Abstract: A self-optimizing energy harvester comprises a thermoelectric generator coupling to a thermal source, producing a source voltage greater than a minimum start-up voltage, where the thermoelectric generator drives a boost circuit and a feedforward circuit, delivering power to a load. A conventional boost circuit has a maximum output power only at the input voltage for which a fixed set point resistor is chosen. The feedforward circuit dynamically optimizes the boost circuit according to a dynamic set point resistance, thus increasing output power for a wide range of input voltages, relative to using a fixed reference resistor. The dynamic set point resistance is the sum of a variable resistance and a reference resistance. A sample element forms a differential voltage between the source and input voltage elements, and the variable resistance corresponds to the differential voltage. A reference resistor is chosen to establish the minimum start-up voltage.

Abstract: We have developed a novel TaqMan quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) based DNA test for detecting annual and/or intermediate ryegrass types in perennial ryegrass. This DNA test was designed using an insertion/deletion (InDel) site in the LpVRN2_2 gene. The new DNA test is more reliable, accurate, and cost effective in detecting annual and intermediate type contamination in perennial ryegrass, having a sensitivity of 0.04% in a sample size of 5000 seeds. Use of a higher sample size (12.5-fold higher compared to the SRF test) provides additional accuracy in detecting the level of contamination A forward and reverse set of primers also identified an approximately 450 bp fragment in or near the LpVRN1 promoter, the fragment being present for all perennial, but not annual, varieties tested.

Abstract: We have developed a novel TaqMan quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) based DNA test for detecting annual and/or intermediate ryegrass types in perennial ryegrass. This DNA test was designed using an insertion/deletion (InDel) site in the LpVRN2_2 gene. The new DNA test is more reliable, accurate, and cost effective in detecting annual and intermediate type contamination in perennial ryegrass, having a sensitivity of 0.04% in a sample size of 5000 seeds. Use of a higher sample size (12.5-fold higher compared to the SRF test) provides additional accuracy in detecting the level of contamination A forward and reverse set of primers also identified an approximately 450 bp fragment in or near the LpVRN1 promoter, the fragment being present for all perennial, but not annual, varieties tested.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a support structure. An optical fiber has a plurality of bends arranged proximate the support structure. The optical fiber follows a circuitous path and is adapted to establish a detection zone.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a support structure. An optical fiber has a plurality of bends arranged proximate the support structure. The optical fiber follows a circuitous path and is adapted to establish a detection zone.

Abstract: A stabilized filament drawing device for a meltspinning apparatus and a meltspinning apparatus including the stabilized filament drawing device. The stabilized filament drawing device applies a high-velocity flow of air to attenuate the filaments, which are discharged from a device outlet in a discharge direction. The filament drawing device includes multiple inclined guides adjacent to the outlet that cause the filaments and high-velocity flow of air to deviate from the discharge direction. Each of the guides has a major surface that is angled relative to a common plane containing the discharge direction and a cross-machine direction of the device outlet of the filament drawing device. The guides are oriented such that the major surface is also inclined relative to the discharge direction.

Abstract: A lamellar die apparatus for extruding a heated liquid into filaments and directing air at the filaments. The apparatus includes a plurality of plates each having opposite side faces. At least two of the side faces confront each other and have a liquid passage positioned therebetween for transferring the heated liquid. At least two of the side faces confront each other and have an air passage positioned therebetween for transferring the air. At least two of the side faces confront each other and have a heating element passage therebetween. A heating element is positioned within the heating element passage for heating at least two of the plates. An extrusion die is coupled with the plurality of plates and communicates with the liquid passage and the air passage for discharging the heated liquid as multiple filaments and for discharging the air at the filaments.

Abstract: A lamellar die apparatus for extruding a heated liquid into single or multiple component filaments. The apparatus includes a plurality of plates each having opposite side faces. At least two of the side faces confront each other and have a liquid passage positioned therebetween for transferring the heated liquid. At least two of the side faces confront each other and have a heating element passage therebetween. A heating element is positioned within the heating element passage for heating at least two of the plates. An extrusion die is coupled with the plurality of plates and communicates with the liquid passage for discharging the heated liquid as multiple filaments.

Abstract: A wireless communication system configured to transceive information through use of a wireless telephone, the wireless communication system comprising a host that is configured to transmit and receive a signal. In communication with the host is an analog-only capable modem. The modem is capable of transceiving the signal along an analog communication network. Coupled with the modem and the wireless telephone is a communication adaptor mechanism which is configured to convert the signal from the modem such that the wireless telephone is capable of transceiving the signal.

Abstract: A union lock for maintaining a union between two conduits is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the union lock includes a pair of bridgepieces. Each of the bridgepieces includes an elongated member. A substantially semicircular flange is coupled to each end of the elongated members. A tab is coupled to each end of the flanges, each tab having a hole formed therein for receiving a connector. During use, the bridgepieces are placed around the conduits and secured to each other by placing the connectors in the holes in the tabs. By tightening the connectors, the elongated members may be compressed against the conduits and against a union nut joining the conduits, thus maintaining the union. In a second embodiment, the union lock includes a pair of elongated members. A substantially circular flange is coupled to each end of the elongated members. A tab is coupled to each end of the flanges, each tab having a hole formed therein for receiving a connector.

Abstract: A resonant wire instrument for producing a measurement signal, which is derived from the resonant frequency of a vibratable wire tensioned in accordance with the magnitude of a physical variable being measured, wherein a force impulse produced mechanically by an apparatus is applied to displace laterally one end of the vibratable wire so as to excite the wire into resonant motion. In one embodiment, the one end is rigidly attached to a housing and a piston applies a transverse force impulse to that end by momentarily striking the housing. In another embodiment, the one end is connected to a piezoelectric crystal which responds to a short-duration electric field to displace momentarily that end.