Abstract: A non-invasive temperature measurement system comprises an ultrasound transducer configured to emit an ultrasound stimulus pulse toward a product package. An ultrasound receiver is configured to generate a reflected ultrasound waveform from electrical signals that represent physical characteristics of a plurality of reflected ultrasound pulses from a plurality of surfaces of the product package. A first reflected ultrasound pulse is from a first side of the product package closest to the transducer and a second reflected ultrasound pulse is from a second side of product package farthest from the transducer. A signal processor processes the reflected ultrasound waveform to determine a time lag between the first reflected ultrasound pulse and the second reflected ultrasound pulse. The time lag is then correlated to a temperature of a product in the product package. The ultrasound stimulus pulse does not induce nucleation of ice in a supercooled fluid.

Abstract: A flexible heat/mass exchanger constructed of flexible layers defining a flow channel and exterior surfaces. The heat/mass exchanger utilizes a working liquid, such as water, that is present in the flow channel during use. The heat/mass exchanger uses one or more porous and/or permeable materials to allow mass exchange between the working liquid in the flow channel and the environment surrounding the heat/mass exchanger. In a cooling mode, evaporation of the working liquid occurs via the mass exchange. In a dehumidification mode, moisture in the surrounding environment is transported to the working liquid via the mass exchange. In some embodiments, the heat/mass exchanger is made of a number of flexible sheets of material. One or more flexible heat/mass exchangers may be used to form a semi-closed system, such as a personal cooling system with a circulating coolant loop, or an open system, such as a personal hydration system.

Abstract: A mechanism to reduce liquid intrusion into an internal volume of a computer device. In some embodiments of the invention, air-permeable, hydrophobic means reduces an intrusion of liquid into a computer device by way of an airflow system. In another embodiment, the air-permeable, hydrophobic means includes an air-permeable, hydrophobic membrane. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An electro mechanically-assisted control system for use in a second-stage regulator. Regulator control assembly (20?), also referred to as all-electronic (AE) assembly (20?), includes an electromechanical actuator (EMA) sub-assembly (22) for controlling airflow through single air supply line (23). EMA sub-assembly (22) includes electronically controllable actuator (ECA) (34), which removably seals EMA orifice (36) in wall (30) of pilot chamber (32). ECA (34) is electrically connected with and controlled by control electronics (38). The control electronics include programmable microprocessor (40), which is electrically connected with charge and discharge electronics (42), both of which are electrically connected with power supply (44). All-electronic (AE) assembly (20?) has only an EMA sub-assembly and no mechanical actuator sub-assembly.

Abstract: A radial piezoelectric motor comprises a housing, a motor shaft rotatably mounted in the housing and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators inside the housing radially disposed about the axis of the motor shaft. The motor also includes circuitry for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric actuators to expand the actuators repeatedly and in succession and apparatus responsive to the repeated and successive expanding of the actuators for rotating the motor shaft.

Abstract: A lightweight direct methanol fuel cell unit (20) comprising a fuel cell stack (24) enclosed within a housing (22). In one embodiment the fuel cell stack includes a plurality of polymer electrolyte membrane electrode assemblies (52) stacked alternatingly with a plurality of bipolar plates (48). Each bipolar plate includes a cathode flow field (78) defined by a porous cathode flow field structure (56) and an anode flow field (62) defined by an upper plate (58) and a lower plate (60) separated from one another by a plurality of spacers (64). The anode flow fields are manifolded with one another via manifold embossments (118, 120) that are hermetically sealed with one another with a gasket (126). The fuel cell stack and housing are shaped so as to form four manifold regions (36) in the spaces between the fuel cell stack and housing.

Abstract: An electromechanically-assisted control system for use in a second-stage regulator. Regulator control assembly (20), also referred to as EMA assembly (20), includes a mechanical actuator sub-assembly (21) and an electromechanical actuator (EMA) sub-assembly (22) for controlling airflow through single air supply line (23). EMA sub-assembly (22) includes electronically controllable actuator (ECA) (34), which removably seals EMA orifice (36) in wall (30) of pilot chamber (32). ECA (34) is electrically connected with and controlled by control electronics (38). The control electronics include programmable microprocessor (40), which is electrically connected with charge and discharge electronics (42), both of which are electrically connected with power supply (44). Alternatively, regulator control assembly (20?), also referred to as all-electronic (AE) assembly (20?), has only an EMA sub-assembly and no mechanical actuator sub-assembly.