Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a body having an aperture dimensioned to receive an air-borne particle of corresponding size; first and second electrodes positioned within the aperture between which a potential difference can be applied; and a measurement circuit configured to measure an electrical property between the first and second electrodes such that the presence of the air-borne particle within the aperture can be detected based on a change in the electrical property when the air-borne particle contacts both the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A power source is configured to apply a first alternating electric excitation signal to an oscillation blade device at a first excitation frequency causing a blade of the oscillation blade device to oscillate at a first oscillation frequency. A current detector is configured to measure amplitude values of the current supplied by the power source to the oscillation blade device. A processor is configured to assess a plurality of successive peak values of the measured amplitudes, determine a second oscillation frequency for the blade if variation in the successive peak values is detected and send a command to the power source to apply a second alternating electric excitation signal to the oscillation blade device at a second excitation frequency which matches the determined second oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A chuck body includes a base, a fixed gripper finger, a cylinder mount, a slide, and a movable gripper finger. The base includes a planar member. The fixed gripper finger is fixedly provided on the planar member at a position spaced from a longitudinal end of the planar member. The cylinder mount is mounted on the planar member, and includes a cylinder and a linear actuator operably engaging the cylinder to linearly move the cylinder in a longitudinal direction of the planar member toward and away from the fixed gripper finger. The slide is secured to a distal end of the cylinder and is integrally movable with the cylinder. The movable gripper finger is secured to the slide and positioned to cooperate with the fixed gripper finger to grip an associated work object when moved toward the fixed gripper finger by the linear actuator.

Abstract: A garden watering device is configured for use in handheld and ground-based operation. The garden watering device includes a device body having a water inlet and a handle. The garden watering device also includes at least one water distribution member adapted to spray in multiple patterns. In one example, the at least one water distribution member includes an elongate tube with a series of discharge outlets and a multi-pattern head with at least one flow outlet. The garden watering device also includes a flow route selector that routes water to either the elongate tube or the multi-pattern head.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus and method of manufacture is disclosed. The manifold may have a first mechanical interface, a second mechanical interface remote from the first mechanical interface and one or more internal walls defining at least first and second channels within the manifold between the first and second mechanical interfaces. An evaporator member may be attached to the manifold so as to seal the first mechanical interface. A condenser member may be attached to the manifold so as to seal the second mechanical interface. The manifold, evaporator and condenser members may provide a contained heat transfer system in which a working fluid moves between the condenser member and the evaporator member.

Abstract: A device for moving air comprising a piezoelectric element attached to a planar body. The planar body is configured to oscillate at a movable end generating an airflow in response to applying alternating electric current to said piezoelectric element. The device further comprises a partial cavity defined by a base plate, a first wall and a second wall which surrounds the movable end of the planar body. The base plate further comprises an opening located proximate to said movable end of the planar body. In operation the air flow generated by the planar body is forced out of the device through the opening.

Abstract: A power source is configured to apply a first alternating electric excitation signal to an oscillation blade device at a first excitation frequency causing a blade of the oscillation blade device to oscillate at a first oscillation frequency. A current detector is configured to measure amplitude values of the current supplied by the power source to the oscillation blade device. A processor is configured to assess a plurality of successive peak values of the measured amplitudes, determine a second oscillation frequency for the blade if variation in the successive peak values is detected and send a command to the power source to apply a second alternating electric excitation signal to the oscillation blade device at a second excitation frequency which matches the determined second oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A garden watering device is configured for use in handheld and ground-based operation. The garden watering device includes a device body having a water inlet and a handle. The garden watering device also includes at least one water distribution member adapted to spray in multiple patterns. In one example, the at least one water distribution member includes an elongate tube with a series of discharge outlets and a multi-pattern head with at least one flow outlet. The garden watering device also includes a flow route selector that routes water to either the elongate tube or the multi-pattern head.

Abstract: A garden watering device is configured for use in handheld and ground-based operation. The garden watering device includes a device body having a water inlet and a handle. The garden watering device also includes at least one water distribution member adapted to spray in multiple patterns. In one example, the at least one water distribution member includes an elongate tube with a series of discharge outlets and a multi-pattern head with at least one flow outlet. The garden watering device also includes a flow route selector that routes water to either the elongate tube or the multi-pattern head.

Abstract: A multi-purpose watering device that operates as a handheld device and ground based watering device. The device consists of a long handle leading to a turret sprinkler with water distribution on at least two sides. One side is used in a ground based position to water small to medium area lawns and the other is used for watering when the device is used in a held position. A valve on the turret face allows the operator to switch select which will distribute water. The device also contains a rotating sprinkler head suited for watering of large areas. When the rotating head is actuated, water is redirected from the turret head to the rotating head.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid-circulator loop configured to be located on a circuit board, wherein a heat-removal portion of the fluid-circulator loop is configured to be located adjacent to an optical transceiver module on the circuit board.

Abstract: A multi-purpose watering device that operates as a handheld device and ground based watering device. The device consists of a long handle leading to a turret sprinkler with water distribution on at least two sides. One side is used in a ground based position to water small to medium area lawns and the other is used for watering when the device is used in a held position. A valve on the turret face allows the operator to switch select which will distribute water. The device also contains a rotating sprinkler head suited for watering of large areas. When the rotating head is actuated, water is redirected from the turret head to the rotating head.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reservoir to hold a volume of liquid, a port to inject a flow of gas into a lower portion of the reservoir, and a structure to transform the flow of gas into one or more streams of bubbles in said liquid. The reservoir has a port for injecting the gas into a lower region of the volume of liquid and has a top opening to release the injected gas therefrom. The apparatus includes one or more active electronic or optical devices located in the reservoir or located physically adjacent and in thermal contact with the reservoir such that the volume of the liquid is able to absorb part of heat produced by the one of more electronic or optical devices.

Abstract: A device for moving air comprising a piezoelectric element attached to a planar body. The planar body is configured to oscillate at a movable end generating an airflow in response to applying alternating electric current to said piezoelectric element. The device further comprises a partial cavity defined by a base plate, a first wall and a second wall which surrounds the movable end of the planar body. The base plate further comprises an opening located proximate to said movable end of the planar body. In operation the air flow generated by the planar body is forced out of the device through the opening.

Abstract: A cooling device comprises a heat sink having fins and a piezofan having a piezoelectric element attached to a planar body. The planar body is capable of oscillating at a movable end in response to applying alternating electric current to the piezoelectric element, thereby generating an air flow toward an output of the cooling device. A plurality of fins is located between the movable end of the planar body and the output end of the cooling device. Each fin has a planar form with a main surface being substantially aligned with the air flow. A cooling assembly comprising such cooling device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chuck body includes a base, a fixed gripper finger, a cylinder mount, a slide, and a movable gripper finger. The base includes a planar member. The fixed gripper finger is fixedly provided on the planar member at a position spaced from a longitudinal end of the planar member. The cylinder mount is mounted on the planar member, and includes a cylinder and a linear actuator operably engaging the cylinder to linearly move the cylinder in a longitudinal direction of the planar member toward and away from the fixed gripper finger. The slide is secured to a distal end of the cylinder and is integrally movable with the cylinder. The movable gripper finger is secured to the slide and positioned to cooperate with the fixed gripper finger to grip an associated work object when moved toward the fixed gripper finger by the linear actuator.

Abstract: A garden watering device is configured for use in handheld and ground-based operation. The garden watering device includes a device body having a water inlet and a handle. The garden watering device also includes at least one water distribution member adapted to spray in multiple patterns. In one example, the at least one water distribution member includes an elongate tube with a series of discharge outlets and a multi-pattern head with at least one flow outlet. The garden watering device also includes a flow route selector that routes water to either the elongate tube or the multi-pattern head.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for sealing an airtight bag includes a tongue in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber and base members that close around and seal a section of the bag. The once closed, the apparatus facilitates fluid communication between the interior of the airtight bag and the vacuum chamber, allowing actuation of the vacuum chamber to result in evacuation of air from the bag. The tongue may take the form of a removable tube device or may be designed to puncture the bag. The apparatus may be wholly removable after evacuation of the bag, or some part of the apparatus may remain on the bag in order to maintain the airtight seal.

Abstract: A multi-purpose watering device that operates as a handheld device and ground based watering device. The device consists of a long handle leading to a turret sprinkler with water distribution on at least two sides. One side is used in a ground based position to water small to medium area lawns and the other is used for watering when the device is used in a held position. A valve on the turret face allows the operator to switch select which will distribute water. The device also contains a rotating sprinkler head suited for watering of large areas. When the rotating head is actuated, water is redirected from the turret head to the rotating head.