Abstract: An improved pneumatic tool design includes pneumatic motor chamber that houses a turbine. An air path directs compressed air into the pneumatic motor chamber. The air path includes an air inlet chamber that at least partially surrounds the pneumatic motor chamber. The air path also includes a motor inlet disposed in one side wall (e.g., the top wall) of the pneumatic motor chamber forward of the rear end plate thereof. The air path further includes at least one exhaust port disposed in an opposite side wall (e.g., the bottom wall) of the pneumatic motor chamber. A high-pressure seal, such as an o-ring, surrounds the pneumatic motor chamber and isolates the motor inlet, which is thus at a rear outer portion of the pneumatic motor chamber, from a forward outer portion of the pneumatic motor chamber.

Abstract: A network cable bundling tool is disclosed, comprising an inner fitting retained within an outer jacket assembly. The outer jacket assembly comprises a first outer jacket half coupled to a substantially identical second outer jacket half, securing the inner fitting therein. The outer jacket assembly comprises a cylindrical housing, an intake orifice defined within the intake housing, and a plurality of funneling projections coupled to the cylindrical housing wherein the plurality of funneling projections form an array assuming the general shape of a truncated faceted cone. In operation, network cable wires are inserted into the inner fitting, and the inner fitting is then secured within the outer jacket assembly. The network cable bundling tool is then displaced in the desired direction of combing, arranging the network cables into an organized and space-efficient shape.

Abstract: A technique for providing a variable-ratio coupling between output shaft and input motor involves driving an output shaft with drivers that are out of phase with each other. Advantageously, the technique provides a gear reduction via a simple, high-efficiency mechanism; continuous output torque is provided by alternating the load between two belts deflected by, by way of example but not limitation, cam devices.

Abstract: A linear actuator is driven by an internal motor and delivers force to an output shaft. Advantageously, the technique provides speed/force tradeoffs via a simple, high-efficiency mechanism; continuous output force is provided by alternating the load between two belts deflected by, by way of example but not limitation, cam devices. The technique provides high force, allows the force to be traded for speed at a given power level, and provides continuous output force when operated as an actuator or continuous braking force when operated as a generator. Sensors may provide a low power tracking mode to allow the output to move freely.

Abstract: A technique for providing a variable-ratio coupling between output shaft and input motor involves driving an output shaft with drivers that are out of phase with each other. Advantageously, the technique provides a gear reduction via a simple, high-efficiency mechanism; continuous output torque is provided by alternating the load between two belts deflected by, by way of example but not limitation, cam devices. The technique provides high torque and allows the torque to be traded for speed at a given power level, and provides continuous output torque when operated as a motor or continuous braking forces when operated as a generator. A system according to the technique can be used as a transmission to couple rotary or oscillating forces from an input drive shaft to a continuous, variable-ratio output shaft.

Abstract: A technique for deflecting an actuator belt includes applying a variable deflection force to the actuator belt. The technique may be used to construct actuators for active orthotics, robotics or other applications. Versions with passive clutches may also be used to construct variable-ratio motor gearheads, or may be scaled up to build continuously variable transmissions for automobiles, bicycles, or other vehicles.

Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp membrane switch includes a deformable substrate. Graphic indicia is imprinted on the substrate. An electroluminescent lamp is imprinted on the graphic indicia layer and a membrane switch is formed on the lamp.

Abstract: A motor that delivers high force linear motion or high torque rotary motion to a moving element. The motor may include a driving brake, a driver, a holding brake and a flexible moving element. Operation of the motor may involve activating the holding brake, activating the driver to flex the moving element, activating the holding brake to maintain the position of a portion of the moving element, releasing the driving brake, and restoring the moving element to an unflexed position. The elements are arranged to provide linear motion, belt-driven rotary motion, or directly-coupled rotary motion using brakes and drivers arranged in linear or circular fashion. Drivers may be linear or rotary actuators or motors based on electrostatic, piezoelectric, magnetic, or electrostrictive properties. The brakes may be applied through electrostatic forces, magnetic forces, or mechanical gears engaged with a linear or rotary driving mechanism.

Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp membrane switch includes a deformable substrate. Graphic indicia is imprinted on the substrate. An electroluminescent lamp is imprinted on the graphic indicia layer and a membrane switch is formed on the lamp.

Abstract: Monolithic cartridges including a plurality of nominally aligned polymer fibers can be used as stationary phase materials for liquid chromatography separations. Bundles of fibers are packed together so as to form capillary channels between the fibers. Different polymer compositions permit the “chemical tuning” of the separation process. The fibers can be physically or chemically bonded at spaced locations throughout the cartridge or can be packed together under pressure by use of an encasing wrap to form the capillary channels. Use of fibers allows a wide range of liquid flow rates with very low backpressures. Applications in HPLC, cap-LC, prep-scale separations, analytical separations, waste remediation/immobilization, extraction of selected organic molecules/ions from solution, purification of liquid streams (process waste, drinking water, pure solvents), selective extraction of cell matter and bacteria from growth media, and immobilization of cell matter and bacteria are envisioned.