Abstract:
Actuator assemblies comprise an actuator element and two piezoelectric assemblies, with the two piezoelectric assemblies being configured and arranged for controlling movement of the actuator element. In some example implementations, the first piezoelectric assembly and the second piezoelectric assembly are constructed and arranged so that a temperature dependency of the first piezoelectric assembly is cancelled by the temperature dependency of the second piezoelectric assembly. In a first example embodiment, a first piezoelectric assembly comprises a first or main piezoelectric diaphragm connected to the actuator element for displacing the actuator element in response to displacement of the first piezoelectric diaphragm. The first piezoelectric diaphragm is mounted to a movable carriage. A second piezoelectric diaphragm, which comprises the second piezoelectric assembly, is connected to the carriage for displacing the carriage in response to displacement of the second piezoelectric diaphragm. A driver applies electrical signals to the first piezoelectric diaphragm and the second piezoelectric diaphragm for causing the first piezoelectric diaphragm and the second piezoelectric diaphragm to displace in the same direction. In a second example embodiment, the actuator element is at least partially situated in a housing wherein the actuator element is capable of reciprocating movement. Within the housing the actuator element at least partially defines a first variable fluidic chamber and a second variable fluidic chamber. The first piezoelectric assembly comprises a first variable reservoir connected to the first variable fluidic chamber; the second piezoelectric assembly comprises a second variable reservoir connected to the second variable fluidic chamber. A first working fluid occupies the first variable reservoir and the first variable fluidic chamber; a second working fluid occupies the second variable reservoir and the second variable fluidic chamber. A driver applies signals to the piezoelectric material comprising the first variable reservoir and the second variable reservoir for causing the first variable reservoir to contract and the second variable reservoir to expand during an extension movement of the actuator element, and for causing the first variable reservoir to expand and the second variable reservoir to contract during a withdrawal movement of the actuator element.
Abstract:
An improved key matrix scanning technique conducts a first pre-scan on a first array of connections in a key matrix to identify any activated keys or buttons associated with the first array. A second sub-scan is conducted on a second array of connections in the key matrix but only for the connections in the first array that are detected as having activated keys.
Abstract:
A method of controlling target aquatic microorganism pest populations by exposing the target population to an effective amount of an aquacidal compound. The aquacidal compounds are selected from the group consisting of quinones, anthraquinones, naphthalenediones, quinine, warfarin, coumarins, amphotalide, cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione, phenidione, pirdone, sodium rhodizonate, apirulosin and thymoquinone. The method is particularly effective for treating ballast water of ships or other enclosed volumes of water subject to transport between or among geographic areas to control the relocation of plants, toxic bacteria, and animals contained in the water.
Abstract:
Anomaly-driven software for capturing and automating responses to computer anomalies is disclosed. Computer anomalies are processed by identifying the occurrence of an anomaly and correcting the computer anomaly by initiating a stored corrective action based on a user's input for resolving the anomaly.
Abstract:
A torque prediction module for an automatic transmission system includes a throttle-based torque prediction module. The throttle-based torque prediction module determines a first predicted torque of an engine in a vehicle that is based on a position of a throttle, an ambient air pressure, an intake temperature, and an engine speed. A torque offset module determines a torque offset that is based on the first predicted torque and a second predicted torque of the engine that is based on a mass airflow in an intake manifold of the engine. A blended torque module determines a third predicted torque of the engine that is based on the torque offset and the second predicted torque. A line pressure control module adjusts a line pressure of the automatic transmission based on the third predicted torque. An ECCC control module adjusts an amount of slip in an ECCC based on the third predicted torque.
Abstract:
A device for covering food (306) during microwave heating includes a microwavable flexible sheet (100) having a substantially smooth, food-facing surface (102) that is free of openings. The sheet (100) has a configuration and weight distribution for draping the sheet (100) over the food (306) on a food-containing rigid structure (304) such that the sheet (100) contacts at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the food-containing rigid structure (304) creating at least a partial enclosure around the food (306). During microwave heating, the at least a partial enclosure around the food (306) substantially contains food-splattering (308) inside while allowing build-up of steam (312) to escape through an opening (310) between the sheet (100) and the at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the food-containing rigid structure (304).
Abstract:
A novel mini-retrotransposon vector system is provided for integrating foreign DNA into plants. The invention includes a novel vector comprising a truncated and modified retroelement which includes the 5′ and 3′ LTR regions that provide transcription initiation and termination sites as well as the cis acting sequences required for reverse transcription. Novel vectors, plant cells, and methods of using the same are disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of controlling or inhibiting the growth of aquatic plants and animals applies an effective amount of an active compound. The active compounds are selected from the group consisting of quinones, anthraquinones, naphthalenediones, quinine, warfarin, coumarins, amphotalide, cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione, phenidione, pirdone, sodium rhodizonate, apirulosin and thymoquinone. The compounds are particularly effective for treating ballast water of ships to control the relocation of plants and animals contained in the ballast water.
Abstract:
Combination shower head and scrub brush with a flexible hose and attachment to fasten to a standard shower spigot, a hanging bracket secured to the standard shower spigot that releasably secures the combination shower head and brush head assembly, an extendible and retractable handle shaft having a hollow interior portion to accept the flow of water, an enclosed chamber containing pair of water flow director hoses and a liquid soap holding portion, a paddle wheel located within said enclosed chamber powered by water emanating from the first said hose, a shower head integral to the outer body of said enclosed chamber connected to said second water hose, a selector valve and associated selector knob to direct water into said first hose or said second hose, a liquid soap release valve and associated push button to dispense soap into a sponge portion secured to the outer body of said enclosure, a reclosable cap located on the outer surface of said enclosed chamber for the purpose of filling said chamber with liquid soap, a replaceable and removable scrub brush mounted onto a circular plate capable of being rotated by said water driven paddle wheel, and a plurality of alternate scrub brushes for cleaning surfaces other than the human body.