Abstract: A plumbing system for generating electrical power, including a hydroelectric generator assembly configured to generate power, a power source arranged in parallel with the hydroelectric generator assembly, and an interconnecting power harness in communication with the hydroelectric generator assembly and the power source. The plumbing system additionally includes a plumbing fixture in communication with the interconnecting power harness. The plumbing fixture includes a valve and a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user. The hydroelectric generator assembly is configured to provide power to the valve.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting a request for a computer-readable routing diagram, such as a wiring diagram, a pneumatic or hydraulic line diagram, or an optical cable diagram. The method also includes receiving, in response to the request, a routing diagram including a connectable component and at least a portion of a routing set. The connectable component is associated with both a connectable component identifier and the routing set. The routing set contains one or more routable components, such as electrical circuits, pneumatic or hydraulic lines, or optical cables. Further, the method includes displaying, on a display, the routing diagram and at least the portion of the routing set highlighted. Displaying at least the portion of the routing set highlighted occurs in response to an occurrence of the connectable component being selected from the routing diagram displayed on the display or in response to the request including the connectable component identifier.

Abstract: A multi-well assembly according to one embodiment comprises a multi-well block and a guide plate. The multi-well block defines a plurality of wells, with each well having a fluid-impermeable bottom surface. The guide plate defines a plurality of fluid passageways corresponding to the wells of the multi-well block. The guide plate is configured such that, whenever the guide plate is registered with the multi-well block, fluid communication is established between each well and an associated fluid passageway. The guide plate enables iterative chemical or biological processes using multiple multi-well blocks. A seal plate is configured to cut fluid communication conferred by the guide plate via registration with the guide plate, or via registration with the multi-well block (once the guide plate is removed). The seal plate allows iterative chemical or biological processes within a single multi-well block.

Abstract: A parking brake system for a vehicle with a brake device for braking the vehicle, at least one cable actuating the brake device, and a motor actuating the cable. A strain gage is connected to the cable, the strain gage having an output, the strain gage output being a function of a strain in the cable. A controller receives an input from the strain gage output, the controller controlling the motor as a function of the strain gage output. In addition, a strain gage for an actuation cable in a vehicle includes a coil surrounding the cable, the coil having a diameter varying as a function of a force on the cable, and a circuit. The circuit includes a voltage supply for providing a voltage across the coil and a detector for measuring electrical changes in the circuit as a function of the diameter of the coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contacting a gas and liquid. An elongated cylindrical reactor has an inlet region of reduced cross-sectional area at a first end. At least some of the gas or liquid is introduced into the inlet region in a direction tangential to the longitudinal axis of the reactor by way of an inlet to cause rotational flow within the inlet region. The gas or liquid flows into the remainder of the reactor at such a velocity as to cause more intimate mixing of the liquid and gas. Additional gas or liquid can be introduced through a second inlet disposed in an intermediate region of the reactor so that the fluid introduced flows in a generally longitudinal direction or rotational direction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to packing elements for fluid-fluid contact apparatus of the packed tower type. The packing elements comprise open-ended tubular members of any desired cross-sectional configuration having a maximum transverse dimension or diameter greater than its width in the axial direction, and having one or more protuberances or ribs extending inwardly from the inside wall of the member. Additionally, the overall length of the packing element is at least as great as the diameter of the tubular portion thereof, and none of the protuberances extend the whole of the length of the packing element.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to packing elements for fluid-fluid contact apparatus of the packed tower type, and also to a method of contacting a fluid with another fluid in such an apparatus. The packing elements comprise open-ended tubular members of any desired cross-sectional configuration having a maximum transverse dimension or diameter greater than its width in the axial direction, and having one or more protuberances or ribs extending inwardly from the inside wall of the member.