Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring strain in a substrate using a strain sensor element within a fiber optic sensing cable. Accurate and rapid measurement of strain of remote substrates presents major technical challenges and is the focus of much of the description presented. However, systems, methods and devices provided by the present invention are not only capable of reliably measuring strain in real time, but are also capable of measuring other characteristics of a substrate such as its temperature, pressure and its acoustic characteristics. The system is configured such that a strain sensor element within a strain sensing zone detects substantially the true strain characteristics of the substrate. And while other sensing elements within the same fiber optic sensing cable may not be configured to detect substrate strain at all, these sensing elements may reliably measure the temperature and pressure at the surface of the substrate adjacent to the strain sensing zone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to method and devices for measuring the pressure of a pump chamber in which no internal opening or connections are needed. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for pumping fluid. The apparatus comprises at least one housing having a transducer surface. The transducer surface has a thickness exhibiting measurable deformation upon the chamber holding a fluid under pressure such that the transducer surface has a first position at which the chamber is at one pressure and a second position at which the chamber is at a second pressure. A strain sensor is affixed to the transducer surface producing; at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the first position and at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the second position to function as an integrated pressure transducer.

Abstract: A valve including a linear positioning component operatively connected to a valve body and an actuating element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: A valve including a linear positioning component operatively connected to a valve body and an actuating element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to method and devices for measuring the pressure of a pump chamber in which no internal opening or connections are needed. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for pumping fluid. The apparatus comprises at least one housing having a transducer surface. The transducer surface has a thickness exhibiting measurable deformation upon the chamber holding a fluid under pressure such that the transducer surface has a first position at which the chamber is at one pressure and a second position at which the chamber is at a second pressure. A strain sensor is affixed to the transducer surface producing; at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the first position and at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the second position to function as an integrated pressure transducer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a method and apparatus for detecting defects, such as, leaks, component failure and adverse performance. One embodiment of the present apparatus for pumping fluid comprises a pumping chamber having an inlet and an outlet powered by a motor. The motor operates in pumping mode upon receiving a pumping signal. The apparatus further comprises at least one inlet valve in fluid communication with the inlet of the pumping chamber. And, the apparatus comprises a switchable valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the pumping chamber. The switchable valve has a closed position and an open position, and assumes the closed position upon receiving a close signal. A pressure measuring device is in fluid communication with the pumping chamber, between said inlet valve and switchable valve. The pressure measuring device determines a minimal pressure and first threshold pressure at a first time and a second threshold pressure at a second time.

Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods implement techniques for displaying zero-width markers in an electronic document. An electronic document including content having a visual content is provided. The electronic document includes one or more markers having locations in the content, the markers not being represented in the content. Input specifying one or more locations in the electronic document is received. The presence of one or more markers associated with one or more locations in the specified locations is detected in response to the input. A visual representation of the detected markers is displayed. In preferred embodiments, the display of the visual representation does not alter the visual composition of the document.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a method and apparatus for detecting defects, such as, leaks, component failure and adverse performance. One embodiment of the present apparatus for pumping fluid comprises a pumping chamber having an inlet and an outlet powered by a motor. The motor operates in pumping mode upon receiving a pumping signal. The apparatus further comprises at least one inlet valve in fluid communication with the inlet of the pumping chamber. And, the apparatus comprises a switchable valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the pumping chamber. The switchable valve has a closed position and an open position, and assumes the closed position upon receiving a close signal. A pressure measuring device is in fluid communication with the pumping chamber, between said inlet valve and switchable valve. The pressure measuring device determines a minimal pressure and first threshold pressure at a first time and a second threshold pressure at a second time.

Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods implement techniques for displaying zero-width markers in an electronic document. An electronic document including content having a visual content is provided. The electronic document includes one or more markers having locations in the content, the markers not being represented in the content. Input specifying one or more locations in the electronic document is received. The presence of one or more markers associated with one or more locations in the specified locations is detected in response to the input. A visual representation of the detected markers is displayed. In preferred embodiments, the display of the visual representation does not alter the visual composition of the document.