Abstract: Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of, and reduction of inflammation caused by, carpal tunnel syndrome. The apparatus employing a massage head made of a thermally conductive material attached to a handle. The apparatus is used to apply pressure, via the massage head, at or in proximity to the wrist through reciprocal movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

Abstract: Current techniques for measuring chemical expansion in thin film structures are too slow, too imprecise, or require synchrotrons. In contrast, nanoscale electrochemomechanical spectroscopy (NECS) can be used to make nanoscale measurements at time scales of seconds with simple contact or non-contact sensors. In a NECS measurement, a sample, such as thin-film oxide structure, is subjected to a temporally modulated stimulus, such as a sinusoidally alternating voltage. The stimulus causes the sample to expand, contract, deflect, or otherwise deform. A sensor, such as a contact probe or optical sensor, produces an electrical signal in response to this deformation that is correlated with the temporal modulation of the stimulus. Because the stimulus and deformation are correlated, the temporal modulation of the stimulus can be used to filter the deformation signal produced by the sensor, producing a precise, sensitive measurement of the deformation.

Abstract: A utility table is provided and includes a support table, a plurality of drive wheels, a plurality of guide wheels, and a drive assembly. The support table includes a top frame with a support surface and a pair of side frames extending downward from opposite ends of the top frame. The plurality of drive wheels are positioned along and extend below each of the pair of side frames. The plurality of guide wheels are positioned along an inner surface of the pair of side frames. The drive assembly includes a power source and control system to power the plurality of drive wheels.

Abstract: Reciprocating apparatuses such as a displacer in a Stirling engine or Vuilleumier (thermally-driven) heat pump and such as a poppet valve in an internal combustion engine have been known to be built with a mechatronic actuator. The reciprocating element has two springs in compression biased against each other. It has been found that conventional springs in compression introduce losses. A spring is disclosed in which a portion of the coil is wound in a clockwise direction and a portion is wound in a clockwise direction. Also, in reciprocation, the spring is in compression at one end of travel and in tension at the other end of travel.

Abstract: Current techniques for measuring chemical expansion in thin film structures are too slow, too imprecise, or require synchrotrons. In contrast, nanoscale electrochemomechanical spectroscopy (NECS) can be used to make nanoscale measurements at time scales of seconds with simple contact or non-contact sensors. In a NECS measurement, a sample, such as thin-film oxide structure, is subjected to a temporally modulated stimulus, such as a sinusoidally alternating voltage. The stimulus causes the sample to expand, contract, deflect, or otherwise deform. A sensor, such as a contact probe or optical sensor, produces an electrical signal in response to this deformation that is correlated with the temporal modulation of the stimulus. Because the stimulus and deformation are correlated, the temporal modulation of the stimulus can be used to filter the deformation signal produced by the sensor, producing a precise, sensitive measurement of the deformation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of, and reduction of inflammation caused by, carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A utility table is provided and includes a support table, a plurality of drive wheels, a plurality of guide wheels, and a drive assembly. The support table includes a top frame with a support surface and a pair of side frames extending downward from opposite ends of the top frame. The plurality of drive wheels are positioned along and extend below each of the pair of side frames. The plurality of guide wheels are positioned along an inner surface of the pair of side frames. The drive assembly includes a power source and control system to power the plurality of drive wheels.

Abstract: A vacuum hose storage system includes a housing which is mounted in a storage area of a dwelling and connected to a vacuum source. A length of flexible, expandable hose is mounted in a looped fashion about a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted within the housing. A handle is attached to one end of the hose and is seated in a cradle formed in the housing when the hose is in a fully retracted position within the housing. A vacuum source ON/OFF switch is located in the cradle and is actuated when the handle is placed in or removed from the cradle. A control valve on the cradle enables the strength of the vacuum source to be manually controlled by a user.

Abstract: A vacuum hose storage system includes a housing which is mounted in a storage area of a dwelling or vehicle and connected to a vacuum source. A length of flexible, expandable cleaning hose is mounted in a looped fashion about a plurality of spaced rollers rotatably mounted within the housing. A handle is attached to one end of the hose and is seated in a cradle formed in the housing when the hose is in a fully retracted position within the housing. The cradle is mounted in the housing and receives the open end of the hose when not in use and enables other vacuum tubes in the structure to be operational without shutting off the vacuum to the stored hose. An ON/OFF switch is located in the cradle for controlling the vacuum source and is actuated when the handle is placed in or removed from the cradle. The hose has an internal helical spring which biases the hose toward a retracted position about the spaced rollers within the housing.

Abstract: An air-powered vacuum cleaning nozzle has an agitator brush rotated by an air turbine powered by a source of suction air. A plurality of air inlet openings are formed adjacent the agitator brush. A generally flat friction drive belt extends from a bearing shaft of the air turbine to the midpoint of the agitator brush for rotating the brush. The bearing shaft is mounted in a pair of spaced rubber bushings to absorb vibration and reduce noise. The nozzle includes a housing formed by one-piece top and bottom housing members removably joined together securing the air turbine therebetween. A cover plate removably secured to the outside surface of the bottom housing member forms a protective passage for the drive belt and a suction passage between an air inlet adjacent the agitator brush and the air turbine chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum hose storage system includes a housing which is mounted in a storage area of a dwelling or vehicle and connected to a vacuum source. A length of flexible, expandable cleaning hose is mounted in a looped fashion about a plurality of spaced rollers rotatably mounted within the housing. A handle is attached to one end of the hose and is seated in a cradle formed in the housing when the hose is in a fully retracted position within the housing. The cradle is mounted in the housing and receives the open end of the hose when not in use and enables other vacuum tubes in the structure to be operational without shutting off the vacuum to the stored hose. An ON/OFF switch is located in the cradle for controlling the vacuum source and is actuated when the handle is placed in or removed from the cradle. The hose has an internal helical spring which biases the hose toward a retracted position about the spaced rollers within the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum hose storage system includes a housing which is mounted in a storage area of a dwelling or vehicle and connected to a vacuum source. A length of flexible, expandable cleaning hose is mounted in a looped fashion about a plurality of spaced rollers rotatably mounted within the housing. A handle is attached to one end of the hose and is seated in a cradle formed in the housing when the hose is in a fully retracted position within the housing. The cradle is mounted in the housing and receives the open end of the hose when not in use and enables other vacuum tubes in the structure to be operational without shutting off the vacuum to the stored hose. An ON/OFF switch is located in the cradle for controlling the vacuum source and is actuated when the handle is placed in or removed from the cradle. The hose has an internal helical spring which biases the hose toward a retracted position about the spaced rollers within the housing.

Abstract: An air-powered vacuum cleaning nozzle has an agitator brush rotated by an air turbine powered by a source of suction air. A plurality of air inlet openings are formed adjacent the agitator brush. A generally flat friction drive belt extends from a bearing shaft of the air turbine to the midpoint of the agitator brush for rotating the brush. The bearing shaft is mounted in a pair of spaced rubber bushings to absorb vibration and reduce noise. The nozzle includes a housing formed by one-piece top and bottom housing members removably joined together securing the air turbine therebetween. A cover plate removably secured to the outside surface of the bottom housing member forms a protective passage for the drive belt and a suction passage between an air inlet adjacent the agitator brush and the air turbine chamber.

Abstract: An air-powered vacuum cleaning nozzle has an agitator brush rotated by an air turbine powered by a source of suction air. A plurality of air inlet openings are formed adjacent the agitator brush. A generally flat friction drive belt extends from a bearing shaft of the air turbine to the midpoint of the agitator brush for rotating the brush. The bearing shaft is mounted in a pair of spaced rubber bushings to absorb vibration and reduce noise. The nozzle includes a housing formed by one-piece top and bottom housing members removably joined together securing the air turbine therebetween. A cover plate removably secured to the outside surface of the bottom housing member forms a protective passage for the drive belt and a suction passage between an air inlet adjacent the agitator brush and the air turbine chamber.

Abstract: A magnet assembly includes a back iron and an array of magnets. The back iron is in the form of a plate having opposed surfaces. The magnets are arranged along one of the surfaces, with the other surface being dimensioned and configured according to the magnetic field distribution associated with the magnets. The back iron geometry provides for reduced mass, reduced leakage flux, and high flux densities to improve performance of a linear motor that employs such a magnet assembly.