Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a reservoir; a stopper dividing the reservoir; a water fill pipe configured to provide the water to a lower portion of the reservoir; and an outlet pipe connected to the lower portion of the reservoir. The apparatus may further include a compressed air feed pipe which may provide compressed air to an upper portion of the reservoir to press on the stopper so that the water is forced by the stopper to escape from the lower portion of the reservoir through the outlet pipe. A processor included in the apparatus may be configured to determine a water pumping rate of the water while the water escapes through the outlet pipe, and to control the compressed air feed pipe to provide the compressed air at an air pumping rate equal to the water pumping rate.

Abstract: A fluid control device includes a piezoelectric actuator and a deformable substrate. The piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric element and a vibration plate. The piezoelectric element is attached on a first surface of the vibration plate and is subjected to deformation in response to an applied voltage. The vibration plate is subjected to a curvy vibration in response to the deformation of the piezoelectric element. A bulge is formed on a second surface of the vibration plate. The deformable substrate includes a flexible plate and a communication plate stacked on each other. A synchronously-deformed structure is defined by the flexible plate and the communication plate. The deformable substrate is bent in the direction toward the vibration plate. There is a specified depth maintained between the flexible plate and the bulge of the vibration plate. The flexible plate includes a movable part corresponding to the bulge of the vibration plate.

Abstract: A nested bellows pump including a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing having a cylindrical body, the cylindrical body having an inner wall; a traveling bulkhead, the traveling bulkhead sealingly positionable along the inner wall of the cylindrical body; a first inner bellows, the first inner bellows connected to the housing, and the second bellows is connected to the traveling bulkhead; a second inner bellows connected to the traveling bulkhead, and the second end of the second inner bellows is connected to the housing; a first outer bellows connected to the housing, and the second end of the first outer bellows is connected to the traveling bulkhead; and a second outer bellows connected to the traveling bulkhead, and the second end of the second outer bellows is connected to the second end of the housing.

Abstract: An induced groundwater flow closed loop geothermal system provides safety associated with closed loop geothermal systems (e.g., no mixing of surface water, closed system fluid, and groundwater) and efficiency associated with open loop geothermal systems (e.g., increased heat transfer provided by groundwater flow). A heat exchanger connected to an external system is located in a hole in a geological formation. The hole has a depth below where groundwater is located. A fluid from the external system is routed through the heat exchanger. A pump is utilized to induce groundwater flow from the geological formation, across the heat exchanger and back to the geological formation to enable thermal transfer between the fluid and the groundwater and the groundwater and the geological formation. A casing may be located in the hole to provide structural support and grouting materials may be used to fill space around the casing enabling a groundwater flow path.

Abstract: A rotor system including a rotor hub, and a plurality of rotor blades. Each of the plurality of rotor blades includes a hub end. A plurality of rotor blade actuators is operatively connected to the hub end of a corresponding one of the plurality of rotor blades. A fairing is mounted to the rotor hub. The fairing includes an external surface and an internal surface defining an interior portion. The hub end and rotor blade actuator of each of the plurality of rotor blades is arranged in the interior portion. A cooling system is arranged in the interior portion. The cooling system includes a first heat exchanger thermally connected to each of the plurality of rotor blade actuators, a second heat exchanger mounted to the fairing, and at least one fluid conduit extending therebetween.

Abstract: An electrochemical compression system utilizes a preheater to heat an electrochemically active working fluid to a superheated temperature delta prior compression. Heating the electrochemically active working fluid to a superheated temperature ensures there will be no condensation before the fluid reaches the condenser and therefore increases efficiency and effectiveness of the system. A preheater may be configured in a chamber upstream of the electrochemical compressor and one or more valves may control the delivery of the superheated fluid to the compressor. A preheater may be configured in an enclosure, having a valve at the inlet and outlet and retain the electrochemically active fluid at a superheated temperature. A preheater may be configured within or attached to a gas diffusion media, flow-filed or current collector and may be in direct communication with the fluid.

Abstract: A thermal operated fluid pump has a plunger which is moved by a thermally expandable element to compress a fluid, such as natural gas, into a storage cylinder.

Abstract: Metal-air batteries include first and second battery stack structures each comprising an anode, an anode electrolyte layer, a cathode, and a gas diffusion layer, and cathode current collectors disposed between the first and second battery stack structures and having a non-flat shape, where the cathodes of the first and second battery stack structures face each other, the cathode current collectors contact the gas diffusion layers of the first and second battery stack structures, at least one of the cathode current collectors includes protrusions, and an empty space between the cathode current collector and the first and second battery stack structures is an air supply unit to supply air to the gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump mechanism is powered by steam generated by an internal heater coil heating the pumped water, which moves the diaphragm and an attached piston to pump water through the pump. The heater coil is turned on-and-off using a switch that is timed to the movement of the pump. The water is pumped through a series of one-way rubber valves and reed valves to prevent a back flow of water. The pressure generated by the steam is released when a reed valve located on the diaphragm makes contact with a pin located on the body of the pump, opening the reed valve and allowing the steam to travel through and to condense. The piston and diaphragm are returned to the starting position when the steam pressure is released by a spring attached to the pump shaft. On the return stroke an accumulator refills the diaphragm chamber with water.

Abstract: A micro-gas pressure driving device includes a miniature gas transportation module, a covering plate and a tube plate. The miniature gas transportation module includes a convergence plate, a resonance membrane and a piezoelectric actuator. When the piezoelectric actuator is activated to feed a gas into an input tube of the tube plate, the gas is sequentially transferred through a first input chamber, a second input chamber, an inlet, a convergence channel and a central opening of the convergence plate, a central aperture of the resonance membrane, and transferred downwardly through the piezoelectric actuator and an output chamber, and outputted from an output tube of the tube plate. The first input chamber is arranged between the covering plate and the input tube. The second input chamber is defined between the covering plate and the convergence plate. The output chamber is defined between the tube plate and the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

Abstract: A pot for use with system for controlling soil moisture in a plurality of potted plants to perform water deficit experiments includes a body portion having an open top end and a bottom end, and a flange coupled to the body portion adjacent the top end. The flange is configured to engage a platform to hold the body portion within an opening of the platform. The pot also includes a fluid reservoir having a bottom portion located adjacent the bottom end of the body portion, a plurality of vertically extending fluid channels extending upwardly toward the top end of the body portion, a fill opening located at the bottom end of the body portion in communication with the bottom portion of the fluid reservoir, and a check valve coupled to the fill opening to permit fluid to be supplied to the fluid reservoir from the bottom end of the body portion through fill opening and the check valve.

Abstract: An enclosure for integrating distributed energy sources, provides a compact enclosure that fits within a utility workspace and enclosures that can be mechanically coupled together, placed in parallel or in a series.

Abstract: An installation for the production of cold and/or heat has a driving and a receiving machine. The driving machine has means for circulating a working fluid GM, an evaporator EM, at least one transfer cylinder CTM that contains a transfer liquid LT in a lower part and the working fluid GM liquid and/or vapor form above the transfer liquid, a condenser CM, at least one device BSM for separating the liquid and vapor phases of the working fluid GM, and a device for compressing the working fluid GM to the liquid state.

Abstract: Refrigeration systems and appliances are provided. A refrigeration system includes a refrigerant, the refrigerant including a working fluid and an electrochemically active fluid. The refrigeration system further includes a condenser, an evaporator, and an electrochemical compressor in fluid communication with the condenser and the evaporator. The refrigeration system can further include various components which advantageously reduce the energy consumption and increase the predicatability and efficiency of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology include a micromachined implantable drug delivery devices, grippers, and syringes that are wirelessly powered and controlled by frequency tuning of external radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields. An illustrative device can be designed and constructed with passive circuitry and microvalves that operate without batteries, e.g., through thermal actuation of hydrogel microvalves and/or shape-memory alloy members. The frequency selectivity in the device control provides not only a path to achieving reliable and safe operation of drug delivery but also potential applications for selective delivery of multiple drugs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for generating power, such as electrical power, using an increased volume of a substance when the substance freezes due to the system's ambient conditions. The increased volume of the substance may be absorbed by a flexible container and flexible container may transfer a hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic line in fluid communication with a hydraulic generator. The hydraulic generator may be configured to generate power using the transferred hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A compressor free, generator free system production well for accelerated oil and gas removal from a reservoir using a magnetically coupled expander pump assembly, which include an outer expansion turbine that rotates around a pump. A magnetic coupling couples the expansion turbine to the pump. An inner portion of the magnetic coupling can be coupled to a pump shaft that drives the pump. An outer portion of the magnetic coupling can be driven by the expansion turbine, which rotates circumferentially around the pump. The expansion turbine drives the fluid to pump a driven fluid stream through the magnetic coupling. In this manner, flow directions of both driving and driven fluid streams remain separate and coaxial, thereby facilitating a reduction in an overall diameter of the expander pump assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing use of a pharmaceutical product are provided. The systems and methods utilize an external cover and a container, along with a first material and a pharmaceutical product that are each contained within an internal space that exists when the external cover is in a closed position relative to the container. Release of the first material may bond the external cover to the container, may result in the first material coming into contact with the pharmaceutical product, or both.

Abstract: A compressor device that periodically supplies compressed working gas to a cooling device loses less gas by not using a rotary valve. The compressor device includes a compressor chamber, a working gas connection, a working liquid connection, a pump, a compensation container and a membrane that is airtight and liquid-tight. The membrane divides the compressor chamber into a first volume containing a working gas and a second volume containing a working liquid. The working gas connection is coupled to the first volume, and the working liquid connection is coupled to the second volume. The pump periodically pumps the working liquid through the working liquid connection and into the second volume and as a result periodically compresses the working gas in the first volume. The membrane is constructed as a balloon or a bellows that surrounds the first volume. The compensation container contains working liquid and is connected to the pump.

Abstract: An air motor includes ceramic valves and valve plates to enhance performance and efficiency of the air motor.

Abstract: A pump assembly including an air motor includes a pressure regulator assembly connected to a motive fluid inlet of the air motor. The pressure regulator assembly has a housing that contains an actuator assembly, a ball valve assembly, a bleed valve, a first pressure adjustment assembly, and a second adjustment assembly. The housing includes a motive fluid inlet port, a pressure regulator outlet, a bleed valve port, an actuator support, a pressure adjustment chamber, and a ball valve chamber. The pressure regulator assembly includes at least one gauge that displays at least one measurement parameter.

Abstract: An air motor for a pump assembly including a drop tube communicating between an upper chamber port and a top plate port and including a longitudinal axis that is at an angle of between about 0° and 10° with respect to each of the upper chamber longitudinal axis and the top plate port longitudinal axis. The drop tube has a substantially constant internal diameter, a first generally bulbous end, a second generally bulbous end, and first and second slots defined in the respective first and second bulbous ends. First and second seals are positioned in the respective first and second slots, and the first and second seals air-tightly seal an outer surface of the drop tube within the upper chamber port and the top plate port.

Abstract: A system for producing mechanical energy. In some embodiments, the system includes a first source providing a first fluid, a fluid pressurization device, a second source supplying a second fluid, a first motor, and a second motor. The fluid pressurization device draws in the first fluid from the first source and increases the pressure of the first fluid. The first motor is driven by the second fluid, the second fluid decreasing in pressure and the first motor powering the fluid pressurization device as the second fluid passes through the first motor. The second motor receives a mixture of the first fluid from the first motor and the second fluid from the fluid pressurization device, whereby the second motor produces the mechanical energy.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift system comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders with pistons therein, having piston rods that are mechanically interconnected so that the pistons and piston rods move upwards and downwards in unison. A hydraulic fluid communication sub-system is operable to deliver fluid from a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least a first cylinder to drive the pistons through an upstroke, from the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to a second cylinder to drive the pistons through a downstroke, and from the first cylinder to the second cylinder. A hydraulic fluid flow control system selectively directs fluid from the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid either to the first cylinder to drive the pistons upwardly or to the second cylinder to drive the pistons downwardly. During the downstroke, hydraulic fluid flow control system directs hydraulic fluid from the first cylinder to the second cylinder help drive the pistons downwardly.

Abstract: Miniature pumps for dispensing a volume a flowable substance are described. One pump embodiment includes an environmentally-responsive plug layer that can contract in size, e.g., when exposed to an environmental change such as temperature, to allow an activation solution to flow to a layer of expandable material, such as a superporous hydrogel. Expansion of the expandable material urges a diaphragm into a chamber that holds the dispensable fluid, gas, or gel, forcing the fluid, gas or gel out of the pump.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a shaft defining an axis of rotation and a fan driving turbine configured to drive the shaft. The fan driving turbine comprises a plurality of stages that are spaced apart from each other along the axis. Each stage includes a turbine disk comprised of a disk material and a plurality of turbine blades comprised of a blade material. The disk material and the blade material for one of the plurality of stages is selected based on a location of the one stage relative to the other stages of the plurality of stages.

Abstract: A compressor system supplies compressed air to a commercial vehicle. The compressor system includes a compressor, a clutch, and a hydraulic pump and can be driven by way of a drivetrain. The compressor can be completely disconnected from a driving engine by way of the clutch. The drivetrain encompasses a geared drive mechanism which allows the hydraulic pump to be driven, and the clutch is arranged between the geared drive mechanism and the compressor. A method for operating the compressor system is provided.

Abstract: A method for compressing a gas by using energy produced from a heat source. A boiler is provided. The boiler is segregated into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by a barrier such as a piston, a bellows, or a diaphragm. The lower chamber is filled with a liquid having a suitable boiling point and other properties. The upper chamber is filled with a gas to be compressed. Heat from any suitable source is applied to the liquid in the lower chamber in order to bring the liquid to a boil, and thereby produce pressurized vapor in the lower chamber. The rising pressure in the lower chamber moves the barrier in the direction of the upper chamber, thereby compressing the gas in the upper chamber.

Abstract: A rotary pump (1), which can be operated by an electronically commutated DC motor (56) with an axial gap, with a dry space (54), in which a wound stator (55) is accommodated, and a fluid-fillable pump space (13), in which a permanent magnetic pump impeller (5) is accommodated to rotate, the pump impeller (5) being separated by a split plate (18) from stator (55), which is connected to a return ring (27), to which several poles (15) are connected, and a circuit board (17), and is in heat-conducting contact with it, and includes a heat conducting element (10) from a good heat conducting light metal. The heat conducting element (10) consists essentially of a disk (40) aligned at right angles to the motor shaft or an annular disk with a coaxial tube (39) extending in the direction of the pump impeller in one piece with it, open or closed toward the motor shaft, and that the circuit board (17) is connected to the heat-conducting element (15) on the side facing away from the pump impeller (5).

Abstract: A hydraulically-controlled diaphragm pump having a pump head in which a first deformable diaphragm defines a pump chamber, a pump body that co-operates with the first diaphragm to define a hydraulic working chamber, and a piston mounted to move back and forth in the pump body so as to form a controlled movable wall of the working chamber. The movable wall also includes at least one second diaphragm secured to the piston head and to the body of the pump, and providing sealing for the working chamber.

Abstract: A power recovery chamber is used for a positive-displacement power recovery apparatus in the seawater desalination plant or system. The power recovery chamber includes a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder and capable of being reciprocated in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder, and a piston guide disposed in the cylinder and extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder for guiding the piston when the piston is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. At least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the piston is out of contact with an inner surface of the cylinder, and the piston is brought into contact with the piston guide at a part where the piston guide passes through the piston.

Abstract: A pump comprising a container containing a dispense material, an outlet and an actuator arranged to alternate between a first and a second configuration in response to a change in the pump's environment, which change in configuration causes an aliquot of dispense material to be expelled through the outlet.

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: This invention relates generally to a pneumatic, hydraulic or other media driver, rotating-reciprocating cylinder apparatus to be mounted on the proximal end of CNC lathe spindles, vertical or inverted machining centers, hydraulic machining work cells or rotary transfer machines to actuate work holding chucks, work holding fixtures, clamping apparatus or work supports on the distal end of said spindles. More specifically, this invention relates to an actuating system with the capability of boosting the input hydraulic pressure to the holding device by a pre-set multiple up to 5000 psi where the boost pump is integral to and rotates with the clamp cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a hollow body; a tubular suction port coupled to the hollow body; a first porous member disposed in the hollow body; a second porous member disposed in the suction port and being in contact with the first porous member, the second porous member having a liquid suction capability higher than that of the first porous member, wherein at least one of the first and second porous members has a recess so as to establish an air bubble collector.

Abstract: A system for raising water from an underground source of water to an aboveground tank includes a plurality of capillary tubes for raising water from the underground source to a first water level, a pipe for raising water from the first water level to an above ground tank, the aboveground tank is painted black to absorb the sun's rays and is tilted with an elevated proximal end so that water in the tank runs down to its distal end. A tap is provided in the distal end for drawing water out of the tank. The tank also includes two one way valves, one in an upper portion of the distal end for allowing heated air to escape and one in a lower portion of the distal end to allow water to be drawn up into the tank as heated air cools. A solar powered rechargeable battery can be used to power a positive displacement pump.

Abstract: The hydraulic engine includes first and second reaction chambers, the first and second reaction chambers each having an enclosure within which is disposed a floating piston. An impulse turbine is in fluid communication with the first and second reaction chambers. A delay valve is in fluid communication with the first and second reaction chambers and the impulse turbine, the delay valve operable to switch between a first position and a second position, the first position providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the first reaction chamber to cause an explosion therein and the second position providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the second reaction chamber to cause an explosion therein. Successive explosions in the first and second reaction chambers provide flows of high pressure fluid to drive the impulse turbine and to switch the delay valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for renewable power generation utilizes the chemical potential dissimilarity between solutions of differing ionic formulations. A train is formed by a sequentially ordered set of a plurality of cells in which each successive cell is related to the preceding cell. Each cell has pumping means and hydro-power generation turbine means to form a closed hydraulic loop configured for specified volumetric and flow capacity. Adjacent cells share semipermeable membranes. Each cell is charged with a brine of specified ionizable inorganic salt quantity and type with the brine being cycled in a controlled concentration-pressure loop, with each of the cells operating at progressively increasing concentration and osmotic pressure ratio.

Abstract: A downhole pump assembly for removing volumes of liquids, crude oils, gases, and produced waters, from oil or gas wells is described based on a downhole controllable electric drive, and a positive displacement pump, wherein the electric drive powers a hydraulic pump that powers the positive displacement pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method of statically sealing a reciprocating-type fuel pump, such as a direct injection high pressure piston-type fuel pump. The first embodiment of the invention is a fuel pump comprising a pump body, a fuel reservoir within the pump body, wherein the fuel reservoir is capable of holding fuel and a bellows attached to the pump body, wherein the bellows is a stretchable membrane acting as a static seal. The second embodiment further comprises a diaphragm seal inside the pump body, and adjacent to the fuel reservoir, and a working fluid reservoir adjacent to the diaphragm seal, wherein the working fluid reservoir is capable of holding fluid. The diaphragm seal is a static seal separating the working fluid reservoir and the fuel reservoir.

Abstract: An electrochemically actuated pump and an electrochemical actuator for use with a pump. The pump includes one of various stroke volume multiplier configuration with the pressure of a pumping fluid assisting actuation of a driving fluid bellows. The electrochemical actuator has at least one electrode fluidically coupled to the driving fluid chamber of the first pump housing and at least one electrode fluidically coupled to the driving fluid chamber of the second pump housing. Accordingly, the electrochemical actuator selectively pressurized hydrogen gas within a driving fluid chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating energy using sensible heat of an offgas during manufacture of molten iron and a method for generating energy using the same are provided. The method for generating energy includes i) providing an offgas discharged from an apparatus for manufacturing molten iron including a reduction reactor that provides reduced iron that is reduced from iron ore and a melter-gasifier that melts the reduced iron to manufacture molten iron; ii) converting cooling water into high pressure steam by contacting the cooling water with the offgas; and iii) generating energy from at least one steam turbine by supplying the high pressure steam to the steam turbine and rotating the steam turbine.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device is provided. The device comprises an internal container, an external container and a first delivery pipe. The internal container has a first space for containing a fluid to be delivered. The external container substantially surrounds the internal container to form a substantially sealed second space between the internal container and the external container, wherein the second space is for an assistant liquid. The assistant liquid is heated to raise the pressure in the second space, and then, the internal container is pressed, thereby driving the fluid out along the first delivery pipe.

Abstract: A compact helical compressor system for mobile use in vehicles is described. The system includes a helical compressor unit, a motor unit dedicated to the helical compressor unit for driving the helical compressor unit, and a control unit for adjusting a rotational speed of the motor unit and to generate a predefined discharge rate of compressed air from the helical compressor unit, independently of a drive assembly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power recovery chamber is used for a positive-displacement power recovery apparatus in the seawater desalination plant or system. The power recovery chamber includes a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder and capable of being reciprocated in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder, and a piston guide disposed in the cylinder and extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder for guiding the piston when the piston is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. At least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the piston is out of contact with an inner surface of the cylinder, and the piston is brought into contact with the piston guide at a part where the piston guide passes through the piston.

Abstract: In an electroosmosis pump, a bubble separation member is provided at an exit side chamber so as to be separated from an exit side electrode, a gas vent member is provided at that side section of a pump container which is near the exit side electrode, and a gas vent member is provided at that side section of the pump container which is near an entrance side electrode. A self-filling mechanism is placed in an entrance side chamber, and the self-filling mechanism is composed of a liquid drawing member in contact with an electroosmosis material via the entrance side electrode, and of an air vent path formed between a member surrounding a side section of the liquid drawing member and the inner wall of the pump container.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a pneumatic and hydraulic rotating, reciprocating cylinder apparatus to be mounted on the proximal end of CNC lathe spindles, vertical or inverted machining centers, hydraulic machining work cells or rotary transfer machines to actuate work holding chucks, work holding fixtures, clamping apparatus or work supports on the distal end of said spindles. More specifically, this invention relates to an actuating system with the capability of boosting the input hydraulic pressure to the holding device by a pre-set multiple up to 5000 psi.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic pig advance system comprising a control volume chamber containing hydraulic fluid and a force transmitting member. The system further comprises two directional control valves which can be selectively repositioned to cause hydraulic fluid to cycle the force transmitting member back and force such that in each cycle, a metered amount of hydraulic is transmitted into a pig housing where it causes a pig to move a predetermined distance.