Abstract: An apparatus and method for horizontally drilling provides for detecting subsurface features and avoiding such features during closed-loop control of an underground drilling machine. A horizontal drilling system includes a base machine capable of propelling a drill pipe rotationally and longitudinally underground. A cutting tool system is coupled to the drill pipe, and a control system controls the base machine. A detector is employed to detect a subsurface feature. A communication link is utilized for transferring data between the detector and the control system. The control system uses the data generated by the detector to modify control of the base machine in response to detection of the subsurface feature.

Abstract: A coating material dispensing device includes a port adapted to be coupled to a source of coating material, an actuator for controlling a flow of compressed gas through the dispensing device, and a valve coupled to the actuator to be controlled by the actuator. The valve includes a valve housing, a valve closure member, and a valve seat. The valve closure member is movable in the housing under the control of the actuator between a closed position against the valve seat and an open position away from the valve seat. An inlet port is provided into the housing. The inlet port is oriented on a first side of the valve seat. The inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of the compressed gas. An outlet port is provided on the second side of the valve seat.

Abstract: A flexible cargo bed tie-down system that allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and that interfaces with the rest of the truck in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. Tie-down track(s) are provided that are integral with the body of the truck such that the exterior contour of the track(s) do not extend appreciably beyond the contour of the adjacent portions of the body. This permits the track(s) to blend in with the body of the truck, which improves functionality because the track(s) do not obstruct the placement of items on the truck. This also permits the portions of the body of the truck that support the tracks(s) to be specifically designed to take large loads, which thus allows the track(s) to support, separate and/or secure large loads.

Abstract: An electric generator system for producing electric power from the environmental temperature changes such as occur during a normal summer day on Earth or Mars. In a preferred embodiment a phase-change mass is provided which partially or completely freezes during the relatively cold part of a cycle and partially or completely melts during the relatively hot part of the cycle. A thermoelectric module is positioned between the phase-change mass and the environment. The temperature of the phase-change mass remains relatively constant throughout the cycle. During the hot part of the cycle heat flows from the environment through the thermoelectric module into the phase change mass generating electric power which is stored in an electric power storage device such as a capacitor or battery. During the cold part of the cycle heat flows from the phase change mass back through the module and out to the environment also generating electric power that also is similarly stored.

Abstract: SiC MESFETs are disclosed which utilize a semi-insulating SiC substrate which substantially free of deep-level dopants. Utilization of the semi-insulating substrate may reduce back-gating effects in the MESFETs. Also provided are SiC MESFETs with a two recess gate structure. MESFETS with a selectively doped p-type buffer layer are also provided. Utilization of such a buffer layer may reduce output conductance by a factor of 3 and produce a 3 db increase in power gain over SiC MESFETs with conventional p-type buffer layers. A ground contact may also be provided to the p-type buffer layer and the p-type buffer layer may be made of two p-type layers with the layer formed on the substrate having a higher dopant concentration. SiC MESFETs according to embodiments of the present invention may also utilize chromium as a Schottky gate material. Furthermore, an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) passivation layer may be utilized to reduce surface effects in SiC MESFETs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery or peripheral vein. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting members placed so as to limit longitudinal contraction during radial expansion. The individual radially expandable cylindrical elements are formed in a serpentine pattern having bends alternating in peaks and valleys designed to expand evenly under radial stress, and to maximize the overall radial expansion ratio. Each peak and valley includes reinforcing members that extend across and proximate to each bend. Sizing and construction of the struts forming the peaks and valleys can create bimodal deployment wherein the struts bend under increasing stresses to enable the stent to expand to larger diameters.

Abstract: A tracking device for tracking a vehicle in which a radio transmitter is powered by heat energy of the exhaust system of an engine propelling the vehicle. A thermoelectric module is attached to a hot portion of the exhaust system. Electrical power generated by the thermoelectric module is used to power the transmitter. A preferred tracking device consists of one thermoelectric module, one transmitter, a flexible finned plate for dissipating heat, and two high Curie temperature magnets for attaching the device to the vehicle's tail pipe. The transmitter is mounted on the flexible finned plate with a thermal insulator in-between them.

Abstract: A flexible cargo bed tie-down system that allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and that interfaces with the rest of the vehicle in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. Tie-down track(s) are provided that are integral with the body of the vehicle such that the exterior contour of the track(s) do not extend appreciably beyond the contour of the adjacent portions of the body. This permits the track(s) to blend in with the body of the vehicle, which improves functionality because the track(s) do not obstruct the placement of items on the vehicle. The track(s) are provided with a predetermined region that provides for controlled deformation of the vehicle body in case of a collision.

Abstract: A grip cover is provided for fitting over the hand grip of a coating dispensing device for dispensing coating material. The grip cover includes material for cushioning a hand of an operator using the coating dispensing device.

Abstract: SiC MESFETs are disclosed which utilize a semi-insulating SiC substrate which substantially free of deep-level dopants. Utilization of the semi-insulating substrate may reduce back-gating effects in the MESFETs. Also provided are SiC MESFETs with a two recess gate structure. MESFETS with a selectively doped p-type buffer layer are also provided. Utilization of such a buffer layer may reduce output conductance by a factor of 3 and produce a 3 db increase in power gain over SiC MESFETs with conventional p-type buffer layers. A ground contact may also be provided to the p-type buffer layer and the p-type buffer layer may be made of two p-type layers with the layer formed on the substrate having a higher dopant concentration. SiC MESFETs according to embodiments of the present invention may also utilize chromium as a Schottky gate material. Furthermore, an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) passivation layer may be utilized to reduce surface effects in SiC MESFETs.

Abstract: A coating material dispensing device includes a port adapted to be coupled to a source of coating material, an actuator for controlling a flow of compressed gas through the dispensing device, and a valve coupled to the actuator to be controlled by the actuator. The valve includes a valve housing, a valve closure member, and a valve seat. The valve closure member is movable in the housing under the control of the actuator between a closed position against the valve seat and an open position away from the valve seat. An inlet port is provided into the housing. The inlet port is oriented on a first side of the valve seat. The inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of the compressed gas. An outlet port is provided on the second side of the valve seat.

Abstract: A thermoelectric fire alarm system capable of generating electric power. A thermoelectric device is compressed between a heat absorbing plate and a cold side heat sink. A fire heats the plate. A phase change material is provided to absorb heat at an approximately constant temperature to keep the cold side heat sink relatively cold to provide at least a temporary temperature differential across the thermoelectric device allowing the device to generate sufficient electric power to activate an alarm identifying the fire.

Abstract: A low-cost thermoelectric module utilizing a greatly reduced quantity of thermoelectric material as compared to similar prior art thermoelectric modules. An egg crate design containing thermoelectric elements is utilized in the present invention. However, the walls of the egg crate in the parts of the module separating the thermoelectric elements are made thick so that the total cross sectional area of the elements is less than 75 percent of the total module cross sectional area. The spaces above and below the elements are filled with a high heat and electric conducting material such as aluminum. This produces funnel-shaped conductors funneling heat and electric current into and out of each of the thermoelectric elements. The payoff to this approach is that the heat flux through the hot and cold module surfaces can be maintained while producing the same power output with about half the thermoelectric material or less.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for horizontally drilling provides for detecting subsurface features and avoiding such features during closed-loop control of an underground drilling machine. A horizontal drilling system includes a base machine capable of propelling a drill pipe rotationally and longitudinally underground. A cutting tool system is coupled to the drill pipe, and a control system controls the base machine. A detector is employed to detect a subsurface feature. A communication link is utilized for transferring data between the detector and the control system. The control system uses the data generated by the detector to modify control of the base machine in response to detection of the subsurface feature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the automatic removal of a protective cover from a planar sheet. Air under pressure is directed angularly from an air nozzle system at the cover to partially dislodge same and to force a portion of the cover into contact with a rotating roll. The portion of the cover in contact with the roll is held thereby until presented to the force of suction at an entrance to a suction duct. The cover is carried away by air currents in the duct after the cover and is fully stripped from the sheet.

Abstract: A flexible cargo bed tie-down system that allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and that interfaces with the rest of the vehicle in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. Tie-down track(s) are provided that are integral with the body of the vehicle such that the exterior contour of the track(s) do not extend appreciably beyond the contour of the adjacent portions of the body. This permits the track(s) to blend in with the body of the vehicle, which improves functionality because the track(s) do not obstruct the placement of items on the vehicle. The track(s) are provided with a predetermined region that provides for controlled deformation of the vehicle body in case of a collision.

Abstract: A coating system includes a source of electrically non-insulative coating material, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material toward an article to be coated thereby, and an electrostatic high potential supply for supplying charge to the coating material. The high potential supply is coupled across the dispenser and the article The coating system further includes a reservoir, a valve having a housing providing first, second, third and fourth ports, and a component movable within the housing and having a first passageway selectively to connect the first port to the second port to permit the flow of coating material between the first port and the second port The first port is coupled to the coating material source. The second port is coupled to the reservoir. The third port is coupled to the dispenser The component is movable within the housing selectively to connect the second port to the third port to permit the flow of coating material between the reservoir and the dispenser.