Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a heat exchanger module that includes a tubular housing, a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, fluidically isolated from the first fluid conduit, a thermal conductor configured to convey heat energy between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, a first fluid connector assembly, the first fluid connector assembly having a first fluid port fluidically connected to the first fluid conduit, and a second fluid port fluidically connected to the second fluid conduit, and a second fluid connector assembly, the second fluid connector assembly having a third fluid port fluidically connected to the first fluid conduit, and a fourth fluid port fluidically connected to the second fluid conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sensing biometric information in a finger with piezo ceramic elements. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an array of discrete piezo ceramic elements and filler. The array of discrete piezo ceramic elements is responsive to acoustic characteristics of parts of the finger. The filler is distributed between the discrete piezo ceramic elements and provides acoustic attenuation and electric isolation between the discrete piezo ceramic elements. A protective layer can receive a ridge pattern of the finger positioned proximate to the array. Air in valleys between ridges of the ridge pattern of the finger acts as an acoustic barrier. A backing layer (air or foam) can also be provided.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system and method for communication with at least one radio engine module (“REM”). The system and method including at least one radio engine module, where the at least one radio engine module has a signal generator for synthesizing radio frequency signals to be transmitted to one or more remote communication devices and a receiver for receiving radio frequency signals transmitted by one or more remote communication devices. The RFID system and method further include a controller that is separate from and in communication with the at least one radio engine module, which manages the transmission of information with the at least one radio engine module.

Abstract: A kit for dispensing liquid includes a cap for attachment to a container, the cap defining an outlet. An inner tube is attached to the cap for insertion into the container, a first end thereof being in communication with the outlet and a second end telescopically extending below the container's liquid level. A pump is situated on the cap for selectively pumping air into the container through the inner tube. In one embodiment, a cap vent enables air to be drawn into the pump for transfer into the container so as to urge liquid to flow through the inner tube to the outlet. In another embodiment, a cap vent is positioned to maintain a continuous flow of liquid through the inner tube after the pump has initiated a siphon effect. In either embodiment, an outer tube connects the cap outlet with a dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sensing biometric information in a finger with piezo ceramic elements. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an array of discrete piezo ceramic elements and filler. The array of discrete piezo ceramic elements is responsive to acoustic characteristics of parts of the finger. The filler is distributed between the discrete piezo ceramic elements and provides acoustic attenuation and electric isolation between the discrete piezo ceramic elements. A protective layer can receive a ridge pattern of the finger positioned proximate to the array. Air in valleys between ridges of the ridge pattern of the finger acts as an acoustic barrier. A backing layer (air or foam) can also be provided.

Abstract: An identification device having a piezoelectric sensor array is used to obtain biometric data. Multiplexers are switched to control the sensor. The device has several operating modes for obtaining a variety of biometric data, including an impedance detection mode, a voltage detection mode, an imaging mode, and a Doppler-shift detection mode. The presence of a fingerprint on the sensor can be used to turn-on the device. The device is capable of capturing a fingerprint, forming a three-dimensional map of a finger bone, and/or determining the direction and speed of arteriole and/or capillary blood flow in a finger. A single pixel or a group of pixels can be detected and readout to a memory. The device can be used as an electronic signature device. The device can operate as part of a personal area network, using a public service layer according to the invention.

Abstract: A kit for dispensing liquid includes a cap for attachment to a container, the cap defining an outlet. An inner tube is attached to the cap for insertion into the container, a first end thereof being in communication with the outlet and a second end telescopically extending below the container's liquid level. A pump is situated on the cap for selectively pumping air into the container through the inner tube. In one embodiment, a cap vent enables air to be drawn into the pump for transfer into the container so as to urge liquid to flow through the inner tube to the outlet. In another embodiment, a cap vent is positioned to maintain a continuous flow of liquid through the inner tube after the pump has initiated a siphon effect. In either embodiment, an outer tube connects the cap outlet with a dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing liquid.

Abstract: Conventional rotorcraft are required to provide a significant amount of anti-torque movement to offset the torque created by the rotor and the right-angle gearbox coupling the rotor to the engine. By vertically integrating the engine in the unmanned rotorcraft of the present invention, the torque component rising from the right-angle gearbox is eliminated. This type of adaptation, however, is generally unacceptable in conventional helicopter integration, since a vertically mounted engine directly under the rotor would deprive the user of critical payload volume at the center of gravity. The radial distribution of payload in the design of the present invention avoids this penalty. Conventional anti-torque systems, including tail rotors, ducted gas, and dual counter rotating rotors produce drag, weight, and efficiency penalties.

Abstract: An identification device having a piezoelectric sensor array is used to obtain biometric data. In one embodiment, a piezo ceramic sensory array is used to obtain biometric data. In another embodiment, a multi-layer sensor array structure having a PVDF layer in between two conductor grids orthogonal to one another is used to obtain biometric data. Urethane can be added to one side of the senor array where a finger is placed. A foam substrate can be used as a support. Multiplexers are switched to control the sensor. The device has several operating modes for obtaining a variety of biometric data, including an impedance detection mode, a voltage detection mode, an imaging mode, and a Doppler-shift detection mode. The presence of a fingerprint on the sensor can be used to turn-on the device. The device is capable of capturing a fingerprint, forming a three-dimensional map of a finger bone, and/or determining the direction and speed of arteriole and/or capillary blood flow in a finger.

Abstract: A liquid-containing paperboard laminate carton including a one-piece plastic spout having a pair of opposing flanges sealed about an aperture in one of the carton walls to both the innermost and outermost surfaces of the carton wall. The double flange configuration not only forms a mechanically positive interlock between the plastic spout and the carton wall, but even more importantly, isolates the cut edges of the aperture from exposure to liquid either from within the container or from the environment through which the carton must pass from the point of manufacture until it is ready for disposal after its contents have been consumed. The spout preferably includes a liquid passageway having a membrane-type seal across its discharge orifice to provide evidence of tampering and a resealable closure member such as a screw cap or a snap-on closure held in place by means of a mating ring or groove on the spout.

Abstract: A personnel dosimeter includes a plurality of compartments containing thermoluminescent dosimeter phosphors for registering radiation dose absorbed in the wearer's sensitive skin layer and for registering more deeply penetrating radiation. Two of the phosphor compartments communicate with thin windows of different thicknesses to obtain a ratio of shallowly penetrating radiation, e.g. beta. A third phosphor is disposed within a compartment communicating with a window of substantially greater thickness than the windows of the first two compartments for estimating the more deeply penetrating radiation dose. By selecting certain phosphors that are insensitive to neutrons and by loading the holder material with neutron-absorbing elements, energetic neutron dose can be estimated separately from other radiation dose. This invention also involves a method of injection molding of dosimeter holders with thin windows of consistent thickness at the corresponding compartments of different holders.

Abstract: A personnel dosimeter includes a plurality of compartments containing thermoluminescent dosimeter phosphors for registering radiation dose absorbed in the wearer's sensitive skin layer and for registering more deeply penetrating radiation. Two of the phosphor compartments communicate with thin windows of different thicknesses to obtain a ratio of shallowly penetrating radiation, e.g. beta. A third phosphor is disposed within a compartment communicating with a window of substantially greater thickness than the windows of the first two compartments for estimating the more deeply penetrating radiation dose. By selecting certain phosphors that are insensitive to neutrons and by loading the holder material with netruon-absorbing elements, energetic neutron dose can be estimated separately from other radiation dose. This invention also involves a method of injection molding of dosimeter holders with thin windows of consistent thickness at the corresponding compartments of different holders.

Abstract: An improved cervical adjusting unit for applying a specifically directed force to the cervical spine of a patient to correct subluxations of the cervical spine, comprising an adjustable table for supportably positioning a patient in side posture thereon with the cervical spine in a preselected and prestressed configuration, the table including a first horizontal support surface for the pelvis and legs of the patient, a second adjustable support surface for supporting and positioning the thoracic and shoulder portions of the patient, and a headpiece which is adjustable in multiple directions to position the head of the patient; and a force applicator unit adjacent the headpiece of the table for directing a predetermined force against the cervical spine of the patient by means of a force-imparting stylus, the stylus being supported for universal adjustment with respect to the patient in a positionally adjustable force applicator head mounted on the outer end of an adjustable parallelogram section which is attac