Abstract: An Methods and apparatuses for reducing the transmission of unwanted sound and vibration energy generated by dynamic and/or impact loads through floors in multi-story buildings. This may be accomplished using an acoustic wave transformation and attenuation sound proofing membrane including an acoustic wave transformation layer, an acoustic absorption layer, and a constrained vibration damping layer. The acoustic wave transformation layer may be capable of transforming acoustic waves in a manner that may easily be attenuated by the acoustic absorption and constrained vibration damping layers. The sound proofing membrane may be used with several different combinations of floor coverings, adhesives, and subfloors. Impact acoustical tests have demonstrated that the sound proofing membrane can achieve higher IIC and MC ratings compared to conventional acoustic underlayments and/or membranes and, thus, prevent unwanted dynamic and/or impact loads from disturbing occupants in rooms beneath the floor assembly.

Abstract: A batch-automated microfiltration press for producing large uniform thickness nanomaterial sheets includes a filtration envelope of variable size that is defined between an upper platen having a fixed position and a lower platen disposed in spaced apart, parallel relation to the upper platen. The upper platen has a plurality of input nozzles and a plurality of flow dispersers associated with each of the input nozzles. Nanoparticles are deposited onto a fine filter membrane positioned in the filtration envelope. Flow channels and drain holes are formed in the lower platen. Each of the flow channels has a non-linear path of travel. A closed-loop fluid control system maintains a predetermined rate of nanoparticle deposition onto the fine filter membrane. A motion control system controls the raising and the lowering of the lower platen, maintaining a constant displacement instead of constant pressure, enabling the production of clean, undamaged sheets of nanomaterial papers.

Abstract: A combination apparatus integrates the operation of a snorkel with a diving regulator having a breathing chamber and a diaphragm/purge valve chamber. A compressed air tank is in fluid communication with the diving regulator and a normally closed regulator valve is disposed between the compressed air tank and the diving regulator. A regulator valve spring maintains the regulator valve in the normally closed position. In a first embodiment, the regulator valve spring exerts about eight pounds per square inch on the normally closed regulator valve. Air enters into the breathing chamber from the compressed air tank through the diaphragm/purge valve chamber when the submerged diver inhales. The apparatus enables surface snorkeling and underwater diving and the diver need not switch from a snorkel mouthpiece to a diving regulator mouthpiece. Further embodiments re-locate the snorkel tube exhaust valve and add a two-position valve to the snorkel main tube.

Abstract: A combination apparatus integrates the operation of a snorkel with a diving regulator having a breathing chamber and a diaphragm/purge valve chamber. A compressed air tank is in fluid communication with the diving regulator and a normally closed regulator valve is disposed between the compressed air tank and the diving regulator. A regulator valve spring maintains the regulator valve in the normally closed position. In a first embodiment, the regulator valve spring exerts about eight pounds per square inch on the normally closed regulator valve. Air enters into the breathing chamber from the compressed air tank through the diaphragm/purge valve chamber when the submerged diver inhales. The apparatus enables surface snorkeling and underwater diving and the diver need not switch from a snorkel mouthpiece to a diving regulator mouthpiece. Further embodiments re-locate the snorkel tube exhaust valve and add a two-position valve to the snorkel main tube.

Abstract: A preload hydrostatic bearing includes a pad, a diaphragm and an adjustable member. The pad has a bearing structure, an inlet manifold, and a plurality of orifices. The orifices direct a fluid, such as air, from the inlet manifold toward the bearing surface. The diaphragm is mounted on the pad, and the adjustable member, which extends in an axial direction, is coupled proximate one end to a center portion of the diaphragm. The diaphragm transfers a preload in the axial direction to the adjustable member. This preload hydrostatic bearing has a high repeatability of performance, because a single diaphragm replaces prior art mechanical coupling devices, such as ball bearings, conical seats and spring washers, which undesirably are sources of friction and hysteresis.