Abstract: A method of installing a piston position sensor proximate to a closed end of a hydraulic cylinder is provided. The sensor is attached to the face of a piston and that piston/sensor combination is inserted into the cylinder tube to position the sensor in the desired location. When properly located within the cylinder tube, the sensor is affixed to the cylinder tube by means of beveled holes in the sensor that receive bolts threadedly inserted through the cylinder tube to further properly align the sensor within the cylinder tube. When so affixed, the sensor is then detached from the piston so that the piston can thereafter move independently of the sensor. A fixture is also used that allows the assembler to accurately align the angular orientation of the sensor prior to being inserted into the cylinder tube.

Abstract: A ground thawing mat includes at least a flexible upper sheet overlaying a serpentine twinned array of flexible heating fluid conduits, wherein the twinned array include at least a closely adjacent and parallel pair of conduits extending from a heating fluid inlet entering the parallel pairs of conduits to a heating fluid outlet exiting the parallel pair of conduits, and wherein the parallel pair of conduits extend substantially linearly without crossing one another between opposed serpentine turns. Further, the parallel pair of conduits turn through the turns without crossing one another so that the twinned array lie substantially in a single plane overlaid by the upper sheet.

Abstract: A controllable suspension system for controlling the relative motion between a first body and a second body includes at least one strut including a magneto-rheological fluid damper. The fluid damper includes a piston rod guide disposed within a damper body. The piston rod guide has a passage therein for receiving a piston rod. A piston rod bearing assembly is disposed in the piston rod guide to engage with and support reciprocal motion of the piston rod. At least a first piston rod seal and at least a second piston rod seal are arranged to seal between the piston rod guide and the piston rod. A fluid chamber is defined between the piston rod guide and the piston rod. A piston rod guide gas charged accumulator is arranged between the piston rod and the damper body.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to obtain a cost-effective solution for providing a microsystem with bearings, which have sufficiently high precision and long-term stress resistance. The invention proposes a method for manufacturing, adapting or adjusting a bearing portion in a fluidal microcomponent (M) comprising a stator (30) and a rotor (40,2). Said rotor is rotatably supported on the at least one bearing portion (L10,L11) relative to said stator. Said rotor (40,2) is rotatably supported by a sleeve (10, 11) inserted into said stator (30), for forming said bearing portion, the at least one sleeve being inserted in said stator as a bearing sleeve and comprising an inner surface and an outer surface (10i, 10a; 11i, 11a). Before being inserted in said stator, said bearing sleeve (10, 11) is a separate bearing component comprising an inner surface (10i, 11i) as an inner bearing surface, which is mechanically micro-finished before being inserted into said stator (30).

Abstract: A method of installing a water vacuum break in a housing including the steps of providing a plurality of slots in a wall of the housing; moving a water vacuum break in a first direction; and moving the water vacuum break in a second direction. The step of moving the water vacuum break in a first direction includes moving it substantially perpendicularly with the outer wall so that a plurality of retaining protrusions extend through the plurality of slots.

Abstract: An improved fluidic device that operates on a pressurized liquid flowing through it at a specified flow rate to generate an oscillating spray of liquid droplets having desired properties (e.g.

Abstract: A method of assembling a gasification reactor includes extending at least one reactant injection member into the gasification reactor. The method also includes extending at least one fluid injection conduit including a plurality of fluid injection passages defined therein into the gasification reactor. At least a portion of the at least one fluid injection conduit circumscribes at least a portion of the at least one reactant injection member.

Abstract: A rotational system is provided for controlling rotation of one or more solar collectors to track the movement of the sun, to automatically keep the collectors locked in stow position during high wind conditions, and advantageously also to prevent damage to the rotational system due to high pressures caused by high temperature conditions. The system utilizes a bi-directional hydraulic rotational actuator hydraulically connected to a control system. The actuator advantageously includes a system of helical gears and a piston, and the control system includes hydraulic lines equipped with check valves that prevent circulation of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic lines and the actuator when backpressure is exerted in one of the hydraulic lines as a result of high wind force on the collectors. In addition, the control system advantageously comprises a pressure-relief system to prevent damage to the actuator during high temperature conditions.

Abstract: The Invention concerns to a micro-fluidic device for the use in biochip or bio-system, wherein an 2 dimensional matrix array of temperature sensitive Poly-MEM actuators (1) is arranged in a 2 dimensional thermal processing array, in which each single temperature control element (6) or thermal element can be steered independently from each other, in order to be able to activate each single poly-MEM actuator (1).

Abstract: A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell system is disclosed wherein the membrane humidifier includes a plurality of membrane layers, a first pair of spaced apart sealing bars disposed between a first membrane layer and a second membrane layer adjacent to perimeter edges thereof to form a first flow channel, a second pair of spaced apart sealing bars disposed between the second membrane layer and a third membrane layer adjacent to perimeter edges thereof to form a second flow channel, and a plurality of supports, wherein a first support is disposed adjacent the second planar layer and extending between the second pair of spaced apart sealing bars, and a second support is disposed adjacent the third planar layer and extending between the second pair of spaced apart sealing bars.

Abstract: A sump assembly for a dishwasher and associated method are provided. The sump assembly comprises an integrally-formed sump member defining a circulation pump volute receptacle and a drain pump volute receptacle. The circulation pump volute receptacle and the drain pump volute receptacle are adapted to receive respective pump and motor assemblies. Each of the volute receptacles is configured to receive the respective pump and motor assembly along a respective horizontal axis defined thereby. The drain pump volute receptacle includes a washing fluid input in direct communication with the circulation pump volute receptacle for receiving the washing fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes coupling a first fuel system interface to a fuel delivery system, coupling a second fuel system interface to the fuel delivery system, coupling a first driver control system in communication with the first and second fuel system interfaces, and coupling a second driver control system in communication with the first and second fuel system interfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a solenoid valve for a brake system and a manufacturing method thereof, to achieve easy manufacture and low manufacturing costs via a more simplified configuration than the related art. The solenoid valve includes a valve core, a sleeve into one side of which the valve core is inserted, an armature movably received in the sleeve, a seat having an orifice that is opened or closed by the armature, a return spring to press the armature toward the orifice, a filter member press-fitted in a modulator block having an inlet path and outlet path, a filter being coupled to the filter member, and a seat housing having one side press-fitted into the filter member and the other side press-fitted into the sleeve, the seat being press-fitted in the seat housing. The seat housing takes the form of a tubular member having an approximately constant thickness and is provided with a stepped portion to determine a position of the seat.

Abstract: The thrust reverser comprises sections, such as arms and skins, which may be connected along joints to provide a thrust reverser body. A plurality of fittings may be integrally formed on a surface of each arm.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a feed injector are provided. The feed injector system includes a plurality of annular channels that are substantially concentric about a longitudinal axis. The plurality of annular channels direct a flow of fluid substantially axially therethrough from a respective source to a reaction zone. The feed injector system also includes a swirl member extending into the fluid flow path defined in at least one of the plurality of annular channels wherein the swirl member is configured to impart a circumferential flow direction to fluid flowing through the at least one annular channel.

Abstract: Microfluidic Systems, Devices and Methods for Reducing Diffusion and Compliance Effects at a Fluid Mixing Region. According to one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided for combining fluids in a mixing region. The microfluidic device can include a fluid mixing region connected to a first and second microscale channel. The microscale channels can advance fluids to the fluid mixing region. The microscale channels can include constricted flow portions. According to another embodiment, the microscale channels can be connected to waste channels for removing fluid diffused into one of the channels from the other channel. According to yet another embodiment, a microfluidic system is provided for controlling the flow of fluids through the microscale channels for reducing or eliminating diffusion between the channels.

Abstract: A microfluidic structure with an electrically controlled pressure source is shown. The pressure source is an electrolyte connected with electrodes. Dissociation of the electrolyte generates the pressure, which is used to obtain a valve-like or pump-like behavior inside the microfluidic structure. A process for manufacturing the microfluidic structure and a method to circulate fluids in a microfluidic channel are also described.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle for a gas turbine engine is disclosed, the fuel nozzle comprising at least one unitary component made using a rapid manufacturing process. In one aspect, the rapid manufacturing process is a laser sintering process. Unitary components disclosed include a conduit, swirler, distributor, venturi and a centerbody.

Abstract: Devices including a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide containing material having a microstructured surface are disclosed herein. Such devices can optionally include a flex circuit attached to the microstructured surface and can be useful, for example, in fluid handling applications.

Abstract: A “plug-n-play” modular microfluidic system is described herein which can be made by connecting multiple microfluidic components together to form a larger integrated system. For example, the modular microfluidic system includes a motherboard with interconnecting channels and integrated electrodes (or holes for electrodes to pass) which provide electronic connections to external data acquisition and system control devices. The modular microfluidic system can also include channel inserts (which are placed in the channels of the motherboard), heater units, actuator units, fitting components and microchips/modules with different functionalities which are placed on the motherboard.

Abstract: A device comprises a sensor tube for placement in a process flow and a flow-modifying element. The flow-modifying element is formed on the sensor tube, in order to reduce flow-induced vibrations by reducing coherent vortex shedding in the process flow.

Abstract: A system and method to determine a salt level within a brine tank. In one form a tube is disposed vertically within a brine tank and includes an interior portion between an open bottom end and a closed upper end. When water level in the tank rises above the bottom of the tube, a pressure detector detects an increase in air pressure within the tube. The pressure detector can take the form of a pressure switch. The switch may be in a normally open condition when the water level is below the bottom of the tube and is closed when the water is above the bottom of the tube. A device can be used to indicate a “Low Salt” or “Call for Service” condition depending on the sequence of the pressure detector during a regeneration cycle.

Abstract: A feed arm for a multiple circuit fuel injector of a gas turbine engine. The feed arm includes an elongated tubular sleeve having a central bore with an interior wall defining an inner diameter, and an elongated fuel tube positioned within the bore of the tubular sleeve. The fuel tube includes a tubular wall defining an outer diameter, which is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the central bore. A primary fuel flow passage is formed within the tubular wall of the fuel tube and bounded by the interior wall of the tubular sleeve, and the primary fuel flow passage circumferentially extends around the fuel tube at least once along the axial length of the fuel tube. A secondary fuel flow passage extends through a central portion of the fuel tube, and the fuel tube is configured to facilitate heat transfer by conduction and/or convection.

Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle, the modeling including an airbag, that may be inflated with gas to protect a person, and a protective envelope enclosing the airbag in a gas-tight manner. The protective envelope is formed at least partially from a flexible protective film. The protective film comprises a gas-tight weakened region, along which the protective film tears open when the airbag presses against the protective film during inflation. The weakened region is configured to be bag-shaped in cross section by stretching the protective film.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a porous substrate, a wetting region extending through a first portion of the porous substrate from a first side of the substrate, in which the wetting region is permeable to fluid transport, and a non-wetting region extending through a second portion of the porous substrate from a second side of the substrate, in which the non-wetting region is operable to switch between a first state impermeable to fluid transport and a second state permeable to fluid transport.

Abstract: An atomizer having an auxiliary dispenser is provided. The atomizer is coupled to a container filled with a liquid. The auxiliary dispenser is designed according to a preferred dispensing manner of the liquid so that the liquid is more efficiently appropriately dispensed. The auxiliary dispenser includes a connecting member disposed on an atomizer body, and a dispensing unit having a coupling portion for coupling with the connecting member. The liquid is released from the connecting member. The dispensing unit receives and further dispenses the liquid. A manufacturing method of the atomizer is further provided. A second outlet is disposed on the atomizer body, and the connecting member is configured at the second outlet. A series of different dispensing units are manufactured according to the types and preferred dispensing manners of different liquids, and each dispensing unit includes a coupling portion for coupling to the connecting member.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for manufacturing a liquid ejection element including a liquid flow path which is open at an ejection outlet for ejecting liquid, and an energy generating member for generating energy usable for ejecting the liquid from liquid flow path through the ejection outlet, the manufacturing method, includes a step of forming the energy generating member on a front side of a substrate; a step of forming a top plate member on the side having the energy generating member formed by the energy generating member forming step, wherein the top plate member is a member in which the liquid flow path and the ejection outlet are formed; and a step of thinning the substrate, having the top plate member formed thereon by the top plate member forming step, from a back side thereof.

Abstract: A laser processing method for making an inkjet head, including a step of irradiating laser light to an inkjet head material for removing a part of the inkjet head material. The laser light is emitted from a solid laser and has a wavelength of not longer than 355 nm.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic system comprises at least one micro-channel having a wall (14), a plurality of ciliary actuator elements (71) attached to said wall (14), said ciliary actuator elements (71) having an original shape when not subjected to a liquid, and means for applying stimuli to said plurality of ciliary actuator elements (71) so as to cause a change in their shape from an initial shape to an end shape. The ciliary actuator elements (71) are adapted to respond to the presence of a particular liquid by changing their original shape into the initial shape. The response to the presence of the particular liquid may be a curving of the original shape of the ciliary actuator element. Application of stimuli to the plurality of ciliary actuator elements provides a way to locally manipulate the flow of complex fluids in a micro-fluidic system.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head comprising a diaphragm which serves as portions of pressure chambers connected to nozzles through which liquid is ejected, and piezoelectric bodies which deform the diaphragm, the method comprises: an electrical wire forming step of removing at least a part of a silicon substrate, and forming electrical wires for supplying drive signals to drive the piezoelectric bodies, in sections where the silicon substrate has been removed; a piezoelectric body forming step of forming the piezoelectric bodies on sections where the silicon substrate has not been removed at least in the electrical wire forming step; and a diaphragm forming step of forming the diaphragm on a side of the piezoelectric bodies opposite to the silicon substrate.

Abstract: A method of bonding two semiconductor substrates to form a printhead includes aligning a top surface of a first substrate with a second substrate, wherein the first substrate has a fluid channel in the top surface, heating the first and second substrates to a first temperature in a partial vacuum, and placing the top surface of the first substrate in contact with the second substrate to form a bond.

Abstract: A punching apparatus forms a hole at a bottom portion of each of recesses which are formed in a metal plate in advance and arrayed in a first direction. A female die supports the metal plate. A male die is opposed to the recess and provided with a punch array in which a plurality of punches in the first direction. The male die is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to form the hole with each of the punches. The punches include first punches each having a distal end face which is slant in the second direction. A slant angle of the distal end face corresponds to a warp of the plate member due to the formation of the recesses.

Abstract: A torque converter including a cover, the cover having an axis and having an axially extending flange about the axis, the flange defining an aperture, a pilot fitted within the aperture, and a turbine hub connected to the flange.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a mandrel for electroformation of an orifice plate. An array of mask elements may be created adjacent a substrate. Surface regions of the substrate disposed generally between the mask elements may be removed, to create a base having a base surface and a plurality of pillars extending from the base surface according to the array of mask elements. Each pillar may have a perimeter defined by an orthogonal projection of one of the mask elements onto the substrate. An electrical-conduction enhancer may be deposited adjacent the base surface and terminating at least substantially at the perimeter, to create a conductive layer to support growth of the orifice plate.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a turbine engine has a convergent portion for converging fluid flow from a turbine engine core. A divergent portion for diverging fluid flow from the turbine engine core is in fluid communication with the convergent portion. A conduit is in communication with a bypass fluid flow. The conduit has a thrust vectoring port located near the divergent portion.

Abstract: A device and process for vertically extracting diffusers from a wastewater treatment tank where the diffusers are attached to a device having a lifting point and a pivot extraction point. The device and diffusers are lifted from the bottom of the tank until there is a clearance between the diffusers and the bottom of the tank, and then a pulling member attached to the pivot extraction point is pulled to pivot the device and the diffusers to align the diffusers with the hole. The diffusers and the device can then be extracted vertically through the hole.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes an injector housing having a longitudinal axis. The injector housing includes one or more fuel galleries annularly disposed about the longitudinal axis, and a compressed air inlet. The fuel injector also includes a premix barrel having a proximal end and a distal end circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis. The premix barrel is fluidly coupled to the fuel galleries and the compressed air inlet at the proximal end and is configured to couple to a combustor of the gas turbine engine at the distal end. The fuel injector also includes a substantially cylindrical pilot assembly disposed radially inwards of the premix barrel having a first end and a second end. The second end is coupled to the injector housing and the first end is located proximate the distal end of the premix barrel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet recording head includes the steps of forming adhesive layers and side walls of a flow path on a substrate; pasting a ceiling layer, which is a part of a flow path forming member, on the side walls; and forming discharge ports in the ceiling layer.

Abstract: In a microchemical device including a plurality of flow channels which feed liquids from at least one fluid supply device into a plurality of reaction zones, each of the plurality of flow channels has a plurality of minute flow channel members each of which has a cross sectional area smaller than that of the reaction zone. Thereby, the fluids are evenly fed into each of the microreaction members. Thus, a microchemical device capable of homogenizing a substance generated on respective reactions can be realized.

Abstract: A delivery device for thin-film material deposition has at least first, second, and third inlet ports for receiving a common supply for a first, a second and a third gaseous material, respectively. Each of the first, second, and third elongated emissive channels allow gaseous fluid communication with one of corresponding first, second, and third inlet ports. The delivery device can be formed from apertured plates, superposed to define a network of interconnecting supply chambers and directing channels for routing each of the gaseous materials from its corresponding inlet port to a corresponding plurality of elongated emissive channels. The delivery device comprises a diffusing channel formed by a relief pattern between facing plates. Also disclosed is a process for thin film deposition. Finally, more generally, a flow diffuser and a corresponding method of diffusing flow is disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal-combustion engine comprises an injector body and an injection-control valve, which in turn comprises: an open/close element; an elastic thrust element for pushing the open/close element; and a solenoid actuator, which can be actuated for exerting an action countering the thrust exerted by the elastic element. The solenoid actuator is formed by a monolithic assembly obtained in a mould, in which there is injected, on a core and a coil coupled to one another, a plastic material, which defines, once it has solidified, a body for insulation of the core from the injector body and which forms, once it has solidified, a monolithic assembly with the core and the coil.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring a flow rate of a flow of a fluid includes a housing member including a first section configured to matingly couple with a second section. The flow meter further includes an integrally formed laminar flow member removably held within at least a portion of the first section of the housing member. The laminar flow member includes a body and a plurality of channels integrally formed within the body, wherein each of the plurality of channels is substantially continuous in the longitudinal direction and substantially continuous in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A method and a pre-shaped workpiece for making at least a portion of a gas turbine fuel nozzle are disclosed having opposed gripping tabs which can be secured to machine tool holders during manufacturing by a machine tool.

Abstract: An integrated breakaway cylinder for controlling a boom of a self-propelled sprayer and method for constructing a boom assembly is disclosed in the present application. The integrated breakaway cylinder is constructed from a first stage cylinder and a second stage cylinder. The first stage cylinder is configured in a rod and barrel arrangement. The second stage cylinder is also configured in a rod and barrel arrangement, with the barrel of the first stage cylinder serving as the rod of the second stage cylinder. The first stage cylinder operates to extend and retract a boom. The second stage cylinder operates to absorb shock from inertia or the boom impacting an object. The design of various embodiments of the present invention couples the operation of maneuvering a boom with shock absorption into a single integrated cylinder.

Abstract: The disclosed connector to cassette interface system includes a set of individual keyed connectors having a shroud on the lower portion. The perimeter of each shroud includes an array of tabs or protrusions keyed to one of a corresponding array of skirted portals in the cassette cover. The tabs or protrusions on the shroud portion of each individual keyed connector may further serve to prevent rotation of each connector beyond about 60°.

Abstract: An oil sump for use in internal combustion engines or transmissions, where the oil sump consists of sheet metal shaped by deep drawing and has a reinforced edge, by means of which it rests, in its mounted state, in the internal combustion engine or the transmission with a seal positioned between them. The reinforcement consists of at least one separate metal part, which is mounted on the edge of the oil sump by positive locking and/or nonpositive locking with deformation of the edge of the oil sump.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a microfluidic device having a fluid flow path and a monolithic chromatographic material covalently bound to at least a portion of a polymeric surface of the fluid flow path. Aspects of the invention further include methods of making and using such devices.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a miniature flexible thrombectomy catheter having one or more flexible miniature noncollapsing tubular portions including pushable and torqueable structure for introduction into the smaller vessels in neurovascular regions. A jet body having an arcuate fluid jet emanator is incorporated in order to minimize size at the distal portion of a minimally sized catheter tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatic and/or fluidic module, a method of producing a pneumatic and/or fluidic module and the use of a pneumatic and/or fluidic module, the pneumatic and/or fluidic module comprising at least one pneumatic and/or fluidic conduit provided to form at least a part of a pneumatic and/or fluidic circuit, said at least one pneumatic and/or fluidic conduit comprising a first part along said conduit and a second part along said conduit, wherein said conduit is provided essentially leak-proof along the interface of the first and the second part by means of the first part comprising a first material at the interface of the first and the second part and by means of the second part comprising a second material at the interface of the first and the second part and wherein the first material is more compressible than the second material.

Abstract: An ejector tube (5) of an ejector pump has an inlet area (4), a mixing area (7) and an outlet end (8) via which the medium to be delivered exits the ejector tube (5). A conduit section (10) adjoins the outlet end (8), the conduit section (10) is connected to the outlet end (8) of the ejector tube (5) so as to form a single piece.