Abstract: A fatigue test apparatus includes a control system configured to receive, during a first iteration of a fatigue test of an article under test, a command signal corresponding to a particular test step of the fatigue test. The control system is configured to generate, based on the command signal and during the first iteration, a test output signal to cause a force to be applied to the article under test. The control system is configured to generate an error signal associated with the particular test step during the first iteration. A gain calculation device is configured to generate, based on the error signal, a gain adjustment value associated with the particular test step. A variable gain feedforward device is configured to provide, during a second iteration of the fatigue test and based on the gain adjustment value, a stabilization gain to the control system.

Abstract: A fatigue test apparatus includes a control system configured to receive, during a first iteration of a fatigue test of an article under test, a command signal corresponding to a particular test step of the fatigue test. The control system is configured to generate, based on the command signal and during the first iteration, a test output signal to cause a force to be applied to the article under test. The control system is configured to generate an error signal associated with the particular test step during the first iteration. A gain calculation device is configured to generate, based on the error signal, a gain adjustment value associated with the particular test step. A variable gain feedforward device is configured to provide, during a second iteration of the fatigue test and based on the gain adjustment value, a stabilization gain to the control system.

Abstract: An eyeglass apparatus for use with an interchangeable character eye overlay includes a base frame adapted to be worn over at least one eye of a wearer and a first attachment mechanism for the base frame for removably attaching a character eye overlay having a cooperating second attachment mechanism.

Abstract: An eyeglass apparatus for use with an interchangeable character eye overlay includes a base frame adapted to be worn over at least one eye of a wearer and a first attachment mechanism for the base frame for removably attaching a character eye overlay having a cooperating second attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A pneumatic bioreactor having a containment vessel which includes a semi-cylindrical concavity defined by the vessel bottom. A mixing apparatus includes a rotational mixer rotatably mounted within the containment vessel about a horizontal axis. The rotational mixer has buoyancy-driven mixing cavities which are fed by a gas supply beneath the rotational mixer. The mixing apparatus extends into the semi-cylindrical concavity to substantially fill that concavity. The rotational mixer is divided into two wheels with outer paddles extending axially outwardly and inner paddles extending axially inwardly on either side of each wheel. Blades between the outer and inner paddles form impellers in the wheels to induce axial flow through the wheels in opposite directions. Stationary baffles fixed relative to the containment vessel are inclined toward the rotational mixer in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A control system for disabling the fan of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system upon the detection of an audible alarm, such as a smoke alarm. The preferred embodiment utilizes a tunable band pass filter/decibel level detector in conjunction with a microphone to detect an audible alarm. When an alarm is detected, the fan is disabled whether the HVAC is operating in heating, cooling, or manual fan “on” mode.

Abstract: A pneumatic bioreactor having a containment vessel which includes a semi-cylindrical concavity defined by the vessel bottom. A mixing apparatus includes a rotational mixer rotatably mounted within the containment vessel about a horizontal axis. The rotational mixer has buoyancy-driven mixing cavities which are fed by a gas supply beneath the rotational mixer. The mixing apparatus extends into the semi-cylindrical concavity to substantially fill that concavity. The rotational mixer is divided into two wheels with outer paddles extending axially outwardly and inner paddles extending axially inwardly on either side of each wheel. Blades between the outer and inner paddles form impellers in the wheels to induce axial flow through the wheels in opposite directions. Stationary baffles fixed relative to the containment vessel are inclined toward the rotational mixer in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and containing chemical or biological contaminants. The invention includes one or more optical contaminant detectors, capable of detecting chemical and biological agents. A containment assembly is installed in the duct work of a building, just downstream from the main intake. Air flows linearly through the containment assembly. The air first flows through a first damper, then through the contamination sensor or sensors, and then through a second damper. If a sensor senses a contaminant, a controller shuts off the HVAC system, while simultaneously closing the first and second dampers. The containment assembly is thereby hermetically sealed—trapping any contaminants inside. The sensors and second damper are spaced sufficiently far apart so that no contaminant will flow through the second damper before its closure. The controller can also be configured to alert authorized personnel as to the potential contamination.

Abstract: A multi-position valve for dispensing fluid and providing continuous fluid flow through the valve assembly. The multi-position valve assembly including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a return port leading to a fluid chamber. The multi-position valve assembly further includes a closure assembly for selectively directing fluid through the valve assembly. The closure assembly is operatively connected with some type of linear actuator, such as an air cylinder, for selectively moving the closure assembly and placing the multi-valve assembly between a closed position, a partially-open position, and a fully-open position. When in the closed position, the closure assembly directs fluid flow through a return flow path leading to the return port, while blocking the fluid flow to the outlet port. When in the partially-open position, the closure assembly directs fluid flow through both the return flow path and a first outlet flow path leading to the outlet port.