THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160130390 | HYPERBRANCHED AMINO ACID-BASED POLY(ESTER UREA)S FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE AND DRUG DELIVERY - One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a hyperbranched amino-acid-based PEU polymer for use in regenerative medicine and/or drug delivery applications has tunable mechanical and thermal properties, but is sufficiently stable to permit such things as ethyloxide sterilization without degradation and/or significant loss of function. These hyperbranched amino acid-based poly(ester urea) (PEU) by interfacial polycondensation between linear and branched amino acid-based polyester monomers and a urea forming material such as trisphosgene or phosgene. By controlling the amount of branched monomer incorporated into the copolymer, the mechanical properties and water uptake abilities of the resulting hyperbranched amino acid-based PEUs may be tuned. The hyperbranched PEUs nanofibers are sterilizable with ETO and are stable for long periods of ETO sterilization, elevated temperature and exposure to aqueous environments. In various embodiments, these hyperbranched amino acid-based PEUs are also biodegradable and can be formed into fibers. | 05-12-2016 |
20160122458 | GENERATION OF AMPHIPHILIC NETWORK WITH AN ABILITY TO DISTINGUISH THE TRANSPORT OF IGG AND INSULIN - A method of preparing an amiphiphilic co-network comprising preparing a molecularly-bimodal crosslinkable amphiphilic graft by polymerizing a dihydrocarbylacrylamide monomer in the presence of a first asymmetric-telechelic polydihydrocarbylsiloxane monomer mixture and a second asymmetric-telechelic polydihydrocarbylsiloxane monomer mixture where the molar mass ratio between average molar mass of the first asymmetric-telechelic monomer mixture polydihydrocarbylsiloxane and average molar mass of the second asymmetric-telechelic monomer mixture polydihydrocarbylsiloxane is between 1:2 and 1:20; and crosslinking the molecularly-bimodal crosslinkable amphiphilic graft with a siloxane compound that includes at least two Si—H bonds. | 05-05-2016 |
20160090437 | POLYISOBUTYLENES AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME - The present invention generally relates to alcohol-terminated polyisobutylene (PIB) compounds, and to a process for making such compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to primary alcohol-terminated polyisobutylene compounds, and to a process for making such compounds. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to polyisobutylene compounds that can be used to synthesize polyurethanes, to polyurethane compounds made via the use of such polyisobutylene compounds, and to processes for making such compounds. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to primary alcohol-terminated polyisobutylene compounds having two or more primary alcohol termini and to a process for making such compounds. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to primary terminated polyisobutylene compounds having two or more primary termini selected from amine groups or methacrylate groups. | 03-31-2016 |
20160083681 | AUTOMATED CELL AND TISSUE BIOPRINTER - The present invention are directed to a novel automated cell bioprinter and related methods for making three-dimensional tissue constructs with spatial organization of cells that provides: (i) organized cell placement and spatial assembly of multiple cell types in a reproducible manner (ii) direct and non-contact assembly of multiple cell types and/or cell layers without exerting damaging forces on the cells or tissues, (iii) retention of cell viability and functionality during assembly steps and long periods of culture, (iv) minimal use of harmful and toxic chemicals such as profuse amounts of mineral oil and buffer reagent, and (v) efficient layer-to-layer assembly of cell layers within the three-dimensional construct while (vi) avoiding the use of complicated surface treatments that prevents scale-up, and (vii) avoiding mutation-inducing radiations such as UV used to photocrosslink hydrogels. | 03-24-2016 |
20160050492 | DIRECT-DRIVE DIGITAL AUDIO AMPLIFIER FOR ELECTROSTATIC LOUDSPEAKERS - A direct-drive digital audio amplifier for electrostatic loudspeakers (ESL) includes a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) generator that generates a PWM signal from a digital audio signal received from an audio source. The generated PWM signal is amplified to a high voltage, such as several hundred volts, by a high-voltage switching circuit. The amplified PWM signal is then applied to the stator panels of the electrostatic loudspeaker (ESL), whereupon the amplified PWM signal is low-pass filtered by the electrostatic loudspeaker to generate audible sound waves, which are then high-pass filtered by a listener's ears, so as to audibly reproduce the digital audio signal. | 02-18-2016 |
20160048630 | METHOD FOR DESIGN AND CUSTOMIZATION OF A MULTIPHASE ELECTRIC MOTOR - A method for designing and customizing a multiphase motor provides reduced modeling and customization time by utilizing a lumped parameter model (LPM) of the multiphase motor. In addition, during the design process, environmental factors, monitoring results of multiphase motors used in the field, market requirements, and the particular application for which the multiphase motor is to be used are all taken into account by the design method. Thus, by considering such factors together with the LPM of the multiphase motor allows the method of the present invention to optimize the overall design of the multiphase motor so that is achieves high reliability, high efficiency, and low cost. | 02-18-2016 |
20160002373 | PREPARATION OF POLYISOBUTYLENE-BASED POLYMER NETWORKS BY THIOL-ENE CHEMISTRY - A PIB-based polymer network includes at least one sulfur containing segment and at least two PIB polymer segments. The at least two PIB polymer segments each include a core and at least two polyisobutylene polymer chains extending therefrom. The at least one sulfur containing segment includes at least one sulfur atom that is located between any two polyisobutylene polymer chains from two different PIB polymer segments, so that the sulfur containing segment connects those two different PIB polymer segments together. The PIB-based polymer network is produced by the thiol-ene reaction in the presence of light or heat. The reaction products include at least two polyisobutylene polymer precursor moieties, each polyisobutylene polymer precursor moiety having at least two end group selected from the end groups —CH | 01-07-2016 |
20150328831 | ADHESIVE ATTACHMENT DISCS - The present invention is directed to synthetic attachment discs made from adhesive nanofibers and/or microfibers that are capable of attaching long fibers to a wide variety of surfaces, and related methods for forming and using them. The synthetic attachment discs of the present invention use very little material relative to prior art systems, while producing a very strong attachment force. Experimental and theoretical evidence are provided to confirm the advantages of thousands of micron-size ‘staple-pins’ and their low peeling angles to enhance the adhesive forces required to peel the synthetic attachment discs. The present invention provides a unique strategy for designing new adhesives that use very little material for various biomedical and material science applications. | 11-19-2015 |
20150328357 | WOUND PROTECTING POLYMERS - A wound protecting composition includes an end-functionalized arborescent polymer having at least two branching points to provide at least four ends to the arborescent polymer, the arborescent polymer comprising polyisobutylene; and an end group attached to a majority of the ends of the arboresent polymer, the end group comprising an alkyl cyanoacrylate. The composition may further include a blend of the end-functionalized arborescent polymer with an independent alkyl cyanoacrylate. | 11-19-2015 |
20150323301 | HIGH SENSITIVITY INDUCTIVE SENSOR FOR MEASURING BLADE TIP CLEARANCE - A high sensitivity inductive sensor for measuring clearance of a rotating blade tip includes a one or more of sensing coils. The sensing coils are formed of magnet wire, which is wound to form planar spiral coils. Each of the coils are coupled in series with a function generator, which applies an excitation signal thereto. Accordingly, based on the change in impedance of the coils, a clearance measurement, which identifies the distance between the coil and the tip of the rotating blade can be obtained using predetermined calibration curve values. | 11-12-2015 |
20150275401 | ELECTROSPUN MICROTUBES AND NANOTUBES CONTAINING RHEOLOGICAL FLUID - Microscale and nanoscale tubular structures are provided including rheological fluids in their interior volume and including at least one electroactive component. Multiple tubular structures are provided, including simple hollow tube structures; core/shell structures, wherein the tube includes a tubular outer shell with a core extending axially therein; concentric tube or coaxial tube structures, wherein the tube includes a tubular outer shell and one or more concentric tubes extending axially therein; and core/concentric tube structures, wherein concentric tubes further include a core extending axially therein, thus having a core and two or more tubes surrounding the core. The tubular structures are formed by electrospinning and special spinnerets are provided. The tubular structures form fabrics for beneficial uses. | 10-01-2015 |
20150233776 | WEARABLE INDUCTIVE-FORCE SENSOR - A wearable inductive-force sensor, which provides high-sensitivity dynamic measurements of both normal force and shear force, utilizes three spiral planar force sensing coils. These spiral planar coils allow the measurement of shear force in the x and y directions and the measurement of a normal force in the z direction. The force sensor is configured to be mounted in various locations, such as an insole of a shoe, so as to provide real-time force sensing of forces that are applied to a patient's feet as they move. In addition, force-measurement electronics used with the force sensor are configured to use resonance-frequency division signal multiplexing to monitor the response of the force sensing coils, which allows the sensor to have minimal complexity, while still being highly sensitive. | 08-20-2015 |
20150231274 | DEXTRAN-PEPTIDE HYBRID FOR EFFICIENT GENE DELIVERY - One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a novel composition for gene delivery are directed to a group of polysaccharide polymers, having one or more nucleic acid delivery side chains comprising cationic peptides. In some embodiments, these cationic peptides condense and physically bond to one or more nucleic acids to form a polysaccharide-nucleic acid complex that permits delivery to and transfection of the nucleic acid(s) into cells. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide polymers of the present invention may also have one or more zwitterionic side chains and/or reactive side chains. | 08-20-2015 |
20150227159 | FAST AUTO-BALANCING AC BRIDGE - A system and method for fast, automatic balancing of an AC bridge utilizes a two-stage process. During the first stage, the phase of the bridge voltage is matched, while during the second stage, the amplitude is minimized. The voltage matching process is based on halving the range of measured voltage amplitudes at each step, using two samples to identify the next half-range, resulting in an n-step recursive algorithm with “n” defining the resolution of the process. As such, the phase-matching process requires only three samples per step, and only four steps for 1° resolution. Consequently, the computational power needed to carry out the two-stage process is minimal, requiring only comparison of the three sampled voltages, thereby resulting in a balancing process that is performed fast and efficiently. | 08-13-2015 |
20150210810 | Novel Polyisobutylene-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers - The present invention is directed to a new class of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and processes for making them. In some embodiments of the present invention, the end groups of the multi-arm PIB copolymer is a conjugated diene, whereas the other component is a multi-functional dienophile. The components of the TPE of the present invention are chemically connected via the well-known Diels-Alder reaction which is thermally reversible (by the retro-Diels-Alder reaction) at moderately elevated temperatures. The reversibility of the Diels-Alder retro-Diels-Alder reactions allows the recovery of the original components of the TPE and thus its recyclability and also gives the TPE the ability to be reshaped or reformed. | 07-30-2015 |
20150200617 | D-Q Control System and Method for Controlling a Switched Reluctance Motor - A D-Q or rotating reference frame control system for a switched reluctance motor (SRM) provides a negativity removal module and a non-linear model module. As such, the control system utilizes control inputs f | 07-16-2015 |
20150197600 | POLYMERIC STRUCTURES CONTAINING STRAINED CYCLOALKYNE FUNCTIONALITY FOR POST-FABRICATION AZIDEALKYNE CYCLOADDITION FUNCTIONALIZATION - A method of creating biocompatible polymeric structures includes the steps of: providing a biocompatible polymer including a strained cycloalkyne end group; forming a polymeric structure from the biocompatible polymer such that the strained cycloalkyne end group remains on the biocompatible polymer; providing an azide tethered molecule; and, after forming the polymeric structure, reacting the azide tethered molecule with the cycloalkyne in an azide alkyne cycloaddition reaction to further functionalize the polymeric structure. | 07-16-2015 |
20150191566 | POLYISOBUTYLENE-BASED POLYURETHANES CONTAINING ORGANICALLY MODIFIED MONTMORILLONITE - The present invention generally relates to polyurethanes and polyurethane prepolymers having improved mechanical properties over ordinarily produced polyurethanes or polyurethane prepolymers. Such polyurethanes and prepolymers include very small amounts of organically-modified layered clays, and more specifically, less than 1 weight percent, based upon the total polymer composition, of a layered clay exfoliated with organic quaternary ammonium salts having alkyl substituents, wherein at least one of the alkyl substituents carries an —NH2 group. | 07-09-2015 |
20150183988 | Strain-Promoted Crosslinking of PEG-based Hydrogels via Copper-Free Cycloaddition - The present invention is directed to a covalently crosslinked hydrogel comprising the strain-promoted reaction product of an 8-member cycloalkyne functionalized polyalkylene glycol and a multi-arm glycerol exytholate triazide and methods for making them. Because the precursor materials can be manipulated without causing crosslinking, provided the strain threshold is not reached, these hydrogels permit mechanical control over when (and where) cross linking occurs and are easier to use than prior strain-activated or temperature-activated systems. These novel hydrogels do not require a catalyst to cross link, thus avoiding the biocompatibility problems common to many catalysts. Nor is the crosslinking process affected by the presence of catalysts or other substances, which have interfered with crosslinking in known strain induced hydrogels. Because of their crosslinking reaction kinetics, these novel hydrogels can encapsulate and transport highly sensitive cells and other biological additives and have no known toxic byproducts. | 07-02-2015 |
20150175854 | HYDROGENATED ALKENYL AROMATIC-DIENE COPOLYMERS CONTAINING COMONOMERS HAVING SILYL HYDRIDE UNITS AND THEIR FUNCTIONALIZED ANALOGS - The present invention relates primarily to polymers comprising at least one alkenyl aromatic monomer, at least one conjugated diene monomer, and at least one monomer containing silyl hydride moieties, characterized in that said polymers are hydrogenated and preferably functionalized by hydrosilylation reactions between the silyl hydride groups on the polymer chain and the multiple bonds of any alkene or alkyne compound. Besides the described products, this invention comprises their synthesis processes and their uses, especially as thermofusible adhesives, in plastics impact modification, and in chain-extension reactions to obtain new materials, among others. | 06-25-2015 |
20150141768 | Smart Fiber-Optic Sensor System and Method for Optical Spectroscopy in Robotic Surgical Systems - A smart fiber-optic sensor system for use with robotic surgical systems performs optical spectroscopy using a diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) sensing channel, a self-calibration (SC) channel, a pressure-sensing channel, and a temperature sensing channel. During use of the fiber-optic sensor during a laparoscopic procedure, the pressure-sensing channel ensures that the fiber-optic sensor is maintained in suitable contact with the target tissue being treated. In addition, the temperature sensor is used to ensure that the target tissue does not exceed a desired temperature from the use of an electrosurgical cutting device during the laparoscopic procedure, so as to prevent burning or charring damage at the target tissue. | 05-21-2015 |
20150141574 | THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS CONTAINING AN OLIGOPEPTIDE HARD COMPONENT - The present invention is generally directed to a new class of TPEs made from peptide terminated low T | 05-21-2015 |
20150118730 | ENZYME-BASED PROTEIN SEPARATION AND ENRICHMENT FROM SOY MEAL, WHEAT MEAL, AND OTHER PROTEIN-RICH MATERIALS DERIVED FROM PLANT SEEDS, FRUITS AND OTHER BIOMASS - The present invention is directed to enzyme based methods for separating protein from protein-rich materials derived from plant seeds, fruit, or other biomass and products made therefrom. The protein content in the resulting products is improved by separating and removing the carbohydrates from around the proteins in, for example, soybean meal. This removal is facilitated by the enzymatic hydrolysis of poly- and oligomeric carbohydrates into monosaccharides and other water soluble sugars. The present invention provides for the production of three streams of useful materials. The first is an enriched protein material comparable to the known SPCs but without significant quantities of undigestible oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. The second is an SPI made from the soluble protein in the hydrolysate which is valuable for high-quality feed, food and industrial uses. The third is the soluble saccharides and hydrolyzed carbohydrates (releasing sugars) that can be converted by fermentation to various valuable bioproducts. | 04-30-2015 |
20150057988 | Method for Identifying Stochastic Information of Heterogeneous Materials - A method for identifying stochastic information of a heterogeneous material utilizes physical loading measurements that are input into a global optimization process. The optimization process executes, in parallel, a force-driven non-linear finite element simulation and a displacement-driven finite element simulation of a constitutive model of the heterogeneous material. The constitutive models model the spatially varying random material properties (i.e. stochastic properties) using the Karhunen-Loeve expansion, thereby introducing the stochastic parameters, including spatial mean, spatial variance, and correlation length for example into the models. Stress and strain values for both the force-driven and displacement driven finite element analyses are input into an objective function, whereupon the finite element simulations are updated after each iteration of the optimization process is performed until the objective function is minimized to a desired level. This results in the identification of optimized stochastic parameters associated with the heterogeneous material under investigation. | 02-26-2015 |
20140302327 | MULTI-PHASE SELF-STRATIFYING COATING EXHIBITING GRADIENT BEHAVIOR - The present invention relates to multi-phase self-stratifying coating systems, and in particular, to multi-phase self-stratifying coating systems having a substantially homogeneous composition of polymeric binder components that upon application and cure generates a multi-phase stratified coating wherein each phase is rich in a different polymeric binder component and wherein individual phases are separated by a diffuse interface, such that the stratified coating exhibits a gradient behavior wherein a given interface exhibits the attributes of the polymeric binder component that is rich at that interface, and wherein at least one phase is rich in a polymeric binder having a telechelic resin with reactive internal groups, reactive end groups, and an alkoxide oligomer, and at least one other phase is rich in a polymeric binder having a fluorinated polymer derived from fluorinated vinyl-based monomers. | 10-09-2014 |
20140302249 | COATED FIBERS EXHIBITING BEADS-ON-A-STRING MORPHOLOGY - A method of preparing a fiber with periodically spaced beads includes the steps of: coating a base fiber with a settable coating; thereafter allowing the settable coating to form periodically spaced beads on the base fiber; and stabilizing the periodically spaced beads into periodically spaced beads thus creating a fiber with beads-on-a-string morphology. | 10-09-2014 |
20140295604 | P-Type Transition Metal Oxide-Based Films Serving as Hole Transport Layers in Organic Optoelectronic Devices - An improvement in a method of making a semiconducting device having a hole-collecting electrode includes coating the hole-collecting electrode with a p-type transition metal oxide through a sol-gel process. | 10-02-2014 |
20140284828 | METHOD OF CHARACTERIZATION OF VISCOELASTIC STRESS IN ELONGATED FLOW MATERIALS - The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows in spinning jets and/or electrified jets. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for determining the elastic modulus and the relaxation time of a polymeric fluid. Also, the present invention enables one to determine and/or measure the primary parameters needed to describe a viscoelastic material. | 09-25-2014 |
20140273111 | PROCESS OF PREPARING FUNCTIONALIZED POLYMERS VIA ENZYMATIC CATALYSIS - The invention relates to functionalized, telechelic polymers synthesized by enzymatic catalysis and methods, and the functionalization of polymers via Michael addition with a lipase catalyst, and the crosslinking of mono- or difunctional (telechelic) polymers made by enzymatic catalysis, such as by using multifunctional coupling agents and enzyme catalysts. Quantitative transesterification of vinyl methacrylate with poly(ethylene glycol), poly(isobutylene) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) was achieved using | 09-18-2014 |
20140253002 | SYSTEM FOR REDUCING TORQUE RIPPLE IN AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A motor control system is provided. The motor control system includes a motor, a position sensor, a current sensor, and a control module. The motor has a rotor and a stator. The motor generates an output torque based on a phase current applied to the motor. The output torque generated by the motor creates a torque ripple that is within a predefined range. The position sensor monitors the motor to determine a rotor position. The current sensor monitors the motor to determine the phase current. The control module is in communication with the motor, the position sensor, and the current sensor. The control module includes a lookup table that stores values of phase current commands. The control module determines a phase current command from the lookup table based on the rotor position and the phase current. | 09-11-2014 |
20140236237 | REDUCED SHOCK BREAKAWAY SET SCREW FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CONSTRUCT - A reduced shock breakaway set screw for use with medical implants and constructs for the spine having improved geometry of the groove area between the upper head portion and lower threaded portion of the set screw. The groove area of the set screw has circular and noncircular portions which in at least one embodiment comprise upper and lower radii separated by a flattened groove bottom. Other embodiments have apertures running between the groove area and an internal cylindrical bore and/or ridges or ribs running across the groove area. The improved geometry serves to slow down the fracturing process during shearing thereby increasing the proportion of energy dissipated as heat from plastic deformation of the material to the amount of energy released as kinetic energy from elastic deformation, thus reducing shock to the patient and physician without changing the preset break-off torque for the set screw. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235905 | METHOD FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF LOW COST INITIATORS FOR TELECHELIC POLYISOBUTYLENES - A method for the synthesis of 1,3-di(chloropropyl)-5-tert-butyl benzene includes the steps of conducting Friedl-Crafts alkylation of 1,3-diisopropyl benzene by tert-butyl chloride in the presence of an alkylation catalyst to obtain 1-tert-butyl-3,5-diisopropylbenzene; peroxidizing the 1-tert-butyl-3,5-diisopropyl benzene by gaseous oxygen in the presence of a peroxidation catalyst in a basic solution to obtain 1,3-di(peroxypropyl)-5-tert-butylbenzene; reducing the 1,3-di(peroxypropyl)-5-tert-butylbenzene with a reducing agent to 1,3-di(hydroxyl propyl)-5-tert-butylbenzene; and chlorinating the 1,3-di(hydroxypropyl)-5-tert-butylbenzene to obtain 1,3-di(chloropropyl)-5-tert-butyl benzene. | 08-21-2014 |
20140230577 | REAL-TIME MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND/OR CONTROLLING PROPERTIES OF A COMPOSITION TRANSITIONING FROM LIQUID STATE TO SOLID STATE - A method of monitoring a composition in transition from liquid to solid state includes the steps of providing an apparatus having a temperature pyrometer, a drying element, a laser displacement sensor, and an electronic balance; providing a composition in a liquid state; converting the composition to a solid state; and measuring the a process condition during said step of converting. The apparatus can include a drying element, a temperature pyrometer, a laser displacement sensor, a platform for holding a composition, an electronic balance, and a spectral birefringence measurement system. | 08-21-2014 |
20140213130 | CARBON NANOTUBE-BASED ROBUST STEAMPHOBIC SURFACES - A method for creating a superhydrophobic coated nanoporous assembly includes the steps of: providing a nanoporous assembly formed of discrete and/or continuous structures that provide a morphology defining pores of less than 1 micron between neighboring discrete and continuous structures; bringing gaseous plasma precursors in the presence of the nanoporous assembly and in the presence of a plasma generator; employing the plasma generator to convert the gaseous plasma precursors to the plasma state; and permitting the plasma precursors to deposit as a coating on the nanoporous assembly through plasma polymerization techniques the deposition thereof preserving the porous structure of the nanoporous assembly, the deposited coating exhibiting a surface energy of less than 30 dynes/cm. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209534 | FILTERS FOR OIL-WATER SEPARATION HAVING ZWITTERIONIC POLYMERS COATED OR GRAFTED THEREON - A filter for the separation of oil and water from oil-water mixtures comprising a porous filter media, wherein the porous filter media has a zwitterionic polymer grafted or coated thereon. The zwitterionic polymers can be formed from zwitterionic monomers, the zwitterionic polymers having positive and negative charges in series on the same side chain; zwitterionic polymers formed from a mixture of cationic and anionic monomers, the zwitterionic polymers having positive and negative charges on two different side chains; and zwitterionic polymers formed from monomers with cationic-anionic pairs, the zwitterionic polymers having positive and negative charges in parallel on the same side chain | 07-31-2014 |
20140193911 | THERMORESPONSIVE CELL CULTURE SUPPORTS - The present invention relates to a cell culture support comprising a substrate and a thermoresponsive polymeric blend layer, wherein the polymeric blend layer comprises at least one thermoresponsive polymer and at least one network forming adhesion promoter. The present invention further relates a method of making a cell culture complex comprising: providing a substrate; blending at least one thermoresponsive polymer and at least one network forming adhesion promoter to provide a polymeric blend; applying a thin film of said polymeric blend to the substrate to provide a polymeric blend layer on the substrate; curing the polymeric blend layer on the substrate to provide a cell culture support; and depositing cells onto said cell culture support, wherein the cells may optionally further comprise medium, to provide a cell culture complex. | 07-10-2014 |
20140174536 | Electron Donor-Fullerene Conjugated Molecules for Organic Photovoltaic Cells - A photovoltaic cell has an active area formed electron donor-fullerene conjugated molecules. The electron donor is formed of a polymer, which is conjugated with an electron acceptor, such as fullerene. By conjugating the fullerene, such as C | 06-26-2014 |
20140171619 | PEPTIDE-CROSSLINKED BIOACTIVE POLYMERIC MATERIALS - A method for creating a peptide crosslinked bioactive polymeric material includes reacting a hydroxy-functionalized small molecule with a amino acid to form an amino acid functionalized monomer, reacting the amino acid functionalized monomer with a urea bond former to form a amino acid-based poly(ester urea), and reacting the amino acid-based poly(ester urea) with a peptide based crosslinker to form the peptide crosslinked bioactive polymeric material. | 06-19-2014 |
20140163129 | SINGLE AND TWIN SCREW EXTRUDERS WITH ULTRASOUND HORNS FOR DECROSSLINKING AND DEVULCANIZATION - Processes for decrosslinking crosslinked plastic and devulcanizing vulcanized rubber include advancing such materials through single screw or twin screw extruders including special ultrasonic treatment zones wherein threadless shaft (single screw) or shafts (twin screw) rotate under an ultrasonic horn having a distal end aligned with the shaft or shafts and being shaped complimentary thereto. Special arcuate (single screw) or double-arcuate ultrasonic treatment flow paths confine the materials to flow under the horn where the material is subjected to ultrasonic waves to decrosslink the material, in the case of crosslinked plastic, or devulcanize the material, in the case of vulcanized rubber, with the extrudate leaving the die as a continuous stream or rope as is typical of virgin plastic or rubber. | 06-12-2014 |
20140144216 | INTEGRATED ULTRASONIC-INDUCTIVE PULSE SENSOR FOR WEAR DEBRIS DETECTION - An apparatus for detecting wear particles in a fluid includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel. An ultrasonic transducer creating an acoustic wave that defines an acoustic focal zone is located between the inlet and outlet channels. A flow path located between the inlet and outlet channel is shaped to restrict the flow of the fluid to be within the acoustic focal zone. An inductive pulse sensor includes a plurality of flow channels receiving the fluid and a plurality of planar coils wound around the flow channels. The inductive pulse sensor includes a detection system for the detection of wear particles passing through the flow channels based on a change in an electrical property of the planar coils. A single combined excitation signal is sent to all the planar coils at once and the detection system measures one single output measurement for the plurality of flow channels. | 05-29-2014 |
20140131912 | SUPPRESSION OF DEWETTING OF POLYMER FILMS VIA INEXPENSIVE SOFT LITHOGRAPY - A method for producing a patterned polymer film on a substrate includes the steps of coating a substrate with a polymer film; placing a patterned mask onto the surface of the polymer film, the patterned mask having at least one pattern section of dimensions less than the capillary wavelength of the polymer film; annealing the polymer film by either solvent annealing or temperature-based annealing, which involves raising the temperature of the polymer film above its glass transition temperature, the step of annealing causing the polymer film to conform to the dimensions of the at least one pattern section of dimensions less than the capillary wavelength of the polymer film, thereby forming a patterned polymer film; and removing the patterned mask from the patterned polymer film. | 05-15-2014 |
20140128992 | BIOMIMETIC CONTROLLER FOR INCREASED DEXTERITY PROSTHESIS - A sliding mode biomimetic (BSM) controller for a prosthetic device, such as a prosthetic hand, includes an input classification component that receives electromyogram (EGM) signals from two or more electromyogram (EGM) sensors that are positioned on an amputee's body. The input classification component compares the EGM input signals based on predetermined activation threshold values and identifies an input class to determine the amputee's intended movement of the prosthetic device. A finite state machine utilizes the current position of the prosthetic hand and the identified input class to identify the coordinates of a lookup table to determine the next state or position of the prosthetic device. As a result, the biomimetic controller is able to simultaneously control two or more degrees of freedom (DOFs) or functions of the prosthetic hand using only two EGM input signals. | 05-08-2014 |
20140120573 | ENGINEERING INDIVIDUALLY ADDRESSABLE CELLULAR SPHEROIDS USING AQUEOUS TWO-PHASE SYSTEMS - Provided is multi-phase systems that may be used to prepare a three-dimension aggregate of cells referred to as a cellular spheroid. The multi-phase system includes a droplet of an aqueous polymer phase within an immersion aqueous polymer phase. The droplet of the droplet aqueous polymer phase contains a three-dimensional aggregate of cells (cellular spheroid). Types of cells that may be used in the multi-phases system include stem cells and cancer cells. The cellular spheroids with the multi-phase system may be used to monitor cell growth in three-dimensional systems, or screen drugs in a three-dimension aggregate of cells. | 05-01-2014 |
20140116947 | MIXED HYDROPHILIC/HYDROPHOBIC FIBER MEDIA FOR LIQUID-LIQUID COALESCENCE - An immiscible lipophilic or hydrophilic liquid phase separated respectively from a continuous hydrophilic phase or a lipophilic phase liquid. Fibers having hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties are formed into a filter. The separation mechanism involves capture of small droplets of the immiscible phase, coalescence of the small droplets into larger droplets as the immiscible liquid flows through the fiber filter, and release of the large immiscible droplets from the filter. Regarding separation of a hydrophilic immiscible fluid such as water in a lipophilic continuous fluid such as oil, the hydrophobic fibers cause small water droplets to migrate towards the hydrophilic fibers whereby large droplets form on hydrophilic surface. The large droplets stay on hydrophilic fiber surface for extended periods of time and continue to coalescence until they are so large that they can no longer be maintained by the hydrophilic fibers and are released and drained off of the filter. | 05-01-2014 |
20140113138 | METHOD OF ENCAPSULATION AND IMMOBILIZATION - A method for encapsulating a material comprises the steps of choosing a material to encapsulate; placing the material into a material solvent to form a material solution; forming a primary emulsion of the material solution in an immiscible liquid medium that is immiscible with the material solvent, the material solution serving as the disperse phase and the immiscible liquid medium serving as the continuous phase of the primary emulsion, wherein the immiscible liquid medium contains an encapsulating agent dissolved therein, the encapsulating agent being capable of being crosslinked, polymerized, gelled or otherwise hardened or solidified; adding the primary emulsion as droplets into a crosslinking medium, and thereafter activating the crosslinking, polymerizing, gelling, hardening or solidifying of the encapsulating agent to envelope the material in a crosslinked, polymerized, gelled or otherwise hardened or solidified matrix forming the droplets into beads. | 04-24-2014 |
20140083095 | THERMAL ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE - A thermal energy harvesting device includes a rotatable shaft and a shape memory alloy element secured to rotatable shaft. The shape memory alloy element is adapted to undergo a shape memory effect upon reaching a transition temperature, which causes rotation of the rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft may be operatively connected to a generator or tachometer to convert the rotation of the shaft into electrical energy, which may then be stored in a rechargeable battery. In certain embodiments a gear box may be provided to increase the speed of rotation, and thereby increase the amount of electrical energy created. | 03-27-2014 |
20140082039 | Interleaved Method for Parallel Implementation of the Fast Fourier Transform - The present invention generally relates to a method for computing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an interleaved method for computing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). | 03-20-2014 |
20140080168 | CLASS OF NEAR INFRARED OPTICAL PROBES FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS - 2,5-Bis(benzoxazol-2′-yl)benzene-1,4-diol derivatives (Zinhbo derivatives) are used to detect zinc ions and have particular application in vivo and in vitro. Zinhbo derivatives upon excitation give a florescence response emission that can be used to determine the presence of zinc cation in solution. Zinhbo derivatives complexed with zinc cations upon excitation can produce a florescence response emission in the visible and near infrared range. Zinhbo derivatives complexed with zinc cations exhibit a large stoke shift between the excitation and emission wavelengths. | 03-20-2014 |
20140074084 | VARIABLE-FREQUENCY STIMULATOR FOR ELECTROSURGERY - A variable-frequency stimulator for electrosurgery includes an impedance analyzer to identify the electrical impedance of biological tissue being treated by an electrosurgical instrument, such as a laparoscope. Based on the identified tissue impedance, a controller adjusts the frequency of electrical current delivered to the electrosurgical instrument to reduce, minimize or normalize the impedance of the tissue, thereby preventing collateral damage to the tissue in and about the surgical site. Additionally, the laparoscope may be configured with multiple electrically conductive grasping arms that are used to deliver the electrical current to the surgical site. The conductive grasping arms provide multiple current paths for the electrical current to flow, thus concentrating the electrical current at the surgical site during an electrosurgical procedure. Thus, the unwanted spread of electrical current in the tissue is prevented, resulting in the reduction or prevention of collateral damage to tissue in and about the surgical site. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073743 | POLY(OCTYLCYANOACRYLATE)-POLYISOBUTYLENE POLYMER CONETWORK, METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF AND USES THEREOF - A polymer conetwork formed from the polymerization reaction of octyl-cyanoacrylate and a tri-telechelic star polymer comprising polyisobutylene terminated with cyanoacrylate groups (Ø(PIB-CA) | 03-13-2014 |
20140066589 | Method For The Preparation of Poly(Disulfide) Polymers and Gels - High molecular weight disulfide polymers are synthesized in aqueous media by exposing dithiol compounds to a mild oxidizing environment in the presence of a tertiary amine catalyst. The unique oxidizing system polymerizes monomers through the formation of sulfur-sulfur bonds between dithiol compounds. The same oxidizing system may be used to make disulfide-crosslinked gels from compounds containing multiple thiol groups. The oxidizing system is comprised of oxygen at atmospheric concentration and dilute hydrogen peroxide. A filler such as carbon black may be incorporated into the polymer or cross-linked gel during polymerization. A polydisulfide polymer is provided having a weight average molecular weight of greater than about 100,000 g/mol and a polydispersity index of about 2 or less. A tetrathiol composition results from a reaction of a diacrylate with a trithiol. The tetrathiol composition may be subjected to an oxidizing environment with a tertiary amine catalyst to provide a polytetrathiol polymer network. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060650 | POLYHEDRAL OLIGOMERIC SILSESQUIOXANE ORGANIC/POLYMERIC DYADS AND ITS APPLICATION FOR ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS - A bulk heterojuction for a photovoltaic cell includes a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) functionalized electron acceptor or electron donor or both. The electron donor may be selected from conjugated polymers and the electron donor may be selected from fullerenes and fullerene derivatives. | 03-06-2014 |
20140054162 | MAGNETIC MACROINITIATORS AND MAGNETICALLY INDUCED CHAIN REACTIONS - This invention provides a method of initiating chain reaction in a chain reaction medium including (a) a macroinitiator and (b) chain reactants selected from monomers, reactive oligomers, reactive diluents and derivatives thereof and mixtures of the forgoing. The macroinitiator includes a multidentate anchor segment coordinated with a magnetic nanoparticle through more than one bond, and a chain reaction initiator segment bound to the multidentate anchor and providing a weak bond that can be cleaved to initiate a chain reaction. The method further comprises subjecting the chain reaction medium to an alternating current magnetic field to vibrate the magnetic nanoparticle and thereby cleave the weak bond, the cleavage resulting in the initiation of a chain reaction involving the chain reactants. | 02-27-2014 |
20140039851 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCURATE SIMULATION OF SURFACES AND INTERFACES OF FCC METALS - The Lennard-Jones parameters for metals, such as fee metals, have been developed which are suitable for the simulation of the metals, alloys, and interfaces with water, organic, inorganic, and biological molecules. The models are compatible with common materials-oriented and biomolecular force fields, and can thus be integrated in commercial simulation packages to extend their applicability to any metal-related systems. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038247 | ALGAE HAVING INTRACELLULAR LIPID PARTICLES AND HIGH LIPID CONTENT - A method for increasing the lipid content of algae includes combining algae and a lipid-precipitating addition in a growth-inhibitive medium, the growth-inhibitive medium being deficient in at least one nutrient that is necessary for reproductive growth of algae, thus frustrating algae reproduction, the lipid-precipitating addition selected from hydroxyl-containing compounds and amine-containing compounds. An organic acid addition may also be combined with the lipid-precipitating addition and algae in the growth-inhibitive medium, the organic acid addition including compounds containing carboxylic acid functionality. Direct production of biodiesel is also achieved by the use of particular lipid-precipitating additions and organic acid additions. | 02-06-2014 |
20140008307 | TWO-STAGE MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR ACOUSTIC PARTICLE MANIPULATION AND METHODS OF SEPARATION - Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide for two-stage microfluidic devices using surface acoustic waves, methods of use thereof, methods of making, methods of focusing and separating particles, and the like. | 01-09-2014 |
20140007771 | LIQUID DRAINAGE FROM COALESCING FILTER MEDIUM WITH DRAINAGE CHANNELS - A coalescing filter includes a coalescing filter medium having an entrance face and an exit face and a surface energy, the coalescing filter also having a drainage channel in the coalescing filter medium, the drainage channel being a woven or non-woven fiber construct having a pore size greater than the pore size of said coalescing filter medium and having a surface energy that is lower than the surface energy of the coalescing filter medium, the drainage channel extending at a downward angle relative to the direction from the entrance face to the exit face. | 01-09-2014 |
20140005349 | POLYISOBUTYLENES AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME | 01-02-2014 |
20140004525 | HIGHLY SELECTIVE PYROPHOSPHATE SENSOR | 01-02-2014 |
20130344559 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING NERVE GROWTH - A nerve growth chamber includes a stimulation vessel defined by one or more sidewalls; at least one anode and at least one cathode positioned in the sidewall or sidewalls of the stimulation vessel; a conductive medium in the stimulation vessel; nerve tissue in the stimulation vessel; and a signal generator connecting the at least one anode and the at least one cathode and activated to generate a periodic AC signal at a desired frequency and amplitude, the periodic AC signal traveling through the conductive medium and affecting the growth of the nerve tissue. A method in accordance with the operation of the apparatus is also provided. | 12-26-2013 |
20130331538 | MELT PROCESSIBLE POLYUREAS AND POLYUREA-URETHANES, METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF AND PRODUCTS MADE THEREFROM - A polyurea or polyurea-urethane elastomer comprises a soft polymer segment and a hard polymer segment, wherein the hard polymer segment includes polyurea groups in combination with H-bond accepting chain extenders (HACEs) to reduce the flow temperature (T | 12-12-2013 |
20130319859 | ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUIDS INCORPORATED INTO POLYMERIC ARTICLES AND TIRES - A polymeric article includes an electrorheological (ER) fluid in a polymer medium. In some applications, the polymer medium forms a body ply of a tire. The ER fluid can be incorporated into the polymeric article in a number of particular ways. The ER fluid may simply fill a pocket in the polymeric article or may be part of an electrorheological composite or electrorheological microsphere. The ER fluid is responsive to the application of an electric field to change the apparent viscosity or elastic modulus of the polymeric article. | 12-05-2013 |
20130308132 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POLARIMETRIC WAVELET FRACTAL DETECTION AND IMAGING - A system and method for detection of a target object/material includes identifying a polarimetric signal for a plurality of aspect angles. One/two-dimensional Mueller matrix image or one/two-dimensional Stokes vector image can be processed using power spectral analysis, wavelet and fractal analysis for further image, having increased discrimination with reduced false-ratio. In addition, each of the angular polarization states due to their association with a particular aspect angle are then cross-correlated to generate a two-dimensional image that relates the level of correlation with the aspect angle. Finally, the output information, including statistical parameters are fed to the input of a neural-fuzzy network for further optimization and image enhancement. | 11-21-2013 |
20130287662 | Low Cost Immobilized Amine Regenerable Solid Sorbents - A method of modifying a chemical interaction between a functional group of an immobilized amine in a solid sorbent composition and a compound that chemically interacts with the functional group to reduce the heat required to desorb the compound from the solid sorbent. A method of inhibiting degradation of an immobilized amine in an immobilized amine solid sorbent. Compositions and methods of use of a low-cost regenerable immobilized amine solid sorbent resistant to degradation. | 10-31-2013 |
20130281742 | METHOD AND SYNTHESIS OF INITIATORS FOR TELECHELIC POLYISOBUTYLENES - A new methodology for the synthesis of a novel difunctional- and a known trifunctional initiator, i.e., 1,3-di(2-methoxy-2-propyl)-5-isopropyl benzene and 1,3,5-tri(2-methoxy-2-propyl)benzene, respectively, for the preparation of di- and tri-telechelic polyisobutylenes. The synthesis proceeds in three steps: 1) catalytic peroxidation of 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene, 2) reduction of the peroxides to the corresponding alcohols, and 3) methylation of the alcohols. By controlling the conversion of the key peroxidation step the relative ratio of di- and tri-functional intermediates can be controlled. By the use of the 1,3-di(2-methoxy-2-propyl)-5-isopropyl-benzene, well-defined di-methoxy telechelic polyisobutylenes can be synthesized. Although the overall combined yield of the two initiators was only 14-20%, because of the low cost of the starting material, reagents used, and simple manipulations these compounds represent the most cost effective initiators to-date for the preparation of telechelic polyisobutylenes. | 10-24-2013 |
20130270192 | MIXED HYDROPHILIC/HYDROPHOBIC FIBER MEDIA FOR LIQUID-LIQUID COALESCENCE - An immiscible lipophilic or hydrophilic liquid phase is separated respectively from a continuous hydrophilic or a lipophilic phase liquid. Fibers having hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties are formed into a filter. The separation mechanism involves coalescence of the small droplets into larger droplets as the immiscible liquid flows through the fiber filter, and release of the large immiscible droplets from the filter. With respect to separation of a hydrophilic immiscible fluid in a lipophilic continuous fluid, the hydrophobic fibers cause small water droplets to migrate towards the hydrophilic fibers whereby large droplets are formed on hydrophilic surface. The large droplets coalescence until they are so large that they are released and drained off of the filter. The filter media can be designed by mixing hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers in various proportions to achieve an optimum wettability range for separation of the immiscible liquid from the continuous phase liquid. | 10-17-2013 |
20130197319 | Flexible Electrode for Detecting Changes in Temperature, Humidity, and Sodium Ion Concentration in Sweat - The present invention includes a flexible sensor suitable for contact with skin comprising: a nanocomposite; and a top layer; where the sensor provides in-situ detection in sweat or other aqueous body fluids at the skin surface of at least one physiological parameter selected from the group consisting of a physiological salt component, temperature, moisture, humidity, or combinations thereof. The present invention further includes a method of fabricating a flexible sensor suitable for contact with skin comprising: electrospinning at least one polyamide-producing monomer to form a non-conductive polyamide substrate; attaching at least one plurality of conductive nanoscale attachments, wherein the nanoscale attachments are selected from nanotubes, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, to form an intermediate layer; and functionalizing the intermediate layer to form a top layer. | 08-01-2013 |
20130190709 | MECHANICALLY STRONG ABSORBENT NON-WOVEN FIBROUS MATS - The present invention is generally directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a liquid entrapping device comprising an absorbent component, hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component in fluid communication therewith, and optionally an adhesive component. The present invention is also directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids while maintaining a suitable degree of mechanical strength. Furthermore, the present invention is generally directed to methods for making and using the foregoing devices and materials. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190672 | NONADHERENT AND SUPERABSORBENT WOUND DRESSINGS BASED ON ELECTROSPUN ZWITTERIONIC MONOMERS - A method for creating a non-adhesive, water-absorbent wound dressing includes creating a mixture of monomers, crosslinker, initiator, and solvent, initiating polymerization of the monomers to begin polymerization of the monomers; quenching the polymerization of the monomers when the mixture has a viscosity suitable for electrospinning; electrospinning the polymer mixture to form a fibrous membrane; and thereafter further polymerizing and crosslinking the fibrous membrane. The monomers are chosen from select species and, following this process, provide wound dressings that are nonadherent to a wound so as to be potentially reusable; superabsorbent; non-biofouling. With the addition of antimicrobial cations, the wound dressings also provide antimicrobial properties. | 07-25-2013 |
20130184429 | FUNCTIONAL BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS - Biodegradable polyesters are made by synthesizing copolymers derived from biodegradable hydroxyacid monomers as well as from hydroxyacid monomers containing a functional group such as an azide group, a halogen group, a thioacetate group, and the like. Preferably, the functionalized biodegradable polyester copolymers are derived from a functionalized hydroxyacid such as a homolog of lactic acid and/or glycolic acid with the copolyester thus containing functional groups on the backbone thereof. These biodegradable polyesters can be utilized wherever biodegradable polyesters are currently used, and also serve as a polymer to which various medical and drug delivery systems can be attached. | 07-18-2013 |
20130144083 | PROCESS AND METHOD FOR THE EFFICIENT PREPARATION OF FULLERYNES - The preparation of novel fullerynes which are fullerenes (e.g. C | 06-06-2013 |
20130144021 | ARBORESCENT POLYMERS AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME - The present invention relates to arborescent polymers and to a process for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with a polymer or copolymer having a low glass transition temperature (T | 06-06-2013 |
20130123444 | ETHYLENE POLYMERIZATION USING DISCRETE NICKEL(II) IMINOPHOSPHONAMIDE COMPLEXES - The present invention generally relates to a new method of polymerizing ethylene. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds utilized in the polymerization of ethylene and to a synthesis/polymerization method that uses same. In another embodiment branched polyethylene is synthesized from an ethylene monomer using, in this embodiment, at least one nickel iminophosphonamide (PN | 05-16-2013 |
20130116475 | PRODUCTION OF ARABITAL - A method for producing arabitol, and more particularly to producing arabitol in a major amount based on a total weight of all polyols produced and in relatively high concentration from a mixture including a carbon source such as glycerol. The method includes in one embodiment utilizing select yeast strains to produce arabitol in high yield while minimizing the amounts of other polyols, using carbon sources such as glycerol as a component in a medium. In a beneficial embodiment, biodiesel byproduct glycerol is used as the substrate for arabitol production. | 05-09-2013 |
20130102711 | METHOD OF PURIFYING BLOCK COPOLYMERS - The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block. | 04-25-2013 |
20130090442 | SYNTHESIS OF HYPERBRANCHED POLYACRYLATES BY EMULSION POLYMERIZSATION OF INIMERS - A method for the production of hyperbranched polyacrylates includes the step of reacting acrylic inimers through controlled living polymerization in aqueous conditions. The inimers may have the formula: | 04-11-2013 |
20120112685 | BATTERY PACK MANAGER UNIT AND METHOD FOR USING SAME TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF A BATTERY PACK - The present invention generally relates to a device and method for the management of a collection of battery cells. In one embodiment, the present invention permits the management of a collection of battery cells composed of an overall battery pack manager unit, individual cell manager units, and wireless communication links between these units. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a device and method for the management of a collection of battery cells in the field of rechargeable batteries, such as batteries based on lithium-based chemistries, nickel-based chemistries, and lead-acid chemistries. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method that permits the maximization of battery pack capacity during a charge-discharge cycle and/or permits the maximization of the total number of charge-discharge cycles. | 05-10-2012 |
20120070378 | LANTHANIDE ION COMPLEXES AND IMAGING METHOD - A Ianthanide complex, method of forming and method of using the lanthanide complex as a near-infrared luminescent material are described. The complex includes at least one lanthanide ion and at least one polydentate ligand derived from a molecule having the general formula of Structure: Structure 2, where: E represents a heteroatom or heteroatom-containing group and R | 03-22-2012 |
20110297904 | HUMIDITY RESPONSIVE MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING HUMIDITY RESPONSIVE MATERIALS - The invention relates to silk or other materials formed to have predetermined contraction/relaxation characteristics, wherein the contraction/relaxation characteristics are initiated by exposure thereof to predetermined humidity characteristics in the adjacent atmosphere. The materials may comprise a single silk fiber, a bundle of fibers of a predetermined size or diameter, a meshwork of fibers forming a predetermined configuration such as one or more sheets, bundles or other bodies. In this manner, the material can be scaled across a size range of any desired magnitude to produce predetermined force and/or displacement characteristics in association therewith. | 12-08-2011 |
20110275778 | SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AMINE TERMINATED CYCLOALIPHATIC SUBSTITUTED POLYSILOXANES - The present invention relates to novel amine terminated cycloaliphatic polysiloxanes, and preparations thereof. More particularly, the invention provides several reaction schemes for the synthesis of amino-functionalized cyclo-aliphatic silicones and the products produced by the reaction schemes. In one embodiment of the invention, an amine functionalized silicone is prepared through a base-catalyzed ring-opening reaction. In another embodiment of the invention, an amine functionalized silicone is prepared through the hydrosilation of a silicone oligomer through the blocking and deblocking of an amine terminated in a vinyl group. | 11-10-2011 |
20110274825 | METHOD OF CHARACTERIZATION OF VISCOELASTIC STRESS IN ELONGATED FLOW MATERIALS - The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows in spinning jets and/or electrified jets. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for determining the elastic modulus and the relaxation time of a polymeric fluid. Also, the present invention enables one to determine and/or measure the primary parameters needed to describe a viscoelastic material. | 11-10-2011 |
20110241536 | ALIGNED CARBON NANOTUBE-POLYMER MATERIALS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention is directed to carbon nanostructure composite systems which may be useful for various applications, including as dry adhesives, electronics and display technologies, or in a wide variety of other areas where organized nano structures may be formed and integrated into a flexible substrate. The present invention provides systems and methods wherein organized nanotube structures or other nanostructures are embedded within polymers or other flexible materials to provide a flexible skin-like material, with the properties and characteristics of the nanotubes or other nanostructures exploited for use in various applications. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a carbon nanotube/polymer composite material having a plurality of carbon nanotubes formed into a predetermined architecture, with each of the plurality of nanotubes having a desired width and length. The architecture of the plurality of nanotubes defines at least one orientation for a plurality of nanotubes, and also defines the approximate spacing between nanotubes and/or groups of nanotubes. The carbon nanotube architecture is at least partially embedded with a polymer matrix in a manner that the architecture is stabilized in the predetermined architecture. The polymer matrix may also be formed to have a desired predetermined thickness. | 10-06-2011 |
20110229916 | NANOFIBERS WITH HIGH ENZYME LOADING FOR HIGHLY SENSITIVE BIOSENSORS - The invention provides high enzyme loading nanofibers and processes utilized in their fabrication, the nanofibers suitable for use as a new class of highly sensitive and stable biosensors capable of monitoring glucose at low levels. The biosensors, comprising nanofiber enzyme materials fabricated from organic solvent-based polymer-enzyme systems, can be used effectively in non-invasive transdermal biosensing applications. | 09-22-2011 |
20110223664 | MATERIALS AND METHODS OF INTRODUCING GENETIC MATERIAL INTO LIVING CELLS - The present invention generally relates to introducing genetic material to living cells. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to compositions of matter for targeted delivery of nucleic acids to cells. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to methods of targeted delivery of nucleic acids to cells. In still other embodiments, the present invention relates to polymers that contain at least one amino acid in their backbone. In yet other embodiments, the present invention relates to polymers that contain at least one amino acid in their backbone thereby resulting in biodegradability, and in some embodiments, controlled biodegradability. | 09-15-2011 |
20110218298 | METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION OF POLY (DISULFIDE) POLYMERS AND GELS - High molecular weight disulfide polymers are synthesized in aqueous media by exposing dithiol compounds to a mild oxidizing environment in the presence of a tertiary amine catalyst. The unique oxidizing system polymerizes monomers through the formation of sulfur-sulfur bonds between dithiol compounds. The same oxidizing system may be used to make disulfide-crosslinked gels from compounds containing multiple thiol groups. The oxidizing system is comprised of oxygen at atmospheric concentration and dilute hydrogen peroxide. A filler such as carbon black may be incorporated into the polymer or cross-linked gel during polymerization. A polydisulfide polymer is provided having a weight average molecular weight of greater than about 100,000 g/mol and a polydispersity index of about 2 or less. A tetrathiol composition results from a reaction of a diacrylate with a trithiol. The tetrathiol composition may be subjected to an oxidizing environment with a tertiary amine catalyst to provide a polytetrathiol polymer network. | 09-08-2011 |
20110213084 | POLYMERS HAVING BOTH HARD AND SOFT SEGMENTS, AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME - The present invention generally relates to alcohol- and amine-terminated polyisobutylene (PIB) compounds, and to a process for making such compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to primary alcohol- and amine-terminated polyisobutylene compounds, and to a process for making such compounds. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to polyisobutylene compounds that can be used to synthesize polyurethanes and polyureas, to polyurethane and polyurea compounds made via the use of such polyisobutylene compounds, and to processes for making such compounds. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to polyisobutylene compounds containing urea or urethane segments therein, and to a method of producing such compounds. In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polymer having one or more different soft segments and one or more different hard segments. | 09-01-2011 |
20110212321 | NANOFIBER ENHANCED FUNCTIONAL FILM MANUFACTURING METHOD USING MELT FILM CASTING - The present invention generally relates to a method for producing hybrid materials of thin polymer films with single, laminated, complete and/or partially embedded nanofibers to obtain products with unique functional properties. In one embodiment, the present relates to a hybrid process that utilizes both melt casting and electrospinning to produce nanofiber embedded functional films. In another embodiment, the process of the present invention involves nanofiber-containing products that are formed by producing a plurality of nanofibers via one or more nanofiber producing nozzles; depositing such nanofibers onto a melt cast polymer film; and either partially and/or completely embedding such nanofibers into the melt cast polymer film via one or more electrical forces. | 09-01-2011 |
20110212297 | HYDROPHOBIC SURFACE COATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR METALS - This is provided a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface configuration and method of forming a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic material on a metallic substrate. The surface configuration comprises a metallic substrate having a carbon nanotube/carbon fibers configuration grown thereon, with the carbon nanotubes/carbon fibers configuration having a heirarchial structure formed to have a predetermined roughness in association with the surface. The method comprises providing a metallic substrate having a predetermined configuration, and growing a plurality of carbon nanotubes/fibers or other nanostructures formed into a predetermined architecture supported on the substrate. | 09-01-2011 |
20110186518 | POLYMER COMPOSITION WITH PHYTOCHEMICAL AND DIALYSIS MEMBRANE FORMED FROM THE POLYMER COMPOSITION - A biocompatible polymer composition which includes a matrix material and at least one of an isoflavone and a flavone at least partially dispersed in the matrix material is suited to use in a membrane for hemodialysis and other in vivo and in vitro applications. | 08-04-2011 |
20110184117 | SYNTHESIS OF MODIFIED TUNG OIL AS A REACTIVE DILUENT - The invention relates to the use of a conjugated seed oil modified with an activated vinyl monomer via a Deils-Alder reaction to generate a modified reactive diluent used to enhance the physical properties of coating systems. In one embodiment, a reactive diluent containing tung oil modified by the addition of an acrylate monomer is mixed with an auto-oxidative alkyd, a metal drier package, and a wetting agent to achieve cross-linked films exhibiting improved tensile strength, tensile modulus, cross-link density, and glass transition temperature, among other physical parameters. | 07-28-2011 |
20110144268 | SYNTHESIS OF ARBORESCENT POLYMERS VIA CONTROLLED INIMER-TYPE REVERSIBLE ADDITION-FRAGMENTATION CHAIN TRANSFER (RAFT) POLYMERIZATION - Randomly branched polymers, such as homopolymers, copolymers, block copolymers and functionalized polymers are disclosed which may be formed by polymerizing a polymerizable monomer, such as styrene with a dithioester chain transfer agent which includes a polymerizable group. The reaction may be performed in one pot. The randomly branched polymer can have high molecular weight and broad molecular weight distribution. | 06-16-2011 |
20110133174 | N-TYPE CONJUGATED COMPOUNDS CONTAINING DIBORYLENE UNITS, METHODS OF MAKING, AND A DEVICE COMPRISING THE COMPOUND - N-type conjugated compounds are disclosed which include at least one conjugated electron-acceptor unit The conjugated electron-acceptor unit includes a diborylene unit. The compounds find application in an electron acceptor layer of an electronic device. | 06-09-2011 |
20110101571 | METHOD OF MAKING COILED AND BUCKLED ELECTROSPUN FIBER STRUCTURES - An apparatus and method for making coiled and buckled electrospun fiber including (a) providing a solution of a polymer in an organic solvent and a device for electrospinning fiber; b) subjecting the polymer solution to an electric field such that at least one fiber is electrospun; (c) subjecting the so formed fiber to electrical bending and mechanical buckling instability to hereby form a coiled and buckled fiber; (d) collecting the at least one fiber on a collector, such that a fiber structure is produced. | 05-05-2011 |
20110086830 | METAL COMPLEXES OF N-HETEROCYCLIC CARBENES - The present invention generally relates to metal complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes that contain one or more additional active moieties and/or groups therein. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to metal complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes that contain an anti-fungal and/or anti-microbial moiety and/or group in combination with one or more additional active moieties and/or groups selected from fluoroquinolone compounds or derivatives thereof; steroids or derivatives thereof; anti-inflammatory compounds or derivatives thereof; anti-fungal compounds or derivatives thereof; anti-bacterial compounds or derivatives thereof; antagonist compounds or derivatives thereof; H | 04-14-2011 |
20110082259 | SINGLY-TERMINATED POLYISOBUTYLENES AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME - The present invention generally relates to singly-terminated polyisobutylene (PIB) compounds, and to a process for making such compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to singly-terminated polyisobutylene compounds that contain only one primary alcohol, amine, or methacrylate group as the single-terminating group. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to singly-terminated polyisobutylenes carrying exactly one terminal alcohol, amine, or methacrylate group, where such singly-terminated polyisobutylenes have a number average molecular weight of about 500 to about 5000 grams per mole. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to singly-terminated polyisobutylene compounds that can be used to synthesize polyurethanes, to polyurethane compounds made via the use of such polyisobutylene compounds, and to processes for making such compounds. | 04-07-2011 |
20110046334 | SYNTHESIS OF INIMERS AND HYPERBRANCHED POLYMERS - An inimer, and process for making same, having the following formula: | 02-24-2011 |
20110028878 | NON-WOVEN FIBER ASSEMBLIES - In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-woven fiber assembly comprising one or more fibers wherein each fiber contains: a hydrophilic component; and an elastomeric component, and wherein the non-woven fiber assembly further comprises an adhesive component. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-woven fiber assembly comprising one or more fibers wherein each fiber contains: a hydrophilic component; an elastomeric component; and an adhesive component, wherein the hydrophilic component, the elastomeric component and the adhesive component are all contained within each fiber. Also disclosed is a method of making the afore-mentioned non-woven fiber assemblies. Additionally, a medical dressing made from the non-woven fiber assemblies of the present invention is disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
20110010808 | PROTECTED METALLIC TIP OR METALLIZED SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY TIP FOR OPTICAL APPLICATIONS - The present invention generally relates to a protected metallic or metallized scanning probe microscopy tip for apertureless near-field optical applications which comprise a metallic tip or a metallic structure covering a scanning probe microscopy tip, protected by an ultrathin dielectric layer. In one embodiment, the protective layer is comprised of SiO | 01-13-2011 |
20110005931 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANIPULATING MICRO COMPONENT - In one embodiment, a system for manipulation of a micro component includes a gripper subsystem for lifting, holding, and releasing a micro component. The gripper subsystem includes a base substrate having a work side and an opposing side, a positive electrode secured to the work side of the base substrate, a negative electrode suitably spaced from the positive electrode and secured to the work side of the base substrate, a dielectric layer formed over the work side of the base substrate and the positive and negative electrodes, and a hydrophobic layer comprising a hydrophobic material with predictable electrowetting behavior formed over the dielectric layer such that the dielectric layer is between the work side of the base substrate and the hydrophobic layer. A method for manipulation of a micro component is also provided as well as a method of manufacturing the system for manipulation of a micro component. | 01-13-2011 |
20100324196 | PROCESS FOR MAKING STRAIN-HARDENED POLYMER PRODUCTS - A process which subjects a body of polymer to deformation to produce strain hardened polymeric products including blending a polymer and a nanoparticle material to produce a polymeric composition, forming a film from the polymeric composition, and subjecting the composition to strain hardening. The resulting product has improved clarity, dimensional stability, uniform thickness, due to the “self-leveling” properties of the polymeric composition. | 12-23-2010 |
20100305231 | POLYMER NETWORKS, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME, AND PRODUCTS MADE THEREFROM - The present invention relates to the production of copolymer networks, or co-networks, and to methods for preparing copolymer or co-networks. Furthermore, the present invention relates to products and/or films made from the copolymer and/or co-networks produced in accordance with the synthesis methods of the present invention. Additionally, the present invention relates to crosslinked copolymer and/or co-networks comprising at least one hydrophilic segment and at least one hydrophobic segment. In one embodiment, the hydrophilic segments include at least one poly(vinyl alcohol) (e.g., a poly(vinyl alcohol) modified with acryl amide groups) and the hydrophobic segments include at least one polysiloxane having at least one terminal —OH group (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)). In another embodiment, the copolymer and/or co-networks of the present invention are optically clear and highly oxophilic. | 12-02-2010 |
20100299112 | METHOD FOR STRAIN RATE DEPENDENCE ANALYSIS - The present invention relates to a method for strain rate dependence analysis in various materials. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for strain rate dependence analysis for polymer matrix composites (e.g., polymer composites used in the aerospace, sporting goods, and automotive industries). | 11-25-2010 |
20100286395 | METAL-MEDIATED REVERSIBLE SELF-ASSEMBLY OF CARBON NANOTUBES - There is provided a method and nanocomposite for the reversible assembly of nanotubes, such as oxidized single wall carbon nanotubes, based on metal coordination. The method produces a thermally stable, neutral nanocomposite possessing enhanced mechanical, electrical, physical and chemical properties for example. Disassembly can be provided by treatment with a competing ligand compound. | 11-11-2010 |
20100283189 | BUBBLE LAUNCHED ELECTROSPINNING JETS - The invention relates to a novel method for electrospinning fibers wherein the fiber-spinning solution is infused with gas bubbles which travel through the electrospinning fluid, causing the bubbles to be coated with electrospinning solution. The coated bubbles, in turn, in response to an applied electrical force, generate jets of the electrospinning fluid that travel away from the bubble surface. The invention further relates to the fibers formed by this bubble-jet process and to products made therefrom. | 11-11-2010 |
20100280189 | SYNTHESIS OF CYCLOALIPHATIC SUBSTITUTED SILANE MONOMERS AND POLYSILOXANES FOR PHOTO-CURING - The present invention generally relates to compositions including linear cycloaliphatic siloxane polymers, and the cyclic cycloaliphatic siloxane oligomers from which they are made. The present invention also generally relates to methods for making cycloaliphatic siloxane polymers, and the cyclic cycloaliphatic siloxane oligomers from which they are made. Some embodiments relate to cationic polymerization of methyl, cyclopentyl, and/or cyclohexyl substituted polysiloxanes. In some embodiments the cationic polymerization is a cationic ring-opening polymerization. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277113 | Position Estimation At Starting and Lower Speeds in Three-Phase Switched Reluctance Machines - Provided is a method of indirect position estimation in three-phase switched reluctance machines. The method may comprise providing a three-phase switched reluctance machine. A three-phase switched reluctance machine may comprise a rotor and three phases. The method may further comprise producing data about the machine, setting threshold current values for at least a first phase; and sensing rotor position. Sensing rotor position may comprise applying a sensing pulse voltage sufficient to induce a pulse current having some maximum amperage in the first phase, determining the amplitude of the maximum amperage of said pulse current with respect to the thresholds for the first phase, and determining the sector of the rotor based upon the amplitude of the maximum amperage of the pulse current in the first phase. | 11-04-2010 |
20100267897 | THERMOPLASTIC AMPHIPHILIC CO-NETWORKS - The present invention relates generally to thermoplastic amphiphilic networks and/or co-networks. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to thermoplastic (TP) amphiphilic co-networks (APCNs) and the preparation of membranes from such APCNs. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an amphiphilic network comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer-derived portion, at least one hydrophobic polymer-derived portion and at least one thermoplastic polymer-derived portion. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to thermoplastic amphiphilic co-networks prepared by combining the chemistries of APCNs and polyurethanes (PUs) and to the preparation of membranes therefrom. | 10-21-2010 |
20100263534 | AMINE ABSORBER FOR CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE AND PROCESSES FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - The present invention generally relates to a process for the formation of a CO | 10-21-2010 |
20100250219 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCURATE SIMULATION OF SURFACES AND INTERFACES OF FCC METALS - The Lennard-Jones parameters for metals, such as fcc metals, have been developed which are suitable for the simulation of the metals, alloys, and interfaces with water, organic, inorganic, and biological molecules. The models are compatible with common materials-oriented and biomolecular force fields, and can thus be integrated in commercial simulation packages to extend their applicability to any metal-related systems. | 09-30-2010 |
20100249316 | ARBORESCENT POLYMERS AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME - The present invention relates to arborescent polymers and to a process for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with a polymer or copolymer having a low glass transition temperature (T | 09-30-2010 |
20100240837 | PROCESS OF PREPARING FUNCTIONALIZED POLYMERS VIA ENZYMATIC CATALYSIS - The invention relates to functionalized, telechelic polymers synthesized by enzymatic catalysis and methods, and the functionalization of polymers via Michael addition with a lipase catalyst, and the crosslinking of mono- or difunctional (telechelic) polymers made by enzymatic catalysis, such as by using multifunctional coupling agents and enzyme catalysts. Quantitative transesterification of vinyl methacrylate with poly(ethylene glycol), poly(isobutylene) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) was achieved using | 09-23-2010 |
20100225199 | NANOPOROUS MATERIALS FOR USE IN INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS - The present invention relates to volume and/or shape memory systems for which the volume and/or shape can be adjusted by controlling one or more variables such as applied voltage and temperature. In one embodiment, the volume and/or shape memory systems of the present invention are controlled and/or adjusted by way of a temperature mechanism. In another embodiment, the volume and/or shape memory systems of the present invention are controlled and/or adjusted by way of a voltage mechanism. In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a device that contains, in part, a smart volume and/or shape memory material that exhibits high energy densities, and can provide large displacements over broad temperature and/or voltage ranges. | 09-09-2010 |
20100216037 | CARBON-FILLED POLYMER COMPOSITE BIPOLAR PLATES FOR PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS - Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, also known as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, consist of a proton conducting membrane or a proton exchange membrane possessing adequate proton conducting properties typically contained between two platinum impregnated porous electrodes. PEM fuel cells are used in the transportation, stationary and portable applications and are currently used in the automobile industry as the fuel cell favored for replacement of the internal combustion engine. An opportunity exists for the development of lightweight and highly conductive polymer-based bipolar plates produced by standard mass production techniques, such as extrusion or compression and injection molding. The present invention capitalizes this opportunity and discloses method and compositions of matter for manufacturing of lightweight, low cost carbon-filled polymer composite bipolar plates. | 08-26-2010 |
20100215790 | ELECTROSPINNING CONTROL FOR PRECISION ELECTROSPINNING OF POLYMER FIBERS - The present invention includes embodiments that generally relate to methods and devices for control of electrospinning processes. Some embodiments include constant current electrospinning jets. Other embodiments include pressure control using a system of valves in fluid communication with the electrospinning fluid. Still other embodiments include control of one or more physical parameters. | 08-26-2010 |
20100212744 | SELF-ACTING SELF-CIRCULATING FLUID SYSTEM WITHOUT EXTERNAL PRESSURE SOURCE AND USE IN BEARING SYSTEM - The invention includes a method for continually circulating a fluid in a system, in the absence of an external pumping mechanism, by providing a fluid, an active space capable of generating a higher pressure zone and causing a contiguous lower pressure zone, a passive space, and a porous medium disposed between the active space and the passive space, and generating a pressure differential relationship between the active space and the passive space causing the fluid to circulate freely in both directions between the active space and the passive space, across the porous medium, without the aid of an external pumping system, such that the fluid circulation defines a self-acting self-circulating fluid system, and to the system created thereby. | 08-26-2010 |
20100210616 | METAL COMPLEXES INCORPORATED WITHIN BIODEGRADABLE NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR USE - Compounds for antimicrobial applications, and for treating bacterial and fungal infection are set forth. The compounds may include a metal complex incorporated into a biodegradable polymeric nanoparticle. Also, a method of treating bacterial and fungal infections in a mammal includes the steps of administering an effective amount of a silver(I) metal salt incorporated into a biodegradable polymeric nanoparticle. | 08-19-2010 |
20100209468 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICES FOR PRODUCING INSULIN - The present invention generally relates to implantable devices for producing insulin in diabetic animals. Some embodiments include amphiphilic biomembranes for use in biological applications (e.g., as an alternative and/or supplemental insulin source). Some embodiments also include live insulin-producing cells contained within one or more amphiphilic membranes so as to prevent or diminish an immuno-response and/or rejection by the host. | 08-19-2010 |
20100204193 | METAL COMPLEXES INCORPORATED WITHIN BIODEGRADABLE NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR USE - The invention is directed to providing a compound for treating cancer, the compound comprising a metal complex having predetermined characteristics, and which may be incorporated into a polymeric nanoparticle or other delivery system for delivering the metal complex for action on tumor cells. The metal complex for treating cancer wherein the metal complex is a silver(I) salt, a silver(I) macrocyclic metal complex, a silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene or mixtures thereof. The invention is also directed to a silver(I) macrocyclic metal complex and a silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbine, and methods of treating cancerous cells in a mammal including the steps of administering an effective amount of a silver(I) metal salt, such as by incorporating the material into a biodegradable polymeric nanoparticle. | 08-12-2010 |
20100187411 | RADON MONITORING SYSTEM FOR EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION - The present invention is related to a system for monitoring radon emissions to predict earthquakes. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a radon monitoring system that is designed to remotely monitor the release of radon gas and to use such data in the prediction of earthquakes. | 07-29-2010 |
20100155649 | MOLECULE-BASED MAGNETIC POLYMERS AND METHODS - Molecule-based magnetic polymers with high Curie temperature and methods of preparing are provided. In particular, magnetic polymers having repeating units of an electron-donor metallocene-containing monomer covalently bonded to an electron-acceptor monomer having a plurality of unpaired electrons are disclosed. Intrinsically homogeneous magnetic fluids (liquid magnets) and methods of preparing are also provided. | 06-24-2010 |
20100154084 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING APERTURELESS NEAR-FIELD SCANNING OPTICAL MICROSCOPY - A microscope for performing apertureless near-field scanning optical microscopy on a sample comprising a means for mounting a sample; a scanning probe; means for illuminating the sample with light along optical axes from at least two illumination angles relative to an imaginary line connecting the probe and the sample; means for enhancing the electric field of light in a region of the sample with the probe; means for scanning the sample in a plane perpendicular to an imaginary line connecting the probe and the sample; means for moving said sample along said imaginary line to maintain a nearly constant distance between the probe and the sample; and means for collecting light scattered, emitted, or transmitted from the sample. | 06-17-2010 |
20100150984 | BIO-ARTIFICIAL PANCREAS AND A PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION OF SAME - The present invention generally relates to implantable devices for producing insulin in diabetic animals and to methods of making same. Some embodiments include amphiphilic biomembranes for use in biological applications (e.g., as an alternative and/or supplemental insulin source). Some embodiments also include live insulin-producing cells contained within one or more amphiphilic membranes so as to prevent or diminish an immuno-response and/or rejection by the host. | 06-17-2010 |
20100147206 | HURRICANE SUPPRESSION BY SUPERSONIC BOOM - The present invention generally relates to tropical cyclones or hurricanes (typhoons). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of suppressing, mitigating and/or completely eliminating hurricane structures via the destabilizing effect of supersonic booms generated by one or more airplanes capable of supersonic flight (e.g., supersonic-capable fighter planes). | 06-17-2010 |
20100144996 | INJECTIBLE CYANOACRYLATE-FUNCTIONALIZED POLYISOBUTYLENES - The present invention generally relates to injectible polyisobutylene polymer compounds. More specifically, the N present invention relates to injectible polyisobutylene polymer compounds that are designed for various biological and medical applications. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to injectible functionalized polyisobutylene polymer compounds that are designed for various biological and medical applications. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to injectible cyanoacrylate-functionalized polyisobutylene polymer compounds. | 06-10-2010 |
20100144962 | SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER AEROGEL COMPOSITES - The present invention relates to the synthesis of aerogel composites and utilizes shape-memory polyurethane cross-linkers as a method of improving the compressive and flexural load bearing capabilities of the aerogel composites. The shape memory polyurethane crosslinkers provide flexible connectors between the silica particle in the aerogel structure and can accept large compressive and flexural loads without breakage of the aerogel networks. In addition the shape memory properties of polyurethane cross-linkers offers additional advantages such as ease of storage in deformed state of the composites. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to shape memory polymer formulations that can be used specifically to obtain higher compressive and/or flexural strengths and smart material characteristics of crosslinked aerogel composites. | 06-10-2010 |
20100137517 | AMPHIPHILIC NETWORKS, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME, AND PRODUCTS MADE THEREFROM - The present invention relates to the production of amphiphilic copolymer networks, or co-networks, and to methods for preparing amphiphilic co-networks. Furthermore, the present invention relates to products and/or films made from the amphiphilic co-networks produced in accordance with the synthesis methods of the present invention. In one embodiment, the present invention is related to crosslinkable and/or polymerizable compositions that can be utilized to form amphiphilic co-networks, where such compositions are block copolymer compositions that are formed from the combination of at least one hydrophilic segment, at least one hydrophobic segment, and at least one crosslinkable and/or polymerizable segment. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to amphiphilic co-networks that are optically clear and highly oxyphilic. | 06-03-2010 |
20100133488 | MOLECULAR AND PHOTONIC NANOSTRUCTURES, OPTICAL BIOMATERIALS, PHOTO-SENSITIZERS, MOLECULAR CONTRAST AGENTS AND METAMATERIALS - The present invention generally relates to new photophysical characteristics associated with certain macromolecules, heterogeneous phases with a pronounced index of refraction contrast, and biological complex macromolecules. Given this, in one embodiment the present invention relates to new processes, methods and applications, for enhancing signals and images. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the design and development of scalable imaging systems and techniques, optical instrumentation and lenses, systems engineering, photonics and optoelectronics, low-power microelectronics, micro-nanotechnology, and sensing/biosensing applications for various applications (e.g., life science applications). | 06-03-2010 |
20100133471 | DENDRON-TETHERED AND TEMPLATED QUANTUM DOTS ON CARBON NANOTUBES - The present invention provides an example for the construction of stable quantum dots, such as CdS quantum dots, on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) templated and stabilized, such as by attached 1→3 C-branched amide-based dendrons. The construction and method of preparation is applicable to both single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, other types of appropriately modified polymeric and oligomeric materials, along with the use of many other types of dendrons, and other materials capable of forming quantum dots. | 06-03-2010 |
20100130696 | POLYISOBUTYLENES AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME - The present invention generally relates to alcohol-terminated polyisobutylene (PIB) compounds, and to a process for making such compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to primary alcohol-terminated polyisobutylene compounds, and to a process for making such compounds. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to polyisobutylene compounds that can be used to synthesize polyurethanes, to polyurethane compounds made via the use of such polyisobutylene compounds, and to processes for making such compounds. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to primary alcohol-terminated polyisobutylene compounds having two or more primary alcohol termini and to a process for making such compounds. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to primary terminated polyisobutylene compounds having two or more primary termini selected from amine groups or methacrylate groups. | 05-27-2010 |
20100112131 | ACIDIC OIL-IN-WATER-TYPE EMULSIFIED FOOD ,METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME, ANTIOXIDANT, AND FLAVOR IMPROVING AGENT - An acidic oil-in-water-type emulsified food comprising an egg white hydrolyzate. A method of producing the acidic oil-in-water-type emulsified food comprising emulsifying an aqueous phase component and an oil phase component in the presence of the egg white hydrolyzate. An antioxidant comprising an egg white hydrolyzate obtained by treating egg white with a neutral protease originating from a microorganism belonging to the genus | 05-06-2010 |
20100109686 | METAL WEAR DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD EMPLOYING MICROFLUIDIC ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An apparatus and a method for detection of wear particles in a lubricant are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a microchannel sized for a lubricant containing wear particles to pass therethrough and first and second electrodes extending into the microchannel. A detection system is coupled with the electrodes for detection of wear particles passing through the microchannel, based on a change in capacitance of the electrodes. | 05-06-2010 |
20100087603 | ORGANIC-INORGANIC HYBRID NANOMATERIALS AND METHOD FOR SYNTHESIZING SAME - Organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials, comprising an inorganic portion (e.g., inorganic particles such as silica particles) that are coated/covered with one or more polymers compounds (i.e., the organic portion), and methods for synthesizing such hybrid nanomaterials are disclosed. Also disclosed are hybrid nanomaterials that comprise an inorganic portion (e.g., inorganic particles such as silica particles) that have one or more polymers or polymer portions (i.e., the organic portion) grafted and/or attached thereto, and methods for synthesizing such hybrid nanomaterials. | 04-08-2010 |
20100075024 | Aligned Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Materials, Systems and Methods - The invention is directed to carbon nanostructure composite systems which may be useful for various applications, including as dry adhesives, electronics and display technologies, or in a wide variety of other areas where organized nanostructures may be formed and integrated into a flexible substrate. The present invention provides systems and methods wherein organized nanotube structures or other nanostructures are embedded within polymers or other flexible materials to provide a flexible skin-like material, with the properties and characteristics of the nanotubes or other nanostructures exploited for use in various applications. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a carbon nanotube/polymer composite material having a plurality of carbon nanotubes formed into a predetermined architecture, with each of the plurality of nanotubes having a desired width and length. The architecture of the plurality of nanotubes defines at least one orientation for a plurality of nanotubes, and also defines the approximate spacing between nanotubes and/or groups of nanotubes. The carbon nanotube architecture is at least partially embedded with a polymer matrix in a manner that the architecture is stabilized in the predetermined architecture. The polymer matrix may also be formed to have a desired predetermined thickness. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072425 | 7-ETHYNYL-2,4,9-TRITHIAADAMANTANE AND RELATED METHODS - 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane and related methods are presented. Manufacturing 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane includes the steps of: (1) reducing alkyl 2,4,9-trithiaadamantane-7-carboxylate to produce 7-hydroxymethyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane; (2) oxidizing 7-hydroxymethyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane to produces 7-carbonyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane; and (3) reacting 7-carbonyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane with Ohira-Bestmann reagent to produces 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane. Molecular wires having 2,4,9-trithiaadamantane surface anchors are also disclosed. | 03-25-2010 |
20100048857 | THERMOPLASTIC POLYPHENOXYQUINOXALINE AND METHOD OF PREPARING THE SAME - The manufacture of polyetherquinoxalines may be accomplished by polymerization of quinoxaline and related monomers with a bisphenol under aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction conditions. A method of manufacture includes contacting a substituted or unsubstituted quinoxaline having replaceable groups at the 2,3 positions with a bisphenol or a bisphenol derivative under aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction conditions. The resulting polyetherquinoxalines contain quinoxaline groups joined by ether linkages at the 2 and 3 positions of the quinoxaline groups. In one example, the polyetherquinoxaline has a formula represented as | 02-25-2010 |
20100048818 | AMPHIPHILIC GRAFTS AND CO-NETWORKS AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME - The present invention generally relates to amphiphilic grafts and co-networks made from at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one hydrophobic polymer, and to processes for preparing such amphiphilic grafts and co-networks. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to amphiphilic co-networks formed from the combination of at least one polysiloxane and at least one polyacrylamide. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to amphiphilic co-networks formed from the combination of at least one polysiloxane, at least one polyacrylamide and at least one crosslinking agent. | 02-25-2010 |
20100041859 | CONVENIENT SYNTHESIS OF 1 --> 3 C-BRANCHED DENDRONS - In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of preparing higher generation 1→3 C-branched polyamide dendrons. The combination of commercially available acryloyl chloride with 1→3 C-branched amines, e.g., di-tert-butyl 4-[2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)ethyl]-4-aminoheptanedioate, resulted in generally high yields of acryl amides, which upon treatment with other reagents, generated the desired higher generation dendrons. These second and third generation dendrons were fully characterized and compared to the samples prepared from a convergent synthesis. | 02-18-2010 |
20100016460 | USE OF CHEMICAL ADMIXTURES AS PROMOTORS, RECOVERY AGENTS - The present invention is directed to an energy absorption system for absorbing mechanical impact energy using one or more chemicals for promoting absorption of a liquid, and optionally including one or more promoter, recovery agent, and/or viscosity adjusting agent, which allows the system to release the absorbed energy. | 01-21-2010 |
20100013382 | METHODS FOR PRODUCING MATERIALS WITH PHOTO AND ELECTROLUMINESCENCE PROPERTIES AND SYSTEMS USING SUCH MATERIALS. - The invention is directed to a method of preparing polymeric metallomacrocycles having measurable photo- and electroluminescence properties and devices using such materials. In an embodiment an O-hexyl-3,5-bis(terpyridine)phenol ligand has been synthesized and transformed into a hexagonal Zn(II)-metallomacrocycle by a facile self-assembly procedure capitalizing on terpyridine-Zn(II)-terpyridine connectivity. The material is usable in an OLED device based on the photo- and electro-luminescence characteristics thereof. | 01-21-2010 |
20100009267 | METAL OXIDE FIBERS AND NANOFIBERS, METHOD FOR MAKING SAME, AND USES THEREOF - The present invention generally relates to metal oxide fibers and nanofibers, the processes for making same, and uses thereof. Such metal oxide nanofibers possess the ability to absorb and decompose chemical warfare agents and other toxic chemicals. These nanofibers can be incorporated into protective clothing and devices for breathing or in another example may be used in lithium-ion batteries. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to titania, alumina, and/or magnesia fibers and nanofibers, and to processes for making same. In another instance, alpha-phase aluminum oxide is utilized as one material in nanofibers. | 01-14-2010 |
20100008994 | ELECTROSPUN STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR FORMING AND USING SAME - The present invention relates to structures that contain one or more fiber and/or nanofiber structures where such structures can be formed on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.) where such fibers and/or structures are designed to sequester, carry and/or encapsulate one or more substances. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to structures that contain one or more fiber and/or nanofiber structures on asperities where the nanofiber and/or fiber structures are designed to sequester, carry and/or encapsulate one or more substances. | 01-14-2010 |
20100001235 | CONSTRUCTION OF QUANTUM DOTS VIA A REGIOSELECTIVE DENDRITIC FUNTIONALIZED CELLULOSE TEMPLATE - The invention is directed to quantum dot nanoparticles and methods of preparation. Using regioselective dendritic functionalized cellulose, quantum dots may be embedded in the modified cellulosic material. The quantum dot nanoparticles provide use for biotechnology or biomedicinal applications. Photooptical properties and morphology for use in as well as its biocompatibility were investigated. | 01-07-2010 |
20090324680 | NANOFIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITION FOR APPLICATION TO SURGICAL WOUNDS - A nanofiber-reinforced composition suited to applying to a wound site in a human body includes a carrier liquid and nanofibers dispersed therein. The viscosity of the composition is such that it is able to be applied through a tube yet adhere proximate the wound site to provide a barrier layer which assists in healing of the wound by spacing it from neighboring organs. | 12-31-2009 |
20090321997 | PROCESS FOR CONTROLLING THE MANUFACTURE OF ELECTROSPUN FIBER MORPHOLOGY - A apparatus and process of forming electrospun fibers including the steps of supplying a substantially homogeneous mixture of a solvent and a polymer which can be formed into an electrospun fiber; electrospinning the polymer into a fiber in an enclosed chamber; monitoring the humidity in said chamber; and changing the partial pressure of solvent evaporation to thereby modify the morphology of the thus formed fibers. | 12-31-2009 |
20090305090 | CATALYSTS COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN FUEL CELLS - The present invention generally relates to the generation of electrical energy from a solid-state fuel. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a solid-oxide fuel cell for generating electrical energy from a carbon-based fuel, and to catalysts for use in a solid-oxide fuel cell. | 12-10-2009 |
20090303013 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS CONTROL OF EQUIPMENT - Systems and methods for wirelessly controlling equipment or apparatus by employing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The systems and methods provide the capability to manually or automatically select an RFID tag or change the encoded information in an RFID tag to wirelessly change the control state of a piece of equipment or an apparatus. The system includes an RFID based selector including at least one RFID tag, and an RFID reader capable of wirelessly reading RFID codes from the RFID tags of the RFID based selector. The system further includes a control mechanism capable of changing a control state of said equipment or apparatus in response to said read RFID codes. To expand the system capabilities yet keep power requirements at the selector to a minimum, methods are included of passive addressing of many pushbuttons in the selector. Wireless and battery free selectors are explained. Utilizing the inherent ID code of the tag permits management of which selectors are virtually connected. | 12-10-2009 |
20090297915 | ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANES AND METHODS OF USE - N-heterocyclic functionalized polymers and methods of use in fuel cells. Phenoxy-substituted polyphosphazenes and phosphazene trimers functionalized with azoles can provide polymer electrolyte membranes with high thermal stability coupled with a large number of proton binding sites per monomer unit. | 12-03-2009 |
20090275689 | ULTRASOUND ASSISTED CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR DISPERSION OF NANOFIBERS AND NANOTUBES IN POLYMERS - The present invention relates to processes for producing high performance polymer composites via ultrasonic treatment after initial mixing. These high performance polymer composites made from a combination of polymer and nanofibers and/or nanotubes. The ultrasonic treating method of the disclosed allows a more highly dispersed polymer composite mixture which provides increased thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. | 11-05-2009 |
20090269560 | ALIGNED CARBON NANOTUBE-POLYMER MATERIALS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention is directed to carbon nanostructure composite systems which may be useful for various applications, including as dry adhesives, self-cleaning applications, electronics and display technologies, or in a wide variety of other areas where organized nanostructures may be formed and integrated into a flexible substrate. The present invention provides systems and methods wherein organized nanotube structures or other nanostructures are embedded within an adhesive, with the properties and characteristics of the nanotubes or other nanostructures exploited for use in various applications. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a self-cleaning carbon nanotube composite material that includes a substrate, an adhesive coating on at least a portion of the substrate, a plurality of carbon nanostructures formed into a predetermined architecture, each of the plurality of nanostructures having a substantially predetermined width and length, and the architecture of the plurality of nanostructures defining at least one orientation for a plurality of nanostructures, and defining the approximate spacing between nanostructures and/or groups of nanostructures, the carbon nanostructures architecture being at least partially adhered to the adhesive coating on the substrate in a manner that the architecture is stabilized in the predetermined architecture, wherein the carbon nanostructures architecture renders the composite material superhydrophobic. | 10-29-2009 |
20090251693 | Analysis for Glucose Products Using Pyridinylboronic Acid - A method of analyzing a target analyte using laser excitation spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, or colormetric analysis, where the analysis is enhanced by using pyridinylboronic acid. | 10-08-2009 |
20090243428 | NANOPOROUS MATERIALS FOR USE IN THE CONVERSION OF MECHANICAL ENERGY AND/OR THERMAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - The present invention generally relates to a method for using nanoporous materials to convert mechanical motion and/or heat into electrical energy. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy by immersing a high surface area nanoporous electrode in an electrolyte such that the ion structure at the surface of the electrode is interrupted in response to a change in the flow rate of the electrolyte, causing increased electrostatic energy to be generated at the liquid/solid interface. The invention further relates to a device suitable for conducting this method. | 10-01-2009 |
20090238888 | RADICAL POLYMERIZATION METHOD AND PRODUCTS PREPARED THEREBY - In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for initiating radical polymerization of at least one monomer composition, the method comprising the steps of: supplying at least one monomer charge; and initiating radical polymerization of the at least one monomer charge via a hydrogen peroxide initiator and at least one polyamine co-initiator, wherein the method is carried out in an inverse-microemulsion, the inverse-microemulsion being a water/oil emulsion. | 09-24-2009 |
20090214624 | TOPICAL NITRIC OXIDE DONOR DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THEIR THERAPEUTIC USE - The present invention is related to topical nitric oxide delivery systems, and to using the same for mitigating or remediating various disease states The present invention is also related to using topical nitric oxide delivery systems for enhancing blood flow. | 08-27-2009 |
20090203869 | PHOTOCURABLE POLYMERS FOR OPHTHALMIC APPLICATIONS - The present invention generally relates to pre-polymer and polymer compositions that can be photopolymerized. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to crosslinking agents that can be used in the photopolymerization of the pre-polymers and polymers disclosed herein. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to processes for producing pre-polymer, polymer and crosslinking compositions useful in photopolymerization reaction schemes. In one instance, the pre-polymers and polymers of the present invention can be crosslinked via a suitable crosslinking agent to produce networks (e.g., amphiphilic networks and/or co-networks). | 08-13-2009 |
20090197019 | POLY(ARYLETHERIMIDES) FOR NEGATIVE BIREFRINGENT FILMS FOR LCDS - A negative birefringence film prepared from a poly(aryletherimide) which is the reaction product of a dianhydride and a diamine, where the dianhydride is BisADA, ODPA, BPEDA, BPQDA, BPDA, or 6FDA, alone or a mixture with one or more of: BPDA, 6FDA, BisADA, Bis-AF-DA, BPQDA, BPEDA, and ODPA; and where the diamine is 4,4′-diaminophenyl ether, 2-trifluoromethyl-4,4′-diaminophenyl ether, 2-trifluoromethyl-2′-methyl-4,4′-diaminophenyl ether, 1,4-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene, 4,4′-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl, 4,4′-bis(3-aminophenoxy)biphenyl, 4,4′-bis(4-aminophenoxy)terphenyl, 4,4′-bis(3-aminophenoxy)terphenyl, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,4-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)benzene, 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4′-diaminophenyl ether (6FODA), 4,4′-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)biphenyl (6FOBDA), 4,4′-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbiphenyl, 4,4′-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-3,3′,5,5′-tetra(tert-butyl)biphenyl, 4,4′-bis(3-amino-trifluoromethylphenoxy)biphenyl, 4,4′-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)terphenyl, 2,2-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-phenyl]1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,4-bis(2-trifluoromethyl-4-aminophenoxy)-2,5-di(t-butyl)benzene (BTBDA), 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-diamino biphenyl (OTOL), 1,4-bis(2-trifluoromethyl-4-aminophenoxy)-2-t-butylbenzene, or mixtures thereof and wherein when a mixture of dianhydrides is present, they are present in a molar amount of between 99 to 1 (99:1) and 1 to 99 (1:99), and the film has a negative birefringence greater than 0.01, at a thickness of less than 15 μm, when the poly(aryletherimide) is solution cast or coated onto a substrate. | 08-06-2009 |
20090171088 | REVERSIBLE SELF-ASSEMBLY OF IMBEDDED METALLOMACROCYCLES WITHIN A MACROMOLECULAR SUPERSTRUCTURE - In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a reversible, self-assembly of an imbedded hexameric metallomacrocycle within a macromolecular superstructure. The method occurs by an intramolecular mechanism in which a macromolecular skeleton possesses multiple ligands capable of reversible assembly-disassembly triggered by the presence of metal ions. | 07-02-2009 |
20090133477 | RHEOMETER ALLOWING DIRECT VISUALIZATION OF CONTINUOUS SIMPLE SHEAR IN NON-NEWTONIAN FLUID - The present invention is directed to an improved rheometer which provides direct visualization, and to a rheometer that can be used in conjunction with shearing devices, such as rotational, torsional, sliding plate, and other type rheometers. | 05-28-2009 |
20090119808 | Molecular imaging and nanophotonics imaging and detection principles and systems, and contrast agents, media makers and biomarkers, and mechanisms for such contrast agents - The present invention relates to near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) and near-field/far-field scanning microscopy methods, systems and devices that permit the imaging of biological samples, including biological samples or structures that are smaller than the wavelength of light. In one embodiment, the present invention permits the production of multi-spectral, polarimetric, near-field microscopy systems that can achieve a spatial resolution of less than 100 nanometers. In another embodiment, the present invention permits the production of a multifunctional, multi-spectral, polarimetric, near-field/far-field microscopy that can achieve enhanced sub-surface and in-depth imaging of biological samples. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of polar molecules as new optical contrast agents for imaging applications (e.g., cancer detection). | 05-07-2009 |
20090093585 | ABSORBENT NON-WOVEN FIBROUS MATS AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING SAME - The present invention relates to liquid entrapping devices (e.g., absorbent non-woven fibrous mats) and to a process for preparing such devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to mechanically strong absorbent materials made from such liquid entrapping devices (e.g., non-woven fibrous mats) and to a method for preparing same. In one embodiment, a liquid entrapping device of the present invention comprises at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component (HEFC) and at least one wetting agent component. In another embodiment, a liquid entrapping device of the present invention comprise at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component (HEFC), at least one absorbent component, and at least one wetting agent component. In one instance, the wetting agent component of the present invention is contained on and/or within the fibers and/or nanofibers that form the liquid entrapping device (e.g., a non-woven fibrous mat) of the present invention. | 04-09-2009 |
20090075354 | NANOFIBER STRUCTURES FOR SUPPORTING BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS - The present invention relates generally to nanofiber structures designed to support, entrap, entangle, preserve, and/or retain one or more biological materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to nanofiber matrix structures made from at least two different types of nanofibers that are designed to support, entrap, entangle, preserve, and/or retain one or more biological materials. | 03-19-2009 |
20090069449 | ETHAMBUTOL BASED NITRIC OXIDE DONORS - The present invention relates generally to nitric oxide releasing pharmaceutical compounds. More particularly, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions that release nitric oxide under physiological conditions. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to new chemical compounds—diazeniumdiolates nitric oxide donors—that are based on ethambutol possessing physiological and biomedical activity. | 03-12-2009 |
20090068461 | CARBON NANOTUBES ON CARBON NANOFIBER SUBSTRATE - A hierarchical structure that has at least one carbon nanotube extending radially from a nanofiber substrate and related methods of use and manufacture. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066315 | DYNAMIC MODULATION FOR MULTIPLEXATION OF MICROFLUIDIC AND NANOFLUIDIC BASED BIOSENSORS - The present invention generally relates to a method for rapidly counting micron and/or submicron particles by passing such particles through any of a plurality of microfluidic channels simultaneously with an ion current and measuring the signal generated thereby. The present invention also generally relates to a device for practicing the method of the present invention. Some embodiments can include methods and/or devices for distinguishing between and counting particles in mixtures. Still other embodiments can include methods and/or devices for identifying and/or counting bioparticles and/or bioactive particles such as pollen. | 03-12-2009 |
20090049112 | INTERLEAVED METHOD FOR PARALLEL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FAST FOURIER TRANSFORM - The present invention generally relates to a method for computing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an interleaved method for computing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). | 02-19-2009 |
20090039565 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING FIBERS AND THEIR USES - The present invention is directed to the use and production of fibers from one or more polymers or polymer composites. In one embodiment, the fibers of the present invention are nanofibers. In another embodiment, the fibers of the present invention are polymer nanofibers that further include at least one active agent or additive contained on, in, or about the polymer nanofibers of the present invention. In still another embodiment, the fibers of the present invention can be used to yield carbon and/or ceramic fibers/nanofibers. | 02-12-2009 |
20090020921 | HYBRID MANUFACTURING PLATFORM TO PRODUCE MULTIFUNCTIONAL POLYMERIC FILMS - The present invention relates to a method for producing hybrid materials of thin polymer films with single, laminated, complete and/or partially embedded nanofibers to obtain products with unique functional properties. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a method that comprises the combination of two process technologies; a thin film solution casting process (tape casting, solvent casting) and an electrospinning process, in order to produce hybrid materials of thin polymer films with single, laminated, completely and/or partially embedded electrospun nanofibers to obtain products with unique functional properties. In another embodiment of the present invention, fibers and/or nanofibers of a chosen material are spun directly on to substrates of polymer solutions and/or monomers solutions, were such solutions are located on a carrier belt that is electrically and/or ionically conductive. | 01-22-2009 |
20090008325 | Affinity Foam Fractionation for Collection and Purification of Materials - The present invention generally relates to methods for purifying and/or concentrating compounds from or in solutions and/or mixtures. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for purifying and/or concentrating a compound from a solution or mixture. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for purifying/concentrating a compound from a solution or mixture that utilizes, in whole or part, foam purification and/or concentration. In still another embodiment, the present invention can be used to separate, concentrate and/or purify any material, including biological products and/or biomaterials, that can be selectively bound to a binding agent, thereby yielding a complex that will readily partition onto bubble surfaces in a foam. | 01-08-2009 |
20090000651 | Nanoporous Materials for Use in the Conversion of Mechanical Energy and/or Thermal Energy Into Electrical Energy - The present invention generally relates to a method for using nanoporous materials to convert mechanical motion and/or heat into electrical energy. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a nanopore confinement effect that results from a fluid infiltrating a porous material as a means to generating electrical energy. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a nanopore confinement effect that results from a continuous solid phase infiltrating a porous material as a means to generate electrical energy. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a thermoelectric effect that results from a fluid infiltrating a porous material as a means to generate electrical energy. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a thermoelectric effect that results from a continuous solid phase infiltrating a porous material as a means to generate electrical energy. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to applying the foregoing mechanoelectric effect or thermoelectric effect to high surface area and/or small-structured solids as a means of enhancing and/or supplementing otherwise inefficient and/or insufficient electrical energy generation. | 01-01-2009 |
20080287653 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING INHIBITORS AND INHIBITORS FORMED THEREFROM - The present invention relates to methods for producing inhibitors for protein deacetylases, and to the compounds and/or products produced by such methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for producing inhibitors for human class III protein deacetylases or sirtuins, and to the compounds and/or products produced by such methods. The present invention provides the transformation of peptide substrates to potent peptide inhibitors by replacement of N | 11-20-2008 |
20080286815 | SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC ASSAY FOR HUMAN HISTONE DEACETYLASE 8 - The present invention relates to the development of a novel assay for determining the activity of human histone deactylase 8 (HDAC8). As shown in FIG. | 11-20-2008 |
20080280137 | ALIGNED CARBON NANOTUBE-POLYMER MATERIALS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention is directed to carbon nanostructure composite systems which may be useful for various applications, including as dry adhesives, electronics and display technologies, or in a wide variety of other areas where organized nanostructures may be formed and integrated into a flexible substrate. The present invention provides systems and methods wherein organized nanotube structures or other nanostructures are embedded within polymers or other flexible materials to provide a flexible skin-like material, with the properties and characteristics of the nanotubes or other nanostructures exploited for use in various applications. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a carbon nanotube/polymer composite material having a plurality of carbon nanotubes formed into a predetermined architecture, with each of the plurality of nanotubes having a desired width and length. The architecture of the plurality of nanotubes defines at least one orientation for a plurality of nanotubes, and also defines the approximate spacing between nanotubes and/or groups of nanotubes. The carbon nanotube architecture is at least partially embedded with a polymer matrix in a manner that the architecture is stabilized in the predetermined architecture. The polymer matrix may also be formed to have a desired predetermined thickness. | 11-13-2008 |
20080266557 | High Contrast Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy - The present invention relates generally to the field of spectroscopy, and more particularly to tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy that provides an enhanced contrast-ratio of a near-field Raman signal to a background signal. The near-field Raman signal is captured from a small volume of material near a metal-coated tip thereby achieving submicron lateral resolution. | 10-30-2008 |
20080262367 | GENERAL DIAGNOSTIC AND REAL-TIME APPLICATIONS OF DISCRETE HERMITE FUNCTIONS TO DIGITAL DATA - The present invention relates to general diagnostic and real-time applications of discrete Hermite functions to digital data. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems for the application of dilated discrete digital Hermite functions (DDHF) to biomedical data, for example, to extract features from digital signals, including but not limited to, ECGs, EMGs, EOGs, EEGs, and others, by expanding the measured signals using a computationally efficient technique. These digital Hermite functions form the basis for the new discrete Hermite transform, generated on a beat by beat basis, which provides information about the shape of the signals, such as that in the BCG artifact in an EEG or in an ECG interval, or any noise in any other electrical signal. An automated system and method for real-time interpretation of any abnormalities present in a digital biomedical signal is provided. | 10-23-2008 |
20080242178 | Flexible Ceramic Fibers and a Process For Making Same - The present invention is generally directed to ceramic fibers, which when employed in sheets to provide flexibility and to methods for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to ceramic fibers that are heat and chemical resistant, and to a method for making same. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to ceramic nanofibers and ceramic nanofiber sheets, and to a method for making same. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to electrospun ceramic nanofibers and nanofiber sheets, products that include such fibers, and to methods of making same. | 10-02-2008 |
20080241885 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING CELLULASE - Various methods for the production of cellulase are disclosed. In one embodiment the method for producing cellulase includes contacting a culture comprising a sophorolipid producer and a cellulase producer with a substrate that is consumed by the sophorolipid producer. In addition, a microorganism culture made from a sophorolipid producer and a cellulase producer is disclosed. | 10-02-2008 |
20080237934 | Method and Device For Producing Electrospun Fibers and Fibers Produced Thereby - The present invention relates to methods for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and to structures that can be produced from such fibers. In one embodiment, the fibers of the present invention are nanofibers. The present invention also relates to apparatus for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and methods by which such fibers are made. | 10-02-2008 |
20080233006 | Method and Apparatus For Determining the Oxygen Permeability of a Polymer - The present invention is relates to an apparatus and method for the determination of the oxygen gas permeability of a polymer. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for determining the oxygen gas permeability of a polymer membrane (e.g., a polydimethylsiloxane and/or polysiloxane polymer or copolymer). In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to oxygen gas permeable polymer compositions. | 09-25-2008 |