Abstract: Methods for monitoring a fluid composition include placing a mechanical resonator in the fluid composition and oscillating the resonator. The resonator can be a tuning fork resonator having tines oscillated in opposite directions and in opposite phases. A variable frequency input signal can be varied over a predetermined frequency range and oscillate the mechanical resonator at less than 1 MHz. A frequency-dependent resonator response curve can be stored in a computer memory and fitted to a model curve to monitor the fluid. The resonator can be coated with a protective coating. The resonator can be treated with a functionality designed to change a resonance frequency of the resonator after being exposed to a selected target chemical and the resonance frequency monitored to detect presence of the target chemical.

Abstract: A process is provided for separating one or more light gases from bromine or chlorine using one or more physical separations and contact with a chemical scrubber to recover additional halogen. In one aspect, the process comprises (a) providing a feed of halogen containing one or more light gases to a distillation column or flash vaporizer; (b) operating the distillation column or flash vaporizer to separate the feed into (i) a first liquid containing a major amount of halogen and no more than a minor amount of light gas(es), and (ii) a first vapor containing a major amount of light gas(es) and no more than a minor amount of halogen; and (c) providing the vapor to a chemical scrubber to recover halogen from the vapor.

Abstract: An improved continuous process for converting methane, natural gas, or other hydrocarbon feedstocks into one or more higher hydrocarbons or olefins by continuously cycling through the steps of alkane halogenation, product formation (carbon-carbon coupling), product separation, and regeneration of halogen is provided. Preferably, the halogen is continually recovered by reacting hydrobromic acid with air or oxygen. The invention provides an efficient route to aromatic compounds, aliphatic compounds, mixtures of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, olefins, gasoline grade materials, and other useful products.

Abstract: An actuatable fastener (50) includes a body (80) including a head (82) and a shank (84). The body (80) includes an interior chamber (120) partially defined by a side wall (132) extending from the head (82) into the shank (84) and an end wall (138) positioned in the shank. A member (140) is disposed in the chamber (120). An initiator (160) is actuatable to produce combustion products in the chamber (120) that act on the member (140) to move the member in a first direction in the chamber to strike the end wall (138). The member (140) strikes the end wall (138) creating a fracture (222) in the shank (84) separating at least a portion of the shank from a remainder (220) of the shank. The combustion products moving the member (150) beyond the fracture (222) at least a predetermined distance (226) to move the portion of the shank (84) at least the predetermined distance from the remainder (220) of the shank.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, programs and apparatus for generating a library design for a combinatorial library of materials. A library design includes a set of sources representing components to be used in preparing the combinatorial library, destinations representing arrangements of cells and mappings, defining one or more distribution patterns for assigning components to cells in the destination arrangement or arrangements. Mappings include gradients and sets of user-defined equations, and are used to calculate the amount of one or more components to be assigned to a cell or cells in an arrangement. A library design can also include one or more process parameters defined to vary over time or across a plurality of destination cells. The invention outputs a data file defining the library design, including electronic data representing the sources, the destinations and the mapping, in a format suitable for implementing manually or using automated material handling apparatus.

Abstract: Electron-hole production at a Schottky barrier has recently been observed experimentally as a result of chemical processes. This conversion of chemical energy to electronic energy may serve as a basic link between chemistry and electronics and offers the potential for generation of unique electronic signatures for chemical reactions and the creation of a new class of solid state chemical sensors. Detention of the following chemical species was established: hydrogen, deuterium, carbon monoxide, molecular oxygen. The detector (1b) consists of a Schottky diode between an Si layer and an ultrathin metal layer with zero force electrical contacts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a liquid composition includes a mechanical resonator, such as a cantilever, connected to a measurement circuit. The mechanical resonator can be covered with a coating to impart additional special detection propertied to the resonator, and multiple resonators can be attached together as a single sensor to obtain multiple frequency responses. The invention is particularly suitable for combinatorial chemistry applications, which require rapid analysis of chemical properties for screening. In one embodiment, the resonator is operated at a frequency of less than 1 MHz.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for solar energy production comprises a multi-layer solid-state structure including a photosensitive layer, a thin conductor, a charge separation layer, and a back ohmic conductor, wherein light absorption occurs in a photosensitive layer and the charge carriers produced thereby are transported through the thin conductor through the adjacent potential energy barrier. The open circuit voltage of the solar cell can be manipulated by choosing from among a wide selection of materials making up the thin conductor, the charge separation layer, and the back ohmic layer.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16) includes an inflation fluid source (12) actuatable to provide inflation fluid. The apparatus (10) also includes a filter (80) for filtering the inflation fluid provided by the inflation fluid source (12). The filter (80) is formed from at least one expanded metal sheet (82) that is crushed such that a wall thickness of the filter is at least twice a wall thickness of the expanded metal sheet prior to being crushed.

Abstract: Electron-hole production at a Schottky barrier has recently been observed experimentally as a result of chemical processes. This conversion of chemical energy to electronic energy may serve as a basic link between chemistry and electronics and offers the potential for generation of unique electronic signatures for chemical reactions and the creation of a new class of solid state chemical sensors. Detection of the following chemical species was established: hydrogen, deuterium, carbon monoxide, molecular oxygen. The detector (1b) consists of a Schottky diode between an Si layer and an ultrathin metal layer with zero force electrical contacts.

Abstract: Electron-hole production at a Schottky barrier has recently been observed experimentally as a result of chemical processes. This conversion of chemical energy to electronic energy may serve as a basic link between chemistry and electronics and offers the potential for generation of unique electronic signatures for chemical reactions and the creation of a new class of solid state chemical sensors. Detection of the following chemical species was established: hydrogen, deuterium, carbon monoxide, molecular oxygen. The detector (1b) consists of a Schottky diode between an Si layer and an ultrathin metal layer with zero force electrical contacts.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fullerene-containing material by electrodepositing the material onto a substrate from a fullerene-derivative in solution or from a medium comprising water and a fullerene derivative. The substrate can be coated with a metal or metal compound to prepare a fullerene-doped metal thin film. In a further embodiment, a metal and fullerene-containing thin film is simultaneously electrodeposited onto a substrate from a medium comprising a fullerene derivative and an electrolyte composition suitable for electrodepositing a metal or metal compound.

Abstract: A method for measuring properties of a fluid that includes oscillating a tuning fork resonator in a fluid. The invention is particularly suitable for in-line monitoring of various physical and electrical properties of fluids flowing in a conduit.

Abstract: Electron-hole production at a Schottky barrier has recently been observed experimentally as a result of chemical processes. This conversion of chemical energy to electronic energy may serve as a basic link between chemistry and electronics and offers the potential for generation of unique electronic signatures for chemical reactions and the creation of a new class of solid state chemical sensors. Detention of the following chemical species was established: hydrogen, deuterium, carbon monoxide, molecular oxygen. The detector (1b) consists of a Schottky diode between an Si layer and an ultrathin metal layer with zero force electrical contacts.

Abstract: Electro-hole production at a Schottky barrier has recently been observed experimentally as a result of chemical processes. This conversion of chemical energy to electronic energy may serve as a basic link between chemistry and electronics and offers the potential for generation of unique electronic signatures for chemical reactions and the creation of a new class of solide state chemical sensors. Detection of the following chemical species was established: hydrogen, deuterion, carbon monoxide, molecular oxygen. The detector (1b) consists of a Schottky diode between an Si layer and an ultrathin metal layer with zero force electrical contacts.

Abstract: Improvements in previously disclosed methods of and apparatuses for converting alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics to olefins, alcohols, ethers, and aldehydes includes: safety improvements, use of alternative feedstocks, process simplification, improvements to the halogenation step, improvements to the reproportionation step, improvements to the solid oxide reaction, improvements to solid oxide regeneration, improvements in separations, maintenance, start-up, shut-down, and materials of construction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials using infrared imaging techniques are provided. Typically, each of the individual materials on the array will be screened or interrogated for the same material characteristic. Once screened, the individual materials may be ranked or otherwise compared relative to each other with respect to the material characteristic under investigation. According to one aspect, infrared imaging techniques are used to identify the active sites within an array of compounds by monitoring the temperature change resulting from a reaction. This same technique can also be used to quantify the stability of each new material within an array of compounds. According to another aspect, identification and characterization of condensed phase products is achieved, wherein library elements are activated by a heat source serially, or in parallel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a liquid composition includes a mechanical resonator, such as a cantilever, connected to a measurement circuit. The mechanical resonator's response over the frequency range depends on various characteristics of the liquid being tested, such as the temperature, viscosity, and other physical properties. The invention is particularly suitable for combinatorial chemistry applications, which require rapid analysis of chemical properties for screening.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.