Abstract: To produce food, plants rely on three main ingredients, sun energy, water, and carbon dioxide, the cost of which is zero. To address the food and energy security concerns, two mysteries are resolved for the first time: i)—Photosynthetic efficiency is known to be very low, the scientific full accounting for all the losses is lacking; ii)—Fanning is known to be profitable, yet accounting for the zero cost of solar energy is not understood. This inventor resolved them by the derivation of a simple mathematical law, AgriPAL, comprising explicitly, a new solar gain factor >200× which offset the low efficiency of ˜0.005. In the absence of the sun, the newly found solar gain goes to 1. Since SanSSoil enables harnessing the third dimension, the sky is the limit. Water saving of >100 is realized through the controlled enclosed environment.

Abstract: To produce food, plants rely on three main ingredients, sun energy, water, and carbon dioxide, the cost of which is zero. To address the food and energy security concerns, two mysteries are resolved for the first time: i)—Photosynthetic efficiency is known to be very low, the scientific full accounting for all the losses is lacking; ii)—Fanning is known to be profitable, yet accounting for the zero cost of solar energy is not understood. This inventor resolved them by the derivation of a simple mathematical law, AgriPAL, comprising explicitly, a new solar gain factor >200× which offset the low efficiency of ˜0.005. In the absence of the sun, the newly found solar gain goes to 1. Since SanSSoil enables harnessing the third dimension, the sky is the limit. Water saving of >100 is realized through the controlled enclosed environment, which also encourages increased use of GMO for food and biofuel.

Abstract: A novel continuous flow farming method for the production of material products is introduced. It is based on 3D SansSoil, (soil-less) mobile multi-layer architecture comprising the traveling seed amplifier, TSA concept, which features the continuous planting of seed mass mi in planting layers, and synchronously harvesting an amplified mass M=Gsthmi, where Gsth is the seed to harvest TSA gain and compresses the intrinsic seed to harvest time, ?sth, by a factor of N/?sth, where N is the number of traveling layers. The TSA continuous flow farming increases the volumetric productivity and 3D yield. In 3D tower architecture, and for plants with short heights annual yield per hectare increases in the range of several 100 to several 1000 are feasible. This architecture saves land, water, nitrate and phosphate resources, alleviating the “food vs. biofuel” concerns, and paving the pathway for food and energy sovereignty.

Abstract: To achieve food and energy security a transformational three dimensional multilayer farming, multilevel farming (MLF) is required. This is path to eliminating the conflict of “food vs. biofuel” and achieving both food and energy security. However, this goal is only realizable if such 3D MLF systems are economically viable. Each layer in the MLF system comprises at least one string of SanSSoil Growth Elements each of which carries out multiple functions to sustain plant growth. In addition, all the layers comprise permeability features enabling sharing of resources to minimize the initial capital cost and the variable cost of consumables: i)—light permeable layers so that minimum artificial lights are used and shared throughout; ii) roots and shoots of plants in each layer share space of roots and shoots of adjacent layers achieving vertical space compression; and iii) the layers are permeable to nutrient fluids to minimize fluid delivery sources.

Abstract: In order to achieve food and energy security, while at the same time eliminating the “food vs. biofuel” conflict, a transformational three dimensional multilayer farming, MLF, is presented. This exploits the third dimension. This goal is realizable by the disclosed means and methods to increase the 3D plant productivity, 3D yield, ton/m3/year, using ultra-compact ultra high density vertical structures. Each layer in the MLF system comprises at least one string of SanSSoil Growth Elements, SGEs, each designed to carry out multiple functions essential to sustain plant growth, and constructed in a manner to integrate these functions at low-cost. The networked strings of SGEs in each layer provide near self-sufficiency for growth, and in an integrated MLF system, achieve maximum vertical compactness and highest growth density. The multi-functions of each integrally made SGE include: germination, growth sustenance, localized delivery of nutrients, environment sensing, and localized delivery of illumination.

Abstract: A method of purifying substances is described herein, particularly suitable for purifying silica and forming it into silicon oxide sheets or ribbons, or silicon sheets or ribbons. The method includes ion sweeping a sheet of a substance containing ionic impurities by providing an ionic driving force and a thermal driving force. Ions are swept to a collectable region of the sheet. A system is also provided for purifying substances including an ion sweeping sub-system for providing an ionic driving force to a sheet or ribbon, and a heating sub-system positioned and configured for heating the sheet or ribbon. Impurities swept to an edge, surface or both are then mechanically or chemically removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods of and systems for forming nanostructures having precise dimensions and configurations. A structure is provided with lattice mismatch on a substrate or intermediate layer. Curling is self induced or induced by pressure and/or temperature to form precise nanostructures and nanotubes, in term of precise length and precise diameter, as well as of precise configuration.

Abstract: Wind turbine rotors are designed by means of computationally intensive algorithms, simulation tools and various models. These art methods, however, have not been successful in relating the blade mass directly to the aerodynamic, rotational dynamics and material parameters. Consequently, modelers are often grappling with discrepancies and ambiguities. Prior art generally constructs the empirical relation MR?R? where ? is given a value that ranges between 1.8 and 3, depending on who, and how the experimental data is presented and compared with theoretical or simulation results. The present invention derives for the first time a precise scaling law that relates the blade mass to the cubic power of R exactly. It is based on using a novel tool in the form of a set virtual air gear teeth that intermesh with the blade gear teeth, to link the actuator disc to the rotational dynamics and material properties of the blades.

Abstract: Probes and methods of making probes are provided, particularly probes or nano-tools having tip active areas of extremely small dimensions, e.g., on the order of one angstrom to a few nanometers. One method of making a nano-tool includes forming a composite including a tool layer less than 10 nm thick on a substrate layer, subtracting a region of the substrate layer at least partially through the thickness of the substrate layer, thereby exposing a well surface, and folding the composite so that portions of the tool layer surface diverge and portions of the well surface converge, wherein an outer crease of the folded tool layer is a nanotool active area.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatuses for analyzing molecules, particularly polymers, and molecular complexes with extended conformations. In particular, the methods and apparatuses are used to identify sequence information in molecules or molecular ensembles, which is subsequently used to determine structural information about the molecules. Further, provided herein are various methods of forming probes and films for making such probes of nanoscale dimension.

Abstract: A nozzle structure is provided comprising a monolithic body having an array of nozzles. The nozzles having openings with sectional openings having heights of about 100 nm or less. The nozzles are generally associated with one or more well structures.

Abstract: An Internet-based method of and system for monitoring space-time coordinate information and biophysiological state information collected from an animate object moving along a course through the space-time continuum. The Internet-based system comprise a wireless GSU-enabled client network device affixed to the body of an animate object. The wireless device includes a global synchronization unit (GSU) for automatically generating time and space (TS) coordinate information corresponding to the time and space coordinate of the animate object with respect to a globally referenced coordinate system, as the animate object moves along a course through the space time continuum. The device also includes biophysiological state sensor affixed to the body of the animate object, for automatically sensing the biophysiological state of the animate object and generating biophysiological state information indicative of the sensed biophysiological state of the animate object along its course.

Abstract: Patterned platelets are platelets made with specified shapes and sizes. The various sizes and shapes of the platelets are used to code articles and substances to which they are applied. The patterned platelets can be in inks or paints applied to articles. The platelets can be further coded by markings thereon or by spectral or polarization codes rather than just the distribution of sizes and shapes. The patterned platelets can be made from any materials buy subtractive or additive processes. A patterned platelet can also be made by an actinic polymer being applied to a substrate and a mask applied to allow only the desired size and shape to be exposed to radiation curing the unmasked portion of the polymer on the substrate. The polymer can be cholesteric liquid crystals with the properties of reflecting polarized light of selected wavelengths to code the crystals in addition to the size and shape codes.

Abstract: In general, a system and method of the present invention include a seed material (for receiving deposited carbon atoms) is provided with an active edge, for instance, at a growth line. A form of carbon is provided from a suitable source, and it is deposited upon the edge generally in a deposition region. The growth line is a position where the portion of the seed attracts the materials for growth. The source is activated to produce carbon (C, C2, other C forms) in a form that has a sufficiently low activity so that it will bond to the active edge (as opposed to oxidizing into other molecules such as carbon oxides). As the carbon material is deposited (i.e., atomically bonded) to the edge, the seed material may be pulled at a desired rate, i.e., to “grow” carbon material in the form of a sheet, ribbon, roll, tube, or many other desirable forms as described further herein.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a multichannel plate is provided. The method includes providing a N layers, each layer having an array of wells formed therein. The N layers are aligned and stacked. The stack of N layers are sliced along a first and second line of the array of wells. The first line of the array of wells provides a first surface corresponding to a first array of channel openings of the MCP, and the second line of said array of wells provides a second surface corresponding to a second array of channel openings of the MCP. This method provides several functional benefits compared to conventional methods. These include, but are not limited to: the ability to produce well known and well characterized channels; the ability to produce well known and well characterized periods between channels; the ability to produce channels having any desired secondary electron emission enabling material therein; the ability to fabricate the substrate and/or final MCP of silicon.

Abstract: A lithography device includes one or more conductive strips monolithically embedded within an insulative structure. A method of manufacturing a lithography device includes monolithically forming a conductive strip through an insulative structure. Monolithically forming such a device includes forming the conductive strip on an mixed conductive-insulative layer, and embedding the conductive-insulative layer layer within the insulative structure. Such a device may readily be manufactured, is reliable, and is capable of various lithography applications and other applications requiring sub-micron and nano-scale electrode devices and electrode arrays.

Abstract: Electronic memory devices fabricated using nanolithography techniques enables rapid and reliable storage of data on a substrate. One such device includes a memory access head, which includes a conductive member and an insulative member. The conductive member includes a proximal conductive tip, a distal conductive tip, and a body portion. The body portion is embedded in the insulative member. The device further includes a substrate adjacent to the distal conductive tip, an electrolyte disposed between the distal conductive tip and the substrate; and a microchip in communication with the proximal conductive tip.

Abstract: Methods of the present invention are provided for forming a plurality of electrochemical cell layers, each cell layer generally including a pair of electrodes and a separator electrically insulating the pair of electrodes. Cells of a desired size are formed by slicing the laminar sheet through both opposing major surfaces. In certain embodiments, individual cells are defined by fill regions, filled with removable substances. Thus, when the cells are sliced, individual cells and in certain embodiments current collectors or conductors are exposed with minimal or no further processing. In other embodiments, fluid access channels or porous layers are filled with removable substances. Thus, when the cells are sliced, structural support is provided for the intended void regions.

Abstract: Electrode structures including transparent electrode structures, in particular self supporting electrode structures, are described herein. Further, applications of the herein novel electrode structures are provided, including electronic writing tablets, electronic paper and fabrication methods for electronic writing tablets and electronic paper. The electrode structure may be transparent and self-supporting, thereby providing a novel electrode structure as compared to conventional transparent electrodes.

Abstract: An optical transistor is disclosed. The optical transistor consists of a high speed photodetector region incident to a light intensity modulating region which separates a drain and source region. The disclosed optical transistor is able to exhibit high speed performance with good signal isolation and high amplification gain.