Prototype Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device Supported on Magnetic Bearings.

PubMed

Allaire, P E; Kim, H C; Maslen, E H; Olsen, D B; Bearnson, G B

1996-05-01

This article describes a prototype continuous flow pump (CFVAD2) fully supported in magnetic bearings. The pump performance was measured in a simulated adult human circulation system. The pump delivered 6 L/min of flow at 100 mm Hg of differential pressure head operating at 2,400 rpm in water. The pump is totally supported in 4 magnetic bearings: 2 radial and 2 thrust. Magnetic bearings offer the advantages of no required lubrication and large operating clearances. The geometry and other properties of the bearings are described. Bearing parameters such as load capacity and current gains are discussed. Bearing coil currents were measured during operation in air and water. The rotor was operated in various orientations to determine the actuator current gains. These values were then used to estimate the radial and thrust forces acting on the rotor in both air and water. Much lower levels of force were found than were expected, allowing for a very significant reduction in the size of the next prototype. Hemolysis levels were measured in the prototype pump and found not to indicate damage to the blood cells. © 1996 International Society for Artificial Organs.

Large-scale breeder reactor prototype mechanical pump conceptual design study, hot leg

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1976-09-01

Due to the extensive nature of this study, the report is presented as a series of small reports. The complete design analysis is placed in a separate section. The drawings and tabulations are in the back portion of the report. Other topics are enumerated and located as shown in the table of contents.

An implantable centrifugal blood pump with a recirculating purge system (Cool-Seal system).

PubMed

Yamazaki, K; Litwak, P; Tagusari, O; Mori, T; Kono, K; Kameneva, M; Watach, M; Gordon, L; Miyagishima, M; Tomioka, J; Umezu, M; Outa, E; Antaki, J F; Kormos, R L; Koyanagi, H; Griffith, B P

1998-06-01

A compact centrifugal blood pump has been developed as an implantable left ventricular assist system. The impeller diameter is 40 mm, and pump dimensions are 55 x 64 mm. This first prototype, fabricated from titanium alloy, resulted in a pump weight of 400 g including a brushless DC motor. The weight of a second prototype pump was reduced to 280 g. The entire blood contacting surface is coated with diamond like carbon (DLC) to improve blood compatibility. Flow rates of over 7 L/min against 100 mm Hg pressure at 2,500 rpm with 9 W total power consumption have been measured. A newly designed mechanical seal with a recirculating purge system (Cool-Seal) is used for the shaft seal. In this seal system, the seal temperature is kept under 40 degrees C to prevent heat denaturation of blood proteins. Purge fluid also cools the pump motor coil and journal bearing. Purge fluid is continuously purified and sterilized by an ultrafiltration unit which is incorporated in the paracorporeal drive console. In vitro experiments with bovine blood demonstrated an acceptably low hemolysis rate (normalized index of hemolysis = 0.005 +/- 0.002 g/100 L). In vivo experiments are currently ongoing using calves. Via left thoracotomy, left ventricular (LV) apex descending aorta bypass was performed utilizing an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular graft with the pump placed in the left thoracic cavity. In 2 in vivo experiments, the pump flow rate was maintained at 5-9 L/min, and pump power consumption remained stable at 9-10 W. All plasma free Hb levels were measured at less than 15 mg/dl. The seal system has demonstrated good seal capability with negligible purge fluid consumption (<0.5 ml/day). In both calves, the pumps demonstrated trouble free continuous function over 6 month (200 days and 222 days).

An ultimate, compact, seal-less centrifugal ventricular assist device: Baylor C-Gyro pump.

PubMed

Ohara, Y; Makinouchi, K; Orime, Y; Tasai, K; Naito, K; Mizuguchi, K; Shimono, T; Damm, G; Glueck, J; Takatani, S

1994-01-01

We have developed a compact, seal-less, all-purpose centrifugal pump, the Baylor C-Gyro pump, which is intended as a long-term ventricular assist device (VAD) as well as a cardiopulmonary bypass pump. In attaining this goal, we began with eliminating the shaft seals by adopting a pivot bearing system at the impeller shaft. In addition, a ring magnet encased in the bottom of the impeller was coupled magnetically to a driver magnet placed outside the pump housing (C1 Prototype). This first model yielded satisfactory performance in vitro with a flow rate of 8 L/min against 250 mm Hg at 2,400 rpm, and an index of hemolysis (IH) of 0.0083 g/100 L using bovine blood. In the second model, the C1 Eccentric Inlet Port Model, the inlet bearing support bar in the prototype were eliminated without reducing the prototype's performance. These designs for antithrombogenicity are being tested by the first in vivo experiment, which has lasted for more than 2 weeks.

Implantable centrifugal blood pump with dual impeller and double pivot bearing system: electromechanical actuator, prototyping, and anatomical studies.

PubMed

Bock, Eduardo; Antunes, Pedro; Leao, Tarcisio; Uebelhart, Beatriz; Fonseca, Jeison; Leme, Juliana; Utiyama, Bruno; da Silva, Cibele; Cavalheiro, Andre; Filho, Diolino Santos; Dinkhuysen, Jarbas; Biscegli, Jose; Andrade, Aron; Arruda, Celso

2011-05-01

An implantable centrifugal blood pump has been developed with original features for a left ventricular assist device. This pump is part of a multicenter and international study with the objective to offer simple, affordable, and reliable devices to developing countries. Previous computational fluid dynamics investigations and wear evaluation in bearing system were performed followed by prototyping and in vitro tests. In addition, previous blood tests for assessment of normalized index of hemolysis show results of 0.0054±2.46 × 10⁻³ mg/100 L. An electromechanical actuator was tested in order to define the best motor topology and controller configuration. Three different topologies of brushless direct current motor (BLDCM) were analyzed. An electronic driver was tested in different situations, and the BLDCM had its mechanical properties tested in a dynamometer. Prior to evaluation of performance during in vivo animal studies, anatomical studies were necessary to achieve the best configuration and cannulation for left ventricular assistance. The results were considered satisfactory, and the next step is to test the performance of the device in vivo. © 2011, Copyright the Authors. Artificial Organs © 2011, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A prototype heat pipe heat exchanger for the capillary pumped loop flight experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ku, Jentung; Yun, Seokgeun; Kroliczek, Edward J.

1992-01-01

A Capillary Pumped Two-Phase Heat Transport Loop (CAPL) Flight Experiment, currently planned for 1993, will provide microgravity verification of the prototype capillary pumped loop (CPL) thermal control system for EOS. CAPL employs a heat pipe heat exchanger (HPHX) to couple the condenser section of the CPL to the radiator assembly. A prototype HPHX consisting of a heat exchanger (HX), a header heat pipe (HHP), a spreader heat pipe (SHP), and a flow regulator has been designed and tested. The HX transmits heat from the CPL condenser to the HHP, while the HHP and SHP transport heat to the radiator assembly. The flow regulator controls flow distribution among multiple parallel HPHX's. Test results indicated that the prototype HPHX could transport up to 800 watts with an overall heat transfer coefficient of more than 6000 watts/sq m-deg C. Flow regulation among parallel HPHX's was also demonstrated.

A new model of centrifugal blood pump for cardiopulmonary bypass: design improvement, performance, and hemolysis tests.

PubMed

Leme, Juliana; Fonseca, Jeison; Bock, Eduardo; da Silva, Cibele; da Silva, Bruno Utiyama; Dos Santos, Alex Eugênio; Dinkhuysen, Jarbas; Andrade, Aron; Biscegli, José F

2011-05-01

A new model of blood pump for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) application has been developed and evaluated in our laboratories. Inside the pump housing is a spiral impeller that is conically shaped and has threads on its surface. Worm gears provide an axial motion of the blood column. Rotational motion of the conical shape generates a centrifugal pumping effect and improves pumping performance. One annular magnet with six poles is inside the impeller, providing magnetic coupling to a brushless direct current motor. In order to study the pumping performance, a mock loop system was assembled. Mock loop was composed of Tygon tubes (Saint-Gobain Corporation, Courbevoie, France), oxygenator, digital flowmeter, pressure monitor, electronic driver, and adjustable clamp for flow control. Experiments were performed on six prototypes with small differences in their design. Each prototype was tested and flow and pressure data were obtained for rotational speed of 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 rpm. Hemolysis was studied using pumps with different internal gap sizes (1.35, 1.45, 1.55, and 1.7 mm). Hemolysis tests simulated CPB application with flow rate of 5 L/min against total pressure head of 350 mm Hg. The results from six prototypes were satisfactory, compared to the results from the literature. However, prototype #6 showed the best results. Best hemolysis results were observed with a gap of 1.45 mm, and showed a normalized index of hemolysis of 0.013 g/100 L. When combined, axial and centrifugal pumping principles produce better hydrodynamic performance without increasing hemolysis. © 2011, Copyright the Authors. Artificial Organs © 2011, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Intermediate-Size Inducer Pump design report. [LMFBR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boardman, T.J.

1979-06-15

This report summarizes the mechanical, structural, and hydrodynamic design of the Intermediate-Size Inducer Pump (ISIP). The design was performed under Atomics International's DOE Base Technology Program by the Atomics International and Rocketdyne Divisions of Rockwell International. The pump was designed to utilize the FFTF prototype pump frame as a test vehicle to test the inducer, impeller, and diffuser plus necessary adapter hardware under simulated Large Scale Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor service conditions. The report describes the design requirements including the purpose and objectives, and discusses those design efforts and considerations made to meet the requirements. Included in the reportmore » are appendices showing calculative methods and results. Also included are overall assembly and layout drawings plus some details used as illustrations for discussion of the design results and the results of water tests performed on a model of the inducer.« less

Study and Development of an Air Conditioning System Operating on a Magnetic Heat Pump Cycle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Pao-Lien

1991-01-01

This report describes the design of a laboratory scale demonstration prototype of an air conditioning system operating on a magnetic heat pump cycle. Design parameters were selected through studies performed by a Kennedy Space Center (KSC) System Simulation Computer Model. The heat pump consists of a rotor turning through four magnetic fields that are created by permanent magnets. Gadolinium was selected as the working material for this demonstration prototype. The rotor was designed to be constructed of flat parallel disks of gadolinium with very little space in between. The rotor rotates in an aluminum housing. The laboratory scale demonstration prototype is designed to provide a theoretical Carnot Cycle efficiency of 62 percent and a Coefficient of Performance of 16.55.

Affordable Hybrid Heat Pump Clothes Dryer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

TeGrotenhuis, Ward E.; Butterfield, Andrew; Caldwell, Dustin D.

This project was successful in demonstrating the feasibility of a step change in residential clothes dryer energy efficiency by demonstrating heat pump technology capable of 50% energy savings over conventional standard-size electric dryers with comparable drying times. A prototype system was designed from off-the-shelf components that can meet the project’s efficiency goals and are affordable. An experimental prototype system was built based on the design that reached 50% energy savings. Improvements have been identified that will reduce drying times of over 60 minutes to reach the goal of 40 minutes. Nevertheless, the prototype represents a step change in efficiency overmore » heat pump dryers recently introduced to the U.S. market, with 30% improvement in energy efficiency at comparable drying times.« less

Early in vivo experience with the pediatric continuous-flow total artificial heart.

PubMed

Karimov, Jamshid H; Horvath, David J; Byram, Nicole; Sunagawa, Gengo; Kuban, Barry D; Gao, Shengqiang; Dessoffy, Raymond; Fukamachi, Kiyotaka

2018-03-30

Heart transplantation in infants and children is an accepted therapy for end-stage heart failure, but donor organ availability is low and always uncertain. Mechanical circulatory support is another standard option, but there is a lack of intracorporeal devices due to size and functional range. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vivo performance of our initial prototype of a pediatric continuous-flow total artificial heart (P-CFTAH), comprising a dual pump with one motor and one rotating assembly, supported by a hydrodynamic bearing. In acute studies, the P-CFTAH was implanted in 4 lambs (average weight: 28.7 ± 2.3 kg) via a median sternotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass. Pulmonary and systemic pump performance parameters were recorded. The experiments showed good anatomical fit and easy implantation, with an average aortic cross-clamp time of 98 ± 18 minutes. Baseline hemodynamics were stable in all 4 animals (pump speed: 3.4 ± 0.2 krpm; pump flow: 2.1 ± 0.9 liters/min; power: 3.0 ± 0.8 W; arterial pressure: 68 ± 10 mm Hg; left and right atrial pressures: 6 ± 1 mm Hg, for both). Any differences between left and right atrial pressures were maintained within the intended limit of ±5 mm Hg over a wide range of ratios of systemic-to-pulmonary vascular resistance (0.7 to 12), with and without pump-speed modulation. Pump-speed modulation was successfully performed to create arterial pulsation. This initial P-CFTAH prototype met the proposed requirements for self-regulation, performance, and pulse modulation. Copyright © 2018 International Society for the Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recent progress in the development of Terumo implantable left ventricular assist system.

PubMed

Nojiri, C; Kijima, T; Maekawa, J; Horiuchi, K; Kido, T; Sugiyama, T; Mori, T; Sugiura, N; Asada, T; Shimane, H; Ozaki, T; Suzuki, M; Akamatsu, T; Akutsu, T

1999-01-01

The research group of the Terumo Corporation, the NTN Corporation, and Setsunan University (T. Akamatsu) has been developing an implantable left ventricular assist system (ILVAS) featuring a centrifugal blood pump with a magnetically suspended impeller (MSCP). The impeller of the MSCP is suspended by a magnetic bearing, providing contact-free rotation of the impeller inside the pump housing. Thus the MSCP is expected to provide years of long-term durability. Ex vivo chronic sheep experiments using the extracorporeal model (Model I) demonstrated long-term durability, nonthrombogenicity, and a low hemolysis rate (plasma free Hb <6 mg/dl) for more than 2 years. The prototype implantable model (Model II; 196 ml, 400 g) was evaluated ex vivo in 2 sheep and intrathoracically implanted in a small sheep (45 kg). These experiments were terminated at 70, 79, and 17 days, respectively, because of blood leakage through the connector system within the housing of Model II. There was no thrombus formation on the retrieved pump surfaces. A new connector system was introduced to the Model II pump (modified Model II), and the pump was intrathoracically implanted in a sheep. Pump flow rate was maintained at 3-7 L/min at 1700-1800 rpm. The temperature elevation on the surfaces of the motor and the electromagnet inside the pump casing was kept less than 6 degrees C. The temperature of the tissue adjacent to the pump casing became normal 10 days postoperatively. The sheep survived for more than 5 months without any sign of mechanical failure or thromboembolic complication. In vitro real-time endurance tests of motor bearings made of stainless steel and silicone nitride have been conducted for more than 1 year without any sign of bearing wear. The next prototype system (Model III), with an implantable controller and a new MSCP with reduced input power, has been developed with a view toward a totally implantable LVAS.

Reviving Antibiotics: Efflux Pump Inhibitors That Interact with AcrA, a Membrane Fusion Protein of the AcrAB-TolC Multidrug Efflux Pump

DOE PAGES

Abdali, Narges; Parks, Jerry M.; Haynes, Keith M.; ...

2016-10-21

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to human welfare. Inhibitors of multidrug efflux pumps (EPIs) are promising alternative therapeutics that could revive activities of antibiotics and reduce bacterial virulence. Identification of new druggable sites for inhibition is critical for developing effective EPIs, especially in light of constantly emerging resistance. We describe new EPIs that interact with and possibly inhibit the function of periplasmic membrane fusion proteins, critical components of efflux pumps that are responsible for the activation of the transporter and the recruitment of the outer-membrane channel. The discovered EPIs bind to AcrA, a component of the prototypical AcrAB-TolC pump,more » change its structure in vivo, inhibit efflux of fluorescent probes and potentiate the activities of antibiotics in Escherichia coli cells. These findings expand the chemical and mechanistic diversity of EPIs, suggest the mechanism for regulation of the efflux pump assembly and activity, and provide a promising path for reviving the activities of antibiotics in resistant bacteria.« less

Reviving Antibiotics: Efflux Pump Inhibitors That Interact with AcrA, a Membrane Fusion Protein of the AcrAB-TolC Multidrug Efflux Pump

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abdali, Narges; Parks, Jerry M.; Haynes, Keith M.

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to human welfare. Inhibitors of multidrug efflux pumps (EPIs) are promising alternative therapeutics that could revive activities of antibiotics and reduce bacterial virulence. Identification of new druggable sites for inhibition is critical for developing effective EPIs, especially in light of constantly emerging resistance. We describe new EPIs that interact with and possibly inhibit the function of periplasmic membrane fusion proteins, critical components of efflux pumps that are responsible for the activation of the transporter and the recruitment of the outer-membrane channel. The discovered EPIs bind to AcrA, a component of the prototypical AcrAB-TolC pump,more » change its structure in vivo, inhibit efflux of fluorescent probes and potentiate the activities of antibiotics in Escherichia coli cells. These findings expand the chemical and mechanistic diversity of EPIs, suggest the mechanism for regulation of the efflux pump assembly and activity, and provide a promising path for reviving the activities of antibiotics in resistant bacteria.« less

Development of a compact, sealless, tripod supported, magnetically driven centrifugal blood pump.

PubMed

Yuhki, A; Nogawa, M; Takatani, S

2000-06-01

In this study, a tripod supported sealless centrifugal blood pump was designed and fabricated for implantable application using a specially designed DC brushless motor. The tripod structure consists of 3 ceramic balls mounted at the bottom surface of the impeller moving in a polyethylene groove incorporated at the bottom pump casing. The follower magnet inside the impeller is coupled to the driver magnet of the motor outside the bottom pump casing, thus allowing the impeller to slide-rotate in the polyethylene groove as the motor turns. The pump driver has a weight of 230 g and a diameter of 60 mm. The acrylic pump housing has a weight of 220 g with the priming volume of 25 ml. At the pump rpm of 1,000 to 2,200, the generated head pressure ranged from 30 to 150 mm Hg with the maximum system efficiency being 12%. When the prototype pump was used in the pulsatile mock loop to assist the ventricle from its apex to the aorta, a strong correlation was obtained between the motor current and bypass flow waveforms. The waveform deformation index (WDI), defined as the ratio of the fundamental to the higher order harmonics of the motor current power spectral density, was computed to possibly detect the suction occurring inside the ventricle due to the prototype centrifugal pump. When the WDI was kept under the value of 0.20 by adjusting the motor rpm, it was successful in suppressing the suction due to the centrifugal pump in the ventricle. The prototype sealless, centrifugal pump together with the control method based on the motor current waveform analysis may offer an intermediate support of the failing left or right ventricle bridging to heart transplantation.

Prototype of Self-Sensing Magnetic Bearing for Liquid Nitrogen Pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eguchi, Seiji; Komori, Mochimitsu; Okuhata, Taro

Recently, pumps used in extremely low temperature such as 77K are found to be necessary. They are expected to use for rocket engines and hydrogen stations for fueled vehicles. Generally, conventional magnetic bearings do not work in the extremely low temperature. Therefore, we have studied magnitic bearings for these pumps. Self-sensing technique is tried to apply to magnetic bearings. If self-sensing magnetic bearings were made, we could apply the self-sensing magnetic bearing to liquid nitrogen pumps. In this paper, we propose a prototype self-sensing magnetic bearing and study the static and dynamic characteristics. The dynamic characteristics in the air and in liquid nitrogen are also discussed.

Nonlinear optical detection of electron transfer adiabaticity in metal polypyridyl complexes.

PubMed

Miller, Stephen A; Moran, Andrew M

2010-02-11

Nonlinear optical signatures of electron transfer (ET) adiabaticity are investigated in a prototypical metal polypyridyl system, Os(II)(bpy)(3), known to possess large interligand couplings. Together with a theoretical model, transient absorption anisotropy (TAA) experiments show that field-matter interactions occur with diabatic basis states despite these large couplings. In addition, activated and activationless interligand ET mechanisms are distinguished with a series of TAA experiments in which the pump pulse frequency is tuned over a wide range. At lower pump frequencies, activated interligand ET, which occurs with a time constant of approximately 600 fs, is the dominant mechanism. However, an activationless mechanism becomes most prominent when the pump pulse is tuned by only 800 cm(-1) to higher frequency. This sensitivity of the ET mechanism to the pump frequency agrees with earlier experimental work that estimated an activation energy barrier of 875 cm(-1). The premise of signal interpretation in this paper is that the basis states appropriate for modeling nonradiative relaxation also govern the optical response. Model calculations suggest that optical nonlinearities corresponding to diabatic and adiabatic bases are readily distinguished with TAA experiments. In the diabatic basis, field-matter interaction sequences are restricted to terms in which the pump and probe pulses interact with the same transition dipoles, whereas the adiabatic basis imposes no such restriction and supports a class of coherent cross terms in the nonlinear response function. It is suggested that TAA should be preferred to alternative methods of studying ET adiabaticity that vary solvents and/or temperature. Altering the solvent, for example, generally also impacts solvent reorganization energies and the free energies of the donor and acceptor states. Parallels are discussed between the present work and research aimed at understanding energy transfer mechanisms in molecular aggregates.

Subjective and objective analysis of three water pump systems carried by forest firefighters.

PubMed

Moser, Daniel J; Graham, Ryan B; Stevenson, Joan M; Costigan, Patrick A

2014-01-01

The Mark 3 (M3) water power pump is an integral piece of wildfire fighting equipment. However, it is provided to fire stations without a carrying harness. The currently-used carrying harness is very uncomfortable, especially when carrying the pumps considerable distance in a forest to reach a water source. The purpose of this study was to advise the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on the selection of a new M3 load carriage system. Twenty Fire Rangers wore the three systems (Original, Prototype, and Modified) through a circuit of tasks representative of their working environment. Subjective and objective approaches were combined to assess and rank the M3 carriage systems. Subjective visual analogue scale ratings were obtained for ease of loading/unloading, comfort, system stability, and overall performance. Tri-axial accelerometers were mounted on each pump and at the sternum of each participant to determine relative pump-carrier accelerations. Overall, the Prototype was ranked as the best system; it resulted in the lowest relative pump-carrier accelerations on 10 out of 15 objective measures, and also received a first place ranking on all subjective measures. It was recommended that the Prototype be implemented as the M3 carriage system for fire suppression teams.

Development of a thermodynamic model for a cold cycle 3He-4He dilution refrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, B. W.; Miller, F. K.

2016-10-01

A thermodynamic model of a 3He-4He cold cycle dilution refrigerator with no actively-driven mechanical components is developed and investigated. The refrigerator employs a reversible superfluid magnetic pump, passive check valves, a phase separation chamber, and a series of recuperative heat exchangers to continuously circulate 3He-4He and maintain a 3He concentration gradient across the mixing chamber. The model predicts cooling power and mixing chamber temperature for a range of design and operating parameters, allowing an evaluation of feasibility for potential 3He-4He cold cycle dilution refrigerator prototype designs. Model simulations for a prototype refrigerator design are presented.

Demikhov's "Mechanical Heart": The Circumstances Surrounding Creation of the World's First Implantable Total Artificial Heart in 1937.

PubMed

Glyantsev, Sergey P; Tchantchaleishvili, Vakhtang; Bockeria, Leo A

2016-01-01

The world's first implantable total artificial heart was designed by Vladimir Demikhov as a fourth year biology student in Voronezh, Soviet Union, in 1937. As a prototype of his device, Demikhov must have used an apparatus for extracorporeal blood circulation invented by Sergei Bryukhonenko of Moscow. The device was the size of a dog's native heart and consisted of two diaphragm pumps brought into motion by an electric motor. A dog with an implanted device lived for 2.5 hours. In addition to having the prototype, the preconditions for Demikhov's artificial heart creation were his manual dexterity, expertise in animal physiology, and his mechanistic worldview.

Space nuclear system thermoelectric NaK pump development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, J. L.

1973-01-01

The engineering, design, fabrication, and test history of the dual-throat thermoelectric NaK development pump is summarized, along with the engineering and design status of a similar prototype pump intended for use on the 5-kwe reactor thermoelectric system. The history of dc pump development and testing on previous programs is also summarized.

Simulation of pump-turbine prototype fast mode transition for grid stability support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicolet, C.; Braun, O.; Ruchonnet, N.; Hell, J.; Béguin, A.; Avellan, F.

2017-04-01

The paper explores the additional services that Full Size Frequency Converter, FSFC, solution can provide for the case of an existing pumped storage power plant of 2x210 MW, for which conversion from fixed speed to variable speed is investigated with a focus on fast mode transition. First, reduced scale model tests experiments of fast transition of Francis pump-turbine which have been performed at the ANDRITZ HYDRO Hydraulic Laboratory in Linz Austria are presented. The tests consist of linear speed transition from pump to turbine and vice versa performed with constant guide vane opening. Then existing pumped storage power plant with pump-turbine quasi homologous to the reduced scale model is modelled using the simulation software SIMSEN considering the reservoirs, penstocks, the two Francis pump-turbines, the two downstream surge tanks, and the tailrace tunnel. For the electrical part, an FSFC configuration is considered with a detailed electrical model. The transitions from turbine to pump and vice versa are simulated, and similarities between prototype simulation results and reduced scale model experiments are highlighted.

Theoretical and experimental studies of a magnetically actuated valveless micropump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashouri, Majid; Behshad Shafii, Mohammad; Moosavi, Ali

2017-01-01

This paper presents the prototype design, fabrication, and characterization of a magnetically actuated micropump. The pump body consists of three nozzle/diffuser elements and two pumping chambers connected to the ends of a flat-wall pumping cylinder. A cylindrical permanent magnet placed inside the pumping cylinder acts as a piston which reciprocates by using an external magnetic actuator driven by a motor. The magnetic piston is covered by a ferrofluid to provide self-sealing capability. A prototype composed of three bonded layers of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) has been fabricated. Water has been successfully pumped at pressures of up to 750 Pa and flow rates of up to 700 µl min-1 while working at the piston actuation frequency of 4 and 5 Hz, respectively. 3D numerical simulations are also carried out to study the performance of the pump. The best experimental and numerical volumetric efficiency of the pump are about 7 and 8%, respectively, at the piston speed of 0.03 m s-1. The contactless external actuation feature of the design enables integration of the pump with other PMMA-based microfluidic systems with low cost and disposability.

Development of a Compact Efficient Cooling Pump for Space Suit Life Support Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

vanBoeyen, Roger W.; Reeh, Jonathan A.; Trevino, Luis

2008-01-01

With the increasing demands placed on extravehicular activity (EVA) for the International Space Station (ISS) assembly and maintenance, along with planned lunar and Martian missions, the need for increased human productivity and capability becomes ever more critical. This is most readily achieved by reduction in space suit weight and volume, and increased hardware reliability, durability, and operating lifetime. Considerable progress has been made with each successive generation of space suit design; from the Apollo A7L suit, to the current Shuttle Extravehicular Mobile Unit (EMU) suit, and the next generation Constellation Space Suit Element (CSSE). However, one area of space suit design which has continued to lag is the fluid pump used to drive the water cooling loop of the Primary Life Support System (PLSS). The two main types of fluid pumps typically used in space applications are rotodynamic pumps (pumping is achieved through a rotary vaned impeller) and displacement pumps (which includes rotary and diaphragm pumps). The rotating and moving parts found in the pumps and electric motor add significantly to the susceptibility to wear and friction, thermal mismatch, and complexity of the pumps. Electric motor-driven pumps capable of achieving high operational reliability are necessarily large, heavy, and energy inefficient. This report describes a development effort conducted for NASA by Lynntech, Inc., who recently demonstrated the feasibility of an electrochemically-driven fluid cooling pump. With no electric motor and minimal lightweight components, an electrochemically-driven pump is expected to be significantly smaller, lighter and achieve a longer life time than conventional rotodynamic and displacement pumps. By employing sulfonated polystyrene-based proton exchange membranes, rather than conventional Nafion membranes, a significant reduction in the actuator power consumption was demonstrated. It was also demonstrated that these membranes possess the necessary mechanical strength, durability, and temperature range for long life space operation. The preliminary design for a Phase II prototype pump compares very favorably to the fluid cooling pumps currently used in space suit portable life support systems (PLSS). Characteristics of the electrochemically-driven pump are described and the benefits of the technology as a replacement for electric motor pumps in mechanically pumped single-phase fluid loops (MPFLs) is discussed.

Testing of a heat pump clothes dryer. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McFadden, D.; Dieckmann, J.; Mallory, D.

1995-05-01

The integration of a heat pump heat source into a clothes dryer has been investigated by several U.S. and foreign appliance developers and manufacturers but no commercial or residential heat pump clothes dryers are currently available in North America. The objectives of this effort were to: (1) Evaluate a heat pump dryer prototype relative to residential dryer performance tests. (2) Quantify the product limitations. (3) Suggest design changes that would reduce the impact of the limitations or that have a positive impact on the benefits. (4) Position the product relative to utility DSM/IRP opportunities (e.g., reduced connected load, or energymore » conservation). (5) Develop preliminary cost data The program evaluated the performance of a prototype closed-cycle heat pump clothes dryer designed and built by the Nyle Corporation. The prototype design goals were: (1) Drying times equivalent to a conventional electric clothes dryer. (2) 60% reduction in energy consumption. (3) Effective lint removal (to prevent coil fouling). (4) Cool-down mode performance similar to conventional dryer. (5) 20 lb load capacity. (6) Low temperature dry for reduced clothes wrinkle. Test results indicated that the closed-cycle heat pump met some of the above mentioned goals but it fell short with respect to energy savings and dry time. Performance improvement recommendations were developed for the closed-cycle dryer approach. In addition, the closed-cycle design potential was compared to an open-cycle heat pump dryer configuration.« less

Piezoelectric-hydraulic pump based band brake actuation system for automotive transmission control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Gi-Woo; Wang, K. W.

2007-04-01

The actuation system of friction elements (such as band brakes) is essential for high quality operations in modern automotive automatic transmissions (in short, ATs). The current band brake actuation system consists of several hydraulic components, including the oil pump, the regulating valve and the control valves. In general, it has been recognized that the current AT band brake actuation system has many limitations. For example, the oil pump and valve body are relatively heavy and complex. Also, the oil pumps induce inherently large drag torque, which affects fuel economy. This research is to overcome these problems of the current system by exploring the utilization of a hybrid type piezo-hydraulic pump device for AT band brake control. This new actuating system integrates a piezo-hydraulic pump to the input of the band brake. Compared with the current systems, this new actuator features much simpler structure, smaller size, and lower weight. This paper describes the development, design and fabrication of the new stand-alone prototype actuator for AT band brake control. An analytical model is developed and validated using experimental data. Performance tests on the hardware and system simulations utilizing the validated model are performed to characterize the new prototype actuator. It is predicted that with increasing of accumulator pressure and driving frequency, the proposed prototype actuating system will satisfy the band brake requirement for AT shift control.

Low-Cost Gas Heat Pump for Building Space Heating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garrabrant, Michael; Keinath, Christopher

2016-10-11

Gas-fired residential space heating in the U.S is predominantly supplied by furnaces and boilers. These technologies have been approaching their thermodynamic limit over the past 30 years and improvements for high efficiency units have approached a point of diminishing return. Electric heat pumps are growing in popularity but their heating performance at low ambient temperatures is poor. The development of a low-cost gas absorption heat pump would offer a significant improvement to current furnaces and boilers, and in heating dominated climate zones when compared to electric heat pumps. Gas absorption heat pumps (GAHP) exceed the traditional limit of thermal efficiencymore » encountered by typical furnaces and boilers, and maintain high levels of performance at low ambient temperatures. The project team designed and demonstrated two low-cost packaged prototype GAHP space heating systems during the course of this investigation. Led by Stone Mountain Technologies Inc. (SMTI), with support from A.O. Smith, and the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), the cross-functional team completed research and development tasks including cycle modeling, 8× scaling of a compact solution pump, combustion system development, breadboard evaluation, fabrication of two packaged prototype units, third party testing of the first prototype, and the evaluation of cost and energy savings compared to high and minimum efficiency gas options. Over the course of the project and with the fabrication of two Alpha prototypes it was shown that this technology met or exceeded most of the stated project targets. At ambient temperatures of 47, 35, 17 and -13°F the prototypes achieved gas based coefficients of performance of 1.50, 1.44, 1.37, and 1.17, respectively. Both units operated with parasitic loads well below the 750 watt target with the second Alpha prototype operating 75-100 watts below the first Alpha prototype. Modulation of the units at 4:1 was achieved with the project goal of 2:1 modulation, which will allow for improved load matching. In addition, the energy savings analysis showed that a house in Albany, NY, Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN would save roughly 32, 28.5 and 36.5 MBtu annually when compared to a 100% efficient boiler, respectively. The gas absorption heat pump achieves this performance by using high grade heat from the combustion of natural gas in combination with low grade heat extracted from the ambient to produce medium grade heat suitable for space and water heating. Expected product features include conventional outdoor installation practices, 4:1 modulation, and reasonable economic payback. These factors position the technology to gain significant market penetration, resulting in a large reduction of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions for residential space heating.« less

Field testing of two prototype air-source integrated heat pumps for net zero energy home (nZEH) application

DOE PAGES

Baxter, Van D.; Munk, Jeffrey D.

2017-11-08

By integrating multiple functions into a single system it offers potential efficiency and cost reduction benefits. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and its partners have designed, developed, and tested two air-source heat pump designs that not only provide space heating and cooling, but also water heating, dehumidification, and ventilation functions. Some details on the design, simulated performance, prototype field test, measured performance, and lessons learned are provided.

Field testing of two prototype air-source integrated heat pumps for net zero energy home (nZEH) application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baxter, Van D.; Munk, Jeffrey D.

By integrating multiple functions into a single system it offers potential efficiency and cost reduction benefits. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and its partners have designed, developed, and tested two air-source heat pump designs that not only provide space heating and cooling, but also water heating, dehumidification, and ventilation functions. Some details on the design, simulated performance, prototype field test, measured performance, and lessons learned are provided.

Branched GAX cycle gas fired heat pump

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Erickson, D.C.; Anand, G.; Papar, R.A.

1996-12-31

GAX absorption heat pump cycles are characterized by the Generator Absorber Heat eXchange (GAX) between the high temperature end of the absorber and the low temperature end of the generator. The improved thermodynamic performance of the basic GAX cycle coupled with its mechanical simplicity has attracted substantial interest in using this cycle for gas-cooling. However, to be competitive in a cooling dominated market, the cycle has to achieve high cooling performance and also low installed cost. The Branched GAX (BGAX) cycle promises higher cooling performance using similar components as the basic GAX cycle and an additional solution pump. By increasingmore » the solution flow rate at the hot end of the absorber, the BGAX cycle makes more complete use of the temperature overlap. As a result, less external heat is supplied and higher COPs are obtained. A breadboard prototype of the BGAX cycle has been developed and is now operating. A novel thermosyphon cooled absorber eliminates the need for the outdoor hydronic loop, and reduces cost by 10%. Other component improvements yield another 10% cost reduction. The breadboard prototype has operated for more than 200 hours. Gas cooling COP = 0.87 has been consistently achieved at 30.6 C (87 F) ambient conditions. At the 35 C (95 F) ambient capacity rating condition, a cooling load of 4.5 refrigeration tons was achieved at a cycle COP = 0.95.« less

SUSTAINABLE WATER EXTRACTION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS IN NAMAWANGA, KENYA

EPA Science Inventory

In order to ensure that the pumps are successful when installed for the community, working prototypes were tested, analyzed, and modified. The chief concerns of our functional analysis were the flow rate of the pump, the stability/durability of the system, total pumping head, ...

Muscle powered blood pump: design and initial test results.

PubMed

Trumble, D R; Magovern, J A

1999-01-01

A pneumatic ventricular assist device (Sarns/3M) has been redesigned for low volume hydraulic actuation to accommodate muscle powered drive systems. Design modifications include adding a bellows/piston mechanism (to compress the blood sac) and a compliance chamber for volume compensation. A simple prototype device was constructed to measure the efficacy of piston pump actuation and to validate pusher plate design. Device manufacture was affected by removing the drive line housing from the pneumatic pump and replacing it with a piston/bushing mechanism. A convex piston profile was chosen to maximize ejection fraction and minimize device size. Stroke volume was found to be a linear function of piston displacement (approximately 3 ml/mm) and reached a maximum value of 45 ml. Mean compression forces of 46-56 N acting during a 12 mm stroke (2.1 L/min at 60 cycles/min) were sufficient to generate mean afterload pressures of 70-110 mm Hg in a mock circulatory loop. Peak compression forces ranged from 72 to 86 N and work input was calculated to be 552-672 mJ/stroke. These data indicate that this method for delivering muscle power to the bloodstream is both mechanically viable and compatible with the functional capacity of conditioned latissimus dorsi muscle.

Heart Pump Design for Cleveland Clinic Foundation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Through a Lewis CommTech Program project with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the NASA Lewis Research Center is playing a key role in the design and development of a permanently implantable, artificial heart pump assist device. Known as the Innovative Ventricular Assist System (IVAS), this device will take on the pumping role of the damaged left ventricle of the heart. The key part of the IVAS is a nonpulsatile (continuous flow) artificial heart pump with centrifugal impeller blades, driven by an electric motor. Lewis is part of an industry and academia team, led by the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), that is working with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to make IVAS a reality. This device has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives each year, since 80 percent of heart attack victims suffer irreversible damage to the left ventricle, the part of the heart that does most of the pumping. Impeller blade design codes and flow-modeling analytical codes will be used in the project. These codes were developed at Lewis for the aerospace industry but will be applicable to the IVAS design project. The analytical codes, which currently simulate the flow through the compressor and pump systems, will be used to simulate the flow within the blood pump in the artificial heart assist device. The Interdisciplinary Technology Office heads up Lewis' efforts in the IVAS project. With the aid of numerical modeling, the blood pump will address many design issues, including some fluid-dynamic design considerations that are unique to the properties of blood. Some of the issues that will be addressed in the design process include hemolysis, deposition, recirculation, pump efficiency, rotor thrust balance, and bearing lubrication. Optimum pumping system performance will be achieved by modeling all the interactions between the pump components. The interactions can be multidisciplinary and, therefore, are influenced not only by the fluid dynamics of adjacent components but also by thermal and structural effects. Lewis-developed flow-modeling codes to be used in the pump simulations will include a one-dimensional code and an incompressible three-dimensional Navier-Stokes flow code. These codes will analyze the prototype pump designed by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. With an improved understanding of the flow phenomena within the prototype pump, design changes to improve the performance of the pump system can be verified by computer prior to fabrication in order to reduce risks. The use of Lewis flow modeling codes during the design and development process will improve pump system performance and reduce the number of prototypes built in the development phase. The first phase of the IVAS project is to fully develop the prototype in a laboratory environment that uses a water/glycerin mixture as the surrogate fluid to simulate blood. A later phase of the project will include testing in animals for final validation. Lewis will be involved in the IVAS project for 3 to 5 years.

Finalize field testing of cold climate heat pump (CCHP) based on tandem vapor injection compressors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shen, Bo; Baxter, Van D.; Abdelaziz, Omar

2017-03-01

This report describes the system diagram and control algorithm of a prototype air-source cold climate heat pump (CCHP) using tandem vapor injection (VI) compressors. The prototype was installed in Fairbanks, Alaska and underwent field testing starting in 09/2016. The field testing results of the past six months, including compressor run time fractions, measured COPs and heating capacities, etc., are presented as a function of the ambient temperature. Two lessons learned are also reported.

A prototype of volume-controlled tidal liquid ventilator using independent piston pumps.

PubMed

Robert, Raymond; Micheau, Philippe; Cyr, Stéphane; Lesur, Olivier; Praud, Jean-Paul; Walti, Hervé

2006-01-01

Liquid ventilation using perfluorochemicals (PFC) offers clear theoretical advantages over gas ventilation, such as decreased lung damage, recruitment of collapsed lung regions, and lavage of inflammatory debris. We present a total liquid ventilator designed to ventilate patients with completely filled lungs with a tidal volume of PFC liquid. The two independent piston pumps are volume controlled and pressure limited. Measurable pumping errors are corrected by a programmed supervisor module, which modifies the inserted or withdrawn volume. Pump independence also allows easy functional residual capacity modifications during ventilation. The bubble gas exchanger is divided into two sections such that the PFC exiting the lungs is not in contact with the PFC entering the lungs. The heating system is incorporated into the metallic base of the gas exchanger, and a heat-sink-type condenser is placed on top of the exchanger to retrieve PFC vapors. The prototype was tested on 5 healthy term newborn lambs (<5 days old). The results demonstrate the efficiency and safety of the prototype in maintaining adequate gas exchange, normal acido-basis equilibrium, and cardiovascular stability during a short, 2-hour total liquid ventilator. Airway pressure, lung volume, and ventilation scheme were maintained in the targeted range.

Performance characterization of a rotary centrifugal left ventricular assist device with magnetic suspension.

PubMed

Jahanmir, Said; Hunsberger, Andrew Z; Heshmat, Hooshang; Tomaszewski, Michael J; Walton, James F; Weiss, William J; Lukic, Branka; Pae, William E; Zapanta, Conrad M; Khalapyan, Tigran Z

2008-05-01

The MiTiHeart (MiTiHeart Corporation, Gaithersburg, MD, USA) left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a third-generation blood pump, is being developed for destination therapy for adult heart failure patients of small to medium frame that are not being served by present pulsatile devices. The pump design is based on a novel, patented, hybrid passive/active magnetic bearing system with backup hydrodynamic thrust bearing and exhibits low power loss, low vibration, and low hemolysis. Performance of the titanium alloy prototype was evaluated in a series of in vitro tests with blood analogue to map out the performance envelop of the pump. The LVAD prototype was implanted in a calf animal model, and the in vivo pump performance was evaluated. The animal's native heart imparted a strong pulsatility to the flow rate. These tests confirmed the efficacy of the MiTiHeart LVAD design and confirmed that the pulsatility does not adversely affect the pump performance.

Are Ducted Mini-Splits Worth It?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Winkler, Jonathan M; Maguire, Jeffrey B; Metzger, Cheryn E.

Ducted mini-split heat pumps are gaining popularity in some regions of the country due to their energy-efficient specifications and their ability to be hidden from sight. Although product and install costs are typically higher than the ductless mini-split heat pumps, this technology is well worth the premium for some homeowners who do not like to see an indoor unit in their living area. Due to the interest in this technology by local utilities and homeowners, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has funded the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop capabilities within themore » Building Energy Optimization (BEopt) tool to model ducted mini-split heat pumps. After the fundamental capabilities were added, energy-use results could be compared to other technologies that were already in BEopt, such as zonal electric resistance heat, central air source heat pumps, and ductless mini-split heat pumps. Each of these technologies was then compared using five prototype configurations in three different BPA heating zones to determine how the ducted mini-split technology would perform under different scenarios. The result of this project was a set of EnergyPlus models representing the various prototype configurations in each climate zone. Overall, the ducted mini-split heat pumps saved about 33-60% compared to zonal electric resistance heat (with window AC systems modeled in the summer). The results also showed that the ducted mini-split systems used about 4% more energy than the ductless mini-split systems, which saved about 37-64% compared to electric zonal heat (depending on the prototype and climate).« less

Liquid-Metal Pump Technologies for Nuclear Surface Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K. A.

2007-01-01

Multiple liquid-metal pump options are reviewed for the purpose of determining the technologies that are best suited for inclusion in a nuclear reactor thermal simulator intended to test prototypical space nuclear system components. Conduction, induction, and thermoelectric electromagnetic pumps are evaluated based on their performance characteristics and the technical issues associated with incorporation into a reactor system. The thermoelectric pump is recommended for inclusion in the planned system at NASA MSFC based on its relative simplicity, low power supply mass penalty, flight heritage, and the promise of increased pump efficiency over earlier flight pump designs through the use of skutterudite thermoelectric elements.

The development of a cryogenic over-pressure pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez, M.; Cease, H.; Flaugher, B.; Flores, R.; Garcia, J.; Lathrop, A.; Ruiz, F.

2014-01-01

A cryogenic over-pressure pump (OPP) was tested in the prototype telescope liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling system for the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Project. This OPP consists of a process cylinder (PC), gas generator, and solenoid operated valves (SOVs). It is a positive displacement pump that provided intermittent liquid nitrogen (LN2) flow to an array of charge couple devices (CCDs) for the prototype Dark Energy Camera (DECam). In theory, a heater submerged in liquid would generate the drive gas in a closed loop cooling system. The drive gas would be injected into the PC to displace that liquid volume. However, due to limitations of the prototype closed loop nitrogen system (CCD cooling system) for DECam, a quasiclosed-loop nitrogen system was created. During the test of the OPP, the CCD array was cooled to its designed set point temperature of 173K. It was maintained at that temperature via electrical heaters. The performance of the OPP was captured in pressure, temperature, and flow rate in the CCD LN2 cooling system at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL).

A Case Study of Two NRL Pump Prototypes

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-01-01

n messages messages ACK Pump Low High ACK MA buffer Figure 1. The simpli ed Pump architecture The Pump (see...I C A T I O N S Y S T E M S E R VICES Application Soft wa re Figure 4. STOP security ring structure The security kernel provides basic system...A D Y PUMP_TIMEOUT M O V _ A V G RECORD_AVAILABLE Ack A c k Ac k or N ac k Ack or Nack Legend IPC msg FIFO msg Data msg Process Object FIFO

The pumping lid: investigating multi-material 3D printing for equipment-free, programmable generation of positive and negative pressures for microfluidic applications.

PubMed

Begolo, Stefano; Zhukov, Dmitriy V; Selck, David A; Li, Liang; Ismagilov, Rustem F

2014-12-21

Equipment-free pumping is a challenging problem and an active area of research in microfluidics, with applications for both laboratory and limited-resource settings. This paper describes the pumping lid method, a strategy to achieve equipment-free pumping by controlled generation of pressure. Pressure was generated using portable, lightweight, and disposable parts that can be integrated with existing microfluidic devices to simplify workflow and eliminate the need for pumping equipment. The development of this method was enabled by multi-material 3D printing, which allows fast prototyping, including composite parts that combine materials with different mechanical properties (e.g. both rigid and elastic materials in the same part). The first type of pumping lid we describe was used to produce predictable positive or negative pressures via controlled compression or expansion of gases. A model was developed to describe the pressures and flow rates generated with this approach and it was validated experimentally. Pressures were pre-programmed by the geometry of the parts and could be tuned further even while the experiment was in progress. Using multiple lids or a composite lid with different inlets enabled several solutions to be pumped independently in a single device. The second type of pumping lid, which relied on vapor-liquid equilibrium to generate pressure, was designed, modeled, and experimentally characterized. The pumping lid method was validated by controlling flow in different types of microfluidic applications, including the production of droplets, control of laminar flow profiles, and loading of SlipChip devices. We believe that applying the pumping lid methodology to existing microfluidic devices will enhance their use as portable diagnostic tools in limited resource settings as well as accelerate adoption of microfluidics in laboratories.

A novel permanent maglev impeller TAH: most requirements on blood pumps have been satisfied.

PubMed

Qian, K X; Zeng, P; Ru, W M; Yuan, H Y

2003-07-01

Based on the development of an impeller total artificial heart (TAH) (1987) and a permanent maglev (magnetic levitation) impeller pump (2002), as well as a patented magnetic bearing and magnetic spring (1996), a novel permanent maglev impeller TAH has been developed. The device consists of a rotor and a stator. The rotor is driven radially. Two impellers with different dimensions are fixed at both the ends of the rotor. The levitation of the rotor is achieved by using two permanent magnetic bearings, which have double function: radial bearing and axial spring. As the rotor rotates at a periodic changing speed, two pumps deliver the pulsatile flow synchronously. The volume balance between the two pumps is realized due to self-modulation property of the impeller pumps, without need for detection and control. Because the hemo-dynamic force acting on the left impeller is larger than that on the right impeller, and this force during systole is larger than that during diastole, the rotor reciprocates axially once a cycle. This is beneficial to prevent the thrombosis in the pump. Furthermore, a small flow via the gap between stator and rotor from left pump into right pump comes to a full washout in the motor and the pumps. Therefore, it seems neither mechanical wear nor thrombosis could occur. The previously developed prototype impeller TAH had demonstrated that it could operate in animal experiments indefinitely, if the bearing would not fail to work. Expectantly, this novel permanent magnetic levitation impeller TAH with simplicity, implantability, pulsatility, compatibility and durability has satisfied the most requirements on blood pumps and will have more extensive applications in experiments and clinics.

Study and development of an air conditioning system operating on a magnetic heat pump cycle (design and testing of flow directors)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Pao-Lien

1992-09-01

This report describes the fabrication, design of flow director, fluid flow direction analysis and testing of flow director of a magnetic heat pump. The objectives of the project are: (1) to fabricate a demonstration magnetic heat pump prototype with flow directors installed; and (2) analysis and testing of flow director and to make sure working fluid loops flow through correct directions with minor mixing. The prototype was fabricated and tested at the Development Testing Laboratory of Kennedy Space Center. The magnetic heat pump uses rear earth metal plates rotate in and out of a magnetic field in a clear plastic housing with water flowing through the rotor plates to provide temperature lift. Obtaining the proper water flow direction has been a problem. Flow directors were installed as flow barriers between separating point of two parallel loops. Function of flow directors were proven to be excellent both analytically and experimentally.

Study and development of an air conditioning system operating on a magnetic heat pump cycle (design and testing of flow directors)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Pao-Lien

1992-01-01

This report describes the fabrication, design of flow director, fluid flow direction analysis and testing of flow director of a magnetic heat pump. The objectives of the project are: (1) to fabricate a demonstration magnetic heat pump prototype with flow directors installed; and (2) analysis and testing of flow director and to make sure working fluid loops flow through correct directions with minor mixing. The prototype was fabricated and tested at the Development Testing Laboratory of Kennedy Space Center. The magnetic heat pump uses rear earth metal plates rotate in and out of a magnetic field in a clear plastic housing with water flowing through the rotor plates to provide temperature lift. Obtaining the proper water flow direction has been a problem. Flow directors were installed as flow barriers between separating point of two parallel loops. Function of flow directors were proven to be excellent both analytically and experimentally.

Water Pump Development for the EVA PLSS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuller, Michael; Kurwitz, Cable; Goldman, Jeff; Morris, Kim; Trevino, Luis

2009-01-01

This paper describes the effort by the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and Honeywell for NASA to design, fabricate, and test a preflight prototype pump for use in the Extravehicular activity (EVA) portable life support subsystem (PLSS). Major design decisions were driven by the need to reduce the pump s mass, power, and volume compared to the existing PLSS pump. In addition, the pump will accommodate a much wider range of abnormal conditions than the existing pump, including vapor/gas bubbles and increased pressure drop when employed to cool two suits simultaneously. A positive displacement, external gear type pump was selected because it offers the most compact and highest efficiency solution over the required range of flow rates and pressure drops. An additional benefit of selecting a gear pump design is that it is self priming and capable of ingesting noncondensable gas without becoming "air locked." The chosen pump design consists of a 28 V DC, brushless, sealless, permanent magnet motor driven, external gear pump that utilizes a Honeywell development that eliminates the need for magnetic coupling. Although the planned flight unit will use a sensorless motor with custom designed controller, the preflight prototype to be provided for this project incorporates Hall effect sensors, allowing an interface with a readily available commercial motor controller. This design approach reduced the cost of this project and gives NASA more flexibility in future PLSS laboratory testing. The pump design was based on existing Honeywell designs, but incorporated features specifically for the PLSS application, including all of the key features of the flight pump. Testing at TEES will simulate the vacuum environment in which the flight pump will operate. Testing will verify that the pump meets design requirements for range of flow rates, pressure rise, power consumption, working fluid temperature, operating time, and restart capability. Pump testing is currently scheduled for March, 2009, after which the pump will be delivered to NASA for further testing.

Computational analysis of an axial flow pediatric ventricular assist device.

PubMed

Throckmorton, Amy L; Untaroiu, Alexandrina; Allaire, Paul E; Wood, Houston G; Matherne, Gaynell Paul; Lim, David Scott; Peeler, Ben B; Olsen, Don B

2004-10-01

Longer-term (>2 weeks) mechanical circulatory support will provide an improved quality of life for thousands of pediatric cardiac failure patients per year in the United States. These pediatric patients suffer from severe congenital or acquired heart disease complicated by congestive heart failure. There are currently very few mechanical circulatory support systems available in the United States as viable options for this population. For that reason, we have designed an axial flow pediatric ventricular assist device (PVAD) with an impeller that is fully suspended by magnetic bearings. As a geometrically similar, smaller scaled version of our axial flow pump for the adult population, the PVAD has a design point of 1.5 L/min at 65 mm Hg to meet the full physiologic needs of pediatric patients. Conventional axial pump design equations and a nondimensional scaling technique were used to estimate the PVAD's initial dimensions, which allowed for the creation of computational models for performance analysis. A computational fluid dynamic analysis of the axial flow PVAD, which measures approximately 65 mm in length by 35 mm in diameter, shows that the pump will produce 1.5 L/min at 65 mm Hg for 8000 rpm. Fluid forces (approximately 1 N) were also determined for the suspension and motor design, and scalar stress values remained below 350 Pa with maximum particle residence times of approximately 0.08 milliseconds in the pump. This initial design demonstrated acceptable performance, thereby encouraging prototype manufacturing for experimental validation.

Electromagnetic Pumps for Liquid Metal-Fed Electric Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Markusic, Thomas E.

2007-01-01

Prototype designs of two separate pumps for use in electric propulsion systems with liquid lithium and bismuth propellants are presented. Both pumps are required to operate at elevated temperatures, and the lithium pump must additionally withstand the corrosive nature of the propellant. Compatibility of the pump materials and seals with lithium and bismuth were demonstrated through proof-of-concept experiments followed by post-experiment visual inspections. The pressure rise produced by the bismuth pump was found to be linear with input current and ranged from 0-9 kPa for corresponding input current levels of 0-30 A, showing good quantitative agreement with theoretical analysis.

Lunar Base Heat Pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, D.; Fischbach, D.; Tetreault, R.

1996-01-01

The objective of this project was to investigate the feasibility of constructing a heat pump suitable for use as a heat rejection device in applications such as a lunar base. In this situation, direct heat rejection through the use of radiators is not possible at a temperature suitable for lde support systems. Initial analysis of a heat pump of this type called for a temperature lift of approximately 378 deg. K, which is considerably higher than is commonly called for in HVAC and refrigeration applications where heat pumps are most often employed. Also because of the variation of the rejection temperature (from 100 to 381 deg. K), extreme flexibility in the configuration and operation of the heat pump is required. A three-stage compression cycle using a refrigerant such as CFC-11 or HCFC-123 was formulated with operation possible with one, two or three stages of compression. Also, to meet the redundancy requirements, compression was divided up over multiple compressors in each stage. A control scheme was devised that allowed these multiple compressors to be operated as required so that the heat pump could perform with variable heat loads and rejection conditions. A prototype heat pump was designed and constructed to investigate the key elements of the high-lift heat pump concept. Control software was written and implemented in the prototype to allow fully automatic operation. The heat pump was capable of operation over a wide range of rejection temperatures and cooling loads, while maintaining cooling water temperature well within the required specification of 40 deg. C +/- 1.7 deg. C. This performance was verified through testing.

Particle protection capability of SEMI-compliant EUV-pod carriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, George; He, Long; Lystad, John; Kielbaso, Tom; Montgomery, Cecilia; Goodwin, Frank

2010-04-01

With the projected rollout of pre-production extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) scanners in 2010, EUVL pilot line production will become a reality in wafer fabrication companies. Among EUVL infrastructure items that must be ready, EUV mask carriers remain critical. To keep non-pellicle EUV masks free from particle contamination, an EUV pod concept has been extensively studied. Early prototypes demonstrated nearly particle-free results at a 53 nm PSL equivalent inspection sensitivity during EUVL mask robotic handling, shipment, vacuum pump-purge, and storage. After the passage of SEMI E152, which specifies the EUV pod mechanical interfaces, standards-compliant EUV pod prototypes, including a production version inner pod and prototype outer pod, were built and tested. Their particle protection capability results are reported in this paper. A state-of-the-art blank defect inspection tool was used to quantify their defect protection capability during mask robotic handling, shipment, and storage tests. To ensure the availability of an EUV pod for 2010 pilot production, the progress and preliminary test results of pre-production EUV outer pods are reported as well.

A 100J-level nanosecond pulsed DPSSL for pumping high-efficiency, high-repetition rate PW-class lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Vido, M.; Ertel, K.; Mason, P. D.; Banerjee, S.; Phillips, P. J.; Smith, J. M.; Butcher, T. J.; Chekhlov, O.; Divoky, M.; Pilar, J.; Hooker, C.; Shaikh, W.; Lucianetti, A.; Hernandez-Gomez, C.; Mocek, T.; Edwards, C.; Collier, J. L.

2017-02-01

In this paper, we review the development, at the STFC's Central Laser Facility (CLF), of high energy, high repetition rate diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) systems based on cryogenically-cooled multi-slab ceramic Yb:YAG. Up to date, two systems have been completed, namely the DiPOLE prototype and the DiPOLE100 system. The DiPOLE prototype has demonstrated amplification of nanosecond pulses in excess of 10 J at 10 Hz repetition rate with an opticalto- optical efficiency of 22%. The larger scale DiPOLE100 system, designed to deliver 100J temporally-shaped nanosecond pulses at 10 Hz repetition rate, has been developed at the CLF for the HiLASE project in the Czech Republic. Recent experiments conducted on the DiPOLE100 system demonstrated the energy scalability of the DiPOLE concept to the 100 J pulse energy level. Furthermore, second harmonic generation experiments carried out on the DiPOLE prototype confirmed the suitability of DiPOLE-based systems for pumping high repetition rate PW-class laser systems based on Ti:sapphire or optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) technology.

The Heartmate III: design and in vivo studies of a maglev centrifugal left ventricular assist device.

PubMed

Loree, H M; Bourque, K; Gernes, D B; Richardson, J S; Poirier, V L; Barletta, N; Fleischli, A; Foiera, G; Gempp, T M; Schoeb, R; Litwak, K N; Akimoto, T; Kameneva, M; Watach, M J; Litwak, P

2001-05-01

A compact implantable centrifugal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) (HeartMate III) featuring a magnetically levitated impeller is under development. The goal of our ongoing work is to demonstrate feasibility, low hemolysis, and low thrombogenicity of the titanium pump in chronic bovine in vivo studies. The LVAD is based on so-called bearingless motor technology and combines pump rotor, drive, and magnetic bearing functions in a single unit. The impeller is rotated (theta z) and levitated with both active (X, Y) and passive (Z, theta x, theta y) suspension. Six prototype systems have been built featuring an implantable titanium pump (69 mm diameter, 30 mm height) with textured blood contacting surfaces and extracorporeal electronics. The pumps were implanted in 9 calves (< or = 100 kg at implant) that were anticoagulated with Coumadin (2.5 < or = INR < or = 4.0) throughout the studies. Six studies were electively terminated (at 27-61 days), 1 study was terminated after the development of severe pneumonia and lung atelectasis (at 27 days) another study was terminated after cardiac arrest (at 2 days) while a final study is ongoing (at approximately 100 days). Mean pump flows ranged from 2 to 7 L/min, except for brief periods of exercise at 6 to 9 L/min. Plasma free hemoglobin ranged from 4 to 10 mg/dl. All measured biochemical indicators of end organ function remained within normal range. The pumps have met performance requirements in all 9 implants with acceptable hemolysis and no mechanical failures.

Using hybrid magnetic bearings to completely suspend the impeller of a ventricular assist device.

PubMed

Khanwilkar, P; Olsen, D; Bearnson, G; Allaire, P; Maslen, E; Flack, R; Long, J

1996-06-01

Clinically available blood pumps and those under development suffer from poor mechanical reliability and poor biocompatibility related to anatomic fit, hemolysis, and thrombosis. To alleviate these problems concurrently in a long-term device is a substantial challenge. Based on testing the performance of a prototype, and on our judgment of desired characteristics, we have configured an innovative ventricular assist device, the CFVAD4, for long-term use. The design process and its outcome, the CFVAD4 system configuration, is described. To provide unprecedented reliability and biocompatibility, magnetic bearings completely suspend the rotating pump impeller. The CFVAD4 uses a combination of passive (permanent) and active (electric) magnetic bearings, a mixed flow impeller, and a slotless 3-phase brushless DC motor. These components are shaped, oriented, and integrated to provide a compact, implantable, pancake-shaped unit for placement in the left upper abdominal quadrant of adult humans.

Liquid Metal Pump Technologies for Nuclear Surface Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.

2007-01-01

Multiple liquid metal pump options are reviewed for the purpose of determining the technologies that are best suited for inclusion in a nuclear reactor thermal simulator intended to rest prototypical space nuclear surface power system components. Conduction, induction and thermoelectric electromagnetic pumps are evaluated based on their performance characteristics and the technical issues associated with incorporation into a reactor system. A thermoelectric electromagnetic pump is selected as the best option for use in NASA-MSFC's Fission Surface Power-Primary Test Circuit reactor simulator based on its relative simplicity, low power supply mass penalty, flight heritage, and the promise of increased pump efficiency over those earlier pump designs through the use of skutterudite thermoelectric elements.

Heavy Lift Helicopter - Prototype Technical Summary

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-01

in an inte- grated design. The following paragraphs discuss the swash - plate actuator servo loops and provide details...instrumentation in the prototype aircraft. Development testing of the flight control module in conjunc- tion with the transmission-driven pump and the reservoir was...PFCS employed cockpit controllers and force-feel actuation developed in the ATC

Femtosecond-laser inscribed double-cladding waveguides in Nd:YAG crystal: a promising prototype for integrated lasers.

PubMed

Liu, Hongliang; Chen, Feng; Vázquez de Aldana, Javier R; Jaque, D

2013-09-01

We report on the design and implementation of a prototype of optical waveguides fabricated in Nd:YAG crystals by using femtosecond-laser irradiation. In this prototype, two concentric tubular structures with nearly circular cross sections of different diameters have been inscribed in the Nd:YAG crystals, generating double-cladding waveguides. Under 808 nm optical pumping, waveguide lasers have been realized in the double-cladding structures. Compared with single-cladding waveguides, the concentric tubular structures, benefiting from the large pump area of the outermost cladding, possess both superior laser performance and nearly single-mode beam profile in the inner cladding. Double-cladding waveguides of the same size were fabricated and coated by a thin optical film, and a maximum output power of 384 mW and a slope efficiency of 46.1% were obtained. Since the large diameters of the outer claddings are comparable with those of the optical fibers, this prototype paves a way to construct an integrated single-mode laser system with a direct fiber-waveguide configuration.

Design of a pulsatile DC electromagnetic blood pump for ECMO.

PubMed

Liu, Jingjing; Ge, Bin; Lu, Tong

2017-08-09

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has developed rapidly and becomes a significant treatment for emergency. Current blood pumps for ECMO have different disadvantages. To design a pulsatile DC electromagnetic blood pump for ECMO. The design is presented with a driving principle which the rectilinear reciprocation of a magnet inside energized solenoids is implemented, and with a structure of solenoids with compensation coils. Furthermore, a prototype was constructed and the performance indexes of it were measured with the experimental evaluations, where the acceleration experiment was performed without any loads, and the flows were measured in the ranges of preload and afterload are 5 to 30 mmHg and 50 to 80 mmHg respectively when the frequency of the motion is 80 beats per minute. The electromagnetic force is greater than 1.4 N when the DC reaches 2.7 A and the flow of the prototype is greater than 3.0 L/min except the differences between the preload and the afterload are greater than or equal to 70 mmHg. The design of the blood pump for ECMO meets the theoretical and clinical requirements.

Development of a photo-voltaic pumping system using a brushless D.C. motor and helical rotor pump

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Langridge, D.; Lawrance, W.; Wichert, B.

1996-12-31

A PV pumping system based on a brushless d.c. motor and helical rotor pump has been designed, simulated and a prototype constructed. The paper describes the operation of the system and the development of component models for the array, the brushless d.c. motor and helical rotor pump. Simulation results and subsequent test results for the complete system are included. Efficiencies of between 30 and 50% for the system (excluding the array) have been achieved over a range of loads and operating conditions for 4 x 1 and 4 x 2 array configurations. 9 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.

High-Temperature-High-Volume Lifting for Enhanced Geothermal Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Turnquist, Norman; Qi, Xuele; Raminosoa, Tsarafidy

2013-12-20

This report summarizes the progress made during the April 01, 2010 – December 30, 2013 period under Cooperative Agreement DE-EE0002752 for the U.S. Department of Energy entitled “High-Temperature-High-Volume Lifting for Enhanced Geothermal Systems.” The overall objective of this program is to advance the technology for well fluids lifting systems to meet the foreseeable pressure, temperature, and longevity needs of the Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) industry for the coming ten years. In this program, lifting system requirements for EGS wells were established via consultation with industry experts and site visits. A number of artificial lift technologies were evaluated with regard tomore » their applicability to EGS applications; it was determined that a system based on electric submersible pump (ESP) technology was best suited to EGS. Technical barriers were identified and a component-level technology development program was undertaken to address each barrier, with the most challenging being the development of a power-dense, small diameter motor that can operate reliably in a 300°C environment for up to three years. Some of the targeted individual component technologies include permanent magnet motor construction, high-temperature insulation, dielectrics, bearings, seals, thrust washers, and pump impellers/diffusers. Advances were also made in thermal management of electric motors. In addition to the overall system design for a full-scale EGS application, a subscale prototype was designed and fabricated. Like the full-scale design, the subscale prototype features a novel “flow-through-the-bore” permanent magnet electric motor that combines the use of high temperature materials with an internal cooling scheme that limits peak internal temperatures to <330°C. While the full-scale high-volume multi-stage pump is designed to lift up to 80 kg/s of process water, the subscale prototype is based on a production design that can pump 20 kg/s and has been modified for high-temperature operation. In parallel with the design and fabrication of the subscale prototype ESP system, a subscale test facility consisting of a high-temperature-high-pressure flow loop was designed, fabricated, and installed at GE Global Research in Niskayuna, NY. A test plan for the prototype system was also established. The original plan of testing the prototype hardware in the flow loop was delayed until a future date.« less

Wireless implantable chip with integrated nitinol-based pump for radio-controlled local drug delivery.

PubMed

Fong, Jeffrey; Xiao, Zhiming; Takahata, Kenichi

2015-02-21

We demonstrate an active, implantable drug delivery device embedded with a microfluidic pump that is driven by a radio-controlled actuator for temporal drug delivery. The polyimide-packaged 10 × 10 × 2 mm(3) chip contains a micromachined pump chamber and check valves of Parylene C to force the release of the drug from a 76 μL reservoir by wirelessly activating the actuator using external radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. The rectangular-shaped spiral-coil actuator based on nitinol, a biocompatible shape-memory alloy, is developed to perform cantilever-like actuation for pumping operation. The nitinol-coil actuator itself forms a passive 185 MHz resonant circuit that serves as a self-heat source activated via RF power transfer to enable frequency-selective actuation and pumping. Experimental wireless operation of fabricated prototypes shows successful release of test agents from the devices placed in liquid and excited by radiating tuned RF fields with an output power of 1.1 W. These tests reveal a single release volume of 219 nL, suggesting a device's capacity of ~350 individual ejections of drug from its reservoir. The thermal behavior of the activated device is also reported in detail. This proof-of-concept prototype validates the effectiveness of wireless RF pumping for fully controlled, long-lasting drug delivery, a key step towards enabling patient-tailored, targeted local drug delivery through highly miniaturized implants.

Long-term in vivo left ventricular assist device study with a titanium centrifugal pump.

PubMed

Ohtsuka, G; Nakata, K; Yoshikawa, M; Mueller, J; Takano, T; Yamane, S; Gronau, N; Glueck, J; Takami, Y; Sueoka, A; Letsou, G; Schima, H; Schmallegger, H; Wolner, E; Koyanagi, H; Fujisawa, A; Baldwin, J C; Nosé, Y

1998-01-01

A totally implantable centrifugal artificial heart has been developed. The plastic prototype, Gyro PI 601, passed 2 day hemodynamic tests as a functional total artificial heart, 2 week screening tests for antithrombogenicity, and 1 month system feasibility. Based on these results, a metallic prototype, Gyro PI 702, was subjected to in vivo left ventricular assist device (LVAD) studies. The pump system employed the Gyro PI 702, which has the same inner dimensions and the same characteristics as the Gyro PI 601, including an eccentric inlet port, a double pivot bearing system, and a magnet coupling system. The PI 702 is driven with the Vienna DC brushless motor actuator. For the in vivo LVAD study, the pump actuator package was implanted in the preperitoneal space in two calves, from the left ventricular apex to the descending aorta. Case 1 achieved greater than 9 month survival without any complications, at an average flow rate of 6.6 L/min with 10.2 W input power. Case 2 was killed early due to the excessive growth of the calf, which caused functional obstruction of the inlet port. There was no blood clot inside the pump. During these periods, neither case exhibited any physiologic abnormalities. The PI 702 pump gives excellent results as a long-term implantable LVAD.

Medical Device Plug-and-Play Interoperability Standards and Technology Leadership

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

External Network Pump Adapter PulseOx Adapter • MD MP3 cart is a platform for the development of smart pump control algorithms • It includes...delivery with bounded latency Medical Device Mobile PnP Prototype Platform (MD MP3 ) • Got MDCF code to run on the BeagleBoard development boards we are

In vitro validation of a self-driving aortic-turbine venous-assist device for Fontan patients.

PubMed

Pekkan, Kerem; Aka, Ibrahim Basar; Tutsak, Ece; Ermek, Erhan; Balim, Haldun; Lazoglu, Ismail; Turkoz, Riza

2018-03-11

Palliative repair of single ventricle defects involve a series of open-heart surgeries where a single-ventricle (Fontan) circulation is established. As the patient ages, this paradoxical circulation gradually fails, because of its high venous pressure levels. Reversal of the Fontan paradox requires an extra subpulmonic energy that can be provided through mechanical assist devices. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic performance of a totally implantable integrated aortic-turbine venous-assist (iATVA) system, which does not need an external drive power and maintains low venous pressure chronically, for the Fontan circulation. Blade designs of the co-rotating turbine and pump impellers were developed and 3 prototypes were manufactured. After verifying the single-ventricle physiology at a pulsatile in vitro circuit, the hemodynamic performance of the iATVA system was measured for pediatric and adult physiology, varying the aortic steal percentage and circuit configurations. The iATVA system was also tested at clinical off-design scenarios. The prototype iATVA devices operate at approximately 800 revolutions per minute and extract up to 10% systemic blood from the aorta to use this hydrodynamic energy to drive a blood turbine, which in turn drives a mixed-flow venous pump passively. By transferring part of the available energy from the single-ventricle outlet to the venous side, the iATVA system is able to generate up to approximately 5 mm Hg venous recovery while supplying the entire caval flow. Our experiments show that a totally implantable iATVA system is feasible, which will eliminate the need for external power for Fontan mechanical venous assist and combat gradual postoperative venous remodeling and Fontan failure. Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Advanced Prototype Fan Operating Experience, Post Test Evaluation, and Refurbishment for PLSS 2.0 Test Use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodgson, Edward; Oehler, William; Dionne, Steve; Converse, David; Jennings, Mallory A.

2012-01-01

NASA s plans for Extravehicular Activity (EVA) portable life support systems for future exploration missions result in different design requirements than those which led to the combined fan / pump / separator in the current ISS Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). To meet these new requirements, NASA contracted with Hamilton Sundstrand to provide two new prototype fans designed to meet anticipated future system requirements. Based on design trade studies, a high speed fan with mechanical bearing support of the rotating elements and a novel non-metallic barrier canned motor design was developed and implemented in the deliverable prototypes. The prototypes, which used two different bearing lubricants, have been extensively tested in both stand-alone and integrated system tests in NASA laboratories and proven to meet the anticipated performance requirements. Subsequently, they have been subjected to post test inspection and analysis in Hamilton Sundstrand laboratories to assess the effects of integrated operation and resultant exposure to vent loop contaminants. Results have confirmed expectations that one of the lubricants would be superior in this application and the prototype fans have been reassembled with new bearings with the superior lubricant. They have now been returned to the Johnson Space Center for further testing and maturation as part of NASA s PLSS 2.0 integrated test effort. This paper will discuss the test history of these units, resulting test data, the results of post test evaluation, and plans for further testing in the near future.

Design and Synthesis of Nonequilibrium Systems.

PubMed

Cheng, Chuyang; McGonigal, Paul R; Stoddart, J Fraser; Astumian, R Dean

2015-09-22

The active transport of ions and molecules across cell membranes is essential to creating the concentration gradients that sustain life in all living organisms, be they bacteria, fungi, plants, animals or Homo sapiens. Nature uses active transport everywhere for everything. Molecular biologists have long been attracted to the study of active transport and continue to this day to investigate and elucidate the tertiary structures of the complex motor proteins that sustain it, while physicists, interested in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, have developed theoretical models to describe the driven ratcheting motions that are crucial to its function. The increasingly detailed understanding that contemporary science has acquired relating to active transport, however, has yet to lead to the design and construction of artificial molecular motors capable of employing ratchet-driven motions that can also perform work against concentration gradients. Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) in the form of pseudo- and semirotaxanes are showing some encouraging signs in meeting these goals. This review summarizes recent progress in making artificial molecular motors that can perform work by "pumping" tetracationic rings into high-energy states. The launching pad is a bistable [2]rotaxane whose dumbbell component contains two electron-donating recognition sites, one, a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit, which interacts more strongly with the ring component, cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT(4+)), containing two electron-accepting bipyridinium units, than does the other 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) unit. Switching can be induced electrochemically by oxidizing the TTF unit to a TTF(•+) radical cation, whereupon Coulombic repulsion takes care of moving the ring to the DNP unit. Reduction of the radical cation resets the switch. Molecular switches operate at, or close to, equilibrium. Any work done during one switching event is undone during the reset. Molecular motors, on the other hand, rely on a flux of energy, and a ratchet mechanism to make periodic changes to the potential energy surface of a system in order to move molecules uphill to higher energy states. Forging a path from molecular switches to motors involved designing a molecular pump prototype. An asymmetric dumbbell with a 2-isopropylphenyl (neutral) end and a 3,5-dimethylpyridinium (charged) end with a DNP recognition site to entice CBPQT(4+) rings out of solution exhibits relative unidirectional movement of the rings with respect to the dumbbell. Redox chemistry does the trick. During the oxidative cycle, the rings enter the dumbbell by passing over the neutral end onto the recognition site; in the reduction cycle, much of the recognition is lost and the rings find their way back into solution by leaving the dumbbell from the charged end. This on-one-end, off-the-other process can be repeated over and over again using light as the energy source in the presence of a photosensitizer and a compound that shuttles electrons back and forth. Although this prototype demonstrates ratchet-driven translational motion, no work is done. A ring enters the dumbbell from one end and leaves from the other end. Another deficiency of the prototype is the fact that, although the recognition site is muted on reduction, it retains some attraction for the ring. What if the recognition site was attractive initially and then became repulsive? This question was answered by turning to radical chemistry and employing the known stabilization behavior of a bipyridinium radical cation and the bisradical dication, generated on reduction of the CBPQT(4+) ring, to pluck rings out of solution and thread them over the charged end of the pump portion of a semidumbbell. On subsequent oxidation, the pump is primed and the rings pass through a one-way door, given a little thermal energy, onto a collecting-chain where they find themselves accumulating where they would rather not be present. In this manner, an artificial molecular pump mimics the pumping machinery commonplace in biological systems. Looking beyond this state-of-the-art artificial molecular pump, we discuss, from a theoretical standpoint, the measures that would need to be taken in order to render its operation autonomous.

Long-term in vivo left ventricular assist device study for 284 days with Gyro PI pump.

PubMed

Ohtsuka, G; Nakata, K; Yoshikawa, M; Takano, T; Glueck, J; Sankai, Y; Takami, Y; Mueller, J; Sueoka, A; Letsou, G; Schima, H; Schmallegger, H; Wolner, E; Koyanagi, H; Fujisawa, A; Baldwin, J C; Nosé, Y

1999-06-01

A totally implantable centrifugal artificial heart has been developed. The plastic prototype, the Gyro PI 601, passed 2 day hemodynamic tests as a functional total artificial heart (TAH), 2 week screening tests for anti-thrombogenecity, and a 1 month system feasibility study. Based upon these results, a metallic prototype, the Gyro PI 700 series, was subjected to long-term in vivo left ventricular assist device (LVAD) studies of over 1 month. The Gyro PI 700 series has the same inner dimension and same characteristics of the Gyro PI 601 such as an eccentric inlet port, a double pivot bearing system, and a magnet coupling system. The PI metallic pump is also driven with the Vienna DC brushless motor actuator like the PI 601. The pump-actuator package was implanted in 3 calves in the preperitoneal space, bypassing from the left ventricular (LV) apex to the descending aorta. Case 1 achieved a 284 day survival. Case 2 was euthanized early at 72 postoperative days as a result of the functional obstruction of the inlet port due to the excessive growth of the calf. There was no blood clot inside the pumps of either case. Case 3 is on-going (22 days on July 24, 1998). During these periods, all cases showed no physiological abnormalities. In conclusion, the PI 700 series pump has excellent results as a long-term implantable LVAD.

Maturing Pump Technology for EVA Applications in a Collaborative Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodgson, Edward; Dionne, Steven; Gervais, Edward; Anchondo, Ian

2012-01-01

The transition from low earth orbit Extravehicular Activity (EVA) for construction and maintenance activities to planetary surface EVA on asteroids, moons, and, ultimately, Mars demands a new spacesuit system. NASA's development of that system has resulted in dramatically different pumping requirements from those in the current spacesuit system. Hamilton Sundstrand, Cascon, and NASA are collaborating to develop and mature a pump that will reliably meet those new requirements in space environments and within the design constraints imposed by spacesuit system integration. That collaboration, which began in the NASA purchase of a pump prototype for test evaluation, is now entering a new phase of development. A second generation pump reflecting the lessons learned in NASA's testing of the original prototype will be developed under Hamilton Sundstrand internal research funding and ultimately tested in an integrated Advanced Portable Life Support System (APLSS) in NASA laboratories at the Johnson Space Center. This partnership is providing benefit to both industry and NASA by supplying a custom component for EVA integrated testing at no cost to the government while providing test data for industry that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to duplicate in industry laboratories. This paper discusses the evolving collaborative process, component requirements and design development based on early NASA test experience, component stand alone test results, and near term plans for integrated testing at JSCs.

Sims Prototype System 2 test results: Engineering analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The testing, problems encountered, and the results and conclusions obtained from tests performed on the IBM Prototype System, 2, solar hot water system, at the Marshall Space Flight Center Solar Test Facility was described. System 2 is a liquid, non draining solar energy system for supplying domestic hot water to single residences. The system consists of collectors, storage tank, heat exchanger, pumps and associated plumbing and controls.

Using Hybrid Magnetic Bearings to Completely Suspend the Impeller of a Ventricular Assist Device.

PubMed

Khanwilkar, Pratap; Olsen, Don; Bearnson, Gill; Allaire, Paul; Maslen, Eric; Flack, Ron; Long, James

1996-05-01

Clinically available blood pumps and those under development suffer from poor mechanical reliability and poor biocompatibility related to anatomic fit, hemolysis, and thrombosis. To alleviate these problems concurrently in a long-term device is a substantial challenge. Based on testing the performance of a prototype, and on our judgment of desired characteristics, we have configured an innovative ventricular assist device, the CF-VAD4, for long-term use. The design process and its outcome, the CFVAD4 system configuration, is described. To provide unprecedented reliability and biocompatibility, magnetic bearings completely suspend the rotating pump impeller. The CFVAD4 uses a combination of passive (permanent) and active (electric) magnetic bearings, a mixed flow impeller, and a slotless 3-phase brushless DC motor. These components are shaped, oriented, and integrated to provide a compact, implantable, pancake-shaped unit for placement in the left upper abdominal quadrant of adult humans. © 1996 International Society for Artificial Organs.

Advanced variable speed air source integrated heat pump (AS-IHP) development - CRADA final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baxter, Van D.; Rice, C. Keith; Munk, Jeffrey D.

2015-09-30

Between August 2011 and September 2015, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Nordyne, LLC (now Nortek Global HVAC LLC, NGHVAC) engaged in a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to develop an air-source integrated heat pump (AS-IHP) system for the US residential market. Two generations of laboratory prototype systems were designed, fabricated, and lab-tested during 2011-2013. Performance maps for the system were developed using the latest research version of the DOE/ORNL Heat Pump Design Model, or HPDM, (Rice 1991; Rice and Jackson 2005; Shen et al 2012) as calibrated against the lab test data. These maps were the input tomore » the TRNSYS (SOLAR Energy Laboratory, et al, 2010) system to predict annual performance relative to a baseline suite of equipment meeting minimum efficiency standards in effect in 2006 (combination of 13 SEER air-source heat pump (ASHP) and resistance water heater with Energy Factor (EF) of 0.9). Predicted total annual energy savings, while providing space conditioning and water heating for a tight, well insulated 2600 ft2 (242 m2) house at 5 U.S. locations, ranged from 46 to 61%, averaging 52%, relative to the baseline system (lowest savings at the cold-climate Chicago location). Predicted energy use for water heating was reduced 62 to 76% relative to resistance WH. Based on these lab prototype test and analyses results a field test prototype was designed and fabricated by NGHVAC. The unit was installed in a 2400 ft2 (223 m2) research house in Knoxville, TN and field tested from May 2014 to April 2015. Based on the demonstrated field performance of the AS-IHP prototype and estimated performance of a baseline system operating under the same loads and weather conditions, it was estimated that the prototype would achieve ~40% energy savings relative to the minimum efficiency suite. The estimated WH savings were >60% and SC mode savings were >50%. But estimated SH savings were only about 20%. It is believed that had the test house been better insulated (more like the house used for the savings predictions noted above) and the IHP system nominal capacity been a bit lower that the energy savings estimate would have been closer to 45% or more (similar to the analytical prediction for the cold climate location of Chicago).« less

Transmission of electrons inside the cryogenic pumps of ITER injector.

PubMed

Veltri, P; Sartori, E

2016-02-01

Large cryogenic pumps are installed in the vessel of large neutral beam injectors (NBIs) used to heat the plasma in nuclear fusion experiments. The operation of such pumps can be compromised by the presence of stray secondary electrons that are generated along the beam path. In this paper, we present a numerical model to analyze the propagation of the electrons inside the pump. The aim of the study is to quantify the power load on the active pump elements, via evaluation of the transmission probabilities across the domain of the pump. These are obtained starting from large datasets of particle trajectories, obtained by numerical means. The transmission probability of the electrons across the domain is calculated for the NBI of the ITER and for its prototype Megavolt ITer Injector and Concept Advancement (MITICA) and the results are discussed.

The effect of surface wettability on the performance of a piezoelectric membrane pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiantao; Yang, Zhigang; Liu, Yong; Shen, Yanhu; Chen, Song; Yu, Jianqun

2018-04-01

In this paper, we studied the effect of surface wettability on the bubble tolerance of a piezoelectric membrane pump, by applying the super-hydrophilic or super-hydrophobic surface to the key elements on the pump. Wettability for the flow passage surface has a direct influence on the air bubbles flowing in the fluid. Based on the existing research results, we first analyzed the relationship between the flow passage surface of the piezoelectric pump and the bubbles in the fluid. Then we made three prototypes where pump chamber walls and valve plate surfaces were given different wettability treatments. After the output performance test, results demonstrate that giving super-hydrophilic treatment on the surface of key elements can improve the bubble tolerance of piezoelectric pump; in contrast, giving super-hydrophobic treatment will reduce the bubble tolerance.

Syn-Fuel reciprocating charge pump improvement program. Quarterly technical project report, April-June 1984

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1984-01-01

Major accomplishments during the second quarter of 1984 were completion of the Diaphragm Separation Seal clear liquid testing, and initiation of Phase III Field Testing. Diaphragm operational testing was conducted on a clear water test loop. The test goals were to ensure; mechanical reliability of the Diaphragm Seal, safe operation with simulated component failure, and proper operation of the Diaphragm Buffer Volume Control System. This latter system is essential in controlling the phasing of the diaphragm with its driving plunger. These tests were completed successfully. All operational problems were solved. However, it must be emphasized that the Diaphragm Seal wouldmore » be damaged by allowing the pump to operate in a cavitating condition for an extended period of time. A change in the Field Test phase of the program was made regarding choice of field test site. There is no operating Syn-Fuel pilot plant capable of inexpensively producing the slurry stream required for the reciprocating pump testing. The Field Tests will now be conducted by first testing the prototype pump and separation seals in an ambient temperature sand water slurry. This will determine resistence to abrasive wear and determine any operation problems at pressure over a lengthy period of time. After successful conclusion of these tests the pump and seals will be operated with a high temperature oil, but without solids, to identify any problems associated with thermal gradients, thermal shock and differential growth. After successful completion of the high temperature clean oil tests the pump will be deemed ready for in-line installation at a designated Syn-Fuel pilot plant. The above approach avoids the expense and complications of a separate hot slurry test loop. It also reduces risk of operational problems while in-line at the pilot plant. 5 figs.« less

Development of a hybrid (numerical-hydraulic) circulatory model: prototype testing and its response to IABP assistance.

PubMed

Ferrari, G; Kozarski, M; De Lazzari, C; Górczyńska, K; Tosti, G; Darowski, M

2005-07-01

Merging numerical and physical models of the circulation makes it possible to develop a new class of circulatory models defined as hybrid. This solution reduces the costs, enhances the flexibility and opens the way to many applications ranging from research to education and heart assist devices testing. In the prototype described in this paper, a hydraulic model of systemic arterial tree is connected to a lumped parameters numerical model including pulmonary circulation and the remaining parts of systemic circulation. The hydraulic model consists of a characteristic resistance, of a silicon rubber tube to allow the insertion of an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) and of a lumped parameters compliance. Two electro-hydraulic interfaces, realized by means of gear pumps driven by DC motors, connect the numerical section with both terminals of the hydraulic section. The lumped parameters numerical model and the control system (including analog to digital and digital to analog converters)are developed in LabVIEW environment. The behavior of the model is analyzed by means of the ventricular pressure-volume loops and the time courses of arterial and ventricular pressures and flows in different circulatory conditions. A simulated pathological condition was set to test the IABP and verify the response of the system to this type of mechanical circulatory assistance. The results show that the model can represent hemodynamic relationships in different ventricular and circulatory conditions and is able to react to the IABP assistance.

Evidence for impact ionization in vanadium dioxide

DOE PAGES

Holleman, Joshua; Bishop, Michael M.; Garcia, Carlos; ...

2016-10-17

Pump-probe optical spectroscopy was used to investigate charge carrier multiplication via impact ionization in the M 1 insulating phase of VO 2. By comparing the transient reflectivities of the film when pumped at less than and then more than twice the band-gap energy, we observed an enhancement of the ultrafast response with the higher energy pump color while the film was still transiently in the insulating phase. We additionally identified multiple timescales within the charge dynamics and analyzed how these changed when the pump and probe wavelengths were varied. This experiment provided evidence that impact ionization acts efficiently as amore » carrier multiplication process in this prototypical strongly-correlated insulator.« less

Air Conditioning Overflow Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

The Technology Transfer Office at Stennis Space Center helped a local inventor develop a prototype of an attachment for central air conditioners and heat pumps that helps monitor water levels to prevent condensation overflow. The sensor will indicate a need for drain line maintenance and prevent possible damage caused by drain pan water spillover. An engineer in the Stennis Space Center prototype Development Laboratory used SSC sensor technology in the development of the sensor.

Design and chemical synthesis of iodine-containing molecules for application to solar-pumped I* lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiner, Christopher S.

1986-01-01

Research is directed toward the design and synthesis of new media for solar-pumped I* lasers. Since the most effective existing lasants are perfluoroalkyl iodides, a strategy was proposed for the development of improved materials of this type with absorption maxima at 300 nm. Absorption spectra were synthesized and measured for prototypical species containing iodine bound to boron, iron, and cobalt.

High-efficiency piezoelectric micro harvester for collecting low-frequency mechanical energy.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Song, Jinhui; Feng, Shuanglong; Xie, Xiong; Li, Zhenhu; Wang, Liang; Pu, Yayun; Soh, Ai Kah; Shen, Jun; Lu, Wenqiang; Liu, Shuangyi

2016-12-02

A single-layer zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod array-based micro energy harvester was designed and integrated with a piezoelectric metacapacitor. The device presents outstanding low-frequency (1-10 Hz) mechanical energy harvesting capabilities. When compared with conventional pristine ZnO nanostructured piezoelectric harvesters or generators, both open-circuit potential and short-circuit current are significantly enhanced (up to 3.1 V and 124 nA cm -2 ) for a single mechanical knock (∼34 kPa). Higher electromechanical conversion efficiency (1.3 pC/Pa) is also observed. The results indicate that the integration of the piezoelectric metacapacitor is a crucial factor for improving the low-frequency energy harvesting performance. A double piezoelectric-driven mechanism is proposed to explain current higher output power, in which the metacapacitor plays the multiple roles of charge pumping, storing and transferring. An as-fabricated prototype device for lighting an LED demonstrates high power transference capability, with over 95% transference efficiency to the external load.

Numerical study of vortex rope during load rejection of a prototype pump-turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, J. T.; Liu, S. H.; Sun, Y. K.; Wu, Y. L.; Wang, L. Q.

2012-11-01

A transient process of load rejection of a prototype pump-turbine was studied by three dimensional, unsteady simulations, as well as steady calculations.Dynamic mesh (DM) method and remeshing method were used to simulate the rotation of guide vanes and runner. The rotational speed of the runner was predicted by fluid couplingmethod. Both the transient calculation and steady calculation were performed based on turbulence model. Results show that steady calculation results have large error in the prediction of the external characteristics of the transient process. The runaway speed can reach 1.15 times the initial rotational speed during the transient process. The vortex rope occurs before the pump-turbine runs at zero moment point. Vortex rope has the same rotating direction with the runner. The vortex rope is separated into two parts as the flow rate decreases to 0. Pressure level decreases during the whole transient process.The transient simulation result were also compared and verified by experimental results. This computational method could be used in the fault diagnosis of transient operation, as well as the optimization of a transient process.

Custom Unit Pump Design and Testing for the EVA PLSS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuller, Michael; Kurwitz, Cable; Goldman, Jeff; Morris, Kim; Trevino, Luis

2009-01-01

This paper describes the effort by the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and Honeywell for NASA to design and test a pre-flight prototype pump for use in the Extra-vehicular activity (EVA) portable life support subsystem (PLSS). Major design decisions were driven by the need to reduce the pump s mass, power, and volume compared to the existing PLSS pump. In addition, the pump must accommodate a much wider range of abnormal conditions than the existing pump, including vapor/gas bubbles and increased pressure drop when employed to cool two suits simultaneously. A positive displacement, external gear type pump was selected because it offers the most compact and highest efficiency solution over the required range of flow rates and pressure drops. An additional benefit of selecting a gear pump design is that it is self priming and capable of ingesting non-condensable gas without becoming air locked. The chosen pump design consists of a 28 V DC, brushless, sealless, permanent magnet motor driven, external gear pump that utilizes a Honeywell development that eliminates the need for magnetic coupling. Although the planned flight unit will use a sensorless motor with custom designed controller, the pre-flight prototype to be provided for this project incorporates Hall effect sensors, allowing an interface with a readily available commercial motor controller. This design approach reduced the cost of this project and gives NASA more flexibility in future PLSS laboratory testing. The pump design was based on existing Honeywell designs, but incorporated features specifically for the PLSS application, including all of the key features of the flight pump. Testing at TEES verified that the pump meets the design requirements for range of flow rates, pressure drop, power consumption, working fluid temperature, operating time, gas ingestion , and restart capability under both ambient and vacuum conditions. The pump operated between 40 and 240 lbm/hr flowrate, 35 to 100 F pump temperature range, and 5 to 10 psid pressure rise. Power consumption of the pump controller at the nominal operating point in both ambient and vacuum conditions was 9.5 W, which was less than the 12 W predicted. Gas ingestion capabilities were tested by injecting 100 cc of air into the fluid line; the pump operated normally throughout this test. The test results contained a number of anomalies, specifically power increases and a few flow stoppages, that prompted TEES and Honeywell to disassemble and inspect the pump. Inspection indicated contamination in the pump and fit issues may have played roles in the observed anomalies. Testing following reassembly indicated that the performance of the pump 1) matched both the predicted performance values, 2) the performance values measured prior to disassembly, and 3) was free of the anomalies noted in the pre-disassembly testing.

Transmission of electrons inside the cryogenic pumps of ITER injector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Veltri, P., E-mail: pierluigi.veltri@igi.cnr.it; Sartori, E.

2016-02-15

Large cryogenic pumps are installed in the vessel of large neutral beam injectors (NBIs) used to heat the plasma in nuclear fusion experiments. The operation of such pumps can be compromised by the presence of stray secondary electrons that are generated along the beam path. In this paper, we present a numerical model to analyze the propagation of the electrons inside the pump. The aim of the study is to quantify the power load on the active pump elements, via evaluation of the transmission probabilities across the domain of the pump. These are obtained starting from large datasets of particlemore » trajectories, obtained by numerical means. The transmission probability of the electrons across the domain is calculated for the NBI of the ITER and for its prototype Megavolt ITer Injector and Concept Advancement (MITICA) and the results are discussed.« less

Development of the sonic pump levitation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunn, S. A.

1984-01-01

A prototype levitating/positioning device termed the Sonic Pump Levitator was designed, built and successfully tested in full gravity and in the reduced gravity of the parabolic flight regime of the KC-135. Positioning is achieved by timely and appropriate application of gas momentum from one or more of six sonic pumps. The sonic pumps, which are arranged orthogonally in opposed pairs about the levitation region, are activated by an electro-optical, computer controlled, feedback system. The sonic pump is a transducer which is capable of converting sound energy into a directed flow of gas. It consists of a loudspeaker whose face is sealed by a closure perforated by one or more orifices. The diaphragm of the loudspeaker is the only moving part of the sonic pump, no valves being needed. This very low inertia electromechanical device was developed to provide the short response time necessary to keep pace with the demands of computerized position keeping.

Electromagnetic Pumps for Conductive-Propellant Feed Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markusic, Thomas E.; Polzin, Kurt A.; Dehoyos, Amado

2005-01-01

Prototype electromagnetic pumps for use with lithium and bismuth propellants were constructed and tested. Such pumps may be used to pressurize future electric propulsion liquid metal feed systems, with the primary advantages being the compactness and simplicity versus alternative pressurization technologies. Design details for two different pumps are described: the first was designed to withstand (highly corrosive) lithium propellant, and t he second was designed to tolerate the high temperature required to pump liquid bismuth. Both qualitative and quantitative test results are presented. Open-loop tests demonstrated the capability of each device to electromagnetically pump its design propellant (lithium or bismuth). A second set of tests accurately quantified the pump pressure developed as a function of current. These experiments, which utilized a more easily handled material (gallium), demonstrated continuously-adjustable pump pressure levels ranging from 0-100 Torr for corresponding input current levels of 0-75 A. While the analysis and testing in this study specifically targeted lithium and bismuth propellants, the underlying design principles should be useful in implementing liquid metal pumps in any conductive-propellant feed system.

Vacuum Studies of a Prototype Composite Coil Dewar for HTSC Transformers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwenterly, S W; Zhang, Y.; Pleva, Ed

2010-01-01

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is collaborating with Waukesha Electric Systems (WES) to develop a high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) utility power transformer with primary and secondary coils cooled by liquid nitrogen. Since the vacuuminsulated cryogenic coil dewar surrounds the magnetic core limb and cannot form a shorted turn, non-conductive materials are required. Two test vessels and a small prototype dewar have been fabricated by Scorpius Space Launch Company with epoxy/fiberglass composites, using their proprietary PRESSURMAXX vessel technology. The effects of pumping time, bakeout temperature, and cryogenic vessel temperature on vacuum outgassing rates have been investigated. Outgassing rates of the individual materialsmore » used in vessel construction have also been measured. The results will be scaled up to determine the required pumping capacity for a full-size 25-MVA commercial transformer dewar.« less

Vacuum Studies of a Prototype Composite Coil Dewar for HTSC Transformers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwenterly, S W; Zhang, Y.; Pleva, E. F.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is collaborating with Waukesha Electric Systems (WES) to develop a high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) utility power transformer with primary and secondary coils cooled by liquid nitrogen. Since the vacuum-insulated cryogenic coil dewar surrounds the magnetic core limb and cannot form a shorted turn, non-conductive materials are required. Two test vessels and a small prototype dewar have been fabricated by Scorpius Space Launch Company with epoxy/fiberglass composites, using their proprietary PRESSURMAXX vessel technology. The effects of pumping time, bakeout temperature, and cryogenic vessel temperature on vacuum outgassing rates have been investigated. Outgassing rates of the individual materialsmore » used in vessel construction have also been measured. The results will be scaled up to determine the required pumping capacity for a full-size 25-MVA commercial transformer dewar.« less

Controllable pneumatic generator based on the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyung-Rok; Kim, Kyung-Soo; Kim, Soohyun

2014-07-01

This paper presents a novel compact and controllable pneumatic generator that uses hydrogen peroxide decomposition. A fuel micro-injector using a piston-pump mechanism is devised and tested to control the chemical decomposition rate. By controlling the injection rate, the feedback controller maintains the pressure of the gas reservoir at a desired pressure level. Thermodynamic analysis and experiments are performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed pneumatic generator. Using a prototype of the pneumatic generator, it takes 6 s to reach 3.5 bars with a reservoir volume of 200 ml at the room temperature, which is sufficiently rapid and effective to maintain the repetitive lifting of a 1 kg mass.

Controllable pneumatic generator based on the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Kim, Kyung-Rok; Kim, Kyung-Soo; Kim, Soohyun

2014-07-01

This paper presents a novel compact and controllable pneumatic generator that uses hydrogen peroxide decomposition. A fuel micro-injector using a piston-pump mechanism is devised and tested to control the chemical decomposition rate. By controlling the injection rate, the feedback controller maintains the pressure of the gas reservoir at a desired pressure level. Thermodynamic analysis and experiments are performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed pneumatic generator. Using a prototype of the pneumatic generator, it takes 6 s to reach 3.5 bars with a reservoir volume of 200 ml at the room temperature, which is sufficiently rapid and effective to maintain the repetitive lifting of a 1 kg mass.

Temperature Swing Adsorption Compressor Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finn, John E.; Mulloth, Lila M.; Affleck, Dave L.

2001-01-01

Closing the oxygen loop in an air revitalization system based on four-bed molecular sieve and Sabatier reactor technology requires a vacuum pump-compressor that can take the low-pressure CO, from the 4BMS and compress and store for use by a Sabatier reactor. NASA Ames Research Center proposed a solid-state temperature-swing adsorption (TSA) compressor that appears to meet performance requirements, be quiet and reliable, and consume less power than a comparable mechanical compressor/accumulator combination. Under this task, TSA compressor technology is being advanced through development of a complete prototype system. A liquid-cooled TSA compressor has been partially tested, and the rest of the system is being fabricated. An air-cooled TSA compressor is also being designed.

Development of a nonazeotropic heat pump for crew hygiene water heating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, David H.; Deming, Glenn I.

1991-01-01

A Phase 2 SBIR Program funded by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to develop a Nonazeotropic Heat Pump is described. The heat pump system which was designed, fabricated, and tested in the Foster-Miller laboratory, is capable of providing crew hygiene water heating for future manned missions. The heat pump utilizes a nonazeotropic refrigerant mixture which, in this application, provides a significant Coefficient of Performance improvement over a single-constituent working fluid. In order to take full advantage of the refrigerant mixture, compact tube-in-tube heat exchangers were designed. A high efficiency scroll compressor with a proprietary lubrication system was developed to meet the requirements of operation in zero-gravity. The prototype heat pump system consumes less than 200W of power compared to the alternative of electric cartridge heaters which would require 2 to 5 kW.

Prototype solar heating and combined heating and cooling systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

Designs were completed, hardware was received, and hardware was shipped to two sites. A change was made in the heat pump working fluid. Problem investigation of shroud coatings for the collector received emphasis.

Lyophilization for Water Recovery III, System Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litwiller, Eric; Reinhard, Martin; Fisher, John; Flynn, Michael

2005-01-01

Mixed liquid/solid wastes, including feces, water processor effluents, and food waste, can be lyophilized (freeze-dried) to recover the water they contain and stabilize the solids that remain. Our previous research has demonstrated the potential benefits of using thermoelectric heat pumps to build a lyophilizer for processing waste in microgravity. These results were used to build a working prototype suitable for ground- based human testing. This paper describes the prototype design and presents results of functional and performance tests.

Prototype solar heating and cooling systems, including potable hot water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bloomquist, D.; Oonk, R. L.

1977-01-01

Progress made in the development, delivery, and support of two prototype solar heating and cooling systems including potable hot water is reported. The system consists of the following subsystems: collector, auxiliary heating, potable hot water, storage, control, transport, and government-furnished site data acquisition. A comparison of the proposed Solaron Heat Pump and Solar Desiccant Heating and Cooling Systems, installation drawings, data on the Akron House at Akron, Ohio, and other program activities are included.

Development of a magnetically suspended centrifugal pump as a cardiac assist device for long-term application.

PubMed

Nishimura, K; Park, C H; Akamatsu, T; Yamada, T; Ban, T

1996-01-01

To overcome problems with the shaft seal in conventional centrifugal pumps, the authors have been developing a magnetically suspended centrifugal pump (MSCP) that operates as a valveless, sealless, and bearingless pump. The prototype of the MSCP was modified with respect to size of the volute diffuser and impeller blade profiles. A hemolysis test in vitro using a new version of the MSCP was performed in comparison with a commercially available centrifugal pump. The test circuit for the hemolysis test comprised a blood reservoir, a pump, and polyvinyl tubes, and was filled with fresh heparinized bovine blood. The pumping conditions were a flow rate of 5 L/min and a pump head afterload of 100 mmHg. The index of hemolysis in the MSCP was significantly lower than that in the Biomedicus pump (0.0035 +/- 0.0025 versus 0.0097 +/- 0.0056 g/100 L, p < 0.05). Reduction in the platelet count during pumping also was lower in the MSCP compared with the Biomedicus pump at both 6 hrs and 12 hrs of pumping (p < 0.01). This MSCP may be advantageous for extended use of assist devices, not only from the theoretical point of view, but in a practical sense after the results of the current hemolysis test.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study of the 4th generation prototype of a continuous flow Ventricular Assist Device (VAD).

PubMed

Song, Xinwei; Wood, Houston G; Olsen, Don

2004-04-01

The continuous flow ventricular assist device (VAD) is a miniature centrifugal pump, fully suspended by magnetic bearings, which is being developed for implantation in humans. The CF4 model is the first actual prototype of the final design product. The overall performances of blood flow in CF4 have been simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software: CFX, which is commercially available from ANSYS Inc. The flow regions modeled in CF4 include the inlet elbow, the five-blade impeller, the clearance gap below the impeller, and the exit volute. According to different needs from patients, a wide range of flow rates and revolutions per minute (RPM) have been studied. The flow rate-pressure curves are given. The streamlines in the flow field are drawn to detect stagnation points and vortices that could lead to thrombosis. The stress is calculated in the fluid field to estimate potential hemolysis. The stress is elevated to the decreased size of the blood flow paths through the smaller pump, but is still within the safe range. The thermal study on the pump, the blood and the surrounding tissue shows the temperature rise due to magnetoelectric heat sources and thermal dissipation is insignificant. CFD simulation proved valuable to demonstrate and to improve the performance of fluid flow in the design of a small size pump.

Development of magnetic bearing system for a new third-generation blood pump.

PubMed

Lee, Jung Joo; Ahn, Chi Bum; Choi, Jaesoon; Park, Jun Woo; Song, Seung-Joon; Sun, Kyung

2011-11-01

A magnetic bearing system is a crucial component in a third-generation blood pump, particularly when we consider aspects such as system durability and blood compatibility. Many factors such as efficiency, occupying volume, hemodynamic stability in the flow path, mechanical stability, and stiffness need to be considered for the use of a magnetic bearing system in a third-generation blood pump, and a number of studies have been conducted to develop novel magnetic bearing design for better handling of these factors. In this study, we developed and evaluated a new magnetic bearing system having a motor for a new third-generation blood pump. This magnetic bearing system consists of a magnetic levitation compartment and a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor compartment. The active-control degree of freedom is one; this control is used for controlling the levitation in the axial direction. The levitation in the radial direction has a passive magnetic levitation structure. In order to improve the system efficiency, we separated the magnetic circuit for axial levitation by using a magnetic circuit for motor drive. Each magnetic circuit in the bearing system was designed to have a minimum gap by placing mechanical parts, such as the impeller blades, outside the circuit. A custom-designed noncontact gap sensor was used for minimizing the system volume. We fabricated an experimental prototype of the proposed magnetic bearing system and evaluated its performance by a control system using the Matlab xPC Target system. The noncontact gap sensor was an eddy current gap sensor with an outer diameter of 2.38 mm, thickness of 0.88 mm, and resolution of 5 µm. The BLDC motor compartment was designed to have an outer diameter of 20 mm, length of 28.75 mm, and power of 4.5 W. It exhibited a torque of 8.6 mNm at 5000 rpm. The entire bearing system, including the motor and the sensor, had an outer diameter of 22 mm and a length of 97 mm. The prototype exhibited sufficient levitation performance in the stop state and the rotation state with a gap of 0.2 mm between the rotor and the stator. The system had a steady position error of 0.01 µm in the stop state and a position error of 0.02 µm at a rotational speed of 5000 rpm; the current consumption rates were 0.15 A and 0.17 A in the stop state and the rotation state, respectively. In summary, we developed and evaluated a unique magnetic bearing system with an integrated motor. We believe that our design will be an important basis for the further development of the design of an entire third-generation blood pump system. © 2011, Copyright the Authors. Artificial Organs © 2011, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Increase of economy of torque flow pump with high specific speed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gusak, A. G.; Krishtop, I. V.; German, V. F.; Baga, V. N.

2017-08-01

Torque flow pumps are widely spread types of energy machines, which are used in majority of modern branches of industry for pumping of dirty media. The main task of researchers of torque flow pumps is increase of such pumps effectiveness for higher feed. Hydraulic losses for torque flow pumps are caused by working process of such pumps and are inevitable. Decrease of losses can be obtained by means of optimization of hydraulic flow part geometry. Modern approach to design of pump outlet introduces new constructive solutions which can increase economy of torque flow pumps. The aim of this research is increase of economy of torque flow pumps by means of application of spatial outlet and investigation of its geometry on pump characteristics. Analytical and numerical methods of liquid flow research for hydraulic flow part of torque flow pump were used in this paper. Moreover, influence of hydraulic flow part geometry of different designs of “Turo” type torque flow pumps outlets on pump characteristics was investigated. Numerical research enabled to study process of energy transfer of torque flow pump and evaluate influence of geometrical dimensions of spatial spiral outlet on its characteristics. Besides numerical research confirmed introduced regularity of peripheral velocity distribution in outlet. Velocity moment distribution in outlet was obtained during implementation of numerical research. Implemented bench tests of torque flow pump prototypes enabled to obtain real characteristics of pump and confirm effectiveness of spatial geometry of outlet application for such pump.

The New S-RAM Air Variable Compressor/Expander for Heat Pump and Waste Heat to Power Application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dehoff, Ryan R; Jestings, Lee; Conde, Ricardo

S-RAM Dynamics (S-RAM) has designed an innovative heat pump system targeted for commercial and industrial applications. This new heat pump system is more efficient than anything currently on the market and utilizes air as the refrigerant instead of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, leading to lower operating costs, minimal environmental costs or concerns, and lower maintenance costs. The heat pumps will be manufactured in the United States. This project was aimed at determining the feasibility of utilizing additive manufacturing to make the heat exchanger device for the new heat pump system. ORNL and S-RAM Dynamics collaborated on determining the prototype performance andmore » subsequently printing of the prototype using additive manufacturing. Complex heat exchanger designs were fabricated using the Arcam electron beam melting (EBM) powder bed technology using Ti-6Al-4V material. An ultrasonic welding system was utilized in order to remove the powder from the small openings of the heat exchanger. The majority of powder in the small chambers was removed, however, the amount of powder remaining in the heat exchanger was a function of geometry. Therefore, only certain geometries of heat exchangers could be fabricated. SRAM Dynamics evaluated a preliminary heat exchanger design. Although the results of the additive manufacturing of the heat exchanger were not optimum, a less complex geometry was demonstrated. A sleeve valve was used as a demonstration piece, as engine designs from S-RAM Dynamics require the engine to have a very high density. Preliminary designs of this geometry were successfully fabricated using the EBM technology.« less

Jet pump assisted arterial heat pipe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bienert, W. B.; Ducao, A. S.; Trimmer, D. S.

1978-01-01

This paper discusses the concept of an arterial heat pipe with a capillary driven jet pump. The jet pump generates a suction which pumps vapor and noncondensible gas from the artery. The suction also forces liquid into the artery and maintains it in a primed condition. A theoretical model was developed which predicts the existence of two stable ranges. Up to a certain tilt the artery will prime by itself once a heat load is applied to the heat pipe. At higher tilts, the jet pump can maintain the artery in a primed condition but self-priming is not possible. A prototype heat pipe was tested which self-primed up to a tilt of 1.9 cm, with a heat load of 500 watts. The heat pipe continued to prime reliably when operated as a VCHP, i.e., after a large amount of noncondensible gas was introduced.

Development of a jet pump-assisted arterial heat pipe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bienert, W. B.; Ducao, A. S.; Trimmer, D. S.

1977-01-01

The development of a jet pump assisted arterial heat pipe is described. The concept utilizes a built-in capillary driven jet pump to remove vapor and gas from the artery and to prime it. The continuous pumping action also prevents depriming during operation of the heat pipe. The concept is applicable to fixed conductance and gas loaded variable conductance heat pipes. A theoretical model for the jet pump assisted arterial heat pipe is presented. The model was used to design a prototype for laboratory demonstration. The 1.2 m long heat pipe was designed to transport 500 watts and to prime at an adverse elevation of up to 1.3 cm. The test results were in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The heat pipe carried as much as 540 watts and was able to prime up to 1.9 cm. Introduction of a considerable amount of noncondensible gas had no adverse effect on the priming capability.

Injection seeded, diode pumped regenerative ring Nd:YAG amplifier for spaceborne laser ranging technology development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coyle, D. Barry; Kay, Richard B.; Degnan, John J.; Krebs, Danny J.; Seery, Bernard D.

1992-01-01

A small, all solid state, regenerative ring amplifier designed as a prototype for space application is discussed. Novel features include dual side pumping of the Nd:YAG crystal and a triangular ring cavity design which minimizes the number of optical components and losses. The amplifier is relatively small (3 ns round trip time) even though standard optical elements are employed. The ring regeneratively amplifies a 100 ps single pulse by approximately 10(exp 5) at a repetition rate of 10 to 100 Hz. The amplifier is designed to be injection seeded with a pulsed, 100 ps laser diode at 1.06 microns, but another Nd:YAG laser system supplying higher pulse energies was employed for laboratory experiment. This system is a prototype laser oscillator for the Geoscience Laser Ranging System (GLRS) platform. Results on measurements of beam quality, astigmatism, and gain are given.

A highly reliable cryogenic mixing pump with no mechanical moving parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, W.; Niblick, A. L.

2017-12-01

This paper presents the design and preliminary test results of a novel cryogenic mixing pump based on magnetocaloric effect. The mixing pump is developed to enable long-term cryogenic propellant storage in space by preventing thermal stratification of cryogens in storage tanks. The mixing pump uses an innovative thermodynamic process to generate fluid jets to promote fluid mixing, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps. Its innovative mechanism uses a solid magnetocaloric material to alternately vaporize and condense the cryogen in the pumping chamber, and thus control the volume of the fluid inside the pumping chamber to produce pumping action. The pump is capable of self-priming and can generate a high-pressure rise. This paper discusses operating mechanism and design consideration of the pump, introduces the configuration of a brassboard cryogenic pump, and presents the preliminary test results of the pump with liquid nitrogen.

Self pressuring HTP feed systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Whitehead, J.

1999-10-14

Hydrogen peroxide tanks can be pressurized with decomposed HTP (high test hydrogen peroxide) originating in the tank itself. In rocketry, this offers the advantage of eliminating bulky and heavy inert gas storage. Several prototype self-pressurizing HTP systems have recently been designed and tested. Both a differential piston tank and a small gas-driven pump have been tried to obtain the pressure boost needed for flow through a gas generator and back to the tank. Results include terrestrial maneuvering tests of a prototype microsatellite, including warm gas attitude control jets.

A compact centrifugal blood pump for extracorporeal circulation: design and performance.

PubMed

Tanaka, S; Yamamoto, S; Yamakoshi, K; Kamiya, A

1987-08-01

A new compact centrifugal blood pump driven by a miniature DC servomotor has been designed for use for short-term extra corporeal and cardiac-assisted circulation. The impeller of the pump was connected directly to the motor by using a simple-gear coupling. The shaft for the impeller was sealed from blood by both a V-ring and a seal bearing. Either pulsatile or nonpusatile flow was produced by controlling the current supply to the motor. The pump characteristics and the degree of hemolysis were evaluated with regard to the configuration of the impeller with a 38-mm outer diameter in vitro tests; the impeller having the blade angles at the inlet of 20 deg and at the outlet of 50 deg was the most appropriate as a blood pump. The performance in an operation, hemolysis and thrombus formation in the pump were assessed by a left ventricular bypass experiment in dogs. It was suggested by this study that this prototype pump appears promising for use not only in animal experiments but also in clinical application.

A Passively-Suspended Tesla Pump Left Ventricular Assist Device

PubMed Central

Izraelev, Valentin; Weiss, William J.; Fritz, Bryan; Newswanger, Raymond K.; Paterson, Eric G.; Snyder, Alan; Medvitz, Richard B.; Cysyk, Joshua; Pae, Walter E.; Hicks, Dennis; Lukic, Branka; Rosenberg, Gerson

2009-01-01

The design and initial test results of a new passively suspended Tesla type LAVD blood pump are described. CFD analysis was used in the design of the pump. Overall size of the prototype device is 50 mm in diameter and 75 mm in length. The pump rotor has a density lower than that of blood and when spinning inside the stator in blood it creates a buoyant centering force that suspends the rotor in the radial direction. The axial magnetic force between the rotor and stator restrain the rotor in the axial direction. The pump is capable of pumping up to 10 liters/min at a 70 mmHg head rise at 8000 RPM. The pump has demonstrated a normalized index of hemolysis level below .02 mg/dL for flows between 2 and 9.7 L/min. An inlet pressure sensor has also been incorporated into the inlet cannula wall and will be used for control purposes. One initial in vivo study showed an encouraging result. Further CFD modeling refinements are planned as well as endurance testing of the device. PMID:19770799

Dynamic cell culture system: a new cell cultivation instrument for biological experiments in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gmunder, F. K.; Nordau, C. G.; Tschopp, A.; Huber, B.; Cogoli, A.

1988-01-01

The prototype of a miniaturized cell cultivation instrument for animal cell culture experiments aboard Spacelab is presented (Dynamic cell culture system: DCCS). The cell chamber is completely filled and has a working volume of 200 microliters. Medium exchange is achieved with a self-powered osmotic pump (flowrate 1 microliter h-1). The reservoir volume of culture medium is 230 microliters. The system is neither mechanically stirred nor equipped with sensors. Hamster kidney (Hak) cells growing on Cytodex 3 microcarriers were used to test the biological performance of the DCCS. Growth characteristics in the DCCS, as judged by maximal cell density, glucose consumption, lactic acid secretion and pH, were similar to those in cell culture tubes.

High-Reliability Pump Module for Non-Planar Ring Oscillator Laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Duncan T.; Qiu, Yueming; Wilson, Daniel W.; Dubovitsky, Serge; Forouhar, Siamak

2007-01-01

We propose and have demonstrated a prototype high-reliability pump module for pumping a Non-Planar Ring Oscillator (NPRO) laser suitable for space missions. The pump module consists of multiple fiber-coupled single-mode laser diodes and a fiber array micro-lens array based fiber combiner. The reported Single-Mode laser diode combiner laser pump module (LPM) provides a higher normalized brightness at the combined beam than multimode laser diode based LPMs. A higher brightness from the pump source is essential for efficient NPRO laser pumping and leads to higher reliability because higher efficiency requires a lower operating power for the laser diodes, which in turn increases the reliability and lifetime of the laser diodes. Single-mode laser diodes with Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) stabilized wavelength permit the pump module to be operated without a thermal electric cooler (TEC) and this further improves the overall reliability of the pump module. The single-mode laser diode LPM is scalable in terms of the number of pump diodes and is capable of combining hundreds of fiber-coupled laser diodes. In the proof-of-concept demonstration, an e-beam written diffractive micro lens array, a custom fiber array, commercial 808nm single mode laser diodes, and a custom NPRO laser head are used. The reliability of the proposed LPM is discussed.

Novel electronic ferroelectricity in an organic charge-order insulator investigated with terahertz-pump optical-probe spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Yamakawa, H.; Miyamoto, T.; Morimoto, T.; Yada, H.; Kinoshita, Y.; Sotome, M.; Kida, N.; Yamamoto, K.; Iwano, K.; Matsumoto, Y.; Watanabe, S.; Shimoi, Y.; Suda, M.; Yamamoto, H. M.; Mori, H.; Okamoto, H.

2016-01-01

In electronic-type ferroelectrics, where dipole moments produced by the variations of electron configurations are aligned, the polarization is expected to be rapidly controlled by electric fields. Such a feature can be used for high-speed electric-switching and memory devices. Electronic-type ferroelectrics include charge degrees of freedom, so that they are sometimes conductive, complicating dielectric measurements. This makes difficult the exploration of electronic-type ferroelectrics and the understanding of their ferroelectric nature. Here, we show unambiguous evidence for electronic ferroelectricity in the charge-order (CO) phase of a prototypical ET-based molecular compound, α-(ET)2I3 (ET:bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene), using a terahertz pulse as an external electric field. Terahertz-pump second-harmonic-generation(SHG)-probe and optical-reflectivity-probe spectroscopy reveal that the ferroelectric polarization originates from intermolecular charge transfers and is inclined 27° from the horizontal CO stripe. These features are qualitatively reproduced by the density-functional-theory calculation. After sub-picosecond polarization modulation by terahertz fields, prominent oscillations appear in the reflectivity but not in the SHG-probe results, suggesting that the CO is coupled with molecular displacements, while the ferroelectricity is electronic in nature. The results presented here demonstrate that terahertz-pump optical-probe spectroscopy is a powerful tool not only for rapidly controlling polarizations, but also for clarifying the mechanisms of ferroelectricity. PMID:26864779

Novel electronic ferroelectricity in an organic charge-order insulator investigated with terahertz-pump optical-probe spectroscopy.

PubMed

Yamakawa, H; Miyamoto, T; Morimoto, T; Yada, H; Kinoshita, Y; Sotome, M; Kida, N; Yamamoto, K; Iwano, K; Matsumoto, Y; Watanabe, S; Shimoi, Y; Suda, M; Yamamoto, H M; Mori, H; Okamoto, H

2016-02-11

In electronic-type ferroelectrics, where dipole moments produced by the variations of electron configurations are aligned, the polarization is expected to be rapidly controlled by electric fields. Such a feature can be used for high-speed electric-switching and memory devices. Electronic-type ferroelectrics include charge degrees of freedom, so that they are sometimes conductive, complicating dielectric measurements. This makes difficult the exploration of electronic-type ferroelectrics and the understanding of their ferroelectric nature. Here, we show unambiguous evidence for electronic ferroelectricity in the charge-order (CO) phase of a prototypical ET-based molecular compound, α-(ET)2I3 (ET:bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene), using a terahertz pulse as an external electric field. Terahertz-pump second-harmonic-generation(SHG)-probe and optical-reflectivity-probe spectroscopy reveal that the ferroelectric polarization originates from intermolecular charge transfers and is inclined 27° from the horizontal CO stripe. These features are qualitatively reproduced by the density-functional-theory calculation. After sub-picosecond polarization modulation by terahertz fields, prominent oscillations appear in the reflectivity but not in the SHG-probe results, suggesting that the CO is coupled with molecular displacements, while the ferroelectricity is electronic in nature. The results presented here demonstrate that terahertz-pump optical-probe spectroscopy is a powerful tool not only for rapidly controlling polarizations, but also for clarifying the mechanisms of ferroelectricity.

Development of a pump-turbine runner based on multiobjective optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xuhe, W.; Baoshan, Z.; Lei, T.; Jie, Z.; Shuliang, C.

2014-03-01

As a key component of reversible pump-turbine unit, pump-turbine runner rotates at pump or turbine direction according to the demand of power grid, so higher efficiencies under both operating modes have great importance for energy saving. In the present paper, a multiobjective optimization design strategy, which includes 3D inverse design method, CFD calculations, response surface method (RSM) and multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA), is introduced to develop a model pump-turbine runner for middle-high head pumped storage plant. Parameters that controlling blade shape, such as blade loading and blade lean angle at high pressure side are chosen as input parameters, while runner efficiencies under both pump and turbine modes are selected as objective functions. In order to validate the availability of the optimization design system, one runner configuration from Pareto front is manufactured for experimental research. Test results show that the highest unit efficiency is 91.0% under turbine mode and 90.8% under pump mode for the designed runner, of which prototype efficiencies are 93.88% and 93.27% respectively. Viscous CFD calculations for full passage model are also conducted, which aim at finding out the hydraulic improvement from internal flow analyses.

Development of a Self-contained Heat Rejection Module (SHRM), phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleming, M. L.

1976-01-01

The laboratory prototype test hardware and testing of the Self-Contained Heat Rejection Module are discussed. The purpose of the test was to provide operational and design experience for application to a flight prototype design. It also provided test evaluation of several of the actual components which were to be used in the flight prototype hardware. Several changes were made in the flight prototype design due to these tests including simpler line routing, relocation of remote operated valves to a position upstream of the expansion valves, and shock mounting of the compressor. The concept of heat rejection control by compressor speed reduction was verified and the liquid receiver, accumulator, remote control valves, oil separator and power source were demonstrated as acceptable. A procedure for mode changes between pumped fluid and vapor compression was developed.

Design and Fabrication of a 5-kWe Free-Piston Stirling Power Conversion System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, Peter A.; Walter, Thomas J.; Brandhorst, Henry W., Jr.

2008-01-01

Progress in the design and fabrication of a 5-kWe free-piston Stirling power conversion system is described. A scaled-down version of the successful 12.5-kWe Component Test Power Converter (CTPC) developed under NAS3-25463, this single cylinder prototype incorporates cost effective and readily available materials (steel versus beryllium) and components (a commercial linear alternator). The design consists of a displacer suspended on internally pumped gas bearings and a power piston/alternator supported on flexures. Non-contacting clearance seals are used between internal volumes. Heat to and from the prototype is supplied via pumped liquid loops passing through shell and tube heat exchangers. The control system incorporates several novel ideas such as a pulse start capability and a piston stroke set point control strategy that provides the ability to throttle the engine to match the required output power. It also ensures stable response to various disturbances such as electrical load variations while providing useful data regarding the position of both power piston and displacer. All design and analysis activities are complete and fabrication is underway. Prototype test is planned for summer 2008 at Foster-Miller to characterize the dynamics and steady-state operation of the prototype and determine maximum power output and system efficiency. Further tests will then be performed at Auburn University to determine start-up and shutdown characteristics and assess transient response to temperature and load variations.

Vapor compression distillation module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nuccio, P. P.

1975-01-01

A Vapor Compression Distillation (VCD) module was developed and evaluated as part of a Space Station Prototype (SSP) environmental control and life support system. The VCD module includes the waste tankage, pumps, post-treatment cells, automatic controls and fault detection instrumentation. Development problems were encountered with two components: the liquid pumps, and the waste tank and quantity gauge. Peristaltic pumps were selected instead of gear pumps, and a sub-program of materials and design optimization was undertaken leading to a projected life greater than 10,000 hours of continuous operation. A bladder tank was designed and built to contain the waste liquids and deliver it to the processor. A detrimental pressure pattern imposed upon the bladder by a force-operated quantity gauge was corrected by rearranging the force application, and design goals were achieved. System testing has demonstrated that all performance goals have been fulfilled.

Low-Cost energy contraption design using playground seesaw

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banlawe, I. A. P.; Acosta, N. J. E. L.

2017-05-01

The study was conducted at Western Philippines University, San Juan, Aborlan, Palawan. The study used the mechanical motion of playground seesaw as a means to produce electrical energy. The study aimed to design a low-cost prototype energy contraption using playground seesaw using locally available and recycled materials, to measure the voltage, current and power outputs produced at different situations and estimate the cost of the prototype. Using principle of pneumatics, two hand air pumps were employed on the two end sides of the playground seesaw and the mechanical motion of the seesaw up and down produces air that is used to rotate a DC motor to produce electrical energy. This electricity can be utilized for powering basic or low-power appliances. There were two trials of testing, each trial tests the different pressure level of the air tank and tests the opening of on-off valve (Full open and half open) when the compressed air was released. Results showed that all pressure level at full open produced significantly higher voltage, than the half open. However, the mean values of the current and power produced in all pressure level at full and half open have negligible variation. These results signify that the energy contraption using playground seesaw is an alternative viable source of electrical energy in the playgrounds, parks and other places and can be used as an auxiliary or back-up source for electricity.

The putative drug efflux systems of the Bacillus cereus group

PubMed Central

Elbourne, Liam D. H.; Vörös, Aniko; Kroeger, Jasmin K.; Simm, Roger; Tourasse, Nicolas J.; Finke, Sarah; Henderson, Peter J. F.; Økstad, Ole Andreas; Paulsen, Ian T.; Kolstø, Anne-Brit

2017-01-01

The Bacillus cereus group of bacteria includes seven closely related species, three of which, B. anthracis, B. cereus and B. thuringiensis, are pathogens of humans, animals and/or insects. Preliminary investigations into the transport capabilities of different bacterial lineages suggested that genes encoding putative efflux systems were unusually abundant in the B. cereus group compared to other bacteria. To explore the drug efflux potential of the B. cereus group all putative efflux systems were identified in the genomes of prototypical strains of B. cereus, B. anthracis and B. thuringiensis using our Transporter Automated Annotation Pipeline. More than 90 putative drug efflux systems were found within each of these strains, accounting for up to 2.7% of their protein coding potential. Comparative analyses demonstrated that the efflux systems are highly conserved between these species; 70–80% of the putative efflux pumps were shared between all three strains studied. Furthermore, 82% of the putative efflux system proteins encoded by the prototypical B. cereus strain ATCC 14579 (type strain) were found to be conserved in at least 80% of 169 B. cereus group strains that have high quality genome sequences available. However, only a handful of these efflux pumps have been functionally characterized. Deletion of individual efflux pump genes from B. cereus typically had little impact to drug resistance phenotypes or the general fitness of the strains, possibly because of the large numbers of alternative efflux systems that may have overlapping substrate specificities. Therefore, to gain insight into the possible transport functions of efflux systems in B. cereus, we undertook large-scale qRT-PCR analyses of efflux pump gene expression following drug shocks and other stress treatments. Clustering of gene expression changes identified several groups of similarly regulated systems that may have overlapping drug resistance functions. In this article we review current knowledge of the small molecule efflux pumps encoded by the B. cereus group and suggest the likely functions of numerous uncharacterised pumps. PMID:28472044

16 CFR 305.12 - Labeling for central air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... recognition and readability. Trim size dimensions for all labels shall be as follows: width must be between 51.... Specific sizes and faces to be used are indicated on the prototype labels. No hyphenation should be used in...

H- ion sources for CERN's Linac4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lettry, J.; Aguglia, D.; Coutron, Y.; Chaudet, E.; Dallocchio, A.; Gil Flores, J.; Hansen, J.; Mahner, E.; Mathot, S.; Mattei, S.; Midttun, O.; Moyret, P.; Nisbet, D.; O'Neil, M.; Paoluzzi, M.; Pasquino, C.; Pereira, H.; Arias, J. Sanchez; Schmitzer, C.; Scrivens, R.; Steyaert, D.

2013-02-01

The specifications set to the Linac4 ion source are: H- ion pulses of 0.5 ms duration, 80 mA intensity and 45 keV energy within a normalized emittance of 0.25 mmmrad RMS at a repetition rate of 2 Hz. In 2010, during the commissioning of a prototype based on H- production from the plasma volume, it was observed that the powerful co-extracted electron beam inherent to this type of ion source could destroy its electron beam dump well before reaching nominal parameters. However, the same source was able to provide 80 mA of protons mixed with a small fraction of H2+ and H3+ molecular ions. The commissioning of the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator (RFQ), beam chopper and H- beam diagnostics of the Linac4 are scheduled for 2012 and its final installation in the underground building is to start in 2013. Therefore, a crash program was launched in 2010 and reviewed in 2011 aiming at keeping the original Linac4 schedule with the following deliverables: Design and production of a volume ion source prototype suitable for 20-30 mA H- and 80 mA proton pulses at 45 keV by mid-2012. This first prototype will be dedicated to the commissioning of the low energy components of the Linac4. Design and production of a second prototype suitable for 40-50 mA H- based on an external RF solenoid plasma heating and cesiated-surface production mechanism in 2013 and a third prototype based on BNL's Magnetron aiming at reliable 2 Hz and 80 mA H- operations in 2014. In order to ease the future maintenance and allow operation with Ion sources based on three different production principles, an ion source "front end" providing alignment features, pulsed gas injection, pumping units, beam tuning capabilities and pulsed bipolar high voltage acceleration was designed and is being produced. This paper describes the progress of the Linac4 ion source program, the design of the Front end and first ion source prototype. Preliminary results of the summer 2012 commissioning are presented. The outlook on the future prototype ion sources is sketched.

Osmotically driven drug delivery through remote-controlled magnetic nanocomposite membranes.

PubMed

Zaher, A; Li, S; Wolf, K T; Pirmoradi, F N; Yassine, O; Lin, L; Khashab, N M; Kosel, J

2015-09-01

Implantable drug delivery systems can provide long-term reliability, controllability, and biocompatibility, and have been used in many applications, including cancer pain and non-malignant pain treatment. However, many of the available systems are limited to zero-order, inconsistent, or single burst event drug release. To address these limitations, we demonstrate prototypes of a remotely operated drug delivery device that offers controllability of drug release profiles, using osmotic pumping as a pressure source and magnetically triggered membranes as switchable on-demand valves. The membranes are made of either ethyl cellulose, or the proposed stronger cellulose acetate polymer, mixed with thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles. The prototype devices' drug diffusion rates are on the order of 0.5-2 μg/h for higher release rate designs, and 12-40 ng/h for lower release rates, with maximum release ratios of 4.2 and 3.2, respectively. The devices exhibit increased drug delivery rates with higher osmotic pumping rates or with magnetically increased membrane porosity. Furthermore, by vapor deposition of a cyanoacrylate layer, a drastic reduction of the drug delivery rate from micrograms down to tens of nanograms per hour is achieved. By utilizing magnetic membranes as the valve-control mechanism, triggered remotely by means of induction heating, the demonstrated drug delivery devices benefit from having the power source external to the system, eliminating the need for a battery. These designs multiply the potential approaches towards increasing the on-demand controllability and customizability of drug delivery profiles in the expanding field of implantable drug delivery systems, with the future possibility of remotely controlling the pressure source.

Osmotically driven drug delivery through remote-controlled magnetic nanocomposite membranes

PubMed Central

Zaher, A.; Li, S.; Wolf, K. T.; Pirmoradi, F. N.; Yassine, O.; Lin, L.; Khashab, N. M.; Kosel, J.

2015-01-01

Implantable drug delivery systems can provide long-term reliability, controllability, and biocompatibility, and have been used in many applications, including cancer pain and non-malignant pain treatment. However, many of the available systems are limited to zero-order, inconsistent, or single burst event drug release. To address these limitations, we demonstrate prototypes of a remotely operated drug delivery device that offers controllability of drug release profiles, using osmotic pumping as a pressure source and magnetically triggered membranes as switchable on-demand valves. The membranes are made of either ethyl cellulose, or the proposed stronger cellulose acetate polymer, mixed with thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles. The prototype devices' drug diffusion rates are on the order of 0.5–2 μg/h for higher release rate designs, and 12–40 ng/h for lower release rates, with maximum release ratios of 4.2 and 3.2, respectively. The devices exhibit increased drug delivery rates with higher osmotic pumping rates or with magnetically increased membrane porosity. Furthermore, by vapor deposition of a cyanoacrylate layer, a drastic reduction of the drug delivery rate from micrograms down to tens of nanograms per hour is achieved. By utilizing magnetic membranes as the valve-control mechanism, triggered remotely by means of induction heating, the demonstrated drug delivery devices benefit from having the power source external to the system, eliminating the need for a battery. These designs multiply the potential approaches towards increasing the on-demand controllability and customizability of drug delivery profiles in the expanding field of implantable drug delivery systems, with the future possibility of remotely controlling the pressure source. PMID:26487899

Multi-Function Gas Fired Heat Pump

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abu-Heiba, Ahmad; Vineyard, Edward Allan

2015-11-01

The aim of this project was to design a residential fuel fired heat pump and further improve efficiency in collaboration with an industry partner – Southwest Gas, the developer of the Nextaire commercial rooftop fuel-fired heat pump. Work started in late 2010. After extensive search for suitable engines, one manufactured by Marathon was selected. Several prototypes were designed and built over the following four years. Design changes were focused on lowering the cost of components and the cost of manufacturing. The design evolved to a final one that yielded the lowest cost. The final design also incorporates noise and vibrationmore » reduction measures that were verified to be effective through a customer survey. ETL certification is currently (as of November 2015) underway. Southwest Gas is currently in talks with GTI to reach an agreement through which GTI will assess the commercial viability and potential of the heat pump. Southwest Gas is searching for investors to manufacture the heat pump and introduce it to the market.« less

A fermentation-powered thermopneumatic pump for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Ochoa, Manuel; Ziaie, Babak

2012-10-21

We present a microorganism-powered thermopneumatic pump that utilizes temperature-dependent slow-kinetics gas (carbon dioxide) generating fermentation of yeast as a pressure source. The pump consists of stacked layers of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a silicon substrate that form a drug reservoir, and a yeast-solution-filled working chamber. The pump operates by the displacement of a drug due to the generation of gas produced via yeast fermentation carried out at skin temperatures. The robustness of yeast allows for long shelf life under extreme environmental conditions (50 °C, >250 MPa, 5-8% humidity). The generation of carbon dioxide is a linear function of time for a given temperature, thus allowing for a controlled volume displacement. A polymeric prototype (dimensions 15 mm × 15 mm × 10 mm) with a slow flow rate of <0.23 μL min(-1) and maximum backpressure of 5.86 kPa capable of continuously pumping for over two hours is presented and characterized.

Oilwell Power Controller (OPC)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1993-08-01

The Oil Well Power Controller (OPC) prototype units is nearing completion. This device is an oilwell beam pump controller and data logger. Applications for this device have been for an electrical power saving device, pump off control, parafffin detection, demand power load control, chemical treatment data, dynamometer and pump efficiency data. Preliminary results appear vary promising. A total of ten OPC rod pump controllers were assembled and installed on oilwells in several areas of Central and Western United States. Data was analyzed on these wells and forwarded to the participating oil companies. Cost savings on each individual oil well participatingmore » in the OPC testing vary considerably, savings on some situations have been outstanding. In situations where the pump efficiency was determined to be low, the cost savings have been considerable. Cost savings due to preventive maintenance are also present, but are difficult to pin point an exact dollar amount at the present time. A break out of actual cost data obtained on some of the oilwells controlled and monitored with the oilwell power controller.« less

Materials considerations in the design of a metal-hydride heat pump for an advanced extravehicular mobility unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebert, B. E.

1986-01-01

A metal-hydride heat pump (HHP) has been proposed to provide an advanced regenerable nonventing thermal sink for the liquid-cooled garment worn during an extravehicular activity (EVA). The conceptual design indicates that there is a potential for significant advantages over the one presently being used by shuttle crew personnel as well as those that have been proposed for future use with the space station. Compared to other heat pump designs, a HHP offers the potential for extended use with no electrical power requirements during the EVA. In addition, a reliable, compact design is possible due to the absence of moving parts other than high-reliability check valves. Because there are many subtleties in the properties of metal hydrides for heat pump applications, it is essential that a prototype hydride heat pump be constructed with the selected materials before a committment is made for the final design. Particular care must be given to the evaporator heat exchanger worn by the astronaut since the performance of hydride heat pumps is generally heat transfer limited.

Development of a Small Thermoelectric Generators Prototype for Energy Harvesting from Low Temperature Waste Heat at Industrial Plant.

PubMed

Chiarotti, Ugo; Moroli, Valerio; Menchetti, Fernando; Piancaldini, Roberto; Bianco, Loris; Viotto, Alberto; Baracchini, Giulia; Gaspardo, Daniele; Nazzi, Fabio; Curti, Maurizio; Gabriele, Massimiliano

2017-03-01

A 39-W thermoelectric generator prototype has been realized and then installed in industrial plant for on-line trials. The prototype was developed as an energy harvesting demonstrator using low temperature cooling water waste heat as energy source. The objective of the research program is to measure the actual performances of this kind of device working with industrial water below 90 °C, as hot source, and fresh water at a temperature of about 15 °C, as cold sink. The article shows the first results of the research program. It was verified, under the tested operative conditions, that the produced electric power exceeds the energy required to pump the water from the hot source and cold sink to the thermoelectric generator unit if they are located at a distance not exceeding 50 m and the electric energy conversion efficiency is 0.33%. It was calculated that increasing the distance of the hot source and cold sink to the thermoelectric generator unit to 100 m the produced electric energy equals the energy required for water pumping, while reducing the distance of the hot source and cold sink to zero meters the developed unit produces an electric energy conversion efficiency of 0.61%.

Recent progress on monolithic fiber amplifiers for next generation of gravitational wave detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wellmann, Felix; Booker, Phillip; Hochheim, Sven; Theeg, Thomas; de Varona, Omar; Fittkau, Willy; Overmeyer, Ludger; Steinke, Michael; Weßels, Peter; Neumann, Jörg; Kracht, Dietmar

2018-02-01

Single-frequency fiber amplifiers in MOPA configuration operating at 1064 nm (Yb3+) and around 1550 nm (Er3+ or Er3+:Yb3+) are promising candidates to fulfill the challenging requirements of laser sources of the next generation of interferometric gravitational wave detectors (GWDs). Most probably, the next generation of GWDs is going to operate not only at 1064 nm but also at 1550 nm to cover a broader range of frequencies in which gravitational waves are detectable. We developed an engineering fiber amplifier prototype at 1064 nm emitting 215 W of linearly-polarized light in the TEM00 mode. The system consists of three modules: the seed source, the pre-amplifier, and the main amplifier. The modular design ensures reliable long-term operation, decreases system complexity and simplifies repairing and maintenance procedures. It also allows for the future integration of upgraded fiber amplifier systems without excessive downtimes. We also developed and characterized a fiber amplifier prototype at around 1550 nm that emits 100 W of linearly-polarized light in the TEM00 mode. This prototype uses an Er3+:Yb3+ codoped fiber that is pumped off-resonant at 940 nm. The off-resonant pumping scheme improves the Yb3+-to-Er3+ energy transfer and prevents excessive generation of Yb3+-ASE.

CSPonD demonstrative project: Start-up process of a 25 kW prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gil, Antoni; Grange, Benjamin; Perez, Victor G.; Tetreault-Friend, Melanie; Codd, Daniel S.; Calvet, Nicolas; Slocum, Alexander S.

2017-06-01

The current concept of commercial concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, based on the concept of a solar field, receiver, storage and power block, experienced significant growth in the past decades. The power block is the most well know part of the plant, while solar field depends on the receiver technology. The dominant receiver technologies are parabolic troughs and central towers. Most thermal energy storage (TES) relies on two tanks of molten salts, one hot and one cold serviced by pumps and piping systems. In spite of the technical development level achieved by these systems, efficiency is limited, mainly caused by thermal losses in piping, parasitic losses due to electric tracing and pumping and receiver limitations. In order to mitigate the these issues, a new concept called Concentrated Solar Power on Demand (CSPonD), was developed, consisting of a direct absorption Solar Salt CSP receiver which simultaneously acts as TES tank. Currently, in the frame of the flagship collaborative project between the Masdar Institute (UAE) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) a 25 kW demonstrative prototype is in its final building phase at the Masdar Institute Solar Platform. The present paper, explains the demonstration prototype based on the CSPonD concept, with emphasis on the planned start-up process for the facility.

Progress toward hydrogen peroxide micropulsion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Whitehead, J C; Dittman, M D; Ledebuhr, A G

1999-07-08

A new self-pressurizing propulsion system has liquid thrusters and gas jet attitude control without heavy gas storage vessels. A pump boosts the pressure of a small fraction of the hydrogen peroxide, so that reacted propellant can controllably pressurize its own source tank. The warm decomposition gas also powers the pump and is supplied to the attitude control jets. The system has been incorporated into a prototype microsatellite for terrestrial maneuvering tests. Additional progress includes preliminary testing of a bipropellant thruster, and storage of unstabilized hydrogen peroxide in small sealed tanks.

Recent results of the pulsed optically pumped rubidium clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levi, F.; Micalizio, S.; Godone, A.; Calosso, C.; Bertacco, E.

2017-11-01

A laboratory prototype of a pulsed optically pumped (POP) clock based on a rubidium cell with buffer gas is described. This clock has shown very interesting physical and metrological features, such as negligible light-shift, strongly reduced cavity-pulling and very good frequency stability. In this regard, an Allan deviation of σy(τ) = 1.2 τ-1/2 for measurement times up to τ = 105 s has been measured. These results confirm the interesting perspectives of such a frequency standard and make it very attractive for several technological applications, such as radionavigation.

Experimental and numerical investigation of a phase-only control mechanism in the linear intensity regime.

PubMed

Brühl, Elisabeth; Buckup, Tiago; Motzkus, Marcus

2018-06-07

Mechanisms and optimal experimental conditions in coherent control still intensely stimulate debates. In this work, a phase-only control mechanism in an open quantum system is investigated experimentally and numerically. Several parameterizations for femtosecond pulse shaping (combination of chirp and multipulses) are exploited in transient absorption of a prototype organic molecule to control population and vibrational coherence in ground and excited states. Experimental results are further numerically simulated and corroborated with a four-level density-matrix model, which reveals a phase-only control mechanism based on the interaction between the tailored phase of the excitation pulse and the induced transient absorption. In spite of performing experiment and numerical simulations in the linear regime of excitation, the control effect amplitude depends non-linearly on the excitation energy and is explained as a pump-dump control mechanism. No evidence of single-photon control is observed with the model. Moreover, our results also show that the control effect on the population and vibrational coherence is highly dependent on the spectral detuning of the excitation spectrum. Contrary to the popular belief in coherent control experiments, spectrally resonant tailored excitation will lead to the control of the excited state only for very specific conditions.

Burst mode pumping: A new mechanism of drinking in mosquitoes

DOE PAGES

Kikuchi, Kenji; Stremler, Mark A.; Chatterjee, Souvick; ...

2018-03-20

Mosquitoes transport liquid foods into the body using two muscular pumps in the head. In normal drinking, these pumps reciprocate in a stereotyped pattern of oscillation, with a high frequency but small stroke volume. Do mosquitoes modulate their neuromotor programs for pumping to produce different drinking modes? More broadly, what are the mechanical consequences of a two-pump system in insects? To address these questions, we used synchrotron x-ray imaging and fluid mechanical modeling to investigate drinking performance in mosquitoes. X-ray imaging of the pumps during drinking revealed two modes of pumping: continuous reciprocation with multiple small strokes, and a newlymore » discovered ‘burst mode’ involving a single, large-volume stroke. Results from modeling demonstrate that burst mode pumping creates a very large pressure drop and high volume flow rate, but requires a massive increase in power, suggesting that continuous pumping is more economical for drinking. Modeling also demonstrates that, from one mode of pumping to the other, the mechanical role of the individual pumps changes. Furthermore, these results suggest that the advantage of a two-pump system in insects lies in its flexibility, enabling the animal to pump efficiently or powerfully as demanded by environmental considerations.« less

Burst mode pumping: A new mechanism of drinking in mosquitoes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kikuchi, Kenji; Stremler, Mark A.; Chatterjee, Souvick

Mosquitoes transport liquid foods into the body using two muscular pumps in the head. In normal drinking, these pumps reciprocate in a stereotyped pattern of oscillation, with a high frequency but small stroke volume. Do mosquitoes modulate their neuromotor programs for pumping to produce different drinking modes? More broadly, what are the mechanical consequences of a two-pump system in insects? To address these questions, we used synchrotron x-ray imaging and fluid mechanical modeling to investigate drinking performance in mosquitoes. X-ray imaging of the pumps during drinking revealed two modes of pumping: continuous reciprocation with multiple small strokes, and a newlymore » discovered ‘burst mode’ involving a single, large-volume stroke. Results from modeling demonstrate that burst mode pumping creates a very large pressure drop and high volume flow rate, but requires a massive increase in power, suggesting that continuous pumping is more economical for drinking. Modeling also demonstrates that, from one mode of pumping to the other, the mechanical role of the individual pumps changes. Furthermore, these results suggest that the advantage of a two-pump system in insects lies in its flexibility, enabling the animal to pump efficiently or powerfully as demanded by environmental considerations.« less

Numerical Investigation of Transient Flow in a Prototype Centrifugal Pump during Startup Period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yu-Liang; Zhu, Zu-Chao; Dou, Hua-Shu; Cui, Bao-Ling; Li, Yi; Zhou, Zhao-Zhong

2017-05-01

Transient performance of pumps during transient operating periods, such as startup and stopping, has drawn more and more attentions recently due to the growing engineering needs. During the startup period of a pump, the performance parameters such as the flow rate and head would vary significantly in a broad range. Therefore, it is very difficult to accurately specify the unsteady boundary conditions for a pump alone to solve the transient flow in the absence of experimental results. The closed-loop pipe system including a centrifugal pump is built to accomplish the self-coupling calculation. The three-dimensional unsteady incompressible viscous flow inside the passage of the pump during startup period is numerically simulated using the dynamic mesh method. Simulation results show that there are tiny fluctuations in the flow rate even under stable operating conditions and this can be attributed to influence of the rotor-stator interaction. At the very beginning of the startup, the rising speed of the flow rate is lower than that of the rotational speed. It is also found that it is not suitable to predict the transient performance of pumps using the calculation method of quasi-steady flow, especially at the earlier period of the startup.

Application of Rapid Prototyping to the Investment Casting of Test Hardware (MSFC Center Director's Discretionary Fund Final Report, Project No. 98-08)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, K. G.; Wells, D.

2000-01-01

Investment casting masters of a selected propulsion hardware component, a fuel pump housing, were rapid prototyped on the several processes in-house, along with the new Z-Corp process acquired through this project. Also, tensile samples were prototyped and cast using the same significant parameters. The models were then shelled in-house using a commercial grade zircon-based slurry and stucco technique. Next, the shelled models were fired and cast by our in-house foundry contractor (IITRI), with NASA-23, a commonly used test hardware metal. The cast models are compared by their surface finish and overall appearance (i.e., the occurrence of pitting, warping, etc.), as well as dimensional accuracy.

Energy pumping analysis of skating motion in a half pipe and on a level surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Z. C.; Xin, Ming

2015-01-01

In this paper, an energy pumping mechanism for locomotion is analysed. The pumping is accomplished by exerting forces perpendicular to the direction of motion. The paper attempts to demonstrate an interesting application of the classical mechanics to two sporting events: a person skating in a half pipe and a person travelling on a level surface on a skateboard. The equations of motion based on simplified mechanical models are derived using the Lagrange mechanics. The energy-pumping phenomenon is revealed through numerical simulations with simple pumping actions. The result presented in this paper can be used as an interesting class project in undergraduate mechanics or physics courses. It also motivates potential new applications of energy pumping in many engineering fields.

Development of a prototype two-phase thermal bus system for Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myron, D. L.; Parish, R. C.

1987-01-01

This paper describes the basic elements of a pumped two-phase ammonia thermal control system designed for microgravity environments, the development of the concept into a Space Station flight design, and design details of the prototype to be ground-tested in the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Thermal Test Bed. The basic system concept is one of forced-flow heat transport through interface heat exchangers with anhydrous ammonia being pumped by a device expressly designed for two-phase fluid management in reduced gravity. Control of saturation conditions, and thus system interface temperatures, is accomplished with a single central pressure regulating valve. Flow control and liquid inventory are controlled by passive, nonelectromechanical devices. Use of these simple control elements results in minimal computer controls and high system reliability. Building on the basic system concept, a brief overview of a potential Space Station flight design is given. Primary verification of the system concept will involve testing at JSC of a 25-kW ground test article currently in fabrication.

Spin exchange optical pumping based polarized 3He filling station for the Hybrid Spectrometer at the Spallation Neutron Source.

PubMed

Jiang, C Y; Tong, X; Brown, D R; Culbertson, H; Graves-Brook, M K; Hagen, M E; Kadron, B; Lee, W T; Robertson, J L; Winn, B

2013-06-01

The Hybrid Spectrometer (HYSPEC) is a new direct geometry spectrometer at the Spallation Neutron Source at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This instrument is equipped with polarization analysis capability with 60° horizontal and 15° vertical detector coverages. In order to provide wide angle polarization analysis for this instrument, we have designed and built a novel polarized (3)He filling station based on the spin exchange optical pumping method. It is designed to supply polarized (3)He gas to HYSPEC as a neutron polarization analyzer. In addition, the station can optimize the (3)He pressure with respect to the scattered neutron energies. The depolarized (3)He gas in the analyzer can be transferred back to the station to be repolarized. We have constructed the prototype filling station. Preliminary tests have been carried out demonstrating the feasibility of the filling station. Here, we report on the design, construction, and the preliminary results of the prototype filling station.

Diode pumped, regenerative Nd:YAG ring amplifier for space application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coyle, D. B.; Kay, Richard B.; Degnan, John J.; Krebs, Danny J.; Seery, Bernard D.

1992-01-01

The study reviews the research and development of a prototype laser used to study one possible method of short-pulse production and amplification, in particular, a pulsed Nd:YAG ring laser pumped by laser diode arrays and injected seeded by a 100-ps source. The diode array pumped, regenerative amplifier consists of only five optical elements, two mirrors, one thin film polarizer, one Nd:YAG crystal, and one pockels cell. The pockels cell performed both as a Q-switch and a cavity dumper for amplified pulse ejection through the thin film polarizer. The total optical efficiency was low principally due to the low gain provided by the 2-bar pumped laser head. After comparison with a computer model, a real seed threshold of about 10 exp -15 J was achieved because only about 0.1 percent of the injected energy mode-matched with the ring.

Tubular Heart Pumping Mechanisms in Ciona Intestinalis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battista, Nicholas; Miller, Laura

2015-11-01

In vertebrate embryogenesis, the first organ to form is the heart, beginning as a primitive heart tube. However, many invertebrates have tubular hearts from infancy through adulthood. Heart tubes have been described as peristaltic and impedance pumps. Impedance pumping assumes a single actuation point of contraction, while traditional peristalsis assumes a traveling wave of actuation. In addition to differences in flow, this inherently implies differences in the conduction system. It is possible to transition from pumping mechanism to the other with a change in the diffusivity of the action potential. In this work we consider the coupling between the fluid dynamics and electrophysiology of both mechanisms, within a basal chordate, the tunicate. Using CFD with a neuro-mechanical model of tubular pumping, we discuss implications of the both mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of the pumping mechanism on evolution and development.

Comparative study of beam losses and heat loads reduction methods in MITICA beam source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sartori, E.; Agostinetti, P.; Dal Bello, S.; Marcuzzi, D.; Serianni, G.; Sonato, P.; Veltri, P.

2014-02-01

In negative ion electrostatic accelerators a considerable fraction of extracted ions is lost by collision processes causing efficiency loss and heat deposition over the components. Stripping is proportional to the local density of gas, which is steadily injected in the plasma source; its pumping from the extraction and acceleration stages is a key functionality for the prototype of the ITER Neutral Beam Injector, and it can be simulated with the 3D code AVOCADO. Different geometric solutions were tested aiming at the reduction of the gas density. The parameter space considered is limited by constraints given by optics, aiming, voltage holding, beam uniformity, and mechanical feasibility. The guidelines of the optimization process are presented together with the proposed solutions and the results of numerical simulations.

Category priming with aliens: analysing the influence of targets' prototypicality on the centre surround inhibition mechanism.

PubMed

Frings, Christian; Göbel, Ariane; Mast, Frank; Sutter, Julia; Bermeitinger, Christina; Wentura, Dirk

2011-08-01

Marginally perceptible prototypes as primes lead to slowed reactions to related category exemplars as compared to unrelated ones. This at first glance counterintuitive finding has been interpreted as evidence for a particular mechanism of lateral inhibition, namely the centre surround inhibition mechanism. We investigated the semantic surround of category labels by experimentally manipulating the prototypicality of stimuli. Participants first learned two new categories of fantasy creatures in a 5-day-long learning phase before they worked through a semantic priming task with the category prototypes as primes and category exemplars as targets. For high-prototypical targets we observed benefit effects from related primes, whereas for low-prototypical targets we observed cost effects. The results define when the centre surround inhibition mechanism is applied, and furthermore might explain why previous studies with word stimuli (i.e., material that prevents experimental manipulation of prototypicality) observed mixed results concerning the prototypicality of targets.

Performance Testing of a Prototypic Annular Linear Induction Pump for Fission Surface Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K. A.; Pearson, J. B.; Schoenfeld, M. P.; Webster, K.; Houts, M. G.; Godfroy, T. J.; Bossard, J. A.

2010-01-01

Results of performance testing of an annular linear induction pump are presented. The pump electromagnetically pumps liquid metal (NaK) through a circuit specially designed to allow for quantification of the performance. Testing was conducted over a range of conditions, including frequencies of 33, 36, 39, and 60 Hz, liquid metal temperatures from 25 to 525 C, and input voltages from 5 to 120 V. Pump performance spanned a range of flow rates from roughly 0.16 to 5.7 L/s (2.5 to 90 gpm), and pressure head <1 to 90 kPa (<0.145 to 13 psi). The maximum efficiency measured during testing was slightly greater than 6%. The efficiency was fairly insensitive to input frequency from 33 to 39 Hz, and was markedly lower at 60 Hz. In addition, the efficiency decreased as the NaK temperature was raised. While the pump was powered, the fluid responded immediately to changes in the input power level, but when power was removed altogether, there was a brief slow-down period before the fluid would come to rest. The performance of the pump operating on a variable frequency drive providing 60 Hz power compared favorably with the same pump operating on 60 Hz power drawn directly from the electrical grid.

INTRACORPOREAL HEAT DISSIPATION FROM A RADIOISOTOPE-POWERED ARTIFICIAL HEART.

PubMed

Huffman, Fred N.; Hagen, Kenneth G.; Whalen, Robert L.; Fuqua, John M.; Norman, John C.

1974-01-01

The feasibility of radioisotope-fueled circulatory support systems depends on the ability of the body to dissipate the reject heat from the power source driving the blood pump as well as to tolerate chronic intracorporeal radiation. Our studies have focused on the use of the circulating blood as a heat sink. Initial in vivo heat transfer studies utilized straight tube heat exchangers (electrically and radioisotope energized) to replace a segment of the descending aorta. More recent studies have used a left ventricular assist pump as a blood-cooled heat exchanger. This approach minimizes trauma, does not increase the area of prosthetic interface with the blood, and minimizes system volume. Heat rejected from the thermal engine (vapor or gas cycle) is transported from the nuclear power source in the abdomen to the pump in the thoracic cavity via hydraulic lines. Adjacent tissue is protected from the fuel capsule temperature (900 to 1200 degrees F) by vacuum foil insulation and polyurethane foam. The in vivo thermal management problems have been studied using a simulated thermal system (STS) which approximates the heat rejection and thermal transport mechanisms of the nuclear circulatory support systems under development by NHLI. Electric heaters simulate the reject heat from the thermal engines. These studies have been essential in establishing the location, suspension, surgical procedures, and postoperative care for implanting prototype nuclear heart assist systems in calves. The pump has a thermal impedance of 0.12 degrees C/watt. Analysis of the STS data in terms of an electrical analog model implies a heat transfer coefficient of 4.7 x 10(-3) watt/cm(2) degrees C in the abdomen compared to a value of 14.9 x 10(-3) watt/cm(2) degrees C from the heat exchanger plenum into the diaphragm.

Use of case-based reasoning to enhance intensive management of patients on insulin pump therapy.

PubMed

Schwartz, Frank L; Shubrook, Jay H; Marling, Cynthia R

2008-07-01

This study was conducted to develop case-based decision support software to improve glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on insulin pump therapy. While the benefits of good glucose control are well known, achieving and maintaining good glucose control remains a difficult task. Case-based decision support software may assist by recalling past problems in glucose control and their associated therapeutic adjustments. Twenty patients with T1DM on insulin pumps were enrolled in a 6-week study. Subjects performed self-glucose monitoring and provided daily logs via the Internet, tracking insulin dosages, work, sleep, exercise, meals, stress, illness, menstrual cycles, infusion set changes, pump problems, hypoglycemic episodes, and other events. Subjects wore a continuous glucose monitoring system at weeks 1, 3, and 6. Clinical data were interpreted by physicians, who explained the relationship between life events and observed glucose patterns as well as treatment rationales to knowledge engineers. Knowledge engineers built a prototypical system that contained cases of problems in glucose control together with their associated solutions. Twelve patients completed the study. Fifty cases of clinical problems and solutions were developed and stored in a case base. The prototypical system detected 12 distinct types of clinical problems. It displayed the stored problems that are most similar to the problems detected, and offered learned solutions as decision support to the physician. This software can screen large volumes of clinical data and glucose levels from patients with T1DM, identify clinical problems, and offer solutions. It has potential application in managing all forms of diabetes.

Climate Adaptivity and Field Test of the Space Heating Used Air-Source Transcritical CO2 Heat Pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yulong; Ye, Zuliang; Cao, Feng

2017-08-01

In this study, an innovation of air-sourced transcritical CO2 heat pump which was employed in the space heating application was presented and discussed in order to solve the problem that the heating performances of the transcritical CO2 heat pump water heater deteriorated sharply with the augment in water feed temperature. An R134a cycle was adopted as a subcooling device in the proposed system. The prototype of the presented system was installed and supplied hot water for three places in northern China in winter. The field test results showed that the acceptable return water temperature can be increased up to 55°C, while the supply water temperature was raised rapidly by the presented prototype to up to 70°C directly, which was obviously appropriate to the various conditions of heating radiator in space heating application. Additionally, though the heating capacity and power dissipation decreased with the decline in ambient temperature or the augment in water temperature, the presented heat pump system performed efficiently whatever the climate and water feed temperature were. The real time COP of the presented system was generally more than 1.8 in the whole heating season, while the seasonal performance coefficient (SPC) was also appreciable, which signified that the economic efficiency of the presented system was more excellent than other space heating approaches such as fuel, gas, coal or electric boiler. As a result, the novel system will be a promising project to solve the energy issues in future space heating application.

40 CFR 65.107 - Standards: Pumps in light liquid service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. The owner or operator shall document that the inspection... pump seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the owner or operator shall comply with either of the... mechanical seal pumps. Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid...

40 CFR 65.107 - Standards: Pumps in light liquid service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. The owner or operator shall document that the inspection... pump seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the owner or operator shall comply with either of the... mechanical seal pumps. Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid...

40 CFR 65.107 - Standards: Pumps in light liquid service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. The owner or operator shall document that the inspection... pump seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the owner or operator shall comply with either of the... mechanical seal pumps. Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a barrier fluid...

Design of a Mechanical NaK Pump for Fission Space Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mireles, Omar R.; Bradley, David E.; Godfroy, Thomas

2011-01-01

Alkali liquid metal cooled fission reactor concepts are under development for spaceflight power requirements. One such concept utilizes a sodium-potassium eutectic (NaK) as the primary loop working fluid, which has specific pumping requirements. Traditionally, electromagnetic linear induction pumps have been used to provide the required flow and pressure head conditions for NaK systems but they can be limited in performance, efficiency, and number of available vendors. The objective of the project was to develop a mechanical NaK centrifugal pump that takes advantages of technology advances not available in previous liquid metal mechanical pump designs. This paper details the design, build, and performance test of a mechanical NaK pump developed at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The pump was designed to meet reactor cooling requirements using commercially available components modified for high temperature NaK service.

Nano-electro-mechanical pump: Giant pumping of water in carbon nanotubes

PubMed Central

Farimani, Amir Barati; Heiranian, Mohammad; Aluru, Narayana R.

2016-01-01

A fully controllable nano-electro-mechanical device that can pump fluids at nanoscale is proposed. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that an applied electric field to an ion@C60 inside a water-filled carbon nanotube can pump water with excellent efficiency. The key physical mechanism governing the fluid pumping is the conversion of electrical energy into hydrodynamic flow with efficiencies as high as 64%. Our results show that water can be compressed up to 7% higher than its bulk value by applying electric fields. High flux of water (up to 13,000 molecules/ns) is obtained by the electro-mechanical, piston-cylinder-like moving mechanism of the ion@C60 in the CNT. This large flux results from the piston-like mechanism, compressibility of water (increase in density of water due to molecular ordering), orienting dipole along the electric field and efficient electrical to mechanical energy conversion. Our findings can pave the way towards efficient energy conversion, pumping of fluids at nanoscale, and drug delivery. PMID:27193507

Nano-electro-mechanical pump: Giant pumping of water in carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farimani, Amir Barati; Heiranian, Mohammad; Aluru, Narayana R.

2016-05-01

A fully controllable nano-electro-mechanical device that can pump fluids at nanoscale is proposed. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that an applied electric field to an ion@C60 inside a water-filled carbon nanotube can pump water with excellent efficiency. The key physical mechanism governing the fluid pumping is the conversion of electrical energy into hydrodynamic flow with efficiencies as high as 64%. Our results show that water can be compressed up to 7% higher than its bulk value by applying electric fields. High flux of water (up to 13,000 molecules/ns) is obtained by the electro-mechanical, piston-cylinder-like moving mechanism of the ion@C60 in the CNT. This large flux results from the piston-like mechanism, compressibility of water (increase in density of water due to molecular ordering), orienting dipole along the electric field and efficient electrical to mechanical energy conversion. Our findings can pave the way towards efficient energy conversion, pumping of fluids at nanoscale, and drug delivery.

Nano-electro-mechanical pump: Giant pumping of water in carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Farimani, Amir Barati; Heiranian, Mohammad; Aluru, Narayana R

2016-05-19

A fully controllable nano-electro-mechanical device that can pump fluids at nanoscale is proposed. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that an applied electric field to an ion@C60 inside a water-filled carbon nanotube can pump water with excellent efficiency. The key physical mechanism governing the fluid pumping is the conversion of electrical energy into hydrodynamic flow with efficiencies as high as 64%. Our results show that water can be compressed up to 7% higher than its bulk value by applying electric fields. High flux of water (up to 13,000 molecules/ns) is obtained by the electro-mechanical, piston-cylinder-like moving mechanism of the ion@C60 in the CNT. This large flux results from the piston-like mechanism, compressibility of water (increase in density of water due to molecular ordering), orienting dipole along the electric field and efficient electrical to mechanical energy conversion. Our findings can pave the way towards efficient energy conversion, pumping of fluids at nanoscale, and drug delivery.

Installation package for the Solaron solar subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

Information that is intended to be a guide for installation, operation, and maintenance of the various solar subsystems is presented. The subsystems consist of the following: collectors, storage, transport (air handler) and controller for heat pump and peak storage. Two prototype residential systems were installed at Akron, Ohio, and Duffield, Virginia.

Lifetest of the High Output Maximum Efficiency Resonator (HOMER) Laser for the SAFFIRE Instrument on NASA's DESDynI Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stysley, Paul R.; Coyle, D. Barry; Kay, Richard B.; Frederickson, Robert; Poulios, Demetrios; Blair, Bryan; Scott, Stan; Arnold, Ed

2011-01-01

We update the status of a diode-pumped, Nd:YAG oscillator that is the prototype laser for NASA's DESDynI mission. After completing TRL-6 testing, this laser has fired over 5.5 billion shots in lifetesting.

40 CFR 63.1026 - Pumps in light liquid service standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. The owner or operator... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the owner or operator...—(1) Dual mechanical seal pumps. Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a...

40 CFR 63.1026 - Pumps in light liquid service standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. The owner or operator... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the owner or operator...—(1) Dual mechanical seal pumps. Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a...

40 CFR 63.1026 - Pumps in light liquid service standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. The owner or operator... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal at the time of the weekly inspection, the owner or operator...—(1) Dual mechanical seal pumps. Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a...

Thermal control extravehicular life support system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The results of a comprehensive study which defined an Extravehicular Life Support System Thermal Control System (TCS) are presented. The design of the prototype hardware and a detail summary of the prototype TCS fabrication and test effort are given. Several heat rejection subsystems, water management subsystems, humidity control subsystems, pressure control schemes and temperature control schemes were evaluated. Alternative integrated TCS systems were studied, and an optimum system was selected based on quantitative weighing of weight, volume, cost, complexity and other factors. The selected subsystem contains a sublimator for heat rejection, bubble expansion tank for water management, a slurper and rotary separator for humidity control, and a pump, a temperature control valve, a gas separator and a vehicle umbilical connector for water transport. The prototype hardware complied with program objectives.

Development of a hybrid chemical/mechanical heat pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grzyll, Lawrence R.; Silvestri, John J.; Scaringe, Robert P.

1991-01-01

The authors present the current development status of a hybrid chemical/mechanical heat pump for low-lift applications. The heat pump provides electronics cooling by evaporating a pure refrigerant from an absorbent/refrigerant mixture in a generator/cold plate. The current development focused on evaluation of absorbent/refrigerant pairs, corrosion testing, pump and compressor design, and electronic cold plate design. Two cycle configurations were considered. The first configuration utilized a standard mechanical compressor and pump. The second cycle configuration investigated pumps and compressors with non-moving parts. An innovative generator/cold plate design is also presented. The development to date shows that this cycle has about the same performance as standard vapor compression heat pumps with standard refrigerants but may have some performance and reliability advantages over vapor compression heat pumps.

Design and Testing of a Lyophilizer for Water Recovery from Solid Waste

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litwiller, Eric; Fisher, John; Flynn, Michael

2005-01-01

Mixed liquid/solid wastes, including feces, water processor effluents, and food waste, can be lyophilized (freeze-dried) to recover the water they contain and stabilize the solids remain. Previous research has demonstrated the potential benefits of using thermoelectric heat pumps to build a lyophilizer for processing waste in microgravity. These results were used to build a working prototype suitable for ground-based human testing. This paper describes the prototype design and presents the results of functional and performance tests. Equivalent system mass parameters are calculated, and practical issues such as sanitary waste handling in microgravity are addressed.

Non-adiabatic pumping in an oscillating-piston model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuchem, Maya; Dittrich, Thomas; Cohen, Doron

2012-05-01

We consider the prototypical "piston pump" operating on a ring, where a circulating current is induced by means of an AC driving. This can be regarded as a generalized Fermi-Ulam model, incorporating a finite-height moving wall (piston) and non-trivial topology (ring). The amount of particles transported per cycle is determined by a layered structure of phase space. Each layer is characterized by a different drift velocity. We discuss the differences compared with the adiabatic and Boltzmann pictures, and highlight the significance of the "diabatic" contribution that might lead to a counter-stirring effect.

Development of a prototype magnetically suspended rotor ventricular assist device.

PubMed

Bearnson, G B; Maslen, E H; Olsen, D B; Allaire, P E; Khanwilkar, P S; Long, J W; Kim, H C

1996-01-01

A continuous flow centrifugal blood pump with magnetically suspended impeller has been designed, constructed, and tested. The system can be functionally divided into three subsystem designs: 1) centrifugal pump and flow paths, 2) magnetic bearings, and 3) brushless DC motor. The centrifugal pump is a Francis vane type design with a designed operating point of 6 L/min flow and 100 mmHg pressure rise at 2,300 RPM. Peak hydraulic efficiency is over 50%. The magnetic bearing system is an all active design with five axes of control. Rotor position sensors were developed as part of the system to provide feedback to a proportional-integral-derivative controller. The motor is a sensorless brushless DC motor. Back electromotive force voltage generated by the motor is used to provide commutation for the motor. No slots are employed in the motor design in order to reduce the radial force that the bearings must generate. Tests pumping blood in vitro were very encouraging; an index of hemolysis of 0.0086 +/- 0.0012 was measured. Further design refinement is needed to reduce power dissipation and size of the device. The concept of using magnetic bearings in a blood pump shows promise in a long-term implantable blood pump.

Human Aorta Is a Passive Pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pahlevan, Niema; Gharib, Morteza

2012-11-01

Impedance pump is a simple valveless pumping mechanism that operates based on the principles of wave propagation and reflection. It has been shown in a zebrafish that a similar mechanism is responsible for the pumping action in the embryonic heart during early stages before valve formation. Recent studies suggest that the cardiovascular system is designed to take advantage of wave propagation and reflection phenomena in the arterial network. Our aim in this study was to examine if the human aorta is a passive pump working like an impedance pump. A hydraulic model with different compliant models of artificial aorta was used for series of in-vitro experiments. The hydraulic model includes a piston pump that generates the waves. Our result indicates that wave propagation and reflection can create pumping mechanism in a compliant aorta. Similar to an impedance pump, the net flow and the flow direction depends on the frequency of the waves, compliance of the aorta, and the piston stroke.

76 FR 68661 - Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B and 2B1 Turboshaft Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-07

... high- pressure (HP) pump shaft on HP/LP pump hydro-mechanical metering units (HMUs) that do not...-mechanical metering unit (HMU) LP fuel pump impeller and the HP fuel pump shaft, since AD 2010-03-06 (75 FR...

Custom Unit Pump Development for the EVA PLSS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuller, Michael; Kurwitz, Cable; Little, Frank; Oinuma, Ryoji; Larsen, Ben; Goldman, Jeff; Reinis, Filip; Trevino, Luis

2010-01-01

This paper describes the effort by the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and Honeywell for NASA to design and test a pre-flight prototype pump for use in the Extra-vehicular activity (EVA) portable life support subsystem (PLSS). Major design decisions were driven by the need to reduce the pump s mass, power, and volume compared to the existing PLSS pump. In addition, the pump must accommodate a much wider range of abnormal conditions than the existing pump, including vapor/gas bubbles and increased pressure drop when employed to cool two suits simultaneously. A positive displacement, external gear type pump was selected because it offers the most compact and highest efficiency solution over the required range of flow rates and pressure drops. An additional benefit of selecting a gear pump design is that it is self priming and capable of ingesting non-condensable gas without becoming air locked. The chosen pump design consists of a 28 V DC, brushless, seal-less, permanent magnet motor driven, external gear pump that utilizes a Honeywell development that eliminates the need for magnetic coupling. The pump design was based on existing Honeywell designs, but incorporated features specifically for the PLSS application, including all of the key features of the flight pump. Testing at TEES verified that the pump meets the design requirements for range of flow rates, pressure drop, power consumption, working fluid temperature, operating time, gas ingestion, and restart capability under both ambient and vacuum conditions. The pump operated at 40 to 240 lbm/hr flow rate, 35 to 100 oF pump temperature, and 5 to 10 psid pressure rise. Power consumption of the pump controller at the nominal operating point in both ambient and vacuum conditions was 9.5 W, which was less than the 12 W predicted. Gas ingestion capabilities were tested by injecting 100 cc of air into the fluid line; the pump operated normally throughout this test.

A model of insulin delivery by a controlled release micropump.

PubMed

Allen, D G; Sefton, M V

1986-01-01

A model has been developed to describe the delivery of insulin from a controlled release micropump (CRM). Basal delivery was provided by diffusion due to a concentration difference driving force across the CRM. This was modelled by considering the CRM to be a series of one-dimensional steady-state diffusion resistances. This delivery model was used to size prototypes and identify the piston, foam and the pump outlet as the controlling resistances to basal insulin transport. Augmented delivery by the CRM was achieved by repeated compression of a foam disk by a mild steel piston which was driven by a solenoid (tested voltage range 0-173 V DC; 5 msec "on" time; frequency 20-40 min-1). The increased delivery was attributed to the combination of mixing inside the pump barrel and displacement of barrel contents into the downstream reservoir. This action was approximated by a three-compartment model, which considered the CRM to consist of a well-mixed upstream reservoir and pump barrel (with a downstream reservoir) separated by two resistances: a constant upstream membrane resistance, (KmAm)-1, and a variable downstream mixing rate resistance, (Qd)-1. A least squares fit of the model to experimental data showed Qd to increase with the cube of the force on the piston and linearly with the compression frequency. In agreement with experimental results, the model predicted the upstream membrane to be rate controlling only at augmented pump resistances close to the value (KmAm)-1. These models were used to design an improved prototype (VIII) which is now being evaluated in vivo in pancreatectomized dogs for its efficacy in restoring and sustaining normoglycemia.

Integrated Liquid Bismuth Propellant Feed System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Markusic, Thomas E.; Stanojev, Boris J.

2006-01-01

A prototype bismuth propellant feed and control system was constructed and tested. An electromagnetic pump was used in this system to provide fine control of the hydrostatic pressure, and a new type of in-line flow sensor was developed to provide an accurate, real-time measurement of the mass flow rate. High-temperature material compatibility was a driving design requirement for the pump and flow sensor, leading to the selection of macor for the main body of both components. Post-test inspections of both components revealed no cracks or leaking in either. In separate proof-of-concept experiments, the pump produced a linear pressure rise as a function of current that compared favorably with theoretical pump pressure predictions, with a pressure of 10 kPa at 30 A. Flow sensing was successfully demonstrated in a bench-top test using gallium as a substitute liquid metal. A real-time controller was successfully used to control the entire system, simultaneously monitoring all power supplies and performing data acquisition duties.

Analysis of environmental issues related to small-scale hydroelectric development IV: fish mortality resulting from turbine passage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Turbak, S. C.; Reichle, D. R.; Shriner, C. R.

1981-01-01

This document presents a state-of-the-art review of literature concerning turbine-related fish mortality. The review discusses conventional and, to a lesser degree, pumped-storage (reversible) hydroelectric facilities. Much of the research on conventional facilities discussed in this report deals with studies performed in the Pacific Northwest and covers both prototype and model studies. Research conducted on Kaplan and Francis turbines during the 1950s and 1960s has been extensively reviewed and is discussed. Very little work on turbine-related fish mortality has been undertaken with newer turbine designs developed for more modern small-scale hydropower facilities; however, one study on a bulb unit (Kaplan runner)more » has recently been released. In discussing turbine-related fish mortality at pumped-storage facilities, much of the literature relates to the Ludington Pumped Storage Power Plant. As such, it is used as the principal facility in discussing research concerning pumped storage.« less

Heat Pump Clothes Dryer Model Development

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shen, Bo

A heat pump clothes dryer (HPCD) is an innovative appliance that uses a vapor compression system to dry clothes. Air circulates in a closed loop through the drum, so no vent is required. The condenser heats air to evaporate moisture out of the clothes, and the evaporator condenses water out of the air stream. As a result, the HPCD can achieve 50% energy savings compared to a conventional electric resistance dryer. We developed a physics-based, quasi-steady-state HPCD system model with detailed heat exchanger and compressor models. In a novel approach, we applied a heat and mass transfer effectiveness model tomore » simulate the drying process of the clothes load in the drum. The system model is able to simulate the inherently transient HPCD drying process, to size components, and to reveal trends in key variables (e.g. compressor discharge temperature, power consumption, required drying time, etc.) The system model was calibrated using experimental data on a prototype HPCD. In the paper, the modeling method is introduced, and the model predictions are compared with experimental data measured on a prototype HPCD.« less

Mechanical pumps for superfluid helium transfer in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Izenson, M. G.; Swift, W. L.

1988-01-01

Two alternate mechanical pump concepts have been identified for the transfer of superfluid helium in space. Both pumps provide flow at sufficient head and have operating characteristics suitable for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) refill mission. One pump operates at a relatively low speed and utilizes mechanical roller bearings, while the other operates at a higher rotational speed using either electromagnetic or tilting pad gas-dynamic bearings. The use of gas bearings requires transfer of normal helium so that the gas pressure within the pump casing is high enough to operate the bearings. The operating characteristics of both pumps are predicted, the dimensions are estimated and major technology issues are identified. The major issues for each pump design are cavitation performance and bearing development. Roller bearings require quantified reliability for operation in space while electromagnetic bearings require basic development as well as a complex control system. The low speed pump has significantly poorer hydraulic efficiency than the high speed pump.

Prototype sampling system for measuring workplace protection factors for gases and vapors.

PubMed

Groves, William A; Reynolds, Stephen J

2003-05-01

A prototype sampling system for measuring respirator workplace protection factors (WPFs) was developed. Methods for measuring the concentration of contaminants inside respirators have previously been described; however, these studies have typically involved continuous sampling of aerosols. Our work focuses on developing an intermittent sampling system designed to measure the concentration of gases and vapors during inspiration. This approach addresses two potential problems associated with continuous sampling: biased results due to lower contaminant concentrations and high humidity in exhaled air. The system consists of a pressure transducer circuit designed to activate a pair of personal sampling pumps during inspiration based on differential pressure inside the respirator. One pump draws air from inside the respirator while the second samples the ambient air. Solid granular adsorbent tubes are used to trap the contaminants, making the approach applicable to a large number of gases and vapors. Laboratory testing was performed using a respirator mounted on a headform connected to a breathing machine producing a sinusoidal flow pattern with an average flow rate of 20 L/min and a period of 3 seconds. The sampling system was adjusted to activate the pumps when the pressure inside the respirator was less than -0.1 inch H(2)O. Quantitative fit-tests using human subjects were conducted to evaluate the effect of the sampling system on respirator performance. A total of 299 fit-tests were completed for two different types of respirators (half- and full-facepiece) from two different manufacturers (MSA and North). Statistical tests showed no significant differences between mean fit factors for respirators equipped with the sampling system versus unmodified respirators. Field testing of the prototype sampling system was performed in livestock production facilities and estimates of WPFs for ammonia were obtained. Results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach and will be used in developing improved instrumentation for measuring WPFs.

16. YAZOO BACKWATER PUMPING STATION MODEL, YAZOO RIVER BASIN. MECHANICAL ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

16. YAZOO BACKWATER PUMPING STATION MODEL, YAZOO RIVER BASIN. MECHANICAL AND HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS EXAMINING MODEL PUMPS. - Waterways Experiment Station, Hydraulics Laboratory, Halls Ferry Road, 2 miles south of I-20, Vicksburg, Warren County, MS

Mechanism for pumping lasers with squeezed light

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haake, F.; Walls, D.F.; Collett, M.J.

1989-03-15

In this paper we demonstrate how the squeezed-pump-laser model of Marte and Walls (Phys. Rev. A 37, 1235 (1988)) may be realized in practice. We consider a three-level atomic medium interacting with two cavity modes pumped with squeezed light. We show that this pumping mechanism both achieves atomic inversion and squeezes the fluctuations on the lasing transition.

A portable lidar using a diode-pumped YAG laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takeuchi, N.; Okumura, H.; Sugita, T.; Matsumoto, H.; Yamaguchi, S.

1992-01-01

A Mie lidar system is technically established and is used for monitoring air pollution, stratospheric and boundary layer aerosol distribution, plume dispersion, visibility, and the study of atmospheric structure and cloud physics. However, a lidar system is not widely used because of its cumbersome handling and unwieldy portability. Although the author developed a laser diode lidar system based on RM-CW technique, it has a limit of measurement distance. Here we report the development of an all solid Mie lidar system using a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser and a Si-APD detector. This was constructed as a prototype of a handy lidar system.

Development of a Gravity-Insensitive Heat Pump for Lunar Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cole, Gregory S.; Scaringe, Robert P.; Grzyll, Lawrence R.; Ewert, Michael K.

2006-01-01

Mainstream Engineering Corporation is developing a gravity-insensitive system that will allow a vapor-compression-cycle heat pump to be used in both microgravity (10(exp -6)g) and lunar (10(exp -6)g) environments. System capacity is 5 kW to 15 kW at design refrigerant operating conditions of 4.44 C and 60 C evaporating and condensing temperatures, respectively. The current program, performed for NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and presented in this paper, includes compressor performance analysis, detailed system design, and thermal analysis. Future efforts, including prototype fabrication, integration of a solar power source and controls, ground-testing, and flight-testing support, are also discussed.

THz pulses from 4th generation X-ray light sources: Perspectives for fully synchronized THz pump X-ray probe experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gensch, M.

2010-02-03

In this paper the prospects of terahertz (THz) pulses generated at 4th generation X-ray light sources are presented on the example of recent results from a prototype set-up at the soft X-ray FEL FLASH. It is shown, that the THz pulses from the relativistic ultra short electron bunches have unique properties, that at FLASH are utilized for novel THz pump X-ray probe experiments with a robust few fs resolution. Based on these experiences it is discussed, how future facilities can benefit from implementation of similar or further improved instrumentation.

Centrifugal Force Based Magnetic Micro-Pump Driven by Rotating Magnetic Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S. H.; Hashi, S.; Ishiyama, K.

2011-01-01

This paper presents a centrifugal force based magnetic micro-pump for the pumping of blood. Most blood pumps are driven by an electrical motor with wired control. To develop a wireless and battery-free blood pump, the proposed pump is controlled by external rotating magnetic fields with a synchronized impeller. Synchronization occurs because the rotor is divided into multi-stage impeller parts and NdFeB permanent magnet. Finally, liquid is discharged by the centrifugal force of multi-stage impeller. The proposed pump length is 30 mm long and19 mm in diameter which much smaller than currently pumps; however, its pumping ability satisfies the requirement for a blood pump. The maximum pressure is 120 mmHg and the maximum flow rate is 5000ml/min at 100 Hz. The advantage of the proposed pump is that the general mechanical problems of a normal blood pump are eliminated by the proposed driving mechanism.

A study of the feasibility of mechanical pumps for use with the Pioneer-Venus probe mass spectrometer inlet system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, N. C.; Crosmer, W. E.; Nowak, D.

1973-01-01

A survey of mechanical vacuum pumps was completed. A small Roots blower for flight mass spectrometer applications was evaluated with respect to system operating parameters in a number of different modes of operation. The survey indicated that a metal bellows pump might be a viable alternative for the systems requirements. The results of the study are given, including current status of possible flight-type pumps, a systems analysis using available pumps, and recommendations for fabrication and tests of a potential flight-type pump.

New jet-aeration system using 'Supercavitation'.

PubMed

Schmid, Andreas

2010-03-01

A newly developed fine bubble aeration system, by which air is transferred under supercavitation conditions, shows a clearly better performance than traditional, well-known aerators that rely on the jet-pump principle and its performance can be compared to oxygen transfer rates achieved in membrane and foil plate aerators. A prototype supercavitation aerator installed at a sewage treatment plant revealed an air input rate, which was about one third lower than that of the jet-pump system, which it replaced. In spite of this low air input rate, the daily demand of pure oxygen for the additionally installed membrane aeration system went down by approximately 49%, from the original level of about 1,200 m(3)/day to about 600 m(3)/day-and this over a test period of more than 7 months. The observed high oxygen transfer rates cannot be explained by traditional mass transfer mechanisms. It is assumed that a large amount of water being transferred into the gas phase by supercavitation contacting directly oxygen also in the gas phase and thereby overcoming mass transfer hindrances which might be favoured by hydroxyl radicals. With this new aerator, during the first 3 months of test phase, already more than 10,000 Euros had been saved because of the reduced pure oxygen demand.

A numerical method to enhance the performance of a cam-type electric motor-driven left ventricular assist device.

PubMed

Huang, Huan; Yang, Ming; Lu, Cunyue; Xu, Liang; Zhuang, Xiaoqi; Meng, Fan

2013-10-01

Pulsatile left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) driven by electric motors have been widely accepted as a treatment of heart failure. Performance enhancement with computer assistance for this kind of LVAD has seldom been reported. In this article, a numerical method is proposed to assist the design of a cam-type pump. The method requires an integrated model of an LVAD system, consisting of a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a cardiovascular circulation. Performance indices, that is, outlet pressure, outlet flow, and pump efficiency, were used to select the best cam profile from six candidates. A prototype pump connected to a mock circulatory loop (MCL) was used to calibrate the friction coefficient of the cam groove and preliminarily evaluate modeling accuracy. In vitro experiments show that the mean outlet pressure and flow can be predicted with high accuracy by the model, and gross geometries of the measurements can also be reproduced. Simulation results demonstrate that as the total peripheral resistance (TPR) is fixed at 1.1 mm Hg.s/mL, the two-cycle 2/3-rise profile is the best. Compared with other profiles, the maximum increases of pressure and flow indices are 75 and 76%, respectively, and the maximum efficiency increase is over 51%. For different TPRs (0.5∼1.5 mm Hg.s/mL) and operation intervals (0.1∼0.4 s) in counterpulsation, the conclusion is also acceptable. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation.

Development of a disposable maglev centrifugal blood pump intended for one-month support in bridge-to-bridge applications: in vitro and initial in vivo evaluation.

PubMed

Someya, Takeshi; Kobayashi, Mariko; Waguri, Satoshi; Ushiyama, Tomohiro; Nagaoka, Eiki; Hijikata, Wataru; Shinshi, Tadahiko; Arai, Hirokuni; Takatani, Setsuo

2009-09-01

MedTech Dispo, a disposable maglev centrifugal blood pump with two degrees of freedom magnetic suspension and radial magnetic coupling rotation, has been developed for 1-month extracorporeal circulatory support. As the first stage of a two-stage in vivo evaluation, 2-week evaluation of a prototype MedTech Dispo was conducted. In in vitro study, the pump could produce 5 L/min against 800 mm Hg and the normalized index of hemolysis was 0.0054 +/- 0.0008 g/100 L. In in vivo study, the pump, with its blood-contacting surface coated with biocompatible 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer, was implanted in seven calves in left heart bypass. Pump performance was stable with a mean flow of 4.49 +/- 0.38 L/min at a mean speed of 2072.1 +/- 64.5 rpm. The maglev control revealed its stability in rotor position during normal activity by the calves. During 2 weeks of operation in two calves which survived the intended study period, no thrombus formation was seen inside the pump and levels of plasma free hemoglobin were maintained below 4 mg/dL. Although further experiments are required, the pump demonstrated the potential for sufficient and reliable performance and biocompatibility in meeting the requirements for cardiopulmonary bypass and 1-week circulatory support.

Optimization of a miniature Maglev ventricular assist device for pediatric circulatory support.

PubMed

Zhang, Juntao; Koert, Andrew; Gellman, Barry; Gempp, Thomas M; Dasse, Kurt A; Gilbert, Richard J; Griffith, Bartley P; Wu, Zhongjun J

2007-01-01

A miniature Maglev blood pump based on magnetically levitated bearingless technology is being developed and optimized for pediatric patients. We performed impeller optimization by characterizing the hemodynamic and hemocompatibility performances using a combined computational and experimental approach. Both three-dimensional flow features and hemolytic characteristics were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. Hydraulic pump performances and hemolysis levels of three different impeller designs were quantified and compared numerically. Two pump prototypes were constructed from the two impeller designs and experimentally tested. Comparison of CFD predictions with experimental results showed good agreement. The optimized impeller remarkably increased overall pump hydraulic output by more than 50% over the initial design. The CFD simulation demonstrated a clean and streamlined flow field in the main flow path. The numerical results by hemolysis model indicated no significant high shear stress regions. Through the use of CFD analysis and bench-top testing, the small pediatric pump was optimized to achieve a low level of blood damage and improved hydraulic performance and efficiency. The Maglev pediatric blood pump is innovative due to its small size, very low priming volume, excellent hemodynamic and hematologic performance, and elimination of seal-related and bearing-related failures due to adoption of magnetically levitated bearingless motor technology, making it ideal for pediatric applications.

Robust modeling and performance analysis of high-power diode side-pumped solid-state laser systems.

PubMed

Kashef, Tamer; Ghoniemy, Samy; Mokhtar, Ayman

2015-12-20

In this paper, we present an enhanced high-power extrinsic diode side-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) model to accurately predict the dynamic operations and pump distribution under different practical conditions. We introduce a new implementation technique for the proposed model that provides a compelling incentive for the performance assessment and enhancement of high-power diode side-pumped Nd:YAG lasers using cooperative agents and by relying on the MATLAB, GLAD, and Zemax ray tracing software packages. A large-signal laser model that includes thermal effects and a modified laser gain formulation and incorporates the geometrical pump distribution for three radially arranged arrays of laser diodes is presented. The design of a customized prototype diode side-pumped high-power laser head fabricated for the purpose of testing is discussed. A detailed comparative experimental and simulation study of the dynamic operation and the beam characteristics that are used to verify the accuracy of the proposed model for analyzing the performance of high-power DPSSLs under different conditions are discussed. The simulated and measured results of power, pump distribution, beam shape, and slope efficiency are shown under different conditions and for a specific case, where the targeted output power is 140 W, while the input pumping power is 400 W. The 95% output coupler reflectivity showed good agreement with the slope efficiency, which is approximately 35%; this assures the robustness of the proposed model to accurately predict the design parameters of practical, high-power DPSSLs.

Solar energy system performance evaluation: Seasonal report for IBM System 2, Togus, Maine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The solar energy system, SIMS Prototype System 2, was designed to supply domestic hot water to single family residences. The system consists of flat plate collectors, silicone working fluid, storage tanks, pumps, heat exchanger, controls, and associated plumbing. The long term field performance of the installed system was analyzed and the results are described.

“A System for Automatically Maintaining Pressure in a Commercial Truck Tire”

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maloney, John

2017-07-07

Under-inflated tires significantly reduce a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by increasing rolling resistance (drag force). The Air Maintenance Technology (“AMT”) system developed through this project replenishes lost air and maintains optimal tire cavity pressure whenever the tire is rolling in service, thus improving overall fuel economy by reducing the tire’s rolling resistance. The system consists of an inlet air filter, an air pump driven by tire deformation during rotation, and a pressure regulating device. Pressurized air in the tire cavity naturally escapes by diffusion through the tire and wheel, leaks in tire seating, and through the filler valve and its seating.more » As a result, tires require constant maintenance to replenish lost air. Since manual tire inflation maintenance is both labor intensive and time consuming, it is frequently overlooked or ignored. By automating the maintenance of optimal tire pressure, the tire’s contribution to the vehicle’s overall fuel economy can be maximized. The work was divided into three phases. The objectives of Phase 1, Planning and Initial Design, resulted in an effective project plan and to create a baseline design. The objectives for Phase 2, Design and Process Optimization, were: to identify finalized design for the pump, regulator and filter components; identify a process to build prototype tires; assemble prototype tires; test prototype tires and document results. The objectives of Phase 3, Design Release and Industrialization, were to finalize system tire assembly, perform release testing and industrialize the assembly process.« less

Design and development of a prototype wet oxidation system for the reclamation of water and the disposition of waste residues onboard space vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jagow, R. B.

1972-01-01

Laboratory investigations to define optimum process conditions for oxidation of fecal/urine slurries were conducted in a one-liter batch reactor. The results of these tests formed the basis for the design, fabrication, and testing of an initial prototype system, including a 100-hour design verification test. Areas of further development were identified during this test. Development of a high pressure slurry pump, materials corrosion studies, oxygen supply trade studies, comparison of salt removal water recovery devices, ammonia removal investigation, development of a solids grinder, reactor design studies and bearing life tests, and development of shutoff valves and a back pressure regulator were undertaken. The development work has progressed to the point where a prototype system suitable for manned chamber testing can be fabricated and tested with a high degree of confidence of success.

Design and prototype fabrication of a 30 tesla cryogenic magnet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prok, G. M.; Swanson, M. C.; Brown, G. V.

1977-01-01

A liquid neon cooled magnet was designed to produce 30 teslas in steady operation. To ensure the correctness of the heat transfer relationships used, supercritical neon heat transfer tests were made. Other tests made before the final design included tests on the effect of the magnetic field on pump motors, tensile shear tests on the cryogenic adhesives, and simulated flow studies for the coolant. The magnet will consist of two pairs of coils, cooled by forced convection of supercritical neon. Heat from the supercritical neon will be rejected through heat exchangers which are made of roll bonded copper panels and are submerged in a pool of saturated liquid neon. A partial mock up coil was wound to identify the tooling required to wind the magnet. This was followed by winding a prototype pair of coils. The prototype winding established procedures for fabricating the final magnet and revealed slight changes needed in the final design.

High-performance, low-voltage electroosmotic pumps with molecularly thin silicon nanomembranes

PubMed Central

Snyder, Jessica L.; Getpreecharsawas, Jirachai; Fang, David Z.; Gaborski, Thomas R.; Striemer, Christopher C.; Fauchet, Philippe M.; Borkholder, David A.; McGrath, James L.

2013-01-01

We have developed electroosmotic pumps (EOPs) fabricated from 15-nm-thick porous nanocrystalline silicon (pnc-Si) membranes. Ultrathin pnc-Si membranes enable high electroosmotic flow per unit voltage. We demonstrate that electroosmosis theory compares well with the observed pnc-Si flow rates. We attribute the high flow rates to high electrical fields present across the 15-nm span of the membrane. Surface modifications, such as plasma oxidation or silanization, can influence the electroosmotic flow rates through pnc-Si membranes by alteration of the zeta potential of the material. A prototype EOP that uses pnc-Si membranes and Ag/AgCl electrodes was shown to pump microliter per minute-range flow through a 0.5-mm-diameter capillary tubing with as low as 250 mV of applied voltage. This silicon-based platform enables straightforward integration of low-voltage, on-chip EOPs into portable microfluidic devices with low back pressures. PMID:24167263

Two-phase flow in the cooling circuit of a cryogenic rocket engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Preclik, D.

1992-07-01

Transient two-phase flow was investigated for the hydrogen cooling circuit of the HM7 rocket engine. The nuclear reactor code ATHLET/THESEUS was adapted to cryogenics and applied to both principal and prototype experiments for validation and simulation purposes. The cooling circuit two-phase flow simulation focused on the hydrogen prechilling and pump transient phase prior to ignition. Both a single- and a multichannel model were designed and employed for a valve leakage flow, a nominal prechilling flow, and a prechilling with a subsequent pump-transient flow. The latter case was performed in order to evaluate the difference between a nominal and a delayed turbo-pump start-up. It was found that an extension of the nominal prechilling sequence in the order of 1 second is sufficient to finally provide for liquid injection conditions of hydrogen which, as commonly known, is undesirable for smooth ignition and engine starting transients.

Status of not-in-kind refrigeration technologies for household space conditioning, water heating and food refrigeration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bansal, Pradeep; Vineyard, Edward Allan; Abdelaziz, Omar

This paper presents a review of the next generation not-in-kind technologies to replace conventional vapor compression refrigeration technology for household applications. Such technologies are sought to provide energy savings or other environmental benefits for space conditioning, water heating and refrigeration for domestic use. These alternative technologies include: thermoacoustic refrigeration, thermoelectric refrigeration, thermotunneling, magnetic refrigeration, Stirling cycle refrigeration, pulse tube refrigeration, Malone cycle refrigeration, absorption refrigeration, adsorption refrigeration, and compressor driven metal hydride heat pumps. Furthermore, heat pump water heating and integrated heat pump systems are also discussed due to their significant energy saving potential for water heating and space conditioningmore » in households. The paper provides a snapshot of the future R&D needs for each of the technologies along with the associated barriers. Both thermoelectric and magnetic technologies look relatively attractive due to recent developments in the materials and prototypes being manufactured.« less

Experimental investigations of helium cryotrapping by argon frost

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mack, A.; Perinic, D.; Murdoch, D.

1992-03-01

At the Karlsruhe Nuclear Research Centre (KfK) cryopumping techniques are being investigated by which the gaseous exhausts from the NET/ITER reactor can be pumped out during the burn-and dwell-times. Cryosorption and cryotrapping are techniques which are suitable for this task. It is the target of the investigations to test the techniques under NET/ITER conditions and to determine optimum design data for a prototype. They involve measurement of the pumping speed as a function of the gas composition, gas flow and loading condition of the pump surfaces. The following parameters are subjected to variations: Ar/He ratio, specific helium volume flow rate,more » cryosurface temperature, process gas composition, impurities in argon trapping gas, three-stage operation and two-stage operation. This paper is a description of the experiments on argon trapping techniques started in 1990. Eleven tests as well as the results derived from them are described.« less

Selective reduction of afterload in right heart assist therapy: a mock loop study†.

PubMed

Hsu, Po-Lin; Hatam, Nima; Unterkofler, Jan; Goetzenich, Andreas; McIntyre, Madeleine; Wong, Kai Chun; Egger, Christina; Schmitz-Rode, Thomas; Autschbach, Rüdiger; Steinseifer, Ulrich

2014-07-01

The treatment of right ventricular failure is closely linked to effects on pulmonary vascular resistance and thus the right ventricular (RV) afterload. Medical therapy includes afterload-decreasing drugs such as nitric oxide and prostacycline. However, current devices for mechanical unloading of the right ventricle aim at a decrease in preload increasing the pulmonary volume loading. In our concept study, we tested a minimally invasive right ventricular assist device (MIRVAD) that specifically reduces the afterload. The MIRVAD is supposed to be a foldable device for temporary transvascular placement in the pulmonary artery. We incorporated a MIRVAD prototype into a mock circulatory loop that can reproduce haemodynamic interaction between the pump and the physiological system. Pulmonary hypertension (PH), right heart failure (RHF) and MIRVAD-assisted cases were simulated. The key haemodynamic parameters for RV unloading were recorded. Mock loop simulation attested to a sufficient right ventricular unloading by serial application of a miniaturized impeller pump in the pulmonary artery. The afterload, represented by the pulmonary arterial root pressure, was recovered to the healthy range (32.62-10.93 mmHg) for the simulated PH case. In the simulated RHF case, the impaired pulmonary perfusion increased from 43.4 to 88.8% of the healthy level and the total ventricular work reduced from 0.381 to 0.197 J at a pump speed of 3500 rpm. At pump speeds higher than 3500 rpm, the pulmonary valve remains constantly open and the right ventricular configuration changes into a simple perfused hollow body. The feasibility of RV unloading by a selective decrease in RV afterload was proved in principle. By alternation of the pump speed, gradual reloading in sense of a myocardial training may be achieved. The results will be validated by future animal trials where the relationship between the level of support and pulmonary vascular pressure can be investigated in vivo. Further device design concerning foldable impeller leaflets will be carried out. At a final stage, the crimped version is supposed to reach a size below 1 cm to facilitate minimally invasive insertion. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Adiabatic Pumping Mechanism for Ion Motive ATPases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Astumian, R. Dean

2003-09-01

An ion motive ATPase is a membrane protein that pumps ions across the membrane at the expense of the chemical energy of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. Here we describe how an external electric field, by inducing transitions between several protein configurations, can also power this pump. The underlying mechanism may be very similar to that of a recently constructed adiabatic electron pump [

Portable atomic frequency standard based on coherent population trapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Fan; Yang, Renfu; Nian, Feng; Zhang, Zhenwei; Cui, Yongshun; Zhao, Huan; Wang, Nuanrang; Feng, Keming

2015-05-01

In this work, a portable atomic frequency standard based on coherent population trapping is designed and demonstrated. To achieve a portable prototype, in the system, a single transverse mode 795nm VCSEL modulated by a 3.4GHz RF source is used as a pump laser which generates coherent light fields. The pump beams pass through a vapor cell containing atom gas and buffer gas. This vapor cell is surrounded by a magnetic shield and placed inside a solenoid which applies a longitudinal magnetic field to lift the Zeeman energy levels' degeneracy and to separate the resonance signal, which has no first-order magnetic field dependence, from the field-dependent resonances. The electrical control system comprises two control loops. The first one locks the laser wavelength to the minimum of the absorption spectrum; the second one locks the modulation frequency and output standard frequency. Furthermore, we designed the micro physical package and realized the locking of a coherent population trapping atomic frequency standard portable prototype successfully. The short-term frequency stability of the whole system is measured to be 6×10-11 for averaging times of 1s, and reaches 5×10-12 at an averaging time of 1000s.

Monolithic microfabricated valves and pumps by multilayer soft lithography.

PubMed

Unger, M A; Chou, H P; Thorsen, T; Scherer, A; Quake, S R

2000-04-07

Soft lithography is an alternative to silicon-based micromachining that uses replica molding of nontraditional elastomeric materials to fabricate stamps and microfluidic channels. We describe here an extension to the soft lithography paradigm, multilayer soft lithography, with which devices consisting of multiple layers may be fabricated from soft materials. We used this technique to build active microfluidic systems containing on-off valves, switching valves, and pumps entirely out of elastomer. The softness of these materials allows the device areas to be reduced by more than two orders of magnitude compared with silicon-based devices. The other advantages of soft lithography, such as rapid prototyping, ease of fabrication, and biocompatibility, are retained.

Liquid metal enabled pump

PubMed Central

Tang, Shi-Yang; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; Sivan, Vijay; Petersen, Phred; O’Mullane, Anthony P.; Abbott, Derek; Mitchell, Arnan; Kalantar-zadeh, Kourosh

2014-01-01

Small-scale pumps will be the heartbeat of many future micro/nanoscale platforms. However, the integration of small-scale pumps is presently hampered by limited flow rate with respect to the input power, and their rather complicated fabrication processes. These issues arise as many conventional pumping effects require intricate moving elements. Here, we demonstrate a system that we call the liquid metal enabled pump, for driving a range of liquids without mechanical moving parts, upon the application of modest electric field. This pump incorporates a droplet of liquid metal, which induces liquid flow at high flow rates, yet with exceptionally low power consumption by electrowetting/deelectrowetting at the metal surface. We present theory explaining this pumping mechanism and show that the operation is fundamentally different from other existing pumps. The presented liquid metal enabled pump is both efficient and simple, and thus has the potential to fundamentally advance the field of microfluidics. PMID:24550485

Demonstration and Validation of Corrosion-Mitigation Technologies for Mechanical Room Utility Piping and Cooling-Tower Pumps

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

Infrastructure, Task 2.1” ERDC/CERL TR-15-5 ii Abstract Two critical infrastructure corrosion issues at Fort Bragg, NC, are the cor- rosion of steel utility...piping union joints in mechanical rooms and the cor- rosion of steel pump housings in cooling tower systems. Reliable operation of these components...pump 5 incorporating 316 stainless steel housing. .................................... 19 Figure 13. New pump 5 being installed

Thermal Analysis of the PediaFlow pediatric ventricular assist device.

PubMed

Gardiner, Jeffrey M; Wu, Jingchun; Noh, Myounggyu D; Antaki, James F; Snyder, Trevor A; Paden, David B; Paden, Brad E

2007-01-01

Accurate modeling of heat dissipation in pediatric intracorporeal devices is crucial in avoiding tissue and blood thermotrauma. Thermal models of new Maglev ventricular assist device (VAD) concepts for the PediaFlow VAD are developed by incorporating empirical heat transfer equations with thermal finite element analysis (FEA). The models assume three main sources of waste heat generation: copper motor windings, active magnetic thrust bearing windings, and eddy currents generated within the titanium housing due to the two-pole motor. Waste heat leaves the pump by convection into blood passing through the pump and conduction through surrounding tissue. Coefficients of convection are calculated and assigned locally along fluid path surfaces of the three-dimensional pump housing model. FEA thermal analysis yields a three-dimensional temperature distribution for each of the three candidate pump models. Thermal impedances from the motor and thrust bearing windings to tissue and blood contacting surfaces are estimated based on maximum temperature rise at respective surfaces. A new updated model for the chosen pump topology is created incorporating computational fluid dynamics with empirical fluid and heat transfer equations. This model represents the final geometry of the first generation prototype, incorporates eddy current heating, and has 60 discrete convection regions. Thermal analysis is performed at nominal and maximum flow rates, and temperature distributions are plotted. Results suggest that the pump will not exceed a temperature rise of 2 degrees C during normal operation.

Method to produce American Thoracic Society flow-time waveforms using a mechanical pump.

PubMed

Hankinson, J L; Reynolds, J S; Das, M K; Viola, J O

1997-03-01

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) recently adopted a new set of 26 standard flow-time waveforms for use in testing both diagnostic and monitoring devices. Some of these waveforms have a higher frequency content than present in the ATS-24 standard volume-time waveforms, which, when produced by a mechanical pump, may result in a pump flow output that is less than the desired flow due to gas compression losses within the pump. To investigate the effects of gas compression, a mechanical pump was used to generate the necessary flows to test mini-Wright and Assess peak expiratory flow (PEF) meters. Flow output from the pump was measured by two different independent methods, a pneumotachometer and a method based on piston displacement and pressure measured within the pump. Measuring output flow based on piston displacement and pressure has been validated using a pneumotachometer and mini-Wright PEF meter, and found to accurately measure pump output. This method introduces less resistance (lower back-pressure) and dead space volume than using a pneumotachometer in series with the meter under test. Pump output flow was found to be lower than the desired flow both with the mini-Wright and Assess meters (for waveform No. 26, PEFs 7.1 and 10.9% lower, respectively). To compensate for losses due to gas compression, we have developed a method of deriving new input waveforms, which, when used to drive a commercially available mechanical pump, accurately and reliably produces the 26 ATS flow-time waveforms, even those with the fastest rise-times.

New technology, new errors: how to prime an upgrade of an insulin infusion pump.

PubMed

Rule, Ann M; Drincic, Andjela; Galt, Kimberly A

2007-03-01

A series of use errors occurred when switching an ambulatory care clinic patient from an older model to a newer model of an ambulatory continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump. The nurse practitioner (N.P.) reviewed the new pump's mechanics with the patient, who had a 26-year history of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, and supervised the patient's programming of the pump. At bedtime, a blood sugar of > 250 mg/dL prompted the patient to give herself insulin via the pump. The next morning, she was treated at the emergency department for diabetic ketoacidosis. The pump had been improperly primed, resulting in no insulin delivery. The incident also reflected the absence of a fail-safe mechanism(s) on the pump to alert the user to the improper priming and inappropriate handoff of the patient's care. Unlike the old pump, the new pump did not require manual priming. The lack of delivery of insulin resulted in DKA, a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes. A root cause analysis suggested several important safety issues, including skipping of steps on the patient training checklist and other shortcuts in patient training. The clinic developed policies and procedures, including mandatory formal training for each pump model by the certified pump trainer and for initiation of insulin pump therapy. This case illustrates the importance of a structured device selection process, provider education, patient education, and monitoring for safety and effectiveness of technological devices in care.

Thermodynamic performance of multi-stage gradational lead screw vacuum pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Fan; Zhang, Shiwei; Sun, Kun; Zhang, Zhijun

2018-02-01

As a kind of dry mechanical vacuum pump, the twin-screw vacuum pump has an outstanding pumping performance during operation, widely used in the semiconductor industry. Compared with the constant lead screw (CLS) vacuum pump, the gradational lead screw (GLS) vacuum pump is more popularly applied in recent years. Nevertheless, not many comparative studies on the thermodynamic performance of GLS vacuum pump can be found in the literature. Our study focuses on one type of GLS vacuum pump, the multi-stage gradational lead screw (MGLS) vacuum pump, gives a detailed description of its construction and illustrates it with the drawing. Based on the structural analysis, the thermodynamic procedure is divided into four distinctive processes, including sucking process, transferring (compressing) process, backlashing process and exhausting process. The internal mechanism of each process is qualitatively illustrated and the mathematical expressions of seven thermodynamic parameters are given under the ideal situation. The performance curves of MGLS vacuum pump are plotted by MATLAB software and compared with those of the CLS vacuum pump in the same case. The results can well explain why the MGLS vacuum pump has more favorable pumping performance than the CLS vacuum pump in saving energy, reducing noise and heat dissipation.

A Novel Thermal-activated Shape Memory Penile Prosthesis: Comparative Mechanical Testing.

PubMed

Le, Brian; McVary, Kevin; McKenna, Kevin; Colombo, Alberto

2017-01-01

To compare a novel nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloy (SMA) penile prosthesis of our own design with commercially available prostheses using a format similar to mechanical testing done at major penile prosthesis manufacturers. We evaluated the mechanical parameters of commercially available penile prostheses and used this information to guide the development of the Ni-Ti-based physiological penile prosthesis that expands and becomes erect with a small amount of heat applied. A penile prosthesis consisting of an exoskeleton of temperature-tuned Nitinol was designed and prototyped. Mechanical testing was performed in a model of penile buckling, penile lateral deviation, and original penile shape recovery commonly used by penile prosthesis manufacturers for testing. Our SMA penile prosthesis demonstrated useful mechanical characteristics, including rigidity to buckling when activated similar to an inflatable penile prosthesis (2.62 kgf SMA vs 1.42 kgf inflatable penile prosthesis vs 6.45 kgf for a malleable prosthesis). The Ni-Ti also became more pliable when deactivated within acceptable mechanical ranges of existing devices. It could be repeatedly cycled and generate a restorative force to become erect. An SMA-based penile prosthesis represents a promising new technology in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. We demonstrated that an Ni-Ti-based prosthesis can produce the mechanical forces necessary for producing a simulated erection without the need for a pump or reservoir, comparable with existing prostheses. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An active micro-direct methanol fuel cell with self-circulation of fuel and built-in removal of CO 2 bubbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Dennis Desheng; Kim, C. J.

As an alternative or supplement to small batteries, the much-anticipated micro-direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) faces several key technical issues such as methanol crossover, reactant delivery, and byproduct release. This paper addresses two of the issues, removal of CO 2 bubbles and delivery of methanol fuel, in a non-prohibitive way for system miniaturization. A recently reported bubble-driven pumping mechanism is applied to develop active μDMFCs free of an ancillary pump or a gas separator. The intrinsically generated CO 2 bubbles in the anodic microchannels are used to pump and circulate the liquid fuel before being promptly removed as a part of the pumping mechanism. Without a discrete liquid pump or gas separator, the widely known packaging penalty incurred within many micro-fuel-cell systems can be alleviated so that the system's power/energy density does not decrease dramatically as a result of miniaturization. Since the power required for pumping is provided by the byproduct of the fuel cell reaction, the parasitic power loss due to an external pump is also eliminated. The fuel circulation is visually confirmed, and the effectiveness for fuel cell applications is verified during continuous operation of a μDMFC for over 70 min with 1.2 mL of 2 M methanol. The same device was shown to operate for only 5 min if the pumping mechanism is disabled by blocking the gas venting membrane. Methanol consumption while utilizing the reported self-circulation mechanism is estimated to be 46%. Different from common pump-free fuel delivery approaches, the reported mechanism delivers the fuel actively and is independent of gravity.

Nuclear Technology. Course 30: Mechanical Inspection. Module 30-2, Pump Functional Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wasel, Ed; Espy, John

This second in a series of eight modules for a course titled Mechanical Inspection describes typical pump functional tests which are performed after pump installation and prior to release of the plant for unrestricted power operation. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module…

40 CFR 65.119 - Recordkeeping provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... performed pursuant to § 65.104(b)(2)(i), the owner or operator shall maintain a record of an engineering... pump visual inspections as specified in § 65.107(b)(4). (ii) Documentation of dual mechanical seal pump... frequency of drips for dual mechanical seal pumps, records of the design criteria and explanations and any...

40 CFR 65.119 - Recordkeeping provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... performed pursuant to § 65.104(b)(2)(i), the owner or operator shall maintain a record of an engineering... pump visual inspections as specified in § 65.107(b)(4). (ii) Documentation of dual mechanical seal pump... frequency of drips for dual mechanical seal pumps, records of the design criteria and explanations and any...

40 CFR 65.119 - Recordkeeping provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... performed pursuant to § 65.104(b)(2)(i), the owner or operator shall maintain a record of an engineering... pump visual inspections as specified in § 65.107(b)(4). (ii) Documentation of dual mechanical seal pump... frequency of drips for dual mechanical seal pumps, records of the design criteria and explanations and any...

40 CFR 65.119 - Recordkeeping provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... performed pursuant to § 65.104(b)(2)(i), the owner or operator shall maintain a record of an engineering... pump visual inspections as specified in § 65.107(b)(4). (ii) Documentation of dual mechanical seal pump... frequency of drips for dual mechanical seal pumps, records of the design criteria and explanations and any...

Design and Development of a Miniaturized Percutaneously Deployable Wireless Left Ventricular Assist Device: Early Prototypes and Feasibility Testing.

PubMed

Letzen, Brian; Park, Jiheum; Tuzun, Zeynep; Bonde, Pramod

The current left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are limited by a highly invasive implantation procedure in a severely unstable group of advanced heart failure patients. Additionally, the current transcutaneous power drive line acts as a nidus for infection resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. In an effort to decrease this invasiveness and eliminate drive line complications, we have conceived a wireless miniaturized percutaneous LVAD, capable of being delivered endovascularly with a tether-free operation. The system obviates the need for a transcutaneous fluid purge line required in existing temporary devices by utilizing an incorporated magnetically coupled impeller for a complete seal. The objective of this article was to demonstrate early development and proof-of-concept feasibility testing to serve as the groundwork for future formalized device development. Five early prototypes were designed and constructed to iteratively minimize the pump size and improve fluid dynamic performance. Various magnetic coupling configurations were tested. Using SolidWorks and ANSYS software for modeling and simulation, several geometric parameters were varied. HQ curves were constructed from preliminary in vitro testing to characterize the pump performance. Bench top tests showed no-slip magnetic coupling of the impeller to the driveshaft up to the current limit of the motor. The pump power requirements were tested in vitro and were within the appropriate range for powering via a wireless energy transfer system. Our results demonstrate the proof-of-concept feasibility of a novel endovascular cardiac assist device with the potential to eventually offer patients an untethered, minimally invasive support.

System for portable nucleic acid testing in low resource settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Hsiang-Wei; Roskos, Kristina; Hickerson, Anna I.; Carey, Thomas; Niemz, Angelika

2013-03-01

Our overall goal is to enable timely diagnosis of infectious diseases through nucleic acid testing at the point-of-care and in low resource settings, via a compact system that integrates nucleic acid sample preparation, isothermal DNA amplification, and nucleic acid lateral flow (NALF) detection. We herein present an interim milestone, the design of the amplification and detection subsystem, and the characterization of thermal and fluidic control and assay execution within this system. Using an earlier prototype of the amplification and detection unit, comprised of a disposable cartridge containing flexible pouches, passive valves, and electrolysis-driven pumps, in conjunction with a small heater, we have demonstrated successful execution of an established and clinically validated isothermal loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) reaction targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) DNA, coupled to NALF detection. The refined design presented herein incorporates miniaturized and integrated electrolytic pumps, novel passive valves, overall design changes to facilitate integration with an upstream sample preparation unit, and a refined instrument design that automates pumping, heating, and timing. Nucleic acid amplification occurs in a two-layer pouch that facilitates fluid handling and appropriate thermal control. The disposable cartridge is manufactured using low-cost and scalable techniques and forms a closed system to prevent workplace contamination by amplicons. In a parallel effort, we are developing a sample preparation unit based on similar design principles, which performs mechanical lysis of mycobacteria and DNA extraction from liquefied and disinfected sputum. Our next step is to combine sample preparation, amplification, and detection in a final integrated cartridge and device, to enable fully automated sample-in to answer-out diagnosis of active tuberculosis in primary care facilities of low-resource and high-burden countries.

Possible involvement of membrane lipids peroxidation and oxidation of catalytically essential thiols of the cerebral transmembrane sodium pump as component mechanisms of iron-mediated oxidative stress-linked dysfunction of the pump's activity

PubMed Central

Omotayo, T.I.; Akinyemi, G.S.; Omololu, P.A.; Ajayi, B.O.; Akindahunsi, A.A.; Rocha, J.B.T.; Kade, I.J.

2014-01-01

The precise molecular events defining the complex role of oxidative stress in the inactivation of the cerebral sodium pump in radical-induced neurodegenerative diseases is yet to be fully clarified and thus still open. Herein we investigated the modulation of the activity of the cerebral transmembrane electrogenic enzyme in Fe2+-mediated in vitro oxidative stress model. The results show that Fe2+ inhibited the transmembrane enzyme in a concentration dependent manner and this effect was accompanied by a biphasic generation of aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation. While dithiothreitol prevented both Fe2+ inhibitory effect on the pump and lipid peroxidation, vitamin E prevented only lipid peroxidation but not inhibition of the pump. Besides, malondialdehyde (MDA) inhibited the pump by a mechanism not related to oxidation of its critical thiols. Apparently, the low activity of the pump in degenerative diseases mediated by Fe2+ may involve complex multi-component mechanisms which may partly involve an initial oxidation of the critical thiols of the enzyme directly mediated by Fe2+ and during severe progression of such diseases; aldehydic products of lipid peroxidation such as MDA may further exacerbate this inhibitory effect by a mechanism that is likely not related to the oxidation of the catalytically essential thiols of the ouabain-sensitive cerebral electrogenic pump. PMID:25618580

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baxter, Van D.; Rice, C. Keith; Munk, Jeffrey D.

Between October 2007 and September 2017, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Lennox Industries, Inc. (Lennox) engaged in a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to develop an air-source integrated heat pump (AS-IHP) system for the US residential market. The Lennox AS-IHP concept consisted of a high-efficiency air-source heat pump (ASHP) for space heating and cooling services and a separate heat pump water heater/dehumidifier (WH/DH) module for domestic water heating and dehumidification (DH) services. A key feature of this system approach with the separate WH/DH is capability to pretreat (i.e., dehumidify) ventilation air and dedicated whole-house DH independent of themore » ASHP. Two generations of laboratory prototype WH/DH units were designed, fabricated, and lab tested. Performance maps for the system were developed using the latest research version of the US Department of Energy/ORNL heat pump design model (Rice 1992; Rice and Jackson 2005; Shen et al. 2012) as calibrated against the lab test data. These maps served as the input to TRNSYS (Solar Energy Laboratory et al. 2010) to predict annual performance relative to a baseline suite of equipment meeting minimum efficiency standards in effect in 2006 (i.e., a combination of an ASHP with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 13 and resistance water heater with an energy factor (EF) of 0.9). Predicted total annual energy savings (based on use of a two-speed ASHP and the second-generation WH/DH prototype for the AS-IHP), while providing space conditioning, water heating, and dehumidification for a tight, well-insulated 2600 ft2 (242 m2) house at three US locations, ranged from 33 to 36%, averaging 35%, relative to the baseline system. The lowest savings were seen at the cold-climate Chicago location. Predicted energy use for water heating was reduced by about 50 to 60% relative to a resistance WH.« less

High pressure liquid gas pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acres, R. L.

1972-01-01

Design and development of two types of pumps for handling liquefied gases are discussed. One pump uses mechanical valve shift and other uses pneumatic valve shift. Illustrations of pumps are provided and detailed description of operation is included.

Advanced performance of small diaphragm vacuum pumps through the use of mechatronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lachenmann, R.; Dirscherl, J.

Oil-free diaphragm vacuum pumps have proven to be the best way in vacuum generation for the chemical laboratory and they also find increasing use as backing pumps for modern wide-range turbo molecular pumps. The majority of vacuum pumps in practical use pump only a rather small percentage of their lifetime at full gas load. A pump backing a turbo molecular pump does not have to pump a significant gas load when the high-vacuum pump is running at ultimate vacuum pressure. Also, for a vacuum distillation the vacuum pump has to operate at full speed only at the beginning to lower the pressure inside the system to a vacuum level where evaporation starts. In a rather leak-tight system the distillation process continues by evaporating from the hot liquid and condensing at the cold condenser without the need of a mechanical vacuum pump. Rotational speed controlled diaphragm pumps are now available through progress in mechatronics and offer high pumping speed capability for fast pump-down cycles and precise pressure control for distillations. At low gas load the rotational speed can be reduced, improving maintenance intervals, power consumption, noise, vibration and - surprisingly - also ultimate pressure. The different behaviour in pumping speed and ultimate pressure of rotational speed controlled diaphragm pumps in comparison to constant-speed pumps is related to the mechanical properties of the valves and gas dynamics .

The pumping oxygenator: design criteria and first in vitro results.

PubMed

Fiore, G B; Costantino, M L; Fumero, R; Montevecchi, F M

2000-10-01

A new project is presented, the pumping oxygenator, functionally integrating pulsatile pumping and blood oxygenation in a single device. Solid, semipermeable silicone membranes allow gas exchange and simultaneously transfer energy from pressurized gas to blood thanks to their distensibility and to inlet and outlet 1-way valves. Two small-sized (1 m2 exchange surface area) prototypes were designed, constructed, hydraulically characterized, and subjected to gas transfer evaluation tests. Blood flow rates (Q(b)) up to 1,250 ml/min were obtained with 30 mm Hg static preload and 130 mm Hg afterload with 0.7 m upstream and 2.1 m downstream 3/8 inch pipes. Physiological oxygen transfer (VO2 = 5 ml/dl, ml of transferred O2/dl of treated blood) was delivered at Q(b) < 900 ml/min, about 4 ml/dl at Q(b) = 1,250 ml/min. VO2 also was significantly increased by increasing percent systolic time. CO2 transfer decreased regularly with increasing Q(b) from VCO2 = 4.8 ml/dl at Q(b) = 400 ml/min to VCO 2 = 2.1 ml/dl at Q(b) = 1,250 ml/min. The results confirm the possibility of integrating oxygenation and pulsatile pumping. The pumping oxygenator represents a promising project deserving further improvements.

Thermal Control and Enhancement of Heat Transport Capacity of Two-Phase Loops With Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seyed-Yagoobi, J.; Didion, J.; Ochterbeck, J. M.; Allen, J.

2000-01-01

There are three kinds of electrohydrodynamics (EHD) pumping based on Coulomb force: induction pumping, ion-drag pumping, and pure conduction pumping. EHD induction pumping relies on the generation of induced charges. This charge induction in the presence of an electric field takes place due to a non-uniformity in the electrical conductivity of the fluid which can be caused by a non-uniform temperature distribution and/or an inhomogeneity of the fluid (e.g. a two-phase fluid). Therefore, induction pumping cannot be utilized in an isothermal homogeneous liquid. In order to generate Coulomb force, a space charge must be generated. There are two main mechanisms for generating a space charge in an isothermal liquid. The first one is associated with the ion injection at a metal/liquid interface and the related pumping is referred to as ion-drag pumping. Ion-drag pumping is not desirable because it can deteriorate the electrical properties of the working fluid. The second space charge generation mechanism is associated with the heterocharge layers of finite thickness in the vicinity of the electrodes. Heterocharge layers result from dissociation of the neutral electrolytic species and recombination of the generated ions. This type of pumping is referred to as pure conduction pumping. This project investigates the EHD pumping through pure conduction phenomenon. Very limited work has been conducted in this field and the majority of the published papers in this area have mistakenly assumed that the electrostriction force was responsible for the net flow generated in an isothermal liquid. The main motivation behind this study is to investigate an EHD conduction pump for a two-phase loop to be operated in the microgravity environment. The pump is installed in the liquid return passage (isothermal liquid) from the condenser section to the evaporator section. Unique high voltage and ground electrodes have been designed that generate sufficient pressure heads with very low electric power requirements making the EHD conduction pumping attractive to applications such as two-phase systems (e.g. capillary pumped loops and heat pipes). Currently, the EHD conduction pump performance is being tested on a two-phase loop under various operating conditions in the laboratory environment. The simple non-mechanical and lightweight design of the EHD pump combined with the rapid control of performance by varying the applied electric field, low power consumption, and reliability offer significant advantages over other pumping mechanisms; particularly in reduced gravity applications.

Are anticoagulant independent mechanical valves within reach-fast prototype fabrication and in vitro testing of innovative bi-leaflet valve models.

PubMed

Scotten, Lawrence N; Siegel, Rolland

2015-08-01

Exploration for causes of prosthetic valve thrombogenicity has frequently focused on forward or post-closure flow detail. In prior laboratory studies, we uncovered high amplitude flow velocities of short duration close to valve closure implying potential for substantial shear stress with subsequent initiation of blood coagulation pathways. This may be relevant to widely accepted clinical disparity between mechanical and tissue valves vis-à-vis thrombogenicity. With a series of prototype bi-leaflet mechanical valves, we attempt reduction of closure related velocities with the objective of identifying a prototype valve with thrombogenic potential similar to our tissue valve control. This iterative design approach may find application in preclinical assessment of valves for anticoagulation independence. Tested valves included: prototype mechanical bi-leaflet BVs (n=56), controls (n=2) and patented early prototype mechanicals (n=2) from other investigators. Pulsatile and quasi-steady flow systems were used for testing. Projected dynamic valve area (PDVA) was measured using previously described novel technology. Flow velocity over the open and closing periods was determined by volumetric flow rate/PDVA. For the closed valve interval, use was made of data obtained from quasi-steady back pressure/flow tests. Performance was ranked by a proposed thrombogenicity potential index (TPI) relative to tissue and mechanical control valves. Optimization of the prototype valve designs lead to a 3-D printed model (BV3D). For the mitral/aortic site, BV3D has lower TPI (1.10/1.47) relative to the control mechanical valve (3.44/3.93) and similar to the control tissue valve (ideal TPI ≤1.0). Using unique technology, rapid prototyping and thrombogenicity ranking, optimization of experimental valves for reduced thrombogenic potential was expedited and simplified. Innovative mechanical valve configurations were identified that merit consideration for further development which may bring the anti-coagulation independent mechanical valve within reach.

Are anticoagulant independent mechanical valves within reach—fast prototype fabrication and in vitro testing of innovative bi-leaflet valve models

PubMed Central

Siegel, Rolland

2015-01-01

Background Exploration for causes of prosthetic valve thrombogenicity has frequently focused on forward or post-closure flow detail. In prior laboratory studies, we uncovered high amplitude flow velocities of short duration close to valve closure implying potential for substantial shear stress with subsequent initiation of blood coagulation pathways. This may be relevant to widely accepted clinical disparity between mechanical and tissue valves vis-à-vis thrombogenicity. With a series of prototype bi-leaflet mechanical valves, we attempt reduction of closure related velocities with the objective of identifying a prototype valve with thrombogenic potential similar to our tissue valve control. This iterative design approach may find application in preclinical assessment of valves for anticoagulation independence. Methods Tested valves included: prototype mechanical bi-leaflet BVs (n=56), controls (n=2) and patented early prototype mechanicals (n=2) from other investigators. Pulsatile and quasi-steady flow systems were used for testing. Projected dynamic valve area (PDVA) was measured using previously described novel technology. Flow velocity over the open and closing periods was determined by volumetric flow rate/PDVA. For the closed valve interval, use was made of data obtained from quasi-steady back pressure/flow tests. Performance was ranked by a proposed thrombogenicity potential index (TPI) relative to tissue and mechanical control valves. Results Optimization of the prototype valve designs lead to a 3-D printed model (BV3D). For the mitral/aortic site, BV3D has lower TPI (1.10/1.47) relative to the control mechanical valve (3.44/3.93) and similar to the control tissue valve (ideal TPI ≤1.0). Conclusions Using unique technology, rapid prototyping and thrombogenicity ranking, optimization of experimental valves for reduced thrombogenic potential was expedited and simplified. Innovative mechanical valve configurations were identified that merit consideration for further development which may bring the anti-coagulation independent mechanical valve within reach. PMID:26417581

Physiological characterisation of the efflux pump system of antibiotic-susceptible and multidrug-resistant Enterobacter aerogenes.

PubMed

Martins, A; Spengler, G; Martins, M; Rodrigues, L; Viveiros, M; Davin-Regli, A; Chevalier, J; Couto, I; Pagès, J M; Amaral, L

2010-10-01

Enterobacter aerogenes predominates amongst Enterobacteriaceae species that are increasingly reported as producers of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Although this mechanism of resistance to beta-lactams is important, other mechanisms bestowing a multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype in this species are now well documented. Amongst these mechanisms is the overexpression of efflux pumps that extrude structurally unrelated antibiotics prior to their reaching their targets. Interestingly, although knowledge of the genetic background behind efflux pumps is rapidly advancing, few studies assess the physiological nature of the overall efflux pump system of this, or for that matter any other, bacterium. The study reported here evaluates physiologically the efflux pump system of an E. aerogenes ATCC reference as well as two strains whose MDR phenotypes are mediated by overexpressed efflux pumps. The activities of the efflux pumps in these strains are modulated by pH and glucose, although the effects of the latter are essentially restricted to pH 8, suggesting the presence of two general efflux pump systems, i.e. proton-motive force-dependent and ABC transporter types, respectively. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Optical silencing of body wall muscles induces pumping inhibition in Caenorhabditis elegans

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Megumi

2017-01-01

Feeding, a vital behavior in animals, is modulated depending on internal and external factors. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the feeding organ called the pharynx ingests food by pumping driven by the pharyngeal muscles. Here we report that optical silencing of the body wall muscles, which drive the locomotory movement of worms, affects pumping. In worms expressing the Arch proton pump or the ACR2 anion channel in the body wall muscle cells, the pumping rate decreases after activation of Arch or ACR2 with light illumination, and recovers gradually after terminating illumination. Pumping was similarly inhibited by illumination in locomotion-defective mutants carrying Arch, suggesting that perturbation of locomotory movement is not critical for pumping inhibition. Analysis of mutants and cell ablation experiments showed that the signals mediating the pumping inhibition response triggered by activation of Arch with weak light are transferred mainly through two pathways: one involving gap junction-dependent mechanisms through pharyngeal I1 neurons, which mediate fast signals, and the other involving dense-core vesicle-dependent mechanisms, which mediate slow signals. Activation of Arch with strong light inhibited pumping strongly in a manner that does not rely on either gap junction-dependent or dense-core vesicle-dependent mechanisms. Our study revealed a new aspect of the neural and neuroendocrine controls of pumping initiated from the body wall muscles. PMID:29281635

Hydraulic induced instability on a vertical service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bosmans, R. F.

1985-01-01

The case history contained provides insight toward the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of a vertical pump. It clearly demonstrates the need for measurements on the rotor at or near the impeller area. The results are reported of an analysis on a service water pump. This pump is typical of the water pumps used throughout the power generation industry. Although little is known of the mechanical behavior of vertical pumps because of difficulty in modeling the rotor system, recent developments in the application of submersible proximity transducers have made possible the measurement of pump dynamics under operating conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the proper selection and installation of vibration-monitoring transducers as well as to measure the effects of imbalance, misalignment, and hydraulics on the performance and reliability of vertical pumps. In addition, the cause of shaft failures on this pump was to be determined.

21 CFR 870.4370 - Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. 870... Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. (a) Identification. A roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump is a device that uses a revolving roller mechanism to pump the blood through the...

21 CFR 870.4370 - Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. 870... Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. (a) Identification. A roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump is a device that uses a revolving roller mechanism to pump the blood through the...

21 CFR 870.4370 - Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. 870... Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. (a) Identification. A roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump is a device that uses a revolving roller mechanism to pump the blood through the...

21 CFR 870.4370 - Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. 870... Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. (a) Identification. A roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump is a device that uses a revolving roller mechanism to pump the blood through the...

21 CFR 870.4370 - Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. 870... Roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. (a) Identification. A roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump is a device that uses a revolving roller mechanism to pump the blood through the...

A motor-driven ventricular assist device controlled with an optical encoder system.

PubMed

Nakamura, T; Hayashi, K; Yamane, H

1993-01-01

An electric motor-driven ventricular assist device has been developed for long-term use inside the body. The system is composed of a pusher-plate-type blood pump and an actuator consisting of an electrical motor and a ball screw. Cyclic change of the direction of motor rotation makes a back-and-forth axial movement of the ball screw shaft. The shaft, which is detached from the pump diaphragm, pushes the diaphragm via a pusher plate to eject blood during systole; blood is sucked by the diaphragm resilience during diastole. Using the output signals from a newly designed, incremental-type, miniature optical rotary encoder mounted inside the actuator, the input voltage of the motor is optimally controlled referring to the phase difference between the current position of the moving rotor and the electrical reference signal of the rotation generated by a microprocessor-based controller. In vitro performance tests indicated that the system fulfills required specifications. The maximum efficiency was 11%, which was about twice as high as that obtained with the previous open-loop prototype system. In the air, the surface temperature of the actuator elevated to 20 degrees C above the room temperature. An acute in vivo test showed its feasibility as a left ventricular assist device. Analysis of the energy loss in each component of the system indicated that redesign and precise assembly of the mechanical parts could increase the system efficiency.

The Plasma Membrane Calcium Pump: New Ways to Look at an Old Enzyme

PubMed Central

Lopreiato, Raffaele; Giacomello, Marta; Carafoli, Ernesto

2014-01-01

The three-dimensional structure of the PMCA pump has not been solved, but its basic mechanistic properties are known to repeat those of the other Ca2+ pumps. However, the pump also has unique properties. They concern essentially its numerous regulatory mechanisms, the most important of which is the autoinhibition by its C-terminal tail. Other regulatory mechanisms involve protein kinases and the phospholipids of the membrane in which the pump is embedded. Permanent activation of the pump, e.g. by calmodulin, is physiologically as harmful to cells as its absence. The concept is now emerging that the global control of cell Ca2+ may not be the main function of the pump; in some cell types, it could even be irrelevant. The main pump role would be the regulation of Ca2+ in cell microdomains in which the pump co-segregates with partners that modulate the Ca2+ message and transduce it to important cell functions. PMID:24570005

Best Practices for Fuel System Contamination Detection and Remediation

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-14

Valve Fyre Ring GR DBB Style Plug Valve Gasket SS graphite Spiral DBB Style Plug Valve O- rings & slip seals VI DBB Style Plug Valve Packing gland...Pumps Impeller Key SS Vertical Turbine Pumps Impeller Retaining Ring SS Vertical Turbine Pumps Impellers (Electroless Nickel Plating) DI Vertical... Turbine Pumps Line Shaft SS Vertical Turbine Pumps Lineshaft Bearing CA Vertical Turbine Pumps Mating Ring Si-C Vertical Turbine Pumps Mechanical

Best Practices for Fuel System Contamination Detection and Remediation

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-15

Valve Fyre Ring GR DBB Style Plug Valve Gasket SS graphite Spiral DBB Style Plug Valve O- rings & slip seals VI DBB Style Plug Valve Packing gland...Pumps Impeller Key SS Vertical Turbine Pumps Impeller Retaining Ring SS Vertical Turbine Pumps Impellers (Electroless Nickel Plating) DI Vertical... Turbine Pumps Line Shaft SS Vertical Turbine Pumps Lineshaft Bearing CA Vertical Turbine Pumps Mating Ring Si-C Vertical Turbine Pumps Mechanical

Settlements around pumping wells: Analysis of influential factors and a simple calculation procedure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pujades, Estanislao; De Simone, Silvia; Carrera, Jesus; Vázquez-Suñé, Enric; Jurado, Anna

2017-05-01

Estimated and measured settlements caused by pumping rarely agree. Several reasons could explain this mismatch, including the influence of layering, the mechanical parameters used in the predictions, or the relationship between settlements and drawdown. We analyze the influence of the above issues by investigating the mechanical response of pumped elastic porous media under different conditions. A radially symmetric conceptual model is considered and several hydro-mechanical simulations are performed varying the boundary conditions, the size of the modeled domain and the presence or not of an overlying layer. The simplicity of the considered problem allows us to compare our results with existing analytical solutions, to identify the role of each variable on pumping settlements and to generalize the results. The most relevant results are as follows: (1) settlements are proportional to drawdown only outside a circle of radius equal to 0.7 times the thickness of the pumped porous medium; inside, they are virtually constant, which leads to two simple procedures for computing pumping settlements. (2) Poorly conductive layers located above (or below) a pumped porous medium (with higher hydraulic conductivity) reduce and smooth settlements. (3) Boundary constraints affect the local specific storage coefficient and the displacements occurred. (4) The specific storage coefficient evaluated by interpreting pumping tests with the Cooper and Jacob method (1946) leads to overestimation of the actual Young's Modulus of the soil. The main conclusion is that settlements are less differential than expected near pumping wells. Still, they must always be evaluated acknowledging the nature of layering, the boundary constraints and carefully selecting the mechanical parameters of the soil.

A comparative study of charge transfer inefficiency value and trap parameter determination techniques making use of an irradiated ESA-Euclid prototype CCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prod'homme, Thibaut; Verhoeve, P.; Kohley, R.; Short, A.; Boudin, N.

2014-07-01

The science objectives of space missions using CCDs to carry out accurate astronomical measurements are put at risk by the radiation-induced increase in charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) that results from trapping sites in the CCD silicon lattice. A variety of techniques are used to obtain CTI values and derive trap parameters, however they often differ in results. To identify and understand these differences, we take advantage of an on-going comprehensive characterisation of an irradiated Euclid prototype CCD including the following techniques: X-ray, trap pumping, flat field extended pixel edge response and first pixel response. We proceed to a comparative analysis of the obtained results.

Magnetron Sputtering System for Novel Intrinsically Switchable Thin Film Ferroelectric Resonators and Filters

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-03

the growth conditions and to improve film quality.    Mechanical  Scroll   Pump   The sputtering system requires a mechanical  scroll   pump  to bring the...load lock and main processing  chamber from atmospheric pressure to medium  vacuum . This particular type of  pump  does not expose  any part of the  vacuum ...additional  pump  to bring the main processing chamber from medium  vacuum  to ultrahigh  vacuum . Cryogenic  pumps  have no mechanical components and are

Optimised design for a 1 kJ diode-pumped solid-state laser system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, Paul D.; Ertel, Klaus; Banerjee, Saumyabrata; Phillips, P. Jonathan; Hernandez-Gomez, Cristina; Collier, John L.

2011-06-01

A conceptual design for a kJ-class diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) system based on cryogenic gas-cooled multislab ceramic Yb:YAG amplifier technology has been developed at the STFC as a building block towards a MJ-class source for inertial fusion energy (IFE) projects such as HiPER. In this paper, we present an overview of an amplifier design optimised for efficient generation of 1 kJ nanosecond pulses at 10 Hz repetition rate. In order to confirm the viability of this technology, a prototype version of this amplifier scaled to deliver 10 J at 10 Hz, DiPOLE, is under development at the Central Laser Facility. A progress update on the status of this system is also presented.

Final Technical Report for EE0006091: H2Pump Hydrogen Recycling System Demonstration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Staudt, Rhonda

The objective of this project is to demonstrate the product readiness and to quantify the benefits and customer value proposition of H2Pump’s Hydrogen Recycling System (HRS-100™) by installing and analyzing the operation of multiple prototype 100-kg per day systems in real world customer locations. The data gathered will be used to measure reliability, demonstrate the value proposition to customers, and validate our business model. H2Pump will install, track and report multiple field demonstration systems in industrial heat treating and semi-conductor applications. The customer demonstrations will be used to develop case studies and showcase the benefits of the technology to drivemore » market adoption.« less

Micro-engineered remote palpation device for assessing tissue compliance.

PubMed

Hien, M; Yang, T H J; Leung, S K W; Reuben, R L; Habib, F K; McNeill, S A; Schneider, A; McBride, G; Stevens, R; Else, R W

2008-01-01

This paper concerns the operation of the actuator for a prototype micro-engineered mechanical palpation device for deployment via a cystoscope to measure the dynamic mechanical properties of the prostate gland in vivo. The subassembly consists of a 400x200 microm silicon (Si) piston manufactured using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) housed within an anodically bonded glass-Si-glass sandwiched housing. The micro-channel on the Si layer was formed by powder blasting and contains the micro-piston with one end pointing to the side of the housing and the other facing a via hole leading to a capillary tube. The opening on the side of the housing was sealed by a 5 microm thick silicone membrane which acts to retain the micro-piston and act as a return spring. A 320 microm diameter capillary forms the connection between the micro-channel and a micro-syringe which is operated by a programmable syringe pump to produce a reciprocating action. A pressure sensor is connected along the capillary tube to measure the dynamic pressure within the system. The micro-piston has already been used, separately actuated to measure the dynamic mechanical properties of known viscoelastic materials and prostate tissue. The purpose of the present work is to assess the functionality of the actuator assembly.

Mechanical drive for blood pump

DOEpatents

Bifano, N.J.; Pouchot, W.D.

1975-07-29

This patent relates to a highly efficient blood pump to be used as a replacement for a ventricle of the human heart to restore people disabled by heart disease. The mechanical drive of the present invention is designed to operate in conjunction with a thermoelectric converter power source. The mechanical drive system essentially converts the output of a rotary power into pulsatile motion so that the power demand from the thermoelectric converter remains essentially constant while the blood pump output is pulsed. (auth)

Output characteristics of a series three-port axial piston pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaogang; Quan, Long; Yang, Yang; Wang, Chengbin; Yao, Liwei

2012-05-01

Driving a hydraulic cylinder directly by a closed-loop hydraulic pump is currently a key research area in the field of electro-hydraulic control technology, and it is the most direct means to improve the energy efficiency of an electro-hydraulic control system. So far, this technology has been well applied to the pump-controlled symmetric hydraulic cylinder. However, for the differential cylinder that is widely used in hydraulic technology, satisfactory results have not yet been achieved, due to the asymmetric flow constraint. Therefore, based on the principle of the asymmetric valve controlled asymmetric cylinder in valve controlled cylinder technology, an innovative idea for an asymmetric pump controlled asymmetric cylinder is put forward to address this problem. The scheme proposes to transform the oil suction window of the existing axial piston pump into two series windows. When in use, one window is connected to the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder and the other is linked with a low-pressure oil tank. This allows the differential cylinders to be directly controlled by changing the displacement or rotation speed of the pumps. Compared with the loop principle of offsetting the area difference of the differential cylinder through hydraulic valve using existing technology, this method may simplify the circuits and increase the energy efficiency of the system. With the software SimulationX, a hydraulic pump simulation model is set up, which examines the movement characteristics of an individual piston and the compressibility of oil, as well as the flow distribution area as it changes with the rotation angle. The pump structure parameters, especially the size of the unloading groove of the valve plate, are determined through digital simulation. All of the components of the series arranged three distribution-window axial piston pump are designed, based on the simulation analysis of the flow pulse characteristics of the pump, and then the prototype pump is made. The basic characteristics, such as the pressure, flow and noise of the pumps under different rotation speeds, are measured on the test bench. The test results verify the correctness of the principle. The proposed research lays a theoretical foundation for the further development of a new pump-controlled cylinder system.

40 CFR 63.1007 - Pumps in light liquid service standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. The owner or operator... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal, a leak is detected. Unless the owner or operator... indications of liquids dripping. (e) Special provisions for pumps—(1) Dual mechanical seal pumps. Each pump...

40 CFR 63.1007 - Pumps in light liquid service standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. The owner or operator... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal, a leak is detected. Unless the owner or operator... indications of liquids dripping. (e) Special provisions for pumps—(1) Dual mechanical seal pumps. Each pump...

40 CFR 63.1007 - Pumps in light liquid service standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... inspection each calendar week for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. The owner or operator... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal, a leak is detected. Unless the owner or operator... indications of liquids dripping. (e) Special provisions for pumps—(1) Dual mechanical seal pumps. Each pump...

Design and prototype fabrication of a 30 tesla cryogenic magnet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prok, G. M.; Swanson, M. C.; Brown, G. V.

1977-01-01

A liquid-neon-cooled magnet has been designed to produce 30 teslas in steady operation. Its feasibility was established by a previously reported parametric study. To ensure the correctness of the heat transfer relationships used, supercritical neon heat transfer tests were made. Other tests made before the final design included tests on the effect of the magnetic field on pump motors; tensile-shear tests on the cryogenic adhesives; and simulated flow studies for the coolant. The magnet will be made of two pairs of coils, cooled by forced convection of supercritical neon. Heat from the supercritical neon will be rejected through heat exchangers which are made of roll-bonded copper panels and are submerged in a pool of saturated liquid neon. A partial mock-up coil was wound to identify the tooling required to wind the magnet. This was followed by winding a prototype pair of coils. The prototype winding established procedures for fabricating the final magnet and revealed slight changes needed in the final design.

Experimental analysis of flow structure in contra-rotating axial flow pump designed with different rotational speed concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Linlin; Watanabe, Satoshi; Imanishi, Toshiki; Yoshimura, Hiroaki; Furukawa, Akinori

2013-08-01

As a high specific speed pump, the contra-rotating axial flow pump distinguishes itself in a rear rotor rotating in the opposite direction of the front rotor, which remarkably contributes to the energy conversion, the reduction of the pump size, better hydraulic and cavitation performances. However, with two rotors rotating reversely, the significant interaction between blade rows was observed in our prototype contra-rotating rotors, which highly affected the pump performance compared with the conventional axial flow pumps. Consequently, a new type of rear rotor was designed by the rotational speed optimization methodology with some additional considerations, aiming at better cavitation performance, the reduction of blade rows interaction and the secondary flow suppression. The new rear rotor showed a satisfactory performance at the design flow rate but an unfavorable positive slope of the head — flow rate curve in the partial flow rate range less than 40% of the design flow rate, which should be avoided for the reliability of pump-pipe systems. In the present research, to understand the internal flow field of new rear rotor and its relation to the performances at the partial flow rates, the velocity distributions at the inlets and outlets of the rotors are firstly investigated. Then, the boundary layer flows on rotor surfaces, which clearly reflect the secondary flow inside the rotors, are analyzed through the limiting streamline observations using the multi-color oil-film method. Finally, the unsteady numerical simulations are carried out to understand the complicated internal flow structures in the rotors.

Pumping Mechanisms for SiO Masers around VX Sgr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, J. B.; Shen, Z.-Q.; Chen, X.; Yi, Jiyune; Jiang, D. R.; Yun, Y. J.

2011-06-01

VX Sgr, a semi-regular variable, is a red giant star with intense SiO maser emission at 43 GHz. The pumping mechanism of the circumstellar SiO masers has been controversial for decades since its discovery. In order to pursue this long-standing problem further, we have carried out simultaneous VLBA observations of two 7 mm SiO masers at five epochs in about two years. We present relatively aligned υ = 1 and υ = 2, J = 1-0 SiO maser maps and discuss the dominant pumping mechanism, which may be epoch dependent or a combination of both mechanisms.

The Living Heart Project: A robust and integrative simulator for human heart function.

PubMed

Baillargeon, Brian; Rebelo, Nuno; Fox, David D; Taylor, Robert L; Kuhl, Ellen

2014-11-01

The heart is not only our most vital, but also our most complex organ: Precisely controlled by the interplay of electrical and mechanical fields, it consists of four chambers and four valves, which act in concert to regulate its filling, ejection, and overall pump function. While numerous computational models exist to study either the electrical or the mechanical response of its individual chambers, the integrative electro-mechanical response of the whole heart remains poorly understood. Here we present a proof-of-concept simulator for a four-chamber human heart model created from computer topography and magnetic resonance images. We illustrate the governing equations of excitation-contraction coupling and discretize them using a single, unified finite element environment. To illustrate the basic features of our model, we visualize the electrical potential and the mechanical deformation across the human heart throughout its cardiac cycle. To compare our simulation against common metrics of cardiac function, we extract the pressure-volume relationship and show that it agrees well with clinical observations. Our prototype model allows us to explore and understand the key features, physics, and technologies to create an integrative, predictive model of the living human heart. Ultimately, our simulator will open opportunities to probe landscapes of clinical parameters, and guide device design and treatment planning in cardiac diseases such as stenosis, regurgitation, or prolapse of the aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid, or mitral valve.

Design optimization and performance characteristics of a photovoltaic microirrigation system for use in developing countries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matlin, R. W.

1979-07-10

Tens of millions of the world's poorest farmers currently subsist on small farms below two hectares in size. The increasing cost of animal irrigation coupled with decreasing farm size and the lack of a utility grid or acceptable alternate power sources is causing interest in the use of solar photovoltaics for these very small (subkilowatt) water pumping systems. The attractive combinations of system components (array, pump, motor, storage and controls) have been identified and their interactions characterized in order to optimize overall system efficiency. Computer simulations as well as component tests were made of systems utilizing flat-plate and low-concentration arrays,more » direct-coupled and electronic-impedance-matching controls, fixed and incremental (once or twice a day) tracking, dc and ac motors, and positive-displacement, centrifugal and vertical turbine pumps. The results of these analyses and tests are presented, including water volume pumped as a function of time of day and year, for the locations of Orissa, India and Cairo, Egypt. Finally, a description and operational data are given for a prototype unit that was developed as a result of the previous analyses and tests.« less

DiPOLE: a 10 J, 10 Hz cryogenic gas cooled multi-slab nanosecond Yb:YAG laser.

PubMed

Banerjee, Saumyabrata; Ertel, Klaus; Mason, Paul D; Phillips, P Jonathan; De Vido, Mariastefania; Smith, Jodie M; Butcher, Thomas J; Hernandez-Gomez, Cristina; Greenhalgh, R Justin S; Collier, John L

2015-07-27

The Diode Pumped Optical Laser for Experiments (DiPOLE) project at the Central Laser Facility aims to develop a scalable, efficient high pulse energy diode pumped laser amplifier system based on cryogenic gas cooled, multi-slab ceramic Yb:YAG technology. We present recent results obtained from a scaled down prototype laser system designed for operation at 10 Hz pulse repetition rate. At 140 K, the system generated 10.8 J of energy in a 10 ns pulse at 1029.5 nm when pumped by 48 J of diode energy at 940 nm, corresponding to an optical to optical conversion efficiency of 22.5%. To our knowledge, this represents the highest pulse energy obtained from a cryo cooled Yb laser to date and the highest efficiency achieved by a multi-Joule diode pumped solid state laser system. Additionally, we demonstrated shot-to-shot energy stability of 0.85% rms for the system operated at 7 J, 10 Hz during several runs lasting up to 6 hours, with more than 50 hours in total. We also demonstrated pulse shaping capability and report on beam, wavefront and focal spot quality.

Dual-stroke heat pump field performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veyo, S. E.

1984-11-01

Two nearly identical proprototype systems, each employing a unique dual-stroke compressor, were built and tested. One was installed in an occupied residence in Jeannette, Pa. It has provided the heating and cooling required from that time to the present. The system has functioned without failure of any prototypical advanced components, although early field experience did suffer from deficiencies in the software for the breadboard micro processor control system. Analysis of field performance data indicates a heating performance factor (HSPF) of 8.13 Stu/Wa, and a cooling energy efficiency (SEER) of 8.35 Scu/Wh. Data indicate that the beat pump is oversized for the test house since the observed lower balance point is 3 F whereas 17 F La optimum. Oversizing coupled with the use of resistance heat ot maintain delivered air temperature warmer than 90 F results in the consumption of more resistance heat than expected, more unit cycling, and therefore lower than expected energy efficiency. Our analysis indicates that with optimal mixing the dual stroke heat pump will yield as HSFF 30% better than a single capacity heat pump representative of high efficiency units in the market place today for the observed weather profile.

A Wireless Implantable Micropump for Chronic Drug Infusion Against Cancer

PubMed Central

Cobo, Angelica; Sheybani, Roya; Tu, Heidi; Meng, Ellis

2016-01-01

We present an implantable micropump with a miniature form factor and completely wireless operation that enables chronic drug administration intended for evaluation and development of cancer therapies in freely moving small research animals such as rodents. The low power electrolysis actuator avoids the need for heavy implantable batteries. The infusion system features a class E inductive powering system that provides on-demand activation of the pump as well as remote adjustment of the delivery regimen without animal handling. Micropump performance was demonstrated using a model anti-cancer application in which daily doses of 30 μL were supplied for several weeks with less than 6% variation in flow rate within a single pump and less than 8% variation across different pumps. Pumping under different back pressure, viscosity, and temperature conditions were investigated; parameters were chosen so as to mimic in vivo conditions. In benchtop tests under simulated in vivo conditions, micropumps provided consistent and reliable performance over a period of 30 days with less than 4% flow rate variation. The demonstrated prototype has potential to provide a practical solution for remote chronic administration of drugs to ambulatory small animals for research as well as drug discovery and development applications. PMID:26855476

A Single-Chip Solar Energy Harvesting IC Using Integrated Photodiodes for Biomedical Implant Applications.

PubMed

Chen, Zhiyuan; Law, Man-Kay; Mak, Pui-In; Martins, Rui P

2017-02-01

In this paper, an ultra-compact single-chip solar energy harvesting IC using on-chip solar cell for biomedical implant applications is presented. By employing an on-chip charge pump with parallel connected photodiodes, a 3.5 × efficiency improvement can be achieved when compared with the conventional stacked photodiode approach to boost the harvested voltage while preserving a single-chip solution. A photodiode-assisted dual startup circuit (PDSC) is also proposed to improve the area efficiency and increase the startup speed by 77%. By employing an auxiliary charge pump (AQP) using zero threshold voltage (ZVT) devices in parallel with the main charge pump, a low startup voltage of 0.25 V is obtained while minimizing the reversion loss. A 4 V in gate drive voltage is utilized to reduce the conduction loss. Systematic charge pump and solar cell area optimization is also introduced to improve the energy harvesting efficiency. The proposed system is implemented in a standard 0.18- [Formula: see text] CMOS technology and occupies an active area of 1.54 [Formula: see text]. Measurement results show that the on-chip charge pump can achieve a maximum efficiency of 67%. With an incident power of 1.22 [Formula: see text] from a halogen light source, the proposed energy harvesting IC can deliver an output power of 1.65 [Formula: see text] at 64% charge pump efficiency. The chip prototype is also verified using in-vitro experiment.

Application of drag-reducing polymer solutions as test fluids for in vitro evaluation of potential blood damage in blood pumps.

PubMed

Daly, Amanda R; Sobajima, Hideo; Olia, Salim E; Takatani, Setsuo; Kameneva, Marina V

2010-01-01

In vitro evaluation of the potential of a circulatory-assist device to damage blood cells has generally been performed using blood from various species. Problems with this approach include the variability of blood sensitivity to mechanical stress in different species, preparation of blood including the adjustment of hematocrit to a standard value, changes in the mechanical properties of blood that occur during storage, and necessity to pool blood samples to obtain an adequate amount of blood for in vitro circulating systems. We investigated whether the mechanical degradation of a drag-reducing polymer (DRP) solution resulting in the loss of drag-reducing ability can indicate the degree of shear-induced blood damage within blood pumps. DRP solution (polyethylene oxide, 4,500 kDa, 1,000 ppm) or porcine blood were driven through a turbulent flow system by a centrifugal pump, either the Bio-Pump BPX-80 (Medtronic, Inc.) or CentriMag (Levitronix LLC) at a constant pressure gradient of 300 mm Hg for 120 minutes. DRP mechanical degradation was evaluated by reduction of flow rate and solution viscosity. A proposed index of DRP mechanical degradation (PDI) is similar to the normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) typically used to quantify the results of in vitro testing of blood pumps. Results indicate that the mechanical degradation of DRP solutions may provide a sensitive standard method for the evaluation of potential blood trauma produced by blood pumps without the use of blood.

Application of Drag-Reducing Polymer Solutions as Test Fluids for In Vitro Evaluation of Potential Blood Damage in Blood Pumps

PubMed Central

Daly, Amanda R.; Sobajima, Hideo; Olia, Salim E.; Takatani, Setsuo; Kameneva, Marina V.

2011-01-01

In vitro evaluation of the potential of a circulatory-assist device to damage blood cells has generally been performed using blood from various species. Problems with this approach include the variability of blood sensitivity to mechanical stress in different species, preparation of blood including the adjustment of hematocrit to a standard value, changes in the mechanical properties of blood that occur during storage, and necessity to pool blood samples to obtain an adequate amount of blood for in vitro circulating systems. We investigated whether the mechanical degradation of a drag-reducing polymer (DRP) solution resulting in the loss of drag-reducing ability can indicate the degree of shear-induced blood damage within blood pumps. DRP solution (polyethylene oxide, 4,500 kDa, 1,000 ppm) or porcine blood were driven through a turbulent flow system by a centrifugal pump, either the Bio-Pump BPX-80 (Medtronic, Inc.) or CentriMag (Levitronix LLC) at a constant pressure gradient of 300 mm Hg for 120 minutes. DRP mechanical degradation was evaluated by reduction of flow rate and solution viscosity. A proposed index of DRP mechanical degradation (PDI) is similar to the normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) typically used to quantify the results of in vitro testing of blood pumps. Results indicate that the mechanical degradation of DRP solutions may provide a sensitive standard method for the evaluation of potential blood trauma produced by blood pumps without the use of blood. PMID:20019596

Integrated Seawater Sampler and Data Acquisition System Prototype

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-01

circuitry. The sample bags, initially sealed in a chemically clean environment , were opened by pumping the water out of the tray, thus forcing water into...the water sample containers from materials having low metals content. Control of the sample transfer environment through the use of Class-100 clean... environment . CTD designers also intended their underwater units and deck terminals to be connected directly together providing AC grounding appropriate to

Lyophilization for Water Recovery From Solid Waste

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flynn, Michael; Litwiller, Eric; Reinhard, Martin

2003-01-01

This abstract describes the development of a solid waste treatment system designed for a near term human exploration mission. The technology being developed is an energy- efficient lyophilization technique that recovers water from spacecraft solid waste. In the lyophilization process water in an aqueous waste is frozen and then sublimed, resulting in the separation of the waste into a dried solid material and liquid water. This technology is ideally suited to applications where water recovery rates approaching 100% are desirable but production of CO, is not. Water contained within solid wastes accounts for approximately 3% of the total water balance. If 100% closure of the water loop is desired the water contained within this waste would need to be recovered. To facilitate operation in microgravity thermoelectric heat pumps have be used in place of traditional fluid cycle heat pumps. A mathematical model of a thermoelectric lyophilizer has been developed and used to generate energy use and processing rate parameters. The results of laboratory investigations and discussions with ALS program management have been used to iteratively arrive at a prototype design. This design address operational limitations which were identified in the laboratory studies and handling and health concerns raised by ALS program management. The current prototype design is capable of integration into the ISS Waste Collection System.

Inward H+ pump xenorhodopsin: Mechanism and alternative optogenetic approach.

PubMed

Shevchenko, Vitaly; Mager, Thomas; Kovalev, Kirill; Polovinkin, Vitaly; Alekseev, Alexey; Juettner, Josephine; Chizhov, Igor; Bamann, Christian; Vavourakis, Charlotte; Ghai, Rohit; Gushchin, Ivan; Borshchevskiy, Valentin; Rogachev, Andrey; Melnikov, Igor; Popov, Alexander; Balandin, Taras; Rodriguez-Valera, Francisco; Manstein, Dietmar J; Bueldt, Georg; Bamberg, Ernst; Gordeliy, Valentin

2017-09-01

Generation of an electrochemical proton gradient is the first step of cell bioenergetics. In prokaryotes, the gradient is created by outward membrane protein proton pumps. Inward plasma membrane native proton pumps are yet unknown. We describe comprehensive functional studies of the representatives of the yet noncharacterized xenorhodopsins from Nanohaloarchaea family of microbial rhodopsins. They are inward proton pumps as we demonstrate in model membrane systems, Escherichia coli cells, human embryonic kidney cells, neuroblastoma cells, and rat hippocampal neuronal cells. We also solved the structure of a xenorhodopsin from the nanohalosarchaeon Nanosalina ( Ns XeR) and suggest a mechanism of inward proton pumping. We demonstrate that the Ns XeR is a powerful pump, which is able to elicit action potentials in rat hippocampal neuronal cells up to their maximal intrinsic firing frequency. Hence, inwardly directed proton pumps are suitable for light-induced remote control of neurons, and they are an alternative to the well-known cation-selective channelrhodopsins.

An allosteric transport mechanism for the AcrAB-TolC multidrug efflux pump

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhao; Fan, Guizhen; Hryc, Corey F; Blaza, James N; Serysheva, Irina I; Schmid, Michael F; Chiu, Wah; Luisi, Ben F; Du, Dijun

2017-01-01

Bacterial efflux pumps confer multidrug resistance by transporting diverse antibiotics from the cell. In Gram-negative bacteria, some of these pumps form multi-protein assemblies that span the cell envelope. Here, we report the near-atomic resolution cryoEM structures of the Escherichia coli AcrAB-TolC multidrug efflux pump in resting and drug transport states, revealing a quaternary structural switch that allosterically couples and synchronizes initial ligand binding with channel opening. Within the transport-activated state, the channel remains open even though the pump cycles through three distinct conformations. Collectively, our data provide a dynamic mechanism for the assembly and operation of the AcrAB-TolC pump. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24905.001 PMID:28355133

Strategy Plan A Methodology to Predict the Uniformity of Double-Shell Tank Waste Slurries Based on Mixing Pump Operation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

J.A. Bamberger; L.M. Liljegren; P.S. Lowery

This document presents an analysis of the mechanisms influencing mixing within double-shell slurry tanks. A research program to characterize mixing of slurries within tanks has been proposed. The research program presents a combined experimental and computational approach to produce correlations describing the tank slurry concentration profile (and therefore uniformity) as a function of mixer pump operating conditions. The TEMPEST computer code was used to simulate both a full-scale (prototype) and scaled (model) double-shell waste tank to predict flow patterns resulting from a stationary jet centered in the tank. The simulation results were used to evaluate flow patterns in the tankmore » and to determine whether flow patterns are similar between the full-scale prototype and an existing 1/12-scale model tank. The flow patterns were sufficiently similar to recommend conducting scoping experiments at 1/12-scale. Also, TEMPEST modeled velocity profiles of the near-floor jet were compared to experimental measurements of the near-floor jet with good agreement. Reported values of physical properties of double-shell tank slurries were analyzed to evaluate the range of properties appropriate for conducting scaled experiments. One-twelfth scale scoping experiments are recommended to confirm the prioritization of the dimensionless groups (gravitational settling, Froude, and Reynolds numbers) that affect slurry suspension in the tank. Two of the proposed 1/12-scale test conditions were modeled using the TEMPEST computer code to observe the anticipated flow fields. This information will be used to guide selection of sampling probe locations. Additional computer modeling is being conducted to model a particulate laden, rotating jet centered in the tank. The results of this modeling effort will be compared to the scaled experimental data to quantify the agreement between the code and the 1/12-scale experiment. The scoping experiment results will guide selection of parameters to be varied in the follow-on experiments. Data from the follow-on experiments will be used to develop correlations to describe slurry concentration profile as a function of mixing pump operating conditions. This data will also be used to further evaluate the computer model applications. If the agreement between the experimental data and the code predictions is good, the computer code will be recommended for use to predict slurry uniformity in the tanks under various operating conditions. If the agreement between the code predictions and experimental results is not good, the experimental data correlations will be used to predict slurry uniformity in the tanks within the range of correlation applicability.« less

The Control of Welding Deformation of the Three-Section Arm of Placing Boom of HB48B Pump Truck

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhi-ling

2018-02-01

The concrete pump truck is the construction equipment of conveying concrete with self contained base plate and distributing boom. It integrates the pump transport mechanism of the concrete pump, and the hydraulic roll-folding type distributing boom used to distribute materials, and the supporting mechanism into the automobile chassis, and it is the concrete conveying equipment with high efficient and the functions of driving, pumping, and distributing materials. The placing boom of the concrete pump truck is the main force member in the pump parts with bearing great pressure, and its stress condition is complex. Taking the HB48B placing boom as an example, this paper analyzes and studies the deformation produced by placing boom of pump truck, and then obtains some main factors affecting the welding deformation. Through the riveter “joint” size, we controlled the process parameters, post-welding processing, and other aspects. These measures had some practical significance to prevent, control, and reduce the deformation of welding.

Direct solar-pumped iodine laser amplifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Han, Kwang S.

1987-01-01

This semiannual progress report covers the period from March 1, 1987 to September 30, 1987 under NASA grant NAG1-441 entitled 'Direct solar-pumped iodine laser amplifier'. During this period Nd:YAG and Nd:Cr:GSGG crystals have been tested for the solar-simulator pumped cw laser, and loss mechanisms of the laser output power in a flashlamp-pumped iodine laser also have been identified theoretically. It was observed that the threshold pump-beam intensities for both Nd:YAG and Nd:Cr:GSGG crystals were about 1000 solar constants, and the cw laser operation of the Nd:Cr:GSGG crystal was more difficult than that of the Nd:YAG crystal under the solar-simulator pumping. The possibility of the Nd:Cr:GSGG laser operation with a fast continuously chopped pumping was also observed. In addition, good agreement between the theoretical calculations and the experimental data on the loss mechanisms of a flashlamp-pumped iodine laser at various fill pressures and various lasants was achieved.

77 FR 8092 - Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-14

...-pressure/low-pressure (HP/LP) pump hydro-mechanical metering units (HMUs) that do not incorporate... uncoupling of the high-pressure/low-pressure (HP/LP) pump hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU) low-pressure...

The Progress in the Novel Pediatric Rotary Blood Pump Sputnik Development.

PubMed

Telyshev, Dmitry; Denisov, Maxim; Pugovkin, Alexander; Selishchev, Sergey; Nesterenko, Igor

2018-04-01

In this work, the study results of an implantable pediatric rotary blood pump (PRBP) are presented. They show the results of the numerical simulation of fluid flow rates in the pump. The determination method of the backflows and stagnation regions is represented. The operating points corresponding to fluid flow rates of 1, 3, and 5 L/min for 75-80 mm Hg pressure head are investigated. The study results have shown that use of the pump in the 1 L/min operating point can potentially lead to the appearance of backflows and stagnation regions. In the case of using pumps in fluid flow rates ranging from 3 to 5 L/min, the number of stagnation regions decreases and the fluid flow rate changes marginally. Using the pump in this flow rate range is considered judicious. The study shows an increase in shear stress with an increase in fluid flow rates, while there is no increase in shear stress above the critical condition of 150 Pa (which does not allow us to reliably speak about the increased risk of blood cell damage). The aim of this work was to design, prototype, and study interaction of the Sputnik PRBP with the cardiovascular system. A three-dimensional model of Sputnik PRBP was designed with the following geometrical specifications: flow unit length of 51.5 mm, flow unit diameter of 10 mm, and spacing between the rotor and housing of 0.1 mm. Computational fluid dynamics studies were used to calculate head pressure-flow rate (H-Q) curves at rotor speeds ranging from 10 000 to 14 000 rpm (R 2  = 0.866 between numerical simulation and experiment) and comparing flow patterns at various points of the flow rate operating range (1, 3, and 5 L/min) for operating pressures ranging from 75 to 80 mm Hg. It is noted that when fluid flow rate changes from 1 L/min to 3 L/min, significant changes are observed in the distribution of zero flow zones. At the inlet and outlet of the pump, when going to the operating point of 3 L/min, zones of stagnation become minuscule. The shear stress distribution was calculated along the pump volume. The volume in which shear stress exceed 150 Pa is less than 0.38% of the total pump volume at flow rates of 1, 3, and 5 L/min. In this study, a mock circulatory system (MCS) allowing simulation of physiological cardiovascular characteristics was used to investigate the interaction of the Sputnik PRBP with the cardiovascular system. MCS allows reproducing the Frank-Starling autoregulation mechanism of the heart. PRBP behavior was tested in the speed range of 6 000 to 15 000 rpm. Decreased contractility can be expressed in a stroke volume decrease approximately from 18 to 4 mL and ventricle systolic pressure decrease approximately from 92 to 20 mm Hg. The left ventricle becomes fully supported at a pump speed of 10 000 rpm. At a pump speed of 14 000 rpm, the left ventricle goes into a suction state in which fluid almost does not accumulate in the ventricle and only passes through it to the pump. The proposed PRBP showed potential for improved clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with a body surface area greater than 0.6 m 2 and weight greater than 12 kg. © 2018 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Profound regulation of Na/K pump activity by transient elevations of cytoplasmic calcium in murine cardiac myocytes

PubMed Central

Lu, Fang-Min; Deisl, Christine; Hilgemann, Donald W

2016-01-01

Small changes of Na/K pump activity regulate internal Ca release in cardiac myocytes via Na/Ca exchange. We now show conversely that transient elevations of cytoplasmic Ca strongly regulate cardiac Na/K pumps. When cytoplasmic Na is submaximal, Na/K pump currents decay rapidly during extracellular K application and multiple results suggest that an inactivation mechanism is involved. Brief activation of Ca influx by reverse Na/Ca exchange enhances pump currents and attenuates current decay, while repeated Ca elevations suppress pump currents. Pump current enhancement reverses over 3 min, and results are similar in myocytes lacking the regulatory protein, phospholemman. Classical signaling mechanisms, including Ca-activated protein kinases and reactive oxygen, are evidently not involved. Electrogenic signals mediated by intramembrane movement of hydrophobic ions, such as hexyltriphenylphosphonium (C6TPP), increase and decrease in parallel with pump currents. Thus, transient Ca elevation and Na/K pump inactivation cause opposing sarcolemma changes that may affect diverse membrane processes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19267.001 PMID:27627745

Ekman pumping mechanism driving precipitation anomalies in response to equatorial heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamouda, Mostafa E.; Kucharski, Fred

2018-03-01

In this paper some basic mechanisms for rainfall teleconnections to a localized tropical sea surface temperature anomaly are re-visited using idealized AGCM aqua-planet simulations. The dynamical response is generally in good agreement with the Gill-Matsuno theory. The mechanisms analyzed are (1) the stabilization of the tropical troposphere outside the heating region, (2) the Walker circulation modification and (3) Ekman pumping induced by the low-level circulation responses. It is demonstrated that all three mechanisms, and in particular (2) and (3), contribute to the remote rainfall teleconnections. However, mechanism (3) best coincides with the overall horizontal structure of rainfall responses. It is shown by using the models boundary layer parameterization that low-level vertical velocities are indeed caused by Ekman pumping and that this induces vertical velocities in the whole tropospheric column through convective feedbacks. Also the modification of the responses due to the presence of idealized warm pools is investigated. It is shown that warm pools modify the speed of the tropical waves, consistent with Doppler shifts and are thus able to modify the Walker circulation adjustments and remote rainfall responses. The sensitivity of the responses, and in particular the importance of the Ekman pumping mechanism, to large variations in the drag coefficient is also tested, and it is shown that the Ekman pumping mechanism is robust for a wide range of values.

Investigations for Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of ABS-Graphene Blended Prototypes

PubMed Central

Singh, Rupinder; Sandhu, Gurleen S.; Penna, Rosa; Farina, Ilenia

2017-01-01

The thermoplastic materials such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and Nylon have large applications in three-dimensional printing of functional/non-functional prototypes. Usually these polymer-based prototypes are lacking in thermal and electrical conductivity. Graphene (Gr) has attracted impressive enthusiasm in the recent past due to its natural mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. This paper presents the step by step procedure (as a case study) for development of an in-house ABS-Gr blended composite feedstock filament for fused deposition modelling (FDM) applications. The feedstock filament has been prepared by two different methods (mechanical and chemical mixing). For mechanical mixing, a twin screw extrusion (TSE) process has been used, and for chemical mixing, the composite of Gr in an ABS matrix has been set by chemical dissolution, followed by mechanical blending through TSE. Finally, the electrical and thermal conductivity of functional prototypes prepared from composite feedstock filaments have been optimized. PMID:28773244

Concept designs of nonrotating-type centrifugal blood pump and basic study on output characteristics of the oscillating disk-type centrifugal pump.

PubMed

Kabei, N; Tuichiya, K; Sakurai, Y

1994-09-01

When designing a turbo-type blood pump as an artificial heart, the gap between a rotating shaft and a pump housing should be perfectly sealed to prevent any leakage or contamination through a seal. In addition, blood coagulation in a blood chamber must be avoided. To overcome these problems, we proposed five different nonrotating-type turbo pumps: a caudal-fin-type axial-flow pump, a caudal-fin-type centrifugal pump, a nutating-column-type centrifugal pump, a nutating-collapsible-tube-type centrifugal pump, and an oscillating-disk-type centrifugal pump. We selected and developed the oscillating-disk-type centrifugal pump that consists of a disk, a driving rod, a seal, an oscillation mechanism, and a pump housing. The disk is mounted on the end of the rod, which is connected to a high-speed DC motor through an oscillation mechanism. The rod and the disk do not rotate, but they oscillate in the pump housing. This movement of the disk generates forward fluid flow around the axis (i.e., the rotational fluid flow). Centrifugal force due to fluid rotation supports the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet. The diameter of the disk is 39 mm, the maximum inner diameter of the pump housing is 40 mm, and the volume of the blood chamber for 25 degrees' oscillation is 16.9 ml. The performance of the pump was tested in a mock circulatory system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dynamics of Intact MexAB-OprM Efflux Pump: Focusing on the MexA-OprM Interface

DOE PAGES

Lopez, Cesar A.; Travers, Timothy; Pos, Klaas M.; ...

2017-11-28

Antibiotic efflux is one of the most critical mechanisms leading to bacterial multidrug resistance. Antibiotics are effluxed out of the bacterial cell by a tripartite efflux pump, a complex machinery comprised of outer membrane, periplasmic adaptor, and inner membrane protein components. Understanding the mechanism of efflux pump assembly and its dynamics could facilitate discovery of novel approaches to counteract antibiotic resistance in bacteria. We built here an intact atomistic model of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexAB-OprM pump in a Gram-negative membrane model that contained both inner and outer membranes separated by a periplasmic space. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirm thatmore » the fully assembled pump is stable in the microsecond timescale. Using a combination of all-atom and coarse-grained MD simulations and sequence covariation analysis, we characterized the interface between MexA and OprM in the context of the entire efflux pump. These analyses suggest a plausible mechanism by which OprM is activated via opening of its periplasmic aperture through a concerted interaction with MexA.« less

Dynamics of Intact MexAB-OprM Efflux Pump: Focusing on the MexA-OprM Interface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lopez, Cesar A.; Travers, Timothy; Pos, Klaas M.

Antibiotic efflux is one of the most critical mechanisms leading to bacterial multidrug resistance. Antibiotics are effluxed out of the bacterial cell by a tripartite efflux pump, a complex machinery comprised of outer membrane, periplasmic adaptor, and inner membrane protein components. Understanding the mechanism of efflux pump assembly and its dynamics could facilitate discovery of novel approaches to counteract antibiotic resistance in bacteria. We built here an intact atomistic model of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexAB-OprM pump in a Gram-negative membrane model that contained both inner and outer membranes separated by a periplasmic space. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirm thatmore » the fully assembled pump is stable in the microsecond timescale. Using a combination of all-atom and coarse-grained MD simulations and sequence covariation analysis, we characterized the interface between MexA and OprM in the context of the entire efflux pump. These analyses suggest a plausible mechanism by which OprM is activated via opening of its periplasmic aperture through a concerted interaction with MexA.« less

Online Oxide Contamination Measurement and Purification Demonstration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradley, D. E.; Godfroy, T. J.; Webster, K. L.; Garber, A. E.; Polzin, K. A.; Childers, D. J.

2011-01-01

Liquid metal sodium-potassium (NaK) has advantageous thermodynamic properties indicating its use as a fission reactor coolant for a surface (lunar, martian) power system. A major area of concern for fission reactor cooling systems is system corrosion due to oxygen contaminants at the high operating temperatures experienced. A small-scale, approximately 4-L capacity, simulated fission reactor cooling system employing NaK as a coolant was fabricated and tested with the goal of demonstrating a noninvasive oxygen detection and purification system. In order to generate prototypical conditions in the simulated cooling system, several system components were designed, fabricated, and tested. These major components were a fully-sealed, magnetically-coupled mechanical NaK pump, a graphite element heated reservoir, a plugging indicator system, and a cold trap. All system components were successfully demonstrated at a maximum system flow rate of approximately 150 cc/s at temperatures up to 550 C. Coolant purification was accomplished using a cold trap before and after plugging operations which showed a relative reduction in oxygen content.

Optical tweezers for the measurement of binding forces: system description and application for the study of E. coli adhesion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fallman, Erik G.; Schedin, Staffan; Andersson, Magnus J.; Jass, Jana; Axner, Ove

2003-06-01

Optical tweezers together with a position sensitive detection system allows measurements of forces in the pN range between micro-sized biological objects. A prototype force measurement system has been constructed around in inverted microscope with an argon-ion pumped Ti:sapphire laser as light source for optical trapping. A trapped particle in the focus of the high numerical aperture microscope-objective behaves like an omni-directional mechanical spring if an external force displaces it. The displacement from the equilibrium position is a measure of the exerted force. For position detection of the trapped particle (polystyrene beads), a He-Ne laser beam is focused a small distance below the trapping focus. An image of the bead appears as a distinct spot in the far field, monitored by a photosensitive detector. The position data is converted to a force measurement by a calibration procedure. The system has been used for measuring the binding forces between E-coli bacterial adhesin and their receptor sugars.

Columbia County Habitat for Humanity Passive Townhomes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dentz, Jordan; Alaigh, Kunal; Dadia, Devanshi

2016-03-18

Columbia County (New York) Habitat for Humanity built a pair of townhomes to Passive House criteria with the purpose of exploring approaches for achieving Passive House performance and to eventually develop a prototype design for future projects. The project utilized a 2x6 frame wall with a structural insulated panel curtain wall and a ventilated attic over a sealed OSB ceiling air barrier. Mechanical systems include a single head, wall mounted ductless mini-split heat pump in each unit and a heat recovery ventilator. Costs were $26,000 per unit higher for Passive House construction compared with the same home built to ENERGYmore » STAR version 3 specifications, representing about 18% of total construction cost. This report discusses the cost components, energy modeling results and lessons from construction. Two alternative ventilation systems are analyzed: a central system; and, a point-source system with small through-wall units distributed throughout the house. The report includes a design and cost analysis of these two approaches.« less

Building America Case Study: Columbia County Habitat for Humanity Passive Townhomes, Hudson, New York

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

2016-04-01

Columbia County (New York) Habitat for Humanity built a pair of townhomes to Passive House criteria with the purpose of exploring approaches for achieving Passive House performance and to eventually develop a prototype design for future projects. The project utilized a 2x6 frame wall with a structural insulated panel curtain wall and a ventilated attic over a sealed OSB ceiling air barrier. Mechanical systems include a single head, wall mounted ductless mini-split heat pump in each unit and a heat recovery ventilator. Costs were $26,000 per unit higher for Passive House construction compared with the same home built to ENERGYmore » STAR version 3 specifications, representing about 18 percent of total construction cost. This report discusses the cost components, energy modeling results and lessons from construction. Two alternative ventilation systems are analyzed: a central system; and, a point-source system with small through-wall units distributed throughout the house. The report includes a design and cost analysis of these two approaches.« less

A reconfigurable liquid metal antenna driven by electrochemically controlled capillarity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, M.; Adams, J. J., E-mail: jjadams2@ncsu.edu; Trlica, C.

2015-05-21

We describe a new electrochemical method for reversible, pump-free control of liquid eutectic gallium and indium (EGaIn) in a capillary. Electrochemical deposition (or removal) of a surface oxide on the EGaIn significantly lowers (or increases) its interfacial tension as a means to induce the liquid metal in (or out) of the capillary. A fabricated prototype demonstrates this method in a reconfigurable antenna application in which EGaIn forms the radiating element. By inducing a change in the physical length of the EGaIn, the operating frequency of the antenna tunes over a large bandwidth. This purely electrochemical mechanism uses low, DC voltagesmore » to tune the antenna continuously and reversibly between 0.66 GHz and 3.4 GHz resulting in a 5:1 tuning range. Gain and radiation pattern measurements agree with electromagnetic simulations of the device, and its measured radiation efficiency varies from 41% to 70% over its tuning range.« less

Spin-polarization dependent carrier recombination dynamics and spin relaxation mechanism in asymmetrically doped (110) n-GaAs quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, Lihua; Jiang, Tianran; Wang, Xia; Lai, Tianshu

2018-05-01

Carrier recombination and electron spin relaxation dynamics in asymmetric n-doped (110) GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells are investigated with time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy. The experiment results reveal that the measured carrier recombination time depends strongly on the polarization of pump pulse. With the same pump photon flux densities, the recombination time of spin-polarized carriers is always longer than that of the spin-balanced carriers except at low pump photon flux densities, this anomaly originates from the polarization-sensitive nonlinear absorption effect. Differing from the traditional views, in the low carrier density regime, the D'yakonov-Perel' (DP) mechanism can be more important than the Bir-Aronov-Pikus (BAP) mechanism, since the DP mechanism takes effect, the spin relaxation time in (110) GaAs QWs is shortened obviously via asymmetric doping.

Development of mechanical circulatory support devices in China.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Zhu, De-Ming; Ding, Wen-Xiang

2009-11-01

Myocardial dysfunction leading to low cardiac output syndrome is a common clinical pathophysiological state. Currently, the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is an essential aspect of the treatment of patients with cardiac failure. Several groups in China are engaged in the design and development of MCS devices. These devices can be classified as pulsatile, rotary, and total artificial heart (TAH). There are two types of pulsatile pump, which are driven by air (pneumatic). One of these pumps, the Luo-Ye pump, has been used clinically for short-term support since 1998. The other is a push-plate left ventricular device, which has a variable rate mode. Various rotary devices are classified into axial and centrifugal pumps, depending on the impeller geometry. Most rotary pumps are based on the maglev principle, and some types have been used clinically. Others are still being studied in the laboratory or in animal experiments. Furthermore, certain types of total implantable pump, such as the UJS-III axial pump and the UJS-IV aortic valvo-pump, have been developed. Only one type of TAH has been developed in China. The main constituents of this artificial heart are two axial pumps, two reservoir tanks mimicking the right and left atria, flow meters, two pressure gauges, and a resistance adaptor. Although the development of mechanical assist devices in China is still in a nascent stage, a number of different types of MCS devices are currently being studied.

Convective flow reversal in self-powered enzyme micropumps.

PubMed

Ortiz-Rivera, Isamar; Shum, Henry; Agrawal, Arjun; Sen, Ayusman; Balazs, Anna C

2016-03-08

Surface-bound enzymes can act as pumps that drive large-scale fluid flows in the presence of their substrates or promoters. Thus, enzymatic catalysis can be harnessed for “on demand” pumping in nano- and microfluidic devices powered by an intrinsic energy source. The mechanisms controlling the pumping have not, however, been completely elucidated. Herein, we combine theory and experiments to demonstrate a previously unreported spatiotemporal variation in pumping behavior in urease-based pumps and uncover the mechanisms behind these dynamics. We developed a theoretical model for the transduction of chemical energy into mechanical fluid flow in these systems, capturing buoyancy effects due to the solution containing nonuniform concentrations of substrate and product. We find that the qualitative features of the flow depend on the ratios of diffusivities δ=D(P)/D(S) and expansion coefficients β=β(P)/β(S) of the reaction substrate (S) and product (P). If δ>1 and δ>β (or if δ<1 and δ<β ), an unexpected phenomenon arises: the flow direction reverses with time and distance from the pump. Our experimental results are in qualitative agreement with the model and show that both the speed and direction of fluid pumping (i) depend on the enzyme activity and coverage, (ii) vary with the distance from the pump, and (iii) evolve with time. These findings permit the rational design of enzymatic pumps that accurately control the direction and speed of fluid flow without external power sources, enabling effective, self-powered fluidic devices.

Convective flow reversal in self-powered enzyme micropumps

PubMed Central

Ortiz-Rivera, Isamar; Shum, Henry; Agrawal, Arjun; Sen, Ayusman; Balazs, Anna C.

2016-01-01

Surface-bound enzymes can act as pumps that drive large-scale fluid flows in the presence of their substrates or promoters. Thus, enzymatic catalysis can be harnessed for “on demand” pumping in nano- and microfluidic devices powered by an intrinsic energy source. The mechanisms controlling the pumping have not, however, been completely elucidated. Herein, we combine theory and experiments to demonstrate a previously unreported spatiotemporal variation in pumping behavior in urease-based pumps and uncover the mechanisms behind these dynamics. We developed a theoretical model for the transduction of chemical energy into mechanical fluid flow in these systems, capturing buoyancy effects due to the solution containing nonuniform concentrations of substrate and product. We find that the qualitative features of the flow depend on the ratios of diffusivities δ=DP/DS and expansion coefficients β=βP/βS of the reaction substrate (S) and product (P). If δ>1 and δ>β (or if δ<1 and δ<β), an unexpected phenomenon arises: the flow direction reverses with time and distance from the pump. Our experimental results are in qualitative agreement with the model and show that both the speed and direction of fluid pumping (i) depend on the enzyme activity and coverage, (ii) vary with the distance from the pump, and (iii) evolve with time. These findings permit the rational design of enzymatic pumps that accurately control the direction and speed of fluid flow without external power sources, enabling effective, self-powered fluidic devices. PMID:26903618

Circulation and Purification in the LUX-ZEPLIN System Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alsum, Shaun; Lz Collaboration

2016-03-01

LZ is a dark-matter direct detection experiment whose detector is a two-phase TPC using approximately seven tons of active xenon as its scintillator. The xenon must have few electronegative impurities to ensure sufficient electron transport through the drift region. The LZ purification system is being prototyped in the LZ system test, a test platform located at SLAC using about 100kg of Xenon, which consists of gas circulation through a SAES getter. We utilize a dual-phase and a gas-phase heat exchanger to reduce needed cooling power. To achieve this circulation we employ an all metal seal triple diaphragm pump, also prototyped in the System Test. This talk will present early results from the system test as well as some baseline LZ designs. The LUX-ZEPLIN dark matter direct detection experiment.

Frequency-Domain Streak Camera and Tomography for Ultrafast Imaging of Evolving and Channeled Plasma Accelerator Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhengyan; Zgadzaj, Rafal; Wang, Xiaoming; Reed, Stephen; Dong, Peng; Downer, Michael C.

2010-11-01

We demonstrate a prototype Frequency Domain Streak Camera (FDSC) that can capture the picosecond time evolution of the plasma accelerator structure in a single shot. In our prototype Frequency-Domain Streak Camera, a probe pulse propagates obliquely to a sub-picosecond pump pulse that creates an evolving nonlinear index "bubble" in fused silica glass, supplementing a conventional Frequency Domain Holographic (FDH) probe-reference pair that co-propagates with the "bubble". Frequency Domain Tomography (FDT) generalizes Frequency-Domain Streak Camera by probing the "bubble" from multiple angles and reconstructing its morphology and evolution using algorithms similar to those used in medical CAT scans. Multiplexing methods (Temporal Multiplexing and Angular Multiplexing) improve data storage and processing capability, demonstrating a compact Frequency Domain Tomography system with a single spectrometer.

Small-volume multiparametric electrochemical detection at low cost polymeric devices featuring nanoelectrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitsara, Maria; Cirera, Josep Maria; Aller-Pellitero, Miguel; Sabaté, Neus; Punter, Jaume; Colomer-Farrarons, Jordi; Miribel-Català, Pere; del Campo, F. Javier

2015-06-01

The development of a low-cost multiparametric platform for enzymatic electrochemical biosensing that can be integrated in a disposable, energy autonomous analytical device is the target of the current work. We propose a technology to fabricate nano-electrodes and ultimately biosensors on flexible polymeric-based substrates (cyclo olefin polymer, and polyimide) using standard microfabrication (step and repeat lithography and lift-off) and rapid prototyping techniques (blade cutting). Our target is towards the fabrication of a miniaturized prototype that can work with small sample volumes in the range of 5-10μL without the need for external pumps for sample loading and handling. This device can be used for the simultaneous detection of metabolites such as glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides for the early diagnosis of diabetes.

DiPOLE: a scalable laser architecture for pumping multi-Hz PW systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertel, Klaus; Banerjee, Saumyabrata; Mason, Paul D.; Phillips, P. Jonathan; Greenhalgh, R. Justin S.; Hernandez-Gomez, Cristina; Collier, John L.

2013-05-01

DiPOLE is a concept for a large aperture gas-cooled cryogenic multislab DPSSL amplifier based on ceramic Yb:YAG. It is designed to amplify ns-pulses at multi-Hz repetition rates and is scalable up the kJ-level. The concept was first tested on a small scale prototype which has so far produced 7.4 J at 10 Hz, with the aim of reaching 10 J at an optical-to-optical efficiency of 25 %. The design of an additional amplifier stage producing 100 J at 10 Hz is underway. When used to pump short-pulse Ti:S or OPCPA systems, PW peak power levels can be produced at repetition rates and efficiencies that lie orders of magnitude above what is achievable today.

Design of a Mechanical NaK Pump for Fission Space Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mireles, Omar R.; Bradley, David; Godfroy, Thomas

2010-01-01

Alkali liquid metal cooled fission reactor concepts are under development for mid-range spaceflight power requirements. One such concept utilizes a sodium-potassium eutectic (NaK) as the primary loop working fluid. Traditionally, linear induction pumps have been used to provide the required flow and head conditions for liquid metal systems but can be limited in performance. This paper details the design, build, and check-out test of a mechanical NaK pump. The pump was designed to meet reactor cooling requirements using commercially available components modified for high temperature NaK service.

The Design and Testing of the LSSIF Advanced Thermal Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henson, Robert A.; Keller, John R.

1995-01-01

The Life Support Systems Integration Facility (LSSIF) provides a platform to design and evaluate advanced manned space systems at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). The LSSIF Early Human Testing Initiative requires the integration of such subsystems to enable human occupancy of the 6 meter chamber for a 90 day closed volume test. The Advanced Thermal Control System (TCS) is an important component of the integrated system by supplying coolant to the subsystems within the chamber, such as the Air Revitalization System. The TCS incorporates an advanced high efficiency, heat pump to reject waste heat from the chamber to an external sink or 'lift' temperature that emulates a Lunar environment. The heat pump is the High Lift Heat Pump, developed by Foster-Miller, Inc., and is the main test article of the TCS. The heat pump prototype utilizes a non-CFC refrigerant in a design where the thermal requirements exceed existing terrestrial technology. These operating requirements provide a unique opportunity to design and test an advanced integrated thermal system and the associated controls. The design, control, and systems integration of the heat pump and the TCS also have terrestrial technology application. This paper addresses the design of the TCS and the heat pump, along with the control scheme to fully test the heat pump. Design approaches utilized in the LSSIF TCS are promoted for implementation in terrestrial thermal systems. The results of the preliminary thermal and fluid analyses used to develop the control of the thermal systems will also be discussed. The paper includes objectives for the 90 day human test and the test setup. Finally, conclusions will be drawn and recommendations for Earth design application are submitted.

Development of a Very Dense Liquid Cooled Compute Platform

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hughes, Phillip N.; Lipp, Robert J.

2013-12-10

The objective of this project was to design and develop a prototype very energy efficient high density compute platform with 100% pumped refrigerant liquid cooling using commodity components and high volume manufacturing techniques. Testing at SLAC has indicated that we achieved a DCIE of 0.93 against our original goal of 0.85. This number includes both cooling and power supply and was achieved employing some of the highest wattage processors available.

Biological proton pumping in an oscillating electric field.

PubMed

Kim, Young C; Furchtgott, Leon A; Hummer, Gerhard

2009-12-31

Time-dependent external perturbations provide powerful probes of the function of molecular machines. Here we study biological proton pumping in an oscillating electric field. The protein cytochrome c oxidase is the main energy transducer in aerobic life, converting chemical energy into an electric potential by pumping protons across a membrane. With the help of master-equation descriptions that recover the key thermodynamic and kinetic properties of this biological "fuel cell," we show that the proton pumping efficiency and the electronic currents in steady state depend significantly on the frequency and amplitude of the applied field, allowing us to distinguish between different microscopic mechanisms of the machine. A spectral analysis reveals dominant reaction steps consistent with an electron-gated pumping mechanism.

An SRRC elliptically polarizing undulator prototype to examine mechanical design feasibility and magnetic field performance.

PubMed

Chang, C H; Hwang, C S; Fan, T C; Chen, K H; Pan, K T; Lin, F Y; Wang, C; Chang, L H; Chen, H H; Lin, M C; Yeh, S

1998-05-01

In this work, a 1 m long Sasaki-type elliptically polarizing undulator (EPU) prototype with 5.6 cm period length is used to examine the mechanical design feasibility as well as magnetic field performance. The magnetic field characteristics of the EPU5.6 prototype at various phase shifts and gap motion are described. The field errors from mechanical tolerances, magnet block errors, end field effects and phase/gap motion effects are analysed. The procedures related to correcting the field with the block position tuning, iron shimming and the trim blocks at both ends are outlined.

Studies of a full-scale mechanical prototype line for the ANTARES neutrino telescope and tests of a prototype instrument for deep-sea acoustic measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ageron, M.; Aguilar, J. A.; Albert, A.; Ameli, F.; Anghinolfi, M.; Anton, G.; Anvar, S.; Ardellier-Desages, F.; Aslanides, E.; Aubert, J.-J.; Auer, R.; Barbarito, E.; Basa, S.; Battaglieri, M.; Bazzotti, M.; Becherini, Y.; Béthoux, N.; Beltramelli, J.; Bertin, V.; Bigi, A.; Billault, M.; Blaes, R.; de Botton, N.; Bouwhuis, M. C.; Bruijn, R.; Brunner, J.; Burgio, G. F.; Busto, J.; Cafagna, F.; Caillat, L.; Calzas, A.; Capone, A.; Caponetto, L.; Carmona, E.; Carr, J.; Castel, D.; Castorina, E.; Cavasinni, V.; Cecchini, S.; Ceres, A.; Charvis, P.; Chauchot, P.; Chiarusi, T.; Circella, M.; Coail, J.-Y.; Colnard, C.; Compére, C.; Coniglione, R.; Cottini, N.; Coyle, P.; Cuneo, S.; Cussatlegras, A.-S.; Damy, G.; van Dantzig, R.; Debonis, G.; de Marzo, C.; de Vita, R.; Dekeyser, I.; Delagnes, E.; Denans, D.; Deschamps, A.; Dessa, J.-X.; Destelle, J.-J.; Dinkespieler, B.; Distefano, C.; Donzaud, C.; Drogou, J.-F.; Druillole, F.; Durand, D.; Ernenwein, J.-P.; Escoffier, S.; Falchini, E.; Favard, S.; Fehr, F.; Feinstein, F.; Fiorello, C.; Flaminio, V.; Fratini, K.; Fuda, J.-L.; Galeotti, S.; Gallone, J.-M.; Giacomelli, G.; Girard, N.; Gojak, C.; Goret, Ph.; Graf, K.; Guilloux, F.; Hallewell, G.; Harakeh, M. N.; Hartmann, B.; Heijboer, A.; Heine, E.; Hello, Y.; Hernández-Rey, J. J.; Hößl, J.; Hoffman, C.; Hogenbirk, J.; Hubbard, J. R.; Jaquet, M.; Jaspers, M.; de Jong, M.; Jouvenot, F.; Kalantar-Nayestanaki, N.; Kappes, A.; Karg, T.; Katz, U.; Keller, P.; Kneib, J. P.; Kok, E.; Kok, H.; Kooijman, P.; Kopper, C.; Kouchner, A.; Kretschmer, W.; Kruijer, A.; Kuch, S.; Lagier, P.; Lahmann, R.; Lamanna, G.; Lamare, P.; Lambard, G.; Languillat, J. C.; Laschinsky, H.; Lavalle, J.; Le Guen, Y.; Le Provost, H.; Le van Suu, A.; Lefévre, D.; Legou, T.; Lelaizant, G.; Lim, G.; Lo Presti, D.; Loaec, G.; Loehner, H.; Loucatos, S.; Louis, F.; Lucarelli, F.; Lyashuk, V.; Mangano, S.; Marcelin, M.; Margiotta, A.; Masullo, R.; Mazéas, F.; Mazure, A.; Megna, R.; Melissas, M.; Migneco, E.; Mongelli, M.; Montaruli, T.; Morganti, M.; Moscoso, L.; Motz, H.; Musumeci, M.; Naumann, C.; Naumann-Godo, M.; Niess, V.; Noble, A.; Olivetto, C.; Ostasch, R.; Palanque-Delabrouille, N.; Payre, P.; Peek, H. Z.; Perez, A.; Petta, C.; Piattelli, P.; Pillet, R.; Pineau, J.-P.; Poinsignon, J.; Popa, V.; Pradier, T.; Racca, C.; Randazzo, N.; van Randwijk, J.; Real, D.; Regnier, M.; van Rens, B.; Réthoré, F.; Rewiersma, P.; Riccobene, G.; Rigaud, V.; Ripani, M.; Roca, V.; Roda, C.; Rolin, J. F.; Rostovtsev, A.; Roux, J.; Ruppi, M.; Russo, G. V.; Rusydi, G.; Salesa, F.; Salomon, K.; Sapienza, P.; Schmitt, F.; Schuller, J.-P.; Shanidze, R.; Sokalski, I.; Spona, T.; Spurio, M.; van der Steenhoven, G.; Stolarczyk, T.; Streeb, K.; Sulak, L.; Taiuti, M.; Tamburini, C.; Tao, C.; Tasca, L.; Terreni, G.; Urbano, F.; Valdy, P.; Valente, V.; Vallage, B.; Vaudaine, G.; Venekamp, G.; Verlaat, B.; Vernin, P.; van Wijk, R.; Wijnker, G.; Wobbe, G.; de Wolf, E.; Yao, A.-F.; Zaborov, D.; Zaccone, H.; Zornoza, J. D.; Zúñiga, J.

2007-11-01

A full-scale mechanical prototype line was deployed to a depth of 2500 m to test the leak tightness of the electronics containers and the pressure-resistant properties of an electromechanical cable under evaluation for use in the ANTARES deep-sea neutrino telescope. During a month-long immersion study, line parameter data were taken using miniature autonomous data loggers and shore-based optical time domain reflectometry. Details of the mechanical prototype line, the electromechanical cable and data acquisition are presented. Data taken during the immersion study revealed deficiencies in the pressure resistance of the electromechanical cable terminations at the entry points to the electronics containers. The improvements to the termination, which have been integrated into subsequent detection lines, are discussed. The line also allowed deep-sea acoustic measurements with a prototype hydrophone system. The technical setup of this system is described, and the first results of the data analysis are presented.

Optically pumped isotopic ammonia laser system

DOEpatents

Buchwald, Melvin I.; Jones, Claude R.; Nelson, Leonard Y.

1982-01-01

An optically pumped isotopic ammonia laser system which is capable of producing a plurality of frequencies in the middle infrared spectral region. Two optical pumping mechanisms are disclosed, i.e., pumping on R(J) and lasing on P(J) in response to enhancement of rotational cascade lasing including stimulated Raman effects, and, pumping on R(J) and lasing on P(J+2). The disclosed apparatus for optical pumping include a hole coupled cavity and a grating coupled cavity.

An improved design of axially driven permanent maglev centrifugal pump with streamlined impeller.

PubMed

Qian, K X; Zeng, P; Ru, W M; Yuan, H Y

2007-01-01

In 1839, Earnshaw proved theoretically that it is impossible to achieve a stable equilibrium with a pure permanent maglev. Furthermore, in 1939, Braunbeck deduced that it is only possible to stabilize a super conductive or an electric maglev. In 2000, however, the present authors discovered that stable levitation is achievable by a combination of permanent magnetic and nonmagnetic forces, and its stability can be maintained even with mere passive magnetic forces by use of the gyro-effect. An improved design of permanent maglev impeller pump has been developed. Passive magnetic (PM) bearings support the rotor radially; on its right side, an impeller is fixed and on its left side a motor magnets-assemble is mounted. Unlike a previous prototype design, in which the rotor magnets were driven by a motor via magnetic coupling, a motor coil is installed opposite to the motor magnets disc, producing a rotating magnetic field. At standstill or if the rotating speed is lower than 4000 rpm, the rotor has one axial point contact with the motor coil. The contact point is located at the centre of the rotor. As the rotating speed increases gradually to higher than 4000 rpm, the rotor will be drawn off from the contact point by the hydrodynamic force of the fluid. Then the rotor becomes fully suspended. For radial and peripheral stabilization, a gyro-effect is important, which is realized by designing the motor magnets disc to have large diameter, short length and high rotating speed; for axial stability, an axial rehabilitating force is necessary, which is produced by PM bearings. The rotor demonstrated a full levitation by rotation over 4000 rpm. As a left ventricular assist device, the rotation of the pump has a speed range from 5000 to 8000 rpm. The relation between pressure head and flow rate indicates that there is neither mechanical friction nor hydrodynamic turbulence inside the pump; the former is due to the frictionless maglev and the latter is a result of the streamlined design of the impeller.

New mechanism to reduce the size of the monopivot magnetic suspension blood pump: direct drive mechanism.

PubMed

Yamane, T; Nishida, M; Kijima, T; Maekawa, J

1997-07-01

Size reduction of the monopivot magnetic suspension blood pump has been achieved by reducing the size of the magnetic suspension and employing a direct drive mechanism in place of a brushless DC motor and a magnetic coupling. The flow has also been improved using a closed hollow impeller to remove flow obstruction at the inlet and using radial straight vanes to reduce the impeller speed by 30%. Hemolysis testing was conducted for the new models. Results showed that model DD1 presented only a slightly higher level of hemolysis than a regular extracorporeal centrifugal pump.

Protonation-state-Coupled Conformational Dynamics in Reaction Mechanisms of Channel and Pump Rhodopsins

DOE PAGES

Bondar, Ana-Nicoleta; Smith, Jeremy C.

2017-07-25

Channel and pump rhodopsins use energy from light absorbed by a covalently bound retinal chromophore to transport ions across membranes of microbial cells. Ion transfer steps, including proton transfer, can couple to changes in protein conformational dynamics and water positions. Although general principles of how microbial rhodopsins function are largely understood, key issues pertaining to reaction mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we compare the protonation-coupled dynamics of pump and channelrhodopsins, highlighting the roles that water dynamics, protein electrostatics and protein flexibility can have in ion transport mechanisms. We discuss observations supporting important functional roles of inter- and intra-helical carboxylate/hydroxyl hydrogen-bonding motifs.more » Specifically, we use the proton pump bacteriorhodopsin, the sodium pump KR2, channelrhodopsins and Anabaena sensory rhodopsin. We outline the usefulness of theoretic biophysics approaches to the study of retinal proteins, challenges in studying the hydrogen-bond dynamics of rhodopsin active sites, and implications for conformational coupling in membrane transporters.« less

Protonation-state-Coupled Conformational Dynamics in Reaction Mechanisms of Channel and Pump Rhodopsins

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bondar, Ana-Nicoleta; Smith, Jeremy C.

Channel and pump rhodopsins use energy from light absorbed by a covalently bound retinal chromophore to transport ions across membranes of microbial cells. Ion transfer steps, including proton transfer, can couple to changes in protein conformational dynamics and water positions. Although general principles of how microbial rhodopsins function are largely understood, key issues pertaining to reaction mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we compare the protonation-coupled dynamics of pump and channelrhodopsins, highlighting the roles that water dynamics, protein electrostatics and protein flexibility can have in ion transport mechanisms. We discuss observations supporting important functional roles of inter- and intra-helical carboxylate/hydroxyl hydrogen-bonding motifs.more » Specifically, we use the proton pump bacteriorhodopsin, the sodium pump KR2, channelrhodopsins and Anabaena sensory rhodopsin. We outline the usefulness of theoretic biophysics approaches to the study of retinal proteins, challenges in studying the hydrogen-bond dynamics of rhodopsin active sites, and implications for conformational coupling in membrane transporters.« less

Detection of Damage in Hydraulic Components by Acoustic Emission Techniques.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

49 ".-4.- Vane Pumps 50 Piston Pumps 61 Gear Pumps 66 VI FIELD TESTS (GEAR PUMPS) 108 Pump Cavitation 108 Internal Mechanical Damage Test Procedure...with Bad Bearing 60 5.6 a Frequency Spectrum (0-100 KHz) of Piston Pump. Cavitation Test, Inlet Pressure =1.55 atm (Normal) 63 5.6 b Frequency Spectrum...0-100 KHz) of Piston Pump. Cavitation Test, Inlet Pressure =1.38 atm (Incipient) 64. vi i . .e 0" S.. j~ * .’ *"-.i’.-..N.?.. .. ° .,LIST OF FIGURES

Condition Based vs. Time Based Maintenance: Case Study on Hypergolic Pumps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibson, Lewis J.

2007-01-01

Two Pad 39B Ox pumps were monitored with the Baker Instruments Explorer Motor tester. Using the torque spectrum it was determined that Ox pump #2 had a significant peak at a frequency, which indicated lubricant fluid whirl. Similar testing on Ox pump #1 didn't indicate this peak, an indication that this pump was in good mechanical condition. Subsequent disassembly of both motors validated these findings. Ox pump #2 rear bearing showed significant wear, the front bearing showed little wear. Ox pump #1 was still within manufacturers tolerances.

Development and Validation of a Gas-Fired Residential Heat Pump Water Heater - Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michael Garrabrant; Roger Stout; Paul Glanville

2013-01-21

For gas-fired residential water heating, the U.S. and Canada is predominantly supplied by minimum efficiency storage water heaters with Energy Factors (EF) in the range of 0.59 to 0.62. Higher efficiency and higher cost ($700 - $2,000) options serve about 15% of the market, but still have EFs below 1.0, ranging from 0.65 to 0.95. To develop a new class of water heating products that exceeds the traditional limit of thermal efficiency, the project team designed and demonstrated a packaged water heater driven by a gas-fired ammonia-water absorption heat pump. This gas-fired heat pump water heater can achieve EFs ofmore » 1.3 or higher, at a consumer cost of $2,000 or less. Led by Stone Mountain Technologies Inc. (SMTI), with support from A.O. Smith, the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), and Georgia Tech, the cross-functional team completed research and development tasks including cycle modeling, breadboard evaluation of two cycles and two heat exchanger classes, heat pump/storage tank integration, compact solution pump development, combustion system specification, and evaluation of packaged prototype GHPWHs. The heat pump system extracts low grade heat from the ambient air and produces high grade heat suitable for heating water in a storage tank for domestic use. Product features that include conventional installation practices, standard footprint and reasonable economic payback, position the technology to gain significant market penetration, resulting in a large reduction of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from domestic hot water production.« less

Gas exchange efficiency of an oxygenator with integrated pulsatile displacement blood pump for neonatal patients.

PubMed

Schlanstein, Peter C; Borchardt, Ralf; Mager, Ilona; Schmitz-Rode, Thomas; Steinseifer, Ulrich; Arens, Jutta

2014-01-01

Oxygenators have been used in neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) since the 1970s. The need to develop a more effective oxygenator for this patient cohort exists due to their size and blood volume limitations. This study sought to validate the next design iteration of a novel oxygenator for neonatal ECMO with an integrated pulsatile displacement pump, thereby superseding an additional blood pump. Pulsating blood flow within the oxygenator is generated by synchronized active air flow expansion and contraction of integrated silicone pump tubes and hose pinching valves located at the oxygenator inlet and outlet. The current redesign improved upon previous prototypes by optimizing silicone pump tube distribution within the oxygenator fiber bundle; introduction of an oval shaped inner fiber bundle core, and housing; and a higher fiber packing density, all of which in combination reduced the priming volume by about 50% (50 to 27 mL and 41 to 20 mL, respectively). Gas exchange efficiency was tested for two new oxygenators manufactured with different fiber materials: one with coating and one with smaller pore size, both capable of long-term use (OXYPLUS® and CELGARD®). Results demonstrated that the oxygen transfer for both oxygenators was 5.3-24.7 mlO2/min for blood flow ranges of 100-500 mlblood/min. Carbon dioxide transfer for both oxygenators was 3.7-26.3 mlCO2/min for the same blood flow range. These preliminary results validated the oxygenator redesign by demonstrating an increase in packing density and thus in gas transfer, an increase in pumping capacity and a reduction in priming volume.

Rotating and positive-displacement pumps for low-thrust rocket engines. Volume 1: Pump Evaluation and design. [of centrifugal pumps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macgregor, C.; Csomor, A.

1974-01-01

Rotating and positive displacement pumps of various types were studied for pumping liquid fluorine for low-thrust, high-performance rocket engines. Included in the analysis were: centrifugal, pitot, Barske, Tesla, drag, gear, vane, axial piston, radial piston, diaphragm, and helirotor pump concepts. The centrifugal pump and the gear pump were selected and these were carried through detailed design and fabrication. Mechanical difficulties were encountered with the gear pump during the preliminary tests in Freon-12. Further testing and development was therefore limited to the centrifugal pump. Tests on the centrifugal pump were conducted in Freon-12 to determine the hydrodynamic performance and in liquid fluorine to demonstrate chemical compatibility.

The Challenge of Efflux-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria

PubMed Central

Plésiat, Patrick

2015-01-01

SUMMARY The global emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is a growing threat to antibiotic therapy. The chromosomally encoded drug efflux mechanisms that are ubiquitous in these bacteria greatly contribute to antibiotic resistance and present a major challenge for antibiotic development. Multidrug pumps, particularly those represented by the clinically relevant AcrAB-TolC and Mex pumps of the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily, not only mediate intrinsic and acquired multidrug resistance (MDR) but also are involved in other functions, including the bacterial stress response and pathogenicity. Additionally, efflux pumps interact synergistically with other resistance mechanisms (e.g., with the outer membrane permeability barrier) to increase resistance levels. Since the discovery of RND pumps in the early 1990s, remarkable scientific and technological advances have allowed for an in-depth understanding of the structural and biochemical basis, substrate profiles, molecular regulation, and inhibition of MDR pumps. However, the development of clinically useful efflux pump inhibitors and/or new antibiotics that can bypass pump effects continues to be a challenge. Plasmid-borne efflux pump genes (including those for RND pumps) have increasingly been identified. This article highlights the recent progress obtained for organisms of clinical significance, together with methodological considerations for the characterization of MDR pumps. PMID:25788514

Magnetic pumping of the solar wind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egedal, Jan; Lichko, Emily; Daughton, William

2015-11-01

The transport of matter and radiation in the solar wind and terrestrial magnetosphere is a complicated problem involving competing processes of charged particles interacting with electric and magnetic fields. Given the rapid expansion of the solar wind, it would be expected that superthermal electrons originating in the corona would cool rapidly as a function of distance to the Sun. However, this is not observed, and various models have been proposed as candidates for heating the solar wind. In the compressional pumping mechanism explored by Fisk and Gloeckler particles are accelerated by random compressions by the interplanetary wave turbulence. This theory explores diffusion due to spatial non-uniformities and provides a mechanism for redistributing particle. For investigation of a related but different heating mechanism, magnetic pumping, in our work we include diffusion of anisotropic features that develops in velocity space. The mechanism allows energy to be transferred to the particles directly from the turbulence. Guided by kinetic simulations a theory is derived for magnetic pumping. At the heart of this work is a generalization of the Parker Equation to capture the role of the pressure anisotropy during the pumping process. Supported by NASA grant NNX15AJ73G.

Hybrid macro-micro fluidics system for a chip-based biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamanaha, C. R.; Whitman, L. J.; Colton, R. J.

2002-03-01

We describe the engineering of a hybrid fluidics platform for a chip-based biosensor system that combines high-performance microfluidics components with powerful, yet compact, millimeter-scale pump and valve actuators. The microfluidics system includes channels, valveless diffuser-based pumps, and pinch-valves that are cast into a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membrane and packaged along with the sensor chip into a palm-sized plastic cartridge. The microfluidics are driven by pump and valve actuators contained in an external unit (with a volume ~30 cm3) that interfaces kinematically with the PDMS microelements on the cartridge. The pump actuator is a simple-lever, flexure-hinge displacement amplifier that increases the motion of a piezoelectric stack. The valve actuators are an array of cantilevers operated by shape memory alloy wires. All components can be fabricated without the need for complex lithography or micromachining, and can be used with fluids containing micron-sized particulates. Prototypes have been modeled and tested to ensure the delivery of microliter volumes of fluid and the even dispersion of reagents over the chip sensing elements. With this hybrid approach to the fluidics system, the biochemical assay benefits from the many advantages of microfluidics yet we avoid the complexity and unknown reliability of immature microactuator technologies.

Liquid Bismuth Propellant Management System for the Very High Specific Impulse Thruster with Anode Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K. A.; Markusic, T. E.; Stanojev, B. J.

2007-01-01

Two prototype bismuth propellant feed systems were constructed and operated in conjunction with a propellant vaporizer. One system provided bismuth to a vaporizer using gas pressurization but did not include a means to measure the flow rate. The second system incorporated an electromagnetic pump to provide fine control of the hydrostatic pressure and a new type of in-line flow sensor that was developed for accurate, real-time measurement of the mass flow rate. High-temperature material compatibility was a driving design requirement for the pump and flow sensor, leading to the selection of Macor for the main body of both components. Posttest inspections of both components revealed no degradation of the material. The gas pressurization system demonstrated continuous pressure control over a range from zero to 200 torr. In separate proof-of-concept experiments, the electromagnetic pump produced a linear pressure rise as a function of current that compared favorably with theoretical pump pressure predictions, producing a pressure rise of 10 kPa at 30 A. Preliminary flow sensor operation indicated a bismuth flow rate of 6 mg/s with an uncertainty of plus or minus 6%. An electronics suite containing a real-time controller was successfully used to control the entire system, simultaneously monitoring all power supplies and performing data acquisition duties.

Biological proton pumping in an oscillating electric field

PubMed Central

Kim, Young C.; Furchtgott, Leon A.; Hummer, Gerhard

2010-01-01

Time-dependent external perturbations provide powerful probes of the function of molecular machines. Here we study biological proton pumping in an oscillating electric field. The protein cytochrome c oxidase is the main energy transducer in aerobic life, converting chemical energy into an electric potential by pumping protons across a membrane. With the help of master-equation descriptions that recover the key thermodynamic and kinetic properties of this biological “fuel cell,” we show that the proton pumping efficiency and the electronic currents in steady state both depend significantly and distinctly on the frequency and amplitude of the applied field, allowing us to distinguish between different microscopic mechanisms of the machine. A spectral analysis reveals dominant kinetic modes that show reaction steps consistent with an electron-gated pumping mechanism. PMID:20366348

40 CFR 264.1052 - Standards: Pumps in light liquid service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. (b)(1) If an instrument reading of 10,000 ppm or greater is measured, a leak is detected. (2) If there are indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal... each leak is detected. (d) Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a...

Preliminary study of a gas burner-driven and ground-coupled heat pump system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsu, P.F.

1995-12-31

To address the concerns for higher energy efficiency and the immediate phase out of the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a new gas burner-driven, ground-coupled heat pump (GBGCHP) system is proposed for study. The new system is energy efficient and pose no environmental problem. There are three unique features in the proposed system: (1) a patented gas burner-driven compressor with a floating diaphragm piston-cylinder for energy efficiency and accommodating variable load, (2) the ground coupled water-to-air heat exchangers for high coefficient of performance (COPs), and (3) the new refrigerants based on fluoroiodocarbons (FICS) with very little ozone depletion and global warming potential. Amore » preliminary analysis of a prototype heat pump with 3 ton (10.55 kW) heating capacity is presented. The thermodynamics analysis of the system shows that the steady state COP rating higher than 7 is possible with the system operating in heating mode. Additional research work for the GBGCHP system, especially the FICs` thermodynamic properties in the superheated region, is also described.« less

Frequency-Domain Tomography for Single-shot, Ultrafast Imaging of Evolving Laser-Plasma Accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhengyan; Zgadzaj, Rafal; Wang, Xiaoming; Downer, Michael

2011-10-01

Intense laser pulses propagating through plasma create plasma wakefields that often evolve significantly, e.g. by expanding and contracting. However, such dynamics are known in detail only through intensive simulations. Laboratory visualization of evolving plasma wakes in the ``bubble'' regime is important for optimizing and scaling laser-plasma accelerators. Recently snap-shots of quasi-static wakes were recorded using frequency-domain holography (FDH). To visualize the wake's evolution, we have generalized FDH to frequency-domain tomography (FDT), which uses multiple probes propagating at different angles with respect to the pump pulse. Each probe records a phase streak, imprinting a partial record of the evolution of pump-created structures. We then topographically reconstruct the full evolution from all phase streaks. To prove the concept, a prototype experiment visualizing nonlinear index evolution in glass is demonstrated. Four probes propagating at 0, 0.6, 2, 14 degrees to the index ``bubble'' are angularly and temporally multiplexed to a single spectrometer to achieve cost-effective FDT. From these four phase streaks, an FDT algorithm analogous to conventional CT yields a single-shot movie of the pump's self-focusing dynamics.

Experimental evaluation and thermodynamic system modeling of thermoelectric heat pump clothes dryer

DOE PAGES

Patel, Viral K.; Gluesenkamp, Kyle R.; Goodman, Dakota; ...

2018-02-28

Electric clothes dryers consume about 6% of US residential electricity consumption. Using a solid-state technology without refrigerant, thermoelectric (TE) heat pump dryers have the potential to be more efficient than units based on electric resistance and less expensive than units based on vapor compression. This study presents a steady state TE dryer model, and validates the model against results from an experimental prototype. The system model is composed of a TE heat pump element model coupled with a psychrometric dryer sub-model. Experimental results had energy factors (EFs) of up to 2.95 kg of dry cloth per kWh (6.51 lb c/kWh),more » with a dry time of 159 min. A faster dry time of 96 min was also achieved at an EF of 2.54 kg c/kWh (5.60 lb c/kWh). The model was able to replicate the experimental results within 5% of EF and 5% of dry time values. Finally, the results are used to identify important parameters that affect dryer performance, such as relative humidity of air leaving the drum.« less

High energy diode-pumped solid-state laser development at the Central Laser Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, Paul D.; Banerjee, Saumyabrata; Ertel, Klaus; Phillips, P. Jonathan; Butcher, Thomas; Smith, Jodie; De Vido, Mariastefania; Chekhlov, Oleg; Hernandez-Gomez, Cristina; Edwards, Chris; Collier, John

2016-04-01

In this paper we review the development of high energy, nanosecond pulsed diode-pumped solid state lasers within the Central Laser Facility (CLF) based on cryogenic gas cooled multi-slab ceramic Yb:YAG amplifier technology. To date two 10J-scale systems, the DiPOLE prototype amplifier and an improved DIPOLE10 system, have been developed, and most recently a larger scale system, DiPOLE100, designed to produce 100 J pulses at up to 10 Hz. These systems have demonstrated amplification of 10 ns duration pulses at 1030 nm to energies in excess of 10 J at 10 Hz pulse repetition rate, and over 100 J at 1 Hz, with optical-to-optical conversion efficiencies of up to 27%. We present an overview of the cryo-amplifier concept and compare the design features of these three systems, including details of the amplifier designs, gain media, diode pump lasers and the cryogenic gas cooling systems. The most recent performance results from the three systems are presented along with future plans for high energy DPSSL development within the CLF.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Biewer, Theodore M.; Marcus, Chris; Klepper, C Christopher

The divertor-specific ITER Diagnostic Residual Gas Analyzer (DRGA) will provide essential information relating to DT fusion plasma performance. This includes pulse-resolving measurements of the fuel isotopic mix reaching the pumping ducts, as well as the concentration of the helium generated as the ash of the fusion reaction. In the present baseline design, the cluster of sensors attached to this diagnostic's differentially pumped analysis chamber assembly includes a radiation compatible version of a commercial quadrupole mass spectrometer, as well as an optical gas analyzer using a plasma-based light excitation source. This paper reports on a laboratory study intended to validate themore » performance of this sensor cluster, with emphasis on the detection limit of the isotopic measurement. This validation study was carried out in a laboratory set-up that closely prototyped the analysis chamber assembly configuration of the baseline design. This includes an ITER-specific placement of the optical gas measurement downstream from the first turbine of the chamber's turbo-molecular pump to provide sufficient light emission while preserving the gas dynamics conditions that allow for \\textasciitilde 1 s response time from the sensor cluster [1].« less

Experimental evaluation and thermodynamic system modeling of thermoelectric heat pump clothes dryer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patel, Viral K.; Gluesenkamp, Kyle R.; Goodman, Dakota

Electric clothes dryers consume about 6% of US residential electricity consumption. Using a solid-state technology without refrigerant, thermoelectric (TE) heat pump dryers have the potential to be more efficient than units based on electric resistance and less expensive than units based on vapor compression. This study presents a steady state TE dryer model, and validates the model against results from an experimental prototype. The system model is composed of a TE heat pump element model coupled with a psychrometric dryer sub-model. Experimental results had energy factors (EFs) of up to 2.95 kg of dry cloth per kWh (6.51 lb c/kWh),more » with a dry time of 159 min. A faster dry time of 96 min was also achieved at an EF of 2.54 kg c/kWh (5.60 lb c/kWh). The model was able to replicate the experimental results within 5% of EF and 5% of dry time values. Finally, the results are used to identify important parameters that affect dryer performance, such as relative humidity of air leaving the drum.« less

Model for Sucker-Rod Pumping Unit Operating Modes Analysis Based on SimMechanics Library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zyuzev, A. M.; Bubnov, M. V.

2018-01-01

The article provides basic information about the process of a sucker-rod pumping unit (SRPU) model developing by means of SimMechanics library in the MATLAB Simulink environment. The model is designed for the development of a pump productivity optimal management algorithms, sensorless diagnostics of the plunger pump and pumpjack, acquisition of the dynamometer card and determination of a dynamic fluid level in the well, normalization of the faulty unit operation before troubleshooting is performed by staff as well as equilibrium ratio determining by energy indicators and outputting of manual balancing recommendations to achieve optimal power consumption efficiency. Particular attention is given to the application of various blocks from SimMechanics library to take into account the pumpjack construction principal characteristic and to obtain an adequate model. The article explains in depth the developed tools features for collecting and analysis of simulated mechanism data. The conclusions were drawn about practical implementation possibility of the SRPU modelling results and areas for further development of investigation.

Executive Summary Geotechnical Siting Investigations FY 81.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-30

and dolomites of Cambrian to Ordovician age, and 3) the Ely Springs, Laketown, Sevy and Simonson dolomites , and the Guilmette Formation of Ordovician to...deposits. o A test well in southern Coyote Spring Valley that penetrated fractured carbonate rock was pumped by Ertec for 30 days at a rate of 3400 gpm...tire type, tire pressure , and wheel load for the prototype MX missile transporter. 6.4.2.2 CBR Versus CPT Correlation Studies Field and laboratory

Feasibility of a miniature centrifugal rotary blood pump for low-flow circulation in children and infants.

PubMed

Takatani, Setsuo; Hoshi, Hideo; Tajima, Kennichi; Ohuchi, Katsuhiro; Nakamura, Makoto; Asama, Junichio; Shimshi, Tadahiko; Yoshikawa, Masaharu

2005-01-01

In this study, a seal-less, tiny centrifugal rotary blood pump was designed for low-flow circulatory support in children and infants. The design was targeted to yield a compact and priming volume of 5 ml with a flow rate of 0.5-4 l/min against a head pressure of 40-100 mm Hg. To meet the design requirements, the first prototype had an impeller diameter of 30 mm with six straight vanes. The impeller was supported with a needle-type hydrodynamic bearing and was driven with a six-pole radial magnetic driver. The external pump dimensions included a pump head height of 20 mm, diameter of 49 mm, and priming volume of 5 ml. The weight was 150 g, including the motor driver. In the mock circulatory loop, using fresh porcine blood, the pump yielded a flow of 0.5-4.0 l/min against a head pressure of 40-100 mm Hg at a rotational speed of 1800-4000 rpm using 1/4" inflow and outflow conduits. The maximum flow and head pressure of 5.25 l/min and 244 mm Hg, respectively, were obtained at a rotational speed of 4400 rpm. The maximum electrical-to-hydraulic efficiency occurred at a flow rate of 1.5-3.5 l/min and at a rotational speed of 2000-4400 rpm. The normalized index of hemolysis, which was evaluated using fresh porcine blood, was 0.0076 g/100 l with the impeller in the down-mode and a bearing clearance of 0.1 mm. Further refinement in the bearing and magnetic coupler are required to improve the hemolytic performance of the pump. The durability of the needle-type hydrodynamic bearing and antithrombotic performance of the pump will be performed before clinical applications. The tiny centrifugal blood pump meets the flow requirements necessary to support the circulation of pediatric patients.

An implantable seal-less centrifugal pump with integrated double-disk motor.

PubMed

Schima, H; Schmallegger, H; Huber, L; Birgmann, I; Reindl, C; Schmidt, C; Roschal, K; Wieselthaler, G; Trubel, W; Losert, U

1995-07-01

Thrombus formation and sealing problems at the shaft as well as the compact and efficient design of the driving unit have been major difficulties in the construction of a long-term implantable centrifugal pump. To eliminate the problems of the seal, motor size, and efficiency, two major steps were taken by modifying the Vienna implantable centrifugal pump. First, a special driving unit was developed, in which the permanent magnets of the motor themselves are used for coupling the force into the rotor. Second, the rotor shaft in the pumping chamber was eliminated by adopting a concept recently presented by Ohara. The rotor is supported by 3 pins, which run on a carbon disk, whose concave shape leads to stabilization. The device has the following specifications: size: 65 mm (diameter) by 35 mm (height), 101 cm3; priming volume 30 cm3, 240 g; and a 6-pole brushless double disk DC motor. The required input power of the described prototype is 15 W at 150 mm Hg, 5 L/min (overall eta = 11%), and has an in vitro index of hemolysis (IH) of 0.0046 g/100 L. The test for in vitro thrombus growth exhibited far less thrombus formation in the new design than in designs with axles. In conclusion, the design of a special driving unit and the elimination of the axle led to the construction of a small pump with very low blood traumatization.

A Compact and Low Cost Electronic Nose for Aroma Detection

PubMed Central

Macías, Miguel Macías; Agudo, J. Enrique; Manso, Antonio García; Orellana, Carlos Javier García; Velasco, Horacio Manuel González; Caballero, Ramón Gallardo

2013-01-01

This article explains the development of a prototype of a portable and a very low-cost electronic nose based on an mbed microcontroller. Mbeds are a series of ARM microcontroller development boards designed for fast, flexible and rapid prototyping. The electronic nose is comprised of an mbed, an LCD display, two small pumps, two electro-valves and a sensor chamber with four TGS Figaro gas sensors. The performance of the electronic nose has been tested by measuring the ethanol content of wine synthetic matrices and special attention has been paid to the reproducibility and repeatability of the measurements taken on different days. Results show that the electronic nose with a neural network classifier is able to discriminate wine samples with 10, 12 and 14% V/V alcohol content with a classification error of less than 1%. PMID:23698265

Frequency-Domain Streak Camera and Tomography for Ultrafast Imaging of Evolving and Channeled Plasma Accelerator Structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li Zhengyan; Zgadzaj, Rafal; Wang Xiaoming

2010-11-04

We demonstrate a prototype Frequency Domain Streak Camera (FDSC) that can capture the picosecond time evolution of the plasma accelerator structure in a single shot. In our prototype Frequency-Domain Streak Camera, a probe pulse propagates obliquely to a sub-picosecond pump pulse that creates an evolving nonlinear index 'bubble' in fused silica glass, supplementing a conventional Frequency Domain Holographic (FDH) probe-reference pair that co-propagates with the 'bubble'. Frequency Domain Tomography (FDT) generalizes Frequency-Domain Streak Camera by probing the 'bubble' from multiple angles and reconstructing its morphology and evolution using algorithms similar to those used in medical CAT scans. Multiplexing methods (Temporalmore » Multiplexing and Angular Multiplexing) improve data storage and processing capability, demonstrating a compact Frequency Domain Tomography system with a single spectrometer.« less

Proton Pumps: Mechanism of Action and Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lanyi, Janos K.; Pohorille, Andrew; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Recent progress in understanding molecular structures and mechanisms of action of proton pumps has paved the way to their novel applications in biotechnology. Proton pumps, in particular bacteriorhodopsin and ATP synthases, are capable of continuous, renewable conversion of light to chemical, mechanical or electrical energy, which can be used in macro- or nano-scale devices. The capability of protein systems incorporated into liposomes to generate ATP, which can be further used to drive chemical reactions, and to act as molecular motors has been already demonstrated. Other possible applications of such biochemical devices include targeted drug delivery and biocatalytic re actors. All these devices might prove superior to their inorganic alternatives.

Heat Pipes and Heat Rejection Component Testing at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanzi, James L.; Jaworske, Donald A.

2012-01-01

Titanium-water heat pipes are being evaluated for use in the heat rejection system for space fission power systems. The heat rejection syst em currently comprises heat pipes with a graphite saddle and a composite fin. The heat input is a pumped water loop from the cooling of the power conversion system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been life testing titanium-water heat pipes as well as eval uating several heat pipe radiator designs. The testing includes thermal modeling and verification of model, material compatibility, frozen startup of heat pipe radiators, and simulating low-gravity environments. Future thermal testing of titanium-water heat pipes includes low-g ravity testing of thermosyphons, radiation testing of heat pipes and fin materials, water pump performance testing, as well as Small Busine ss Innovation Research funded deliverable prototype radiator panels.

40 CFR 65.119 - Recordkeeping provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... agitators equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes barrier fluid system, the owner or... assessment that identifies the representative composition of the process fluid. The assessment shall be based... pump visual inspections as specified in § 65.107(b)(4). (ii) Documentation of dual mechanical seal pump...

Testing of Liquid Metal Components for Nuclear Surface Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A.; Godfroy, Thomas J.; Pearson, J. Boise

2010-01-01

The Early Flight Fission Test Facility (EFF-TF) was established by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to provide a capability for performing hardware-directed activities to support multiple in-space nuclear reactor concepts by using a non-nuclear test methodology. This includes fabrication and testing at both the module/component level and near prototypic reactor configurations. The EFF-TF is currently supporting an effort to develop an affordable fission surface power (AFSP) system that could be deployed on the Lunar surface. The AFSP system is presently based on a pumped liquid metal-cooled (Sodium-Potassium eutectic, NaK-78) reactor design. This design was derived from the only fission system that the United States has deployed for space operation, the Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) 10A reactor, which was launched in 1965. Two prototypical components recently tested at MSFC were a pair of Stirling power conversion units that would be used in a reactor system to convert heat to electricity, and an annular linear induction pump (ALIP) that uses travelling electromagnetic fields to pump the liquid metal coolant through the reactor loop. First ever tests were conducted at MSFC to determine baseline performance of a pair of 1 kW Stirling convertors using NaK as the hot side working fluid. A special test rig was designed and constructed and testing was conducted inside a vacuum chamber at MSFC. This test rig delivered pumped NaK for the hot end temperature to the Stirlings and water as the working fluid on the cold end temperature. These test were conducted through a hot end temperature range between 400 to 550C in increments of 50 C and a cold end temperature range from 30 to 70 C in 20 C increments. Piston amplitudes were varied from 6 to 1 1mm in .5 mm increments. A maximum of 2240 Watts electric was produced at the design point of 550 hot end, 40 C cold end with a piston amplitude of 10.5mm. This power level was reached at a gross thermal efficiency of 28%. A baseline performance map was established for the pair of 1kW Stirling convertors. The performance data will then be used for design modification to the Stirling convertors. The ALIP tested at MSFC has no moving parts and no direct electrical connections to the liquid metal containing components. Pressure is developed by the interaction of the magnetic field produced by the stator and the current which flows as a result of the voltage induced in the liquid metal contained in the pump duct. Flow is controlled by variation of the voltage supplied to the pump windings. Under steady-state conditions, pump performance is measured for flow rates from 0.5-4.3 kg/s. The pressure rise developed by the pump to support these flow rates is roughly 5-65 kPa. The RMS input voltage (phase-to-phase voltage) ranges from 5-120 V, while the frequency can be varied arbitrarily up to 60 Hz. Performance is quantified at different loop temperature levels from 50 C up to 650 C, which is the peak operating temperature of the proposed AFSP reactor. The transient response of the pump is also evaluated to determine its behavior during startup and shut-down procedures.

40 CFR 265.1052 - Standards: Pumps in light liquid service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... week for indications of liquids dripping from the pump seal. (b)(1) If an instrument reading of 10,000... the pump seal, a leak is detected. (c)(1) When a leak is detected, it shall be repaired as soon as... after each leak is detected. (d) Each pump equipped with a dual mechanical seal system that includes a...

Adjustable Tuning Spring for Bellows Pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, G. L.; Tu Duc, D.; Hooper, S.

1985-01-01

Adjustable leaf spring increases maximum operating pressure of pump from 2 to over 60 psi (13 to over 400 kN/m2). Small commercial bellows pump using ac-powered electromagnet to vibrate bellows at mechanical resonance modified to operate over wider pressure range.

The sperm pump of the hangingfly Bittacus planus Cheng (Mecoptera: Bittacidae).

PubMed

Gao, Qiong-Hua; Hua, Bao-Zhen

2015-11-01

The males of antliophoran insects usually use a sperm pump to transfer liquid sperm into the reproductive tract of the female. However, the fine structure of the sperm pump and its ejaculatory mechanism has not been thoroughly clarified in many groups of Mecoptera. In this paper, the structure of the sperm pump was investigated in the hangingfly Bittacus planus Cheng, 1949 using light and scanning electron microscopy. The sperm pump mainly consists of a piston fused with a piston-carrying sclerite, a pumping chamber enclosed by the genital folds, which comprises the posterior region of the ejaculatory sac, an ostial sclerite, a phallobase, and other associated structures and muscles. The piston crown plays a major role in the piston movement. The ostial sclerite serves as a discharge valve and is controlled by two antagonistic muscles. No depressor muscles were found attached to the piston. The sperm pumping activity is mainly controlled by the combination of the levator of the piston and the retractor and protractor of the ostial sclerite. The ejaculatory mechanism and phylogenetic significance are briefly discussed based on the structure of the sperm pump. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efflux-Mediated Drug Resistance in Bacteria: an Update

PubMed Central

Li, Xian-Zhi; Nikaido, Hiroshi

2010-01-01

Drug efflux pumps play a key role in drug resistance and also serve other functions in bacteria. There has been a growing list of multidrug and drug-specific efflux pumps characterized from bacteria of human, animal, plant and environmental origins. These pumps are mostly encoded on the chromosome although they can also be plasmid-encoded. A previous article (Li X-Z and Nikaido H, Drugs, 2004; 64[2]: 159–204) had provided a comprehensive review regarding efflux-mediated drug resistance in bacteria. In the past five years, significant progress has been achieved in further understanding of drug resistance-related efflux transporters and this review focuses on the latest studies in this field since 2003. This has been demonstrated in multiple aspects that include but are not limited to: further molecular and biochemical characterization of the known drug efflux pumps and identification of novel drug efflux pumps; structural elucidation of the transport mechanisms of drug transporters; regulatory mechanisms of drug efflux pumps; determining the role of the drug efflux pumps in other functions such as stress responses, virulence and cell communication; and development of efflux pump inhibitors. Overall, the multifaceted implications of drug efflux transporters warrant novel strategies to combat multidrug resistance in bacteria. PMID:19678712

Liquid metal electric pump

DOEpatents

Abbin, J.P.; Andraka, C.E.; Lukens, L.L.; Moreno, J.B.

1992-01-14

An electrical pump for pumping liquid metals to high pressures in high temperature environments without the use of magnets or moving mechanical parts. The pump employs a non-porous solid electrolyte membrane, typically ceramic, specific to the liquid metal to be pumped. A DC voltage is applied across the thickness of the membrane causing ions to form and enter the membrane on the electrically positive surface, with the ions being neutralized on the opposite surface. This action provides pumping of the liquid metal from one side of the non-porous solid electrolyte membrane to the other. 3 figs.

Liquid metal electric pump

DOEpatents

Abbin, Joseph P.; Andraka, Charles E.; Lukens, Laurance L.; Moreno, James B.

1992-01-01

An electrical pump for pumping liquid metals to high pressures in high temperature environments without the use of magnets or moving mechanical parts. The pump employs a non-porous solid electrolyte membrane, typically ceramic, specific to the liquid metal to be pumped. A DC voltage is applied across the thickness of the membrane causing ions to form and enter the membrane on the electrically positive surface, with the ions being neutralized on the opposite surface. This action provides pumping of the liquid metal from one side of the non-porous solid electrolyte membrane to the other.

Performance Testing of a Liquid Metal Pump for In-Space Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt

2011-01-01

Fission surface power (FSP) systems could be used to provide power on the surface of the moon, Mars, or other planets and moons of our solar system. Fission power systems could provide excellent performance at any location, including those near the poles or other permanently shaded regions, and offer the capability to provide on demand power at any time, even at large distances from the sun. Fission-based systems also offer the potential for outposts, crew and science instruments to operate in a power-rich environment. NASA has been exploring technologies with the goal of reducing the cost and technical risk of employing FSP systems. A reference 40 kWe option has been devised that is cost-competitive with alternatives while providing more power for less mass anywhere on the lunar surface. The reference FSP system is also readily extensible for use on Mars, where it would be capable of operating through global dust storms and providing year-round power at any Martian latitude. Detailed development of the FSP concept and the reference mission are documented in various other reports. The development discussed in this paper prepares the way for testing of the Technology Demonstration Unit (TDU), which is a 10 kWe end-to-end test of FSP technologies intended to raise the entire FSP system to technology readiness level (TRL) 6. The Early Flight Fission Test Facility (EFF-TF) was established by NASA s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to provide a capability for performing hardware-directed activities to support multiple in-space nuclear reactor concepts by using a nonnuclear test methodology. This includes fabrication and testing at both the module/component level and at near prototypic reactor components and configurations allowing for realistic thermal-hydraulic evaluations of systems. The liquid-metal pump associated with the FSP system must be compatible with the liquid NaK coolant and have adequate performance to enable a viable flight system. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) was tasked with the modeling, design, and fabrication of an ALIP suitable for the FSP reference mission. A prototypic ALIP was fabricated under the direction of INL and shipped to MSFC for inclusion in the Technology Demonstration Unit (TDU), a quarter-scale end-to-end reactor simulator system that is scheduled for testing at NASA-GRC. Before inclusion in the TDU, the ALIP was tested in the ALIP test circuit (ATC), which is a rig developed and operated at MSFC for the specific purpose of providing accurate quantification of liquid metal pump performance. Data showing the pump performance curves (pressure, flowrate, and pump efficiency) are presented for various operating power levels, demonstrating the full performance envelope of the pump.

Inactivation of a putative efflux pump (LmrB) in Streptococcus mutans results in altered biofilm structure and increased exopolysaccharide synthesis: implications for biofilm resistance.

PubMed

Liu, Jia; Zhang, Jianying; Guo, Lihong; Zhao, Wei; Hu, Xiaoli; Wei, Xi

2017-07-01

Efflux pumps are a mechanism associated with biofilm formation and resistance. There is limited information regarding efflux pumps in Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen in dental caries. The aim of this study was to investigate potential roles of a putative efflux pump (LmrB) in S. mutans biofilm formation and susceptibility. Upon lmrB inactivation and antimicrobial exposure, the biofilm structure and expression of other efflux pumps were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and qRT-PCR. lmrB inactivation resulted in biofilm structural changes, increased EPS formation and EPS-related gene transcription (p < 0.05), but no improvement in susceptibility was observed. The expression of most efflux pump genes increased upon lmrB inactivation when exposed to antimicrobials (p < 0.05), suggesting a feedback mechanism that activated the transcription of other efflux pumps to compensate for the loss of lmrB. These observations imply that sole inactivation of lmrB is not an effective solution to control biofilms.

Heat pump study: Tricks of the trade that can pump up efficiency

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jenkins, V.

Two years ago, many homeowners in an area near Auburn, California were unhappy with their heat pumps. The local utility, Pacific Gas Electric (PG E), received unusually large numbers of complaints from them of high electricity bills and poor system operation. PG E wanted to know whether correctable mechanical problems were to blame. It hired John Proctor, then of Building Resources Management Corp., to design and implement a study to address the heat pump customers' complaints. The Pacific Gas Electric Heat Pump Efficiency and Super Weatherization Pilot Project was the result. The first objective of the Pilot Project was tomore » identify the major problems and their prevalence in the existing residential heat pump installations. The second was to design a correction strategy that would cost PG E $400 or less per site. Participating homeowners would also share some of the costs. Project goals were improved homeowner comfort and satisfaction, increased energy efficiency of mechanical systems, and 10-20% space heating energy savings. By improving system operations, the project wished to increase customer acceptance of heat pumps in general.« less

Untangling the Reaction Mechanisms Involved in the Explosive Decomposition of Model Compounds of Energetic Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-11

typically of a few 10-11 torr using oil-free magnetically suspended turbomolecular pumps backed with dry scroll pumps . A cold finger assembled from...on line and in situ utilizing a Faraday cup mounted inside a differentially pumped chamber on an ultrahigh vacuum compatible translation state. The...down to a base pressure typically of a few 10-11 torr using oil-free magnetically suspended turbomolecular pumps backed with dry scroll pumps . A

Venturi vacuum systems for hypobaric chamber operations.

PubMed

Robinson, R; Swaby, G; Sutton, T; Fife, C; Powell, M; Butler, B D

1997-11-01

Physiological studies of the effects of high altitude on man often require the use of a hypobaric chamber to simulate the reduced ambient pressures. Typical "altitude" chambers in use today require complex mechanical vacuum systems to evacuate the chamber air, either directly or via reservoir system. Use of these pumps adds to the cost of both chamber procurement and maintenance, and service of these pumps requires trained support personnel and regular upkeep. In this report we describe use of venturi vacuum pumps to perform the function of mechanical vacuum pumps for human and experimental altitude chamber operations. Advantages of the venturi pumps include their relatively low procurement cost, small size and light weight, ease of installation and plumbing, lack of moving parts, and independence from electrical power sources, fossil fuels and lubricants. Conversion of three hyperbaric chambers to combined hyper/hypobaric use is described.

40 CFR 63.1038 - Recordkeeping requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... visual inspections as specified in § 63.1026(b)(4). (ii) Documentation of dual mechanical seal pump... frequency of drips for dual mechanical seal pumps, records of the design criteria and explanations and any...). (ii) Trial evaluation program documentation as specified in § 63.1035(d)(6)(iii). (iii) Engineering...

PUMP CONSTRUCTION

DOEpatents

Strickland, G.; Horn, F.L.; White, H.T.

1960-09-27

A pump which utilizes the fluid being pumped through it as its lubricating fluid is described. This is achieved by means of an improved bearing construction in a pump of the enclosed or canned rotor type. At the outlet end of the pump, adjacent to an impeller mechanism, there is a bypass which conveys some of the pumped fluid to a chamber at the inlet end of the pump. After this chamber becomes full, the pumped fluid passes through fixed orifices in the top of the chamber and exerts a thrust on the inlet end of the pump rotor. Lubrication of the rotor shaft is accomplished by passing the pumped fluid through a bypass at the outlet end of the rotor shaft. This bypass conveys Pumped fluid to a cooling means and then to grooves on the surface of the rotor shait, thus lubricating the shaft.

Centrifugal pumps for rocket engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, W. E.; Farquhar, J.

1974-01-01

The use of centrifugal pumps for rocket engines is described in terms of general requirements of operational and planned systems. Hydrodynamic and mechanical design considerations and techniques and test procedures are summarized. Some of the pump development experiences, in terms of both problems and solutions, are highlighted.

Multi technical analysis of wear mechanisms in axial piston pumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuhler, G.; Jourani, A.; Bouvier, S.; Perrochat, J.-M.

2017-05-01

Axial piston pumps convert a motor rotation motion into hydraulic or pneumatic power. Their compactness and efficiency of approximately 0.9 make them suitable for actuation applications especially in aeronautics. However, they suffer a limited life due to the wear of their components. In the literature, studies of axial piston pumps deal with contact between its different elements under lubrication conditions. Nevertheless, they are more focused on analytic or numerical approaches. This study consists in an experimental analysis of worn pump components to highlight and understand wear mechanisms. Piston shoes are central components in the axial piston pump since they are involved in three tribological contacts. These three contacts are thereby studied: piston shoes/swashplate, piston shoes/pistons and piston shoes/shoes hold down plate (SHDP). To perform this analysis, helicopter hydraulic pumps after different operating times have been studied. The wear damage mechanisms and wear debris are analysed using SEM observations. 3D surface roughness measurements are then used to characterize worn surfaces. The observations reveal that in the contact between shoes and swashplate, the main wear mechanism is three-body abrasive wear due to coarse carbides removal. Between shoes and pistons, wear occurs in a less severe way and is mainly due to the debris generated in the first contact and conveyed by the lubricating fluid. In the third contact, the debris are also the prime cause of the abrasive wear and the generation of deep craters in the piston shoes.

Mosquitoes drink with a burst in reserve: explaining pumping behavior with a fluid mechanics model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Souvick; Socha, Jake; Stremler, Mark

2014-11-01

Mosquitoes drink using a pair of in-line pumps in the head that draw liquid food through the proboscis. Experimental observations with synchrotron x-ray imaging indicate two modes of drinking: a predominantly occurring continuous mode, in which the cibarial and pharyngeal pumps expand cyclically at a constant phase difference, and an occasional, isolated burst mode, in which the pharyngeal pump expansion is 10 to 30 times larger than in the continuous mode. We have used a reduced order model of the fluid mechanics to hypothesize an explanation of this variation in drinking behavior. Our model results show that the continuous mode is more energetically efficient, whereas the burst mode creates a large pressure drop across the proboscis, which could potentially be used to clear blockages. Comparisons with pump knock-out configurations demonstrate different functional roles of the pumps in mosquito feeding. This material is based upon work supported by the NSF under Grant No. #0938047.

Mosquito drinking with a burst in reserve: explaining behavior with a fluid mechanics model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Souvick; Socha, Jake; Stremler, Mark

2014-03-01

Mosquitoes drink using a pair of in-line pumps in the head that draw liquid food through a long drinking channel, or proboscis. Experimental observations indicate two modes of drinking: a predominantly occurring continuous mode, in which the cibarial and pharyngeal pumps expand cyclically at a constant phase difference, and an isolated burst mode, in which the pharyngeal pump expansion is several orders of magnitude larger than in the continuous mode. We use a reduced order model of the fluid mechanics to hypothesize an explanation of this naturally occurring drinking behavior. Our model results show that the continuous mode is the more efficient mode in terms of energy expenditure, and the burst mode creates a large pressure difference across the proboscis. We speculate that the mosquito uses this pressure drop to clear blockages in the proboscis. We compared the two-pump system with one-pump configurations, as found in some other insects like butterflies, and show that the two pumps have unique roles in mosquito feeding.

Diaphragm Pump With Resonant Piezoelectric Drive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Izenson, Michael G.; Kline-Schoder, Robert J.; Shimko, Martin A.

2007-01-01

A diaphragm pump driven by a piezoelectric actuator is undergoing development. This pump is intended to be a prototype of lightweight, highly reliable pumps for circulating cooling liquids in protective garments and high-power electronic circuits, and perhaps for some medical applications. The pump would be highly reliable because it would contain no sliding seals or bearings that could wear, the only parts subject to wear would be two check valves, and the diaphragm and other flexing parts could be designed, by use of proven methods, for extremely long life. Because the pump would be capable of a large volumetric flow rate and would have only a small dead volume, its operation would not be disrupted by ingestion of gas, and it could be started reliably under all conditions. The prior art includes a number piezoelectrically actuated diaphragm pumps. Because of the smallness of the motions of piezoelectric actuators (typical maximum strains only about 0.001), the volumetric flow rates of those pumps are much too small for typical cooling applications. In the pump now undergoing development, mechanical resonance would be utilized to amplify the motion generated by the piezoelectric actuator and thereby multiply the volumetric flow rate. The prime mover in this pump would be a stack of piezoelectric ceramic actuators, one end of which would be connected to a spring that would be part of a spring-and-mass resonator structure. The mass part of the resonator structure would include the pump diaphragm (see Figure 1). Contraction of the spring would draw the diaphragm to the left, causing the volume of the fluid chamber to increase and thereby causing fluid to flow into the chamber. Subsequent expansion of the spring would push the diaphragm to the right, causing the volume of the fluid chamber to decrease, and thereby expelling fluid from the chamber. The fluid would enter and leave the chamber through check valves. The piezoelectric stack would be driven electrically to make it oscillate at the resonance frequency of the spring and- mass structure. This frequency could be made high enough (of the order of 400 Hz) that the masses of all components could be made conveniently small. The resonance would amplify the relatively small motion of the piezoelectric stack (a stroke of the order of 10 m) to a diaphragm stroke of the order of 0.5 mm. The exact amplification factor would depend on the rate of damping of oscillations; this, in turn, would depend on details of design and operation, including (but not limited to) the desired pressure rise and volumetric flow rate. In order to obtain resonance with large displacement, the damping rate must be low enough that the energy imparted to the pumped fluid on each stroke is much less than the kinetic and potential energy exchanged between the mass and spring during each cycle of oscillation. To minimize the power demand of the pump, a highly efficient drive circuit would be used to excite the piezoelectric stack. This circuit (see Figure 2) would amount to a special-purpose regenerative, switching power supply that would operate in a power-source mode during the part of an oscillation cycle when the excitation waveform was positive and in a power-recovery mode during the part of the cycle when the excitation waveform was negative. The circuit would include a voltage-boosting dc-to-dc converter that would convert between a supply potential of 24 Vdc and the high voltage needed to drive the piezoelectric stack. Because of the power-recovery feature, the circuit would consume little power. It should be possible to build the circuit as a compact unit, using readily available components.

Evaluation of a flexible bronchoscope prototype designed for bronchoscopy during mechanical ventilation: a proof-of-concept study.

PubMed

Nay, M-A; Auvet, A; Mankikian, J; Herve, V; Dequin, P-F; Guillon, A

2017-06-01

Bronchoscopy during mechanical ventilation of patients' lungs significantly affects ventilation because of partial obstruction of the tracheal tube, and may thus be omitted in the most severely ill patients. It has not previously been possible to reduce the external diameter of the bronchoscope without reducing the diameter of the suction channel, thus reducing the suctioning capacity of the device. We believed that a better-designed bronchoscope could improve the safety of bronchoscopy in patients whose lungs were ventilated. We designed a flexible bronchoscope prototype with a drumstick-shaped head consisting of a long, thin proximal portion; a short and large distal portion for camera docking; and a large suction channel throughout the length of the device. The aims of our study were to test the impact of our prototype on mechanical ventilation when inserted into the tracheal tube, and to assess suctioning capacity. We first tested the efficiency of the suction channel, and demonstrated that the suction flow of the prototype was similar to that of conventional adult bronchoscopes. We next evaluated the consequences of bronchoscopy when using the prototype on minute ventilation and intrathoracic pressures during mechanical ventilation: firstly, in vitro using a breathing simulator; and secondly, in vivo using a porcine model of pulmonary ventilation. The insertion of adult bronchoscopes into the tracheal tube immediately impaired the protective ventilation strategy employed, whereas the prototype preserved it. For the first time, we have developed an innovative flexible bronchoscope designed for bronchoscopy during invasive mechanical ventilation, that both preserved the protective ventilation strategy, and enabled efficient suction flow. © 2017 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

Magnetized Target Fusion - Field Reversed Configuration Formation and Injection (MTF-FRC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-06

from accidental breakage and personnel from injury in that event. The pumps for the vacuum system included a Varian dry scroll pump that was...a dry scroll (oil-free) mechanical pump could be used, as mTorr pressures would be sufficient for the vacuum switch voltage hold-off and operation...56 FIGURE 46. ROUGHING PUMP AND VACUUM -GAUGE CONTROLLERS BENEATH THETA COIL CABLE HEADER

On trans-parenchymal transport after blood brain barrier opening: pump-diffuse-pump hypothesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Postnov, D. E.; Postnikov, E. B.; Karavaev, A. S.; Glushkovskaya-Semyachkina, O. V.

2018-04-01

Transparenchymal transport attracted the attention of many research groups after the discovery of glymphatic mechanism for the brain drainage in 2012. While the main facts of rapid transport of substances across the parenchyma are well established experimentally, specific mechanisms that drive this drainage are just hypothezised but not proved yed. Moreover, the number of modeling studies show that the pulse wave powered mechanism is unlikely able to perform pumping as suggested. Thus, the problem is still open. In addition, new data obtained under the conditions of intensionally opened blood brain barrier shows the presence of equally fast transport in opposite durection. In our study we investigate the possible physical mechanisms for rapid transport of substances after the opening of blood-brain barrier under the conditions of zero net flow.

A piezoelectric micro generator worked at low frequency and high acceleration based on PZT and phosphor bronze bonding.

PubMed

Tang, Gang; Yang, Bin; Hou, Cheng; Li, Guimiao; Liu, Jingquan; Chen, Xiang; Yang, Chunsheng

2016-12-08

Recently, piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) have been paid a lot of attention by many researchers to convert mechanical energy into electrical and low level vibration. Currently, most of PEHs worked under high frequency and low level vibration. In this paper, we propose a micro cantilever generator based on the bonding of bulk PZT wafer and phosphor bronze, which is fabricated by MEMS technology, such as mechanical chemical thinning and etching. The experimental results show that the open-circuit output voltage, output power and power density of this fabricated prototype are 35 V, 321 μW and 8664 μW cm -3 at the resonant frequency of 100.8 Hz, respectively, when it matches an optimal loading resistance of 140 kΩ under the excitation of 3.0 g acceleration. The fabricated micro generator can obtain the open-circuit stable output voltage of 61.2 V when the vibration acceleration arrives at 7.0 g. Meanwhile, when this device is pasted on the vibrating vacuum pump, the output voltage is about 11 V. It demonstrates that this novel proposed device can scavenge high vibration level energy at low frequency for powering the inertial sensors in internet of things application.

A piezoelectric micro generator worked at low frequency and high acceleration based on PZT and phosphor bronze bonding

PubMed Central

Tang, Gang; Yang, Bin; Hou, Cheng; Li, Guimiao; Liu, Jingquan; Chen, Xiang; Yang, Chunsheng

2016-01-01

Recently, piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) have been paid a lot of attention by many researchers to convert mechanical energy into electrical and low level vibration. Currently, most of PEHs worked under high frequency and low level vibration. In this paper, we propose a micro cantilever generator based on the bonding of bulk PZT wafer and phosphor bronze, which is fabricated by MEMS technology, such as mechanical chemical thinning and etching. The experimental results show that the open-circuit output voltage, output power and power density of this fabricated prototype are 35 V, 321 μW and 8664 μW cm−3 at the resonant frequency of 100.8 Hz, respectively, when it matches an optimal loading resistance of 140 kΩ under the excitation of 3.0 g acceleration. The fabricated micro generator can obtain the open-circuit stable output voltage of 61.2 V when the vibration acceleration arrives at 7.0 g. Meanwhile, when this device is pasted on the vibrating vacuum pump, the output voltage is about 11 V. It demonstrates that this novel proposed device can scavenge high vibration level energy at low frequency for powering the inertial sensors in internet of things application. PMID:27929139

Energetics of the Ventilatory Piston Pump of the Lugworm, a Deposit-feeding Polychaete Living in a Burrow.

PubMed

Toulmond, A; Dejours, P

1994-04-01

The aim of this study was to tentatively estimate the energy cost of breathing in the lugworm, Arenicola marina (L.), a gallery-dwelling, piston-pump breather that moves water in a tail-to-head direction. Each tested lugworm was placed in a horizontal glass tube. The caudal end of the tube was connected to a well-aerated seawater reservoir at 20{deg}C, and the cephalic end attached to a drop meter through a tube resistance. At the exit of the cephalic chamber the O2 tension was recorded via an in situ O2 electrode, and the hydrostatic pressure of the exhaled water was also recorded. Water flow rate, total O2 uptake rate {Mdot}TOTO2, O2 extraction coefficient, and the mechanical power necessary to pump water through the resistive anterior exit of the apparatus ({Wdot}MEC), were computed. The basal metabolic rate of each animal ({Mdot}CONFO2) was separately estimated by the confinement method. {Mdot}CONFO2 subtracted from {Mdot}TOTO2 approximates {Mdot}CBO2, the O2 uptake rate necessary to activate the piston-pump breathing mechanism and to ensure the corresponding mechanical work rate, {Wdot}MEC. The results show that the energy cost of breathing, {Mdot}CBO2, of the piston-pump-breathing Arenicola is very high, with mean values approximating 47% of the {Mdot}TOTO2 value; that the mechanical power we measured, {Wdot}MEC, is very low; and that the mechanical-to-metabolic efficiency, the ratio {Wdot}MEC/{Mdot}CBO2, does not exceed 1%. These observations are compared to those obtained in other piston-pump breathers, such as Chaetopterus variopedatus and Urechis caupo, and in ciliary filter feeders including polychaetes, bivalves, and ascidians.

Current risks of HeartMate II pump thrombosis: Non-parametric analysis of Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support data.

PubMed

Smedira, Nicholas G; Blackstone, Eugene H; Ehrlinger, John; Thuita, Lucy; Pierce, Christopher D; Moazami, Nader; Starling, Randall C

2015-12-01

Data from 3 institutions revealed an abrupt increase in HeartMate II (Thoratec) pump thrombosis starting in 2011, associated with 48% mortality at 6 months without transplantation or pump exchange. We sought to discover if the increase occurred nationwide in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) data, and if so (1) determine if accelerated risk continued, (2) identify predictors, (3) investigate institutional variability, and (4) assess mortality after pump thrombosis. From April 2008 to June 2014, 11,123 HeartMate II devices were implanted at 146 institutions. Machine learning, non-parametric Random Forests for Survival was used to explore risk-adjusted thrombosis based on 87 pre-implant and implant variables, including implant date. A total of 995 pumps thrombosed, with risk peaking within weeks of implant. The risk-adjusted increase in pump thrombosis began in 2010, reached a maximum in 2012, and then plateaued at a level that was 3.3-times higher than pre-2010. Pump exchange, younger age, and larger body mass index were important predictors, and institutional variability was largely explained by implant date, patient profile, and duration of support. The probability of death within 3 months after pump thrombosis was 24%. Accelerated risk of HeartMate II thrombosis was confirmed by Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support data, with risk subsequently leveling at a risk-adjusted rate higher than observed pre-2010. This elevated thrombosis risk emphasizes the need for improved mechanical circulatory support systems and post-market surveillance of adverse events. Clinicians cognizant of these new data should incorporate them into their and their patients' expectations and understanding of risks relative to those of transplantation and continued medical therapy. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Activated-Carbon Sorbent With Integral Heat-Transfer Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Jack A.; Yavrouian, Andre

1996-01-01

Prototype adsorption device used, for example, in adsorption heat pump, to store natural gas to power automobile, or to separate components of fluid mixtures. Device includes activated carbon held together by binder and molded into finned heat-transfer device providing rapid heating or cooling to enable rapid adsorption or desorption of fluids. Concepts of design and fabrication of device equally valid for such other highly thermally conductive devices as copper-finned tubes, and for such other high-surface-area sorbents as zeolites or silicates.

Mechanically Pumped Fluid Loop (MPFL) Technologies for Thermal Control of Future Mars Rovers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Birur, Gaj; Bhandari, Pradeep; Prina, Mauro; Bame, Dave; Yavrouian, Andre; Plett, Gary

2006-01-01

Mechanically pumped fluid loop has been the basis of thermal control architecture for the last two Mars lander and rover missions and is the key part of the MSL thermal architecture. Several MPFL technologies are being developed for the MSL rover include long-life pumps, thermal control valves, mechanical fittings for use with CFC-11 at elevated temperatures of approx.100 C. Over three years of life tests and chemical compatibility tests on these MPFL components show that MPFL technology is mature for use on MSL. The advances in MPFL technologies for MSL Rover will benefit any future MPFL applications on NASA s Moon, Mars and Beyond Program.

Prototypes Are Key Heuristic Information in Insight Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Wenjing; Dietrich, Arne; Liu, Peiduo; Ming, Dan; Jin, Yule; Nusbaum, Howard C.; Qiu, Jiang; Zhang, Qinglin

2016-01-01

Evidence from a range of fields indicates that inventions are often inspired by drawing a parallel to solutions found in nature. However, the cognitive mechanism of this process is not well understood. The cognitive mechanism of heuristic prototype in scientific innovation was tested with 3 experiments. First, 84 historical accounts of important…

46 CFR 160.133-13 - Approval inspections and tests for prototype release mechanisms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... plans of the release mechanism as built, in triplicate. The plans must include the instructions for... for Lifeboats and Rescue Boats (SOLAS) § 160.133-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype... the prototype— (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.133-9 of this subpart; (B) Is...

46 CFR 160.133-13 - Approval inspections and tests for prototype release mechanisms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... plans of the release mechanism as built, in triplicate. The plans must include the instructions for... for Lifeboats and Rescue Boats (SOLAS) § 160.133-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype... the prototype— (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.133-9 of this subpart; (B) Is...

Steam ejector as an industrial heat pump

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnold, H.G.; Huntley, W.R.; Perez-Blanco, H.

1982-01-01

The steam ejector is analyzed for use in industrial heat recovery applications and compared to mechanical compressor heat pumps. An estimated ejector performance was analyzed using methods based on conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; using steam properties to account for continuity; and using appropriate efficiencies for the nozzle and diffuse performance within the ejector. A potential heat pump application at a paper plant in which waste water was available in a hot well downstream of the paper machine was used to describe use of the stream ejector. Both mechanical compression and jet ejector heat pumps were evaluated for recompressionmore » of flashed steam from the hot well. It is noted that another possible application of vapor recompression heat pumps is the recovery of waste heat from large facilities such as the gaseous diffusion plants. The economics of recovering waste heat in similar applications is analyzed. (MCW)« less

Sealing performance of a magnetic fluid seal for rotary blood pumps.

PubMed

Mitamura, Yoshinori; Takahashi, Sayaka; Kano, Kentaro; Okamoto, Eiji; Murabayashi, Shun; Nishimura, Ikuya; Higuchi, Taka-Aki

2009-09-01

A magnetic fluid (MF) for a rotary blood pump seal enables mechanical contact-free rotation of the shaft and, hence, has excellent durability. The performance of a MF seal, however, has been reported to decrease in liquids. We have developed a MF seal that has a "shield" mechanism and a new MF with a higher magnetization of 47.9 kA/m. The sealing performance of the MF seal installed in a rotary blood pump was studied. Under the condition of continuous flow, the MF seal remained in perfect condition against a pressure of 298 mm Hg (pump flow rate: 3.96 L/min). The seal was also perfect against a pressure of 170 mm Hg in a continuous flow of 3.9 L/min for 275 days. We have developed a MF seal that works in liquid against clinically used pressures. The MF seal is promising as a shaft seal for rotary blood pumps.

Alternative backing up pump for turbomolecular pumps

DOEpatents

Myneni, Ganapati Rao

2003-04-22

As an alternative to the use of a mechanical backing pump in the application of wide range turbomolecular pumps in ultra-high and extra high vacuum applications, palladium oxide is used to convert hydrogen present in the evacuation stream and related volumes to water with the water then being cryo-pumped to a low pressure of below about 1.e.sup.-3 Torr at 150.degree. K. Cryo-pumping is achieved using a low cost Kleemenco cycle cryocooler, a somewhat more expensive thermoelectric cooler, a Venturi cooler or a similar device to achieve the required minimization of hydrogen partial pressure.

Optical and infrared lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Javan, A.

1978-01-01

Quantum mechanical predictions for the gain of an optically pumped CW FIR laser are presented for cases in which one or both of the pump and FIR transitions are pressure or Doppler broadened. The results are compared to those based on the rate equation model. Some of the quantum mechanical predictions are verified in CH3OH.

The Plasma Membrane Calcium Pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rasmussen, H.

1983-01-01

Three aspect of cellular calcium metabolism in animal cells was discussed including the importance of the plasma membrane in calcium homeostasis, experiments dealing with the actual mechanism of the calcium pump, and the function of the pump in relationship to the mitochondria and to the function of calmodulin in the intact cell.

Application of a magnetic fluid seal to rotary blood pumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitamura, Y.; Arioka, S.; Sakota, D.; Sekine, K.; Azegami, M.

2008-05-01

A magnetic fluid seal enables mechanical contact-free rotation of a shaft without frictional heat and material wear and hence has excellent durability. However, the durability of a magnetic fluid seal decreases in liquid. The life of a seal applied to a rotary blood pump is not known. We have developed a magnetic fluid seal that has a shield mechanism minimizing the influence of the rotary pump on the magnetic fluid. The developed magnetic fluid seal worked for over 286 days in a continuous flow condition, for 24 days (on-going) in a pulsatile flow condition and for 24 h (electively terminated) in blood flow. The magnetic fluid seal is promising as a shaft seal for rotary blood pumps.

Application of a magnetic fluid seal to rotary blood pumps.

PubMed

Mitamura, Y; Arioka, S; Sakota, D; Sekine, K; Azegami, M

2008-05-21

A magnetic fluid seal enables mechanical contact-free rotation of a shaft without frictional heat and material wear and hence has excellent durability. However, the durability of a magnetic fluid seal decreases in liquid. The life of a seal applied to a rotary blood pump is not known. We have developed a magnetic fluid seal that has a shield mechanism minimizing the influence of the rotary pump on the magnetic fluid. The developed magnetic fluid seal worked for over 286 days in a continuous flow condition, for 24 days (on-going) in a pulsatile flow condition and for 24 h (electively terminated) in blood flow. The magnetic fluid seal is promising as a shaft seal for rotary blood pumps.

[Importance of mechanical assist devices in acute circulatory arrest].

PubMed

Ferrari, Markus Wolfgang

2016-03-01

Mechanical assist devices are indicated for hemodynamic stabilization in acute circulatory arrest if conventional means of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are unable to re-establish adequate organ perfusion. Their temporary use facilitates further diagnostic and therapeutic options in selected patients, e.g. coronary angiography followed by revascularization.External thorax compression devices allow sufficient cardiac massage in case of preclinical or in-hospital circulatory arrest, especially under complex transfer conditions. These devices perform standardized thorax compressions at a rate of 80-100 per minute. Invasive mechanical support devices are used in the catheter laboratory or in the intensive care unit. Axial turbine pumps, e.g. the Impella, continuously pump blood from the left ventricle into the aortic root. The Impella can also provide right ventricle support by pumping blood from the vena cava into the pulmonary artery. So-called emergency systems or ECMO devices consist of a centrifugal pump and a membrane oxygenator allowing complete takeover of cardiac and pulmonary functions. Withdrawing blood from the right atrium and vena cava, oxygenated blood is returned to the abdominal aorta. Isolated centrifugal pumps provide left heart support without an oxygenator after transseptal insertion of a venous cannula into the left atrium.Mechanical assist devices are indicated for acute organ protection and hemodynamic stabilization for diagnostic and therapeutic measures as well as bridge to myocardial recovery. Future technical developments and better insights into the pathophysiology of mechanical circulatory support will broaden the spectrum of indications of such devices in acute circulatory arrest.

Preparation, Delivery, and Evaluation of Picomole Vapor Standards

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-10

brass bellows vacuum valve (Part No. BFLM-K40, Duniway Stockroom Corp., Mountain View, CA USA). A scroll pump was used rather than a mechanical...evacuated 1 L ballast canister, while the dead volume of the quick connect is evacuated with a turbomolecular vacuum pump . 3 Figure 1: Valve layout...mL canister for 2 min. GC Splitless Inlet GC Splitless Inlet Turbomolecular Vacuum Pump Turbomolecular Vacuum Pump QT Quick

Preserved function of the plasma membrane calcium pump of red blood cells from diabetic subjects with high levels of glycated haemoglobin.

PubMed

Bookchin, Robert M; Etzion, Zipora; Lew, Virgilio L; Tiffert, Teresa

2009-03-01

The activity of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-pump decreases steeply throughout the 120 days lifespan of normal human red blood cells. Experiments with isolated membrane preparations showed that glycation of a lysine residue near the catalytic site of the pump ATPase had a powerful inhibitory effect. This prompted the question of whether glycation is the mechanism of age-related decline in pump activity in vivo. It is important to investigate this mechanism because the Ca(2+) pump is a major regulator of Ca(2+) homeostasis in all cells. Its impaired activity in diabetic patients, continuously exposed to high glycation rates, may thus contribute to varied tissue pathology in this disease. We measured Ca(2+)-pump activity as a function of red cell age in red cells from diabetics continuously exposed to high glucose concentrations, as documented by their high mean levels of glycated haemoglobin. The distribution of Ca(2+)-pump activities was indistinguishable from that in non-diabetics, and the pattern of activity decline with cell age in the diabetics' red cells was identical to that observed in red cells from non-diabetics. These results indicate that in intact cells the Ca(2+) pump is protected from glycation-induced inactivation.

Open-Source Wax RepRap 3-D Printer for Rapid Prototyping Paper-Based Microfluidics.

PubMed

Pearce, J M; Anzalone, N C; Heldt, C L

2016-08-01

The open-source release of self-replicating rapid prototypers (RepRaps) has created a rich opportunity for low-cost distributed digital fabrication of complex 3-D objects such as scientific equipment. For example, 3-D printable reactionware devices offer the opportunity to combine open hardware microfluidic handling with lab-on-a-chip reactionware to radically reduce costs and increase the number and complexity of microfluidic applications. To further drive down the cost while improving the performance of lab-on-a-chip paper-based microfluidic prototyping, this study reports on the development of a RepRap upgrade capable of converting a Prusa Mendel RepRap into a wax 3-D printer for paper-based microfluidic applications. An open-source hardware approach is used to demonstrate a 3-D printable upgrade for the 3-D printer, which combines a heated syringe pump with the RepRap/Arduino 3-D control. The bill of materials, designs, basic assembly, and use instructions are provided, along with a completely free and open-source software tool chain. The open-source hardware device described here accelerates the potential of the nascent field of electrochemical detection combined with paper-based microfluidics by dropping the marginal cost of prototyping to nearly zero while accelerating the turnover between paper-based microfluidic designs. © 2016 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rice, C. Keith; Shen, Bo; Shrestha, Som S.

This report describes an analysis to investigate representative heating loads for single-family detached homes using current EnergyPlus simulations (DOE 2014a). Hourly delivered load results are used to determine binned load lines using US Department of Energy (DOE) residential prototype building models (DOE 2014b) developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The selected residential single-family prototype buildings are based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2006) in the DOE climate regions. The resulting load lines are compared with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Standard 210/240 (AHRI 2008) minimum and maximum design heating requirementmore » (DHR) load lines of the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) ratings procedure for each region. The results indicate that a heating load line closer to the maximum DHR load line, and with a lower zero load ambient temperature, is more representative of heating loads predicted for EnergyPlus prototype residential buildings than the minimum DHR load line presently used to determine HSPF ratings. An alternative heating load line equation was developed and compared to binned load lines obtained from the EnergyPlus simulation results. The effect on HSPF of the alternative heating load line was evaluated for single-speed and two-capacity heat pumps, and an average HSPF reduction of 16% was found. The alternative heating load line relationship is tied to the rated cooling capacity of the heat pump based on EnergyPlus autosizing, which is more representative of the house load characteristics than the rated heating capacity. The alternative heating load line equation was found to be independent of climate for the six DOE climate regions investigated, provided an adjustable zero load ambient temperature is used. For Region IV, the default DOE climate region used for HSPF ratings, the higher load line results in an ~28% increase in delivered heating load and an ~52% increase in the estimated heating operating cost over that given in the AHRI directory (AHRI 2014).« less

5-kWe Free-piston Stirling Engine Convertor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, Peter A.; Vitale, Nicholas A.; Walter, Thomas J.

2008-01-01

The high reliability, long life, and efficient operation of Free-Piston Stirling Engines (FPSEs) make them an attractive power system to meet future space power requirements with less mass, better efficiency, and less total heat exchanger area than other power convertor options. FPSEs are also flexible in configuration as they can be coupled with many potential heat sources and various heat input systems, heat rejection systems, and power management and distribution systems. Development of a 5-kWe Stirling Convertor Assembly (SCA) is underway to demonstrate the viability of an FPSE for space power. The design is a scaled-down version of the successful 12.5-kWe Component Test Power Converter (CTPC) developed under NAS3-25463. The ultimate efficiency target is 25% overall convertor efficiency (electrical power out over heat in). For the single cylinder prototype now in development, cost and time constraints required use of economical and readily available materials (steel versus beryllium) and components (a commercially available linear alternator) and thus lower efficiency. The working gas is helium at 150 bar mean pressure. The design consists of a displacer suspended on internally pumped gas bearings and a power piston/alternator supported on flexures. Non-contacting clearance seals are used between internal volumes. Heat to and from the prototype convertor is done via pumped liquid loops passing through shell and tube heat exchangers. The preliminary and detail designs of the convertor, controller, and support systems (heating loop, cooling loop, and helium supply system) are complete and all hardware is on order. Assembly and test of the prototype at Foster- Miller is planned for early 2008, when work will focus on characterizing convertor dynamics and steady-state operation to determine maximum power output and system efficiency. The device will then be delivered to Auburn University where assessments will include start-up and shutdown characterization and transient response to temperature and load variations. Future activities may include testing at NASA GRC.

The Prototype Plume Busters Software: A New Tool for Exploring Issues Related to Environmental Policy in Undergraduate-level Earth and Environmental Science Courses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macfarlane, P. A.

2006-12-01

Students seldom have an opportunity to explore the issues related to the environmental impact of contamination on water resources. With NSF support we have developed the prototype Plume Busters, in which students take on the role of an environmental consultant. The software consists of an interactive, Java application and accompanying HTML linked pages. Following a pipeline spill, the environmental consultant is hired by the pipeline owner to locate the resulting plume created by the spill and remediate the contaminated aquifer at minimum monetary and time cost. The contamination must be removed from the aquifer before it reaches the river and eventually a downstream public water supply. The application simulates movement of a plume from a pipeline break through a shallow alluvial aquifer towards the river upstream from a municipal water supply intake. To locate the plume, the student places observation wells on a gridded map of the study area and the simulation returns the contaminant concentrations at those locations on the appropriate sample dates. Once the plume is located, the student is able to site pumping and injection wells on the map for aquifer remediation using a simple pump-and-treat technique. The simulation then computes the movement of particles to the pumping wells and returns the cumulative mass removed by the production remediation well. Plume Busters also provides teachers with a means to initiate student exploration of a wide range of environmental issues, including (1) source-water assessment and ground-water and wellhead protection zones, (2) the impact of human activities and technology on the hydrosphere and the biosphere, (3) the role of technology in the resolution of environmental issues (4) legal, social, political, and economic implications of environmental issues, and (5) risk assessment resulting from human activities.

The Consortium of Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB) - A Building America Energy Efficient Housing Partnership

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robb Aldrich; Lois Arena; Dianne Griffiths

2010-12-31

This final report summarizes the work conducted by the Consortium of Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB) (http://www.carb-swa.com/), one of the 'Building America Energy Efficient Housing Partnership' Industry Teams, for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. The Building America Program (BAP) is part of the Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program (BTP). The long term goal of the BAP is to develop cost effective, production ready systems in five major climate zones that will result in zero energy homes (ZEH) that produce as much energy as they use on an annual basis bymore » 2020. CARB is led by Steven Winter Associates, Inc. with Davis Energy Group, Inc. (DEG), MaGrann Associates, and Johnson Research, LLC as team members. In partnership with our numerous builders and industry partners, work was performed in three primary areas - advanced systems research, prototype home development, and technical support for communities of high performance homes. Our advanced systems research work focuses on developing a better understanding of the installed performance of advanced technology systems when integrated in a whole-house scenario. Technology systems researched included: - High-R Wall Assemblies - Non-Ducted Air-Source Heat Pumps - Low-Load HVAC Systems - Solar Thermal Water Heating - Ventilation Systems - Cold-Climate Ground and Air Source Heat Pumps - Hot/Dry Climate Air-to-Water Heat Pump - Condensing Boilers - Evaporative condensers - Water Heating CARB continued to support several prototype home projects in the design and specification phase. These projects are located in all five program climate regions and most are targeting greater than 50% source energy savings over the Building America Benchmark home. CARB provided technical support and developed builder project case studies to be included in near-term Joule Milestone reports for the following community scale projects: - SBER Overlook at Clipper Mill (mixed, humid climate) - William Ryan Homes - Tampa (hot, humid climate).« less

Design and the parametric testing of the space station prototype integrated vapor compression distillation water recovery module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reveley, W. F.; Nuccio, P. P.

1975-01-01

Potable water for the Space Station Prototype life support system is generated by the vapor compression technique of vacuum distillation. A description of a complete three-man modular vapor compression water renovation loop that was built and tested is presented; included are all of the pumps, tankage, chemical post-treatment, instrumentation, and controls necessary to make the loop representative of an automatic, self-monitoring, null gravity system. The design rationale is given and the evolved configuration is described. Presented next are the results of an extensive parametric test during which distilled water was generated from urine and urinal flush water with concentration of solids in the evaporating liquid increasing progressively to 60 percent. Water quality, quantity and production rate are shown together with measured energy consumption rate in terms of watt-hours per kilogram of distilled water produced.

Micro sculpting technology using DPSSL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Won-Seok; Shin, Bosung; Kim, Jae-gu; Whang, Kyung-Hyun

2003-11-01

Multiple pulse laser ablation of polymer is performed with DPSS (Diode Pumped Solid State) 3rd harmonic Nd:YVO4 laser (355 nm) in order to fabricate three-dimensional micro components. Here we considered mechanistic aspects of the interaction between UV laser and polymer to obtain optimum process conditions for maskless photomachining using DPSSL. The photo-physical and photochemical parameters such as laser wavelength and optical characteristics of polymers are investigated by experiments to reduce plume effect, which induce the re-deposited debris on the surface of substrate. In this study, LDST (laser direct sculpting technique) are developed to gain various three-dimensional shape with size less than 500 micrometer. Main process sequences are from rapid prototyping technology such as CAD/CAM modeling of products, machining path generation, layer-by-layer machining, and so on. This method can be applied to manufacture the prototype of micro device and the polymer mould for mass production without expensive mask fabrication.

An underwater optical wireless communication system based on LED source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Jionghui; Wei, Wei; Wang, Feng; Zhang, Xiaohui

2011-11-01

Compared with other communication methods, optical wireless communication (OWC) holds the merits of higher transmitting rate and sufficient secrecy. So it is an efficacious communicating measure for data transmitting between underwater carriers. However, due to the water attenuation and the transmitter & the receiver (TX/RX) collimation, this application is restrained in underwater mobile carriers. A prototype for underwater OWC was developed, in which a high-powered green LED array was used as the light source which partly raveled the TX/RX collimation out. A small pumped-multiple-tube (PMT) was used as the detector to increase the communicating range, and FPGA chips were employed to code and decode the communicating data. The data rate of the prototype approached to 4 Mb/s at 8.4m and 1 Mb/s at 22m where voice and Morse communications were achieved in a scope of 30 degree TX/RX angle.

Design and Test of Wendelstein 7-X Water-Cooled Divertor Scraper

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boscary, J.; Greuner, Henri; Ehrke, Gunnar

Heat load calculations have indicated the possible overloading of the ends of the water-cooled divertor facing the pumping gap beyond their technological limit. The intention of the scraper is the interception of some of the plasma fluxes both upstream and downstream before they reach the divertor surface. The scraper is divided into six modules of four plasma facing components (PFCs); each module has four PFCs hydraulically connected in series by two water boxes (inlet and outlet). A full-scale prototype of one module has been manufactured. Development activities have been carried out to connect the water boxes to the cooling pipesmore » of the PFCs by tungsten inert gas internal orbital welding. This prototype was successfully tested in the GLADIS facility with 17 MW/m2 for 500 cycles. The results of these activities have confirmed the possible technological basis for a fabrication of the water-cooled scraper.« less

Irreversible transformation of ferromagnetic ordered stripe domains in single-shot infrared-pump/resonant-x-ray-scattering-probe experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergeard, Nicolas; Schaffert, Stefan; López-Flores, Víctor; Jaouen, Nicolas; Geilhufe, Jan; Günther, Christian M.; Schneider, Michael; Graves, Catherine; Wang, Tianhan; Wu, Benny; Scherz, Andreas; Baumier, Cédric; Delaunay, Renaud; Fortuna, Franck; Tortarolo, Marina; Tudu, Bharati; Krupin, Oleg; Minitti, Michael P.; Robinson, Joe; Schlotter, William F.; Turner, Joshua J.; Lüning, Jan; Eisebitt, Stefan; Boeglin, Christine

2015-02-01

The evolution of a magnetic domain structure upon excitation by an intense, femtosecond infrared (IR) laser pulse has been investigated using single-shot based time-resolved resonant x-ray scattering at the x-ray free electron laser LCLS. A well-ordered stripe domain pattern as present in a thin CoPd alloy film has been used as a prototype magnetic domain structure for this study. The fluence of the IR laser pump pulse was sufficient to lead to an almost complete quenching of the magnetization within the ultrafast demagnetization process taking place within the first few hundreds of femtoseconds following the IR laser pump pulse excitation. On longer time scales this excitation gave rise to subsequent irreversible transformations of the magnetic domain structure. Under our specific experimental conditions, it took about 2 ns before the magnetization started to recover. After about 5 ns the previously ordered stripe domain structure had evolved into a disordered labyrinth domain structure. Surprisingly, we observe after about 7 ns the occurrence of a partially ordered stripe domain structure reoriented into a novel direction. It is this domain structure in which the sample's magnetization stabilizes as revealed by scattering patterns recorded long after the initial pump-probe cycle. Using micromagnetic simulations we can explain this observation based on changes of the magnetic anisotropy going along with heat dissipation in the film.

Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) w/Variable Speed Technology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Messmer, Craig S.

2016-09-30

This report summarizes the results of a three year program awarded to Unico, Inc. to commercialize a residential cold climate heat pump. Several designs were investigated. Compressors were selected using analysis from Oakridge National Laboratories followed by prototype construction and lab testing in a specially built environmental chamber capable of reaching -30°F. The initial design utilized two variable speed compressors in series with very good capacity results and acceptable efficiency at very cold temperatures. The design was then modified to reduce cost and complexity by redesigning the system using three dual-stage compressors: two in parallel followed by one in series.more » Extensive testing found significant challenge with oil management, reliability, weight and cost which prevented the system from being fully commercialized. Further analysis of other conceptual designs indicated that these challenges could be overcome in the future.« less

Transverse diode-pumped neodymium-doped yttrium vanadate laser of simple design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agüero, Mónica B.; Hnilo, Alejandro A.; Kovalsky, Marcelo G.

2010-03-01

The design and performance of an all-solid-state Nd:YVO4 laser, transversely pumped by a single 20-W (at 808 nm) diode with no coupling optics, are presented. The prototype, which is devised to be the source of a micro-LIDAR station, is very simple, easy to align, compact, and stable. The key element is a roof prism as the end mirror of the laser cavity, which is used to symmetrize the effects of the thermal distortion and the inhomogeneity of the population inversion distribution. Typical numbers are 4.2-W cw with a slightly astigmatic (3:2) homogeneous spot and a divergence of 0.5 mrad. The protoype is also tested in the active Q-switching mode, providing pulses 50-ns full width at half maximum (FWHM) at 14 KHz, 3.5 W average. Frequency doubling external to the cavity in a nonoptimized configuration provides 700 mW at 532 nm.

The Mercury Project: A High Average Power, Gas-Cooled Laser For Inertial Fusion Energy Development

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bayramian, A; Armstrong, P; Ault, E

Hundred-joule, kilowatt-class lasers based on diode-pumped solid-state technologies, are being developed worldwide for laser-plasma interactions and as prototypes for fusion energy drivers. The goal of the Mercury Laser Project is to develop key technologies within an architectural framework that demonstrates basic building blocks for scaling to larger multi-kilojoule systems for inertial fusion energy (IFE) applications. Mercury has requirements that include: scalability to IFE beamlines, 10 Hz repetition rate, high efficiency, and 10{sup 9} shot reliability. The Mercury laser has operated continuously for several hours at 55 J and 10 Hz with fourteen 4 x 6 cm{sup 2} ytterbium doped strontiummore » fluoroapatite (Yb:S-FAP) amplifier slabs pumped by eight 100 kW diode arrays. The 1047 nm fundamental wavelength was converted to 523 nm at 160 W average power with 73% conversion efficiency using yttrium calcium oxy-borate (YCOB).« less

Concept, Design, and Prototyping of XSAS: A High Power Extendable Solar Array for CubeSat Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Senatore, Patrick; Klesh, Andrew; Zurbuchen, Thomas H.; McKague, Darren; Cutler, James

2010-01-01

CubeSats have proven themselves as a reliable and cost-effective method to perform experiments in space, but they are highly constrained by their specifications and size. One such constraint is the average continuous power, about 5 W, which is available to the typical CubeSat. To improve this constraint, we have developed the eXtendable Solar Array System (XSAS), a deployable solar array prototype in a CubeSat package, which can provide an average 23 W of continuous power. The prototype served as a technology demonstrator for the high risk mechanisms needed to release, deploy, and control the solar array. Aside from this drastic power increase, it is in the integration of each mechanism, their application within the small CubeSat form-factor, and the inherent passive control benefit of the deployed geometry that make XSAS a novel design. In this paper, we discuss the requirements and design process for the XSAS system and mechanical prototype, and provide qualitative and quantitative results from numerical simulations and prototype tests. We also discuss future work, including an upcoming NASA zero-gravity flight campaign, to further improve on XSAS and prepare it for future launch opportunities.

Sustainable earth-based vs. conventional construction systems in the Mediterranean climate: Experimental analysis of thermal performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serrano, S.; de Gracia, A.; Pérez, G.; Cabeza, L. F.

2017-10-01

The building envelope has high potential to reduce the energy consumption of buildings according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) because it is involved along all the building process: design, construction, use, and end-of-life. The present study compares the thermal behavior of seven different building prototypes tested under Mediterranean climate: two of them were built with sustainable earth-based construction systems and the other five, with conventional brick construction systems. The tested earth-based construction systems consist of rammed earth walls and wooden green roofs, which have been adapted to contemporary requirements by reducing their thickness. In order to balance the thermal response, wooden insulation panels were placed in one of the earth prototypes. All building prototypes have the same inner dimensions and orientation, and they are fully monitored to register inner temperature and humidity, surface walls temperatures and temperatures inside walls. Furthermore, all building prototypes are equipped with a heat pump and an electricity meter to measure the electrical energy consumed to maintain a certain level of comfort. The experimentation was performed along a whole year by carrying out several experiments in free floating and controlled temperature conditions. This study aims at demonstrating that sustainable construction systems can behave similarly or even better than conventional ones under summer and winter conditions. Results show that thermal behavior is strongly penalized when rammed earth wall thickness is reduced. However, the addition of 6 cm of wooden insulation panels in the outer surface of the building prototype successfully improves the thermal response.

Hemolytic performance of a MagLev disposable rotary blood pump (MedTech Dispo): effects of MagLev gap clearance and surface roughness.

PubMed

Hoshi, Hideo; Asama, Junichi; Hijikata, Wataru; Hara, Chikara; Shinshi, Tadahiko; Yasuda, Toshitaka; Ohuchi, Katsuhiro; Shimokohbe, Akira; Takatani, Setsuo

2006-12-01

Mechanical shaft seal bearing incorporated in the centrifugal blood pumps contributes to hemolysis and thrombus formation. In addition, the problem of durability and corrosion of mechanical shaft seal bearing has been recently reported from the safety point of view. To amend the shortcomings of the blood-immersed mechanical bearings, a magnetic levitated centrifugal rotary blood pump (MedTech Dispo Model 1; Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan) has been developed for extracorporeal disposable application. In this study, the hemolytic performance of the MedTech Dispo Model 1 centrifugal blood pump system was evaluated, with special focus on the narrow blood path clearance at the magnetic bearing between rotor and stator, and on the pump housing surface roughness. A pump flow of 5 L/min against the head pressure of 100 mm Hg for 4 h was included in the hemolytic test conditions. Anticoagulated fresh porcine blood was used as a working fluid. The clearance of blood path at the magnetic bearing was in the range of 100-250 micro m. Pump housing surface roughness was controlled to be around Ra = 0.1-1.5 micro m. The lowest hemolytic results were obtained at the clearance of 250 micro m and with the polished surface (Ra = 0.1 micro m) yielding the normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) of less than 0.001 g/100 L, which was 1/5 of the Biopump BP-80 (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA, and 1/4 of the BPX-80. In spite of rough surface and narrow blood path, NIH levels were less than clinically acceptable level of 0.005 g/100 L. The noncontact, levitated impeller system is useful to improve pump performance in blood environment.

Proton-pumping mechanism of cytochrome c oxidase: A kinetic master-equation approach

PubMed Central

Kim, Young C.; Hummer, Gerhard

2011-01-01

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is an efficient energy transducer that reduces oxygen to water and converts the released chemical energy into an electrochemical membrane potential. As a true proton pump, CcO translocates protons across the membrane against this potential. Based on a wealth of experiments and calculations, an increasingly detailed picture of the reaction intermediates in the redox cycle has emerged. However, the fundamental mechanism of proton pumping coupled to redox chemistry remains largely unresolved. Here we examine and extend a kinetic master-equation approach to gain insight into redox-coupled proton pumping in CcO. Basic principles of the CcO proton pump emerge from an analysis of the simplest kinetic models that retain essential elements of the experimentally determined structure, energetics, and kinetics, and that satisfy fundamental physical principles. The master-equation models allow us to address the question of how pumping can be achieved in a system in which all reaction steps are reversible. Whereas proton pumping does not require the direct modulation of microscopic reaction barriers, such kinetic gating greatly increases the pumping efficiency. Further efficiency gains can be achieved by partially decoupling the proton uptake pathway from the ative-site region. Such a mechanism is consistent with the proposed Glu valve, in which the side chain of a key glutamic acid shuttles between the D channel and the active-site region. We also show that the models predict only small proton leaks even in the absence of turnover. The design principles identified here for CcO provide a blueprint for novel biology-inspired fuel cells, and the master-equation formulation should prove useful also for other molecular machines. PMID:21946020

Bogus Concerns about the False Prototype Enhancement Effect

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Homa, Donald; Hout, Michael C.; Milliken, Laura; Milliken, Ann Marie

2011-01-01

Two experiments addressed the mechanism responsible for the false prototype effect, the phenomenon in which a prototype gradient can be obtained in the absence of learning. Previous demonstrations of this effect have occurred solely in a single-category paradigm in which transfer patterns are assigned or not to the learning category. We tested the…

Mechanical design of a shape memory alloy actuated prosthetic hand.

PubMed

De Laurentis, Kathryn J; Mavroidis, Constantinos

2002-01-01

This paper presents the mechanical design for a new five fingered, twenty degree-of-freedom dexterous hand patterned after human anatomy and actuated by Shape Memory Alloy artificial muscles. Two experimental prototypes of a finger, one fabricated by traditional means and another fabricated by rapid prototyping techniques, are described and used to evaluate the design. An important aspect of the Rapid Prototype technique used here is that this multi-articulated hand will be fabricated in one step, without requiring assembly, while maintaining its desired mobility. The use of Shape Memory Alloy actuators combined with the rapid fabrication of the non-assembly type hand, reduce considerably its weight and fabrication time. Therefore, the focus of this paper is the mechanical design of a dexterous hand that combines Rapid Prototype techniques and smart actuators. The type of robotic hand described in this paper can be utilized for applications requiring low weight, compactness, and dexterity such as prosthetic devices, space and planetary exploration.

Time-series analysis of the transcriptome and proteome of Escherichia coli upon glucose repression.

PubMed

Borirak, Orawan; Rolfe, Matthew D; de Koning, Leo J; Hoefsloot, Huub C J; Bekker, Martijn; Dekker, Henk L; Roseboom, Winfried; Green, Jeffrey; de Koster, Chris G; Hellingwerf, Klaas J

2015-10-01

Time-series transcript- and protein-profiles were measured upon initiation of carbon catabolite repression in Escherichia coli, in order to investigate the extent of post-transcriptional control in this prototypical response. A glucose-limited chemostat culture was used as the CCR-free reference condition. Stopping the pump and simultaneously adding a pulse of glucose, that saturated the cells for at least 1h, was used to initiate the glucose response. Samples were collected and subjected to quantitative time-series analysis of both the transcriptome (using microarray analysis) and the proteome (through a combination of 15N-metabolic labeling and mass spectrometry). Changes in the transcriptome and corresponding proteome were analyzed using statistical procedures designed specifically for time-series data. By comparison of the two sets of data, a total of 96 genes were identified that are post-transcriptionally regulated. This gene list provides candidates for future in-depth investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in post-transcriptional regulation during carbon catabolite repression in E. coli, like the involvement of small RNAs. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Metal/gas MHD conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thibault, J. P.; Joussellin, F.; Alemany, A.; Dupas, A.

1982-09-01

Operation features, theory, performance, and possible spatial applications of metal/gas MHD electrical generators are described. The working principle comprises an MHD channel, surrounded by a magnet, filled with a molten, highly conductive metal into which gas is pumped. The heat of the metal expands the gas, forcing a flow through the magnetic field crossing the channel, thus creating an electrical current conducted by the metal. The gas and metal are separated by a centrifugal device and both are redirected into the channel, forming thereby a double closed circuit when the heat of the molten metal is returned to the flow. Necessary characteristics for the gas such as a fairly low vaporization temperature and nonmiscibility with the metal, are outlined, and a space system using Li-Cs or Z-K as the heat carrier kept molten by a parabolic dish system is sketched. Equations governing the fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and the electrical generation are defined. The construction of a prototype MHD generator using a tin-water flow operating at 250 C, a temperature suitable for coupling to solar heat sources, is outlined, noting expected efficiencies of 20-30 percent.

Nuclear Technology. Course 30: Mechanical Inspection. Module 30-1, Pump Inspection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wasil, Ed; Espy, John

This first in a series of eight modules for a course titled Mechanical Inspection describes the type of pumps used in nuclear power plant systems, the basic operating principles of each type, and the inspection activities performed by the quality assurance/quality control technician. The module follows a typical format that includes the following…

Demonstrations with a Vacuum: Old Demonstrations for New Vacuum Pumps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenslade, Thomas B., Jr.

1989-01-01

Explains mechanisms of 19th-century vacuum pumps. Describes demonstrations using the pump including guinea and feather tube, aurora tube, electric egg, Gassiots cascade, air mill, bell in vacuum, density and buoyancy of air, fountain in vacuum, mercury shower, palm and bladder glasses, Bacchus demonstration, pneumatic man-lifter, and Magdeburg…

Heat pumping in nanomechanical systems.

PubMed

Chamon, Claudio; Mucciolo, Eduardo R; Arrachea, Liliana; Capaz, Rodrigo B

2011-04-01

We propose using a phonon pumping mechanism to transfer heat from a cold to a hot body using a propagating modulation of the medium connecting the two bodies. This phonon pump can cool nanomechanical systems without the need for active feedback. We compute the lowest temperature that this refrigerator can achieve. © 2011 American Physical Society

Miniaturized inertial impactor for personal airborne particulate monitoring: Prototyping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasini, Silvia; Bianchi, Elena; Dubini, Gabriele; Cortelezzi, Luca

2017-11-01

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations allowed us to conceive and design a miniaturized inertial impactor able to collect fine airborne particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1). We created, by 3D printing, a prototype of the impactor. We first performed a set of experiments by applying a suction pump to the outlets and sampling the airborne particulate of our laboratory. The analysis of the slide showed a collection of a large number of particles, spanning a wide range of sizes, organized in a narrow band located below the exit of the nozzle. In order to show that our miniaturized inertial impactor can be truly used as a personal air-quality monitor, we performed a second set of experiments where the suction needed to produce the airflow through the impactor is generated by a human being inhaling through the outlets of the prototype. To guarantee a number of particles sufficient to perform a quantitative characterization, we collected particles performing ten consecutive deep inhalations. Finally, the potentiality for realistic applications of our miniaturized inertial impactor used in combination with a miniaturized single-particle detector will be discussed. CARIPLO Fundation - project MINUTE (Grant No. 2011-2118).

Ground-Source Integrated Heat Pump for Near-Zero Energy Houses: Technology Status Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murphy, Richard W; Rice, C Keith; Baxter, Van D

2007-09-01

The energy service needs of a net-zero-energy house (ZEH) include space heating and cooling, water heating, ventilation, dehumidification, and humidification, depending on the requirements of the specific location. These requirements differ in significant ways from those of current housing. For instance, the most recent DOE buildings energy data (DOE/BED 2007) indicate that on average {approx}43% of residential buildings primary energy use is for space heating and cooling, vs. {approx}12% for water heating (about a 3.6:1 ratio). In contrast, for the particular prototype ZEH structures used in the analyses in this report, that ratio ranges from about 0.3:1 to 1.6:1 dependingmore » on location. The high-performance envelope of a ZEH results in much lower space heating and cooling loads relative to current housing and also makes the house sufficiently air-tight to require mechanical ventilation for indoor air quality. These envelope characteristics mean that the space conditioning load will be closer in size to the water heating load, which depends on occupant behavior and thus is not expected to drop by any significant amount because of an improved envelope. In some locations such as the Gulf Coast area, additional dehumidification will almost certainly be required during the shoulder and cooling seasons. In locales with heavy space heating needs, supplemental humidification may be needed because of health concerns or may be desired for improved occupant comfort. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has determined that achieving their ZEH goal will require energy service equipment that can meet these needs while using 50% less energy than current equipment. One promising approach to meeting this requirement is through an integrated heat pump (IHP) - a single system based on heat pumping technology. The energy benefits of an IHP stem from the ability to utilize otherwise wasted energy; for example, heat rejected by the space cooling operation can be used for water heating. With the greater energy savings the cost of the more energy efficient components required for the IHP can be recovered more quickly than if they were applied to individual pieces of equipment to meet each individual energy service need. An IHP can be designed to use either outdoor air or geothermal resources (e.g., ground, ground water, surface water) as the environmental energy source/sink. Based on a scoping study of a wide variety of possible approaches to meeting the energy service needs for a ZEH, DOE selected the IHP concept as the most promising and has supported research directed toward the development of both air- and ground-source versions. This report describes the ground-source IHP (GS-IHP) design and includes the lessons learned and best practices revealed by the research and development (R&D) effort throughout. Salient features of the GS-IHP include a variable-speed rotary compressor incorporating a brushless direct current permanent magnet motor which provides all refrigerant compression, a variable-speed fan for the indoor section, a multiple-speed ground coil circuit pump, and a single-speed pump for water heating operation. Laboratory IHP testing has thus far used R-22 because of the availability of the needed components that use this refrigerant. It is expected that HFC R-410A will be used for any products arising from the IHP concept. Data for a variable-speed compressor that uses R-410A has been incorporated into the DOE/ORNL Mark VI Heat Pump Design Model (HPDM). HPDM was then linked to TRNSYS, a time-series-dependent simulation model capable of determining the energy use of building cooling and heating equipment as applied to a defined house on a sub-hourly basis. This provided a highly flexible design analysis capability for advanced heat pump equipment; however, the program also took a relatively long time to run. This approach was used with the initial prototype design reported in Murphy et al. (2007a) and in the business case analysis of Baxter (2007).« less

Time-to-burnout data for a prototypical ITER divertor tube during a simulated loss of flow accident

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marshall, T.D.; Watson, R.D.; McDonald, J.M.

The Loss of Flow Accident (LOFA) is a serious safety concern for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) as it has been suggested that greater than 100 seconds are necessary to safely shutdown the plasma when ITER is operating at full power. In this experiment, the thermal response of a prototypical ITER divertor tube during a simulated LOFA was studied. The divertor tube was fabricated from oxygen-free high-conductivity copper to have a square geometry with a circular coolant channel. The coolant channel inner diameter was 0.77 cm, the heated length was 4.0 cm, and the heated width was 1.6 cm.more » The mockup did not feature any flow enhancement techniques, i.e., swirl tape, helical coils, or internal fins. One-sided surface heating of the mockup was accomplished through the use of the 30 kW Sandia Electron Beam Test System. After reaching steady state temperatures in the mockup, as determined by two Type-K thermocouples installed 0.5 mm beneath the heated surface, the coolant pump was manually tripped off and the coolant flow allowed to naturally coast down. Electron beam heating continued after the pump trip until the divertor tube`s heated surface exhibited the high temperature transient normally indicative of rapidly approaching burnout. Experimental data showed that time-to-burnout increases proportionally with increasing inlet velocity and decreases proportionally with increasing incident heat flux.« less

77 FR 2957 - Application for Manufacturing Authority, Liberty Pumps, Inc. (Submersible and Water Pumps...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-20

..., mechanical seals, electric motors, transformers, capacitors, switches, electronic components, integrated circuits, process controllers, printed circuit assemblies, electrical components, and measuring instruments...

Investigation of noise sources and propagation in external gear pumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Opperwall, Timothy J.

Oil hydraulics is widely accepted as the best technology for transmitting power in many engineering applications due to its advantages in power density, control, layout flexibility, and efficiency. Due to these advantages, hydraulic systems are present in many different applications including construction, agriculture, aerospace, automotive, forestry, medical, and manufacturing, just to identify a few. Many of these applications involve the systems in close proximity to human operators and passengers where noise is one of the main constraints to the acceptance and spread of this technology. As a key component in power transfer, displacement machines can be major sources of noise in hydraulic systems. Thus, investigation into the sources of noise and discovering strategies to reduce noise is a key part of applying fluid power systems to a wider range of applications, as well as improving the performance of current hydraulic systems. The present research aims to leverage previous efforts and develop new models and experimental techniques in the topic of noise generation caused by hydrostatic units. This requires challenging and surpassing current accepted methods in the understanding of noise in fluid power systems. This research seeks to expand on the previous experimental and modeling efforts by directly considering the effect that system and component design changes apply on the total sound power and the sound frequency components emitted from displacement machines and the attached lines. The case of external gear pumps is taken as reference for a new model to understand the generation and transmission of noise from the sources out to the environment. The lumped parameter model HYGESim (HYdraulic GEar machine Simulator) was expanded to investigate the dynamic forces on the solid bodies caused by the pump operation and to predict interactions with the attached system. Vibration and sound radiation were then predicted using a combined finite element and boundary element vibro-acoustic model as well as the influence of additional models for system components to better understand the essential problems of noise generation in hydraulic systems. This model is a step forward for the field due to the coupling of an advanced internal model of pump operation coupled to a detailed vibro-acoustic model. Several experimental studies were also completed in order to advance the current science. The first study validated the pump model in terms of outlet pressure ripple prediction through comparison to experimentally measured results for the reference pump as well as prototype pumps designed for low outlet pressure ripple. The second study focused on the air-borne noise through sound pressure and intensity measurements on reference and prototype pumps at steady-state operating conditions. A third study over a wide range of operating speeds and pressures was completed to explore the impact of operating condition and system design to greater detail through measuring noise and vibration in the working fluid, the system structures, and the air. Applying the knowledge gained through experimental and simulation studies has brought new advances in the understanding of the physics of noise generation and propagation in hydraulic components and systems. The focus of the combined simulation and modeling approach is to clearly understand the different contributions from noise sources and surpasses the previous methods that focus on the outlet pressure ripple alone as a source of noise. The application of the new modeling and experimental approach allows for new advances which directly contribute to advancing the science of noise in hydraulic applications and the design of new quieter hydrostatic units and hydraulic systems.

Laboratory-based validation of the baseline sensors of the ITER diagnostic residual gas analyzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klepper, C. C.; Biewer, T. M.; Marcus, C.; Andrew, P.; Gardner, W. L.; Graves, V. B.; Hughes, S.

2017-10-01

The divertor-specific ITER Diagnostic Residual Gas Analyzer (DRGA) will provide essential information relating to DT fusion plasma performance. This includes pulse-resolving measurements of the fuel isotopic mix reaching the pumping ducts, as well as the concentration of the helium generated as the ash of the fusion reaction. In the present baseline design, the cluster of sensors attached to this diagnostic's differentially pumped analysis chamber assembly includes a radiation compatible version of a commercial quadrupole mass spectrometer, as well as an optical gas analyzer using a plasma-based light excitation source. This paper reports on a laboratory study intended to validate the performance of this sensor cluster, with emphasis on the detection limit of the isotopic measurement. This validation study was carried out in a laboratory set-up that closely prototyped the analysis chamber assembly configuration of the baseline design. This includes an ITER-specific placement of the optical gas measurement downstream from the first turbine of the chamber's turbo-molecular pump to provide sufficient light emission while preserving the gas dynamics conditions that allow for \\textasciitilde 1 s response time from the sensor cluster [1].

Sub-cooled liquid nitrogen cryogenic system with neon turbo-refrigerator for HTS power equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, S.; Hirai, H.; Nara, N.; Ozaki, S.; Hirokawa, M.; Eguchi, T.; Hayashi, H.; Iwakuma, M.; Shiohara, Y.

2014-01-01

We developed a prototype sub-cooled liquid nitrogen (LN) circulation system for HTS power equipment. The system consists of a neon turbo-Brayton refrigerator with a LN sub-cooler and LN circulation pump unit. The neon refrigerator has more than 2 kW cooling power at 65 K. The LN sub-cooler is a plate-fin type heat exchanger and is installed in a refrigerator cold box. In order to carry out the system performance tests, a dummy cryostat having an electric heater was set instead of a HTS power equipment. Sub-cooled LN is delivered into the sub-cooler by the LN circulation pump and cooled within it. After the sub-cooler, sub-cooled LN goes out from the cold box to the dummy cryostat, and comes back to the pump unit. The system can control an outlet sub-cooled LN temperature by adjusting refrigerator cooling power. The refrigerator cooling power is automatically controlled by the turbo-compressor rotational speed. In the performance tests, we increased an electric heater power from 200 W to 1300 W abruptly. We confirmed the temperature fluctuation was about ±1 K. We show the cryogenic system details and performance test results in this paper.

Magnetohydrodynamic pump with a system for promoting flow of fluid in one direction

DOEpatents

Lemoff, Asuncion V [Union City, CA; Lee, Abraham P [Irvine, CA

2010-07-13

A magnetohydrodynamic pump for pumping a fluid. The pump includes a microfluidic channel for channeling the fluid, a MHD electrode/magnet system operatively connected to the microfluidic channel, and a system for promoting flow of the fluid in one direction in the microfluidic channel. The pump has uses in the medical and biotechnology industries for blood-cell-separation equipment, biochemical assays, chemical synthesis, genetic analysis, drug screening, an array of antigen-antibody reactions, combinatorial chemistry, drug testing, medical and biological diagnostics, and combinatorial chemistry. The pump also has uses in electrochromatography, surface micromachining, laser ablation, inkjet printers, and mechanical micromilling.

Towards an optofluidic pump?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emile, Olivier; Emile, Janine

2016-12-01

Most of the vibrating mechanisms of optofluidic systems are based on local heating of membranes that induces liquid flow.We report here a new type of diaphragm pump in a liquid film based on the optical radiation pressure force. We modulate a low power laser that generates, at resonance, a symmetric vibration of a free standing soap film. The film lifetime strongly varies from 56 s at low power (2 mW) to 2 s at higher power (70 mW). Since the laser beam only acts mechanically on the interfaces, such a pump could be easily implemented on delicate microequipment on chips or in biological systems.

Pump-probe differencing technique for cavity-enhanced, noise-canceling saturation laser spectroscopy.

PubMed

de Vine, Glenn; McClelland, David E; Gray, Malcolm B; Close, John D

2005-05-15

We present an experimental technique that permits mechanical-noise-free, cavity-enhanced frequency measurements of an atomic transition and its hyperfine structure. We employ the 532-nm frequency-doubled output from a Nd:YAG laser and an iodine vapor cell. The cell is placed in a folded ring cavity (FRC) with counterpropagating pump and probe beams. The FRC is locked with the Pound-Drever-Hall technique. Mechanical noise is rejected by differencing the pump and probe signals. In addition, this differenced error signal provides a sensitive measure of differential nonlinearity within the FRC.

Femtosecond measurements of near-infrared pulse induced mid-infrared transmission modulation of quantum cascade lasers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cai, Hong; Liu, Sheng; Center for Advanced Studied in Photonics Research

2014-05-26

We temporally resolved the ultrafast mid-infrared transmission modulation of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) using a near-infrared pump/mid-infrared probe technique at room temperature. Two different femtosecond wavelength pumps were used with photon energy above and below the quantum well (QW) bandgap. The shorter wavelength pump modulates the mid-infrared probe transmission through interband transition assisted mechanisms, resulting in a high transmission modulation depth and several nanoseconds recovery lifetime. In contrast, pumping with a photon energy below the QW bandgap induces a smaller transmission modulation depth but much faster (several picoseconds) recovery lifetime, attributed to intersubband transition assisted mechanisms. The latter ultrafast modulationmore » (>60 GHz) could provide a potential way to realize fast QCL based free space optical communication.« less

ISS Ammonia Pump Failure, Recovery, and Lesson Learned A Hydrodynamic Bearing Perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bruckner, Robert J.; Manco, Richard A., II

2014-01-01

The design, development, and operation of long duration spaceflight hardware has become an evolutionary process in which meticulous attention to details and lessons learned from previous experiences play a critical role. Invaluable to this process is the ability to retrieve and examine spaceflight hardware that has experienced a premature failure. While these situations are rare and unfortunate, the failure investigation and recovery from the event serve a valuable purpose in advancing future space mechanism development. Such a scenario began on July 31, 2010 with the premature failure of an ammonia pump on the external active thermal control system of the International Space Station. The ground-based inspections of the returned pump and ensuing failure investigation revealed five potential bearing forces that were un-accounted for in the design phase and qualification testing of the pump. These forces could combine in a number of random orientations to overload the pump bearings leading to solid-surface contact, wear, and premature failure. The recovery plan identified one of these five forces as being related to the square of the operating speed of the pump and this fact was used to recover design life through a change in flight rules for the operation of the pump module. Through the course of the failure investigation, recovery, and follow-on assessment of pump wear life, design guidance has been developed to improve the life of future mechanically pumped thermal control systems for both human and robotic exploration missions.

Phosphorylation of rat kidney Na-K pump at Ser938 is required for rapid angiotensin II-dependent stimulation of activity and trafficking in proximal tubule cells

PubMed Central

Massey, Katherine J.; Li, Quanwen; Rossi, Noreen F.; Keezer, Susan M.; Mattingly, Raymond R.

2015-01-01

How angiotensin (ANG) II acutely stimulates the Na-K pump in proximal tubules is only partially understood, limiting insight into how ANG II increases blood pressure. First, we tested whether ANG II increases the number of pumps in plasma membranes of native rat proximal tubules under conditions of rapid activation. We found that exposure to 100 pM ANG II for 2 min, which was previously shown to increase affinity of the Na-K pump for Na and stimulate activity threefold, increased the amount of the Na-K pump in plasma membranes of native tubules by 33%. Second, we tested whether previously observed increases in phosphorylation of the Na-K pump at Ser938 were part of the stimulatory mechanism. These experiments were carried out in opossum kidney cells, cultured proximal tubules stably coexpressing the ANG type 1 (AT1) receptor, and either wild-type or a S938A mutant of rat kidney Na-K pump under conditions found by others to stimulate activity. We found that 10 min of incubation in 10 pM ANG II stimulated activity of wild-type pumps from 2.3 to 3.5 nmol K·mg protein−1·min−1 and increased the amount of the pump in the plasma membrane by 80% but had no effect on cells expressing the S938A mutant. We conclude that acute stimulation of Na-K pump activity in native rat proximal tubules includes increased trafficking to the plasma membrane and that phosphorylation at Ser938 is part of the mechanism by which ANG II directly stimulates activity and trafficking of the rat kidney Na-K pump in opossum kidney cells. PMID:26582472

Post-print UV curing method for improving the mechanical properties of prototypes derived from two-photon lithography [A post-print UV curing method for improving the mechanical properties of prototypes derived from two-photon polymerization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oakdale, James S.; Ye, Jianchao; Smith, William L.

Here, two photon polymerization (TPP) is a precise, reliable, and increasingly popular technique for rapid prototyping of micro-scale parts with sub-micron resolution. The materials of choice underlying this process are predominately acrylic resins cross-linked via free-radical polymerization. Due to the nature of the printing process, the derived parts are only partially cured and the corresponding mechanical properties, i.e. modulus and ultimate strength, are lower than if the material were cross-linked to the maximum extent. Herein, post-print curing via UV-driven radical generation, is demonstrated to increase the overall degree of cross-linking of low density, TPP-derived structures.

Post-print UV curing method for improving the mechanical properties of prototypes derived from two-photon lithography [A post-print UV curing method for improving the mechanical properties of prototypes derived from two-photon polymerization

DOE PAGES

Oakdale, James S.; Ye, Jianchao; Smith, William L.; ...

2016-11-28

Here, two photon polymerization (TPP) is a precise, reliable, and increasingly popular technique for rapid prototyping of micro-scale parts with sub-micron resolution. The materials of choice underlying this process are predominately acrylic resins cross-linked via free-radical polymerization. Due to the nature of the printing process, the derived parts are only partially cured and the corresponding mechanical properties, i.e. modulus and ultimate strength, are lower than if the material were cross-linked to the maximum extent. Herein, post-print curing via UV-driven radical generation, is demonstrated to increase the overall degree of cross-linking of low density, TPP-derived structures.

Na/K pump inactivation, subsarcolemmal Na measurements, and cytoplasmic ion turnover kinetics contradict restricted Na spaces in murine cardiac myocytes

PubMed Central

Lu, Fang-Min

2017-01-01

Decades ago, it was proposed that Na transport in cardiac myocytes is modulated by large changes in cytoplasmic Na concentration within restricted subsarcolemmal spaces. Here, we probe this hypothesis for Na/K pumps by generating constitutive transsarcolemmal Na flux with the Na channel opener veratridine in whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Using 25 mM Na in the patch pipette, pump currents decay strongly during continuous activation by extracellular K (τ, ∼2 s). In contradiction to depletion hypotheses, the decay becomes stronger when pump currents are decreased by hyperpolarization. Na channel currents are nearly unchanged by pump activity in these conditions, and conversely, continuous Na currents up to 0.5 nA in magnitude have negligible effects on pump currents. These outcomes are even more pronounced using 50 mM Li as a cytoplasmic Na congener. Thus, the Na/K pump current decay reflects mostly an inactivation mechanism that immobilizes Na/K pump charge movements, not cytoplasmic Na depletion. When channel currents are increased beyond 1 nA, models with unrestricted subsarcolemmal diffusion accurately predict current decay (τ ∼15 s) and reversal potential shifts observed for Na, Li, and K currents through Na channels opened by veratridine, as well as for Na, K, Cs, Li, and Cl currents recorded in nystatin-permeabilized myocytes. Ion concentrations in the pipette tip (i.e., access conductance) track without appreciable delay the current changes caused by sarcolemmal ion flux. Importantly, cytoplasmic mixing volumes, calculated from current decay kinetics, increase and decrease as expected with osmolarity changes (τ >30 s). Na/K pump current run-down over 20 min reflects a failure of pumps to recover from inactivation. Simulations reveal that pump inactivation coupled with Na-activated recovery enhances the rapidity and effectivity of Na homeostasis in cardiac myocytes. In conclusion, an autoregulatory mechanism enhances cardiac Na/K pump activity when cytoplasmic Na rises and suppresses pump activity when cytoplasmic Na declines. PMID:28606910

Mechanism study on pressure fluctuation of pump-turbine runner with large blade lean angle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yulin, Fan; Xuhe, Wang; Baoshan, Zhu; Dongyue, Zhou; Xijun, Zhou

2016-11-01

Excessive pressure fluctuations in the vaneless space can cause mechanical vibration and even mechanical failures in pump-turbine operation. Mechanism studies on the pressure fluctuations and optimization design of blade geometry to reduce the pressure fluctuations have important significance in industrial production. In the present paper, two pump-turbine runners with big positive and negative blade lean angle were designed by using a multiobjective design strategy. Model test showed that the runner with negative blade lean angle not only had better power performance, but also had lower pressure fluctuation than the runner with positive blade lean angle. In order to figure out the mechanism of pressure fluctuation reduction in the vaneless;jik8space, full passage model for both runners were built and transient CFD computations were conducted to simulate the flow states inside the channel. Detailed flow field analyses indicated that the difference of low-pressure area in the trailing edge of blade pressure side were the main causes of pressure fluctuation reduction in the vaneless space.

[Analogies between heart and respiratory muscle failure. Importance to clinical practice].

PubMed

Köhler, D

2009-01-01

Heart failure is an established diagnosis. Respiratory muscle or ventilatory pump failure, however, is less well known. The latter becomes obvious through hypercapnia, caused by hypoventilation. The respiratory centre tunes into hypercapnea in order to prevent the danger of respiratory muscle overload (hypercapnic ventilatory failure). Hypoventilation will consecutively cause hypoxemia but this will not be responsible for performance limitation. One therefore has to distinguish primary hypoxemia evolving from diseases in the lung parenchyma. Here hypoxemia is the key feature and compensatory hyperventilation usually decreases PaCO2 levels. The cardiac as well as the respiratory pump adapt to an inevitable burden caused by chronic disease. In either case organ muscle mass will increase. If the burden exceeds the range of possible physiological adaptation, compensatory mechanisms will set in that are similar in both instances. During periods of overload either muscle system is mainly fueled by muscular glycogen. In the recovery phase (e. g. during sleep) stores are replenished, which can be recognized by down-regulation of the blood pressure in case of the cardiac pumb or by augmentation of hypercapnia through hypoventilation in case of the respiratory pump. The main function of cardiac and respiratory pump is maintenance of oxygen transport. The human body has developed certain compensatory mechanisms to adapt to insufficient oxygen supply especially during periods of overload. These mechanisms include shift of the oxygen binding curve, expression of respiratory chain isoenzymes capable of producing ATP at lower partial pressures of oxygen and the development of polyglobulia. Medically or pharmacologically the cardiac pump can be unloaded with beta blockers, the respiratory pump by application of inspired oxygen. Newer forms of therapy augment the process of recovery. The heart can be supported through bypass surgery or intravascular pump systems, while respiratory muscles may be supported through elective ventilatory support (mainly non-invasive) in the patient's home. The latter treatment in particular will increase patient endurance and quality of life and decrease mortality. Heart and respiratory pump failure share many common features. Since both take care of oxygen supply to the body, their function and compensatory mechanisms are closely related and linked.

Hemolysis and heat generation in six different types of centrifugal blood pumps.

PubMed

Araki, K; Taenaka, Y; Masuzawa, T; Tatsumi, E; Wakisaka, Y; Watari, M; Nakatani, T; Akagi, H; Baba, Y; Anai, H

1995-09-01

What the most causative factor affecting hemolysis is still controversial. To resolve this problem, we investigated the relationship between hemolysis and heat generation in six types of centrifugal blood pumps (Bio-Pump, Delphin, Capiox, Nikkiso, Isoflow, and Toyobo). The analyzed parameters were index of hemolysis in fresh goat blood, pumping performance, and heat generation in a thermally isolated mock circuit. These parameters were analyzed at a flow rate of 5 L/min by changing the pressure head (100 mm Hg and 500 mm Hg). At 500 mm Hg of pressure head, the Bio-Pump needed the highest rotation number and showed the highest hemolytic rate and heat generation. The index of hemolysis is well correlated to heat generation (r2 = 0.721). Heat may originate from the motor by conduction, hydraulic energy loss, and mechanical friction between the shaft and seal. We strongly suspect that hemolysis was caused by a factor such as mechanical friction which generates heat locally.

Research concerning the evaluation of the connection forces in the joints of the sucker rod pumping units mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bădoiu, D.; Petrescu, M. G.; Antonescu, N. N.; Toma, G.

2018-01-01

At present, the sucker rod pumping installations are the most used in the case of the wells in production, when an eruptive exploitation is not possible. The practice has demonstrated that an important role in increasing safety in the operation of the pumping units has the design of the various component bearings because of the extremely high values of the connection forces to which they are loaded. That is why it is necessary to establish as accurately as possible the values of these connecting forces. In the paper is analyzed the dynamics of a conventional pumping unit mechanism. The dynamic study which allows establishing the values of the connecting forces in the joints is performed within the Assur structural groups. The dynamic analysis was implemented into a computer program using Maple programming environment and finally it has been presented some simulation results in the case of a C-320D-256-100 pumping unit.

From phenothiazine to 3-phenyl-1,4-benzothiazine derivatives as inhibitors of the Staphylococcus aureus NorA multidrug efflux pump.

PubMed

Sabatini, Stefano; Kaatz, Glenn W; Rossolini, Gian Maria; Brandini, David; Fravolini, Arnaldo

2008-07-24

Overexpression of efflux pumps is an important mechanism by which bacteria evade effects of substrate antimicrobial agents and inhibition of such pumps is a promising strategy to circumvent this resistance mechanism. NorA is a Staphylococcus aureus multidrug efflux pump, the activity of which confers decreased susceptibility to many structurally unrelated agents, including fluoroquinolones, resulting in a multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotype. In this work, a series of 1,4-benzothiazine derivatives were designed and synthesized as a minimized structural template of phenothiazine MDR efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) in an effort to identify more potent S. aureus NorA EPIs. Almost all derivatives evaluated showed good activity in combination with ciprofloxacin against S. aureus ATCC 25923; some were capable of completely restoring ciprofloxacin activity in a norA-overexpressing strain (SA-K2378). Compounds 6k and 7j displayed good activity against SA-1199B, a strain that also overexpresses norA, in an ethidium bromide (EtBr) efflux inhibition assay.

Nonlinear conduction via solitons in a topological mechanical insulator.

PubMed

Chen, Bryan Gin-ge; Upadhyaya, Nitin; Vitelli, Vincenzo

2014-09-09

Networks of rigid bars connected by joints, termed linkages, provide a minimal framework to design robotic arms and mechanical metamaterials built of folding components. Here, we investigate a chain-like linkage that, according to linear elasticity, behaves like a topological mechanical insulator whose zero-energy modes are localized at the edge. Simple experiments we performed using prototypes of the chain vividly illustrate how the soft motion, initially localized at the edge, can in fact propagate unobstructed all of the way to the opposite end. Using real prototypes, simulations, and analytical models, we demonstrate that the chain is a mechanical conductor, whose carriers are nonlinear solitary waves, not captured within linear elasticity. Indeed, the linkage prototype can be regarded as the simplest example of a topological metamaterial whose protected mechanical excitations are solitons, moving domain walls between distinct topological mechanical phases. More practically, we have built a topologically protected mechanism that can perform basic tasks such as transporting a mechanical state from one location to another. Our work paves the way toward adopting the principle of topological robustness in the design of robots assembled from activated linkages as well as in the fabrication of complex molecular nanostructures.

Electrostatic Potential Generated During Extracorporeal Pump Prime Circulation Before Cardiopulmonary Bypass Initiation

PubMed Central

Newton, Haley S.; Niles, Scott D.; Ploessl, James; Richenbacher, Wayne

2007-01-01

Abstract: The development of electrostatic potentials generated during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures using polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing in conjunction with roller pumps has been previously documented. The resulting damage from the electrostatic discharge (ESD) has been reported to affect gas transfer devices, but details of potential damage to electronic components commonly used during extracorporeal circulation have not been similarly described. The purpose of this study was to measure the ability of a triboelectric potential to be generated from a primed, circulating, adult CPB pump before the initiation of CPB. Two identical adult CPB circuits were assembled: one incorporating a roller pump and the second incorporating a centrifugal pump mechanism. Primed pumps were circulated (1–6 LPM), and evidence of generated triboelectric potentials was evaluated using a digital multimeter (Fluke 8062 A). The ESD generated from an adult CPB circuit using a roller head configuration elicited a charge in excess of 600 DC V. An identical circuit constructed with a centrifugal pump mechanism did not produce any measurable charge. Sensitive electrical components in the CPB hardware platform may be damaged by ESD potential spikes of this magnitude. Preventative measures, such as circuit charge dissipation, may reduce the potential for such damage when using PVC tubing. PMID:17486872

Thermomechanical piston pump development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sabelman, E. E.

1971-01-01

A thermally powered reciprocating pump has been devised to replace or augment an electric pump for the transport of temperature-control fluid on the Thermoelectric Outer Planet Spacecraft (TOPS). The thermally powered pump operates cyclically by extracting heat energy from the fluid by means of a vapor-pressure expansion system and by using the heat to perform the mechanical work of pumping. A feasibility test unit has been constructed to provide an output of 7 cu in during a 10- to 100-second cycle. It operates with a fluid input temperature of 200 to 300 F and a heat sink temperature of 0 to 30 F.

7. Row of pumps against first floor interior west wall. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

7. Row of pumps against first floor interior west wall. - Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, Scranton Yards, Oil House, 650 feet Southeast of Cliff & Mechanic Streets, Scranton, Lackawanna County, PA

Deformable Surface Accommodating Intraocular Lens: Second Generation Prototype Design Methodology and Testing.

PubMed

McCafferty, Sean J; Schwiegerling, Jim T

2015-04-01

Present an analysis methodology for developing and evaluating accommodating intraocular lenses incorporating a deformable interface. The next generation design of extruded gel interface intraocular lens is presented. A prototype based upon similar previously in vivo proven design was tested with measurements of actuation force, lens power, interface contour, optical transfer function, and visual Strehl ratio. Prototype verified mathematical models were used to optimize optical and mechanical design parameters to maximize the image quality and minimize the required force to accommodate. The prototype lens produced adequate image quality with the available physiologic accommodating force. The iterative mathematical modeling based upon the prototype yielded maximized optical and mechanical performance through maximum allowable gel thickness to extrusion diameter ratio, maximum feasible refractive index change at the interface, and minimum gel material properties in Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus. The design prototype performed well. It operated within the physiologic constraints of the human eye including the force available for full accommodative amplitude using the eye's natural focusing feedback, while maintaining image quality in the space available. The parameters that optimized optical and mechanical performance were delineated as those, which minimize both asphericity and actuation pressure. The design parameters outlined herein can be used as a template to maximize the performance of a deformable interface intraocular lens. The article combines a multidisciplinary basic science approach from biomechanics, optical science, and ophthalmology to optimize an intraocular lens design suitable for preliminary animal trials.

Preference for facial averageness: Evidence for a common mechanism in human and macaque infants

PubMed Central

Damon, Fabrice; Méary, David; Quinn, Paul C.; Lee, Kang; Simpson, Elizabeth A.; Paukner, Annika; Suomi, Stephen J.; Pascalis, Olivier

2017-01-01

Human adults and infants show a preference for average faces, which could stem from a general processing mechanism and may be shared among primates. However, little is known about preference for facial averageness in monkeys. We used a comparative developmental approach and eye-tracking methodology to assess visual attention in human and macaque infants to faces naturally varying in their distance from a prototypical face. In Experiment 1, we examined the preference for faces relatively close to or far from the prototype in 12-month-old human infants with human adult female faces. Infants preferred faces closer to the average than faces farther from it. In Experiment 2, we measured the looking time of 3-month-old rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) viewing macaque faces varying in their distance from the prototype. Like human infants, macaque infants looked longer to faces closer to the average. In Experiments 3 and 4, both species were presented with unfamiliar categories of faces (i.e., macaque infants tested with adult macaque faces; human infants and adults tested with infant macaque faces) and showed no prototype preferences, suggesting that the prototypicality effect is experience-dependent. Overall, the findings suggest a common processing mechanism across species, leading to averageness preferences in primates. PMID:28406237

Two-Year Outcomes with a Magnetically Levitated Cardiac Pump in Heart Failure.

PubMed

Mehra, Mandeep R; Goldstein, Daniel J; Uriel, Nir; Cleveland, Joseph C; Yuzefpolskaya, Melana; Salerno, Christopher; Walsh, Mary N; Milano, Carmelo A; Patel, Chetan B; Ewald, Gregory A; Itoh, Akinobu; Dean, David; Krishnamoorthy, Arun; Cotts, William G; Tatooles, Antone J; Jorde, Ulrich P; Bruckner, Brian A; Estep, Jerry D; Jeevanandam, Valluvan; Sayer, Gabriel; Horstmanshof, Douglas; Long, James W; Gulati, Sanjeev; Skipper, Eric R; O'Connell, John B; Heatley, Gerald; Sood, Poornima; Naka, Yoshifumi

2018-04-12

In an early analysis of this trial, use of a magnetically levitated centrifugal continuous-flow circulatory pump was found to improve clinical outcomes, as compared with a mechanical-bearing axial continuous-flow pump, at 6 months in patients with advanced heart failure. In a randomized noninferiority and superiority trial, we compared the centrifugal-flow pump with the axial-flow pump in patients with advanced heart failure, irrespective of the intended goal of support (bridge to transplantation or destination therapy). The composite primary end point was survival at 2 years free of disabling stroke (with disabling stroke indicated by a modified Rankin score of >3; scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating more severe disability) or survival free of reoperation to replace or remove a malfunctioning device. The noninferiority margin for the risk difference (centrifugal-flow pump group minus axial-flow pump group) was -10 percentage points. Of 366 patients, 190 were assigned to the centrifugal-flow pump group and 176 to the axial-flow pump group. In the intention-to-treat population, the primary end point occurred in 151 patients (79.5%) in the centrifugal-flow pump group, as compared with 106 (60.2%) in the axial-flow pump group (absolute difference, 19.2 percentage points; 95% lower confidence boundary, 9.8 percentage points [P<0.001 for noninferiority]; hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31 to 0.69 [P<0.001 for superiority]). Reoperation for pump malfunction was less frequent in the centrifugal-flow pump group than in the axial-flow pump group (3 patients [1.6%] vs. 30 patients [17.0%]; hazard ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.27; P<0.001). The rates of death and disabling stroke were similar in the two groups, but the overall rate of stroke was lower in the centrifugal-flow pump group than in the axial-flow pump group (10.1% vs. 19.2%; hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.84, P=0.02). In patients with advanced heart failure, a fully magnetically levitated centrifugal-flow pump was superior to a mechanical-bearing axial-flow pump with regard to survival free of disabling stroke or reoperation to replace or remove a malfunctioning device. (Funded by Abbott; MOMENTUM 3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02224755 .).

Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) advanced expander cycle engine point design study. Volume 2: Study results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

Detailed computer models of the engine were developed to predict both the steady state and transient operation of the engine system. Mechanical design layout drawings were prepared for the following components: thrust chamber and nozzle; extendible nozzle actuating mechanism and seal; LOX turbopump and boost pump; hydrogen turbopump and boost pump; and the propellant control valves. The necessary heat transfer, stress, fluid flow, dynamic, and performance analyses were performed to support the mechanical design.

Mechanical performance comparison between RotaFlow and CentriMag centrifugal blood pumps in an adult ECLS model.

PubMed

Yulong Guan; Xiaowei Su; McCoach, Robert; Kunselman, Allen; El-Banayosy, Aly; Undar, Akif

2010-03-01

Centrifugal blood pumps have been widely adopted in conventional adult cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory assist procedures. Different brands of centrifugal blood pumps incorporate distinct designs which affect pump performance. In this adult extracorporeal life support (ECLS) model, the performances of two brands of centrifugal blood pump (RotaFlow blood pump and CentriMag blood pump) were compared. The simulated adult ECLS circuit used in this study included a centrifugal blood pump, Quadrox D membrane oxygenator and Sorin adult ECLS tubing package. A Sorin Cardiovascular(R) VVR(R) 4000i venous reservoir (Sorin S.p.A., Milan, Italy) with a Hoffman clamp served as a pseudo-patient. The circuit was primed with 900ml heparinized human packed red blood cells and 300ml lactated Ringer's solution (total volume 1200 ml, corrected hematocrit 40%). Trials were conducted at normothermia (36 degrees C). Performance, including circuit pressure and flow rate, was measured for every setting analyzed. The shut-off pressure of the RotaFlow was higher than the CentriMag at all measurement points given the same rotation speed (p < 0.0001). The shut-off pressure differential between the two centrifugal blood pumps was significant and increased given higher rotation speeds (p < 0.0001). The RotaFlow blood pump has higher maximal flow rate (9.08 +/- 0.01L/min) compared with the CentriMag blood pump (8.37 +/- 0.02L/min) (p < 0.0001). The blood flow rate differential between the two pumps when measured at the same revolutions per minute (RPM) ranged from 1.64L/min to 1.73L/min. The results obtained in this experiment demonstrate that the RotaFlow has a higher shut-off pressure (less retrograde flow) and maximal blood flow rate than the CentriMag blood pump. Findings support the conclusion that the RotaFlow disposable pump head has a better mechanical performance than the CentriMag. In addition, the RotaFlow disposable pump is 20-30 times less expensive than the CentriMag.

Model-based engineering for medical-device software.

PubMed

Ray, Arnab; Jetley, Raoul; Jones, Paul L; Zhang, Yi

2010-01-01

This paper demonstrates the benefits of adopting model-based design techniques for engineering medical device software. By using a patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) infusion pump as a candidate medical device, the authors show how using models to capture design information allows for i) fast and efficient construction of executable device prototypes ii) creation of a standard, reusable baseline software architecture for a particular device family, iii) formal verification of the design against safety requirements, and iv) creation of a safety framework that reduces verification costs for future versions of the device software. 1.

Research on seamless development of surgical instruments based on biological mechanisms using CAD and 3D printer.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Ikuo; Ota, Ren; Zhu, Rui; Lawn, Murray; Ishimatsu, Takakazu; Nagayasu, Takeshi; Yamasaki, Naoya; Takagi, Katsunori; Koji, Takehiko

2015-01-01

In the area of manufacturing surgical instruments, the ability to rapidly design, prototype and test surgical instruments is critical. This paper provides a simple case study of the rapid development of two bio-mechanism based surgical instruments which are ergonomic, aesthetic and were successfully designed, prototyped and conceptually tested in a very short period of time.

Electrokinetic high pressure hydraulic system

DOEpatents

Paul, Phillip H.; Rakestraw, David J.

2000-01-01

A compact high pressure hydraulic pump having no moving mechanical parts for converting electric potential to hydraulic force. The electrokinetic pump, which can generate hydraulic pressures greater than 2500 psi, can be employed to compress a fluid, either liquid or gas, and manipulate fluid flow. The pump is particularly useful for capillary-base systems. By combining the electrokinetic pump with a housing having chambers separated by a flexible member, fluid flow, including high pressure fluids, is controlled by the application of an electric potential, that can vary with time.

VACUUM PUMP (CONDENSATE RETURN). Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

VACUUM PUMP (CONDENSATE RETURN). - Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row, Hale Bathhouse: Mechanical & Piping Systems, State Highway 7, 1 mile north of U.S. Highway 70, Hot Springs, Garland County, AR

Effects of mobile phone use on specific intensive care unit devices.

PubMed

Hans, Nidhi; Kapadia, Farhad N

2008-10-01

To observe the effects of mobile phone use in the vicinity of medical devices used in a critical care setting. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) was tested by using two types of mobile phones - GSM and CDMA. Mobile phones were placed at a distance of one foot from three medical devices - syringe pump, mechanical ventilator, and the bedside monitor - in switch off, standby, and talking modes of the phone. Medical devices were observed for any interference caused by the electromagnetic radiations (EMR) from the mobile phones. Out of the three medical devices that were tested, EMI occurred while using the mobile phone in the vicinity of the syringe pump, in the 'talk mode.' The mean variation observed in the calculated and delivered volume of the syringe pump was 2.66 ml. Mechanical ventilator did not show any specific adverse effects with mobile phone use in the one-foot vicinity. No other adverse effects or unexplained malfunctions or shutdown of the syringe pump, mechanical ventilator, or the bedside monitor was noted during the study period of 36 hours. EMI from mobile phones have an adverse effect on the medical devices used in critical care setup. They should be used at least one foot away from the diameter of the syringe pump.

Experimental measurements of energy augmentation for mechanical circulatory assistance in a patient-specific Fontan model.

PubMed

Chopski, Steven G; Rangus, Owen M; Moskowitz, William B; Throckmorton, Amy L

2014-09-01

A mechanical blood pump specifically designed to increase pressure in the great veins would improve hemodynamic stability in adolescent and adult Fontan patients having dysfunctional cavopulmonary circulation. This study investigates the impact of axial-flow blood pumps on pressure, flow rate, and energy augmentation in the total cavopulmonary circulation (TCPC) using a patient-specific Fontan model. The experiments were conducted for three mechanical support configurations, which included an axial-flow impeller alone in the inferior vena cava (IVC) and an impeller with one of two different protective stent designs. All of the pump configurations led to an increase in pressure generation and flow in the Fontan circuit. The increase in IVC flow was found to augment pulmonary arterial flow, having only a small impact on the pressure and flow in the superior vena cava (SVC). Retrograde flow was neither observed nor measured from the TCPC junction into the SVC. All of the pump configurations enhanced the rate of power gain of the cavopulmonary circulation by adding energy and rotational force to the fluid flow. We measured an enhancement of forward flow into the TCPC junction, reduction in IVC pressure, and only minimally increased pulmonary arterial pressure under conditions of pump support. Copyright © 2014 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rapid Production of Composite Prototype Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeLay, T. K.

2000-01-01

The objective of this research was to provide a mechanism to cost-effectively produce composite hardware prototypes. The task was to take a hands-on approach to developing new technologies that could benefit multiple future programs.

Examples of oil cavitation erosion in positive displacement pumps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halat, J. A.; Ellis, G. O.

1974-01-01

The effects of cavitation flow on piston type, positive displacement, hydraulic pumps are discussed. The operating principles of the pump and the components which are most subject to erosion effects are described. The mechanisms of cavitation phenomena are identified from photographic records. Curves are developed to show the solubility of air in water, oil-water emulsion, and industrial hydraulic oil.

Permanent magnetic-levitation of rotating impeller: a decisive breakthrough in the centrifugal pump.

PubMed

Qian, K X; Zeng, P; Ru, W M; Yuan, H Y; Feng, Z G; Li, L

2002-01-01

Magnetic bearings have no mechanical contact between the rotor and stator, and a rotary pump with magnetic bearings therefore has no mechanical wear and thrombosis. The magnetic bearings available, however, contain electromagnets, are complicated to control and have high energy consumption. Therefore, it is difficult to apply an electromagnetic bearing to a rotary pump without disturbing its simplicity, reliability and ability to be implanted. The authors have developed a levitated impeller pump using only permanent magnets. The rotor is supported by permanent radial magnetic forces. The impeller is fixed on one side of the rotor; on the other side the rotor magnets are mounted. Opposite these rotor magents, a driving magnet is fastened to the motor axis. Thereafter, the motor drives the rotor via magnetic coupling. In laboratory tests with saline, where the rotor is still or rotates at under 4,000 rpm, the rotor magnets have one point in contact axially with a spacer between the rotor magnets and the driving magnets. The contacting point is located in the center of the rotor. As the rotating speed increases gradually to more than 4000 rpm, the rotor will disaffiliate from the stator axially, and become fully levitated. Since the axial levitation is produced by hydraulic force and the rotor magnets have a giro-effect, the rotor rotates very stably during levitation. As a left ventricular assist device, the pump works in a rotating speed range of 5,000-8,000 rpm, and the levitation of the impeller is assured by use of the pump. The permanent maglev impeller pump retains the advantages of the rotary pump but overcomes the disadvantages of the leviated pump with electromagnetic-bearing, and has met with most requirements of artificial heart blood pumps, thus promising to have more applications than previously.

Effect of nicotine and tobacco administration method on the mechanical properties of healing bone following closed fracture.

PubMed

Hastrup, Sidsel Gaarn; Chen, Xinqian; Bechtold, Joan E; Kyle, Richard F; Rahbek, Ole; Keyler, Daniel E; Skoett, Martin; Soeballe, Kjeld

2010-09-01

We previously showed different effects of tobacco and nicotine on fracture healing, but due to pump reservoir limits, maximum exposure period was 4 weeks. To allow flexibility in pre- and post-fracture exposure periods, the objective of this study was to compare a new oral administration route for nicotine to the established pump method. Four groups were studied: (1) pump saline, (2) pump saline + oral tobacco, (3) pump saline/nicotine + oral tobacco, and (4) pump saline + oral nicotine/tobacco. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 84) received a transverse femoral fracture stabilized with an intramedullary pin 1 week after initiating dosing. After 3 weeks, no difference was found in torsional strength or stiffness between oral nicotine/tobacco or pump nicotine + tobacco, while energy absorption with oral nicotine/tobacco was greater than pump nicotine + tobacco (p < 0.05). Compared to saline control, strength for oral nicotine/tobacco was higher than control (p < 0.05), and stiffnesses for pump nicotine + tobacco and oral nicotine/tobacco were higher than control (p < 0.05). No differences in energy were found for either nicotine-tobacco group compared to saline control. Mean serum cotinine (stable nicotine metabolite) was different between pump and oral nicotine at 1 and 4 weeks, but all groups were in the range of 1-2 pack/day smokers. In summary, relevant serum cotinine levels can be reached in rats with oral nicotine, and, in the presence of tobacco, nicotine can influence mechanical aspects of fracture healing, dependent on administration method. Caution should be exercised when comparing results of fracture healing studies using different methods of nicotine administration. (c) 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fine structures of the ejaculatory sac and sperm pump of the scorpionfly Panorpa liui Hua (Mecoptera: Panorpidae).

PubMed

Shen, Jian; Hua, Baozhen

2013-08-01

Male adults of Panorpidae possess a special sperm pump, through which the males transfer liquid sperm to the females. However, the structures of the sperm pump and the transfer mechanism have not been satisfactorily elucidated hitherto. In this paper the structures of the ejaculatory sac and sperm pump of the scorpionfly Panorpa liui Hua were investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The ejaculatory sac is located between the basal end of the paired vasa deferentia and the aedeagus, comprising a small anterior part and a large posterior part. The anterior part is simple and functions only as a channel for sperm transfer. The epithelial cells of the large posterior part likely have secretory functions. The sperm pump is formed by the posterior region of the ejaculatory sac and derivates of the genital field, which enclose the pumping chamber, a piston and the associated muscles. The orifice of the ejaculatory duct lies ventrad of the piston. The piston of the sperm pump is heavily sclerotized and controlled by two antagonistic muscle pairs. A pair of simple tubular accessory glands opens to the pumping chamber. Two well-developed sex pheromone glands are located on the ventral side of the ejaculatory sac, and are composed of two fan-shaped lamellae. The epithelium of the sex pheromone glands is single-layered, and forms densely filamentous processes. The ejaculation mechanism is briefly discussed based on the morphology of ejaculatory sac and sperm pump. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of an implantable ventricular assist system.

PubMed

Macris, M P; Parnis, S M; Frazier, O H; Fuqua, J M; Jarvik, R K

1997-02-01

This study describes the present state of progress in the development of the Jarvik 2000 ventricular assist system. Designed for implantation in the human thorax, the system consists of a small (25 cm3, 90 g) intraventricular axial-flow blood pump that transmits power and data via internal electronics and a transcutaneous energy transfer system. The pump is powered by portable internal and external polymer lithium ion batteries. The only moving part, the pump rotor, contains a permanent magnet of a brushless direct-current motor that mounts an axial-flow impeller and partial magnetic thrust support, with blood-immersed radial and thrust bearings. The motor uses a redundant coil and electric lead design, which permits continued operation in case of wire breakage. Seven calves have been supported for an average of 107 days (range, 40 to 162 days) with prototypes of the Jarvik 2000 ventricular assist system. No physiologic complications have occurred. When its user is at rest, the pump produces flows of 5 to 6 L/min with a decreased arterial pulse contour. Renal and hepatic functions have remained normal throughout the duration of all studies. Mean plasma free hemoglobin levels ranged from 4.3 to 11.4 mg/dL (mean, 6.3 mg/dL) for each study. Pathologic analyses of the heart and kidneys revealed no damage related to the device. These studies indicate that the Jarvik 2000 ventricular assist system is feasible in animals and holds promise for long-term support of patients.

Prototype laser-diode-pumped solid state laser transmitters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kane, Thomas J.; Cheng, Emily A. P.; Wallace, Richard W.

1989-01-01

Monolithic, diode-pumped Nd:YAG ring lasers can provide diffraction-limited, single-frequency, narrow-linewidth, tunable output which is adequate for use as a local oscillator in a coherent communication system. A laser was built which had a linewidth of about 2 kHz, a power of 5 milliwatts, and which was tunable over a range of 30 MHz in a few microseconds. This laser was phase-locked to a second, similar laser. This demonstrates that the powerful technique of heterodyne detection is possible with a diode-pumped laser used as the local oscillator. Laser diode pumping of monolithic Nd:YAG rings can lead to output powers of hundreds of milliwatts from a single laser. A laser was built with a single-mode output of 310 mW. Several lasers can be chained together to sum their power, while maintaining diffraction-limited, single frequency operation. This technique was demonstrated with two lasers, with a total output of 340 mW, and is expected to be practical for up to about ten lasers. Thus with lasers of 310 mW, output of up to 3 W is possible. The chaining technique, if properly engineered, results in redundancy. The technique of resonant external modulation and doubling is designed to efficiently convert the continuous wave, infrared output of our lasers into low duty-cycle pulsed green output. This technique was verified through both computer modeling and experimentation. Further work would be necessary to develop a deliverable system using this technique.

Direct nuclear pumped laser

DOEpatents

Miley, George H.; Wells, William E.; DeYoung, Russell J.

1978-01-01

There is provided a direct nuclear pumped gas laser in which the lasing mechanism is collisional radiated recombination of ions. The gas laser active medium is a mixture of the gases, with one example being neon and nitrogen.

Numerical Modeling of Flow through Phloem Considering Active Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jin; Sze, Tsun-Kay Jackie; Dutta, Prashanta

2013-11-01

Transport through phloem is of significant interest in engineering applications including self-powered microfluidic pumps. We present a phloem model, combining protein level mechanics with cellular level fluid transport. Fluid flow and sucrose transport through a petiole sieve tube are simulated using the Nernst-Planck, Navier-Stokes, and continuity equations. Governing equations are solved using the finite volume method with dynamically calculated boundary conditions. Sieve tube cell structure consisting of sieve plates is included in a two dimensional model by computational cell blocking. Sucrose transport is incorporated as a boundary condition through a six-state model, bringing in active loading mechanisms with consideration of physical plant properties. The effects of reaction rates and leaf sucrose concentration are investigated to understand the transport mechanism in petiole sieve tubes. Numerical results show that increasing forward reactions of the proton sucrose transporter significantly promotes the pumping ability. A lower leaf sieve sucrose concentration results in a lower wall inflow velocity, but yields a higher inflow of water due to the active loading mechanism. The overall effect is higher outflow velocity for lower leaf sieve sucrose concentration because the increase in inflow velocity outweighs wall velocity. This new phloem model provides new insights on mechanisms potentially useful for fluidic pumping in self-powered microfluidic pumps. This work is supported in part by the National Science Fundation grant CBET-1250107.

Microencapsulation of bioactive principles with an airless spray-gun suitable for processing high viscous solutions.

PubMed

Cocchietto, Moreno; Blasi, Paolo; Lapasin, Romano; Moro, Chiara; Gallo, Davide; Sava, Gianni

2013-11-19

to design, assemble and test a prototype of a novel production plant, suitable for producing microparticles (MPs) by processing highly viscous feed solutions (FSs). the prototype has been built using a commercial air compressor, a piston pump, an airless spray-gun, a customized air-treatment section, a timer, a rotating base, and a filtration section. Preliminary prototype parameter setting was carried out to individuate the best performing nozzle's dimension, the nebulization timing, and the CaCl2 concentration in the gelation fluid. In addition, prototype throughput (1 L to 5 L) and the range of practicable feed solution (FS) viscosities were assayed. A set of four batches was prepared in order to characterize the MPs, in terms of mean particle size and distribution, flow properties, swelling, encapsulation efficiency and release. according to a qualitative scoring, the large nozzle was suitable to nebulize FSs at a higher alginate concentration. Conversely, the small nozzle performed better in the processing of FSs with an alginate concentration up to 2% w/v. Only at the highest degree of viscosity, corresponding to 5% w/v of alginate, the FS processing was not technically possible. Among the CaCl2 concentrations considered, 15% w/v was recognized as the most versatile. The prototype appears to be convenient and suitable to grant a high yield starting from 2 L of FS. The flow behavior of the FSs assayed can be satisfactorily described with the Carreau-Yasuda equation and the throughput begins to slightly decrease for FSs at alginate concentrations exceeding 3% w/v. MP morphology was irregular with crumpled shape. The angle of repose indicates a good flowability and the release studies showed gastro-resistance and potential prolonged release applications. the novel prototype of production plant is suitable to process large amounts (2 L or more) of FSs, characterized by a high viscosity, to produce MPs suitable for bioactive principle delivery.

Microencapsulation of Bioactive Principles with an Airless Spray-Gun Suitable for Processing High Viscous Solutions

PubMed Central

Cocchietto, Moreno; Blasi, Paolo; Lapasin, Romano; Moro, Chiara; Gallo, Davide; Sava, Gianni

2013-01-01

Purpose: to design, assemble and test a prototype of a novel production plant, suitable for producing microparticles (MPs) by processing highly viscous feed solutions (FSs). Methods: the prototype has been built using a commercial air compressor, a piston pump, an airless spray-gun, a customized air-treatment section, a timer, a rotating base, and a filtration section. Preliminary prototype parameter setting was carried out to individuate the best performing nozzle’s dimension, the nebulization timing, and the CaCl2 concentration in the gelation fluid. In addition, prototype throughput (1 L to 5 L) and the range of practicable feed solution (FS) viscosities were assayed. A set of four batches was prepared in order to characterize the MPs, in terms of mean particle size and distribution, flow properties, swelling, encapsulation efficiency and release. Results: according to a qualitative scoring, the large nozzle was suitable to nebulize FSs at a higher alginate concentration. Conversely, the small nozzle performed better in the processing of FSs with an alginate concentration up to 2% w/v. Only at the highest degree of viscosity, corresponding to 5% w/v of alginate, the FS processing was not technically possible. Among the CaCl2 concentrations considered, 15% w/v was recognized as the most versatile. The prototype appears to be convenient and suitable to grant a high yield starting from 2 L of FS. The flow behavior of the FSs assayed can be satisfactorily described with the Carreau-Yasuda equation and the throughput begins to slightly decrease for FSs at alginate concentrations exceeding 3% w/v. MP morphology was irregular with crumpled shape. The angle of repose indicates a good flowability and the release studies showed gastro-resistance and potential prolonged release applications. Conclusions: the novel prototype of production plant is suitable to process large amounts (2 L or more) of FSs, characterized by a high viscosity, to produce MPs suitable for bioactive principle delivery. PMID:24956192

Waste-Heat-Driven Cooling Using Complex Compound Sorbents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rocketfeller, Uwe; Kirol, Lance; Khalili, Kaveh

2004-01-01

Improved complex-compound sorption pumps are undergoing development for use as prime movers in heat-pump systems for cooling and dehumidification of habitats for humans on the Moon and for residential and commercial cooling on Earth. Among the advantages of sorption heat-pump systems are that they contain no moving parts except for check valves and they can be driven by heat from diverse sources: examples include waste heat from generation of electric power, solar heat, or heat from combustion of natural gas. The use of complex compound sorbents in cooling cycles is not new in itself: Marketing of residential refrigerators using SrCl2 was attempted in the 1920s and 30s and was abandoned because heat- and mass-transfer rates of the sorbents were too low. Addressing the issue that gave rise to the prior abandonment of complex compound sorption heat pumps, the primary accomplishment of the present development program thus far has been the characterization of many candidate sorption media, leading to large increases in achievable heat- and mass-transfer rates. In particular, two complex compounds (called "CC260-1260" and "CC260-2000") were found to be capable of functioning over the temperature range of interest for the lunar-habitat application and to offer heat- and mass-transfer rates and a temperature-lift capability adequate for that application. Regarding the temperature range: A heat pump based on either of these compounds is capable of providing a 95-K lift from a habitable temperature to a heat-rejection (radiator) temperature when driven by waste heat at an input temperature .500 K. Regarding the heat- and mass-transfer rates or, more precisely, the power densities made possible by these rates: Power densities observed in tests were 0.3 kilowatt of cooling per kilogram of sorbent and 2 kilowatts of heating per kilogram of sorbent. A prototype 1-kilowatt heat pump based on CC260-2000 has been built and demonstrated to function successfully.

Three-dimensional kinetic and fluid dynamic modeling and three iterative algorithms for side-pumped alkali vapor lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Binglin; Xu, Xingqi; Xia, Chunsheng; Pan, Bailiang

2017-11-01

Combining the kinetic and fluid dynamic processes in static and flowing-gas diode-pumped alkali vapor lasers, a comprehensive physical model with three cyclically iterative algorithms for simulating the three-dimensional pump and laser intensities as well as temperature distribution in the vapor cell of side-pumped alkali vapor lasers is established. Comparison with measurement of a static side-pumped cesium vapor laser with a diffuse type hollow cylinder cavity, and with classical and modified models is made. Influences of flowed velocity and pump power on laser power are calculated and analyzed. The results have demonstrated that for high-power side-pumped alkali vapor lasers, it is necessary to take into account the three-dimensional distributions of pump energy, laser energy and temperature in the cell to simultaneously obtain the thermal features and output characteristics. Therefore, the model can deepen the understanding of the complete kinetic and fluid dynamic mechanisms of a side-pumped alkali vapor laser, and help with its further experimental design.

Modeling and development of a superfluid magnetic pump with no moving parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jahromi, Amir Eshraghniaye; Miller, Franklin; Nellis, Gregory

2012-06-01

Current state of the art sub Kelvin Superfluid Stirling Refrigerators and Pulse tube Superfluid Refrigerators use multiple bellows pistons to execute the cycle. These types of displacers can be replaced by a newly introduced pump, a Superfluid Magnetic Pump, with no moving parts. Integration of this pump in the Pulse tube Superfluid Refrigeration system will make it a sub Kelvin Stirling refrigeration system free of any moving parts that is suitable for use in space cooling applications. The Superfluid Magnetic Pump consists of a canister that contains Gadolinium Gallium Garnet particles that is surrounded by a superconducting magnetic coil. The driving mechanism of this pump is the fountain effect in He II. A qualitative description of one cycle operation of the Superfluid Magnetic Pump is presented followed by a numerical model for each process of the cycle.

Vibrational pumping and heating under SERS conditions: fact or myth?

PubMed

Le Ru, E C; Etchegoin, P G

2006-01-01

We address in this paper the long debated issue of the possibility of vibrational pumping under Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) conditions, both theoretically and experimentally. We revisit with simple theoretical models the mechanisms of vibrational pumping and its relation to heating. This presentation provides a clear classification of the various regimes of heating/pumping, from simple global laser heating to selective pumping of a single vibrational mode. We also propose the possibility of extreme pumping driven by stimulated phonon emission, and we introduce and apply a new experimental technique to study these effects in SERS. Our method relies on correlations between Raman peak parameters, and cross-correlation for two Raman peaks. We find strong evidence for local and dynamical heating, but no convincing evidence for selective pumping under our specific experimental SERS conditions.

Mathematical modelling of flow in disc friction LVAD pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medvedev, A. E.; Fomin, V. M.; Prikhodko, Yu. M.; Cherniavskiy, A. M.; Fomichev, V. P.; Fomichev, A. V.; Chekhov, V. P.; Ruzmatov, T. M.

2017-10-01

The need for blood circulation support systems in the treatment of chronic heart failure is constantly increasing as 20% of patients on the waiting list die every year. Despite the great need for mechanical heart support systems the use of available systems is limited by the high cost. Therefore, further research in the field of circulatory support systems is appropriate taking into account medical and technical requirements. One of the new research areas is viscous friction disk pumps for transporting liquids based on the Tesla pump principle. The experimental model of LVAD disk pump is developed. Analytical dependencies are obtained to optimize the hydraulic parameters of the pump. On their basis, the experimental model of LVAD disk pump was designed and created. The results of analytical and experimental studies of such a pump are presented.

Bose-Einstein condensation in an ultra-hot gas of pumped magnons.

PubMed

Serga, Alexander A; Tiberkevich, Vasil S; Sandweg, Christian W; Vasyuchka, Vitaliy I; Bozhko, Dmytro A; Chumak, Andrii V; Neumann, Timo; Obry, Björn; Melkov, Gennadii A; Slavin, Andrei N; Hillebrands, Burkard

2014-03-11

Bose-Einstein condensation of quasi-particles such as excitons, polaritons, magnons and photons is a fascinating quantum mechanical phenomenon. Unlike the Bose-Einstein condensation of real particles (like atoms), these processes do not require low temperatures, since the high densities of low-energy quasi-particles needed for the condensate to form can be produced via external pumping. Here we demonstrate that such a pumping can create remarkably high effective temperatures in a narrow spectral region of the lowest energy states in a magnon gas, resulting in strikingly unexpected transitional dynamics of Bose-Einstein magnon condensate: the density of the condensate increases immediately after the external magnon flow is switched off and initially decreases if it is switched on again. This behaviour finds explanation in a nonlinear 'evaporative supercooling' mechanism that couples the low-energy magnons overheated by pumping with all the other thermal magnons, removing the excess heat, and allowing Bose-Einstein condensate formation.

Cora valveless pulsatile rotary pump: new design and control.

PubMed

Monties, J R; Trinkl, J; Mesana, T; Havlik, P J; Demunck, J L

1996-01-01

For decades, research for developing a totally implantable artificial ventricle has been carried on. For 4 to 5 years, two devices have been investigated clinically. For many years, we have studied a rotary (but not centrifugal) pump that furnishes pulsatile flow without a valve and does not need external venting or a compliance chamber. It is a hypocycloidal pump based on the principle of the Maillard-Wankel rotary compressor. Currently made of titanium, it is activated by an electrical brushless direct-current motor. The motor-pump unit is totally sealed and implantable, without noise or vibration. This pump was implanted as a left ventricular assist device in calves. The midterm experiments showed good hemodynamic function. The hemolysis was low, but serious problems were encountered: blood components collecting on the gear mechanism inside the rotor jammed the pump. We therefore redesigned the pump to seal the gear mechanism. We used a double system to seal the open end of the rotor cavity with components polished to superfine optical quality. In addition, we developed a control system based on the study of the predicted shape of the motor current. The new design is now underway. We hope to start chronic experiments again in a few months. If the problem of sealing the bearing could be solved, the Cora ventricle could be used as permanent totally implantable left ventricular assist device.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baxter, V. D.; Rice, K.; Murphy, R.

Between October 2008 and May 2013 ORNL and ClimateMaster, Inc. (CM) engaged in a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to develop a groundsource integrated heat pump (GS-IHP) system for the US residential market. A initial prototype was designed and fabricated, lab-tested, and modeled in TRNSYS (SOLAR Energy Laboratory, et al, 2010) to predict annual performance relative to 1) a baseline suite of equipment meeting minimum efficiency standards in effect in 2006 (combination of air-source heat pump (ASHP) and resistance water heater) and 2) a state-of-the-art (SOA) two-capacity ground-source heat pump with desuperheater water heater (WH) option (GSHPwDS). Predicted totalmore » annual energy savings, while providing space conditioning and water heating for a 2600 ft{sup 2} (242 m{sup 2}) house at 5 U.S. locations, ranged from 52 to 59%, averaging 55%, relative to the minimum efficiency suite. Predicted energy use for water heating was reduced 68 to 78% relative to resistance WH. Predicted total annual savings for the GSHPwDS relative to the same baseline averaged 22.6% with water heating energy use reduced by 10 to 30% from desuperheater contributions. The 1st generation (or alpha) prototype design for the GS-IHP was finalized in 2010 and field test samples were fabricated for testing by CM and by ORNL. Two of the alpha units were installed in 3700 ft{sup 2} (345 m{sup 2}) houses at the ZEBRAlliance site in Oak Ridge and field tested during 2011. Based on the steady-state performance demonstrated by the GS-IHPs it was projected that it would achieve >52% energy savings relative to the minimum efficiency suite at this specific site. A number of operational issues with the alpha units were identified indicating design changes needed to the system before market introduction could be accomplished. These were communicated to CM throughout the field test period. Based on the alpha unit test results and the diagnostic information coming from the field test experience, CM developed a 2nd generation (or beta) prototype in 2012. Field test verification units were fabricated and installed at the ZEBRAlliance site in Oak Ridge in May 2012 and at several sites near CM headquarters in Oklahoma. Field testing of the units continued through February 2013. Annual performance analyses of the beta unit (prototype 2) with vertical well ground heat exchangers (GHX) in 5 U.S. locations predict annual energy savings of 57% to 61%, averaging 59% relative to the minimum efficiency suite and 38% to 56%, averaging 46% relative to the SOA GSHPwDS. Based on the steady-state performance demonstrated by the test units it was projected that the 2nd generation units would achieve ~58% energy savings relative to the minimum efficiency suite at the Zebra Alliance site with horizontal GHX. A new product based on the beta unit design was announced by CM in 2012 – the Trilogy 40® Q-mode™ (http://cmdealernet.com/trilogy_40.html). The unit was formally introduced in a March 2012 press release (see Appendix A) and was available for order beginning in December 2012.« less

Enzyme-Powered Pumps: From Fundamentals to Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz-Rivera, Isamar

Non-mechanical nano and microfluidic devices that function without the aid of an external power source, and can be tailored to meet specific needs, represent the next generation of smart devices. Recently, we have shown that surface-bound enzymes can act as pumps driving large-scale fluid flows in the presence of any substance that triggers the enzymatic reaction (e.g. substrate, co-factor, or biomarker). The fluid velocities attained in such systems depend directly on the enzymatic reaction rate and the concentration of the substance that initiates enzymatic catalysis. The use of biochemical reactions to power a micropump offers the advantages of specificity, sensitivity, and selectively, eliminating at the same time the need of an external power source, while providing biocompatibility. More importantly, these self-powered pumps overcome a significant obstacle in nano- and micro-fluidics: the need to use external pressure-driven pumps to push fluids through devices. Certainly, the development of enzyme-powered devices opens up new venues in biochemical engineering, particularly in the biomedical field. The work highlighted in this dissertation covers all the studies performed with enzyme-powered pumps, from the development of the micropump design, to the efforts invested in understanding the enzyme pump concept as a whole. The data collected to date, aims to expand our knowledge about enzyme-powered micropumps from the inside out: not only by exploring the different applications of these devices at the macroscale, but also by investigating in depth the mechanism of pump activation behind these systems. Specifically, we have focused on: (1) The general features that characterize the pumping behavior observed in enzyme-powered pumps, as well as the optimization of the device, (2) the possible mechanisms behind fluid motion, including the role of enzyme coverage and/or activity on the transduction of chemical energy into mechanical fluid flow in these devices, covering also the effect of the thermodynamics of the enzymatic reaction in the pumping behavior, and (3) the applicability of enzyme pumps as fluid flow-based inhibitor assays and as drug delivery devices. Our findings in each of these areas, gets us closer to our ultimate goal, where we aim to identify the optimal conditions needed for enzyme micropump operation, and construct a general model that could accurately predict enzyme micropump behavior for any enzyme-substrate combination. The information aforementioned has been divided in four chapters. Chapter 1 gives a quick glance into the development of enzyme-powered micropumps: from the systems and observed behaviors inspiring this work, to the first systems that were developed. The stability, duration, and extent of fluid pumping of enzyme pumps in general, are also discussed, along with the optimization of the enzyme-pump design. This chapter aims to provide a general idea of the motivation behind the concept of "enzyme-powered pumps", what are "enzyme-powered pumps", and which are the key features that characterize these systems. Chapter 2 is an extensive analysis of the mechanisms of actuation proposed for enzyme-powered micropumps. This chapter not only covers the first attempts to understand how enzyme pumps work, but also explores further the behavior of urease-powered pumps, which fluid flow patterns cannot be completely predicted only by considering thermal or solutal gradients. The findings of these studies could allow us to rationally control fluid flow for the directed delivery of payloads at designated locations. In Chapters 3 and 4, our focus was to highlight the potential application of enzyme-powered pumps for sensing and delivery. Chapter 3 explores the use of enzyme pumps as fluid flow-based inhibitor assays. At fixed concentrations of an enzyme and its substrate, the presence of an inhibitor can be detected by monitoring the decrease in fluid flow speed. Using this principle, sensors for toxic substances, like mercury, cyanide and azide, were designed using urease and catalase-powered pumps, respectively, with limits of detection well below the concentrations permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Chapter 4 demonstrates that, apart from their applicability as sensors, enzyme pumps can also be used for stimuli-responsive release, if the architecture applied for the design of the enzyme pump consists of a porous scaffold (e.g. hydrogel), that serves both as the platform for enzyme immobilization and as the host for guest molecules to be released. These proof-of-concept devices were developed with the idea of using the flows generated by enzymatic catalysis to power cargo release, only in the presence of the correct stimuli (e.g. release of insulin in the presence of glucose; release of antidotes in the presence of a toxic agent). In the cases studied, cargo release was directly proportional to the concentration of enzyme substrate in solution, highlighting the sensitivity of the device and its potential for drug delivery purposes. (Abstract shortened by Proquest.).

Modeling and performance improvement of the constant power regulator systems in variable displacement axial piston pump.

PubMed

Park, Sung Hwan; Lee, Ji Min; Kim, Jong Shik

2013-01-01

An irregular performance of a mechanical-type constant power regulator is considered. In order to find the cause of an irregular discharge flow at the cut-off pressure area, modeling and numerical simulations are performed to observe dynamic behavior of internal parts of the constant power regulator system for a swashplate-type axial piston pump. The commercial numerical simulation software AMESim is applied to model the mechanical-type regulator with hydraulic pump and simulate the performance of it. The validity of the simulation model of the constant power regulator system is verified by comparing simulation results with experiments. In order to find the cause of the irregular performance of the mechanical-type constant power regulator system, the behavior of main components such as the spool, sleeve, and counterbalance piston is investigated using computer simulation. The shape modification of the counterbalance piston is proposed to improve the undesirable performance of the mechanical-type constant power regulator. The performance improvement is verified by computer simulation using AMESim software.

Collar nut and thrust ring

DOEpatents

Lowery, Guy B.

1991-01-01

A collar nut comprises a hollow cylinder having fine interior threads at one end for threadably engaging a pump mechanical seal assembly and an inwardly depending flange at the other end. The flange has an enlarged portion with a groove for receiving an O-ring for sealing against the intrusion of pumpage from the exterior. The enlarged portion engages a thrust ring about the pump shaft for crushing a hard O-ring, such as a graphite O-ring. The hard O-ring seals the interior of the mechanical seal assembly and pump housing against the loss of lubricants or leakage of pumpage. The fine threads of the hollow cylinder provide the mechanical advantage for crushing the hard O-ring evenly and easily with a hand tool from the side of the collar nut rather than by tightening a plurality of bolts from the end and streamlines the exterior surface of the mechanical seal. The collar nut avoids the spatial requirements of bolt heads at the end of a seal and associated bolt head turbulence.

Mechanical ventilation and thoracic artificial lung assistance during mechanical circulatory support with PUCA pump: in silico study.

PubMed

De Lazzari, Claudio; Genuini, Igino; Quatember, Bernhard; Fedele, Francesco

2014-02-01

Patients assisted with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may require prolonged mechanical ventilatory assistance secondary to postoperative respiratory failure. The goal of this work is the study of the interdependent effects LVAD like pulsatile catheter (PUCA) pump and mechanical ventilatory support or thoracic artificial lung (TAL), by the hemodynamic point of view, using a numerical simulator of the human cardiovascular system. In the simulator, different circulatory sections are described using lumped parameter models. Lumped parameter models have been designed to describe the hydrodynamic behavior of both PUCA pump and thoracic artificial lung. Ventricular behavior atrial and septum functions were reproduced using variable elastance model. Starting from simulated pathological conditions we studied the effects produced on some hemodynamic variables by simultaneous PUCA pump, thoracic artificial lung or mechanical ventilation assistance. Thoracic artificial lung was applied in parallel or in hybrid mode. The effects of mechanical ventilation have been simulated by changing mean intrathoracic pressure value from -4 mmHg to +5 mmHg. The hemodynamic variables observed during the simulations, in different assisted conditions, were: left and right ventricular end systolic (diastolic) volume, systolic/diastolic aortic pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, left and right mean atrial pressure, mean systemic venous pressure and the total blood flow. Results show that the application of PUCA (without mechanical ventilatory assistance) increases the total blood flow, reduces the left ventricular end systolic volume and increases the diastolic aortic pressure. Parallel TAL assistance increases the right ventricular end diastolic (systolic) volume reduction both when PUCA is switched "ON" and both when PUCA is switched "OFF". By switching "OFF" the PUCA pump, it seems that parallel thoracic artificial lung assistance produces a greater cardiac output (respect to hybrid TAL assistance). Results concerning PUCA and TAL interaction produced by simulations cannot be compared with "in vivo" results since they are not presented in literature. But results concerning the effects produced by LVAD and mechanical ventilation have a trend consistent with those presented in literature. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Broad Specificity Efflux pumps and Their Role in Multidrug Resistance of Gram Negative Bacteria

PubMed Central

Nikaido, Hiroshi; Pagès, Jean-Marie

2013-01-01

Antibiotic resistance mechanisms reported in Gram-negative bacteria are producing a worldwide health problem. The continuous dissemination of «multi-drug resistant» (MDR) bacteria drastically reduces the efficacy of our antibiotic “arsenal” and consequently increases the frequency of therapeutic failure. In MDR bacteria, the over-expression of efflux pumps that expel structurally-unrelated drugs contributes to the reduced susceptibility by decreasing the intracellular concentration of antibiotics. During the last decade, several clinical data indicate an increasing involvement of efflux pumps in the emergence and dissemination of resistant Gram-negative bacteria. It is necessary to clearly define the molecular, functional and genetic bases of the efflux pump in order to understand the translocation of antibiotic molecules through the efflux transporter. The recent investigation on the efflux pump AcrB at its structural and physiological level, including the identification of drug affinity sites and kinetic parameters for various antibiotics, may open the way to rationally develop an improved new generation of antibacterial agents as well as efflux inhibitors in order to efficiently combat efflux-based resistance mechanisms. PMID:21707670

Evolution from a natural flavones nucleus to obtain 2-(4-Propoxyphenyl)quinoline derivatives as potent inhibitors of the S. aureus NorA efflux pump.

PubMed

Sabatini, Stefano; Gosetto, Francesca; Manfroni, Giuseppe; Tabarrini, Oriana; Kaatz, Glenn W; Patel, Diixa; Cecchetti, Violetta

2011-08-25

Overexpression of efflux pumps is an important mechanism by which bacteria evade the effects of substrate antimicrobial agents. Inhibition of such pumps is a promising strategy to circumvent this resistance mechanism. NorA is a Staphylococcus aureus efflux pump that confers reduced susceptibility to many structurally unrelated agents, including fluoroquinolones, resulting in a multidrug resistant phenotype. In this work, a series of 2-phenyl-4(1H)-quinolone and 2-phenyl-4-hydroxyquinoline derivatives, obtained by modifying the flavone nucleus of known efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs), were synthesized in an effort to identify more potent S. aureus NorA EPIs. The 2-phenyl-4-hydroxyquinoline derivatives 28f and 29f display potent EPI activity against SA-1199B, a strain that overexpresses norA, in an ethidium bromide efflux inhibition assay. The same compounds, in combination with ciprofloxacin, were able to completely restore its antibacterial activity against both S. aureus SA-K2378 and SA-1199B, norA-overexpressing strains. © 2011 American Chemical Society

A prototype Crew Medical Restraint System (CMRS) for Space Station Freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, S. L.; Eichstadt, F. T.; Billica, R. D.

1992-01-01

The Crew Medical Restrain System (CMRS) is a prototype system designed and developed for use as a universally deployable medical restraint/workstation on Space Station Freedom (SSF), the Shuttle Transportation System (STS), and the Assured Crew Rescue Vehicle (ACRV) for support of an ill or injured crewmember requiring stabilization and transportation to Earth. The CMRS will support all medical capabilities of the Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) by providing a restraint/interface system for all equipment (advance life support packs, defibrillator, ventilator, portable oxygen supply, IV pump, transport monitor, transport aspirator, and intervenous fluids delivery system) and personnel (patient and crew medical officers). It must be functional within the STS, ACRV, and all SSF habitable volumes. The CMRS will allow for medical capabilities within CPR, ACLS and ATLS standards of care. This must all be accomplished for a worst case transport time scenario of 24 hours from SSF to a definitive medical care facility on Earth. A presentation of the above design prototype with its subsequent one year SSF/HMF and STS/ACRV high fidelity mock-up ground based simulation testing will be given. Also, parabolic flight and underwater Weightless Test Facility evaluations will be demonstrated for various medical contingencies. The final design configuration to date will be discussed with future space program impact considerations.

Concentrated solar power on demand demonstration: Construction and operation of a 25 kW prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gil, Antoni; Codd, Daniel S.; Zhou, Lei; Trumper, David; Calvet, Nicolas; Slocum, Alexander H.

2016-05-01

Currently, the majority of concentrated solar power (CSP) plants built worldwide integrate thermal energy storage (TES) systems which enable dispatchable output and higher global plant efficiencies. TES systems are typically based on two tank molten salt technology which involves inherent drawbacks such as parasitic pumping losses and electric tracing of pipes, risk of solidification and high capital costs. The concept presented in this paper is based on a single tank where the concentrated sunlight is directly focused on the molten salt. Hot and cold volumes of salt (at 565 °C and 280 °C, respectively) are axially separated by an insulated divider plate which helps maintain the thermal gradient. The concept, based on existing technologies, seeks to avoid the listed drawbacks as well as reducing the final cost of the TES system. In order to demonstrate its feasibility, Masdar Institute (MI) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing a 25 kW prototype to be tested in the Masdar Solar Platform beam down facility.

A tunable, double-wavelength heterodyne detection interferometer with frequency-locked diode-pumped Nd:YAG sources for absolute measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gelmini, E.; Minoni, U.; Docchio, F.

1995-08-01

A double heterodyne interferometric instrument using a tunable synthetic wavelength for the absolute measurements of distance and position is presented. The optical synthetic wavelength is generated by a pair of PZT-tunable diode-pumped Nd:YAG lasers operating at 1.064 μm. Based on a closed-loop scheme, a suitable electronic circuit has been developed to implement the frequency locking of the two lasers. A digital frequency comparator provides an error signal, used to control the slave laser, by comparing the laser beat frequency to a reference oscillator. Demodulation of the superheterodyne signals is obtained by a rf detector followed by low-pass filtering. Distance measurements are obtained by a digital phase meter gauging the phase difference between the demodulated signals from a measuring interferometer and from a reference interferometer. The paper presents the optical and the electronic layouts of the instrument as well as experimental results from a laboratory prototype.

Demonstration of motionless Knudsen pump based micro-gas chromatography featuring micro-fabricated columns and on-column detectors.

PubMed

Liu, Jing; Gupta, Naveen K; Wise, Kensall D; Gianchandani, Yogesh B; Fan, Xudong

2011-10-21

This paper reports the investigation of a micro-gas chromatography (μGC) system that utilizes an array of miniaturized motionless Knudsen pumps (KPs) as well as microfabricated separation columns and optical detectors. A prototype system was built to achieve a flow rate of 1 mL min(-1) and 0.26 mL min(-1) for helium and dry air, respectively, when they were used as carrier gas. This system was then employed to evaluate GC performance compromises and demonstrate the ability to separate and detect gas mixtures containing analytes of different volatilities and polarities. Furthermore, the use of pressure programming of the KP array was demonstrated to significantly shorten the analysis time while maintaining a high detection resolution. Using this method, we obtained a high resolution detection of 5 alkanes of different volatilities within 5 min. Finally, we successfully detected gas mixtures of various polarities using a tandem-column μGC configuration by installing two on-column optical detectors to obtain complementary chromatograms.

Commercial Absorption Heat Pump Water Heater: Beta Prototype Evaluation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Geoghegan, Patrick; Ally, Moonis; Sharma, Vishaldeep

2016-10-14

The Beta version of the Commercial Absorption Heat Pump (CAHP) water heater was evaluated in the environmental chambers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Ambient air conditions ranged from 17 to 75 oF and inlet water temperatures ranged from 100 to 120oF in order to capture trends in performance. The unit was operated under full fire (100%) and partial fire (55%). The unit was found to perform at 90% of the project goal at the design conditions of 47oF ambient and 100oF water temperatures. The trends across the full range of environmental conditions were as expected for ambient air temperatures abovemore » 32oF. Below this temperature and for the full fire condition, frost accumulated on the evaporator coil. In future work a defrost strategy will be enabled, the unit will be thoroughly cleaned of an oil contamination and the rectifier will be reconfigured in order to meet the design goals and have a field test unit ready in early 2017.« less

Energy Harvesting from Human Motion Using Footstep-Induced Airflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, H.; Xu, R.; Seto, K.; Yeatman, E. M.; Kim, S. G.

2015-12-01

This paper presents an unobtrusive in-shoe energy harvester converting foot-strike energy into electricity to power wearable or portable devices. An air-pumped turbine system is developed to address the issues of the limited vertical deformation of shoes and the low frequency of human motion that impede harvesting energy from this source. The air pump is employed to convert the vertical foot-strike motion into airflow. The generated airflow passes through the miniaturized wind turbine whose transduction is realized by an electromagnetic generator. Energy is extracted from the generator with a higher frequency than that of footsteps, boosting the output power of the device. The turbine casing is specifically designed to enable the device to operate continuously with airflow in both directions. A prototype was fabricated and then tested under different situations. A 6 mW peak power output was obtained with a 4.9 Ω load. The achievable power from this design was estimated theoretically for understanding and further improvement.

A knowledge-based support system for mechanical ventilation of the lungs. The KUSIVAR concept and prototype.

PubMed

Rudowski, R; Frostell, C; Gill, H

1989-09-01

The KUSIVAR is an expert system for mechanical ventilation of adult patients suffering from respiratory insufficiency. Its main objective is to provide guidance in respirator management. The knowledge base includes both qualitative, rule-based knowledge and quantitative knowledge expressed in the form of mathematical models (expert control) which is used for prediction of arterial gas tensions and optimization purposes. The system is data driven and uses a forward chaining mechanism for rule invocation. The interaction with the user will be performed in advisory, critiquing, semi-automatic and automatic modes. The system is at present in an advanced prototype stage. Prototyping is performed using KEE (Knowledge Engineering Environment) on a Sperry Explorer workstation. For further development and clinical use the expert system will be downloaded to an advanced PC. The system is intended to support therapy with a Siemens-Elema Servoventilator 900 C.

A novel high temperature superconducting magnetic flux pump for MRI magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Zhiming; Yan, Guo; Wu, Chunli; Ding, Shufang; Chen, Chuan

2010-10-01

This paper presents a kind of minitype magnetic flux pump made of high temperature superconductor. This kind of novel high temperature superconducting (HTS) flux pump has not any mechanical revolving parts or thermal switches. The excitation current of copper coils in magnetic pole system is controlled by a singlechip. The structure design and operational principle have been described. The operating performance of the new model magnetic flux pump has been preliminarily tested. The experiments show that the maximum pumping current is approximately 200 A for Bi2223 flux pump and 80 A for MgB 2 flux pump operating at 20 K. By comparison, it is discovered that the operating temperature range is wider, the ripple is smaller and the pumping frequency is higher in Bi2223 flux pump than those in MgB 2 flux pump. These results indicate that the newly developed Bi2223 magnetic flux pump may efficiently compensate the magnetic field decay in HTS magnet and make the magnet operate in persistent current mode, this point is significant to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnets. This new flux pump is under construction presently. It is expected that the Bi2223 flux pump would be applied to the superconducting MRI magnets by further optimizing structure and improving working process.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prescott, Ryan; Marger, Bernard L.; Chiu, Ailsa

During the second iteration of the US NDC Modernization Elaboration phase (E2), the SNL US NDC Modernization project team completed follow-on COTS surveys & exploratory prototyping related to the Object Storage & Distribution (OSD) mechanism, and the processing control software infrastructure. This report summarizes the E2 prototyping work.

Self-actuated nuclear reactor shutdown system using induction pump to facilitate sensing of core coolant temperature

DOEpatents

Sievers, Robert K.; Cooper, Martin H.; Tupper, Robert B.

1987-01-01

A self-actuated shutdown system incorporated into a reactivity control assembly in a nuclear reactor includes pumping means for creating an auxiliary downward flow of a portion of the heated coolant exiting from the fuel assemblies disposed adjacent to the control assembly. The shutdown system includes a hollow tubular member which extends through the outlet of the control assembly top nozzle so as to define an outer annular flow channel through the top nozzle outlet separate from an inner flow channel for primary coolant flow through the control assembly. Also, a latching mechanism is disposed in an inner duct of the control assembly and is operable for holding absorber bundles in a raised position in the control assembly and for releasing them to drop them into the core of the reactor for shutdown purposes. The latching mechanism has an inner flow passage extending between and in flow communication with the absorber bundles and the inner flow channel of the top nozzle for accommodating primary coolant flow upwardly through the control assembly. Also, an outer flow passage separate from the inner flow passage extends through the latching mechanism between and in flow communication with the inner duct and the outer flow channel of the top nozzle for accommodating inflow of a portion of the heated coolant from the adjacent fuel assemblies. The latching mechanism contains a magnetic material sensitive to temperature and operable to cause mating or latching together of the components of the latching mechanism when the temperature sensed is below a known temperature and unmating or unlatching thereof when the temperature sensed is above a given temperature. The temperature sensitive magnetic material is positioned in communication with the heated coolant flow through the outer flow passage for directly sensing the temperature thereof. Finally, the pumping means includes a jet induction pump nozzle and diffuser disposed adjacent the bottom nozzle of the control assembly and in flow communication with the inlet thereof. The pump nozzle is operable to create an upward driving flow of primary coolant through the pump diffuser and then to the absorber bundles. The upward driving flow of primary coolant, in turn, creates a suction head within the outer flow channel of the top nozzle and thereby an auxiliary downward flow of the heated coolant portion exiting from the upper end of the adjacent fuel assemblies through the outer flow channel to the pump nozzle via the outer flow passage of the latching mechanism and an annular space between the outer and inner spaced ducts of the control assembly housing. The temperature of the heated coolant exiting from the adjacent fuel assemblies can thereby be sensed directly by the temperature sensitive magnetic material in the latching mechanism.

Operation analysis of a Chebyshev-Pantograph leg mechanism for a single DOF biped robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Conghui; Ceccarelli, Marco; Takeda, Yukio

2012-12-01

In this paper, operation analysis of a Chebyshev-Pantograph leg mechanism is presented for a single degree of freedom (DOF) biped robot. The proposed leg mechanism is composed of a Chebyshev four-bar linkage and a pantograph mechanism. In contrast to general fully actuated anthropomorphic leg mechanisms, the proposed leg mechanism has peculiar features like compactness, low-cost, and easy-operation. Kinematic equations of the proposed leg mechanism are formulated for a computer oriented simulation. Simulation results show the operation performance of the proposed leg mechanism with suitable characteristics. A parametric study has been carried out to evaluate the operation performance as function of design parameters. A prototype of a single DOF biped robot equipped with two proposed leg mechanisms has been built at LARM (Laboratory of Robotics and Mechatronics). Experimental test shows practical feasible walking ability of the prototype, as well as drawbacks are discussed for the mechanical design.

Paper pump for passive and programmable transport

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiao; Hagen, Joshua A.; Papautsky, Ian

2013-01-01

In microfluidic systems, a pump for fluid-driving is often necessary. To keep the size of microfluidic systems small, a pump that is small in size, light-weight and needs no external power source is advantageous. In this work, we present a passive, simple, ultra-low-cost, and easily controlled pumping method based on capillary action of paper that pumps fluid through conventional polymer-based microfluidic channels with steady flow rate. By using inexpensive cutting tools, paper can be shaped and placed at the outlet port of a conventional microfluidic channel, providing a wide range of pumping rates. A theoretical model was developed to describe the pumping mechanism and aid in the design of paper pumps. As we show, paper pumps can provide steady flow rates from 0.3 μl/s to 1.7 μl/s and can be cascaded to achieve programmable flow-rate tuning during the pumping process. We also successfully demonstrate transport of the most common biofluids (urine, serum, and blood). With these capabilities, the paper pump has the potential to become a powerful fluid-driving approach that will benefit the fielding of microfluidic systems for point-of-care applications. PMID:24403999

Investigation of Enersave series 500 pump. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, P.R.

A new type of pump to be used as a stripper pump for oil wells has been developed by Enersave Pumps, Incorporated of Roswell, New Mexico. The Enersave 500 pump has no moving mechanical parts between the down-hole pistons which lift the fluid and the driving unit at the surface. Rather, a pressure pulse created by the driving unit, usually called the pulser, is transmitted through the fluid in the well string to the down-hole unit and creates the pumping action. Object of the project was to optimize the configuration of the pump, that is, increase the production flow ratemore » while minimizing the energy consumption needed to obtain this flow rate. New Mexico State University's role in this project was to model the pump using computer techniques to provide guidelines for improvement in pump design, to supervise the performance of field and bench testing of the redesigned versions of the pump to validate the actual performance of the pump, and to provide a life cycle cost analysis of the pump. Experimental results at depths to as much as 1729 feet show that the redesigned pump will deliver 3 gpm with an average power input of about 1 hp. The energy requirements of the Enersave 500 pump are on the average 25% lower than the energy requirements of an equivalent pump-jack, the typical pump now used in the oil fields for stripper well operation. Further, a life cycle cost analysis of the Enersave 500 pump compared to an equivalent pump-jack shows the Enersave 500 pump to be more economical to purchase and operate.« less

Theoretical analysis of fused tapered side-pumping combiner for all-fiber lasers and amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Chengmin; Chen, Zilun; Leng, Jinyong; Gu, Yanran; Hou, Jing

2017-05-01

We report detailed theoretical analysis on the influence of the fused depth, launch mode and taper ratio on the performance of side-pumping combiner. The theoretical analysis indicates that the coupling efficiency and loss mechanism of the combiner is closely related to the fused depth, tapering ratio and the launch mode. Experimentally, we fabricate combiners consisting of two pump fibers (220/242 μm, NA=0.22) and a signal fiber (20/400 μm, NA=0.46). The combined pump coupling efficiency of two pump port is 97.2% with the maximum power handling of 1.8 kW and the insertion signal loss is less than 3%.

Identification and evolution of drug efflux pump in clinical Enterobacter aerogenes strains isolated in 1995 and 2003.

PubMed

Chevalier, Jacqueline; Mulfinger, Céline; Garnotel, Eric; Nicolas, Pierre; Davin-Régli, Anne; Pagès, Jean-Marie

2008-09-12

The high mortality impact of infectious diseases will increase due to accelerated evolution of antibiotic resistance in important human pathogens. Development of antibiotic resistance is a evolutionary process inducing the erosion of the effectiveness of our arsenal of antibiotics. Resistance is not necessarily limited to a single class of antibacterial agents but may affect many unrelated compounds; this is termed 'multidrug resistance' (MDR). The major mechanism of MDR is the active expulsion of drugs by bacterial pumps; the treatment of gram negative bacterial infections is compromised due to resistance mechanisms including the expression of efflux pumps that actively expel various usual antibiotics (beta-lactams, quinolones, ...). Enterobacter aerogenes has emerged among Enterobacteriaceae associated hospital infections during the last twenty years due to its faculty of adaptation to antibiotic stresses. Clinical isolates of E. aerogenes belonging to two strain collections isolated in 1995 and 2003 respectively, were screened to assess the involvement of efflux pumps in antibiotic resistance. Drug susceptibility assays were performed on all bacterial isolates and an efflux pump inhibitor (PAbetaN) previously characterized allowed to decipher the role of efflux in the resistance. Accumulation of labelled chloramphenicol was monitored in the presence of an energy poison to determine the involvement of active efflux on the antibiotic intracellular concentrations. The presence of the PAbetaN-susceptible efflux system was also identified in resistant E. aerogenes strains. For the first time a noticeable increase in clinical isolates containing an efflux mechanism susceptible to pump inhibitor is report within an 8 year period. After the emergence of extended spectrum beta-lactamases in E. aerogenes and the recent characterisation of porin mutations in clinical isolates, this study describing an increase in inhibitor-susceptible efflux throws light on a new step in the evolution of mechanism in E. aerogenes.

Identification and Evolution of Drug Efflux Pump in Clinical Enterobacter aerogenes Strains Isolated in 1995 and 2003

PubMed Central

Garnotel, Eric; Nicolas, Pierre; Davin-Régli, Anne; Pagès, Jean-Marie

2008-01-01

Background The high mortality impact of infectious diseases will increase due to accelerated evolution of antibiotic resistance in important human pathogens. Development of antibiotic resistance is a evolutionary process inducing the erosion of the effectiveness of our arsenal of antibiotics. Resistance is not necessarily limited to a single class of antibacterial agents but may affect many unrelated compounds; this is termed ‘multidrug resistance’ (MDR). The major mechanism of MDR is the active expulsion of drugs by bacterial pumps; the treatment of Gram negative bacterial infections is compromised due to resistance mechanisms including the expression of efflux pumps that actively expel various usual antibiotics (ß-lactams, quinolones, …). Methodology/Principal Findings Enterobacter aerogenes has emerged among Enterobacteriaceae associated hospital infections during the last twenty years due to its faculty of adaptation to antibiotic stresses. Clinical isolates of E. aerogenes belonging to two strain collections isolated in 1995 and 2003 respectively, were screened to assess the involvement of efflux pumps in antibiotic resistance. Drug susceptibility assays were performed on all bacterial isolates and an efflux pump inhibitor (PAßN) previously characterized allowed to decipher the role of efflux in the resistance. Accumulation of labelled chloramphenicol was monitored in the presence of an energy poison to determine the involvement of active efflux on the antibiotic intracellular concentrations. The presence of the PAßN-susceptible efflux system was also identified in resistant E. aerogenes strains. Conclusions/Significance For the first time a noticeable increase in clinical isolates containing an efflux mechanism susceptible to pump inhibitor is report within an 8 year period. After the emergence of extended spectrum ß-lactamases in E. aerogenes and the recent characterisation of porin mutations in clinical isolates, this study describing an increase in inhibitor-susceptible efflux throws light on a new step in the evolution of mechanism in E. aerogenes. PMID:18787654

76 FR 66685 - Foreign-Trade Zone 37-Orange County, NY, Application for Subzone, ITT Water Technology, Inc...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-27

... (representing 39% of the value of the finished pumps) include: electric motors, pump parts, mechanical seals, plastic o-rings, rubber o-rings, shafts, flanges, motor and shaft couplings, and fasteners (duty rates...

Analysis of sub-bandage pressure of compression bandages during exercise.

PubMed

Kumar, B; Das, A; Alagirusamy, R

2012-11-01

The sub-bandage pressure produced by any compression bandaging system is likely to vary during the physical activities taken by the patient. It is of significant importance to understand the variation of sub-bandage pressure during the exercise of calf muscle pump. The present paper aims to analyse the dominating factors and their interactions on the sub-bandage pressure during exercise. In this work the circumferential change of the leg because of the exercise of the calf muscle pump (expansion or contraction) is simulated using expansion or contraction actions of an air bladder placed on a mannequin. The study has been carried out using an indigenously developed prototype by pumping or squeezing of air in air bladder using cylinder-piston arrangement. A series of commercially available bandages were studied and the impact of the major factors, namely bandage extensibility (E), bandage tension (T) and the amount of bladder expansion or contraction (A) on the sub-bandage pressure during one cycle of expansion or contraction of air bladder have been analysed. Different levels of the factors have been chosen and a complete factorial design was prepared to obtain the sub-bandage pressure at all combination of the levels of the factors. The results showed that the sub-bandage pressure variations were higher for short-stretch bandage under dynamic mode (p value < 0.05). The variation in sub-bandage pressure were increased by increasing the amount of expansion or contraction of the air bladder and also increased when the bandage was wrapped at higher tension level (p-value < 0.05). N-way ANOVA results showed that some of the interactions effects of these above factors (EA and AT) also significantly affecting the sub-bandage pressure variations (p-value < 0.05). The prototype provides a simpler method to assess the bandage behaviour under different conditions without doing in vivo sub-bandage pressure measurement, and hence could be used to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different compression bandage under different conditions, prior to their application on the wounded leg. Copyright © 2012 Tissue Viability Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The motions of hinged-barge systems in regular seas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraemer, David Robert Burke

Harnessing the oceans' vast, clean, and renewable energy to do useful work is a tempting prospect. For over a century, wave-energy conversion devices have been proposed, but none has emerged as a clearly practical and economical solution. One promising system is the McCabe Wave Pump (MWP), an articulated-barge system consisting of three barges hinged together with a large horizontal plate attached below the central barge. Water pumps are driven by the relative pitching motions of the barges excited by ocean waves. This high-pressure water can be used to produce potable water or electricity. A simulation of the motions of a generic hinged-barge system is developed. The equations of motion are developed so that the nonlinear interactions between the barges are included. The simulation is general so that it can be used to study other hinged-barge systems, such as causeway ferry systems or floating airports. The simulation is used to predict the motions of a scale model that was studied in wave-tank experiments. In the experimental study, it was observed that the plate attached to the central barge acted as a pendulum. It was also observed that the phases of the pitching motions of the barges was such that the motions were enhanced by the pendulum effect at all of the wave periods studied. Hence, the increased angular displacements produced greater relative pitching motions which would lead to higher volume rates of pumped water in the operational system. The numerical simulations are found to predict the pendulum effect. In addition, the theory predicted that the after barge motions were significantly less than those of the forward barge, as was observed in the experimental study. The good agreement between the two data sets gives confidence in the ability of the theory to predict the performance of the MWP prototype. The motions of the MWP prototype in regular ocean waves are predicted by the simulation, and its performance is calculated. By modifying the length of the system to be compatible with the wavelength for maximum pitching excitation, the power output of the system is shown to increase by more than 150%.

Improvement of pump tubes for gas guns and shock tube drivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogdanoff, D. W.

1990-01-01

In a pump tube, a gas is mechanically compressed, producing very high pressures and sound speeds. The intensely heated gas produced in such a tube can be used to drive light gas guns and shock tubes. Three concepts are presented that have the potential to allow substantial reductions in the size and mass of the pump tube to be achieved. The first concept involves the use of one or more diaphragms in the pump tube, thus replacing a single compression process by multiple, successive compressions. The second concept involves a radical reduction in the length-to-diameter ratio of the pump tube and the pump tube piston. The third concept involves shock heating of the working gas by high explosives in a cyclindrical geometry reusable device. Preliminary design analyses are performed on all three concepts and they appear to be quite feasible. Reductions in the length and mass of the pump tube by factors up to about 11 and about 7, respectively, are predicted, relative to a benchmark conventional pump tube.

Designing clinically valuable telehealth resources: processes to develop a community-based palliative care prototype.

PubMed

Tieman, Jennifer Joy; Morgan, Deidre Diane; Swetenham, Kate; To, Timothy Hong Man; Currow, David Christopher

2014-09-04

Changing population demography and patterns of disease are increasing demands on the health system. Telehealth is seen as providing a mechanism to support community-based care, thus reducing pressure on hospital services and supporting consumer preferences for care in the home. This study examined the processes involved in developing a prototype telehealth intervention to support palliative care patients involved with a palliative care service living in the community. The challenges and considerations in developing the palliative care telehealth prototype were reviewed against the Center for eHealth Research (CeHRes) framework, a telehealth development model. The project activities to develop the prototype were specifically mapped against the model's first four phases: multidisciplinary project management, contextual inquiry, value specification, and design. This project has been developed as part of the Telehealth in the Home: Aged and Palliative Care in South Australia initiative. Significant issues were identified and subsequently addressed during concept and prototype development. The CeHRes approach highlighted the implicit diversity in views and opinions among participants and stakeholders and enabled issues to be considered, resolved, and incorporated during design through continuous engagement. The CeHRes model provided a mechanism that facilitated "better" solutions in the development of the palliative care prototype by addressing the inherent but potentially unrecognized differences in values and beliefs of participants. This collaboration enabled greater interaction and exchange among participants resulting in a more useful and clinically valuable telehealth prototype.

A Cost-effective and Reliable Method to Predict Mechanical Stress in Single-use and Standard Pumps

PubMed Central

Dittler, Ina; Dornfeld, Wolfgang; Schöb, Reto; Cocke, Jared; Rojahn, Jürgen; Kraume, Matthias; Eibl, Dieter

2015-01-01

Pumps are mainly used when transferring sterile culture broths in biopharmaceutical and biotechnological production processes. However, during the pumping process shear forces occur which can lead to qualitative and/or quantitative product loss. To calculate the mechanical stress with limited experimental expense, an oil-water emulsion system was used, whose suitability was demonstrated for drop size detections in bioreactors1. As drop breakup of the oil-water emulsion system is a function of mechanical stress, drop sizes need to be counted over the experimental time of shear stress investigations. In previous studies, the inline endoscopy has been shown to be an accurate and reliable measurement technique for drop size detections in liquid/liquid dispersions. The aim of this protocol is to show the suitability of the inline endoscopy technique for drop size measurements in pumping processes. In order to express the drop size, the Sauter mean diameter d32 was used as the representative diameter of drops in the oil-water emulsion. The results showed low variation in the Sauter mean diameters, which were quantified by standard deviations of below 15%, indicating the reliability of the measurement technique. PMID:26274765

DESIGN AND PROTOTYPE OF A SUSTAINABLE EGG-WASHER

EPA Science Inventory

This project is part of the senior design course for Engineering Science and Mechanics at Virginia Tech. Anticipated results will be a working prototype chosen from multiple designs. We will include test results supporting our selection. We will characterize the stresses ex...

Advanced software development workstation: Knowledge base methodology: Methodology for first Engineering Script Language (ESL) knowledge base

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peeris, Kumar; Izygon, Michel

1993-01-01

This report explains some of the concepts of the ESL prototype and summarizes some of the lessons learned in using the prototype for implementing the Flight Mechanics Tool Kit (FMToolKit) series of Ada programs.

Synthetic Aperture Imaging Polarimeter: Postprint

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

mechanical design of the SAlP prototype revol .... es around the concept of a modular array. The modular aspect allows for the array to be built in...imagery of source . The top row images are of the actual fringe pattern incident on the SAlP prototype array. These pictures were taken through the...processed images associated with each of the inputs. The results demonstrated that the SAlP prototype array works in conjunction with the algorithm

Exhaust Plume Measurements of the VASIMR VX-200

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longmier, Benjamin; Bering, Edgar, III; Squire, Jared; Glover, Tim; Chang-Diaz, Franklin; Brukardt, Michael

2008-11-01

Recent progress is discussed in the development of an advanced RF electric propulsion concept: the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) VX-200 engine, a 200 kW flight-technology prototype. Results from high power Helicon only and Helicon with ICRH experiments are performed on the VX-200 using argon plasma. Recent measurements of axial plasma density and potential profiles, magnetic field-line shaping, charge exchange, and force measurements taken in the plume of the VX-200 exhaust are made within a new 125 cubic meter cryo-pumped vacuum chamber and are presented in the context of RF plasma thruster physics.

An Open-path Laser Transmissometer for Atmospheric Extinction Measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chandran, P. M. Satheesh; Krishnakumar, C. P.; Varma, Ravi

2011-10-20

A transmissometer is an optical instrument which measures transmitted intensity of monochromatic light over a fixed pathlength. Prototype of a simple laser transmissometer has been developed for transmission (or extinction) measurements through suspended absorbers and scatterers in the atmosphere over tens of meters. Instrument consists of a continuous green diode pumped solid state laser, transmission optics, photodiode detectors and A/D data acquisition components. A modulated laser beam is transmitted and subsequently reflected and returned to the unit by a retroreflecting mirror assembly placed several tens of meters away. Results from an open-path field measurement of the instrument are described.

Integrated MEMS-tunable VCSELs for reconfigurable optical interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kögel, Benjamin; Debernardi, Pierluigi; Westbergh, Petter; Gustavsson, Johan S.; Haglund, Åsa; Haglund, Erik; Bengtsson, Jörgen; Larsson, Anders

2012-03-01

A simple and low-cost technology for tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with curved movable micromirror is presented. The micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) is integrated with the active optical component (so-called half-VCSEL) by means of surface-micromachining using a reflown photoresist droplet as sacrificial layer. The technology is demonstrated for electrically pumped, short-wavelength (850 nm) tunable VCSELs. Fabricated devices with 10 μm oxide aperture are singlemode with sidemode suppression >35 dB, tunable over 24 nm with output power up to 0.5mW, and have a beam divergence angle <6 °. An improved high-speed design with reduced parasitic capacitance enables direct modulation with 3dB-bandwidths up to 6GHz and error-free data transmission at 5Gbit/s. The modulation response of the MEMS under electrothermal actuation has a bandwidth of 400 Hz corresponding to switching times of about 10ms. The thermal crosstalk between MEMS and half-VCSEL is negligible and not degrading the device performance. With these characteristics the integrated MEMS-tunable VCSELs are basically suitable for use in reconfigurable optical interconnects and ready for test in a prototype system. Schemes for improving output power, tuning speed, and modulation bandwidth are briefly discussed.

Advances in Valveless Piezoelectric Pump with Cone-shaped Tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jian-Hui; Wang, Ying; Huang, Jun

2017-07-01

This paper reviews the development of valveless piezoelectric pump with cone-shaped tube chronologically, which have widely potential application in biomedicine and micro-electro-mechanical systems because of its novel principles and deduces the research direction in the future. Firstly, the history of valveless piezoelectric pumps with cone-shaped tubes is reviewed and these pumps are classified into the following types: single pump with solid structure or plane structure, and combined pump with parallel structure or series structure. Furthermore, the function of each type of cone-shaped tubes and pump structures are analyzed, and new directions of potential expansion of valveless piezoelectric pumps with cone-shaped tubes are summarized and deduced. The historical argument, which is provided by the literatures, that for a valveless piezoelectric pump with cone-shaped tubes, cone angle determines the flow resistance and the flow resistance determines the flow direction. The argument is discussed in the reviewed pumps one by one, and proved to be convincing. Finally, it is deduced that bionics is pivotal in the development of valveless piezoelectric pump with cone-shaped tubes from the perspective of evolution of biological structure. This paper summarizes the current valveless piezoelectric pumps with cone-shaped tubes and points out the future development, which may provide guidance for the research of piezoelectric actuators.

The Causes and Prevention Measures of Stuck Pump Phenomenon of Rod-pumped Well in CBM Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yonggui, Mei

2018-02-01

In the process of CBM field exploitation, in order to realize the drainage equipment to work continuous stably, the article pays attention to study and solve the stuck pump problem, and aim of reducing reservoir damage and lowing production costs. Through coal particles stuck pump experiment and sediment composition analysis, we find out five primary cause of stuck pump phenomenon: sand from coal seam, sediment from ground, iron corrosion, iron scrap caused by eccentric wear, coal cake. According to stuck pump mechanism, the article puts forward 8 measures to prevent stuck pump phenomenon, and the measures are focused on technology optimization, operation management and drainage process control. After 7 years production practice, the yearly stuck pump rate has dropped from 8.9% to 1.2%, and the pump inspection period has prolonged 2 times. The experiment result shows that pure coal particles cannot cause stuck pump, but sand, scrap iron, and iron corrosion are the primary cause of stuck pump. The article study and design the new pipe string structure that the bottom of the pipe string is open. This kind of pipe string applied the sedimentation terminal velocity theory to solve the stuck pump phenomenon, and it can be widely used in CBM drainage development.

Development of Experimental Setup of Metal Rapid Prototyping Machine using Selective Laser Sintering Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, S. N.; Mulay, A. V.; Ahuja, B. B.

2018-04-01

Unlike in the traditional manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing as rapid prototyping, allows designers to produce parts that were previously considered too complex to make economically. The shift is taking place from plastic prototype to fully functional metallic parts by direct deposition of metallic powders as produced parts can be directly used for desired purpose. This work is directed towards the development of experimental setup of metal rapid prototyping machine using selective laser sintering and studies the various parameters, which plays important role in the metal rapid prototyping using SLS technique. The machine structure in mainly divided into three main categories namely, (1) Z-movement of bed and table, (2) X-Y movement arrangement for LASER movements and (3) feeder mechanism. Z-movement of bed is controlled by using lead screw, bevel gear pair and stepper motor, which will maintain the accuracy of layer thickness. X-Y movements are controlled using timing belt and stepper motors for precise movements of LASER source. Feeder mechanism is then developed to control uniformity of layer thickness metal powder. Simultaneously, the study is carried out for selection of material. Various types of metal powders can be used for metal RP as Single metal powder, mixture of two metals powder, and combination of metal and polymer powder. Conclusion leads to use of mixture of two metals powder to minimize the problems such as, balling effect and porosity. Developed System can be validated by conducting various experiments on manufactured part to check mechanical and metallurgical properties. After studying the results of these experiments, various process parameters as LASER properties (as power, speed etc.), and material properties (as grain size and structure etc.) will be optimized. This work is mainly focused on the design and development of cost effective experimental setup of metal rapid prototyping using SLS technique which will gives the feel of metal rapid prototyping process and its important parameters.

Engineering microbial biofuel tolerance and export using efflux pumps

PubMed Central

Dunlop, Mary J; Dossani, Zain Y; Szmidt, Heather L; Chu, Hou Cheng; Lee, Taek Soon; Keasling, Jay D; Hadi, Masood Z; Mukhopadhyay, Aindrila

2011-01-01

Many compounds being considered as candidates for advanced biofuels are toxic to microorganisms. This introduces an undesirable trade-off when engineering metabolic pathways for biofuel production because the engineered microbes must balance production against survival. Cellular export systems, such as efflux pumps, provide a direct mechanism for reducing biofuel toxicity. To identify novel biofuel pumps, we used bioinformatics to generate a list of all efflux pumps from sequenced bacterial genomes and prioritized a subset of targets for cloning. The resulting library of 43 pumps was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, where we tested it against seven representative biofuels. By using a competitive growth assay, we efficiently distinguished pumps that improved survival. For two of the fuels (n-butanol and isopentanol), none of the pumps improved tolerance. For all other fuels, we identified pumps that restored growth in the presence of biofuel. We then tested a beneficial pump directly in a production strain and demonstrated that it improved biofuel yields. Our findings introduce new tools for engineering production strains and utilize the increasingly large database of sequenced genomes. PMID:21556065

Materials Selection and Their Characteristics as Used in Rapid Prototyping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, K.; Salvail, P.; Vesely, E.; Wells, D.

1999-01-01

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) conducted a program to evaluate six technologies used in Rapid Prototyping (RP) to produce investment casting patterns. In this paper, RP refers to the collective additive fabrication technologies known as Solid Free-Form Fabrication. Such technologies are being used with increasing frequency in manufacturing applications, due in part to their rapidly expanding capabilities to fabricate models from many types of materials. This study used ABS plastic, polycarbonate, TrueForm PM6, epoxy resin, paper, starch, and wax. The baseline model was a semi-complex prototype fuel pump housing, intended for use in the X-33 reusable launch vehicle. All models were shelled in a production- grade colloidal silica ceramic. Primary coats were zircon-base flour with zircon backup, while secondary coats were silica grains with a tabular alumina backup. Each model was shelled in an identical manner, using the same atmospheric conditions and drying times, as well as the same number of layers. Bake-outs and firing cycles were consistent with the leach ability of each material. Preheat and bath temperatures were also kept consistent. All molds were cast in vacuum using a hydrogen-resistant superalloy (NASA- 23) that was developed in-house. The final technical evaluation included detailed measurements of the model and the final casting, in order to determine any dimensional changes caused by different pattern materials, as well as documentation of all defects and any obvious refractory/model reactions. Prototype production costs were estimated for each method and taken into consideration during trade-off analysis.

Development of a self-healing soft pneumatic actuator: a first concept.

PubMed

Terryn, Seppe; Mathijssen, Glenn; Brancart, Joost; Lefeber, Dirk; Assche, Guy Van; Vanderborght, Bram

2015-07-07

Inspired by the intrinsic softness and the corresponding embodied intelligence principles, soft pneumatic actuators (SPA) have been developed, which ensure safe interaction in unstructured, unknown environments. Due to their intrinsic softness, these actuators have the ability to resist large mechanical impacts. However, the soft materials used in these structures are in general susceptible to damage caused by sharp objects found in the unstructured environments. This paper proposes to integrate a self-healing (SH-) mechanism in SPAs, such that cuts, tears and perforations in the actuator can be self-healed. Diels-Alder (DA-) polymers, covalent polymer network systems based on the thermoreversible DA-reaction, were selected and their mechanical, as well as SH-properties, are described. To evaluate the feasibility of developing an SPA constructed out of SH-material, a single cell prototype, a SH-soft pneumatic cell (SH-SPC), was constructed entirely out of DA-polymers. Exploiting the SH-property of the DA-polymers, a completely new shaping process is presented in this paper, referred to as 'shaping through folding and self-healing'. 3D polygon structures, like the cubic SH-SPC, can be constructed by folding SH-polymer sheet. The sides of the structures can be sealed and made airtight using a SH-procedure at relatively low temperatures (<90 °C). Both the (thermo) mechanical and SH-properties of the SH-SPC prototype were experimentally validated and showed excellent performances. Macroscopic incisions in the prototype were completely healed using a SH-procedure (<70 °C). Starting from this single-cell prototype, it is straight-forward to develop a multi-cell prototype, the first SPA ever built completely out of SH-polymers.

Automatic protective vent has fail-safe feature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dameron, C. E.

1966-01-01

Delayed vent valve system in a mechanical backing pump in a vacuum system allows the pneumatic foreline valve to seal before the pump vent opens. The system is designed to be fail-safe and operate even though there is loss of electrical power.

Non-invasive assessment of thromboembolism in rotary blood pumps: case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gawlikowski, Maciej; Kustosz, Roman; Głowacki, Maciej; Pydziński, Paweł; Kubacki, Krzysztof; Zakliczyński, Michał; Copik, Izabela; Pacholewicz, Jerzy

2017-08-01

Thromboembolic complications are one of the major problems in mechanical heart support of patients suffering from critical heart failure. The goal of the study was to present and discuss methodology of non-invasive assessment of embolization in rotary blood pumps. The study was carried out based on power consumption trend analysis as well as spectral analysis of acoustic signal produced by the pump during its operation. It has been demonstrated that the trend of power rising and presence of 3rd harmonic in acoustic spectrum corresponds to the clinical symptoms of pump embolization.

Research on radiation induced laser plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, R. T.; Rowe, M. J.; Carter, B. D.; Walters, R. A.; Cox, J. D.; Liang, R.; Roxey, T.; Zapata, L.

1979-01-01

The development of high power nuclear pumped lasers is discussed. The excitation mechanism of continuous wave (CW) HeNe nuclear pumped lasers is studied and a CO2 nuclear pumped laser is used to demonstrate the CW output in the order of watts. The assumption that high power densities are only achievable by volume fission fragment sources is used to identify laser gases which are compatible with UF6 by excited states lifetime measurements. The examination of Xe2, XeF, and KrF under nuclear irradiation to determine if they are good candidates for nuclear-pumped lasers is described.

Tracking of the nuclear wavepacket motion in cyanine photoisomerization by ultrafast pump-dump-probe spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wei, Zhengrong; Nakamura, Takumi; Takeuchi, Satoshi; Tahara, Tahei

2011-06-01

Understanding ultrafast reactions, which proceed on a time scale of nuclear motions, requires a quantitative characterization of the structural dynamics. To track such structural changes with time, we studied a nuclear wavepacket motion in photoisomerization of a prototype cyanine dye, 1,1'-diethyl-4,4'-cyanine, by ultrafast pump-dump-probe measurements in solution. The temporal evolution of wavepacket motion was examined by monitoring the efficiency of stimulated emission dumping, which was obtained from the recovery of a ground-state bleaching signal. The dump efficiency versus pump-dump delay exhibited a finite rise time, and it became longer (97 fs → 330 fs → 390 fs) as the dump pulse was tuned to longer wavelengths (690 nm → 950 nm → 1200 nm). This result demonstrates a continuous migration of the leading edge of the wavepacket on the excited-state potential from the Franck-Condon region toward the potential minimum. A slowly decaying feature of the dump efficiency indicated a considerable broadening of the wavepacket over a wide range of the potential, which results in the spread of a population distribution on the flat S(1) potential energy surface. The rapid migration as well as broadening of the wavepacket manifests a continuous nature of the structural dynamics and provides an intuitive visualization of this ultrafast reaction. We also discussed experimental strategies to evaluate reliable dump efficiencies separately from other ultrafast processes and showed a high capability and possibility of the pump-dump-probe method for spectroscopic investigation of unexplored potential regions such as conical intersections. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Testing of Liquid Metal Components for Nuclear Surface Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K. A.; Pearson, J. B.; Godfroy, T. J.; Schoenfeld, M.; Webster, K.; Briggs, M. H.; Geng, S. M.; Adkins, H. E.; Werner, J. E.

2010-01-01

The capability to perform testing at both the module/component level and in near prototypic reactor configurations using a non-nuclear test methodology allowed for evaluation of two components critical to the development of a potential nuclear fission power system for the lunar surface. A pair of 1 kW Stirling power convertors, similar to the type that would be used in a reactor system to convert heat to electricity, were integrated into a reactor simulator system to determine their performance using pumped NaK as the hot side working fluid. The performance in the pumped-NaK system met or exceed the baseline performance measurements where the converters were electrically heated. At the maximum hot-side temperature of 550 C the maximum output power was 2375 watts. A specially-designed test apparatus was fabricated and used to quantify the performance of an annular linear induction pump that is similar to the type that could be used to circulate liquid metal through the core of a space reactor system. The errors on the measurements were generally much smaller than the magnitude of the measurements, permitting accurate performance evaluation over a wide range of operating conditions. The pump produced flow rates spanning roughly 0.16 to 5.7 l/s (2.5 to 90 GPM), and delta p levels from less than 1 kPa to 90 kPa (greater than 0.145 psi to roughly 13 psi). At the nominal FSP system operating temperature of 525 C the maximum efficiency was just over 4%.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strelnikov, N.; Vasserman, I.; Xu, J.

As part of the R&D program of the LCLS-II project, a novel 3.4-meter-long undulator prototype with horizontal magnetic field and dynamic force compensation has recently been developed at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). Some previous steps in this development were the shorter 0.8-meter-long and 2.8-meter-long prototypes. Extensive mechanical and magnetic testing was carried out for each prototype, and each prototype was magnetically tuned using magnetic shims. Furthermore, the resulting performance of the 3.4-meter-long undulator prototype meets all requirements for the LCLS-II insertion device, including limits on the field integrals, phase errors, higher-order magnetic moments, and electron-beam trajectory for all operationalmore » gaps, as well as the reproducibility and accuracy of the gap settings.« less