Abstract:
A spacer (10) in the form of an annular two-phase flex spring of unitary construction including an outer wall (30) and an inwardly projecting circumferential ledge (34) of flexible, resilient character extending radially inwardly from the outer wall (30). The circumferential ledge terminates at a free edge (36) extending circumferentially about a pass -through opening for receipt of an element to be centered. The outer wall (30) and the circumferential ledge (34) form a dogleg cross - sectional profile. The two-phase flex spring (10) is characterized by a first phase stiffness upon application of a first compressive force and by a greater, second phase stiffness upon application of a second greater compressive force.
Abstract:
A dual-phase spring assembly configured for use with a fuel injector system includes a metal main body and a rubber ring. The main body includes a base integrally connected to a circumferential wall having a radially-canted lip. The base defines a central opening. The radially-canted lip angles away from a center of the main body. The rubber ring secures over the base and to an internal surface of the circumferential wall. The rubber ring covers a ledge of the base, while the radially-canted lip is exposed. The rubber ring is configured to directly abut at least a first portion of the fuel injector system, and the radially-canted lip is configured to directly abut a second portion of the fuel injector system.
Abstract:
A micro-organism capture apparatus, including a housing having an inlet and outlet, the housing including therein a filter having an attracting mechanism for attracting and retaining micro-organisms, and a release mechanism for releasing the attracting mechanism operatively attached to the housing. A kit for sampling a liquid for micro-organisms. A method of attracting and retaining micro-organisms by flowing liquid through the micro-organism capture apparatus, and attracting, retaining, and concentrating micro-organisms within the liquid with the attracting mechanism. A method of isolating micro-organisms from a liquid sample by flowing liquid through the micro-organism capture apparatus, attracting, retaining, and concentrating micro-organisms within the liquid with the attracting mechanism, releasing the attracting means with the release mechanism, and isolating the micro-organisms retained by eluting the micro-organisms from the attracting mechanism. A method of indicating a liquid is in need of remediation.
Abstract:
A drain valve (20) for an oil pan (26) of a vehicle lubrication system includes an aperture (24) and a drain plug (22). The drain plug is rotatable relative to the aperture (24) between closed and opened positions with less than a full rotation of the plug. The plug (22) remains secured to the aperture even when the valve is opened.
Abstract:
A product is sold at retail in an unusable state. Activation fo the product does not require any steps be taken by the retail seller. To activate the product, the purchaser uses a phone or personal computer to interact with a registration server for this type of product. After the consumer has provided sufficient identifying information, the registration server interacts with a qualification server that determines whether the purchaser meets the qualifications set for this type of product. For a weapon sale, this is typically a criminal background check. If qualified, the registration server receives an indication of qualification from the qualification server. The registration server and product communicate over a network to establish trust, store information in the product, and then activate the product. The product receives information via a network appliance, for example, a phone or personal computer. The receiver may sense sound from a speaker or light from a display of the network appliance. The product transmits information onto the network directly when the network appliance has a suitable receiver. Otherwise, the product provides the information to the purchaser who enters the information into a user interface of the network appliance. The user interface may perform voice recognition or accept data via a pointing device or keyboard. The serial number of the product is transmitted to the registration server. A description of the purchaser and/or qualification results are stored in the product.
Abstract:
A drain valve for an oil pan of a vehicle lubrication system includes an aperture and a drain plug. The drain plug is rotatable relative to the aperture between closed and opened positions with less than a full rotation of the plug. The plug remains secured to the aperture even when the valve is opened.
Abstract:
Nanoporous membranes comprising single walled, double walled, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes embedded in a matrix material were fabricated for fluid mechanics and mass transfer studies on the nanometer scale and commercial applications. Average pore size can be 2 nm to 20 nm, or seven nm or less, or two nanometers or less. The membrane can be free of large voids spanning the membrane such that transport of material such as gas or liquid occurs exclusively through the tubes. Fast fluid, vapor, and liquid transport are observed. Versatile micromachining methods can be used for membrane fabrication. A single chip can comprise multiple membranes. These membranes are a robust platform for the study of confined molecular transport, with applications in liquid and gas separations and chemical sensing including desalination, dialysis, and fabric formation.
Abstract:
A micro-organism capture apparatus, including a housing having an inlet and outlet, the housing including therein a filter having an attracting mechanism for attracting and retaining micro-organisms, and a release mechanism for releasing the attracting mechanism operatively attached to the housing. A kit for sampling a liquid for micro-organisms. A method of attracting and retaining micro-organisms by flowing liquid through the micro-organism capture apparatus, and attracting, retaining, and concentrating micro-organisms within the liquid with the attracting mechanism. A method of isolating micro-organisms from a liquid sample by flowing liquid through the micro-organism capture apparatus, attracting, retaining, and concentrating micro-organisms within the liquid with the attracting mechanism, releasing the attracting means with the release mechanism, and isolating the micro-organisms retained by eluting the micro-organisms from the attracting mechanism. A method of indicating a liquid is in need of remediation.
Abstract:
Nanoporous membranes comprising single walled, double walled, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes embedded in a matrix material were fabricated for fluid mechanics and mass transfer studies on the nanometer scale and commercial applications. Average pore size can be 2 nm to 20 nm, or seven nm or less, or two nanometers or less. The membrane can be free of large voids spanning the membrane such that transport of material such as gas or liquid occurs exclusively through the tubes. Fast fluid, vapor, and liquid transport are observed. Versatile micromachining methods can be used for membrane fabrication. A single chip can comprise multiple membranes. These membranes are a robust platform for the study of confined molecular transport, with applications in liquid and gas separations and chemical sensing including desalination, dialysis, and fabric formation.
Abstract:
Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.