Abstract: A multi-layer film adhesive for reducing squeeze out in a bonded joint is provided. The multi-layer film adhesive has a first adhesive layer having a first chemical property. The multi-layer film adhesive further has a second adhesive layer having a second chemical property, wherein the second chemical property is different from the first chemical property. The multi-layer film adhesive further has a third adhesive layer having a third chemical property, wherein the third chemical property is different from the first and second chemical properties. The first adhesive layer, the second adhesive layer, and the third adhesive layer form the multi-layer film adhesive.

Abstract: A multi-layer film adhesive for reducing squeeze out in a bonded joint is provided. The multi-layer film adhesive has a first adhesive layer having a first chemical property. The multi-layer film adhesive further has a second adhesive layer having a second chemical property, wherein the second chemical property is different from the first chemical property. The multi-layer film adhesive further has a third adhesive layer having a third chemical property, wherein the third chemical property is different from the first and second chemical properties. The first adhesive layer, the second adhesive layer, and the third adhesive layer form the multi-layer film adhesive.

Abstract: Blood or other fluid can be treated with UV or other light, such as using an apparatus that can include a cuvette. The cuvette can include an elongated tube configured to permit passage of light of a desired wavelength into the tube, which can include a fluid inlet at a first end and a fluid outlet at a longitudinally opposing second end. A turbulator within the tube can include a helical baffle segment configured to induce mixing and rotation of fluid flow about a longitudinal axis of the tube. The method can include passing a fluid, from a fluid inlet at a first end of an elongated tube to a fluid outlet at a longitudinally opposing second end of the elongated tube. Mixing and rotational flow of the fluid can be induced within the tube about a longitudinal axis of the tube and light of a desired wavelength can be permitted into the tube.

Abstract: A fastener system for composite structure providing electromagnetic energy (EME) protection incorporates a fastener having a head with an engagement surface and a shank having a threaded end. A nut is received on the threaded end of the fastener, with the nut also having an engagement surface. At least one of the head engagement surface and the nut engagement surface incorporates a reduced area portion for engagement of a first mating surface or second mating surface, respectively.

Abstract: A fastener system for composite structure providing electromagnetic energy (EME) protection incorporates a fastener having a head with an engagement surface and a shank having a threaded end. A nut is received on the threaded end of the fastener, with the nut also having an engagement surface. At least one of the head engagement surface and the nut engagement surface incorporates a reduced area portion for engagement of a first mating surface or second mating surface, respectively.

Abstract: The health of a structural joint clamped by fasteners is monitored by directly measuring the preload of the fasteners. The preload is measured by a transducer on the fastener and electronically transmitted to a monitoring station where the preload values may be analyzed to assess the health of the joint.

Abstract: Blood or other fluid can be treated with UV or other light, such as using an apparatus that can include a cuvette. The cuvette can include an elongated tube configured to permit passage of light of a desired wavelength into the tube, which can include a fluid inlet at a first end and a fluid outlet at a longitudinally opposing second end. A turbulator within the tube can include a helical baffle segment configured to induce mixing and rotation of fluid flow about a longitudinal axis of the tube. The method can include passing a fluid, from a fluid inlet at a first end of an elongated tube to a fluid outlet at a longitudinally opposing second end of the elongated tube. Mixing and rotational flow of the fluid can be induced within the tube about a longitudinal axis of the tube and light of a desired wavelength can be permitted into the tube.

Abstract: The health of a structural joint clamped by fasteners is monitored by directly measuring the preload of the fasteners. The preload is measured by a transducer on the fastener and electronically transmitted to a monitoring station where the preload values may be analyzed to assess the health of the joint.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for structurally testing fasteners are described herein. A fastener test apparatus configured in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a first support member configured to support a head portion of a fastener, and a second support member configured to support a locking feature on a shaft portion of the fastener. The test apparatus can also include a force measurement device configured to be operably sandwiched between the first support member and the second support member. The force measurement device can be used to measure fastener preload. The test apparatus can further include first and second fixtures for performing an ultimate tensile test of the fastener. In this regard, the first fixture can be configured to exert a first force against the first support member in a first direction, and the second fixture can be configured to exert a second force against the second support member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A bacteria-containing two component polymer gel is provided for solubilizing particulate or colloidal organic materials in wastewater. The gel contains a minor amount of a polymer component that is difficult to solubilize by bacteria in the gel and a major amount of a polymer component that is easier to solubilize by bacteria in the gel. The gel contains bacteria for solubilizing material in wastewater and for solubilizing the gel, and nutrients for the bacteria. The gel also contains a bacteria inhibitor such as sodium sulfide or sodium azide that can diffuse out of the gel at a gel-water interface to allow bacteria to dissolve the gel at the interface while preventing an interior region of the gel from prematurely dissolving. The gel is placed in a housing through which wastewater flows and contacts the gel.

Abstract: A method for solubilizing particulate or colloidal materials in wastewater treatment comprising the steps of cultivating aerobic bacteria in the presence of oxygen in an activator solution containing a food source until the level of the food source drops below 50 mg/l of soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) and said bacteria begin producing increased amounts of enzymes which solubilize particulate or colloidal materials thereby producing activated bacteria and thereafter contacting said activated bacteria or enzymes with said particulate or colloidal materials under conditions which solubilize said particulate or colloidal materials. The method is particularly useful for solubilizing particulate and/or colloidal materials containing insoluble starch, grease, fat and protein with enzymes such as amylase, lipase and/or protease.