Abstract: A reusable apparatus, such as a medical instrument or tool, is decontaminated by applying at least one of pressure waves, shockwaves, and ultrasound waves in a sufficient dosage to remove contamination but without adversely affecting the ability to reuse the apparatus.

Abstract: Electronic fuel injection for an internal combustion engine maintains an operator-specified air-to-fuel ratio during engine operations in high-speed, high-volume, mixed fuel applications. A microprocessor-based controller executes a program stored in memory to calculate a fuel flow value as a function of the specified air-to-fuel ratio and specified density ratio of mixed fuels. The controller outputs a control signal to a variable fuel flow relief valve and receives feedback from an engine fuel flow sensor. The controller adjusts the control signal until the feedback matches the fuel flow value. The program optimizes the fuel flow value by accounting for engine air flow, water vapor density, and dry air density effects in the calculation, based on signals received by the controller from various environmental sensors. The system has particular application in dragster engines that burn a mixture of nitromethane and methanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of minimising a symptom of dermatitis in an individual having a skin disease or condition comprising the administration of a TR47 related peptide, wherein the TR47 related peptide generally refers to a peptide having an N-terminal sequence NH2-NPND or NH2-NPNDKY, which is derived from the N-terminal sequence of the Met1-Arg46 deleted human PAR1 (protease activated receptor 1) sequence.

Abstract: An improved evaporative emission mitigation system for a motor vehicle includes a canister filled with an adsorbent material connected to a membrane module. The membrane module contains a membrane that separates gaseous hydrocarbons from inert air components within fuel vapor generated by the evaporation of fuel due to the heating of the motor vehicle. The gaseous hydrocarbons separated by the membrane are returned to the canister, where they will again be adsorbed by the adsorbent material. The inert air components are vented from the membrane module into the open atmosphere outside of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide compositions and implantable devices including a water-insoluble therapeutic agent solubilized in a matrix of a gallate-containing compound. Other aspects provide methods of manufacturing and using such compositions and devices.

Abstract: Electronic fuel injection for an internal combustion engine maintains an operator-specified air-to-fuel ratio during engine operations in high-speed, high-volume, mixed fuel applications. A microprocessor-based controller executes a program stored in memory to calculate a fuel flow value as a function of the specified air-to-fuel ratio and specified density ratio of mixed fuels. The controller outputs a control signal to a variable fuel flow relief valve and receives feedback from an engine fuel flow sensor. The controller adjusts the control signal until the feedback matches the fuel flow value. The program optimizes the fuel flow value by accounting for engine air flow, water vapor density, and dry air density effects in the calculation, based on signals received by the controller from various environmental sensors. The system has particular application in dragster engines that burn a mixture of nitromethane and methanol.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system for mitigating evaporative fuel emissions of an automobile may include a membrane component and a thermal component connected to the membrane component. The thermal component may be configured for condensing, in the membrane component or in the thermal component, fuel vapor generated from a fuel tank of an automobile.

Abstract: An improved evaporative emission mitigation system for a motor vehicle includes a canister filled with an adsorbent material connected to a membrane module. The membrane module contains a membrane that separates gaseous hydrocarbons from inert air components within fuel vapor generated by the evaporation of fuel due to the heating of the motor vehicle. The gaseous hydrocarbons separated by the membrane are returned to the canister, where they will again be adsorbed by the adsorbent material. The inert air components are vented from the membrane module into the open atmosphere outside of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A modular structure for a mitigating evaporative fuel emissions, such as for an automobile, is described. The structure may include a plurality of frames and membranes for flowing fuel vapor and reducing the emission of hydrocarbon therefrom. The structure may include flow guides that provide a meandering flow path for both the fuel vapor and a permeate. A flow guide providing parallel flow paths is also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a separation apparatus for use in a fuel emission control system. The separation apparatus includes a tube being disposed within a conduit of the fuel emission control system and a membrane being disposed within the tube. The tube includes an introduction port for introducing a fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank. The disposition of the membrane increases turbulence of the fuel vapor in the tube and separates the fuel vapor into a fuel-rich mixture and a fuel-lean mixture. The tube further includes a discharge port for discharging the fuel-rich mixture.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a fuel tank includes a membrane module disposed and connected between the internal combustion engine and the fuel tank, and configured to reduce discharge of fuel vapor generated from the fuel tank to the atmosphere. The membrane module includes a first passage and a second passage separated by a membrane, and the fuel vapor permeates the membrane in the membrane module. The evaporative emission control system further includes a buffer-volume housing connected to the membrane module by an additional passage and configured for storing fuel-rich vapor that has permeated the membrane. Furthermore, the evaporative emission control system includes an activated carbon filter disposed between the fuel tank and the membrane module, and a purge valve disposed between the membrane module and the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that include an improved RF switch assembly. In at least one embodiment, the RF switch assembly may have an optimized topology including a common node shared by each signal path, reducing the size and cost of the RF switch assembly and providing improved performance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for front-end systems with directional couplers and a shared back switch are provided. In certain configurations, a method includes transmitting a first transmit signal from a first transmit port to an antenna port, generating a first coupled signal in response to the first transmit signal using a first directional coupler, providing the first coupled signal to a receive port by way of a first loopback selection switch and a shared back switch, transmitting a second transmit signal from a second transmit port to the antenna port, generating a second coupled signal in response to the second transmit signal using a second directional coupler, and providing the second coupled signal to the receive port by way of a second loopback selection switch and the shared back switch.

Abstract: A canister for use in an evaporative emission control system that includes an external housing; a membrane module separating the external housing into an inlet side and an outlet side; an entrance located on the inlet side in fluid communication with a fuel tank, such that a vapor mixture flows into the inlet side; an exit located on the outlet side in fluid communication with an internal combustion engine; a first valve that reversibly connects the inlet side to atmosphere; and optionally, a second valve that reversibly connects the outlet side to atmosphere. The membrane module includes one or more structured membranes having a surface with a plurality of folds, the membrane being shaped as a flat sheet or into a cylindrical geometry. The vapor mixture flows from the entrance along the surface of the membrane, such that gaseous fuel vapor permeates through the membrane to the outlet side.

Abstract: One form of the present application is directed to a protective foam face mask which includes a frontal portion structured to cover at least a portion of a face of a user, wherein the frontal portion defines an ocular cavity. The foam face mask further includes two side portions astride the ocular cavity extending rearwardly from the frontal portion, wherein the side portions are structured to cover the ears of a user, and wherein the frontal portion and the side portions are constructed of a foam. The foam face mask further comprises a mesh eye shield extending across the ocular cavity, wherein an outer perimeter of the mesh eye shield is encased in the foam of the frontal portion and the side portions, and wherein the frontal portion, the side portions, and the mesh eye shield form a unitary face mask structure.

Abstract: A skin or skin system for a robot or robotics assembly is provided that includes one or more integral elastomeric links (or bars) (“IELs”) that are configured for receiving and connection with coupling elements or members (e.g., pivot pins) at the ends of mechanical links/bars. The IELs are also configured to act as a final link of a mechanical linkage made up of these mechanical links to provide a closed chain. For example, the body of each of the IELs, or a portion of the IEL body extending between connection points with the coupling elements of the links/bars of the mechanical linkage, provides a final link in a mechanical linkage forming a closed chain to allow it properly function.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing wild fires is presented. The apparatus has a perimeter pipe for carrying water on the perimeter of a forest area. The apparatus also has a plurality of interior pipes coupled to the perimeter pipes. The plurality of interior pipes provide water to the interior of the forest area. The apparatus has a plurality of sensors that are collocated with the perimeter pipe determine information and environmental conditions. The apparatus has a control center coupled to the plurality of sensors for receiving the information and the conditions from the plurality of sensors. The apparatus further has a water source coupled to the perimeter pipe by an output pipe. The water source provides water in the output pipe to the perimeter pipe for distribution to the plurality of interior pipes. The water is then distributed to the forest area.

Abstract: A sampling system is provided. The sampling system includes a housing. Mounted to the housing is a Hall effect sensor. A probe configured to contact a sample is inserted into the housing. The probe includes an elongated portion and a restorative spring inserted onto the elongated portion of the probe. The restorative spring provides sufficient restorative force to return the probe to a relaxed position. The Hall effect sensor is configured to sense a field strength generated by the proximity of the restorative spring of the probe in the extended position.

Abstract: A system for individualized treatment of a tissue condition with acoustic pressure shocks includes personalized determination and automatic adjustment of a shock wave treatment regimen or shock wave dosage to be administered for personalized treatment based on factors such as a patient's comorbidities, state of the tissue condition, individual physical characteristics and lifestyle parameters.