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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

System, Device, And Method For Determination Of Intraocular Pressure, Jeffrey Todd Hastings, E. Britt Brockman, Ingrid L. St. Omer, John C. Wright Jun 2020

System, Device, And Method For Determination Of Intraocular Pressure, Jeffrey Todd Hastings, E. Britt Brockman, Ingrid L. St. Omer, John C. Wright

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Patents

A system for determination of intraocular pressure includes: an intraocular pressure sensor; a light source illuminating the sensor with one or more wavelengths of light; and a detector that measures emitted light from the sensor. The sensor includes a substrate member, a spacer member, and a flexible membrane, which define a sealed cavity. The flexible membrane moves in response to intraocular pressure changes. A device for measuring intraocular pressure includes: the sensor; an anchoring member attached to the sensor for immobilizing the sensor in an eye; and a protective member attached to the anchoring member and covering the sensor to …


On-Farm Integrated High-Solids Processing System For Biomass, Sue E. Nokes, Bert C. Lynn, Stephen E. Rankin, Barbara L. Knutson, Michael D. Montross, Michael D. Flythe Jun 2016

On-Farm Integrated High-Solids Processing System For Biomass, Sue E. Nokes, Bert C. Lynn, Stephen E. Rankin, Barbara L. Knutson, Michael D. Montross, Michael D. Flythe

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

A method for on-farm processing a biomass feedstock into a useful industrial chemicals includes the steps of (a) delignifying the biomass feedstock to produce a delignified biomass, (b) subjecting the deliguified biomass to cellulase production, (c) subjecting the deliguified biomass with attached cellulase to simultaneous cellulolytic and solventogenic reactions to produce useful industrial chemicals (d) collecting and separating the useful industrial chemical from the fermentation broth and (e) collecting the fermentation residues.


An Overview Of U.S. Commuter Rail, Timothy J. Brock, Reginald R. Souleyrette May 2013

An Overview Of U.S. Commuter Rail, Timothy J. Brock, Reginald R. Souleyrette

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Planners view commuter rail as a means of managing urban sprawl, stimulating economic development and reducing the environmental impacts of transportation. Commuter rail systems, which use shared rights-of-way to connect suburban hubs with downtown urban centers, are beginning to have a large impact on the way people and freight move through US cities. Currently, there are 26 commuter rail systems operating in 29 major U.S. metropolitan areas. However, there is confusion among the general public and disagreement among transportation organizations as to what constitutes a commuter rail system and how to classify some rail systems. This research establishes a complete …


Method And System For Creating Three-Dimensional Spatial Audio, Jens Hannemann, Kevin D. Donohue Mar 2013

Method And System For Creating Three-Dimensional Spatial Audio, Jens Hannemann, Kevin D. Donohue

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Patents

A system and method for rendering a virtual sound source using a plurality of speakers in an arbitrary arrangement includes expanding a wave field of the virtual sound source and a composite wave field generated by the plurality of speakers into multi-pole expansions, and equating the multi-pole expansions to each other to form a continuous equation. A set of constraints is applied to the continuous equation that minimize an error in a sweet spot region resulting in a linear system of equations. The linear system of equations is solved using singular-value decomposition to arrive at a pseudo-inverse representing a multi-dimensional …


System And Method For 3d Imaging Using Structured Light Illumination, Laurence G. Hassebrook, Daniel L. Lau, Henry G. Dietz Jan 2013

System And Method For 3d Imaging Using Structured Light Illumination, Laurence G. Hassebrook, Daniel L. Lau, Henry G. Dietz

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Patents

A biometrics system captures and processes a handprint image using a structured light illumination to create a 2D representation equivalent of a rolled inked handprint. A processing unit calculates 3D coordinates of the hand from the plurality of images and maps the 3D coordinates to a 2D flat surface to create a 2D representation equivalent of a rolled inked handprint.


System And Method For 3d Imaging Using Structured Light Illumination, Laurence G. Hassebrook, Daniel L. Lau, Henry G. Dietz Jul 2012

System And Method For 3d Imaging Using Structured Light Illumination, Laurence G. Hassebrook, Daniel L. Lau, Henry G. Dietz

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Patents

A biometrics system captures and processes a handprint image using a structured light illumination to create a 2D representation equivalent of a rolled inked handprint. The biometrics system includes an enclosure with a scan volume for placement of the hand. A reference plane with a backdrop pattern forms one side of the scan volume. The backdrop pattern is preferably a random noise pattern and the coordinates of the backdrop pattern are predetermined at system provisioning. The biometrics system further includes at least one projection unit for projecting a structured light pattern onto a hand positioned in the scan volume on …


System And Technique For Retrieving Depth Information About A Surface By Projecting A Composite Image Of Modulated Light Patterns, Laurence G. Hassebrook, Daniel L. Lau, Chun Guan Nov 2010

System And Technique For Retrieving Depth Information About A Surface By Projecting A Composite Image Of Modulated Light Patterns, Laurence G. Hassebrook, Daniel L. Lau, Chun Guan

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Patents

A technique, associated system and program code, for retrieving depth information about at least one surface of an object, such as an anatomical feature. Core features include: projecting a composite image comprising a plurality of modulated structured light patterns, at the anatomical feature; capturing an image reflected from the surface; and recovering pattern information from the reflected image, for each of the modulated structured light patterns. Pattern information is preferably recovered for each modulated structured light pattern used to create the composite, by performing a demodulation of the reflected image. Reconstruction of the surface can be accomplished by using depth …


Particle Separation/Purification System, Diffuser And Related Methods, John M. Stencel, Tapiwa Zabron Gurupira Jun 2010

Particle Separation/Purification System, Diffuser And Related Methods, John M. Stencel, Tapiwa Zabron Gurupira

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

A separator and related separation methods are for intended use in separating particles having a selected charge from a particle mixture entrained in or carried by a fluid flow. The separator comprises a tubular, elongated body for receiving the fluid flow. At least one and preferably a pair of electrodes may be provided to create an electric field in at least a portion of the body through which the fluid flow passes, and at least one partition defines first and second channels for receiving the flow downstream of the portion of the body including the electric field. In one embodiment, …


System And Technique For Retrieving Depth Information About A Surface By Projecting A Composite Image Of Modulated Light Patterns, Laurence G. Hassebrook, Daniel L. Lau, Chun Guan Oct 2008

System And Technique For Retrieving Depth Information About A Surface By Projecting A Composite Image Of Modulated Light Patterns, Laurence G. Hassebrook, Daniel L. Lau, Chun Guan

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Patents

A technique, associated system and program code, for retrieving depth information about at least one surface of an object. Core features include: projecting a composite image comprising a plurality of modulated structured light patterns, at the object; capturing an image reflected from the surface; and recovering pattern information from the reflected image, for each of the modulated structured light patterns. Pattern information is preferably recovered for each modulated structured light pattern used to create the composite, by performing a demodulation of the reflected image. Reconstruction of the surface can be accomplished by using depth information from the recovered patterns to …


Delivery System For A Composition, Bruce J. Hinds Iii, Audra L. Stinchcomb Jun 2007

Delivery System For A Composition, Bruce J. Hinds Iii, Audra L. Stinchcomb

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Patents

Devices and methods for cutaneous delivery of a composition are provided, wherein the composition is passed through an ordered nanoporous membrane in fluid communication with a reservoir. The nanoporous membrane includes a plurality of aligned hollow nanotubules coated with a continuous polymer matrix, and etched to open the plurality of hollow nanotubules and form pores. In one embodiment, the etching step oxidizes an end of the nanotubules to form carboxylate groups. The ordered nanoporous membrane further includes at least one additional functional unit bound to the carboxylate groups. The at least one additional functional unit selectively exposes or at least …


Systems And Methods For Inspecting Coatings, Kozo Saito, Mohammed I. Hassan Ali, Akira Numasato, Mohammed A. Omar, Sakakibara Masahito, Suzuki Toshikazu, Tanigawa Yasuo Oct 2006

Systems And Methods For Inspecting Coatings, Kozo Saito, Mohammed I. Hassan Ali, Akira Numasato, Mohammed A. Omar, Sakakibara Masahito, Suzuki Toshikazu, Tanigawa Yasuo

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

A system for detecting defects in paint coatings includes a temperature manipulation apparatus configured to change the temperature of a surface and a coating applied to the surface. The system may further include an infrared sensor for measuring the change in temperature of the surface and coating and a processor to compare the measured change in temperature of the surface and coating to an expected change of temperature in order to determine anomalies in the coatings.


System And Method For Sensing A Characteristic Of A Fluid And Related Apparatus, Frederick Payne Aug 2006

System And Method For Sensing A Characteristic Of A Fluid And Related Apparatus, Frederick Payne

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

An apparatus for intended use in measuring, sensing, or detecting a characteristic of a fluid, such as a liquid food product, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body having a pocket for positioning adjacent to the opening in a pipe or like structure for receiving a portion of a fluid therein. In one possible use, a first optical medium, such as an optical fiber, transmits light from a source toward a portion of the fluid flow entering the pocket. Light received by one or more optical mediums positioned in backscatter, sidescatter, or transmission configurations relative to the first optical medium …


Particle Separation/Purification System, Diffuser And Related Methods, John M. Stencel, Tapiwa Zabron Gurupira Aug 2006

Particle Separation/Purification System, Diffuser And Related Methods, John M. Stencel, Tapiwa Zabron Gurupira

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

A separator for intended use in separating particles having a selected charge from a particle mixture entrained in or carried by a fluid flow is disclosed. The separator comprises a tubular, elongated body for receiving the fluid flow. At least one and preferably a pair of electrodes may be provided to create an electric field in at least a portion of the body through which the fluid flow passes, and at least one partition defines first and second channels for receiving the flow downstream of the portion of the body including the electric field. In one embodiment, the electrode is …


System And Device For Characterizing Shape Memory Alloy Wires, Robert Ryan Vallance, Bruce L. Walcott, James E. Lumpp, Sumanth Chikkamaranahalli, Osamah A. Rawashdeh, Eric Wolsing Jul 2005

System And Device For Characterizing Shape Memory Alloy Wires, Robert Ryan Vallance, Bruce L. Walcott, James E. Lumpp, Sumanth Chikkamaranahalli, Osamah A. Rawashdeh, Eric Wolsing

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

Instruments and methods for measuring a property of a shape memory alloy are provided. The instrument includes a base plate, a non-contact movable mass, a force gauge, an actuator, a biasing spring, a heater for heating the shape memory alloy, and a non-contact displacement detector. The biasing spring and the shape memory alloy are disposed whereby a force applied thereby is applied substantially through a center of stiffness of the movable mass. The displacement detector measures a displacement of the movable mass in a colinear direction with a direction of movement of the movable mass and with a direction of …


Method And System For Gas Metal Arc Welding, Yuming Zhang, Liguo E Dec 1999

Method And System For Gas Metal Arc Welding, Yuming Zhang, Liguo E

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Patents

An improved method of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is disclosed. The method includes utilizing a pulsed current having a variable waveform to ensure the detachment of one-droplet-per-pulse of current. During the welding process, the current is sufficient to produce a droplet at the end of a consumable electrode wire. After the droplet reaches a desired size, the current is lowered to induce an oscillation in the droplet. The current is then increased which, in combination with the momentum created by the oscillation, effects droplet detachment. The oscillation may be monitored by observing the arc voltage to determine a preferred …


Radiation Modulator System, M. Pinar Mengüç, Bruce L. Walcott, Stephen R. Swabb, Michael A. Marra Iii Aug 1998

Radiation Modulator System, M. Pinar Mengüç, Bruce L. Walcott, Stephen R. Swabb, Michael A. Marra Iii

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

A radiation modulator system and related method for actively controlling a flame in a combustion system are provided. The system includes a plurality of radiation modulators positioned adjacent the flame. A sensor arrangement is provided for sensing combustion characteristics of the flame and generating a sensor signal representative of the combustion characteristics. The sensor signal is received in a computer which then generates a control signal for transmission to a linkage arrangement which provides for the repositioning of the radiation modulators. Thus, the flame is actively controlled by continually repositioning the modulators in response to the sensor signal and the …


Harvester Guidance Control System, George B. Day V, Timothy D. Smith Feb 1988

Harvester Guidance Control System, George B. Day V, Timothy D. Smith

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

A guidance control system for a harvester or like machinery includes a steering linkage operatively connected to at least one ground engaging wheel. Harvester steering is controlled through the linkage by either an operator controlled steering wheel or a sensor responsive self-steering mechanism. The sensor responsive self-steering mechanism includes a guide assembly pivotally mounted to the harvester. The guide assembly includes a pair of laterally spaced, cooperating tines that define a path therebetween for plants being harvested. A sensor positioned on each tine senses the position of plants as they are harvested. A control circuit is responsive to the sensors …


Hydropower Turbine System, David T. Kao Apr 1984

Hydropower Turbine System, David T. Kao

Civil Engineering Faculty Patents

There is disclosed a new cavitation free hydraulic turbine system which fully utilizes well-established hydrodynamic theories useful for low-head hydroelectric applications. The hydropower turbine system of the present invention makes use of a fixed blade propeller turbine with reverse blade angle and an upward flow passage. To eliminate the complex flow control adjustable vane system and elaborate tube design and construction of the prior art, the new turbine system is provided with a vertical needle valve and a near zero absolute velocity free exit flow design.


Bevolute Gear System, Willis M. Carter Jan 1983

Bevolute Gear System, Willis M. Carter

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

The present invention relates to a bevolute gearing system which transmits torque between non-intersecting shafts at right angles to each other. The bevolute gear system includes a pinion gear which is flat and in one plane. The pinion gear is designed to include teeth which are shaped in the form of an involute spiral. The bevolute gear system includes a second gear which is also designed to include teeth which are shaped in the form of an involute spiral. The second gear is mounted on a non-intersecting axis at a right angle to the axis of the pinion gear. The …


Bevolute Gear System, Willis M. Carter Dec 1980

Bevolute Gear System, Willis M. Carter

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

The present invention relates to a bevolute gearing system which transmits torque between non-intersecting shafts at right angles to each other. The bevolute gear system includes a pinion gear which is flat and in one plane. The pinion gear is designed to include teeth which are shaped in the form of an involute spiral. The bevolute gear system includes a second gear which is also designed to include teeth which are shaped in the form of an involute spiral. The second gear is mounted on a non-intersecting axis at a right angle to the axis of the pinion gear. The …