Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis system including a feed water inlet, a reverse osmosis module coupled to the feed water inlet, and at least one blend valve. The blend valve can be coupled to a permeate outlet and the, feed water inlet and can be capable of blending the feed water and the permeate water to produce mixed water. The blend valve can be adjusted to achieve a desired TDS level in the mixed water.

Abstract: Devices and methods for thermally lysing of biological material, for example vegetative bacterial cells and bacterial spores, are provided. Hot solution methods for solubilizing bacterial spores are described. Systems for direct analysis are disclosed including thermal lysers coupled to sample preparation stations. Integrated systems capable of performing sample lysis, labeling and protein fingerprint analysis of biological material, for example, vegetative bacterial cells, bacterial spores and viruses are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for thermally lysing of biological material, for example vegetative bacterial cells and bacterial spores, are provided. Hot solution methods for solubilizing bacterial spores are described. Systems for direct analysis are disclosed including thermal lysers coupled to sample preparation stations. Integrated systems capable of performing sample lysis, labeling and protein fingerprint analysis of biological material, for example, vegetative bacterial cells, bacterial spores and viruses are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis system including a feed water inlet, a reverse osmosis module coupled to the feed water inlet, and at least one blend valve. The blend valve can be coupled to a permeate outlet and the feed water inlet and can be capable of blending the feed water and the permeate water to produce mixed water. The blend valve can be adjusted to achieve a desired TDS level in the mixed water.

Abstract: An improved motor-driven pump is provided for delivering a flow of water in a swimming pool or spa environment or the like. The improved pump includes a motor mounted within a motor housing having a seal plate mounted at one end thereof. The seal plate carries a shaft bearing for rotatably supporting a drive shaft having an outboard end connected to an impeller disposed within a pump chamber defined cooperatively by the seal plate and a volute housing mounted thereon. A primary seal assembly includes an axially spring-loaded dynamic seal ring carried on the drive shaft for rotation therewith and for running engagement with a stationary bushing carried by the seal plate. A secondary seal assembly is positioned axially between the primary seal assembly and motor bearing, and includes at least one slinger disk for radially outwardly slinging any water leaking past the primary seal assembly through a vent chamber.

Abstract: A method of using sacrificial materials for fabricating internal cavities and channels in laminated dielectric structures, which can be used as dielectric substrates and package mounts for microelectronic and microfluidic devices. A sacrificial mandrel is placed in-between two or more sheets of a deformable dielectric material (e.g., unfired LTCC glass/ceramic dielectric), wherein the sacrificial mandrel is not inserted into a cutout made in any of the sheets. The stack of sheets is laminated together, which deforms the sheet or sheets around the sacrificial mandrel. After lamination, the mandrel is removed, (e.g., during LTCC burnout), thereby creating a hollow internal cavity in the monolithic ceramic structure.

Abstract: A sustained-release, dental fluoride varnish material includes about 5 percent by weight of NaF; up to about 10 percent by weight of glycerin; up to about 5 percent by weight of fumed silica; and optionally, an amount of varnish additives selected from the group consisting of flavorants, rosins, gums and alcohols.

Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.

Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a twin-arm assembly comprising a pair of parallel support arms connected at one end to a base attached to the vehicle and movably connected at another end to a reflective element assembly through a movable support bracket. The support bracket supports a reflective element assembly and is attached to the twin-arm assembly through a pair of integral bearings which translate along the arms to extend or retract the reflective element assembly. In one embodiment, the bearing imparts a friction force to the arm to enable the bracket to be moved along the arm under the influence of an extension/retraction force, but to maintain the bracket at a selected position along the arm when the force is removed. In another embodiment, the bearing is adapted for frictionless translation of the bracket along the arms under the influence of a powerextend actuator.

Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a twin-arm assembly comprising a pair of parallel support arms connected at one end to a base attached to the vehicle and movably connected at another end to a reflective element assembly through a movable support bracket. The support bracket supports a reflective element assembly and is attached to the twin-arm assembly through a pair of integral bearings which translate along the arms to extend or retract the reflective element assembly. In one embodiment, the bearing imparts a friction force to the arm to enable the bracket to be moved along the arm under the influence of an extension/retraction force, but to maintain the bracket at a selected position along the arm when the force is removed. In another embodiment, the bearing is adapted for frictionless translation of the bracket along the arms under the influence of a powerextend actuator.

Abstract: A fractal fluid distribution system for use in a vessel is described wherein two phases are distributed separately and then finally mixed in a set of stacked fractal plates which are off set from one another by rotation around a central axis. Each of the two phases is fed from the top of the vessel. The flow paths of each individual phase have approximately the same length. A header is provided to allow feeding the two phases separately without interference with the final distribution outlets.

Abstract: A rearview mirror tilt actuator comprises a clutch assembly that selectively transfers torque from an actuator motor to one of at least two output shafts based upon the speed of the motor. One output shaft can pivot the mirror about a first axis of rotation; another output shaft can pivot the mirror about a second axis of rotation. One output shaft can pivot the mirror housing; the other output shaft can extend and retract the mirror housing. At a low speed, the clutch assembly is disengaged, thus only the first output shaft is activated. At a high speed, the clutch assembly is engaged, thus both output shafts are activated. The mirror assembly described herein also has an improved mass configuration which allows for lower moments of inertia in the direction of mirror travel.

Abstract: Methods for removing debris and bacteria from tooth and orthopedic surfaces using irrigation solutions are provided. The solution includes disinfectant, surfactant, and organic acid components. Disinfectants such as tetracycline and doxycycline compounds can be used. Suitable surfactants include cocamidopropyl betaine compounds and polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene copolymers. The solution is particularly suitable for removing smear layers from tooth surfaces during root canal treatment and other dental procedures such as restoration, reconstruction, and periodontal work. The solutions also can be used to remove smear layers from bone surfaces.

Abstract: A method of applying a dental composition to tooth surfaces is provided. The dental composition, comprising polymerizable resin and fluorescing compound, is applied to a tooth surface and cured so that it hardens. The composition is preferably used as a dental sealant that provides a hard, glossy surface finish over a tooth. Upon irradiating the sealant with ultraviolet light, the sealant exhibits a bright fluorescent glow. The sealant reverts immediately to its natural color when it is no longer exposed to the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrically controlled optical switches are presented. An electrically controlled optical switch includes a fixture formed using a laminated dielectric material, a first optical fiber having a fixed segment supported by the fixture and a movable segment extending into a cavity, a second optical fiber having a fixed segment supported by the fixture and an extended segment where an optical interconnect may be established between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and a first electrical actuator functionally coupled to the fixture and the first fiber which alters a position of the moveable segment, based upon a control signal, for changing a state of the optical interconnect between one of two states.

Abstract: A sustained-release, dental fluoride varnish material includes about 5 percent by weight of NaF; up to about 10 percent by weight of glycerin; up to about 5 percent by weight of fumed silica; and optionally, an amount of varnish additives selected from the group consisting of flavorants, rosins, gums and alcohols.

Abstract: A method is described for producing tubular substrates having parallel spaced concentric rings of electrical conductors that can be used as the drift tube of an Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS). The invention comprises providing electrodes on the inside of a tube that are electrically connected to the outside of the tube through conductors that extend between adjacent plies of substrate that are combined to form the tube. Tubular substrates are formed from flexible polymeric printed wiring board materials, ceramic materials and material compositions of glass and ceramic, commonly known as Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (LTCC). The adjacent plies are sealed together around the electrode.

Abstract: An improved motor-driven pump is provided for delivering a flow of water in a swimming pool or spa environment or the like. The improved pump includes a motor mounted within a motor housing having a seal plate mounted at one end thereof. The seal plate carries a shaft bearing for rotatably supporting a drive shaft having an outboard end connected to an impeller disposed within a pump chamber defined cooperatively by the seal plate and a volute housing mounted thereon. A primary seal assembly includes an axially spring-loaded dynamic seal ring carried on the drive shaft for rotation therewith and for running engagement with a stationary bushing carried by the seal plate. A secondary seal assembly is positioned axially between the primary seal assembly and motor bearing, and includes at least one slinger disk for radially outwardly slinging any water leaking past the primary seal assembly through a vent chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exterior vehicle mirror having a mirror assembly mounted to a vehicle. A drive assembly comprises a drive screw coupled to a motor and a drive nut threadably mounted on the drive screw. The rotation of the drive screw by the motor causes the drive nut to traverse the drive screw. As the drive nut traverses the drive screw, it causes the extension and retraction of the mirror assembly. A slip clutch is interposed between the motor and the drive screw to enable the motor to continue to operate without damage if the mirror assembly reaches full extension or retraction.

Abstract: A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a base containing a defibrillator module, (b) a pod having a patient parameter module with patient lead cables attachable to a patient to collect at least one patient vital sign, the pod operable at a distance from the base, (c) a communications link between the pod and the base to carry the at least one vital sign from the pod to the base, the defibrillator module delivering a defibrillation shock to the patient based on the at least one vital sign.