Abstract: There is provided a non-contact, passively suspended blood pump that includes (a) a housing; (b) a pump rotor within the housing, wherein the pump rotor has a first end and a second end, and an axis of rotation; (c) a first axial thrust bearing across a first axial gap, between the first end and the housing, that axially suspends the first end; (d) a second axial thrust bearing across a second axial gap, between the second end and the housing, that axially suspends the second end; (e) a first radial hydrodynamic bearing that radially suspends the first end; and (f) a second radial hydrodynamic bearing that radially suspends the second end. Determining pump differential pressure by monitoring rotor axial position allows automatic physiologic control.

Abstract: An implantable magnetic suspension blood pump having a rotor magnetically suspended and having blood flow gaps at the axial ends of the rotor so that blood in the gaps is washed out by flow in a conduit along the axis of the rotor connecting the fluid gaps. The blood pump impeller includes main and secondary blades, an exit diffuser uses a plurality of low divergence blades wrapped circumferentially around the pump axis, and concentric cones are used at the pump outlet, all to eliminate flow separation. The trailing edges of all blades are limited to an included angle of fifteen degrees, also to eliminate flow separation.

Abstract: An implantable magnetic suspension blood pump having a rotor magnetically suspended and having blood flow gaps at the axial ends of the rotor so that blood in the gaps is washed out by flow in a conduit along the axis of the rotor connecting the fluid gaps. The blood pump impeller includes main and secondary blades, an exit diffuser uses a plurality of low divergence blades wrapped circumferentially around the pump axis, and concentric cones are used at the pump outlet, all to eliminate flow separation. The trailing edges of all blades are limited to an included angle of fifteen degrees, also to eliminate flow separation.

Abstract: This invention is a non-contact axial flow turbo blood pump for propelling blood, which is composed of a pump housing (24) that defines a pump axis, with inlet, outlet openings at opposite axial ends of the pump housing, a rotor unit (17) that defines a rotor axis, and opposing rotor axial ends. The pump magnetically suspends the rotor within the pump housing at the rotor axial ends so as to avoid causing physical contact between the housing to define fluid gaps between the rotor axial ends, and the magnetic suspension elements (13)(13′).

Abstract: A linear pump includes a housing having a bore and axially spaced apart inlet and outlet. A first check valve is joined to the housing for controlling flow of fluid through the bore. A piston is disposed coaxially in the housing bore for axial translation therein and includes a piston bore and axially spaced apart inlet and outlet. A second check valve is joined to the piston for controlling fluid flow through the piston bore. A linear motor includes a plurality of axially adjoining drive coils disposed in the housing, and a pair of axially spaced apart magnet rings disposed in the piston and spaced radially inwardly of the drive coils for magnetically cooperating therewith to axially oscillate the piston in the housing for cyclically pumping the fluid in turn through the housing and piston inlets and outlets in unidirectional flow through the housing and piston bores.

Abstract: A self pressurizing journal bearing assembly includes a tubular housing having a bore defining a plain cylindrical journal bearing, and a cylindrical rotary shaft disposed coaxially therein. The shaft includes a plain cylindrical journal spaced radially inwardly of the bearing to define a journal bearing gap. A screw pump is defined in part by a portion of the shaft, and is disposed inside the housing bore in flow communication with the journal bearing for continually circulating a lubricant thereto under pressure upon rotation of the shaft for accommodating lubricant end leakage from the journal bearing.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for a computer with movable keyboard pallets. The pallets are movable relative to each other between a compact stowing position and an extended operational position. A movement mechanism moves at least one of the pallets in a lateral direction relative to the other pallet and then towards the other pallet in a direction orthogonal to the lateral direction. The movement mechanism can be connected to the cover of the computer to automatically control movement of the pallets based upon position of the cover relative to a base of the computer. Thus, the pallets can be automatically moved from the compact stowing position, when the cover is closed, to the extended operational position when the cover is opened. Upon moving the cover from the open position to the closed position, the pallets are automatically moved from the extended operational position to the compact stowing position. The movement mechanism includes a drive arm with a spring section.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for a computer with movable keyboard pallets. The pallets are movable relative to each other between a compact stowing position and an extended operational position. A movement mechanism moves at least one of the pallets in a lateral direction relative to the other pallet and then towards the other pallet in a direction orthogonal to the lateral direction. The movement mechanism can be connected to the cover of the computer to automatically control movement of the pallets based upon position of the cover relative to a base of the computer. Thus, the pallets can be automatically moved from the compact stowing position, when the cover is closed, to the extended operational position when the cover is opened. Upon moving the cover from the open position to the closed position, the pallets are automatically moved from the extended operational position to the compact stowing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging droplets of a volatile liquid and for directing the charged droplets against an oppositely-charged member. The apparatus comprises a source of a mist of uniform fine droplets of a volatile liquid and a droplet-charging zone associated with said source for applying a charge to the droplets in the mist. The droplet-charging zone comprises a source of ionized air ions for imparting the charge and a predetermined velocity to the droplets. A discharge conduit is provided having a discharge nozzle for directing the charged droplets against the surface of a member for attraction and deposit onto areas thereof charged to an opposite polarity. Preferably, the droplet-charging zone is associated with an air ionization zone comprising a source of air, a means for ionizing the air, and a means for directing the ionized air at a predetermined velocity into the droplet-charging zone to apply the charge to the droplets.

Abstract: Methods for the coating of different closely-spaced areas of an electrode member to produce a color filter matrix thereon. A thin translucent layer of electroconductive composition, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), is applied to isolated areas of the electrode substrate, and selected ones of said areas are charged to one polarity while the other closely-spaced areas are charged to an opposite polarity. Color material is introduced as fine droplets in a volatile vehicle, charged to said opposite polarity, for selective attraction to said selected areas and repulsion from all other areas. The procedure is repeated with different color material droplets for deposition on others of said closely-spaced areas to produce a multi-colored matrix filter, such as on the lower pel electrode or on the upper pixel common electrode of a LCD device. Preferably the ITO layer is coated with a thin polymer layer and the color material is a diffusible dye which is heat-diffused thereinto.

Abstract: A low cost multi cylinder radial aircraft engine is composed of an even number of individually functional, single cylinder slider crank model engines. They are mounted to a plate to form equally spaced radially oriented cylinders. In the preferred embodiment, use of standard, low cost, & mass produced two cycles engines are used. This in conjunction with a novel exhaust muffler and throttle mechanism results in a low cost radial engine. The individual engine shafts surround and are parallel to a central output shaft. Pinion gears on each shaft transfer power to a larger sun gear on the output shaft. This gearing synchronizes opposed pistons to reach top dead center at the same time resulting in vibration free piston motion and perfect balance of the entire engine. Said gearing also provides speed reduction for use of large diameter scale propellers. A rear mounted throttle mechanism controls individual carburetor throttles.

Abstract: A print actuator for a dot matrix printer has a stator with a frame, at least two ferromagnetic poles and at least one permanent magnet; and at least one electromagnetic coil surrounding the magnet. The magnet can generally hold an armature in a home position by its magnetic flux until the coil is energized at which point the magnetic flux of the magnet is neutralized by the magnetic flux of the coil and the armature is substantially released of influence from the magnet's hold.

Abstract: A low cost multi cylinder radial aircraft engine is composed of an even number of individually functional, single cylinder slider crank model engines. They are mounted to a plate to form equally spaced radially oriented cylinders. In the preferred embodiment, use of standard, low cost, & mass produced two cycles engines are used. This in conjunction with a novel exhaust muffler and throttle mechanism results in a low cost radial engine. The individual engine shafts surround and are parallel to a central output shaft. Pinion gears on each shaft transfer power to a larger sun gear on the output shaft. This gearing synchronizes opposed pistons to reach top dead center at the same time resulting in vibration free piston motion and perfect balance of the entire engine. Said gearing also provides speed reduction for use of large diameter scale propellers. A rear mounted throttle mechanism controls individual carburetor throttles.

Abstract: A reciprocating linear motor (10) is formed with a pair of ring-shaped permanent magnets (50, 52) having opposite radial polarizations, held axially apart by a non-magnetic yoke (20), which serves as an axially displaceable armature assembly (14). A pair of annularly wound coils (30, 32) having axial lengths which differ from the axial lengths of the permanent magnets are serially coupled together in mutual opposition and positioned with an outer cylindrical core (24) in axial symmetry about the armature assembly. One embodiment includes a second pair of annularly wound coils (36, 38) serially coupled together in mutual opposition and an inner cylindrical core (26) positioned in axial symmetry inside the armature radially opposite to the first pair of coils.

Abstract: A locking device for holding a movable member of an apparatus rigidly in place during shipment. A locking element is made from a material exhibiting a "shape memory", and is deformed at a temperature below its transition temperature and installed in the apparatus so as to lock the movable member firmly in place. When it is desired to be able to operate the apparatus in a normal mode, the locking element is heated electrically to a temperature above the transition temperature, so that it resumes the original shape and releases the movable member.

Abstract: A linear stroke reciprocating electric machine provides both high efficiency and linearity. A cylindrical air gap is defined between outer and inner gap defining surfaces, at least one of which has a length equal to the length of an electric coil plus the length of the stroke. A flux focusing ring, having a length in the direction of movement equal to the length of the coil in the same direction, concentrates substantially all the field flux and all of the electric coil turns to interact over the entire stroke.

Abstract: A gear arrangement is provided for precisely driving a goniometer in an X-ray apparatus with zero backlash. This arrangement involves structure for maintaining a preload between a driving pinion gear and a spiroid gear rotating an output shaft. The preload structure may be formed by way of a diaphragm, a finger diaphragm, or a roller bearing acting in combination with a finger diaphragm.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing for supporting in suspension a linear armature member (20) includes an elongated cylindrical housing (18) having two sets of U-shaped stationary electromagnets (10.sub.1, 12.sub.1, 14.sub.1, 16.sub.1 and 10.sub.2, 12.sub.2, 14.sub.2, 16.sub.2) and position sensors (48.sub.1, 50.sub.1 and 48.sub.2, 50.sub.2) respectively located at each end of the housing (18). Each set of electromagnets preferably consists of four electromagnet assemblies (10, 12, 14, 16) located 90.degree. apart around the periphery of the housing (18) and are operable to generate four orthogonal magnetic fields (30) within the housing (18). Each set of position sensors (48, 50) are aligned with the electromagnets (10 and 12) to define two orthogonal horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) axes from which signals proportional to orthogonal shaft displacement are provided.

Abstract: An optical sensor for sensing the radial position of a shaft. Detection of radial movement is made when a larger or smaller portion of a light beam incident on the shaft is blocked. In order to obtain a light beam of small diameter a laser light source or fiber optic system may be used. To provide long term stability the shaft is provided with a flat or with groove that is machined around its periphery to pass the entire light beam to a detector. This signal provides AGC compensation for the light source, detector and optical system.