Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing polystyrene. The method includes the steps of: receiving a solution in the form of polystyrene polymer dissolved in an organic solvent; and separating the polystyrene from the solvent by applying heat to the solution to provide a heated solution and then spraying the heated solution to separate the polystyrene from the solvent. The apparatus includes: a holding tank at least partly filled with a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent; at least one heat exchanger (170); and a separator in the form of a sprayer unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring the operation of an alternating pressure ventilation mode are provided. According to one embodiment a configuration method includes monitoring gas flow between a patient and a ventilation system. Based on the monitoring, a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is determined Information indicative of values of parameters of the ventilation mode are received, including a higher pressure setting, a lower pressure setting and a duration of the higher pressure setting. User input is also received indicative of a target percentage of PEFR at which the ventilation system should cycle from the lower pressure setting to the higher pressure setting. Based on the target percentage, a duration of the lower pressure setting is programmatically determined. Finally, the ventilation system is configured to automatically cycle between the higher and lower pressure setting at a predetermined flow based on the parameters and the duration of the lower pressure setting.

Abstract: A self-propelled screening apparatus (1) having a chassis (11); a pair of endless tracks (12) supporting the chassis (11); a superstructure (13) rotatably mounted on the chassis (11); a prime mover (19) provided in or on the superstructure (13) and arranged to provide motive power to operate the endless tracks (12) and where the prime mover (19) is rotatable with the superstructure (13); and a screen box (16) mounted on the superstructure (13), also for rotation therewith. The screen box (16) has an input (17) for receiving a supply of bulk material, at least one screen deck for screening the bulk material, and an output for discharging screened material. The prime mover (19) and the screen box (16) are arranged on opposite sides of the rotational axis of the superstructure (13), to provide a stable weight distribution.

Abstract: A floating CMOS input circuit is disclosed that does not draw direct current. The floating CMOS input circuit comprises a first inverter circuit that is capable of being coupled to an input voltage (Vin) and an n-channel pull-down transistor (N1) that is coupled to the first inverter circuit. The n-channel pull-down transistor (N1) pulls the input voltage (Vin) on the first inverter circuit to a hard ground when the input voltage (Vin) is not driven high. This eliminates the leakage of direct current in the first inverter circuit. The floating CMOS input circuit also powers up in a known state.

Abstract: A medical device may include a gas delivery apparatus, a patient interface, a connection system, and an electrical circuit. The gas delivery apparatus may be configured to deliver gas to a patient. The patient interface may be configured to interface with the patient to deliver gas communicated by the gas delivery apparatus to the patient. The connection system may be configured to communicate gas from the gas delivery apparatus to the patient interface. The electrical circuit may be configured to communicate electrical signals between the patient interface and the gas delivery apparatus, and may including one or more first electrical conductors at least partially integral with the patient interface and one or more second electrical conductors at least partially integral with the connection system.

Abstract: A medical device may include a patient interface for use in a breathing assistance system, an electronic device coupled to the patient interface, and one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface. The patient interface may include a connection end configured for receiving gas communicated by a gas delivery apparatus, and a patient end configured for insertion into or more breathing passageways of a patient. The one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface may be capable of facilitating communication of electrical signals between the electronic device and the gas delivery apparatus when the patient interface is communicatively coupled to the gas delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A ventilator system includes a ventilator configured for ventilating a patient based on a plurality of ventilation parameters, and a multi-level graphic user interface (GUI) coupled to the ventilator. The multi-level GUI may be configured to display a view menu allowing a user to select from multiple different views providing different levels of user access to the ventilation parameters. The multiple different views may include a first view and a second view. The first view may display values for a first set of ventilation parameters, and user access for adjusting the setting for at least one of the first set of the ventilation parameters. The second view may display values for a second set of the ventilation parameters, and access for adjusting the settings for at least one of the second set of the ventilation parameters. The second set of ventilation parameters may be larger than the first set of ventilation parameters.

Abstract: A ventilator system may include a ventilator and a graphic user interface (GUI) module. The GUI module may display a user interface for configuring a plurality of preset breath delivery therapies for providing ventilation assistance to a patient, and for selecting one of the plurality of preset breath delivery therapies to activate. Each preset breath delivery therapy may be defined by a set of ventilation parameter settings, and configuring each preset breath delivery therapy may include configuring at least one ventilation parameter setting. The ventilator may be configured to provide breathing assistance to the patient based at least on the set of ventilation parameter settings corresponding to the activated preset breath delivery therapy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for automatically controlling a physiologic parameter of a patient. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention include delivering a gas mixture to the patient and monitoring at least one physiologic parameter of the patient, detecting whether a physiologic delay exists between delivering the gas mixture and detection of a corresponding response to delivering the gas mixture, and automatically controlling the delivery of the gas mixture based on whether the delay is detected and based on a value of the physiologic parameter.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system may include a patient interface configured to interface with a patient to communicate gas received from a gas delivery apparatus to the patient, and a securing system configured to secure the patient interface against the patient's face. The securing system may include one or more walls forming a generally tubular structure open at least at one end. At least a portion of the one or more walls may be elastic such that at least a portion of the generally tubular structure can be stretched over the patient's head.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a dome assembly for a gas turbine engine combustor includes forming an annular dome plate including a plurality of substantially circular eyelets circumferentially spaced thereon, coupling a seal plate to the dome plate at each eyelet such that an opening defined in each seal plate is aligned substantially concentrically with respect to a respective eyelet, coupling a baffle to each seal plate such that an opening defined in each baffle is aligned substantially concentrically with respect to a respective eyelet, and coupling a swirler assembly having an integrally formed swirler and flare cone to each seal plate such that the flare cone extends at least partially through the baffle opening, and such that cooling air may be directed towards the flare cone through openings formed in the assembly.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a dome assembly for a gas turbine engine combustor includes forming an annular dome plate including a plurality of substantially circular eyelets circumferentially spaced thereon, coupling a seal plate to the dome plate at each eyelet such that an opening defined in each seal plate is aligned substantially concentrically with respect to a respective eyelet, coupling a baffle to each seal plate such that an opening defined in each baffle is aligned substantially concentrically with respect to a respective eyelet, and coupling a swirler assembly having an integrally formed swirler and flare cone to each seal plate such that the flare cone extends at least partially through the baffle opening, and such that cooling air may be directed towards the flare cone through openings formed in the assembly.

Abstract: A U-turn indicator for motor vehicles having a light fixture housing and a plurality of light sources located therein. The housing is divided into a U-turn indicating region and a non-U turn indicating region, and the plurality of light sources located in the U-turn indicating region are lightable separately from the plurality of light sources in the non-U turn indicating region. The light fixture housing forms a light fixture housing for one of a left and right turn signal indicator on a front and rear of a automobile. The light fixture functions as one of a left and right turn signal indicator when the plurality of light sources in both the U-turn indicating region and the non-U turn indicating region are activated, and as a U turn indicator when only the plurality of light sources in the U-turn indicating region are activated.

Abstract: A variable drive strength hysteresis input circuit is disclosed that comprises pull-up circuitry and pull-down circuitry. A variable drive strength circuit changes the pull-up drive strength and the pull-down drive strength in response to receiving an input voltage signal that transitions either from a low level to a high level or from a high level to a low level. In one advantageous embodiment the variable drive strength hysteresis input circuit comprises four p-channel MOSFET transistors and four n-channel MOSFET transistors. The invention efficiently reduces transition noise in the inputs to an integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor fuel-air mixer includes a body having a substantially annular venturi and a longitudinal axis therethrough, an upstream end, a downstream end, and an inner surface. A primary radial jet swirler upstream of the venturi includes a plurality of radially extending primary air jets circumferentially and downstream angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of axial jets axially extend through the primary swirler air and are circumferentially disposed around the longitudinal axis. An exemplary embodiment of the fuel-air mixer further includes the axial jets and the inner surface of a throat of the venturi being radially located at a radius from the longitudinal axis. The axial jets are located in an insert mounted to an upstream portion of the primary radial jet swirler and axially forward of the plurality of radially extending primary air jets.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for the protection and/or personalization of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a visible surface and at least one anchoring surface. The visible surface allows for the customization and personalization of tile vehicle. The visible surface additionally provides protection of the surface it covers from scratches, mars, dents and fading as well as acting as a theft deterrent system. The at least one anchoring surface affixes the visible surface to a particular surface of a vehicle.

Abstract: The difference between the U turn indicators art and other art is simple. The U turn indicators art demonstrates that a U turn is taking place, by flashing, blinking, or displaying, a U turn symbol. Other art shows things like right hand turning indicators, left hand indicators, and or backing up lights. The U turn indicators art shows a blinking U in the middle of the regular car light, although that function can take many forms. No other art exhibits what our art displays, and that is a sign that a U turn is in progress. So to sum it up; our art is different because it is the only art that indicates a blinking, or flashing U for the purpose of displaying that a U turn is in progress.

Abstract: A capacitance microphone including: (1) an electrically conductive element that includes a surface which, when placed at (at least approximately) the focal point of a parabolic surface, receives sound energy reflected from the parabolic surface at a plurality of angles which are substantially perpendicular to the surface at the point of impingement; (2) an electrically conductive stalk for supporting the electronically conductive element; (3) a layer of piezoelectric material coating the surface; (4) a layer of insulating material covering a substantial portion of the stalk, but not covering the surface; and (5) a layer of conducting material covering the piezoelectric material and a substantial portion of the insulating material. Preferably, the surface approximates a spherical or hemispherical surface, the center of which is at the focal point of the parabolic like surface. The invention also includes a microphone assembly incorporating a parabolic surface and the above described capacitance microphone.

Abstract: A combustor liner for use in a gas turbine engine includes an annular panel section having a cooling nugget formed on one end thereof. An annular cooling lip is formed on the cooling nugget so as to define a cooling slot. The cooling lip includes a hot side, a cold side and a trailing edge surface. The hot side defines a compound taper for minimizing the thickness of the trailing edge surface. In one embodiment, the compound taper includes a first tapered surface disposed on a forward portion of the cooling lip and a second tapered surface disposed on an aft portion of the cooling lip, wherein the second tapered surface has a greater taper than the first tapered surface.

Abstract: For use in an integrated circuit interface to a memory device, there is disclosed an input circuit having an input interface that is capable of receiving one of a high speed, high power signal and a low speed, low power signal. The input circuit of the present invention is capable of preventing direct current leakage within the input circuit when the input circuit is operating in a low speed, low power mode. The input circuit of the present invention comprises a multiplexer that is capable of receiving both high speed, high power signals and low speed, low power signals. The input circuit of the present invention also comprises a switch that is capable of preventing a high speed, high power signal from causing direct current leakage within the input circuit when the input circuit is operating in a low speed, low power mode.