Abstract: A planar manifold that integrates all the control pneumatics, electronic pressure controls (EPC), and injector inlet onto a single plate, therefore eliminating numerous seals, fittings and transfer tubing between these devices. The planar manifold utilizes plates of specific geometry that minimizes heat transfer between the heated components and the unheated components in the planar manifold, while maintains the mechanical rigidity to support the attached components during shock and vibration. The planar manifold not only improves the reliability and manufacturability of micro gas chromatographs, but also lowers the cost of production.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing interfaces between a micro-machined device and a macroscopic connection to the device. The gasket can include an o-ring, a frame, a tool post and a notch. Alignment of the tool post with a dimple formed in or through a surface of a component adjacent to the gasket facilitates alignment of the gasket. The notch and frame can also facilitate alignment of the gasket.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a novel apparatus and method to restrict pneumatic flow in a planar manifold. A forming tool of specific geometry is pressed into a planar manifold causing the pneumatic channel inside to collapse onto itself in a predictable and controllable way, therefore restricting the fluid flow in the pneumatic channel. The geometry of the forming tool is provided with angles and radii so that the planar manifold is not ripped during the pressing operation. Further, the geometry limits the deformed area so that distortion of adjacent pneumatic channels, and the potential for springing leaks between layers is minimized. In a preferred embodiment, the tooling also provides flow measurement while the forming tool is pressed into the planar manifold at a specific orientation.

Abstract: A back washing device for scrubbing the back of a user. The back washing device includes a housing having a bottom wall, a top wall, a back wall, pair of lateral side walls and a front wall such that a lumen is defined in the housing. The front wall has a plurality of apertures therein. A securing device removably secures the housing to the wall. A scrubbing member is securely attached to and generally covers an outer surface of the front wall. A container, having liquid soap therein, is positioned in the lumen. A hose member is fluidly coupled to the container and abuts an inside surface of the front wall. The hose member has a plurality of apertures therein. A pumping device pumps the liquid soap through the hose member so that the liquid soap enters the scrubbing member. The pumping device is securely attached to the container and extends outward of the housing through the top wall.

Abstract: Flameless infrared catalytic heater units are mounted in a generally wing-shaped carrier for positioning above surfaces of an aircraft. The carrier is attached to a boom end extending from a truck or other suitable self-propelled ground equipment. A temperature sensor bounces an infrared signal off the aircraft surface and inputs the skin temperature into a micro-controller regulating the output of the infrared heater units. The micro controller maintains a desired safe skin temperature sufficient to melt ice and snow from the aircraft surfaces without blistering the paint or raising concern about temperatures within fuel tanks. The catalytic heater units use inexpensive natural gas or propane. Use of this system substitutes for expensive and hazardous ethylene glycol solutions heretofore sprayed over the aircraft.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the thermionic ionization detection of one or more particular constituent components of a sample that is present in a fluid mixture. The fluid mixture flows across the interior surface of a central bore in a heated and appropriately sensitized "flow-through" thermionic source. The constituent components are ionized by an ionization process in which electrical charge is transferred from the thermionic source and converted into gas phase ion species. The current of gaseous ions is collected and measured at a collector electrode adjacent to the thermionic source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the thermionic ionization detection of one or more particular constituent components of a sample that is present in a fluid mixture flow provided to a thermionic source. Radiant energy is directed from a radiant energy source to the thermionic source. The radiant energy is sufficient to effect an elevated temperature in the thermionic source. The heated thermionic source causes ionization of the constituent components by means of an ionization process in which electrical charge is transferred from the thermionic source and converted into gas phase ion species.