Abstract: A fluid dispense system having a computer control system that operatively controls a stepper motor driving a pump. The stepper motor actuates the pump piston through partial revolutions. The computer control system determines the number of stepper motor steps required to pump a desired amount of fluid by the pump by rotating the piston through segments which are less than a full revolution. Further, the controller varies the speed of the stepper motor to avoid splashing of the dispense fluid and motor stalling.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for pumping fluids at desired average flow rates by applying a predetermined force to a pump chamber and pulsing an outlet valve of the pump chamber to deliver a fluid therefrom. In some embodiments, pump chambers are provided within removable pumping cartridges that are constructed and configured to be coupled to a reusable pump drive component. In other embodiments, the pumping cartridges include multiple pump chambers, which pump chambers are operated so that a pump flow rate of one pump chamber is a predetermined fraction of the pump flow rate of another pump chamber within the pumping cartridge.

Abstract: Scroll compressors (100, 110) may include a movable scroll (20) that is disposed opposite to a fixed scroll (2). At least one compression chamber (32) is defined between the fixed scroll and the movable scroll. A motor (49) drives the movable scroll, so that the movable scroll revolves (orbits) relative to the fixed scroll. The movable scroll includes a front portion (20b) that slidably contacts the fixed scroll. The front portion receives the pressure of the pressurized refrigerant that is disposed within the compression chamber. The movable scroll also includes a rear portion (20a) that slidably contacts a portion (4a) of a compressor housing. The motor is disposed within a motor chamber (45) defined within the compressor housing. A first conduct route (94) communicates discharged refrigerant from a discharge-side region (85) to the motor chamber.

Abstract: A reversible pivoting vane rotary compressor includes a housing having a generally cylindrical chamber defined by an inner wall. A rotor is mounted eccentrically within the chamber to define about the rotor a generally crescent shaped compression chamber, which narrows from a main chamber region to a constricted chamber region, which rotor has a circumferential surface. A pair of reversible intake and exhaust ports are connected communicably with the constricted chamber region. Each port selectively and alternately introduces air into the constricted chamber region while the other port exhausts air from the constricted region. At least one adjoining pair of curved vanes are pivotably attached to the rotor and extend in generally opposite arcuate directions from the rotor into the chamber.

Abstract: An ultrasonic pump in which a medium is pumped by the interaction between longitudinal acoustic waves and the medium in a flow-chamber. The pump comprises a non-planar, transducer and an associated chamber for providing a controllable, focused, acoustic traveling wave therein. The chamber includes a tapered passage corresponding to the focused beam pattern of the focused acoustic traveling wave through which the liquid medium flows and/or cavitation is induced and/or controlled. The pump therefore utilizes a focused, non-planar, acoustical transducer responsive to frequency input for directing longitudinal acoustic waves into the flow-chamber which induces a pressure gradient. The medium in the flow-chamber flows in the direction of travel of the acoustic wave in the chamber as a result of acoustic streaming. The exit orifice of the nozzle in communication with the chamber is strategically located at about the focal zone of the focused, traveling wave.

Abstract: An exemplary method for making a micropump device is disclosed as providing inter alia a substrate (300), an inlet opening (310), and outlet opening (340), a pump chamber (370) and flapper valves (350, 360). The fluid inlet channel (310) is generally configured to flow a fluid through/around the inlet opening flapper valve (350). The outlet opening flapper valve (360) generally provides means for preventing or otherwise decreasing the incidence of outlet fluid re-entering either the pumping cavity (370) and/or the fluid inlet channel (310). Accordingly, the reduction of backflow generally tends to enhance overall pumping efficiency. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve micropump operation in any microfluidic application.

Abstract: A piston pump assembly having a single drive gear assembly associated with two adjacent pump cylinders. Each pump cylinder has a separate valve unit associated therewith. The two pump cylinders have a common piston rod having a pump piston arranged at each end. The piston pod is formed as a toothed rack and the drive gear assembly includes motor-driven gearwheels engaged with the toothed rack.

Abstract: In a magnet force type pump driving apparatus in a vehicular engine, a large diameter formation of driving and driven magnets is enabled without being interfered with by a driven rotating member of a wrapping transmission apparatus, thereby achieving an increase in transmission torque. A magnet holder crossing a rotational center face P of a wrapping member of a wrapping transmission apparatus is fixedly attached to a driven rotating member. A driving magnet is arranged at an outer side of the driven rotating member and is attached to the magnet holder. A driven magnet is axially supported by a pump housing arranged to cross the rotational center face P on an inner peripheral side of the driving magnet.

Abstract: A flexible apparatus for metering agricultural chemicals in a wet blade chemical distribution system consists of a modular peristaltic pump delivery apparatus (24) having an impeller (38) and a mounting bore (30) in a computer-controlled servomechanism that meters the correct amount of a wide variety of agricultural chemical regardless of equipment speed. It is especially well suited for easy field chemical change over and maintenance.

Abstract: A rotary vane device for hydraulic transmission of mechanical energy with industrial scale measures of power and rotational velocity. The device offers high measures of both volumetric efficiency and rotational velocity and hence substantial measures of functional excellence in terms of power density and functional efficiency. Additionally the device functions without the use of reciprocating primary components and for this reason potentially offers substantial measures of excellence in terms of enhanced operational reliability and relatively low measures of radiated mechanical noise and vibration.

Abstract: A check valve retainer for a scroll compressor includes a retaining lip that fits into a recess formed in a scroll. The retaining lip may be manufactured as an integral part of the check valve retainer for press fitting or may be formed by an expansion fit locking member having a protrusion that forces a portion of check valve retainer wall into the recess. The retaining lip ensures that the check valve retainer stays attached to the scroll without risking scroll deformation.

Abstract: A melt-blowing head for making polymeric material fibrils comprises at least a polymeric material inlet channel and melt-blowing die including a plurality of holes for extending fibrils therefrom and a tree-construction channel arrangement for distributing the polymeric material from the inlet channel to each hole of the melt-blowing die.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-tip extrusion apparatus and design methodology whereby a single extrusion head having approximately co-planar, fixed-position dispensing tips is used in a three-dimensional modeling machine to deposit multiple types of materials from distinct material supply sources. The tips are spaced apart a distance great enough so that a road of material extruded by a leading one of the tips will cool and shrink from the plane of the tips so that it is not smeared by contact with a trailing one of the tips.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for producing a biaxially oriented, heat set plastic container, including a blow mold; a high-pressure fluid source; a high-temperature fluid source; a blow core assembly having an exhaust; and a controller coupled to the high-pressure fluid source, to the high-temperature fluid source, and to the exhaust. The PET containers produced by the machine have an average sidewall crystallinity greater than about 30%, which allows the PET container to maintain its material integrity during any subsequent pasteurization or retort process of the contents in the PET container, and during shipment of the PET container.

Abstract: A die for a rotary compression press, comprising a die holder axially supported in a guide bore and a die insert which is seated in the end-side bore of the die holder via a trunnion-shaped projection and is adapted to be mounted via releasable fastening means, wherein the projection is helically guided in the bore between axially spaced stops and is biased by a spring towards the associated front-end face of the die holder.

Abstract: A method for producing ceramic green sheets allows the foreign substances on the surface of a carrier film to be reliably removed, prevents fluctuation of the path line when a carrier film is transferred by a foreign substance removal device, and enables a ceramic green sheet having a low local variation in thickness to be achieved. In this method for ceramic green sheets, a carrier film is transferred, the transfer direction of the carrier film is changed by a support roll, and the foreign substances on the carrier film surface are removed by an adhesive roll as a foreign substance removal device at the area where the carrier film is in contact with the peripheral surface of the support roll. Then ceramic slurry is applied on the carrier film using a ceramic slurry applying unit, and thereby a ceramic green sheet is formed.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine for manufacturing triple sheet thermoplastic articles is disclosed. The thermoforming machine comprises three controllable ovens for heating three sheets to a heat deformable temperature, three shape giving molds for separately thermoforming each sheet in succession, and forging-like means to compress the three thermoformed sheets into a unitary article. The three sheets are thermoformed and compressed together in a form station comprising upper and lower platens. Acting with the upper platen is a mold shuttle system for moving two of three molds into position relative the thermoforming and forging-like operations of the apparatus.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus having a mold clamping apparatus of the clam shell type, and having a linkage controlling the opening and closing of the mold, the linkage being comprised of two links pivotally connected to each other and driven by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The links are configured to provide the cylinder with mechanical advantage so that little mold separation force is recognized at the cylinder.

Abstract: Provided with a rod (1) meant to be attached to the ejector plate (9) which extends in a flat and elastically deformable neck (2) which ends in a small header (3) provided with a material recess (4) which is adapted in shape and size to the negative (5) to be obtained, said header (3) having a basically rectangular prismatic shape, that is with faces which are parallel by pairs, in order to simplify its machining, while the diagonal length of its section is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the rod (1), allowing its assembly from the outside of the body (7) of the mold. In order to attach the rod (1) to the ejector plate (9) said rod is provided with an externally threaded segment (10) on which moves a screw (11) which allows a precision adjustment of the axial position of said rod (1), which rod in turn is immobilized in an angular sense as it has a flat facet in correspondence with one of its generator lines, on which acts a key (14).

Abstract: A patty-forming apparatus includes a mold plate having patty-forming cavities and a breather plate arranged over the mold plate. A fill slot is arranged below or above the mold cavities to fill food product into the mold cavity when the mold plate is in a fill position. The breather plate, arranged on a side of the mold plate opposite the fill slot, includes a fill recess open toward the mold plate and arranged to be in registry with the cavities when the mold plate is in the fill position to increase a transverse food product flow area along the longitudinal direction to assist filling of the cavity with food product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a separable manifold of hot runners for metal molds of injection molding machines and a method of manufacturing the manifold. The manifold is designed to be separated into an upper plate and a lower plate while having a flow channel therebetween. The upper plate is assembled with the lower plate into a manifold after inserting a channel pipe covered with copper plates in the flow channel. Thus, the manifold of this invention is easy to manufacture. In addition, it is possible to easily grind the flow channel of the manifold so as to remove angled corners from the flow channel.

Abstract: An improved gas appliance having a burner, a gas valve through which the flow of combustion gas to the burner is controlled, and a motor driven blower that supplies combustion air to the burner. The improvement includes means for increasing gas flow through the gas valve as blower speed increases, and decreasing gas flow through the gas valve as blower speed decreases, based on a pressure signal generated independently of combustion air pressure. This improvement allows a constant ratio of gas to air to be maintained in the burner while a combustion flow rate varies dependent on the blower motor revolutions per minute. Thus input pressures of combustion can be controlled at low cost.

Abstract: A collector box for a gas burner ignition system is disclosed, the collector box including a top half; a bottom half; an aperture disposed within the bottom half, the aperture being configured to receive an insulated electrode substantially within the center of the aperture and to allow gas from a gas burner to exit the aperture around the insulated electrode; and a grounding electrode protruding from an edge of the third aperture, where a spark may be produced between the insulated electrode and the grounding electrode. Also disclosed are gas burner ignition systems that include the above-described collector box, as well as a spark generator and an insulated electrode. The gas burner ignition system may be used in, for example, cooking devices such as barbecue grills.

Abstract: An indirect heating furnace heats a substance in a reaction tube with a high-temperature combustion gas without contact between the substance and the combustion gas. The reaction tube is a stationary ceramic tube. A combustion device for supplying said heating high-temperature combustion gas into the furnace in comprised of at least one pair of regenerative burners.

Abstract: A bondable orthodontic appliance such as a molar tube bondable to a tooth by use of a light-cure adhesive for bond sites at the posterior of the mouth wherein the bonding pad of the appliance includes a light-cure adhesive bonding face.

Abstract: Dental articles including at least one optical surface formed of a multilayer optical film including layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material are disclosed. The multilayer optical films included in the dental articles is preferably post-formed into desired non-planar shapes in manners that result in some deformation of the optical stack of the multilayer optical films. A variety of dental implements can be constructed with multilayer optical film including dental mirrors, light guides for use in connection with photo-curing dental materials, and matrix bands for use in molding photo-curing dental restoratives.

Abstract: An improved dental impression tray provides an improved retentive force for the dental impression material contained therein by incorporating a plurality of projections and panels on its tray walls. Upon taking a dental impression, the dental impression material flows into the grooves defined by the plurality of projections, panels and the tray walls to form retentive components. These retentive components may prevent the impression material in the tray from distorting or being lifted out of the trays when the tray is disengaged from the oral anatomy of the patient.

Abstract: A matrix band with a coating thereon reduces capillary action between a tooth and the matrix band, while at least one aperture in the matrix band assists with removal of the matrix band from the tooth, after the filling is complete.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a healing post for intrasurgical immobilisation of dental implant for immediate loading, comprising a body, a mechanism for fixing on an endo-osseus implant, a mechanism for orienteering with respect to the same endo-osseus implant, the body of the post providing a mechanism for the positioning and the locking of a stabilisation element between at least two contiguous posts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting simulator instruments to a simulator host computer includes a plurality of panel modules, a data bus having a connection to each panel module, and a control computer connected to the data bus and to the host computer. Each panel module further comprises at least one simulated instrument and a local computer. The local computer runs a computer program adapted to the instrument or instruments controlled by that panel module, so that the local computer communicates with the data bus for bi-directional communication between the instrument and the control computer. Each panel module has a unique address on the data bus.

Abstract: An interactive educational system includes a tracking system for determining changes in an overall physical location of a student, and a display for displaying cues for the student to engage in full-body motion and to engage in an interactive cognitive learning task. An educational method includes prompting a student to engage in an interactive cognitive learning task which involves full body motion, thereby enabling the student to reach the enhanced learning state which results from elevated metabolic rate, and synergistically engaging the student's kinesthetic learning facilities.

Abstract: A neonate dummy make it possible to sense or measure a movement of the head of a neonate, the values of impacts applied to the thoracic part and the abdominal part (including the lumbar part) of the neonate, and the value or magnitude of the effect on the cervical vertebrae, as well as to clarify the mechanism of cervical disorder resulting from an impact in a car crash or the like. This neonate dummy includes a head part, a body part (including a lumbar part), arm parts and leg parts. A bar-shaped backbone member corresponding to the backbone of a neonate is provided in the body part (including a lumbar part), and a neck part is formed on an upper region of the backbone member. A triaxial acceleration sensor is provided on the centroidal position of the head part.

Abstract: This invention is a computer based system for the assessment, management and instruction of students, and for the delivery of work pages and other instructional materials in the form of electronic student workbooks. The computer based assessment of the student produces a student profile including skill gaps or learning objectives. Teacher (20) and student (22) workstations are networked CPUs with pen-based tablet inputs, and displays network with a central processor (10) and data base. A director workstation may also be networked with the central processor. The central processor generates a teacher workbook either directly or with input from the director workstation. The teacher, or teacher and director together, assemble an electronic student workbook containing instructional materials correlated with the student profile. The system tracks useful data such as instructional material (e.g., textbook pages, work sheets, software, simulations, tests, etc.) delivered to students.

Abstract: A method and system for managing evaluators of data items to maintain consistent and efficient scoring of data items. Collaborative scoring allows two evaluators to score the same data item and resolves potential discrepancies in the scores provided by the evaluators. Quality items monitor a evaluator's scoring performance against a known standard. A quality-control data item, having a known score, is transmitted to a evaluator. After receiving a score from the evaluator, the known score is compared with the evaluator's score and a quality profile is generated for the evaluator.

Abstract: A system and method for computer aided test preparation is disclosed. A user submits a weighted answer in response to a test preparation question displayed on a computer display screen. The system and method use the weight of the response to determine the frequency of repetition of that particular question in the user's subsequent test preparation activities. The weight may be an indication of the user's confidence level of his or her submitted response being the correct response to each question.

Abstract: Innovative and improved display materials associated with products provide enhanced information to potential or actual purchasers of such products. In an aspect of the invention, electronic product packaging for demonstrative use in association with a product comprises demonstration means adapted to demonstrate visually or audibly the use or capabilities of the product under the control of integrated circuit means.

Abstract: An electrical interface device (210) is provided for disengageable or removable coupling with an existing master connector substantially non-removably mounted on a towing vehicle in order to allow for the connection of the electrical systems of differently configured towed vehicles without any modification of the device (210). The device (210) comprises a first end (218a) presenting a first master connector (222) and a second master connector (224), and a second end (218b) presenting a third interface connector (225). An alignment mechanism (229) ensures proper alignment, and a locking mechanism (231) avoids inadvertent uncoupling of the device (210) from the existing master connector. In use, the second end (218b) of the device (210) is coupled with the existing master connector, and an electrical connector of the towed vehicle is coupled with the first or second master connectors (222,224), thereby slaving the electrical system of the towed vehicle to that of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A riser card, such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card, attaches to a circuit board such as a mother board in a transverse orientation and has a first connector and a second connector attached to opposing sides of the card for receiving expansion cards. In one embodiment, the first connector is offset from the second connector with respect to an axis in the plane of the riser card. In another embodiment, the first and second connectors each have a first and last pin, and the first pin of the first card is opposite the first pin of the second connector. The riser card may mount one expansion board right side up, and the second board upside down. The first and second connectors can be female connectors which are each matable with a male connector on the corresponding expansion board, or can be card edge connectors. The expansion boards, when mated with the connectors, are substantially parallel to, but offset from the circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical contact (1) for electrically interconnecting two electrical interfaces (31, 41) includes a retention portion (11), an extending portion extending (12) from one end of the invention, and a second engaging portion (114) extending from the other end of the retention portion. The extending portion defines first and second mating portions (122, 121) respectively at uppermost and lowermost portions thereof, for respectively engaging with the electrical interfaces. The extending portion forms a first engaging portion (125) to mate with the second engaging portion. Thus two parallel electric paths are formed between the first and second mating portions when the contact electrically mats with the two electrical interface. As a result, impedance of the contact is decreased and gain good resilient characteristics.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing (10) defining a first surface (100) and a second surface (101), a plurality of contacts (11) received in the housing, a cover (13) slidably mounted on the housing and a spring (12) positioned between the housing and the cover. The housing defines a plurality of restricting slots (1050) having a first protruding portion (1051) and a second protruding portion (1052). The cover defines a plurality of openings (1301) and a plurality of hooks (131) cooperating with the corresponding restricting slot of the housing. When the cover is at a first position where the hooks cooperate with the first protruding portions, the contact is between the upper surface of the cover and the first surface of the housing, when the cover is at a second position where the hooks cooperate with second protruding portion, the contact is beyond the openings of the cover.

Abstract: A flexible circuit board connecting device comprises a flat connector (10) to be connected to a predetermined circuit member, a flexible circuit board (1) to be connected to the circuit member via the connector (10). The connector (10) comprises a flat housing having a plurality of holding holes (12), a plurality of terminals (14) held in the holding holes (12). Each terminal (14) has a connection section (14A) to be connected to the circuit board and a contact section (14D) to be connected to the flexible circuit board. The contact points between the flexible circuit board and the terminals are made movable along the flexible circuit board from the zero insertion position to the contact position under spring forces.

Abstract: A socket (10) has a base member (20), a cover member (30) which is mounted for alternating motion toward and away from base member (20), a plurality of contacts (40) having an end fixed to the base member (20), a contact regulating member (50) that regulates the position of the movable ends (42, 92) of the contact and an adaptor (60) having a seating surface, the adaptor which is mounted for alternating motion toward and away from the contact regulating member (50). When adaptor (60) is removed from the contact regulating member, the movable ends of the contacts do not protrude through the seating surface and when adaptor (60) has been moved toward the contact regulating member (50), the movable ends of the contacts protrude from each through-hole (65) of adaptor (60) for engagement with the solder balls of a BGA device (11), placed on the adaptor (60). The cover member is linked to the base member and latches (70) having a BGA device pressing tip (72) are rotatable with movement of the cover.

Abstract: An interchangeable impedance tuner for use in an electrical connector has been provided. The tuner is formed of a dielectric material different than air. The interchangeable impedance tuner may include a plurality of dielectric isolation ribs, wherein a dielectric rib is positioned between two adjacent signal and/or ground contacts. The tuner may also include at least one impedance adjusting metal insert and at least one insert receptacle for slidably receiving the impedance adjusting metal insert. Each impedance adjusting metal insert is oriented parallel to a portion of the contacts. Further, each impedance adjusting metal insert overlaps a portion of one of the differential pairs. A shell covering the housing and the tuner. The shell opens to allow removal of the tuner is also provided. Upon removal of one tuner, a different tuner, having different impedance controlling characteristics may be positioned within the cavity of the electrical connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) includes a housing (2) having at least a pair of engaging portions (203) and a number of passageways (22), a number of terminals (5), a shell (4), and a spacer (3). Each terminal has a mating portion (50) received in the passageway and a tail portion (51) extending downwardly beyond the housing. The spacer includes a pair of hooks (31) extending upwardly from opposite ends thereof and a number of positioning holes (303) for retaining the tail portions in position. Each hook has a first retention portion (32) and a second retention portion (33) positioned above the first retention portion. By means of gradual cooperation between engaging portions and the retention portions, the terminals are gradually oriented and guided by the holes of the spacer to be precisely inserted into a number of apertures defined in a printed circuit board without buckling.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber ribbon stack having a plurality of optical fibers, and at least one cushion member disposed on outer side surfaces of the optical fiber ribbon stack. The cushion member functions as a spacer and strain energy absorbing member for protecting corner fibers of the optical fiber ribbon stack from bending and contact stresses due to contact with a buffer tube or other surrounding elements. The cushion member may have material characteristics, such as contact hardness and Young's modulus, which are similar to those of the ribbon stack, or which gradually change from a soft inner layer at the side of the cushion member which contacts the ribbon stack to a stiff outer layer at the side of the cushion member which may contact a buffer tube or other surrounding elements.

Abstract: A protective cover for a pin connector of a backplane includes at least one connector having receptacles for receiving the pins of a pin connector of a backplane and a planar member extending from the connector, the connector being on the planar member.

Abstract: An electrical module assembly is configured for latching engagement with a receptacle assembly that is adapted for mounting to a printed circuit board. The electrical module assembly comprises an ejector mechanism comprising first and second substantially parallel actuator arms adapted to extend longitudinally along a respective one of opposite side walls of the receptacle assembly. Each of the arms comprises an ejector tab extending longitudinally therewith, and a bias element extends longitudinally with and in contact with each of the actuator arms.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle, including a power source and a contact for making an electrical connection between the power source and a prong of an electrical plug. At least one switch is in series between the contact and the power source, and a smooth member covers at least a portion of the at least one switch. The switch is normally in the closed position and moves in a direction from the closed position to the open position due to a force applied to the smooth member covering at least a portion of the at least one switch by the prong of the electrical plug when the prong of the electrical plug is inserted into the electrical receptacle and contacts the resilient, smooth member.

Abstract: A socket has a housing for memory card such as MS card (Memory Stick Card), SD card (Secure Digital Memory Card) and MMC card (Multi Media Card), SM card (Smart Media Card). The housing is integrally formed to have a SD contact, a SD card detect contact, a SD write protect contact, a SM contact, a SM card detect contact and a SM write protect contact. Furthermore, arrangement of the different contacts enables the operator to withdraw the memory cards which are securely inserted into the socket easily to ensure the completeness and accuracy of read/write action.

Abstract: A plug-in adapter for optional connection of a three (3) pin plug system to different nationally specific plugging systems both with and without grounding contact. The adapter comprises a housing with a polarity of different projecting plugging systems disposed thereon. A socket receptacle supported for rotation in the housing is provided and presents electrical contacts adapted to be connected in the respective rotational positions of the socket receptacle, which are associated with the outer plugging systems, with corresponding electrical contacts of the respective plugging systems. Further, at least one of the plugging systems comprises a grounding contact pin supported for movement in the housing.