| BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120130650 | Path-Dependent Cycle Counting And Multi-Axial Fatigue Evaluation Of Engineering Structures - A method is provided for performing fatigue evaluation of a fatigue prone location of a tangible structure by converting multi-axial loading data of the fatigue prone location of the tangible structure to a set of equivalent constant amplitude loading data for the tangible structure. According to the method, a multi-axial load locus representing the tangible structure is generated. Time-dependent interior turning points R and any corresponding projected turning point R* art identified along the loading path from the point of origin P to the point of termination Q. Half cycles in the loading path are counted by referring to the interior and projected turning points R, R* along the loading path and to the point of origin P and the point of termination Q on the load locus. A stress range Δσ | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120107660 | Redox Flow Batteries Based on Supporting Solutions Comprising a Mixture of Acids - Redox flow battery systems having a supporting solution that contains Cl” ions can exhibit improved performance and characteristics. Furthermore, a supporting solution having mixed SO | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107213 | Energy Storage Devices Having Electrodes Comprising Nanowires - Methods of the present invention can be used to synthesize nanowires with controllable compositions and/or with multiple elements. The methods can include coating solid powder granules, which comprise a first element, with a catalyst. The catalyst and the first element should form when heated a liquid, mixed phase having a eutectic or peritectic point. The granules, which have been coated with the catalyst, can then be heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the eutectic or peritectic point. During heating, a vapor source comprising the second element is introduced. The vapor source chemically interacts with the liquid, mixed phase to consume the first element and to induce condensation of a product that comprises the first and second elements in the form of a nanowire. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106691 | Method and System for Radioisotope Generation - A system and a process for producing selected isotopic daughter products from parent materials characterized by the steps of loading the parent material upon a sorbent having a functional group configured to selectively bind the parent material under designated conditions, generating the selected isotopic daughter products, and eluting said selected isotopic daughter products from the sorbent. In one embodiment, the process also includes the step of passing an eluent formed by the elution step through a second sorbent material that is configured to remove a preselected material from said eluent. In some applications a passage of the material through a third sorbent material after passage through the second sorbent material is also performed. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120100565 | HIGH PRESSURE ENZYMATIC DIGESTION SYSTEM FOR PROTEIN CHARACTERIZATION - A method and system for obtaining samples for proteomic analysis that utilizes pressure and a preselected agent to obtain a processing sample in a significantly shorter period of time than prior art methods and which maintains the integrity of the processing sample through the preparatory process. In one embodiment of the invention, a sample and an enzyme are combined and subjected to a pressure, preferably a pressure cycle range that varies between 0 to 35 kpsi, for a period of time of preferably less than 60 seconds. This process results in producing a sample suitable for analysis, which is preferably introduced to another analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometry instrument, or other device. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120088154 | Graphene-Sulfur Nanocomposites for Rechargeable Lithium-Sulfur Battery Electrodes - Rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries having a cathode that includes a graphene-sulfur nanocomposite can exhibit improved characteristics. The graphene-sulfur nanocomposite can be characterized by graphene sheets with particles of sulfur adsorbed to the graphene sheets. The sulfur particles have an average diameter less than 50 nm. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088133 | PLANAR HIGH DENSITY SODIUM BATTERY - A method of making a molten sodium battery is disclosed. A first metallic interconnect frame having a first interconnect vent hole is provided. A second metallic interconnect frame having a second interconnect vent hole is also provided. An electrolyte plate having a cathode vent hole and an anode vent hole is interposed between the metallic interconnect frames. The metallic interconnect frames and the electrolyte plate are sealed thereby forming gaseous communication between an anode chamber through the anode vent hole and gaseous communication between a cathode chamber through the cathode vent hole. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120082005 | MINER ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION AND LOCATION SYSTEM - A miner communication and locating system is disclosed. Two technologies used in the system include a communicator, and a locator array that may be used with a computer. The communicator portion allows trapped miners to continually signal without physical effort that they have survived a cave-in or explosion in a direct, mechanical, and reliable manner. The locator array receives the communicator signal for use to accurately identify where the survivors are underground, and facilitate their rescue; a computer can be used to calculate the position of the communicator from information provided by a plurality of locators: global positioning system receivers may be used with the locator array. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081929 | High Efficiency and Low Cost High Voltage Power Converter - A low cost, high efficiency, high voltage DC to DC power converter that operates from batteries to provide support to products using Electric Field Effect Technology to generate aerosols. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081704 | FIBER BUNDLE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY, SPATIALLY RESOLVED COUPLING - Optical fibers are utilized to provide high efficiency, spatially resolved coupling of light from collection optics to an imaging spectrometer. In particular, a micro lens array may be utilized to couple light from multiple spatial locations into individual optical fibers. At the opposite end of the fiber bundle, the fibers are packed tightly together to send the light into an imaging spectrograph. The light that enters this spectrograph maintains its spatial separation, for instance, along the array dimension and is spectrally dispersed, for instance, along a dimension orthogonal to the array dimension. This spatially separated, wavelength resolved light can then be recorded on a two dimensional detector such as a CCD camera. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120080540 | CARTRIDGE FOR A HANDHELD SPRAYER - A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120077079 | Redox Flow Batteries Based on Supporting Solutions Containing Chloride - Redox flow battery systems having a supporting solution that contains Cl | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077068 | Redox Flow Batteries Having Multiple Electroactive Elements - Introducing multiple redox reactions with a suitable voltage range can improve the energy density of redox flow battery (RFB) systems. One example includes RFB systems utilizing multiple redox pairs in the positive half cell, the negative half cell, or in both. Such RFB systems can have a negative electrolyte, a positive electrolyte, and a membrane between the negative electrolyte and the positive electrolyte, in which at least two electrochemically active elements exist in the negative electrolyte, the positive electrolyte, or both. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077067 | Fe-V Redox Flow Batteries - A redox flow battery having a supporting solution that includes Cl | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120074066 | Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis Absent Electrokinetic Injection - Microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) utilizing a sample injector based on a mechanical valve rather than electrokinetic injection can provide improved sample injections, enhanced capabilities, and can eliminate the need for changing the electric field in the separation channel to induce sample injection. In one instance CE electrodes continuously apply an electric field for CE separation along a separation channel. A sample channel is connected to the separation channel at an intersection and has a sample pressure that is greater than that which is present in the separation channel near the intersection. The sample channel does not have electrodes that apply voltages for electrokinetic injection. A sample injector in the sample channel or at the intersection comprises a mechanical valve to control sample injection from the sample channel to the separation channel. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120069846 | Serial Communication Tapping and Transmission to Routable Networks - Apparatuses and methods for tapping serial communications and transforming the serial data into a format appropriate for routable networks are significant for purposes of security and troubleshooting, especially in critical infrastructure networks. Communication taps should be completely passive such that any failure would not interrupt the serial communications. Furthermore, automatic determination of unspecified serial protocol frames allow general implementation across various networks, or across devices within a single network, without the need to customize for each implementation. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120062166 | Integrated Fuel Processor and Fuel Cell System Control Method - The present invention provides a novel method of controlling a mobile, integrated fuel processor and fuel cell system that utilizes an innovative combination of feedback and feed forward control loops maintain the reformer temperature and hydrogen permeate pressure in the system with the operating parameters of the fuel reformer being adjusted to achieve rapid and more reliable load following when transient conditions occur. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061613 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR CAPTURE OF ACID GASSES AT ELEVATED-PRESSURE FROM GASEOUS PROCESS STREAMS - A system, method, and material that enables the pressure-activated reversible chemical capture of acid gasses such as CO | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120042748 | PURIFICATION PROCESS FOR 153Gd PRODUCED IN NATURAL EUROPIUM TARGETS - An alteration of the traditional zinc/zinc-amalgam reduction procedure which eliminates both the hazardous mercury and dangerous hydrogen gas generation. In order to avoid the presence of water and hydrated protons in the working solution, which can oxidize Eu | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120040330 | BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL COLLECTION AND DETECTION - A fluorescence-cued Raman identification system comprises a collection subsystem to collect samples, a reagent treatment subsystem to treat collected samples and a fluorescence imaging subsystem that automatically takes at least one image of the collected sample. The subsystems further include a Raman spectroscopy subsystem that measures the spectrum of viable organisms located from at least one collected image, a visible imaging microscope subsystem that provides a visual image of the particle analyzed by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem and a processor configured to perform image processing to locate viable organisms within the sample, which are targeted by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem. The processor further analyzes the spectrum recorded by the Raman spectroscopy subsystem to make a preliminary identification of the targeted organisms, which can be verified by an operator using the visible imaging microscope subsystem. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120031349 | Methods of Making Devices By Stacking Sheets and Processes of Conducting Unit Operations Using Such Devices - New designs, methods and processes are described that in which laminated devices and configured in a style named the “ortho” style. To form a device in the ortho style, plates or sheets are machined to have apertures and then stacked together such that the apertures connect and fluid can flow through the device in a direction that is substantially parallel to the direction of sheet thickness. Various laminated devices and processes using them are also described. For example, devices in which non-rectangular microchannels conform around reaction chambers or other bodies that need to be heated or cooled, are described. Features that separate or trip boundary layer and enhance heat transfer are also described. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20110315011 | SMALL AREA ELECTROSTATIC AEROSOL COLLECTOR - A small area electrostatic aerosol collector includes a collector housing, an inlet nozzle that extends from the housing and an exit port that provides an exit for air to flow back out of the housing. A pumping arrangement pulls air into the housing through the inlet nozzle. The sampled air is moved through ductwork such that particulates are collected on a substrate and the air is evacuated through the exit port after collection. The collector includes a charging device positioned within the ductwork to create an electric field defining a charging point that the air passes through between the inlet nozzle and the substrate. The substrate is held at a neutral or opposite charge relative to the electric field created by the charging device. Particulates are collected on the sample substrate by containing the aerosol in a small area and by forcing the aerosol to flow near the substrate. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110311231 | SUBMERSIBLE VESSEL DATA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM - A data communications system is provided comprising a submersible home vessel, a submersible satellite vessel, and a flexible dielectric waveguide cable. The flexible dielectric waveguide cable comprises an exposed dielectric face configured to transmit electromagnetic millimeter wave radiation. The submersible home vessel comprises a transparent pressure boundary that is configured to be functionally transparent to electromagnetic millimeter wave radiation and to permit unguided propagation of the electromagnetic millimeter wave radiation. The submersible home vessel further comprises a coupling portion that is configured to secure the dielectric face in a position that enables the transmission of unguided millimeter wave radiation across the transparent pressure boundary to a MMW detector within the submersible home vessel. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110309131 | FRICTION STIR WELDING TOOL AND PROCESS FOR WELDING DISSIMILAR MATERIALS - A friction stir welding tool and process for lap welding dissimilar materials are detailed. The invention includes a cutter scribe that penetrates and extrudes a first material of a lap weld stack to a preselected depth and further cuts a second material to provide a beneficial geometry defined by a plurality of mechanically interlocking features. The tool backfills the interlocking features generating a lap weld across the length of the interface between the dissimilar materials that enhances the shear strength of the lap weld. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110300186 | Functionalized Nano- and Micro-materials for Medical Therapies - Compositions containing an optionally surface-functionalized mesoporous support and a biologically active agent, and pharmaceutical compositions of the same, are provided herein. Such compositions can be useful in the treatment of tumors, for example, by injection of the composition at a location near the site of the tumor. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110292360 | PATTERNING NON-PLANAR SURFACES - A system for forming a pattern on a part comprises a chamber base, a pressure vessel and a retaining device. The retaining device is positionable between the chamber base and the pressure vessel to secure a deformable mask therebetween. The system further comprises a first pressure source, a second pressure source and a third pressure source. The first pressure source provides a negative pressure within the chamber to draw the mask towards a part installed within the chamber base. The second pressure source provides a positive pressure within the pressure vessel to direct the mask towards the part so that the mask corresponds to at least one complex non-planar surface of the part. The third pressure source provides a negative pressure within pressure vessel. An exposure source exposes the part through the mask while the mask is deformed corresponding to the at least one complex non-planar surface of the part. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110288790 | Path-Dependent Cycle Counting And Multi-Axial Fatigue Evaluation Of Engineering Structures - A method is provided for performing fatigue evaluation of a fatigue prone location of a tangible structure by converting multi-axial loading data of the fatigue prone location of the tangible structure to a set of equivalent constant amplitude loading data for the tangible structure. According to the method, a multi-axial load locus representing the tangible structure is generated. Time-dependent interior turning points R and any corresponding projected turning point R* art identified along the loading path from the point of origin P to the point of termination Q. Half cycles in the loading path are counted by referring to the interior and projected turning points R, R* along the loading path and to the point of origin P and the point of termination Q on the load locus. A stress range Δσ | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284596 | AEROSOL DEVICE - The invention relates to devices for air humidification, aerosol vaccination and disinfection, inhalation chemotherapy and for protection of plants against pests and diseases. The inventive aerosol nozzle-based device comprises a cylindrical container in which ejector atomizers are arranged above a liquid surface in such a way that they can rotate in a horizontal plane. Each atomizer comprises a chamber which is provided with a nozzle and into which branch pipes for supplying a liquid material to be atomized and air are introduced. The air supply branch pipes are tangentially arranged in the chamber. The atomizers are mounted in such a way that a jet coming out therefrom is chordwisely oriented with respect to the walls of the cylindrical container. The projection of the central axis of the aerosol spray on the cylinder walls does not cross the top edge of the walls during at least one turn. The dimensions of the branch pipe openings and of the nozzle are related by the equation D | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110276524 | Data Structures and Apparatuses for Representing Knowledge - Data structures and apparatuses to represent knowledge are disclosed. The processes can comprise labeling elements in a knowledge signature according to concepts in an ontology and populating the elements with confidence values. The data structures can comprise knowledge signatures stored on computer-readable media. The knowledge signatures comprise a matrix structure having elements labeled according to concepts in an ontology, wherein the value of the element represents a confidence that the concept is present in an information space. The apparatus can comprise a knowledge representation unit having at least one ontology stored on a computer-readable medium, at least one data-receiving device, and a processor configured to generate knowledge signatures by comparing datasets obtained by the data-receiving devices to the ontologies. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271957 | Delivery of estrogen and bioequivalents thereof via the pulmonary tract - The instant disclosure relates to methods of providing a composition containing estrogen or a biological equivalent thereof to a subject in need of such treatment, wherein a therapeutically effective amount of the estrogen or biological equivalent thereof is administered to the subject via inhalation of an electrohydrodynamic spray. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110269982 | USE OF FATTY ACIDS AS FEED MATERIAL IN POLYOL PROCESS - Methods to convert fatty acids to highly functionalized esters, ester polyols, amides, and amide polyols. The products can be used to make polyurethane and polyester films and foams. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269981 | Pre-Esterification Of Primary Polyols To Improve Solubility In Solvents Used In The Polyol Process - Methods to pre-esterify primary polyols used in converting biobased oils, oil derivatives, and modified oils to highly functionalized esters, ester polyols, amides, and amide polyols. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269979 | Preparation of Esters and Polyols by Initial Oxidative Cleavage of Fatty Acids Followed by Esterification Reactions - Methods to convert unsaturated fatty acids derived from biobased oils to highly functionalized esters, ester polyols, amides, and amide polyols. The products can be used to make polyurethane and polyester films and foams. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269978 | Solvent-less Preparation of Polyols by Ozonolysis - Solvent-less methods to convert oil derivatives, and modified oils to highly functionalized esters, ester polyols, amides, and amide polyols. The products can be used to make polyurethane and polyester films and foams. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110268672 | Ferrate(VI)-Containing Compositions and Methods of Using Ferrate(VI) - Compositions containing ferrate(VI) are disclosed. Also, methods are disclosed that utilize ferrate(VI). | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265914 | Tankless Exothermic Torch - A thermite torch is disclosed that contains a thermite composition made of a bimodal mixture of nano-sized particles and micro-sized particles. Also disclosed is a tankless exothermic torch comprising a rod and a handle that contains a gas generating compound in the handle. The thermite torch gun does not require a tank of compressed gas. Elimination of this tank mitigates dangers and logistical burdens associated with it presence and use, without compromising operation or cutting performance. The rod may contain a high-density mixture of oxygen-releasing and/or heat-releasing chemicals. Preferably, the mixture comprises a bimodal-blend of nanometer and micrometer-sized particles in a closely-packed configuration to fill interstitial voids. The gun may contain an ignition module and power supply for initiating directed high-temperature flame jetting, and for turning it on/off/on when a solid-chemical oxygen generator is mounted in the gun. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265512 | CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE FROM POWER OR PROCESS PLANT GASES - The present invention are methods for removing preselected substances from a mixed flue gas stream characterized by cooling said mixed flue gas by direct contact with a quench liquid to condense at least one preselected substance and form a cooled flue gas without substantial ice formation on a heat exchanger. After cooling additional process methods utilizing a cryogenic approach and physical concentration and separation or pressurization and sorbent capture may be utilized to selectively remove these materials from the mixed flue gas resulting in a clean flue gas. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110262810 | Nanocomposite Protective Coatings for Battery Anodes - Modified surfaces on metal anodes for batteries can help resist formation of malfunction-inducing surface defects. The modification can include application of a protective nanocomposite coating that can inhibit formation of surface defects. such as dendrites, on the anode during charge/discharge cycles. For example, for anodes having a metal (M′), the protective coating can be characterized by products of chemical or electrochemical dissociation of a nanocomposite containing a polymer and an exfoliated compound (M | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110256184 | Non-ordered Mesoporous Silica Structure for Biomolecule Loading and Release - A non-ordered geometric mesoporous structure that provides for enhanced loading of antibodies such as IgG as compared to ordered mesoporous structures. This structure is formed by treating silica precursors at a hydrothermal aging temperature between 100 and 200 degrees C. This creates the non-ordered mesoporous structure. Biomolecules such as IgG can then be spontaneously loaded via non-covalent bonding within the as-made or functionalized mesoporous structure. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110255212 | Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites, Methods of Making Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites, and Devices Comprising the Nanocomposites - The invention describes nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), methods of making the nanocomposites and devices using the nanocomposite materials. Combining CNTs with capacitor materials such as VN provides composite materials having unique supercapacitor properties. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110254229 | SEAL ASSEMBLY - Seal assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, an example shaft seal assembly comprises an immiscible fluid and a reservoir structure. The immiscible fluid is immiscible with respect to a contained internal fluid in an enclosure with a penetrating shaft. The reservoir structure is disposed in close proximity to the shaft, and the reservoir structure contains the immiscible fluid. The immiscible fluid of the seal assembly provides a fluid barrier to the internal fluid to limit loss of the internal fluid over time. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110250451 | Carbon Nanotube Films And Methods Of Forming Films Of Carbon Nanotubes By Dispersing In A Superacid - A novel method of forming thin films of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is described. In this method, carbon nanotubes are dispersed in a superacid solution and laid down on a substrate to form a conductive and transparent CNT network film. The superacid, in its deprotonated state, is an anion that has a permanent dipole moment. The superacid solution may be a pure superacid or have additional solvent. Preferably, the superacid solution does not contain an oxidizing agent. Novel, highly conductive and transparent CNT network films are also described. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110248160 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR PULSED MULTIPLE REACTION MONITORING - A new pulsed multiple reaction monitoring process and system are disclosed that uses a pulsed ion injection mode for use in conjunction with triple-quadrupole instruments. The pulsed injection mode approach reduces background ion noise at the detector, increases amplitude of the ion signal, and includes a unity duty cycle that provides a significant sensitivity increase for reliable quantitation of proteins/peptides present at attomole levels in highly complex biological mixtures. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110238161 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED ELECTROSTATIC DEPOSITION AND SURFACE COATINGS - This disclosure describes the application of a supplemental corona source to provide surface charge on submicrometer particles to enhance collection efficiency and micro-structural density during electrostatic collection. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110237812 | METHODS FOR PRODUCTION OF POLYOLS FROM OILS AND THEIR USE IN THE PRODUCTION OF POLYESTERS AND POLYURETHANES - Methods to convert biobased oils, oil derivatives, and modified oils to highly functionalized esters, ester polyols, amides, and amide polyols. The products can be used to make polyurethane and polyester films and foams. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110236279 | INTEGRATED REACTORS, METHODS OF MAKING SAME, AND METHODS OF CONDUCTING SIMULTANEOUS EXOTHERMIC AND ENDOTHERMIC REACTIONS - Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for free flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232752 | Organic-Inorganic Complexes Containing a Luminescent Rare earth-Metal Nanocluster and an Antenna Ligand, Luminescent Articles, and Methods of Making Luminescent Compositions - Luminescent compositions are described comprising lanthanide-containing nanoclusters comprising lanthanide atoms bonded to at least one semimetal or transition metal via an oxygen or sulfur atom. Novel compositions include an antenna ligand complexed with the nanoclusters. The rare earth-metal nanoclusters are in the size range of 1 to 100 nm. Articles, such as solar cells, are described in which the nanoclusters (with or without antenna ligands) are dispersed in a polymer matrix. Novel methods of making luminescent films are also described. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110226017 | GLASS COMPOSITION AND PROCESS FOR SEALING VOID SPACES IN ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICES - A glass foaming material and method are disclosed for filling void spaces in electrochemical devices. The glass material includes a reagent that foams at a temperature above the softening point of the glass. Expansion of the glass fills void spaces including by-pass and tolerance channels of electrochemical devices. In addition, cassette to cassette seals can also be formed while channels and other void spaces are filled, reducing the number of processing steps needed. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110220784 | FOCUSED ANALYTE SPRAY EMISSION APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS - An apparatus and process are disclosed that deliver an analyte deposited on a substrate to a mass spectrometer that provides for trace analysis of complex organic analytes. Analytes are probed using a small droplet of solvent that is formed at the junction between two capillaries. A supply capillary maintains the droplet of solvent on the substrate; a collection capillary collects analyte desorbed from the surface and emits analyte ions as a focused spray to the inlet of a mass spectrometer for analysis. The invention enables efficient separation of desorption and ionization events, providing enhanced control over transport and ionization of the analyte. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110203772 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED HEAT TRANSFER USING NANOPOROUS TEXTURED SURFACES - A system and method for performing heat dissipation is disclosed that includes contacting a heat transfer liquid with a heat exchange surface having raised hydrophilic nanoporous nanostructures disposed adjacent a central core upon a substrate. The heat transfer liquid forms a preselected contact angle when placed on the heat exchange surface. The raised nanoporous nanostructures define channels, interconnected pathways, and voids within the nanoporous nanostructures. The nanoporous nanostructures have additional surface irregularities upon the nanostructures themselves. The nanostructures are preferably formed by depositing metal oxides or other materials upon a substrate using a Microreactor Assisted Nanomaterial Deposition (MAND) process. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110200754 | CORROSION RESISTANT PRIMER COATING - A corrosion resistant primer coating comprises one or more corrosion inhibiting additives; and one or more nonaqueous resins, and the method of making and using the primer coating. The corrosion inhibiting additive comprises metal ferrate(IV) compounds, metal ferrate(V) compounds, metal ferrate(VI) compounds, or a mixture thereof (collectively called the ferrate compound). The ferrate compound has a low solubility in water in the range of about 0.001 ppm to about 2000 ppm at a temperature in the range of about 0° C. to 71° C. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110195430 | HIGH PRESSURE ENZYMATIC DIGESTION SYSTEM FOR PROTEIN CHARACTERIZATION - An on-line method and system for obtaining samples for proteomic analysis that utilizes pressure and a preselected agent to obtain a processing sample in a significantly shorter period of time than prior art methods and which maintains the integrity of the processing sample through the preparatory process, and provides enhanced protein capture. In one embodiment of the invention, a sample and an enzyme are combined and subjected to a pressure, preferably a pressure cycle range that varies between 0 to 35 kpsi, for a period of time of preferably less than 60 seconds. This process results in producing a sample suitable for analysis, which is preferably introduced to another analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometry instrument, or other device. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110195233 | Bio-Based Toner - A series of resins were synthesized using a range of bio-based materials to control the molecular architecture, and therefore the properties, of the inventive resins. The resins were formulated into toner formulations such as those useful in printers and copiers. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110194970 | Production of Nanocrystalline Metal Powders via Combustion Reaction Synthesis - Nanocrystalline metal powders comprising tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium or niobium can be synthesized using a combustion reaction. Methods for synthesizing the nanocrystalline metal powders are characterized by forming a combustion synthesis solution by dissolving in water an oxidizer, a fuel, and a base-soluble, ammonium precursor of tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium, or niobium in amounts that yield a soichiometric burn when combusted. The combustion synthesis solution is then heated to a temperature sufficient to substantially remove water and to initiate a self-sustaining combustion reaction. The resulting powder can be subsequently reduced to metal form by heating in a reducing gas environment. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110194174 | OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR CELL IMAGING - A microscope system ( | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110185899 | Methods for Abatement of Arsenic and Phosphorous Contaminants From Fuel Gases Prior to Gasification - Methods for abatement of antimony-containing, arsenic-containing and/or phosphorous-containing impurities in fuel gas that is derived from a carbonaceous source can include contacting the fuel gas with an absorbent comprising a capture compound. The capture compound has one or more alkali metals, one or more alkaline earth metals, or a combination of one or more alkali and alkaline earth metals. The fuel gas impurities are reacted with the capture compound, which can be used alone or dispersed on the adsorbent, at a temperature greater than or equal to approximately 300° C. to form solid capture products comprising antimony, arsenic, or phosphorous and the alkali or alkaline earth metal. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110179093 | Storing and Managing Information Artifacts Collected by Information Analysts Using a Computing Device - Systems and computer-implemented processes for storage and management of information artifacts collected by information analysts using a computing device. The processes and systems can capture a sequence of interactive operation elements that are performed by the information analyst, who is collecting an information artifact from at least one of the plurality of software applications. The information artifact can then be stored together with the interactive operation elements as a snippet on a memory device, which is operably connected to the processor. The snippet comprises a view from an analysis application, data contained in the view, and the sequence of interactive operation elements stored as a provenance representation comprising operation element class, timestamp, and data object attributes for each interactive operation element in the sequence. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110164248 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH PRECISION ISOTOPE RATIO DESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS - A system and process are disclosed that provide high accuracy and high precision destructive analysis measurements for isotope ratio determination of relative isotope abundance distributions in liquids, solids, and particulate samples. The invention utilizes a collinear probe beam to interrogate a laser ablated plume. This invention provides enhanced single-shot detection sensitivity approaching the femtogram range, and isotope ratios that can be determined at approximately 1% or better precision and accuracy (relative standard deviation). | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110155662 | Thin, Porous Metal Sheets and Methods for Making the Same - Thin, porous metal sheets and methods for forming them are presented to enable a variety of applications and devices. The thin, porous metal sheets are less than or equal to approximately 200 μm thick, have a porosity between 25% and 75% by volume, and have pores with an average diameter less than or equal to approximately 2 μm. The thin, porous metal sheets can be fabricated by preparing a slurry having between 10 and 50 wt % solvent and between 20 and 80 wt % powder of a metal precursor. The average particle size in the metal precursor powder should be between 100 nm and 5 μm. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110144747 | ADJUSTABLE INTRAOCULAR LENS - Methods and devices for altering the power of a lens, such as an intraocular lens, are disclosed. In one method, the lens comprises a single polymer matrix containing crosslinkable pendant groups, wherein the polymer matrix increases in volume when crosslinked. The lens does not contain free monomer. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, crosslinking causes the exposed portion of the lens to increase in volume, causing an increase in the refractive index. In another method, the lens comprises a polymer matrix containing photobleachable chromophores. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, photobleaching causes a decrease in refractive index in the exposed portion without any change in lens thickness. These methods avoid the need to wait for diffusion to occur to change the lens shape and avoid the need for a second exposure to radiation to lock in the changes to the lens. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110127417 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLISIONAL ACTIVATION OF CHARGED PARTICLES - A collision cell is disclosed that provides ion activation in various selective modes. Ion activation is performed inside selected segments of a segmented quadrupole that provides maximum optimum capture and collection of fragmentation products. The invention provides collisional cooling of precursor ions as well as product fragments and further allows effective transmission of ions through a high pressure interface into a coupled mass analysis instrument. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110122477 | Methods and Systems for Modulating and Demodulating Millimeter-Wave Signals - A system comprises an optical processor comprising a sideband generator, an optical filter, and a phase-shift-keying (PSK) modulator, wherein: the sideband generator generates optical frequency sidebands about a carrier frequency of an optical signal; the optical filter discriminates between the optical frequency sidebands and the optical carrier frequency such that optical sidebands of interest can be used to generate an optical millimeter-wave signal; the PSK modulator comprises an optical splitter, an optical phase delay unit, two or more optical gates, and an optical combiner; the optical splitter divides the optical millimeter-wave signal into two or more intermediate signals; the optical phase delay unit delays one or more of the intermediate signals to create distinct phase relationship between them; the optical gates modulate each intermediate signal individually, based on a control input; and the optical combiner combines the gated intermediate signals into a single, PSK-modulated optical millimeter-wave signal. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110121091 | LEAD SCREW LOCKING DEVICE - A cartridge for an electrohydrodynamic spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge, where the cartridge includes a locking mechanism. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic or other fluid products. The fluid is delivered from the cartridge by a shaft-mounted piston, while the locking mechanism can be selectively engaged with the shaft such that in the engaged position, the locking mechanism prevents the piston from advancing by inhibiting movement of the shaft. When the locking mechanism is disengaged from the shaft, the shaft and piston are free to move, such as in response to a power source in the spraying device. The selective engagement between the locking mechanism and the shaft during periods of inoperability of the spray device prevents the buildup of fluid pressure in the cartridge that otherwise could blurt out upon subsequent operation. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110119281 | Methods for Discovering Analyst-Significant Portions of a Multi-Dimensional Database - Methods for discovering portions of a multi-dimensional database that are significant to an analyst can be computer-implemented. The methods can include specifying a data view having at least two dimensions and all records of the database. A plurality of operation iterations are then performed on the data view, wherein each iteration is a chain operation, a hop operation or an anti-hop operation. The operation iterations are ceased upon satisfaction of a termination criteria. The resulting data view can then be presented to an analyst. The methods can facilitate a users' knowledge discovery tasks and assist in finding relevant patterns, trends, and anomalies. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110111287 | METAL-AIR BATTERY - Cathodes for use in open electrochemical cells, open electrochemical cells, and devices comprising the cathodes and open electrochemical cells are disclosed. The open electrochemical cells generally comprise a cathode, an electrolyte, and an anode. One example cathode comprises: (i) a catalyst; (ii) an electronic conductor; and (iii) a hydrophobic gas permeable binder. The open electrochemical cells may function as metal-air batteries. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110110985 | FUNCTIONALIZED NANOMATERIALS FOR CHELATION THERAPIES AND SORBENT DIALYSIS OF TOXINS - A therapy agent is disclosed that is made up of a functionalized nanomaterial that provides solutions to current problems facing the field of chelation therapies and dialysis of metals, radionuclides, and metabolic wastes. Through the coupling of groups tailored to selectively capture specific toxins and rigid porous backbone structures (e.g., mesoporous silica and mesoporous carbon), suitable materials that are highly effective and fast at capturing toxins (metals, radionuclides, and metabolic wastes) in the presence of competing ions and proteins. These materials may be embodied in a variety of treatment devices which allow for treatment and removal of these target materials through a variety of methodologies including oral, dermal and dialysis pathways. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110102094 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESONANT FREQUENCY WAVEFORM MODULATION - A resonant modulator device and process are described that provide enhanced resonant frequency waveforms to electrical devices including, e.g., laser devices. Faster, larger, and more complex modulation waveforms are obtained than can be obtained by use of conventional current controllers alone. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110092361 | Sulfur-Tolerant Catalyst Systems - Methods for improving the sulfur-tolerance of nickel-based catalyst systems, as well as the improved catalyst systems, are disclosed. The methods can include adding praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, to a nickel-based catalyst system, thereby inhibiting sulfur poisoning of the catalyst system. Improved catalyst systems can have an added amount of praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, sufficient to inhibit poisoning of the system by sulfur. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110091273 | Rebound Control Material - An impact attenuator system including a hyperelastic member that comprises an energy absorbing material with a tan δ of not less than about 0.05 to assist rebound control. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110060747 | Rapid Automatic Keyword Extraction for Information Retrieval and Analysis - Methods and systems for rapid automatic keyword extraction for information retrieval and analysis. Embodiments can include parsing words in an individual document by delimiters, stop words, or both in order to identify candidate keywords. Word scores for each word within the candidate keywords are then calculated based on a function of co-occurrence degree, co-occurrence frequency, or both. Based on a function of the word scores for words within the candidate keyword, a keyword score is calculated for each of the candidate keywords. A portion of the candidate keywords are then extracted as keywords based, at least in part, on the candidate keywords having the highest keyword scores. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110059845 | FUNCTIONALIZED SORBENT FOR CHEMICAL SEPARATIONS AND SEQUENTIAL FORMING PROCESS - A highly functionalized sorbent and sequential process for making are disclosed. The sorbent includes organic short-length amino silanes and organic oligomeric polyfunctional amino silanes that are dispersed within pores of a porous support that form a 3-dimensional structure containing highly functionalized active binding sites for sorption of analytes. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110059409 | Liquid Fuel Vaporizer and Combustion Chamber Having an Adjustable Thermal Conductor - The efficiency and effectiveness of apparatuses for vaporizing and combusting liquid fuel can be improved using thermal conductors. For example, an apparatus having a liquid fuel vaporizer and a combustion chamber can be characterized by a thermal conductor that conducts heat from the combustion chamber to the vaporizer. The thermal conductor can be a movable member positioned at an insertion depth within the combustion chamber that corresponds to a rate of heat conduction from the combustion chamber to the vaporizer. The rate of heat conduction can, therefore, be adjusted by positioning the movable member at a different insertion depth. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110059317 | Coating for Improved Carbon Nanotube Conductivity - We discovered that the use of certain dopants or dopant moieties in polymeric coating formulations, that when applied over carbon nanotubes, unexpectedly decrease the measured electrical resistance of the coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs), when measured through the coating, even though the polymer coatings themselves do not have bulk conductivity. CNT compositions with enhanced electrical conductivity and methods of making such compositions are described. The CNTs are preferably coated with a dopant or dopant moiety having a HOMO energy of −7.0 eV or lower. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110059053 | METHOD OF TREATING BIOCELLS - A method of treating biocells includes the steps of: a. providing biocells; b. applying at least one stressor to the biocells sufficient to cause nonlethal and reparable cell wall damage to the biocells, thereby putting the biocells in a catabolic state during which catabolic metabolic functions predominate over anabolic metabolic functions; and c. obtaining at least one product produced by the biocells during the catabolic state. In another embodiment, the method includes the steps of: a. providing biocells that are mammalian cells; b. applying at least one stressor to the biocells sufficient to cause nonlethal and reparable cell wall damage to the biocells, the reparable cell wall damage comprising openings that allow increased passage of materials through the cells walls; and c. inserting foreign DNA through the openings into the biocells. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110057827 | Holographic Imaging Based on Time-Domain Data of Natural-Fiber-Containing Materials - Methods and apparatuses for imaging material properties in natural-fiber-containing materials can utilize time-domain data. In particular, images can be constructed that provide quantified measures of localized moisture content. For example, one or more antennas and at least one transceiver can be configured to collect time-domain data from radiation interacting with the natural-fiber-containing materials. The antennas and the transceivers are configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation at one or more frequencies, which are between 50 MHz and 1 THz, according to a time-domain impulse function. A computing device is configured to transform the time-domain data to frequency-domain data, to apply a synthetic imaging algorithm for constructing a three-dimensional image of the natural-fiber-containing materials, and to provide a quantified measure of localized moisture content based on a pre-determined correlation of moisture content to frequency-domain data. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110045517 | Toxic Material Detection Apparatus and Method - A toxic material detection apparatus includes a sample collection portion including a sample inlet and a sample concentrator adapted to concentrate an environmental sample on a substrate. A sample distributing system transfers portions of the substrate to a color sensor and an ion mobility spectrometer for simultaneously analysis and toxin detection, particularly cholinesterase inhibitor detection. Optionally, a portion of the substrate may be directed to an archive for possible analysis at a later time. Reagents utilized include the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the reactants acetylthiocholine iodide (ATCI) and 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTB). A data management unit provides for near-real-time analysis of the samples in under 5 minutes. Simultaneous “hits” by both analysis methods indicate the presence of a cholinesterase inhibitor. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110041679 | Lightweight Blast Mitigating Composite Panel - Lightweight blast mitigating composite panels ( | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110039686 | Fast regeneration of sulfur deactivated Ni-based hot biomass syngas cleaning catalysts - A new regeneration method has been developed which can effectively and efficiently remove sulfur from Ni-based steam reforming catalysts. In its simplest form the present invention comprises the steps of oxidizing a catalyst with a dilute O | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110038640 | SPECTRALLY EFFICIENT DIGITAL DATA TRANSMISSION UTILIZING PHASE ENCODED MMW - A digital data transmission device is provided comprising optical waveguide architecture, a sideband generator, a modulation controller, an optical filter, a data mapping unit, and a phase controller. The optical waveguide architecture is configured to direct an optical signal through the sideband generator and the optical filter. The sideband generator comprises an electrooptic interferometer comprising first and second waveguide arms. The modulation controller is configured to generate an electrical drive signal to drive the sideband generator at a control voltage that is substantially larger than Vπ to generate optical frequency sidebands about a carrier frequency of the optical signal. The optical filter is configured to discriminate between the optical frequency sidebands and the optical carrier frequency such that optical sidebands of interest can be directed through the optical waveguide architecture as an optical millimeter wave signal. The data mapping unit is configured to generate an encoded data signal representing a digital data input received by the data mapping unit. The phase controller is configured to alter the phase of the electrical drive signal in response to the encoded data signal generated by the data mapping unit. The sideband generator is configured such that encoded alterations in the phase of the electrical drive signal are manifested as encoded alterations in the phase of the optical millimeter wave signal, creating an encoded representation of the digital data input in the optical millimeter wave signal. Methods of transmitting digital data are also provided. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110033613 | Method and Composition for Protection of Refractory Materials in Aggressive Environments - A method and composition are disclosed that provide protection of refractory materials used, e.g., in kiln and slagging coal-gasifier operations. Inert high-temperature melting crystalline compounds and glasses are used to fill defects on the surface and/or interior of the refractory material. At the operation temperatures, the inert crystalline compound mixes with slag and increases the viscosity and melting point temperature, reducing the ability of the slag to penetrate into the refractory, which minimizes breakdown of the refractory material. The same scheme can potentially be applied to sealing of geological formations, e.g., for CO | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110028314 | Absorbent Protein Meal Base Hydrogels - Absorbent hydrogels are formed by reacting a protein meal base, a radical initiator and a polymerizable monomer. Optionally, a cross-linking agent and/or a radical accelerant, such as tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) or sodium bisulfite (NaHSO | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110027380 | CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL FROM WHOLE BLOOD BY PHOTOLYTIC ACTIVATION - Apparatus and methods for removing carbon dioxide from whole blood. Hydrogen ions are generated from water in the blood, resulting in the formation and release of carbon dioxide from the blood. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026018 | BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL MICROSCOPIC TARGETING - Biological and chemical materials often contain many molecular bonds that connect carbon (C) hydrogen (H) atoms. These bonds covalently share electrons that can be optically activated by light. The incident light interaction with the C—H molecular bond spectrally shifts of the incident light proportional to the vibrational, or more precisely polarizability, constant of the electrons that bind the C—H atoms. This process is called Raman scattering. For C—H, C—H | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110024630 | System, Device, and Methods for Real-Time Screening of Live Cells, Biomarkers, and Chemical Signatures - An ATR-FTIR device and system are described that defect live-cell responses to stimuli and perturbations in real-time. The system and device can monitor perturbations resulting from exposures to various physical, chemical, and biological materials in real-time, as well as those sustained over a long period of time, including those associated with stimuli having unknown modes-of-action (e.g. nanoparticles). The device and system can also be used to identify specific chemical species or substances that profile cellular responses to these perturbations. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110017209 | Apparatus and Methods of Providing Diatomic Oxygen (O2) Using Ferrate(VI)-Containing Compositions - Method of generating oxygen (O | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110007312 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH PRECISION ISOTOPE RATIO DESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS - A system and process are disclosed that provide high accuracy and high precision destructive analysis measurements for isotope ratio determination of relative isotope abundance distributions in liquids, solids, and particulate samples. The invention utilizes a collinear probe beam to interrogate a laser ablated plume. This invention provides enhanced single-shot detection sensitivity approaching the femtogram range, and isotope ratios and particle assays that can be determined with relative precision better than about 10%. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110004610 | Automatic Generation of Stop Word Lists for Information Retrieval and Analysis - Methods and systems for automatically generating lists of stop words for information retrieval and analysis. Generation of the stop words can include providing a corpus of documents and a plurality of keywords. From the corpus of documents, a term list of all terms is constructed and both a keyword adjacency frequency and a keyword frequency are determined. If a ratio of the keyword adjacency frequency to the keyword frequency for a particular term on the term list is less than a predetermined value, then that term is excluded from the term list. The resulting term list is truncated based on predetermined criteria to form a stop word list. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110004465 | Computation and Analysis of Significant Themes - Systems and computer-implemented processes for computation and analysis of significant themes in a corpus of documents. The computation and analysis of significant themes can be executed on a processor and involves generating a lexical unit document association (LUDA) vector for each lexical unit that has been provided and quantifying similarities between each unique pair of lexical units. The LUDA vector characterizes a measure of association between its corresponding lexical unit and documents in the corpus. The lexical units can then be grouped into clusters such that each cluster contains a set of lexical units that are most similar as determined by the LUDA vectors and a predetermined clustering threshold. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100329293 | Methods and Apparatus for Efficient, Low-noise, Precision Current Control - Improved current controllers of the present invention provide efficient, low noise, precision current control for devices having such operational requirements. The current controllers are characterized by a PWM regulator operably connected to a linear regulator. The PWM regulator regulates a voltage drop across the linear regulator, wherein the voltage provided to the linear regulator is greater than the output voltage of the linear regulator by a controlled operating margin. The PWM provides efficient power conversion and minimizes waste power dissipation in the linear regulator. The linear regulator, in turn, provides low noise, precision current drive to the connected load. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100327963 | Active Snubbers Providing Acceleration, Damping, and Error Correction - An active snubber operates, in part, to compel switching components, such as switch-mode power supplies and converters, to attain desired values rapidly, albeit temporarily, during which time there is sufficient time for a power supply's internal regulation system to sustain these values independently. The invention can dampen ringing, accelerate response time, and correct erroneous responses of the output of the switching converter. In one embodiment, the active snubber, which is operably connected to the output of a switching component that has a switching or ringing frequency, f | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100317879 | METHODS FOR CONVERSION OF CARBOHYDRATES IN IONIC LIQUIDS TO VALUE-ADDED CHEMICALS - Methods are described for converting carbohydrates including, e.g., monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides in ionic liquids to value-added chemicals including furans, useful as chemical intermediates and/or feedstocks. Fructose is converted to 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) in the presence of metal halide and acid catalysts. Glucose is effectively converted to HMF in the presence of chromium chloride catalysts. Yields of up to about 70% are achieved with low levels of impurities such as levulinic acid. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100314460 | AEROSOL DISPENSING DEVICE AND METHOD - A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100311156 | PRODUCTION OF BIO-BASED MATERIALS USING PHOTOBIOREACTORS WITH BINARY CULTURES - A method, device and system for producing preselected products, (either finished products or preselected intermediary products) from biobased precursors or CO | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100304953 | Zeolite Membranes for Separation of Mixtures Containing Water, Alcohols, or Organics - Zeolite membrane sheets for separation of mixtures containing water, alcohols, or organics are provided, as well as methods for making the same. Thin, but robust, zeolite membrane sheets having a zeolite membrane layer formed directly on a thin porous metal support sheet provide improved separations performance. The zeolite membrane layers have a thickness less than 3 μm and are formed on a thin porous metal support sheet having a thickness less than or equal to approximately 200 μm. The porous metal support sheet comprises an average pore size of less than 3 μm, a porosity between 25% and 75%, and a thickness of less than or equal to 200 μm. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300975 | System and Process for Treatment of a Contaminated Fluid - A new device, method, and system are disclosed that provide for removal of undesired materials from a contaminated fluid. Materials present in the fluids are kept in motion in one or more filter cassettes that include disc aerators that improve contact times with the sorbents and that rotate the filter media to pump contaminated water through the filter media for treatment of the contaminated fluids. The device and system provide containment of sorbent fines that keeps the filter media free from clogging. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300974 | Continuous Batch Reactor, System, and Process for Treatment of Metal-Contaminated Fluids - A fluid treatment device, system, and process are described that provide a filtered, metal-depleted (treated) fluid. The system includes two pairs of tanks that are piped and valved to allow one pair to fill/react while the other pair decants/discharges, which provides a continuous flow of metal-depleted (treated) fluid. Power requirements are minimal since fluid is pumped at a low head pressure. The design has applications in the potable water, industrial, mining, chemical and environmental sectors. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100297341 | Aluminization of Metal Substrate Surfaces - Methods of aluminizing the surface of a metal substrate. The methods of the present invention do not require establishment of a vacuum or a reducing atmosphere, as is typically necessary. Accordingly, aluminization can occur in the presence of oxygen, which greatly simplifies and reduces processing costs by allowing deposition of the aluminum coating to be performed, for example, in air. Embodiments of the present invention can be characterized by applying a slurry that includes a binder and powder granules containing aluminum to the metal substrate surface. Then, in a combined step, a portion of the aluminum is diffused into the substrate and a portion of the aluminum is oxidized by heating the slurry to a temperature greater than the melting point of the aluminum in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100292074 | Catalyst Structure and Method of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis - The present invention includes Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, reactions using Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, methods of making Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, processes of hydrogenating carbon monoxide, and fuels made using these processes. The invention provides the ability to hydrogenate carbon monoxide with low contact times, good conversion rates and low methane selectivities. In a preferred method, the catalyst is made using a metal foam support. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100280393 | Optical Reflectance Spectroscopy for Evaluation of Radiation Injury - Non-invasive methods and systems are described for rapidly measuring in-vivo dose, severity, and progression of injury after exposure to damaging phenomena, such as ionizing radiation, chemical burns, or electrical burns. Optical reflectance backscattering spectroscopy is applied to identify and characterize the effects of such phenomena on an individual's whole body and in localized areas. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100269573 | LOSSLESS DROPLET TRANSFER OF DROPLET-BASED MICROFLUIDIC ANALYSIS - A transfer structure for droplet-based microfluidic analysis is characterized by a first conduit containing a first stream having at least one immiscible droplet of aqueous material and a second conduit containing a second stream comprising an aqueous fluid. The interface between the first conduit and the second conduit can define a plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures are sized to prevent exchange of the first and second streams between conduits while allowing lossless transfer of droplets from the first conduit to the second conduit through contact between the first and second streams. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100266691 | Agents and Methods to Stimulate Bone Healing - An agent for stimulating bone healing including isolated lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and a hydrogel. A method of enhancing bone healing including identifying a damaged area of a bone and administering an agent comprising lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is administered to the damaged area of the bone. A method of increasing bone regrowth. A subject is identified having a bone injury and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is administered to the subject. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100266668 | Manufacturing Dissolvable Dosage Forms - A method of manufacturing a dosage form is described wherein a liquid solution of a biologically compatible polymer containing a suspension of particulate material that is insoluble in the polymer is supplied to a liquid supply tube ( | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100265039 | Systems and Methods for Securing Control Systems - A system and a method for securing control systems for critical infrastructure, complex networks and/or industrial processing facilities. Aspects of the invention can include a proximity-based user identification device that generates a computer-readable identification of operators who are in proximity to a control device in the control system and an imaging device that captures a visual likeness of operators in proximity to the control device. A network sensor can read operation data from the control system. An overlay network can interconnect the proximity-based identification device, the imaging device, and the network sensor, and can interface to the control system without modifying the control system. Processing hardware can execute processor-implemented instructions to generate a correlation between at least a portion of the operation data and the control system, the computer-readable identification, and the visual likeness. The processor can then associate the correlation with the portion of the operation data. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100263001 | OPTICAL-TO-MILLIMETER WAVE CONVERSION - A method of converting a modulated optical signal to an encoded electrical signal is provided. The method utilizes a device comprising an electrooptic sideband generator, an optical filter, and an optical/electrical converter. Initially, the modulated optical signal, which carries encoded optical data, is directed to an optical input of the electrooptic sideband generator. The electrooptic sideband generator is driven to generate frequency sidebands about a carrier frequency of the input optical signal. The optical filter is utilized to discriminate between the frequency sidebands and the carrier frequency and combine sidebands-of-interest to yield at least one frequency-converted optical signal comprising a millimeter wave modulation frequency. The frequency converted optical signal carries the encoded optical data and the modulation frequency is a function of the spacing of the sidebands-of-interest. The frequency-converted optical signal is directed to the optical/electrical converter where it is converted to an encoded electrical signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100261098 | HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOMASK - A film photomask comprises a polymer substrate such as a photosensitive polymer than can be darkened. The photomask substrate is sensitive to light within a first wavelength range and is initially transparent to light within a second wavelength range that is utilized for product exposure operations to pattern a product using photomask. During a mask exposure operation, select regions of the photomask are exposed to light within the first wavelength range to selectively photodarken regions of the photomask substrate according to a desired pattern. The photodarkened regions are darkened sufficient to block light within the second wavelength range used for patterning a product through the photomask. Thus, no chemical processing is required to create a mask pattern. Moreover, the pattern is defined within/through the polymer material. The photomask may further comprise a filter that is applied to at least one side thereof for blocking light within the first wavelength range. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100241608 | Decision Support Systems and Methods for Complex Networks - Methods and systems for automated decision support in analyzing operation data from a complex network. Embodiments of the present invention utilize these algorithms and techniques not only to characterize the past and present condition of a complex network, but also to predict future conditions to help operators anticipate deteriorating and/or problem situations. In particular, embodiments of the present invention characterize network conditions from operation data using a state estimator. Contingency scenarios can then be generated based on those network conditions. For at least a portion of all of the contingency scenarios, risk indices are determined that describe the potential impact of each of those scenarios. Contingency scenarios with risk indices are presented visually as graphical representations in the context of a visual representation of the complex network. Analysis of the historical risk indices based on the graphical representations can then provide trends that allow for prediction of future network conditions. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100219344 | Electrochemically Modulated Separations for In-line and At-line Monitoring of Actinides in High-Volume Process Streams - Methods for monitoring target actinides in a fuel reprocessing or waste remediation facility. The methods can be characterized by providing a fuel reprocessing or waste remediation stream having at least one target actinide and at least one other radionuclide. At least a portion of the stream is flowed through an electrochemically modulated separations (EMS) device comprising a carbon-based electrode. A potential is applied to the carbon-based electrode to adjust the redox states of the target actinide, at least one of the radionuclides, or both. The target actinide is separated from the other radionuclides through reaction with, or at, the carbon-based electrode. Finally, direct, in-line chemical nondestructive analysis, at-line chemical separations and sampling analysis, or both, of the target actinide is performed. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218875 | DIFFUSION BARRIERS IN MODIFIED AIR BRAZES - A method for joining two ceramic parts, or a ceramic part and a metal part, and the joint formed thereby. The method provides two or more parts, a braze consisting of a mixture of copper oxide and silver, a diffusion barrier, and then heats the braze for a time and at a temperature sufficient to form the braze into a bond holding the two or more parts together. The diffusion barrier is an oxidizable metal that forms either a homogeneous component of the braze, a heterogeneous component of the braze, a separate layer bordering the braze, or combinations thereof. The oxidizable metal is selected from the group Al, Mg, Cr, Si, Ni, Co, Mn, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pt, Pd, Au, lanthanides, and combinations thereof. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100216182 | Cyanine-Based Probe\Tag-Peptide Pair Fluorescence Protein Imaging and Fluorescence Protein Imaging Methods - A molecular probe comprises two arsenic atoms and at least one cyanine based moiety. A method of producing a molecular probe includes providing a molecule having a first formula, treating the molecule with HgOAc, and subsequently transmetallizing with AsCl | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100216139 | METHODS, COMPOSITIONS, AND DEVICES UTILIZING MicroRNA TO DETERMINE PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS - Methods, compositions, and devices are disclosed which use microRNA to detect, predict, treat, and monitor physiological conditions such as disease or injury. microRNA are isolated and their differential expression is measured to provide diagnostic information. This information may then be utilized for evaluation and/or treatment purposes. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100207803 | Circularly Polarized Antennas for Active Holographic Imaging through Barriers - Circularly-polarized antennas and their methods of use for active holographic imaging through barriers. The antennas are dielectrically loaded to optimally match the dielectric constant of the barrier through which images are to be produced. The dielectric loading helps to remove barrier-front surface reflections and to couple electromagnetic energy into the barrier. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100207022 | PLATFORM FOR FIELD ASYMMETRIC WAVEFORM ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETRY WITH ION PROPULSION MODES EMPLOYING GAS FLOW AND ELECTRIC FIELD - A differential ion mobility spectrometry or field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) platform is disclosed that utilizes both gas flow and electric field, consecutively or simultaneously, to move ions through the analytical gap. The consecutive combination of flow and field enables rapid and flexible switching of the FAIMS stage “on” (for ion separation) and “off” (for high non-selective transmission) with no hardware modifications. This capability is needed for effective use of multidimensional instrument systems that couple FAIMS to mass spectrometry and/or conventional ion mobility spectrometry. The joint application of flow and field allows controlling the discrimination against high-mobility ions, maximizing it to remove the chemical noise or minimizing it to make the analyses of complex samples more predictable and uniform. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100203652 | Method and apparatus for selective capture of gas phase analytes using metal beta-diketonate polymers - A process and sensor device are disclosed that employ metal β-diketonate polymers to selectively capture gas-phase explosives and weaponized chemical agents in a sampling area or volume. The metal β-diketonate polymers can be applied to surfaces in various analytical formats for detection of: improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordinance, munitions hidden in cargo holds, explosives, and chemical weapons in public areas. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100202952 | NANOWIRE SYNTHESIS FROM VAPOR AND SOLID SOURCES - Methods of the present invention can be used to synthesize nanowires with controllable compositions and/or with multiple elements. The methods can include coating solid powder granules, which comprise a first element, with a catalyst. The catalyst and the first element should form when heated a liquid, mixed phase having a eutectic or peritectic point. The granules, which have been coated with the catalyst, can then be heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the eutectic or peritectic point. During heating, a vapor source comprising the second element is introduced. The vapor source chemically interacts with the liquid, mixed phase to consume the first element and to induce condensation of a product that comprises the first and second elements in the form of a nanowire. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100180889 | OXYGEN GENERATION - The present invention provides for carbon dioxide removal and fixation using a cell incorporating a carbon dioxide selective film for active/passive transport while simultaneously producing oxygen and an air bladder for use in battlefield applications and the like where oxygen requirements are often extreme. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100161530 | METHOD FOR ENHANCED ACCURACY IN PREDICTING PEPTIDES ELUTION TIME USING LIQUID SEPARATIONS OR CHROMATOGRAPHY - A method for predicting the elution time of a peptide in chromatographic and electrophoretic separations by first providing a data set of known elution times of known peptides, then creating a plurality of vectors, each vector having a plurality of dimensions, and each dimension representing positional information about at least a portion of the amino acids present in the known peptides. A hypothetical vector is then created by assigning dimensional values for at least one hypothetical peptide, and a predicted elution time for the hypothetical vector is created by performing at least one multivariate regression fitting the hypothetical peptide to the plurality of vectors. Preferably, the multivariate regression is accomplished by the use of an artificial neural network and the elution times are first normalized using linear regression. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100159300 | CASSETTE LESS SOFC STACK AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY - A cassette less SOFC assembly and a method for creating such an assembly. The SOFC stack is characterized by an electrically isolated stack current path which allows welded interconnection between frame portions of the stack. In one embodiment electrically isolating a current path comprises the step of sealing a interconnect plate to a interconnect plate frame with an insulating seal. This enables the current path portion to be isolated from the structural frame an enables the cell frame to be welded together. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100152470 | Hydroxymethyl Furfural Oxidation Methods - A method of oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) includes providing a starting material which includes HMF in a solvent comprising water into a reactor. At least one of air and O | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100152469 | Hydroxymethyl Furfural Oxidation Methods - A method of oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) includes providing a starting material which includes HMF in a solvent comprising water into a reactor. At least one of air and O | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100145072 | Process for Producing Cyclic Compounds - The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100139652 | Dispensing Device and Method - Methods and devices for dispensing an aerosolized liquids that generate an electric field proximate an outlet of a liquid supplier to cause liquid issuing from the outlet to be aerosolized for dispensing, and regulating an electrical characteristic, such as voltage, for generating the electric field based on a detected electrical characteristic, e.g., current drawn, of the electric field and/or based on an environmental sensor, to compensate, for example, for adverse effects of relative humidity in the aerosolization process. Such methods and devices are suitable for use as, for example, an inhaler for dispensing therapeutic liquids to a patient's lungs, spraying paint, crops or other liquids over a surface area. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100126981 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE COATING COMPOSITION - An electrically conductive coating composition is provided for use on aircraft and other substrate surfaces to prevent the formation of ice or to melt ice. The conductive coating composition may include a nanomaterial such as carbon nanotubes dispersed in a solvent which may be applied to a substrate surface to form a thin film which is resistively heatable. The conductive coating may also comprise a nanomaterial formed from carbon nanotubes or fullerenes grafted to a polymer containing an active functional group which renders a substrate surface icephobic and is also resistively heatable. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100116897 | HANDHELD SPRAYER WITH REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100099802 | PROTEIN STABILIZED LATEX POLYMER EMULSIONS, METHODS OF MAKING, AND ADHESIVES CONTAINING SUCH EMULSIONS - A method of forming a stable latex polymer emulsion is provided which includes mixing one or more monomers including polymerizable acid monomers, esters, and unsaturated monomers with water and a soy protein. The emulsion is then polymerized and may be formed into adhesive compositions having improved water resistance and mechanical strength. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100096544 | Surface Sampling Probe for Field Portable Surface Sampling Mass Spectrometer - A portable detection device includes a surface sampling probe connected to a mass spectrometer, preferably mounted on a portable cart, and a transfer line for transporting samples from the probe to the mass spectrometer. The surface sampling probe is formed from a circular block or disk of metal such as copper and is provided with various holes in which cartridge heaters are located. The disk is preferably electroplated with nickel and then gold to allow for efficient heat transfer to the surface to be sampled. With this arrangement, in addition to other advantages, the presence of very low volatile or non-volatile materials may be determined. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100093966 | Readily Deinkable Toners - Broadly the invention provides for a deinkable toner composition, an image made with the deinkable toner, and a method for making the toner including a coloring agent; a thermoplastic polymer; and a protein. In another embodiment the toner includes a coloring agent and a thermoplastic polymer where the protein has been incorporated into the polymer itself. In typical embodiments the protein is derived from soybeans but may be from other plant or animal sources. Typically the toner has a positive triboelectric charge of between about 10 to about 40 microCoulomb/g, or a negative triboelectric charge of between about 10 to about 40 microCoulomb/g. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100092816 | METHODS OF REMOVING CONTAMINANTS FROM A FUEL CELL ELECTRODE - A method of optimizing a waveform of an electrical current applied to an electrode includes the steps of: applying an electrical current to an electrode of a device; determining a waveform of the voltage or the current of the electrical current; representing the waveform by a mathematical description such as a number of points or an analytical function characterized by a number of unknown coefficients and a fixed number of known functions; measuring a function of the device associated with the application of the electrical current; feeding the waveform description and the measurements to an algorithm, which may be in a computer program or other calculating device including manual calculations, including an optimization routine which uses the points or coefficients as independent variables for optimizing the function of the device; and performing the calculations to determine values of the points or coefficients which optimize the function of the device, and thereby determine an optimized waveform of the electrical current to be applied to the electrode of the device. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100081774 | FORMALDEHYDE FREE BINDERS - New polyols; oligomers, and polymers made from the polyols; and binders made from the new polyols, oligomers, or polymers that can be used in binders, where the binders typically include one or more polyols, and a polyfunctional acid or a polyfunctional nitrile. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100078571 | Method and System for Imaging a Radiation Source - A method for imaging a radiation source, and a device that utilizes these methods that in one embodiment include the steps of: calculating at least one Compton cone of a first parameter of a radiation emission from information received from a sensor occurrence; and tracing this Compton cone on to a unit sphere having preselected characteristics using an estimated angular uncertainty to limit at least a portion of said tracing. In another embodiment of the invention at least two Compton cones are calculated and then intersected upon a predefined surface such as a sphere. These intersection points can then be iterated over a preselected series of prior events. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100062483 | PRODUCTION OF BIO-BASED MATERIALS USING PHOTOBIOREACTORS WITH BINARY CULTURES - A method, device and system for producing preselected products, (either finished products or preselected intermediary products) from biobased precursors or Co | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100058924 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE CAPTURE OF GAS PHASE ANALYTES USING METAL BETA-DIKETONATE POLYMERS - A process and sensor device are disclosed that employ metal β-diketonate polymers to selectively capture gas-phase explosives and weaponized chemical agents in a sampling area or volume. The metal β-diketonate polymers can be applied to surfaces in various analytical formats for detection of: improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordinance, munitions hidden in cargo holds, explosives, and chemical weapons in public areas. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100056844 | BRACHYTHERAPY SEED WITH FAST DISSOLVING MATRIX FOR OPTIMAL DELIVERY OF RADIONUCLIDES TO CANCER TISSUE - A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20090311570 | SOFC Double Seal with Dimensional Control for Superior Thermal Cycle Stability - A seal for devices such as a solid oxide fuel cells. The seal is a double seal having a first sealing material having a first preselected characteristic and a second sealing material having a second sealing characteristic. In one embodiment of the invention the first sealing material is a compressive sealing material and the second sealing material is a hermetic sealing material. In some embodiments a dimensional stabilizer may also be included as a part of the seal. In use these double seals provide superior thermal cycling stability in electrochemical devices where gasses must be separated from each other. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090302269 | Process and Composition for Controlling Foaming in Bulk Hydrogen Storage and Releasing Materials - New methods and compositions are disclosed that minimize foaming in hydrogen-releasing materials. Foaming can be minimized during release of hydrogen in composites that include structured forms such as wafers and discs. Change tolerances of from 0% to 25% in solid products described show promise for next-generation fuel elements and devices. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090297435 | Microcombustors, Microreformers, And Methods Involving Combusting Or Reforming Liquids - The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090297434 | Reforming Catalysts and Methods of Alcohol Steam Reforming - The present invention provides catalysts, reactors, and methods of steam reforming alcohols over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090297418 | Composite Catalyst Materials And Method For The Selective Reduction Of Nitrogen Oxides - Composite catalyst materials that may be used to reduce nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas in the presence of other gasses without significant poisoning of the composite catalyst materials or reaction with the other gasses. The composite catalyst materials are formed of a matrix material comprised of cerium oxide doped with alkaline earth metal oxides, rare earth metal oxides, and combinations thereof wherein the cerium oxide comprises more than 50 atomic percent of the matrix material, and nanoparticles comprising transition metal oxides wherein the transition metal oxides comprise less than 20 atomic percent of the composite catalyst material. The composite catalyst materials may further contain noble metals dispersed in the matrix material. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090291039 | Process for Synthesis of Ammonia Borane for Bulk Hydrogen Storage - The present invention discloses new methods for synthesizing ammonia borane (NH | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090288962 | Electrochemical Sensor and Methods for Making and Using Same - A mercury-free, electrochemical sensor is described that includes a self-assembled monolayer on a mesoporous support (SAMMS) composite and a fluoropolymer component that is deposited on a measurement surface. The SAMMS component provides outstanding metal preconcentration. The fluoropolymer component acts as an antifouling binder. The sensor can detect various metals at a low detection level in the presence of fouling agents and without sample pretreatment. The sensor is also able to detect mixtures of metals simultaneously with excellent single and inter-electrode reproducibility. Service lifetimes are excellent. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090279770 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTION OF RARE CELLS - Fluorescent dye-tagged rare cells are disposed in a biological fluid layer contained in an annular gap ( | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277970 | CARTRIDGE HAVING SELF-ACTUATING SEAL FOR A WETTED LEAD SCREW - A cartridge for a spraying device, as well as a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge includes fluid reservoir a wetted lead screw and piston that upon rotation can pressurize a fluid within the reservoir. A self-actuating seal is placed between the piston and the lead screw, and extends into the reservoir such that the pressurized fluid applies a compressive force to the outer surface of the seal, causing the seal to clamp down on the lead screw. Such sealing is especially beneficial in electrohydrodyπamic spraying devices and electrostatic spraying devices. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090258215 | Bulk-Scaffolded Hydrogen Storage and Releasing Materials and Methods for Preparing and Using Same - Compositions are disclosed for storing and releasing hydrogen and methods for preparing and using same. These hydrogen storage and releasing materials exhibit fast release rates at low release temperatures without unwanted side reactions, thus preserving desired levels of purity and enabling applications in combustion and fuel cell applications. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090255290 | Methods For Separating a Fluid, And Devices Capable Of Separating a Fluid - Methods and apparatus for separating fluids are disclosed. We have discovered that, surprisingly, providing an open pore structure between a wick and an open flow channel resulted in superior separation performance. A novel and compact integrated device components for conducting separations are also described. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090242755 | LOW PRESSURE ELECTROSPRAY IONIZATION SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR EFFECTIVE TRANSMISSION OF IONS - Systems and methods that provide up to complete transmission of ions between coupled stages with low effective ion losses. An “interfaceless” electrospray ionization system is further described that operates an electrospray at a reduced pressure such that standard electrospray sample solutions can be directly sprayed into an electrodynamic ion funnel which provides ion focusing and transmission of ions into a mass analyzer. Furthermore, chambers maintained at different pressures can allow for more optimal operating conditions for an electrospray emitter and an ion guide. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090220397 | Capture and Release of Acid-Gasses with Acid-Gas Binding Organic Compounds - A system and method for acid-gas capture wherein organic acid-gas capture materials form hetero-atom analogues of alkyl-carbonate when contacted with an acid gas. These organic-acid gas capture materials include combinations of a weak acid and a base, or zwitterionic liquids. This invention allows for reversible acid-gas binding to these organic binding materials thus allowing for the capture and release of one or more acid gases. These acid-gas binding organic compounds can be regenerated to release the captured acid gasses and enable these organic acid-gas binding materials to be reused. This enables transport of the liquid capture compounds and the release of the acid gases from the organic liquid with significant energy savings compared to current aqueous systems. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090220388 | BREATHING AIR MAINTENANCE AND RECYCLE - The present invention provides for a single step design for carbon dioxide removal and fixation using a cell incorporating a carbon dioxide selective film tor active/passive transport while simultaneously producing oxygen. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090216040 | Methods For Production Of Polyols From Oils And Their Use In the Production of Polyesters and Polyurethanes - Methods to convert biobased oils, oil derivatives, and modified oils to highly functionalized esters, ester polyols, amides, and amide polyols. The products can be used to make polyurethane and polyester films and foams. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215911 | STRUCTURED CATALYST BED AND METHOD FOR CONVERSION OF FEED MATERIALS TO CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND LIQUID FUELS - The present invention is a structured monolith reactor and method that provides for controlled Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. The invention controls mass transport limitations leading to higher CO conversion and lower methane selectivity. Over 95 wt % of the total product liquid hydrocarbons obtained from the monolithic catalyst are in the carbon range of C | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215619 | Absorbent Soy Protein Isolate Base Hydrogels - Absorbent hydrogels are formed from soy protein isolate. More specifically, an absorbent hydrogel is formed by contacting soy protein isolate with urea to produce solubilized soy protein isolate which is combined with 2-mercaptoethanol to form a first mixture. The first mixture is heated and combined with a polymerizable monomer and ammonium persulfate to form a second mixture. The second mixture is then heated, followed by removal of the hydrogel from the second mixture. Optionally, the as-formed hydrogel may be subjected to a washing process to extract non-reactant components from the gel and then dried. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090211735 | Mixing in Wicking Structures and the Use of Enhanced Mixing Within Wicks in Microchannel Devices - Advanced wicking structures and methods utilizing these structures are described. The use of advanced wicking structures can promote rapid mass transfer while maintaining high capillary pressure through the use of small pores. Particularly improved results in fluid contacting processes can be achieved by enhanced mixing within a wicking layer within a microchannel. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090194223 | LOW-TEMPERATURE SINTERING OF LANTHANUM STRONTIUM MANGANITE-BASED CONTACT PASTES FOR SOFCS - A method for forming electrical connections between parts of a fuel cell that includes subjecting a contact paste positioned between the parts to alternating flows of gasses having varying high and low partial pressures of oxygen. This method demonstrates the ability to form conductive interconnections that have sufficient mechanical stability because these pastes can be cured at a temperature less than the temperatures of the surrounding materials thus allowing desired portions to be cured while allowing other portions such as the glass or ceramic portions to maintain their desired mechanical and electrical properties. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090193899 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR ULTRASONIC CHARACTERIZATION OF DEFORMED STRUCTURES - Generally speaking, the method of the present invention is performed by making various ultrasonic scans at preselected orientations along the length of a material being tested. Data from the scans are then plotted together with various calculated parameters that are calculated from this data. Lines or curves are then fitted to the respective plotted points. Review of these plotted curves allows the location and severity of defects within these sections to be determined and quantified. With this information various other decisions related to how, when or whether repair or replacement of a particular portion of a structure can be made. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090169443 | Catalysts, Reactors and Methods of Producing Hydrogen Via the Water-Gas Shift Reaction - The reaction of carbon monoxide with steam over an alkali-modified ruthenium-on-zirconia catalyst has been found to yield surprisingly high yields of hydrogen gas at relatively low temperatures. Catalyst structures, reactors, hydrogen production systems, and methods for producing hydrogen utilizing the alkali-modified ruthenium-on-zirconia catalyst are described. Methods of making catalysts are also described. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090142581 | Modified Carbon Nanotubes and Methods of Forming Carbon Nanotubes - In this invention, processes which can be used to achieve stable doped carbon nanotubes are disclosed. Preferred CNT structures and morphologies for achieving maximum doping effects are also described. Dopant formulations and methods for achieving doping of a broad distribution of tube types are also described. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090136402 | Capture and Release of Mixed Acid Gasses With Binding Organic Liquids - Reversible acid-gas binding organic liquid systems that permit separation and capture of one or more of several acid gases from a mixed gas stream, transport of the liquid, release of the acid gases from the ionic liquid and reuse of the liquid to bind more acid gas with significant energy savings compared to current aqueous systems. These systems utilize acid gas capture compounds made up of strong bases and weak acids that form salts when reacted with a selected acid gas, and which release these gases when a preselected triggering event occurs. The various new materials that make up this system can also be included in various other applications such as chemical sensors, chemical reactants, scrubbers, and separators that allow for the specific and separate removal of desired materials from a gas stream such as flue gas. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090113787 | Palladium Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Bio-Oils and Organic Compounds - The invention provides palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of bio-oils and certain organic compounds. Experimental results have shown unexpected and superior results for palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of organic compounds typically found in bio-oils. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090111027 | Ionically conductive polymer for use in electrochemical devices - An ionically conductive polymer has the chemical structure 1 as shown herein. Examples of the polymer include 4,4′-(4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)butane-2,2-diyl)diphenol, sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing benzimidazole backbone, sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing carboxylic acid backbone, and sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing benzimidazole backbone from carboxylic acid containing sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone). The polymer has intrinsic ion conducting properties so that it is effectively conductive even under low water conditions. In one embodiment, the polymer has an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10 | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090108194 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE FILTERING OF IONS - An adjustable, low mass-to-charge (m/z) filter is disclosed employing electrospray ionization to block ions associated with unwanted low m/z species from entering the mass spectrometer and contributing their space charge to down-stream ion accumulation steps. The low-mass filter is made by using an adjustable potential energy barrier from the conductance limiting terminal electrode of an electrodynamic ion funnel, which prohibits species with higher ion mobilities from being transmitted. The filter provides a linear voltage adjustment of low-mass filtering from m/z values from about 50 to about 500. Mass filtering above m/z 500 can also be performed; however, higher m/z species are attenuated. The mass filter was evaluated with a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of an albumin tryptic digest and resulted in the ability to block low-mass, “background” ions which account for 40-70% of the total ion current from the ESI source during peak elution. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090074611 | PHOTOLYTIC GENERATION OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE - The present invention is directed to a photolytic hydrogen peroxide generator ( | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090068723 | Isolated Fungal Promoters and Gene Transcription Terminators and Methods of Protein and Chemical Production in a Fungus - The present invention encompasses isolated gene regulatory elements and gene transcription terminators that are differentially expressed in a native fungus exhibiting a first morphology relative to the native fungus exhibiting a second morphology. The invention also encompasses a method of utilizing a fungus for protein or chemical production. A transformed fungus is produced by transforming a fungus with a recombinant polynucleotide molecule. The recombinant polynucleotide molecule contains an isolated polynucleotide sequence linked operably to another molecule comprising a coding region of a gene of interest. The gene regulatory element and gene transcription terminator may temporally and spatially regulate expression of particular genes for optimum production of compounds of interest in a transgenic fungus. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090061267 | POWER DEVICE AND OXYGEN GENERATOR - A system for oxygen, hydrogen and carbon mass regeneration and recycling for breathing, and fuel/energy generation purposes, especially for fuel cells and rocket motors, by combination and integration of a photoelectrolytically powered electrochemical and gas handling system with one or more fuel cells. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090048797 | METHODS FOR RECALIBRATION OF MASS SPECTROMETRY DATA - Disclosed are methods for recalibrating mass spectrometry data that provide improvement in both mass accuracy and precision by adjusting for experimental variance in parameters that have a substantial impact on mass measurement accuracy. Optimal coefficients are determined using correlated pairs of mass values compiled by matching sets of measured and putative mass values that minimize overall effective mass error and mass error spread. Coefficients are subsequently used to correct mass values for peaks detected in the measured dataset, providing recalibration thereof. Sub-ppm mass measurement accuracy has been demonstrated on a complex fungal proteome after recalibration, providing improved confidence for peptide identifications. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090042302 | Isolated Polynucleotides and Methods of Promoting a Morphology in a Fungus - The invention includes isolated polynucleotide molecules that are differentially expressed in a native fungus exhibiting a first morphology relative to the native fungus exhibiting a second morphology. The invention includes a method of enhancing a bioprocess utilizing a fungus. A transformed fungus is produced by transforming a fungus with a recombinant polynucleotide molecule. The recombinant polynucleotide molecule contains an isolated polynucleotide sequence linked operably to a promoter. The polynucleotide sequence is expressed to promote a first morphology. The first morphology of the transformed fungus enhances a bioprocess relative to the bioprocess utilizing a second morphology. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090017128 | CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL FROM WHOLE BLOOD BY PHOTOLYTIC ACTIVATION - Apparatus and methods for removing carbon dioxide from whole blood. Hydrogen ions are generated from water in the blood, resulting in the formation and release of carbon dioxide from the blood. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090007281 | Animal Model for Assessing Copd-Related Diseases - Methods of diagnosis, markers, and screening techniques and animal models for assessing the severity and/or progression or regression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COPD-related diseases are disclosed. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080266658 | OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR CELL IMAGING - A microscope system ( | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080259519 | Highly-Aqueous, Non-Respirable Aerosols Containing Biologically-Active Ingredients, Method of Making, and Device Therefor - A non-respirable aerosol, particularly a non-respirable aerosol comprising a biologically-effective amount of a biologically-active agent dissolved, emulsified, or suspended in a highly-aqueous liquid carrier vehicle. The highly-aqueous liquid carrier vehicle comprises about 60 wt % to about 100 wt % water, about 0 wt % to about 40 wt % of a co-solvent, about 0.05 wt % to about 10 wt % of an acceptable surfactant, and about 0 wt % to about 10 wt % of an excipient. The non-respirable aerosol is substantially monodisperse when dispensed from a sprayhead assembly comprising a preferably linear array of a plurality of nozzles and at least one counter electrode adapted to substantially equalize the charge fields of the plurality of nozzles. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080253944 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTRODUCING FUEL OIL INTO A STEAM REFORMER WITH REDUCED CARBON DEPOSITION - A system and method for creating reformate with decreased carbon deposition. The system is made up of a steam source, a superheater, a fuel injection device, a prereformer, and a reformer with catalyst linings. The system functions to superheat steam while maintaining the fuel at a lower temperature prior to injection and mixing with the steam. After injection and mixing, the steam and fuel mixture is then passed through a prereformer where catalysts treat a portion of the fuel and steam mixture. After these portions are treated with a catalyst, the mixture is passed through to a reformer where further treatment of the material by catalyst takes place. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080248362 | Solution Based Enhancements of Fuel Cell Components and Other Electrochemical Systems and Devices - This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |δ solvent−δ solute|<1, where δ solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where δ solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of improving at least one property of a component for an electrochemical device or at least one property of the electrochemical device, the method comprising preparing the component from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |δ solvent−δ solute|<1, where δ solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where δ solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080207969 | Tailored Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Product Distribution - Novel methods of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are described. It has been discovered that conducting the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a catalyst with a catalytically active surface layer of 35 microns or less results in a liquid hydrocarbon product with a high ratio of C | 08-28-2008 |
