Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: A noninvasive method of treating or preventing pressure ulcers is disclosed. The method includes placing a motorized pad about a subject, activating a plurality of motors positioned in the motorized pad each having an output shaft to thereby cause application of a rotational motion to each of the plurality of motor shafts, converting the rotational motion to a vibrational motion by using a corresponding unbalanced mass with each motor, applying the vibrational motion to a corresponding part of the subject, and damping any vibrational forces substantially parallel to an underlying skin surface more than vibrational forces substantially perpendicular to the underlying skin surface.

Abstract: A sleeve that provides mechanical stimulation to the arm to prevent bone density loss. A primary goal of this product is to prevent bone density loss that occurs during extended space travel. For one embodiment, only the predefined frequency specifications had to be met (between 40 Hz and 60 Hz). By meeting these frequencies for a duration of 30 minutes the product will theoretically prevent the loss of bone density. Additionally, clinical trials will need to be conducted before this product can be marketed. The product includes of several mechanical vibrators attached to a sleeve. The vibrators are small unbalanced-mass motors which are similar to those found in cell phones. The motors are encased in dome shaped housings designed to reduce lateral vibrations along the arm. The product is controlled using an Arduino board attached to the sleeve that actuates the motors.

Abstract: A sleeve that provides mechanical stimulation to the arm to prevent bone density loss. A primary goal of this product is to prevent bone density loss that occurs during extended space travel. For one embodiment, only the predefined frequency specifications had to be met (between 40 Hz and 60 Hz). By meeting these frequencies for a duration of 30 minutes the product will theoretically prevent the loss of bone density. Additionally, clinical trials will need to be conducted before this product can be marketed. The product includes of several mechanical vibrators attached to a sleeve. The vibrators are small unbalanced-mass motors which are similar to those found in cell phones. The motors are encased in dome shaped housings designed to reduce lateral vibrations along the arm. The product is controlled using an Arduino board attached to the sleeve that actuates the motors. The motors, in turn, provide the specified frequency to the arm for 30 minutes.