Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: A system and a method for creating a stable and reproducible interface of an optical sensor system for measuring blood glucose levels in biological tissue include a dual wedge prism sensor attached to a disposable optic that comprises a focusing lens and an optical window. The disposable optic adheres to the skin to allow a patient to take multiple readings or scans at the same location. The disposable optic includes a Petzval surface placed flush against the skin to maintain the focal point of the optical beam on the surface of the skin. Additionally, the integrity of the sensor signal is maximized by varying the rotation rates of the dual wedge prisms over time in relation to the depth scan rate of the sensor. Optimally, a medium may be injected between the disposable and the skin to match the respective refractive indices and optimize the signal collection of the sensor.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to abrasive layers for use in the gas turbine industry. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises nickel coated, yttria doped silicon nitride particulates dispersed within a nickel base superalloy matrix which is substantially free of oxides. The layer is formed using low pressure plasma spray processes.

Abstract: A durable, outer air seal structure capable of long term, reliable service in a gas turbine engine environment is disclosed. Various construction details which enable the incorporation of high temperature tolerant ceramic materials into the outer air seal structure are developed. The structure is built around a porous, low modulus pad of metallic material which is disposed between the ceramic material and a substrate of solid metallic material. The ceramic material is applied to a preferred density at which the physical properties of modulus of elasticity (E), mean tensile strength (T), coefficient of thermal expansion (.alpha.) and thermal conductivity (K) impart good thermal shock resistance, erosion resistance and abradability characteristics to the seal structure.