Abstract: Devices, systems, and associated methods that facilitate the injection and/or aspiration of precisely controlled volumes of fluids at precisely controlled rates are provided. In some implementations, an apparatus may include a syringe and a lead screw connected to a plunger of the syringe. A ratchet gear may be connected to the lead screw. A mechanism may also be included to oscillate a frame in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the lead screw such that one or more pawls of the frame engage the teeth of the ratchet gear in a manner that results in rotation of the ratchet gear in a single direction for controlled linear displacement of the plunger.

Abstract: A high speed pneumatic valve has a housing enclosing a cavity with an inlet port and an outlet port. A permanently magnetized armature is located in the cavity. The permanently magnetized armature moves between a first, open position and a second, closed position. A coil and magnetic core assembly is located near the armature in the housing. A first voltage applied across the coil results in a magnetic field with a first polarity being induced in the magnetic core thereby attracting the armature toward the magnetic core and away from the outlet port. A second voltage applied across the coil results in a magnetic field with a second, opposite polarity being induced in the magnetic core thereby repelling the armature away from the magnetic core and toward the outlet port.

Abstract: A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).

Abstract: A system for monitoring a remaining shelf life of a product stored within a container is provided. The system includes a container having a bottom and at least one side extending from the bottom, a timer device coupled to the container, and a display coupled to the timer device. The timer device includes an integrated circuit programmed as a timer, and an output device electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. The display is in communication with the output device for displaying the remaining shelf life of the product stored within the container.

Abstract: A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).