Abstract: An endoscopic device for use at a site within a body includes an inner portion and a sheath surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion defines an operative channel and an optical channel. The operative channel provides a path for fluid to or from the body site. The sheath defines a pressure-sensing channel and a fluid channel that provides a path for fluid to or from the body site. The pressure-sensing channel and the fluid channel are defined between the sheath and the inner portion. The pressure-sensing channel is configured to couple to a pressure sensor to sense pressure at the body site.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a metal plate with an enhanced surface. More particularly, the method of the invention produces a metal press plate with a roughened matte surface having a substantially uniform and raised surface topography for use in the manufacture of laminated and multilayer materials used to fabricate circuit boards and other electronic assemblies. The method of the invention also cleans and reprocesses the roughened matte surface of the metal press plate after use in laminate and multilayer materials production to reestablish the substantially uniform and raised surface topography. The invention also provides a metal press plate produced according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a centrifugal cooling apparatus, which has at least one of an evaporator, a centrifugal compressor having a magnetic bearing system, a condenser, and an expansion device, includes monitoring an operating condition of the magnetic bearing system, and controlling compressor flow stability based upon the operating condition of the magnetic bearing system.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a centrifugal cooling apparatus, which has at least one of an evaporator, a centrifugal compressor having a magnetic bearing system, a condenser, and an expansion device, includes monitoring an operating condition of the magnetic bearing system, and controlling compressor flow stability based upon the operating condition of the magnetic bearing system.

Abstract: A control system and a method for controlling a centrifugal chiller through which a fluid to be chilled passes includes a chilling apparatus having at least one of each of the following components; an evaporator, a compressor, preferably a magnetic bearing compressor, a condenser and an expansion device. A plurality of sensors measure and generate signals representing operating conditions within the chilling apparatus. A chiller control unit including a signal processor receives the signals generated by the plurality of sensors. The chiller control unit further includes a memory device that stores information relating to thermodynamic properties of specific fluids and a comparison device programmed with a comparison algorithm that compares the received signals generated by the plurality of sensors to thermodynamic properties of the specific fluid contained in the memory device.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system, such as a water chiller, uses a centrifugal compressor with magnetic bearings and a refrigerant, specifically HFC-227ea and HFC-227ca, to minimize enthalpy rise across the compressor and/or provide compression in a single stage for low cooling capacity. Magnetic bearings eliminate the problem caused by lubricated bearings to support rotating structure during normal compressor operation. The centrifugal compressor can be configured with a pre-defined static surge line.