Abstract: Electroaerodynamic devices and their methods of operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, ions are formed by dielectric barrier discharge using a time-varying voltage differential applied between a first electrode and a second electrode. The ions are then accelerated in a downstream direction using a second voltage differential applied between a third electrode and the first and/or second electrodes, where the third electrode is located downstream from the first and second electrodes. The ions may then collide with naturally charged molecules and/or atoms within a fluid to accelerate the fluid in the downstream to create an ionic wind and an associated thrust.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to electroaerodynamic (EAD) thrusters for use in thrust generation. An EAD thruster may include one or more ion sources, one or more ion collectors, and one or more airfoils. In some embodiments, the one or more of the one or more ion sources and/or ion collectors may be integrated into a surface of the one or more airfoils. The EAD thruster arrangement may also include multiple EAD stages in some embodiments.

Abstract: Electroaerodynamic devices and their methods of operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, ions are formed by dielectric barrier discharge using a time varying voltage differential applied between a first electrode and a second electrode. The ions are then accelerated in a downstream direction using a second voltage differential applied between a third electrode and the first and/or second electrodes, where the third electrode is located down stream from the first and second electrodes. The ions may then collide with naturally charged molecules and/or atoms within a fluid to accelerate the fluid in the downstream to create an ionic wind and an associated thrust.

Abstract: Electroaerodynamic devices and their methods of operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, ions are formed by dielectric barrier discharge using a time varying voltage differential applied between a first electrode and a second electrode. The ions are then accelerated in a downstream direction using a second voltage differential applied between a third electrode and the first and/or second electrodes, where the third electrode is located down stream from the first and second electrodes. The ions may then collide with naturally charged molecules and/or atoms within a fluid to accelerate the fluid in the downstream to create an ionic wind and an associated thrust.

Abstract: Embodiments of present invention relate to a bearing assembly, and a bearing apparatus and motor assembly that employs such a bearing assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly comprises a support ring including a plurality of recesses and at least one opening. The bearing assembly further includes a plurality of bearing elements, each of which is positioned generally within a corresponding one of the recesses. At least one of the bearing elements includes at least one groove. At least one retention element may be positioned generally within the at least one opening and adjacent to the at least one groove. Further embodiments of the present invention are directed to a thrust-bearing apparatus, a radial bearing apparatus, and a downhole motor that may utilize any of the disclosed thrust-bearing assemblies and radial bearing assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments of present invention relate to a bearing assembly, and a bearing apparatus and motor assembly that employs such a bearing assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly comprises a support ring including a plurality of recesses and at least one opening. The bearing assembly further includes a plurality of bearing elements, each of which is positioned generally within a corresponding one of the recesses. At least one of the bearing elements includes at least one groove. At least one retention element may be positioned generally within the at least one opening and adjacent to the at least one groove. Further embodiments of the present invention are directed to a thrust-bearing apparatus, a radial bearing apparatus, and a downhole motor that may utilize any of the disclosed thrust-bearing assemblies and radial bearing assemblies.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for guiding and inserting a tool into an object, such as tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, a guidance and insertion device is provided that can be remotely controlled to adjust an insertion trajectory of a tool, and to advance the tool into tissue to a desired penetration depth. The tool can be, for example, a biopsy device, a brachytherapy device, or a lumpectomy device. The device can be configured for use with an imaging apparatus, such as computed tomography (CT) images, to allow the device and tool to be operated while viewing the device positioned in relation to a target surgical site. The device can also be configured to be positioned directly on a patient, so as to passively compensate for respiratory chest motion, and it can include features to passively compensate for needle oscillation. In other exemplary embodiments, the device can be entirely disposable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing image primitives, such as edge polarity, edge magnitude, edge orientation, and edge displacement, and derivatives thereof, for an object are described. The data are obtained substantially simultaneously and processed in parallel such that multiple objects can be distinguished from one another in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved bag-type containers for use in a non-immersion fabric care process for dry clean only fabrics. The outer shell of the bags are made from fabric such that the bags resist melting at higher temperatures than conventional non-fabric plastic bags and/or the bags are more pliable and/or supple than conventional non-fabric plastic bags and/or the bags retain more of their pliability and/or suppleness than conventional non-fabric plastic bags after being subjected to heat and/or the bags produce less noise during use than the conventional non-fabric plastic bags and/or the bags retain their shape and/or resist wrinkling during use better than the conventional non-fabric plastic bags. The bags of this invention are used in fabric care or “refreshment” processes are conducted in a hot air environment, preferably dryers, in the presence of a cleaning/refreshment composition.

Abstract: A method of orienting shoes in a washing machine, and devices for aligning shoes in a washing machine are disclosed. The method of orienting shoes in a washing machine, and devices for aligning shoes in a washing machine reduce the time for drying the shoes after the washing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved bag-type containers for use in a non-immersion fabric care process for dry clean only fabrics. The outer shell of the bags are made from fabric such that the bags resist melting at higher temperatures than conventional non-fabric plastic bags and/or the bags are more pliable and/or supple than conventional non-fabric plastic bags and/or the bags retain more of their pliability and/or suppleness than conventional non-fabric plastic bags after being subjected to heat and/or the bags produce less noise during use than the conventional non-fabric plastic bags and/or the bags retain their shape and/or resist wrinkling during use better than the conventional non-fabric plastic bags. The bags of this invention are used in fabric care or “refreshment” processes are conducted in a hot air environment, preferably dryers, in the presence of a cleaning/refreshment composition.

Abstract: Articles designed to clean/refresh soiled fabrics are improved by means of texturing at least one surface and/or by applying tackiness agents. In use, the articles rub against the fabrics, whereupon lint removed from the fabrics is trapped and retained by the tackiness agent. Refolding of the articles during use is substantially minimized by imparting texture to one or more of the article's surfaces.

Abstract: Articles designed to clean/refresh soiled fabrics are improved by means of texturing at least one surface and/or by applying tackiness agents. In use, the articles rub against the fabrics, whereupon lint removed from the fabrics is trapped and retained by the tackiness agent. Refolding of the articles during use is substantially minimized by imparting texture to one or more of the article's surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an article for treating fabrics, comprising a) an absorbent carrier substrate; and b) a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition releasably absorbed in said substrate; said substrate being wholly or partly covered by; c) a fibrous coversheet which is permeable to said cleaning/refreshment composition in the liquid and/or vapor state, said coversheet having a minimum thickness of about 7 mil (0.18 mm). The coversheet helps reduce water spotting on the fabrics being treated and picks up lint and solid soils. The article is useful in an in-home process which is conducted in a clothes dryer.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent compositions having a density of at least of about 600 g/l comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed and (b) granulating the first agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus.

Abstract: A radiotelephone proximity detector including a first proximity unit having a receiver and a second proximity unit having a transmitter, wherein the units can be coupled together and the coupling can be detected. One of the units is associated with a radiotelephone and the other with a user. When the units are coupled, they are responsive to the detection of their uncoupling, whereupon the transmitter of the second proximity unit transmits a proximity signal to the receiver of the first unit. The first proximity unit estimates the proximity of the radiotelephone and the user on the basis of the received proximity signal. Thus the two units operate together such that, when coupled, at least one of the units enters a standby mode, and when uncoupled, at least one of the units sends a proximity signal to the other unit.

Abstract: A fabric cleaning/refreshment process is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using a vapor-releasing containment bag. The bag is constructed using heat resistant polymers, such as nylon, to avoid unanticipated hot spots in the dryer. The bag retains its integrity and can be re-used in subsequent dry cleaning operations. Vapor is vented from the bag during use, thereby minimizing wrinkling in the clothes being cleaned and removing malodors therefrom.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing low density detergent agglomerates is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) spray drying an aqueous mixture of sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and a minor amount of a surfactant so as to form spray dried granules containing an inorganic double salt having the formula Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 .multidot.Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and a minor amount of the surfactant; (b) agglomerating the spray dried granules with a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and adjunct detergent material initially in a high speed mixer and subsequently in a moderate speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the adjunct detergent material includes an adjunct sodium carbonate material; and (c) drying or cooling the detergent agglomerates so as to form the detergent composition having a density of below about 500 g/l.