Abstract: A microreactor comprising a silicon wafer, a multiplicity of microchannels in the silicon wafer, and a catalyst coating the microchannels. In one embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises a nanostructured material. In another embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises an aerogel. In another embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises a solgel. In another embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A supercapacitor comprising a poly(3,4-ethylendioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) (PProDOT) as electrode couples for the capacitor and a pair of gel electrolyte layers disposed between the electrodes. The gel electrolytes are separated by a battery paper and are selected from a group consisting of a lithium salt and an organic electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for contacting patterned electrode devices includes the steps of providing a porous substrate, depositing electrically conductive material to form at least one electrode on a front-side of the porous substrate and depositing at least one electrically conductive back-side contact trace on the back-side of the substrate. A portion of the electrically conductive material penetrates into the substrate. A device is formed including the electrode on the front side of the substrate, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled by a conducting channel including the electrically conductive material through the substrate to the back-side contact trace.

Abstract: Electrochemical machining is used to generate the helical lobe profiles of the stator of a progressive cavity pump or motor. A thin, elastomeric liner, of uniform thickness is bonded either to the interior of the stator, or to the exterior of the rotor. Where the elastomeric liner is to be bonded to the interior of the stator, bonding is improved by electrically etching the interior of the stator during the electrochemical machining process to produce a roughened surface.

Abstract: An ECM apparatus includes a stationary cathode tool having a passage, and a drive mechanism for moving a bar-shaped workpiece through the passage of the cathode tool while simultaneously rotating the workpiece. Electrolyte flows, from a manifold on one end of the cathodic tool to a manifold at the other end, through the passage, between the wall of the passage and the workpiece. An electric current is simultaneously established in the electrolyte, between the wall of the passage and the workpiece. The internal shape of the cathodic tool wall has a gradual transition from a circular entry opening to a lobed exit opening, and lobes formed in the wall of the tool are shaped so that they twist in the direction of workpiece rotation, in order to form helical lobes in the workpiece.

Abstract: A phototherapy bandage capable of providing radiation to a localized area of a patient for accelerating wound healing and pain relief, photodynamic therapy, and for aesthetic applications. The phototherapy bandage may include a flexible light source that is continuous across the bandage for providing a selected light, such as a visible light, a near-infrared light, or other light, having substantially similar intensity across the bandage. The bandage may also be flexible and capable of being attached to a patient without interfering with the patient's daily routine. The phototherapy bandage may easily conform to the curves of a patient and may come in a variety of exterior shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A mat for use on sand has a lower layer (2) and an upper layer (3). Sand is able to pass through both layers. Sand falling on the upper layer (3) can pass through it and either remain trapped between the two layers or pass through the lower layer (2) to the ground. The perimeters of each layer are preferably sewn together with overlapping tape (4). Suitable materials for the upper layer and lower layer include polypropylene mesh material, particularly shade cloth with a shade rating of approximately 70%. The mat may optionally include a sand-permeable third layer positioned over the upper layer. The third layer may be made from polyvinylchloride-coated nylon mesh material, and may be screen printed.

Abstract: Beverage container provided with a dispensing valve (7) and a dispensing channel (31, 33) connected to said dispensing valve, wherein an operating arm (41) is provided which, in a position of rest, includes an angle with a plane at right angles to a longitudinal axis (L) of the dispensing valve, wherein a pressure body (19) is provided between the pivoting arm and said valve, such that upon a pivotal movement of the arm from said position of rest the pressure body is moved and the valve is opened by the pressure body.

Abstract: A beach mat is disclosed which comprises a first layer (2) secured to a second layer (3). Each layer (2, 3) is manufactured from a flexible polypropylene mesh material, suitably shade cloth with a shade rating of approximately 70%. The perimeters of each layer (2, 3) are secured together with overlapping tape (4) which is sewn into position. When the mat (1) is placed on sand (5) with the first layer (2) downwards, any sand that passes upwards through the lower surface of the first layer (2) is retained between the first layer (2) and the second layer (3). Any sand that falls on the upper surface of the second layer (4) and passes therethrough is also retained between the first layer (2) and second layer (3). Optionally, a third layer (7) manufactured from polyvinylchloride-coated nylon mesh material can be positioned over the second layer (3) and the perimeters of each layer (2, 3, 6) secured together with overlapping tape (4). The upper surface of the third layer (7) can be screen-printed.

Abstract: A fluid bed processing system with a spraying apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes an expansion chamber and at least one spraying apparatus which extends into the expansion chamber. The spraying apparatus has a plurality of single nozzles which are spaced along the spraying apparatus and has at least one fluid passage connected to each of the single nozzles.

Abstract: A catapult for launching an aircraft is disclosed including a rail assembly having first and second ends. A support structure is provided for supporting the rail assembly above the ground at various upward angles. A container having an open end is releasably mounted on the first end of the rail assembly, the container for mounting the aircraft therein with a portion of the front end of the aircraft extending out of the open end. A device is provided for extracting the aircraft from the container and moving it from the first end to the second end of the rail assembly and release it when reaching the second end.

Abstract: A catapult for launching an aircraft is disclosed including a rail assembly having first and second ends. A support structure is provided for supporting the rail assembly above the ground at various upward angles. A container having an open end is releasably mounted on the first end of the rail assembly, the container for mounting the aircraft therein with a portion of the front end of the aircraft extending out of the open end. A device is provided for extracting the aircraft from the container and moving it from the first end to the second end of the rail assembly and release it when reaching the second end.

Abstract: A parachute system for a miniature aircraft having a storable parachute mounted on an upper surface of the aircraft. The system includes a canopy having a stored condition and an expanded condition. A plurality of suspension lines have first ends connected to the periphery of the canopy and second ends connected to an elastic member. First and second risers are connected by their first ends to the upper surface of the aircraft between the front end and center of gravity on either side of the longitudinal axis and by their second ends to the elastic member. A restraint system releasably restrains the parachute in the stored condition on the top surface of the aircraft; and a release system coupled to the restraint system releases the parachute upon command such that aerodynamic forces will cause the parachute to open.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus particularly suitable for disk recording systems has a rotatable shaft mounted on a support body by an air bearing, the air bearing being provided within a vacuum chamber. A second rotatable shaft extends through the wall of the vacuum chamber in which it is mounted by a second air bearing. The second shaft has a hollow center which communicates with an output of the air bearing for removal of air exhausting from the air bearing. The air bearing may be provided within a second chamber within the vacuum chamber and may be movable relative to the axis of the second shaft. In a disk recording system, the air bearing may support a turntable.

Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is disclosed that includes a support structure having a motor mounted vertically thereto, with the motor having a propeller for rotation in a horizontal plane. A power supply for the motor is mounted to the support structure below the motor and electrical coupled thereto. A plurality of fins are attached by their first end to the power and extending radially outward therefrom. Vertical posts have there first ends attached to the second end of the fins and extend upward to the plane of rotation of the propeller. A ring is mounted horizontally to the second ends of the plurality of vertical posts surrounding the propeller. The torque produced by the drag of fins as the aircraft rotates in the opposite direction reacting the torque of the propeller equal to the torque of the propeller necessary to achieve hover. The rotational inertia of aircraft is made equal to the rotational inertia of the propeller.

Abstract: A disk recording system for disks such as videod isks or compact disks has a turntable on which the disk is supported adjacent a recording head. A shaft defining the axis of rotation of the turntable rotates in a bearing and that bearing is itself movable about an axis defined by another shaft. The bearing of the shaft is an air bearing and there is a damper unit for damping that movement. There may be a sensor for detecting the rate of rotation of the shaft defining the axis of rotation of the turntable. The radial displacement of the head relative to the axis of the turntable may be determined on the basis of rotation of the other shaft, and the rotation of the turntable controlled on the basis of the product of signals representing the radial displacement and the rate of rotation of the shaft, respectively.

Abstract: The use of 4-ethyloctanal as a flavor or fragrance chemical, suitable for use in creating fragrance and scents in items such as perfumes, colognes and personal care products, as well as a flavor ingredient for various products is disclosed.

Abstract: A payload dispensing system for an aircraft is disclosed that includes a housing mounted to the aircraft. A hollow shaft is mounted to the housing having an open first end and a closed off second end with a hole therethrough. The payload includes an aperture having a first end on an external surface thereof and a second end in the interior therein. A wire cable releasably secures the payload to the housing such that the hollow shaft extends into the aperture of the payload. A compression spring is mounted at least partially within the hollow shaft, having a first end in contact with the second end of the hollow shaft and a second end in contact with the second end of the aperture within the payload, the spring having a compressed position when the hollow shaft is within the aperture in the payload and asserts a force tending to separate the payload from the aircraft.

Abstract: A fluid bed processing system with a spraying apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes an expansion chamber and at least one spraying apparatus which extends into the expansion chamber. The spraying apparatus has a plurality of single nozzles which are spaced along the spraying apparatus and has at least one fluid passage connected to each of the single nozzles.