Abstract: An undulatory structure and methods for the fabrication and use thereof. The undulatory structure includes a buckled sheet and one or more work input elements for deforming the buckled sheet in an undulating manner wherein each point in a series of points on a sinuously-shaped profile of the buckled sheet travels at least partially along a figure eight-shaped path. The undulatory structure can be adapted for use as a solid-state transducer wherein the buckled sheet provides mechanical advantage without appreciable opposition from elastic restoring forces, thereby achieving improved force, displacement and efficiency characteristics.

Abstract: A device for forming a pattern in a sheet of material is provided. The device includes a base having a detent portion and a locating portion that provides a first position, a platform moveably coupled to the base, and a punch supported by the platform and configured to move between a reset position and a depressed position. The platform includes a detent element configured to engage the detent portion when the platform is proximate the first position and a locating element configured to provide fine location of the platform in the first position relative to the base by engaging the locating portion. The punch forms a pattern in a sheet of material when the punch moves from the reset position to the depressed position and a sheet of material is present proximate the depressed position.

Abstract: A MEMS device comprises a membrane layer and a back-plate layer formed over the membrane layer. The membrane layer comprises an outer portion and an inner portion raised relative to the outer portion and a sidewall for connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The sidewall is non-orthogonal to the outer portion.

Abstract: Switching devices for controlling a load from multiple locations each monitor the position of the device's switch member, and generate signals in response to a change of the member from the ‘on’ position to the ‘off’ position, and vice versa. Upon detecting such a change, an ‘on’ or ‘off’ signal is sent to each other switching device, which automatically updates the position of its switching member to match that which was manually actuated by the user. A load connected to at least one of the switching devices is accordingly switched between an energized and non-energized state by making or breaking continuity in the load circuit at that switching device. By automatically updating the switching member positions among all the devices, a user can visually make an accurate determination of the load circuit status at any given time based on the current position of any switching member among the devices.

Abstract: A data storage subsystem includes a volatile memory in which stored data can be denoted as being data that should be preserved in the event of an interruption in the power supply to the volatile memory. The available capacity for such data storage is dynamically allocated between multiple firmware client components of the storage subsystem, such that each client component has its own (varying) allocation of the available capacity. A higher priority for the storage of such data is given to client components on which other client components depend, such as lower layers of the software stack, thereby allowing them to get a larger share of the available capacity for such data storage when needed and complete their input/output requests faster.

Abstract: A device for communicating with a downhole measurement tool includes a processor module comprising a set of commands and configured to issue a command from the set to the downhole tool and receive a corresponding reply from the downhole tool. The set of commands includes at least one of a command to switch the downhole measurement tool between a sleep mode and an active mode and a command to download data from the downhole measurement tool. The device includes a transceiver module coupled to the processor module and an antenna coupled to the transceiver module. The antenna and transceiver module are configured to transmit commands and replies between the processor module and the downhole measurement tool.

Abstract: A method and system for a photo ID payment card transaction verification system for use with a payment card interchange network is provided. The system is programmed to receive a photo of a cardholder, the photo verified to be of the cardholder, assign a unique photo identifier to the photo, the unique photo identifier associated with the cardholder's payment card account, receive payment card transaction information for a payment cardholder from the interchange network, the interchange network configured to process payment card transactions between a merchant through a merchant bank and a cardholder through an issuer bank, the payment card transaction information including data relating to a purchase of goods or services made by the cardholder at a merchant, and transmit at least one of the photo and an access to the photo to the merchant with an authorization request response during a payment card transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods of driving and controlling pneumatic and hydraulic devices and, more particularly, to a system and method of driving a hydraulic pump via one output shaft of a motor, and driving a pneumatic compressor via another output shaft of the motor via a clutch. When a user control is engaged, a control system causes the motor to operate at a higher speed, driving the hydraulic pump faster to produce additional hydraulic pressure. When a low air pressure condition is sensed in the pneumatic system, the control system causes the motor to operate at the higher speed and engages the clutch, allowing the pneumatic compressor to supply additional air pressure.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitating or remediating a structure comprises forming a sealed region (18) over or about a portion of the structure and drawing air from the region (18). A supply of a structural adhesive is placed in fluid communication with region (18) so that as air is drawn from the region (18) the adhesive flows into the region and fills discontinuities in the structure. Fiber reinforcement or other strengthening material is placed in the region (18) so that the adhesive also penetrates through the material to band the material to the structure.