Abstract: A surface cleaner includes a base including a suction inlet in fluid communication with a debris separator and a suction source. The base includes a housing having a channel extending around at least a portion of the suction inlet, the channel having a first sidewall offset from a second sidewall. The base further includes a soleplate configured to slide along the surface being cleaned, the soleplate including a suction inlet aperture that defines at least a portion of the suction inlet, the soleplate further including an inner rib, an outer rib, and a channel between the inner rib and the outer rib. The inner rib frictionally engages the first sidewall and the outer rib frictionally engages the second sidewall to create a seal between the soleplate and the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a microfluidic calorimeter apparatus. A microfluidic calorimeter system includes a calorimetry apparatus and a processor in connection with the apparatus. The apparatus includes a microfluidic laminar flow channel connected to two inlets for flowing fluid into the laminar flow channel. Below the laminar flow channel is a plurality of microscale temperature sensors at known positions in the channel. The processor is in connection with the discrete temperature sensors and determines a calorimetry measurement based on local temperatures derived from data output by the microscale temperature sensors and the respective positions of the sensors in the channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a microfluidic calorimeter apparatus. A microfluidic calorimeter system includes a calorimetry apparatus and a processor in connection with the apparatus. The apparatus includes a microfluidic laminar flow channel connected to two inlets for flowing fluid into the laminar flow channel. Below the laminar flow channel is a plurality of microscale temperature sensors at known positions in the channel. The processor is in connection with the discrete temperature sensors and determines a calorimetry measurement based on local temperatures derived from data output by the microscale temperature sensors and the respective positions of the sensors in the channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a microfluidic calorimeter apparatus. A microfluidic calorimeter system includes a calorimetry apparatus and a processor in connection with the apparatus. The apparatus includes a microfluidic laminar flow channel connected to two inlets for flowing fluid into the laminar flow channel. Below the laminar flow channel is a plurality of microscale temperature sensors at known positions in the channel. The processor is in connection with the discrete temperature sensors and determines a calorimetry measurement based on local temperatures derived from data output by the microscale temperature sensors and the respective positions of the sensors in the channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultra-sensitive temperature sensing and calorimetry. Radiation is directed at a thin electrically conductive film having one or more small apertures. The incident radiation excites surface plasmons on a first surface of the electrically conductive film, and energy associated with the surface plasmons couples to an opposite surface of the electrically conductive film, where surface plasmon-enhanced radiation (SPER) is emitted from the aperture(s). A temperature-sensitive fluid or solid dielectric material is disposed contiguous with at least a portion of the electrically conductive film, such that a temperature change in the dielectric material alters a resonance condition for the SPER. Measurable changes in the SPER due to altered resonance conditions provide for an ultrasensitive temperature sensor that can detect small temperature changes in the dielectric material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultra-sensitive temperature sensing and calorimetry. Radiation is directed at a thin electrically conductive film having one or more small apertures. The incident radiation excites surface plasmons on a first surface of the electrically conductive film, and energy associated with the surface plasmons couples to an opposite surface of the electrically conductive film, where surface plasmon-enhanced radiation (SPER) is emitted from the aperture(s). A temperature-sensitive fluid or solid dielectric material is disposed contiguous with at least a portion of the electrically conductive film, such that a temperature change in the dielectric material alters a resonance condition for the SPER. Measureable changes in the SPER due to altered resonance conditions provide for an ultrasensitive temperature sensor that can detect small temperature changes in the dielectric material.

Abstract: A method for forming an integrated structural system for a vehicle is provided. The method comprises: securing a first beam component to a structural member by a molding process, the first beam component being molded from a first amount of thermoplastic material, the structural member being formed from a material different than the first amount of thermoplastic material; and securing a second beam component to the first beam component, the second beam component being separately molded from a second amount of thermoplastic material, the second beam component having a configuration different from the first beam component.

Abstract: A novel air flow control valve for an air outlet in an HVAC housing provides for strong, even seal pressure all the way around the edge of the opening. In stead of a swinging door hinged at one edge of the opening, in which seal pressure is strong on the hinge edge but weaker on the opposite edge, a flat panel is moved straight toward and away from the opening. In the closed position, the sealing pressure is even all the way around. The sealing panel is moved back and forth by a rotary cam mechanism.

Abstract: A precision release agent management system for an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus fuser device. The precision release agent management system includes a reservoir adapted to contain a release agent. A wick absorbs release agent from the reservoir. A metering member receives release agent from the wick, which is supported for resiliently urging into operative contact with the metering member. A blade member is associated with the metering member to establish a desired thickness of release agent on the metering member, and a donor member is adapted to receive release agent from the metering member, and operatively contact the fuser device to apply the release agent thereto. A plurality of features is associated with the reservoir for precise alignment of he donor member, the metering member, and the metering blade.

Abstract: A valve includes a film having side edges and an opening to extend across a passage in a housing of a HVAC system. The film has a circular aperture in the film adjacent each rounded corner of each opening for relieving stress. Either or both of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the film are undulated to prevent deformation of the edges. A pair of the racks is disposed on the film and sprockets engage the teeth of the racks for moving the racks and the film linearly. Each rack includes a strap and a bearing member for retaining the associated sprocket in engagement with the teeth. The bearing member is in rolling engagement with a bearing surface of the associated strap as it rotates with the sprockets.

Abstract: A cylinder with a functional layer (23) and with a supporting body (1), which passes through the cylinder. On the supporting body (1), a sleeve that accommodates the functional layer (23) is supported at ends (2, 5). The supporting body (1) is for its part accommodated on supporting elements (10, 11, 13) provided on the frame side. The cylinder sleeve (3) that accommodates the functional layer (23) can be centered in relation to the axis of rotation (8) by centering faces (6, 7) formed at the ends (2, 5). One end of the cylinder can be exposed at the supporting element (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder arrangement for electrographic printing units, having ends (4, 7) which are fitted to a supporting body (1) and on whose circumference there is supported a cylinder sleeve (6) whose outer face accommodates a functional layer (16). The cylinder arrangement (1, 4, 6, 7) contains devices (21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) for prepositioning the cylinder sleeve (6) when it is being replaced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder with a functional layer (23) and with a supporting body (1), which passes through the cylinder. On the supporting body (1), a sleeve that accommodates the functional layer (23) is supported at ends (2, 5, 25). The supporting body (1) is for its part accommodated on supporting elements (10, 11, 13) provided on the frame side. The cylinder sleeve (3) that accommodates the functional layer (23) can be centered in relation to the axis of rotation (8) by centering faces (6, 7) formed at the ends (2, 5, 25). One end of the cylinder can be exposed at the supporting element (13).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing pasta production and for ensuring a more uniform and quality pasta product which includes heating the die face of a die by positioning on the die face an electric resistance heater.

Abstract: Apparatus for increasing pasta production and for ensuring a more uniform and quality pasta product which includes heating the die face of a die by positioning on the die face an electric resistance heater.