Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: A photocatalytic metal deposition process and a resulting nanocomposite are described. The nanocomposite includes an electrically conducting carbonaceous material, a photoactive metal oxide and a metal. Metals for deposition include noble metals, metal alloys and other transition metals in which the metal is laid down precisely and in a predetermined fashion on one or more surfaces of a composite. Deposition provides a high performance electrocatalyst for a number of suitable applications.

Abstract: A photocatalytic metal deposition process and a resulting nanocomposite are described. The nanocomposite includes an electrically conducting carbonaceous material, a photoactive metal oxide and a metal. Metals for deposition include noble metals, metal alloys and other transition metals in which the metal is laid down precisely and in a predetermined fashion on one or more surfaces of a composite. Deposition provides a high performance electrocatalyst for a number of suitable applications.

Abstract: A novel composition of matter comprises carbon black as a catalyst support for the growth of carbon nanotubes that directly adhere to the carbon black. When the composition of matter is mixed in plastic, oil, water, rubber, etc., the carbon nanotubes are carried as part of the carbon black aggregates and remain in intimate contact. A method of producing the composition of matter also is disclosed.

Abstract: A multibeam phased array radar includes identical N:1 equal-split combiners and overlay hybrid couplers which form multiple tapered and weighted beams. The radar is configured with a single transmit/receive (T/R) module for each antenna element. The T/R modules contain a high power amplifier for transmit, low noise amplifier for receive, phase shifter for beam steering and attenuator for overall weighting. Each T/R module is connected to an unequal-split coupler which divides the received signal into signals of different amplitudes. Each of these signals are fed into a separate N:1 equal-split combiner, thereby forming separate beams. The illumination taper of each beam is determined by the coupling values of the couplers and the setting of the T/R module attenuator. There is disclosed a first embodiment including two beamformers and a second embodiment extending the concept to more than two beamformers.