Abstract: A secured enclosure system and a method for configuring a secured enclosure system are disclosed. The secured enclosure system includes at least one processing module for implementing a processing task, a security module in communication with the processing module for providing a trust anchor functionality to the processing module, a secure backplane in communication with the at processing module for monitoring a connection with the processing module, and a security controller module in communication with the secure backplane for providing a root of trust, for serving as a local system controller, and for serving as a key/certificate manager. An enclosure encloses the components of the system and includes a physical security component for detecting an interference with the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting an existing sign with a low power use electroluminescent (EL) panel to reduce power usage and provide longer operating life. The user initially selects an EL panel having a desired panel sign content, typically in corresponding relation to the existing sign content on the front fascia of the existing sign. The user removes the front fascia from its base and removes a cover sheet from the EL panel to expose its sticky back surface. The back surface of the EL panel is affixed to the front fascia. The EL panel is electrically connected to the source of power for the existing sign and the combined fascia and EL panel are attached to the base to define a retrofitted sign. A method of signage for emergency use attaches the sticky back surface of an EL panel to a wall or other surface to direct and/or warn others.

Abstract: A conductive polyolefin film characterized by acceptable physicals, no pinholes, and a resistance through its thickness of less than about 100 ohms, preferably less than about 10 ohms, and a method for making the same. The film includes a structural polymeric material such as a polyolefin blended with conductive additives such as carbon filler to produce desired characteristics. The film may be surface treated to enhance its ability to bond to other materials. The process includes combining and blending a plurality of resins with different conductive carbon loaded polymers, drying the conductive resin mix to a selected moisture content, converting the conductive film resin into a fluidized solid, and forming a film. The film and method of the present invention provide films suitable for use in a range of applications, including as conductive media for electrodes in batteries and capacitors or in desalination/deionization systems.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lighted sign from an electroluminescent panel having a plurality of layers that illuminate the panel when electrically energized. In one embodiment, the panel layers comprise a rear electrode, dielectric layer, phosphor layer, front electrode and transparent substrate layer. The method comprises the step of utilizing a laser to remove at least one of the panel layers from around a desired design shape such that only the design shape is illuminated when the panel is energized. In a preferred embodiment, the design shape is designed with a standard design program and the design shape is transmitted to a laser controller that controls the operation of the laser to remove the unwanted areas of the panel and quickly and inexpensively form the lighted sign. The laser can remove the rear electrode, all layers except the transparent layer or all layers from the unwanted areas of the panel.

Abstract: A composition to inhibit the formation of adhesions that may arise at a surgical site. The composition includes an antioxidant in a carrier. The carrier is comprised of cocamide diethanolamine, diethanolamine and glycerin. The composition may include additional additives, such as euricamide and a compound including a polyethylene resin, calcium carbonate and a concentrated form of the carrier. The composition is produced by heating the carrier to a temperature, preferably about 375° F. and then adding the additives. The mixture is heated at temperature long enough to cause the antioxidant to leach into the liquid. The mixture is then cooled at room temperature and maintained in liquid form for ease of application to the surgical site where adhesion formation inhibition is desired. The composition is preferably degradable in vivo.

Abstract: A pump system, including an impeller and an impeller shaft, which has one end secured to the impeller and another end that may be coupled to a motor to drive the impeller. The pump system further includes a substantially liquid-proof barrier which has an opening through which the impeller shaft extends. The opening in the barrier is sealed with a shaft sealing system that includes a supply chamber fluidly coupled with a cavity. The cavity surrounds, and is at least partially bounded by, the impeller shaft. The shaft sealing system further includes a pressure mechanism that is configured to pressurize lubrication matter contained within the supply chamber and cavity, so as to inhibit liquid from passing along the impeller shaft through the cavity and thereby penetrating the liquid-proof barrier. The pressure mechanism is further configured to vary pressure of the lubrication matter based on atmospheric pressure surrounding the pump system.

Abstract: A pump system, including an impeller and an impeller shaft, which has one end secured to the impeller and another end that may be coupled to a motor to drive the impeller. The pump system further includes a substantially liquid-proof barrier which has an opening through which the impeller shaft extends. The opening in the barrier is sealed with a shaft sealing system that includes a supply chamber fluidly coupled with a cavity. The cavity surrounds, and is at least partially bounded by, the impeller shaft. The shaft sealing system further includes a pressure mechanism that is configured to pressurize lubrication matter contained within the supply chamber and cavity, so as to inhibit liquid from passing along the impeller shaft through the cavity and thereby penetrating the liquid-proof barrier. The pressure mechanism is further configured to vary pressure of the lubrication matter based on atmospheric pressure surrounding the pump system.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A motor system using a totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) electric motor to provide power. The motor enclosure may be sealed with a variety of sealing devices, including a double mechanical seal a single mechanical seal, a double lip seal injected with grease, a labyrinth seal, and/or a repeller positioned adjacent the motor enclosure. A release mechanism prevents the fan from creating excessive drag when the system is immersed in water. The fan cools the motor when the water level is below the motor, and the surrounding water combines with the fan to cool the motor when the water level rises to at least partially surround the motor. When the fan is at least partially immersed, the release mechanism substantially prevents the fan from imposing a load on the motor due to the surrounding water. The release mechanism can take the form of a shear key, a torque-release clutch or flexible fan blades. Alternatively, a separate fan motor may be provided for driving the cooling fan.

Abstract: An avionics display unit for use in a flight management system (FMS) of an aircraft, and a method of using the same to increase a pilot's awareness of scheduled changes in operational modes of the aircraft are disclosed. The display unit includes a display device adapted to receive FMS data and to provide a graphical representation of a flight plan for the aircraft relative to a representation of a current position of the aircraft. The display unit is also adapted to provide future mode annunciators, representative of future operational modes of the aircraft, adjacent to positions on the graphical representation of the flight plan at which the future operational modes are scheduled to occur.

Abstract: A system for dissolved air floatation treatment of a liquid stream where the system includes a pump having an impeller cavity with input and output ports, and an impeller with an eye disposed adjacent the input port. The impeller draws liquid through the input port and drives the liquid toward the output port and creates a subatmospheric pressure zone in the cavity away from the eye. The pump includes an air introduction port opening into the subatmospheric zone to introduce significant quantities of air into the cavity for mixing with the liquid stream. The system also includes a tank adapted to receive the liquid stream from the pump with dissolved air introduced therein.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump having a rotatable impeller that operates to drain liquid into the intake of the pump. An air-introduction passage connects with a subatmospheric pressure region at the back of the impeller. Air introduced through this passage is mixed with a portion of the fluid pumped, and the air-fluid mixture is expelled as the discharge of the pump.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump having a rotatable impeller that operates to drain liquid into the intake of the pump. An air-introduction passage connects with a subatmospheric pressure region at the back of the impeller. Air introduced through this passage is mixed with a portion of the fluid pumped, and the air-fluid mixture is expelled as the discharge of the pump.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump including a pump casing with internal walls defining a pump chamber and a seal cavity or chamber to the rear of the pump chamber. A rotatable impeller within the pump chamber is rotated by an impeller shaft extending through the seal cavity. Seal structure exposed to the seal cavity seals the impeller shaft to the casing. Vane structures joined to the wall defining the seal cavity produce a movement in the pumpage circulated in the seal cavity effective to remove debris and air bubbles that otherwise collect in the seal cavity.

Abstract: The invention features a single film construction with two distinctly different surface characteristics for a trash compactor bag composite. The high slip interior layer integrally bonded to a tacky carbon outside layer forms a moisture proof, odor adsorbing trash compactor refuse receptacle. The construction may be made of biodegradable plastic.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.