Abstract: A semiconducting nanocrystal (quantum dot or QD) and ferric dithiocarbamate complex (QD-Fe(DTC)3) operate as a sensing system to detect nitric oxide (NO) in ambient conditions using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The sensing system comprises two components: (1) an energy donor in the form of a dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA)-coated QD with strong fluorescence emission, and (2) an energy acceptor in the form of a ferric ion-dithiocarbamate complex (Fe(DTC)3) that binds onto the QD surface via carboxylate coordination. The ferric ion in the QD-Fe(DTC)3 complex acts a strong energy acceptor, resulting in weak fluorescence (FL) emission (“turn-off”) of the QD when excited using 405 nm light. In the presence of NO, ferric ion (3+) reduces to ferrous (2+), with decreased ability to accept energy from the QD, in turn appearing as increased FL emission from the QD (“turn-on”) as a sensing signal.

Abstract: Various shaped abrasive particles are disclosed. Each shaped abrasive particle includes a body having at least one major surface and a side surface extending from the major surface.

Abstract: Tip shrouds or other shrouds with multi-slope geometries are generally implemented using segments, since performing the necessary cut for an alternative split-ring design is difficult given conventional cutting processes. However, a segmented design generally results in more leakage, relative to a split-ring design. Accordingly, a split-ring multi-slope design is disclosed that can be more easily manufactured. In particular, a continuous ring may be cut along a linear path to produce a split ring, and then the ends of the split ring may be machined to form complementary shiplap portions. The split ring may then be compressed for installation by overlapping the shiplap portions, to form a seal against leakage through the shroud.

Abstract: Tip shrouds or other shrouds with multi-slope geometries are generally implemented using segments, since performing the necessary cut for an alternative split-ring design is difficult given conventional cutting processes. However, a segmented design generally results in more leakage, relative to a split-ring design. Accordingly, a split-ring multi-slope design is disclosed that can be more easily manufactured. In particular, a continuous ring may be cut along a linear path to produce a split ring, and then the ends of the split ring may be machined to form complementary shiplap portions. The split ring may then be compressed for installation by overlapping the shiplap portions, to form a seal against leakage through the shroud.

Abstract: A novel combination cooker and smoker and a novel method of efficiently cooking and smoking foodstuffs are disclosed. The combination cooker and smoker utilizes a novel forced air smoke recirculation path made efficient and compact with the use of single and double-acting dampers for airflow directional control. Efficiency over current cookers and smokers is also gained with a novel method of continuously delivering combustibles to a heat source using a vibrating fuel tray.