Abstract: Captive fastener systems and structural assemblies having captive fastener systems are described. The captive fastener systems include a captive fastener assembly having a sleeve and a captive fastener arranged within the sleeve, a mounting assembly having a bushing and a mounting fastener arranged to pass through the bushing, and a joining body having a mounting aperture, wherein the sleeve is attached to the joining body and the bushing and the mounting fastener are configured to pass through the mounting aperture. The mounting assembly is configured to provide a first degree of movement of the captive fastener system and the captive fastener assembly is configured to provide a second degree of movement of the captive fastener system.

Abstract: A flow distributor for a heat transfer device having a plurality of channels includes a sheath defining a plurality of distributor holes, each distributor hole configured to be in fluid communication with a respective channel inlet of each channel of the heat transfer device and an insert defining a plurality of fluid channels therein and a fluid inlet, each fluid channel in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The insert is disposed within the sheath to seal the fluid channels with each fluid channel in fluid communication with a respective one of the distribution holes. The fluid inlet includes an inner inlet and an outer inlet radially outward from the inner inlet for mixing a fluid flow in the fluid inlet for evenly distributing fluid flow (e.g., a two phase flow) into the fluid channels of the insert and into each channel of the heat transfer device.

Abstract: A rotary valve includes a first ball valve including a first stem extending from a first proximal stem end to a first distal stem end outward from the first ball valve. The first stem including a first slotted opening extending from the first distal stem end into the first stem. The rotary valve includes a second ball valve including a second stem extending from a second proximal stem end to a second distal stem end outward from the second ball valve. The second stem including a second slotted opening extending from the second distal stem end into the second stem. The second stem extends towards the first stem. The rotary valve includes a drive key of non-uniform thickness located within the first slotted opening and the second slotted opening. The drive key operably connects the first ball valve to the second ball valve.

Abstract: A rotary valve includes a first ball valve including a first stem extending from a first proximal stem end to a first distal stem end outward from the first ball valve. The first stem including a first slotted opening extending from the first distal stem end into the first stem. The rotary valve includes a second ball valve including a second stem extending from a second proximal stem end to a second distal stem end outward from the second ball valve. The second stem including a second slotted opening extending from the second distal stem end into the second stem, wherein the second stem extends towards the first stem. The rotary valve includes a drive key located within the first slotted opening and the second slotted opening. The drive key extending from the first slotted opening of the first ball valve to the second slotted opening of the second ball valve to operably connect the first ball valve to the second ball valve. The drive key has a non-uniform thickness.

Abstract: Captive fastener systems and structural assemblies having captive fastener systems are described. The captive fastener systems include a captive fastener assembly having a sleeve and a captive fastener arranged within the sleeve, a mounting assembly having a bushing and a mounting fastener arranged to pass through the bushing, and a joining body having a mounting aperture, wherein the sleeve is attached to the joining body and the bushing and the mounting fastener are configured to pass through the mounting aperture. The mounting assembly is configured to provide a first degree of movement of the captive fastener system and the captive fastener assembly is configured to provide a second degree of movement of the captive fastener system.

Abstract: A packed bed for a heat exchanger may comprise a frame and a first fin layer disposed within the frame. A second fin layer may be disposed within the frame. A first perforated sheet may be disposed between the first fin layer and the second fin layer. A sorbent material may be disposed within a volume of at least one of the first fin layer or the second fin layer.

Abstract: A fluid flow component has a fluid connection. The fluid connection has part circular end portions and extending side portions connecting the part circular end portions. A seal groove is formed in the fluid connection. The seal groove has inwardly extending components at an outer end to capture an o-ring within the seal groove. A circular o-ring has a circular cross-section received within the seal groove.

Abstract: A flow distributor for a heat transfer device having a plurality of channels includes a sheath defining a plurality of distributor holes, each distributor hole configured to be in fluid communication with a respective channel inlet of each channel of the heat transfer device and an insert defining a plurality of fluid channels therein and a fluid inlet, each fluid channel in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The insert is disposed within the sheath to seal the fluid channels with each fluid channel in fluid communication with a respective one of the distribution holes. The fluid inlet includes an inner inlet and an outer inlet radially outward from the inner inlet for mixing a fluid flow in the fluid inlet for evenly distributing fluid flow (e.g., a two phase flow) into the fluid channels of the insert and into each channel of the heat transfer device.

Abstract: A cartridge mounting an air treatment material has a housing. The air treatment material is received within the housing, and spaced from inner walls of the housing by a plurality of resilient sheets. The air treatment material is hydroxide sheets. There is an inlet direction into the housing for air flowing across the air treatment material and an outlet opening on an opposed end of the housing. There are top and bottom surfaces and side surfaces forming a perimeter about the air treatment material. The resilient sheets extend substantially continuously across the side surfaces and the top and bottom surfaces at least at the inlet end to increase airflow across the air treatment material. An enclosed inhabited space is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A packed bed for a heat exchanger may comprise a frame and a first fin layer disposed within the frame. A second fin layer may be disposed within the frame. A first perforated sheet may be disposed between the first fin layer and the second fin layer. A sorbent material may be disposed within a volume of at least one of the first fin layer or the second fin layer.

Abstract: A packed bed for a heat exchanger may comprise a frame and a first fin layer disposed within the frame. A second fin layer may be disposed within the frame. A first perforated sheet may be disposed between the first fin layer and the second fin layer. A sorbent material may be disposed within a volume of at least one of the first fin layer or the second fin layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for an adjustable width foam mattress which involves the use of modified lateral or side edges of an engineered foam mattress. Such lateral portions include collapsible structures for lateral adjustment of the overall width of the mattress. While different shapes are possible, one exemplary arrangement includes plural elongated octagonally-shaped openings. The long sides of such elongated structures form stops against each other as they fill the void of the opening. The relatively shorter sides of such structures articulate during collapse to accommodate such movement. As a result, and as the long sides fill in voids, the support structure essentially switches uniformly from one density to another, when moved from its expanded to its compressed position. An inflatable/deflatable member may be used to assist with expansion and compression of a lateral support structure.

Abstract: A packed bed for a heat exchanger may comprise a frame and a first fin layer disposed within the frame. A second fin layer may be disposed within the frame. A first perforated sheet may be disposed between the first fin layer and the second fin layer. A sorbent material may be disposed within a volume of at least one of the first fin layer or the second fin layer.

Abstract: A fecal canister for use in a space application has a canister body extending from an inlet end toward a remote end. Hooks are aligned along an inner surface of the canister from the inlet end towards the remote end. In embodiments, a compaction lid, or a storage bag catch on the hooks to maintain a compacted position.

Abstract: A packed bed for a heat exchanger may comprise a frame and a first fin layer disposed within the frame. A second fin layer may be disposed within the frame. A first perforated sheet may be disposed between the first fin layer and the second fin layer. A sorbent material may be disposed within a volume of at least one of the first fin layer or the second fin layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing humidity (i.e., moisture) and/or heat within and/or adjacent a patient support mattress, without requiring any electrical power. A spacer fabric is used to create a non-crushable area of support below a patient's core area, where moisture and heat more commonly buildup. Integrated air cells in the mattress have resilient elements such as open-celled foam interiors. The air cells are connected by air tubing to the spacer fabric, and the mattress is otherwise vented externally from the spacer fabric. As a result, the patient's movement causes air to be expelled from or drawn into the air cells, which in turn results in air movement in the spacer fabric below a patient or user, resulting in cooling effects by removing moisture and/or heat, all without requiring external or internal electrical power.

Abstract: A nut insert body includes an outer periphery and an aperture formed with threads. The threads are centered on a thread axis. The outer periphery of the nut insert body is curved about a curve axis defined about an axis having at least a component extending in a perpendicular direction from the thread axis. A component receiving a nut insert is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing humidity (i.e., moisture) and/or heat within and/or adjacent a patient support mattress, without requiring any electrical power. A spacer fabric is used to create a non-crushable area of support below a patient's core area, where moisture and heat more commonly buildup. Integrated air cells in the mattress have resilient elements such as open-celled foam interiors. The air cells are connected by air tubing to the spacer fabric, and the mattress is otherwise vented externally from the spacer fabric. As a result, the patient's movement causes air to be expelled from or drawn into the air cells, which in turn results in air movement in the spacer fabric below a patient or user, resulting in cooling effects by removing moisture and/or heat, all without requiring external or internal electrical power.

Abstract: A fecal canister for use in a space application has a canister body extending from an inlet end toward a remote end. Hooks are aligned along an inner surface of the canister from the inlet end towards the remote end. In embodiments, a compaction lid, or a storage bag catch on the hooks to maintain a compacted position.

Abstract: A flow distributor may comprise an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of holes circumferentially disposed in the flow distributor and extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. Each of the holes may comprise an inlet defined at the inner surface and an outlet defined at the outer surface, wherein each inlet is axially offset from a circumferentially adjacent inlet.