Abstract: A system and method for producing software code is provided. In particular, a new software design methodology is provided that is based on axiomatic design theory. In one aspect, axiomatic design theory is adapted for use in designing object-oriented software programs. This methodology overcomes the shortcomings of various software design strategies including extensive software development and debugging time and the need for extensive maintenance. Because traditional software design strategies are not heuristic and do not provide basic principles for the development of good software systems, bad design habits produce poor quality software. A design framework using axiomatic design for software overcomes many of the shortcomings of current software design techniques: high maintenance costs, limited reusability, the need for extensive debugging and testing, poor documentation, and limited extensibility of the software, all of which result in high development cost of software.

Abstract: A valve is constructed to strike a balance between providing relatively high sealing yet low friction as components of the valve move. The valve includes a port and an actuator movable relative to the port. A member is disposed between the port and the actuator. The actuator acts on the member so that it can intermittently seal the port as it moves. The member and the actuator have a substantially low friction interface, whereas the seal member and the port have a substantially high sealing interface. The valve can be used in an engine, such as a rotary valve in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Continuous polymeric extrusion nucleation systems and methods useful for making polymeric microcellular foamed materials, including crystalline and semi-crystalline polymeric microcellular materials, are provided. Pressure drop rate is an important feature in some embodiments, and the invention provides systems for controlling these and other parameters. One aspect involves a multiple-pathway nucleator that is separated from a shaping die by a residence chamber. Another aspect involves a die for making advantageously thick articles, including a multiple-pathway nucleation section. Microcellular material can be continuously extruded onto wire, resulting in a very thin, essentially closed-cell microcellular insulating coating secured to a wire. Other very thin microcellular products can be fabricated as well.

Abstract: A vibration isolation system in accordance with the principles of the present invention isolates vibrations between two (or more) objects in a way that may be characterized by the degree of damping, the stiffness of the isolation and isolation system travel. Each of the characteristics; damping, stiffness, and travel, may be adjusted independently of the other characteristics.

Abstract: A multiple-contact woven connector including a weave arranged to provide a plurality of tensioned fibers and a conductor woven with the plurality of tensioned fibers so as to form a plurality of peaks and valleys along a length of the conductor. The conductor has a plurality of contact points positioned along the length of the conductor, such that when the conductor engages a conductor of a mating connector element, at least some of the plurality of contact points provide an electrical connection between the conductor of the multiple-contact woven connector and the conductor of the mating connector element. The tensioned fibers of the weave provide a predetermined contact force between the at least some of the plurality of contact points of the conductor of the multiple-contact woven connector and the conductor of the mating connector element.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to electrical switches that utilize conductors that are woven onto loading fibers and a mating conductor that has a contact mating surface. Each conductor has at least one contact point. The loading fibers are capable of delivering a contact force at each contact point of the conductors. Electrical connections are established between the contact points of conductors and the contact mating surface of the mating conductor when the conductor-loading fiber weave is engaged with the mating conductor and the electrical connections are terminated when the conductor-loading fiber weave is disengaged from the mating conductor. In one embodiment, the portion of the contact mating surface of the mating conductor where arcing between the conductors and the mating conductor is expected to occur is plated with a conductive arc-tolerant material, such as silver, for example.