with a base element of the toilet.

Abstract: A sensory stimulating apparatus and methods of use, comprising an elongated connector having opposing first and second ends, said first and second opposing ends being respectively operably coupled to a first ratchet having a first hollow cavity and to one of a second ratchet having a second hollow cavity, and a solid disk. The first ratchet has teeth, a click that engages with the teeth, such that the click easily slides over the teeth in an unrestricted direction of rotation and will catch or lock on the first tooth it encounters in a restricted direction of rotation. A first soft ball rotatably coupled within the hollow cavity of the first ratchet, such that rotation of the elongated connector in the restricted direction causes the ratchet to rotate. The first soft ball moves the first ratchet when rotated in the unrestricted direction, producing a vibration.

Abstract: An adaptor for connecting a pressure gauge to a fuel conduit not provided with a connection port. The adaptor may comprise a tube including a schrader valve, threads for engaging the pressure gauge, a standard automotive fuel conduit, and standard automotive connectors connecting the tube to the fuel conduit, and the fuel conduit to a pressurized fuel conduit of a vehicle. The adaptor may be provided as a kit including interchangeable tubes, conduits, and connectors, to accommodate vehicle fuel conduits of different configurations and sizes.

Abstract: A device includes a converter configured to convert photons input from a photonic link into Cooper-pairs, a first superconductor, a second superconductor, a plurality of nanowires connected to the first superconductor and the second superconductor, and a gate array connected to the plurality of nanowires and configured to alter quantum states of ions within the plurality of nanowires.

Abstract: A shale shaker (10) or vibratory separator which, in one aspect, has a base (22), vibration isolation apparatus on the base (22), a basket (12), mount apparatus (16) for mounting the basket on the base (22), and at least one of the base (22), basket (12), and the mount apparatus (16) made of, encased in, or coated with composite material which, in certain aspects, is all or part flexible composite material; and methods of using such separators and shakers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for affixing a cover layer formed of liquid crystal polymer to a flex circuit consisting of circuit elements mounted to a liquid crystal polymer substrate in order to encapsulate the circuit elements between the cover layer and substrate to protect them from exposure to moisture and contaminants and to provide thermal protection of temperature sensitive circuit elements within the flex circuit during the encapsulation process.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining an item of equipment supports the provision of predictive maintenance in a manner which eliminates or reduces downtime of the equipment. The method includes tracking performance data on the equipment or a particular component of the equipment. At least one required maintenance activity is predicted based upon the performance data with respect to a defined performance standard. Performance of the required maintenance activity is scheduled at a defined respective time based upon the prediction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for affixing a cover layer formed of liquid crystal polymer to a flex circuit consisting of circuit elements mounted to a liquid crystal polymer substrate in order to encapsulate the circuit elements between the cover layer and substrate to protect them from exposure to moisture and contaminants and to provide thermal protection of temperature sensitive circuit elements within the flex circuit during the encapsulation process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a multi-functional, structural circuit, referred to as a structural circuit, are disclosed. The method can include thermoforming a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) circuit with a structural element (215). At least one circuit component can be attached to the surface of the LCP circuit (220).

Abstract: A preferred apparatus for connecting a fitting to a conduit section comprises a rigid insert designed to be affixed to the fitting and one or more retainers designed to fit over the external surface of the conduit section. A preferred insert includes at least two axially-spaced, raised detents. Suitable retainers include rigid, one-piece collars and clamps. An especially preferred method for connecting the coupler fittings and the section of pipe comprises the steps of positioning a one-piece collar over the external surface of the conduit section; pressing the insert into a receiving end of the conduit section; and pushing the one-piece collar along the external surface of the conduit section toward the receiving end to substantially align the one-piece collar between two axially-spaced, raised detents on the insert. Most preferably, a seal is positioned between the two axially-spaced, raised detents.

Abstract: A micro-generator for providing electrical energy to portable electronic devices and MEMS includes a micro-combustor, a micro-turbine connected to the exhaust outlet of the micro-combustor and a thermoelectric module consisting of a number of quantum well thermoelectric panels connected between spaced heat spreaders, one of which is mounted in thermal communication with the micro-combustor. Different types of hydrocarbon fuel may be supplied to the micro-combustor where it is burned within a combustion chamber. The entire system is controlled in real time by a micro-controller which is powered upon start up by an ultra capacitor and thereafter by the electric energy produced by the thermoelectric module and/or the micro-turbine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for affixing a cover layer formed of liquid crystal polymer to a flex circuit consisting of circuit elements mounted to a liquid crystal polymer substrate in order to encapsulate the circuit elements between the cover layer and substrate to protect them from exposure to moisture and contaminants.

Abstract: A micro-generator for providing electrical energy to portable electronic devices and MEMS includes a micro-combustor and a thermoelectric module consisting of a number of quantum well thermoelectric panels connected between spaced heat spreaders, one of which is mounted in thermal communication with the micro-combustor. Different types of hydrocarbon fuel may be supplied to the micro-combustor where it is burned within a combustion chamber. The entire system is controlled in real time by a micro-controller which is powered upon start up by an ultra capacitor and thereafter by electrical energy output from the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A micro-generator for providing electrical power to a battery charger capable of charging lithium ion, lithium polymer and other rechargeable batteries of the type which power portable electronic devices and MEMS. The micro-generator includes a micro-combustor and a thermoelectric module consisting of a number of quantum well thermoelectric panels connected between spaced heat spreaders, one of which is mounted in thermal communication with the micro-combustor. Different types of hydrocarbon fuel may be supplied to the micro-combustor where it is burned within a combustion chamber. The entire system is controlled in real time by a micro-controller which is powered upon start up by an ultra capacitor and thereafter by the electric power produced by the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A method for making an electronic module includes forming a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate with at least one capacitive structure embedded therein. Forming the LTCC substrate may include arranging first and second unsintered ceramic layers and the at least one capacitive structure therebetween. The at least one capacitive structure may include a pair of electrode layers, an inner dielectric layer between the pair of electrode layers, and at least one outer dielectric layer adjacent at least one of the electrode layers and opposite the inner dielectric layer. The at least one outer dielectric layer preferably has a dielectric constant less than a dielectric constant of the inner dielectric layer. The unsintered ceramic layers and the at least one capacitive structure may also be heated, and at least one electronic device may be mounted on the LTCC substrate and electrically connected to the at least one embedded capacitive structure.

Abstract: A method and system of planning modification of a configuration of an item of equipment supports an integrated approach toward managing one or more configuration modifications and planning and scheduling issues. Planning factors are tracked. One or more planning factors are relevant to a modification of a configuration of an item of equipment. A balanced configuration modification plan and schedule is arranged based on the planning factors. It is decided whether to institute the balanced configuration plan or at least a portion of the balanced configuration plan. The resources to carry out the balanced configuration plan are allocated.

Abstract: An electro-fluidic device may include a substrate having at least one substrate fluid passageway therein, and at least one substrate electrical conductor carried by the substrate. Moreover, an external interface may be spaced from the substrate and include at least one interface electrical conductor. The electro-fluidic device may also include at least one electro-fluidic interconnect extending between the substrate and the external interface. More particularly, the at least one electro-fluidic interconnect may include an interconnect body having at least one interconnect fluid passageway extending therethrough and connected to the at least one substrate fluid passageway, and at least one interconnect electrical conductor carried by the interconnect body. The at least one interconnect electrical conductor may connect the at least one substrate electrical conductor and the at least one interface electrical connector.

Abstract: A method for making an electronic device includes positioning first and second members so that opposing surfaces thereof are in contact with one another, the first member comprising silicon and the second member comprising a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) material. The method further includes anodically bonding together the opposing surfaces of the first and second members to form a hermetic seal therebetween. The anodic bonding provides a secure and strong bond between the members without using adhesive. The method may further include forming at least one cooling structure in at least one of the first and second members. The least one cooling structure may comprise at least one first micro-fluidic cooling structure in the first member, and at least one second micro-fluidic cooling structure in the second member aligned with the at least one first micro-fluidic cooling structure.

Abstract: A method and system for performing predictive maintenance on an item of equipment comprises establishing a desired configuration of the item of equipment based on a predictive maintenance target of the item of equipment. The predictive maintenance target may include at least one of a functional configuration objective, a logical configuration objective, and an operational configuration objective. An actual configuration of the item of equipment is monitored. It is determined if the actual configuration complies with the desired configuration. An upgrade requirement is planned for upgrading the actual configuration to the desired configuration if the actual configuration is non-compliant.

Abstract: A preferred apparatus for connecting a fitting to a conduit section comprises a rigid insert designed to be affixed to the fitting and one or more retainers designed to fit over the external surface of the conduit section. A preferred insert includes at least two axially-spaced, raised detents. Suitable retainers include rigid, one-piece collars and clamps. An especially preferred method for connecting the coupler fittings and the section of pipe comprises the steps of positioning a one-piece collar over the external surface of the conduit section; pressing the insert into a receiving end of the conduit section; and pushing the one-piece collar along the external surface of the conduit section toward the receiving end to substantially align the one-piece collar between two axially-spaced, raised detents on the insert. Most preferably, a seal is positioned between the two axially-spaced, raised detents.