Abstract: A compact, ultra-sensitive, inexpensive NIR spontaneous Raman spectrometer is presented. High sensitivity is achieved by the use of a multi-pass cell configuration combined with the electromotive properties of silicon crystal surface. A thin layer of silicon oxide chemisorbs molecules, which stick to its surface without altering their spectroscopic signatures. This new Raman spectrometer may be used to detect less than 40 ng (?0.5 n mol) of ammonium nitrate deposited on the silicon surface with the signal-to-noise ratio better than 50 during 0.1 s recording time and for an illuminated area of 2x10?8 m2. These results may be useful in many areas, for example the foundation of an extended project to record the dissolved NO3? ions in a large river such as the Mississippi.

Abstract: A three-dimensional thin-film solar cell 100, comprising a three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate comprising a plurality of single-aperture or dual-aperture unit cells with emitter junction regions 522 and doped base regions 530, emitter metallization regions 525 and base metallization regions 532. Optionally, the three-dimensional thin-film solar cell may be mounted on a rear mirror for improved light trapping and conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Techniques for use in enterprise and similar computing systems securely protect data during software application use by generating private table seeds as a function of a predetermined parameters and private tables as a function of the private table seeds. Each of the private tables associates with a distinct one of the private table seeds, each of the private tables associates with a site. An enterprise table seed is formed using other parameters and an enterprise table is derived from the enterprise table seed. The enterprise table permits data communication throughout an enterprise. A string of characters allows accessing a global private information protection system which includes global tables for integrating the private tables, the enterprise tables, and the global tables into a runtime application program at a remote location and coordinating the user's use to control assure only secure use and prevent inadvertent disclosure of the protected information.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present disclosure is an improvement on known wheelchairs and other known devices for transporting elderly, infirm, injured, handicapped, disabled, or otherwise mobility-impaired individuals. The present disclosure provides a seat that is adjustable in both height and tilt angle for easy loading and unloading. In some embodiments, the height adjustment is provided via a hydraulic lift cart. Further provided are adjustable horizontal leg supports. A non-confining cage of substantially vertical support bars surrounds the occupant, and straps may be attached around the support bars. This provides support without causing the occupant to feel strapped down and confined to the device. Removing the straps allows easy loading and unloading from whichever side of the apparatus is most convenient.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a partially-transparent (see-through) three-dimensional thin film solar cell (3-D TFSC) substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell structure has the shape of a truncated pyramid, and its parameters may be varied to allow a desired portion of sunlight to pass through.

Abstract: A parallel eccentric electro-mechanical actuator provides motive power and includes an electric prime mover that drives the reducer's pinion gear. This pinion drives minimum three star gears with stationary shaft bearings. Each shaft contains an eccentric which are completely in parallel with each other. These eccentrics can be thought of as parallel/in-phase driven crankshafts. Each eccentric drives the parallel eccentric (PE) gear through a bearing. The PE gear exhibits a circular motion (without rotation) which in itself is unbalanced. The crankshafts have another eccentric which create an opposite inertia force to balance that of the PE gear. The PE gear contains an external toothed gear on its periphery. It meshes with the internal teeth of the output ring gear. The relative motion between the PE gear and the ring gear is that the PE gear rolls inside the ring gear. This relative motion is called hypo-cycloidal motion.

Abstract: A pyramidal three-dimensional thin-film solar cell, comprising a pyramidal three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate comprising a plurality of pyramid-shaped unit cells with emitter junction regions and doped base regions, emitter metallization regions and base metallization regions. Optionally, the pyramidal three-dimensional thin-film solar cell may be mounted on a rear mirror for improved light trapping and conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Solar module structures and methods for assembling solar module structures. The solar module structures comprise pyramidal three-dimensional thin-film solar cells arranged in solar module structures. The pyramidal three-dimensional thin-film solar cell comprises a pyramidal three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate with emitter junction regions and doped base regions. The three-dimensional thin-film solar cell further includes emitter metallization regions and base metallization regions. The three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate comprises a plurality of pyramid-shaped unit cells. The solar module structures may be used in solar glass applications, building facade applications, rooftop installation applications as well as for centralized solar electricity generation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for individuals who may otherwise have trouble lifting themselves from the floor after a fall. Using the teachings of the present disclosure, such individuals may autonomously regain their footing, without the necessity of calling paramedics or others for help. An individual may crawl onto the seat of the device and then, using either a handcrank or an electric motor, lift himself to a sitting/standing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a pseudonym, the method including accessing an input value and calculating a pseudonym by applying a cryptographic one-way function to the input value, where the cryptographic one-way function is an injective function. In alternative embodiments, the cryptographic one-way function is an embedding and/or randomizing function.

Abstract: An RF power delivery diagnostic system is provided herein. The system comprises an RF power source (303), an impedance matching network (305), a plasma reactor (307) in electrical contact with the RF power source by way of the impedance matching network, a first RF sensor (309) adapted to measure at least one attribute of the RF power input to the impedance matching network, and a second RF sensor (311) adapted to measure at least one attribute of the RF power output by the impedance matching network.

Abstract: A photo-detector comprising: a photo absorbing layer comprising an n-doped semiconductor exhibiting a valence band energy level; a barrier layer, a first side of the barrier layer adjacent a first side of the photo absorbing layer, the barrier layer exhibiting a valence band energy level substantially equal to the valence band energy level of the doped semiconductor of the photo absorbing layer; and a contact area comprising a doped semiconductor, the contact area being adjacent a second side of the barrier layer opposing the first side, the barrier layer exhibiting a thickness and a conductance band gap sufficient to prevent tunneling of majority carriers from the photo absorbing layer to the contact area and block the flow of thermalized majority carriers from the photo absorbing layer to the contact area. Alternatively, a p-doped semiconductor is utilized, and conductance band energy levels of the barrier and photo absorbing layers are equalized.

Abstract: Solar module structures 210 and 270 and methods for assembling solar module structures. The solar module structures 210 and 270 comprise three-dimensional thin-film solar cells 110 arranged in solar module structures 210 and 270. The three-dimensional thin-film solar cell comprises a three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate (124 and 122, respectively) with emitter junction regions 1352 and doped base regions 1360. The three-dimensional thin-film solar cell further includes emitter metallization regions and base metallization regions. The 3-D TFSC substrate comprises a plurality of single-aperture or dual-aperture unit cells. The solar module structures 270 using three-dimensional thin-film solar cells comprising three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrates with a plurality of dual-aperture unit cells may be used in solar glass applications.

Abstract: Techniques and a system for performing geological interpretation operations in support of energy resources exploration and production perform well log correlation operations for generating a set of graphical data describing the predetermined geological region. The process and system interpret the geological environment of the predetermined geological region from measured surface and fault data associated with the predetermined geological region. Allowing the user to query and filter graphical data representing the predetermined geological region, the method and system present manipulable three-dimensional geological interpretations of two-dimensional geological data relating to the predetermined geological region and provide displays of base map features associated with the predetermined geological region.

Abstract: A method, system, and network for providing a method, system, and network, for network and device event monitoring and reporting. The disclosed subject matter associates with a host computer, a local network of information technology devices, a community of network users, and a global information technology community. The present disclosure initiates an inventory of a plurality of information technology devices associated with a local network of information technology devices. The method, system and apparatus determine change in the operational status of the plurality of the information technology devices associated with the local network. Then, the present disclosure monitors for changes in the operational status of the plurality of the information technology devices associated with the local network. The disclosed subject matter then presents to the host computer information relating changes in the operational status of the information technology devices associated with the local network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer implemented method for generating a pseudonym for a user comprising entering a user-selected secret, storing the user-selected secret in memory, computing a private key by applying an embedding and randomizing function onto the secret, storing the private key in the memory, computing a public key using the private key, the public key and the private key forming an asymmetric cryptographic key, erasing the secret and the private key from the memory, and outputting the public key for providing the pseudonym.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for improved video transmission, particularly in security settings. An improved security controller combines the interfaces and functionality for high quality video delivery over often less-than-perfect wireless networks, multi-camera analog/digital video controllers and encoders, multi-frequency wireless camera support, connectivity for serial controllers, network switching, and distributed digital video recording with optional object and motion detection. The video transmission is enhanced using wireless adaptive video encoding, mobile viewing optimization, and wireless bandwidth improvement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a tilt switch that solves the problem of poor electrical contact, excessive/unpredictable hysteresis, high contact resistance, short life and/or electrical bounce. The tilt switch uses conventional ball-in-tube construction and adds a graphite powder film to all electrically conductive surfaces in the switch. This non-mercury tilt switch provides additional features such as enhanced electrical contact, reduced or eliminated hysteresis, lowered contact resistance, increased contact life and eliminates electrical bounce.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for improved video transmission, particularly in security settings. An improved security controller combines the interfaces and functionality for high quality video delivery over often less-than-perfect wireless networks, multi-camera analog/digital video controllers and encoders, multi-frequency wireless camera support, connectivity for serial controllers, network switching, and distributed digital video recording with optional object and motion detection. The video transmission in enhanced using wireless adaptive video encoding, mobile viewing optimization, and wireless bandwidth improvement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling humidity of a working fluid used to provided climate control of a mission critical application are provided. Such control may be accomplished by using a humidification system in connection with a CAS or TACAS system. The humidification system may introduce a liquid (e.g., water) into one or more, predetermined points within the CAS or TACAS system to adjust the moisture content of a working fluid used to influence the environment of a mission critical application or enclosure.