Abstract: An improved apparatus for the separation of gas or gas-vapor, as well as simultaneous product transformation or conversion of one or more of the separated gas or gas-vapor species, includes modification of a Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube to include an electric field internal to the vortex tube, created either by an applied potential or induced by temperature-dependent triboelectric effects, or a combination of both. The electric field is used to enhance separation of gaseous components, with particular emphasis on separation of CO2 from a gaseous mixture, and to promote subsequent conversion of the resulting separated gaseous product or products.

Abstract: Systems for separating and concentrating CO2 from air or a gas include a vortex tube designed for separating and concentrating CO2 from a gaseous input stream. The vortex tube has an operating design pressure of between 105 psi and 280 psi above atmospheric pressure and produces a concentrated CO2 outlet stream. The concentrated CO2 outlet stream is in fluid connection with a conversion system capable of converting the separated CO2 into another chemical compound.

Abstract: A photoreactor having computer actuated input/output ports is operated by introducing reactant through an input port and collecting product through an output port, and upon closure of the input and output ports, treating photocatalyst within the photoreactor to remove intermediates limiting performance of the photocatalyst. Once the photocatalyst is regenerated, introduction of reactant to the photoreactor through the input port and collection of product from the output port can be resumed. The automated process does not require removal of catalyst from the photoreactor and significantly improves process economics.

Abstract: An integrated system for harvesting water from air includes an air propelling unit, a water condensation unit, and a fog harvester. The water condensation unit receives propelled air from the air propelling unit, and includes an airfoil designed to locally reduce pressure and temperature, thereby promoting water vapor condensation within the received propelled air. The fog harvester receives the propelled air with condensed water from the water condensation unit and collects the condensed water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and fabrication of a device able to efficiently convert broad-spectrum, microwave to X-ray, electromagnetic energy into electricity. Exciton Scavenger fabrication requires intercalation of rare earth ion containing crystallites, quantum-dots, or nanoparticles within a one-dimensional semiconducting material nanoarchitecture, such as arrays of nanowires or nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and fabrication of a device able to efficiently convert broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation, including but not limited to microwave, millimeter wave, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet, into charge carriers, then separate and direct said charge carriers to promote photosynthetic or photocatalytic reactions, such as the photoconversion of CO2 and water vapor to hydrocarbon fuels. Device fabrication requires intercalation of rare-earth ion containing crystallites, be they nanoparticles or quantum-dots, bound by an electrically insulating organic or inorganic shell, within a one-dimensional semiconducting material nanoarchitecture such as arrays of nanowires or nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and fabrication of a device able to efficiently convert broad-spectrum, microwave to X-ray, electromagnetic energy into electricity. Exciton Scavenger fabrication requires intercalation of rare earth ion containing crystallites, quantum-dots, or nanoparticles within a one-dimensional semiconducting material nanoarchitecture, such as arrays of nanowires or nanotubes.

Abstract: An improved photocatalytic device in which within semiconductors, absorbed electromagnetic radiation is known to generate electron-hole pairs; unwanted recombination of the radiation-generated electrons and holes is a significant limitation of photocatalytic efficiency, while the simultaneous local presence of both electrons and holes at the photocatalyst surface make reaction-specificity difficult to control. A photocatalytic device is described in which radiation-generated electrons and holes are spatially separated to be individually introduced into the reactant flow, minimizing unwanted recombination while promoting reaction-specific outcomes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and fabrication of a device able to efficiently convert broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation, including but not limited to microwave, millimeter wave, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet, into charge carriers, then separate and direct said charge carriers to promote photosynthetic or photocatalytic reactions, such as the photoconversion of CO2 and water vapor to hydrocarbon fuels. Device fabrication requires intercalation of rare-earth ion containing crystallites, be they nanoparticles or quantum-dots, bound by an electrically insulating organic or inorganic shell, within a one-dimensional semiconducting material nanoarchitecture such as arrays of nanowires or nanotubes.

Abstract: Compositions including a surface or film comprising nanofibers, nanotubes or microwells comprising a bioactive agent for elution to the surrounding tissue upon placement of the composition in a subject are disclosed. The compositions are useful in medical implants and methods of treating a patient in need of an implant, including orthopedic implants, dental implants, cardiovascular implants, neurological implants, neurovascular implants, gastrointestinal implants, muscular implants, and ocular implants.

Abstract: Compositions including a surface or film comprising nanofibers, nanotubes or microwells comprising a bioactive agent for elution to the surrounding tissue upon placement of the composition in a subject are disclosed. The compositions are useful in medical implants and methods of treating a patient in need of an implant, including orthopedic implants, dental implants, cardiovascular implants, neurological implants, neurovascular implants, gastrointestinal implants, muscular implants, and ocular implants.

Abstract: Compositions including a surface or film comprising nanofibers, nanotubes or microwells comprising a bioactive agent for elution to the surrounding tissue upon placement of the composition in a subject are disclosed The compositions are useful in medical implants and methods of treating a patient in need of an implant, including orthopedic implants, dental implants, cardiovascular implants, neurological implants, neurovascular implants, gastrointestinal implants, muscular implants, and ocular implants.

Abstract: Self-powered portable electronic devices are disclosed that have the capacity to generate their own electrical power, store electrical charge, and distribute electrical power to similarly designed devices in close proximity. Devices generate power in part using one or more non-solar thermal energy sources that have increased stability and efficiency compared to current solar cell powered devices. Devices comprise components including, control processors, data storage, energy storage, dedicated energy and power management processors, and thermophotovoltaic cells that convert thermal energy into electrical power. Devices are capable of transmitting and receiving energy, power, voice and data information using standard frequencies associated with portable devices. Additionally, the invention discloses methods, systems, and apparatuses comprising circuitry that can control power generation from multiple thermophotovoltaic cells and traditional power sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabrication and application of compositions, devices, methods and systems for utilizing radiation more efficiently as compared to known systems. A synthesis method provides deposition of titania on a substrate without the use of an electrochemical reaction. An integrated architecture formed by the method of the present invention is comprised of vertically-oriented, one-dimensional, monocrystalline, n-type anatase nanowires in communication with a common transparent conductive substrate, and which are intercalated with a consortia of p-type quantum dots tuned for absorption of infrared and other radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growth of vertically-oriented crystalline nanowire arrays upon a transparent conductive or other substrate for use in 3rd generation photovoltaic and other applications. A method of growing crystalline anatase nanowires includes the steps of: deposition of titania onto a substrate; conversion of the titania into titanate nanowires; and, treatment of the titanate nanowires to produce crystalline anatase nanowires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabrication and application of compositions, devices, methods and systems for utilizing radiation more efficiently as compared to known systems. A synthesis method provides deposition of titania on a substrate without the use of an electrochemical reaction. An integrated architecture formed by the method of the present invention is comprised of vertically-oriented, one-dimensional, monocrystalline, n-type anatase nanowires in communication with a common transparent conductive substrate, and which are intercalated with a consortia of p-type quantum dots tuned for absorption of infrared and other radiation.

Abstract: Self-powered portable electronic devices are disclosed that have the capacity to generate their own electrical power, store electrical charge, and distribute electrical power to similarly designed devices in close proximity. Devices generate power in part using one or more non-solar thermal energy sources that have increased stability and efficiency compared to current solar cell powered devices. Devices comprise components including, control processors, data storage, energy storage, dedicated energy and power management processors, and thermophotovoltaic cells that convert thermal energy into electrical power. Devices are capable of transmitting and receiving energy, power, voice and data information using standard frequencies associated with portable devices. Additionally, the invention discloses methods, systems, and apparatuses comprising circuitry that can control power generation from multiple thermophotovoltaic cells and traditional power sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growth of vertically-oriented crystalline nanowire arrays upon a transparent conductive or other substrate for use in 3rd generation photovoltaic and other applications. A method of growing crystalline anatase nanowires includes the steps of: deposition of titania onto a substrate; conversion of the titania into titanate nanowires; and, treatment of the titanate nanowires to produce crystalline anatase nanowires.

Abstract: Compositions including a surface or film comprising nanofibers, nanotubes or microwells comprising a bioactive agent for elution to the surrounding tissue upon placement of the composition in a subject are disclosed The compositions are useful in medical implants and methods of treating a patient in need of an implant, including orthopedic implants, dental implants, cardiovascular implants, neurological implants, neurovascular implants, gastrointestinal implants, muscular implants, and ocular implants.

Abstract: Circuitry and program code adapted for carrying out an associated technique for characterizing the response of one or more magnetoelastic sensor elements during exposure to an excitation field generated by an interrogation coil: including: (a) measuring a total sensor signal from the coil with the sensor element positioned within the excitation field within a spacing created by a winding of the coil; and (b) automatically determining: (i) a total measured impedance spectrum from said total sensor signal so measured, and (ii) a plurality of magnitude values representing the real part of a reconstructed impedance spectrum for the sensor element. The reconstructed impedance spectrum for the sensor element, having been calculated by subtracting an impedance generally attributable to the coil during the time an AC excitation signal is provided, from the total measured impedance.