Abstract: A transducer for multiple purposes is provided. Different backings are used for different elements of a same array. The different backings optimize the respective elements for the desired use. A soft backing (e.g., Z=3 Mrayl) is used behind some elements for ultrasound imaging. A hard backing (e.g., Z=100 MRayl) is used behind other elements for lower frequency operation.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine system includes a vertical shaft rotatably mounted about a vertical axis and an upper platen coupled to the vertical shaft. Vanes are coupled to the vertical shaft and extend downward from the upper platen. Each vane has a concave face and an opposing convex face. A lower platen is coupled to the vertical shaft and to each vane. The lower platen has an opening formed therein proximate to the concave face of each vane. A plenum is disposed below the vertical axis wind turbine and is rotatably mounted about the shaft for rotation about the vertical axis. The plenum includes a top portion disposed proximate to the lower platen and has an outlet port therein. The outlet port is in fluid communication with at least one of the lower platen openings. A plenum passage provides fluid communication between a plenum inlet and the outlet port.

Abstract: A desalination system comprises a reverse osmosis device, a pump for pressurizing fluid to be desalinated, a supply conduit for supplying the pressurized fluid to the reverse osmosis device, and a wave power system for driving operation of the pump, wherein the wave power system comprises a turbine connectable to a transmission for driving operation of the pump and arranged such that in operation rotation of the turbine provides mechanical energy to the transmission to drive operation of the pump; and a wave energy conversion device connectable to a turbine fluid supply conduit for supplying fluid to the turbine, wherein the wave energy conversion device is arranged to operate in response to wave motion to transfer fluid through the turbine fluid supply conduit to drive rotation of the turbine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite filters and methods for preparing same. More specifically, it is directed to filter laminates of multiple discrete layers of material bonded together, with at least one of the layers being an asymmetric membrane.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system. The system comprises a radar transmitter configured to transmit a combined signal, the combined signal comprising a first signal that is a modulated SAR radar signal and a second signal that is a modulated signal. The system also comprises at least one radar receiver configured to receive a reflected combined signal that comprises a reflected first signal and a reflected second signal, and to demodulate the reflected first and second signals. The reflected first and second signals can correspond to the first and second signals having been reflected from a target. The system further comprises a radar image processor configured to generate a radar image of the target based on signal parameters associated with the reflected first signal and based on information comprised within the reflected second signal.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine system includes a vertical shaft rotatably mounted about a vertical axis and an upper platen coupled to the vertical shaft. Vanes are coupled to the vertical shaft and extend downward from the upper platen. Each vane has a concave face and an opposing convex face. A lower platen is coupled to the vertical shaft and to each vane. The lower platen has an opening formed therein proximate to the concave face of each vane. A plenum is disposed below the vertical axis wind turbine and is rotatably mounted about the shaft for rotation about the vertical axis. The plenum includes a top portion disposed proximate to the lower platen and has an outlet port therein. The outlet port is in fluid communication with at least one of the lower platen openings. A plenum passage provides fluid communication between a plenum inlet and the outlet port.

Abstract: A utility meter comprises a measurement circuit configured to measure consumption, a remote communications port, a local communications port, and a meter communications indicator. The meter communications indicator is configured to provide an indication that the meter is communicating with a remote device external to the meter over the remote communications port. The meter communications indicator is also configured to provide an indication that the meter is communicating with a local device external to the meter over the local communications port. The indication that communications are occurring over the local communications port is different from the indication that communications are occurring over the remote communications port. In at least one embodiment, the communications indicator is configured to provide an indication that communications are occurring simultaneously over the remote communications port and the local communications port.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system. The system comprises a radar transmitter configured to transmit a combined signal, the combined signal comprising a first signal that is a modulated SAR radar signal and a second signal that is a modulated signal. The system also comprises at least one radar receiver configured to receive a reflected combined signal that comprises a reflected first signal and a reflected second signal, and to demodulate the reflected first and second signals. The reflected first and second signals can correspond to the first and second signals having been reflected from a target. The system further comprises a radar image processor configured to generate a radar image of the target based on signal parameters associated with the reflected first signal and based on information comprised within the reflected second signal.

Abstract: A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pail of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated, and longitudinally-extending main members. At least a pair of transverse cross members extend between and are attached to the main members, and each one of at least a pair of hangers is attached to and depends from a respective one of the main members and/or the cross members. A component is disposed between each one of the hangers and its respective main member, or alternatively is incorporated into the hangers, for absorbing the energy that is created by an extreme event during vehicle operation, to reduce the possibility of damage to the main members and/or the cross members caused by movement of at least one of the hangers during the extreme event.

Abstract: Apparatus use with a perfusion system, the apparatus including a subject simulator for simulating subject. The subject simulator includes a circulatory system having an inlet line for receiving fluid from the perfusion system, an outlet line for transferring fluid to the perfusion system, at least on sensor for sensing at least one fluid property and at least one control device coupled to at least one of the inlet line and the outlet line. In use this, allows the control device to manipulate the at least on fluid property based at least partially on signals from the at least one sensor, to thereby simulate a least one of compliance and resistance of the simulated subject.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac device is configured and programmed to assess a patient's cardiopulmonary function by evaluating the patient's minute ventilation response. Such evaluation may be performed by computing a minute ventilation response slope, defined as the ratio of an incremental change in minute ventilation to an incremental change in measured activity level. The minute ventilation response slope may then be compared with a normal range to assess the patient's functional status.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac device is configured and programmed to assess a patient's cardiopulmonary function by evaluating the patient's minute ventilation response. Such evaluation may be performed by computing a minute ventilation response slope, defined as the ratio of an incremental change in minute ventilation to an incremental change in measured activity level. The minute ventilation response slope may then be compared with a normal range to assess the patient's functional status.

Abstract: A method for selecting members in a hierarchy includes determining a sequence of one or more actions associated with a member selection tree. The actions collectively selecting one or more members from a hierarchy of members. The hierarchy of members is associated with a particular dimension of an organization of data. The method further includes recording the sequence of actions in a member selection script. In addition, the method includes executing the member selection script to select one or more members after the hierarchy of members has been modified.

Abstract: A method for selecting members in a hierarchy includes determining a sequence of one or more actions associated with a member selection tree. The actions collectively selecting one or more members from a hierarchy of members. The hierarchy of members is associated with a particular dimension of an organization of data. The method further includes recording the sequence of actions in a member selection script. In addition, the method includes executing the member selection script to select one or more members after the hierarchy of members has been modified.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for loading a channel device for electrophoretic separation including cilia which can be deflected into wells of a multi-well tray.

Abstract: Biological reagent carrier devices and methods are disclosed, which employ RFID techniques to associate information with biological reagents.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bone densitometer system is provided in a kiosk environment using computer driven patient instructions and simplified sanitizing procedures to allow unsupervised use by members of the public for screening purposes.

Abstract: A wall system for a structure including elongate furring strips having a multiplicity of transversely oriented air passages. The elongate furring strips are arranged on a first envelope layer of a wall and covered with a second envelope layer. The furring strips space the first and second envelope layers apart, forming a plurality of enclosed cavities or air spaces. The cavities are in fluid communication with each other through the air passages in the furring strips, and may be in fluid communication with the outside atmosphere. Air is thusly enabled to circulate from the outdoors through substantially all portions of the cavities, promoting drying of the first and second envelope layers, which may be sheathing and finish siding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of synthetic polymeric microfiltration membrane materials that are fabricated to separate liquids from solids contained therein. One aspect of the invention relates to a highly asymmetric, hydrophilic microfiltration membrane with high surface porosity. The membrane is rendered hydrophilic through co-casting the sulfone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The membranes of the invention are highly useful in testing devices for the quick detection of properties or components contained in liquid samples, such as diagnostic applications, as well as for other filtration applications that demand relatively large pore sizes, thick membranes, high asymmetry, and/or high lateral wicking speeds.

Abstract: A hybrid Bermudagrass cultivar, named ‘Emerald Dwarf,’ is distinguished by greater rhizome development and rooting depth in conjunction with low surface stolon development. The cultivar is especially suited to golf greens.