Abstract: A compartment for a transportation device is provided. The compartment may include a one-piece basin, an inflatable wall member, and multi-directional support arms to attach the basin within the transportation device. The one-piece basin may fit through an opening in the transportation device. Methods of installation for installing the compartment within the transportation device are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which may substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness and at least one discrete wire. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The discrete wire may scatter and attenuate ultrasonic energy. The reference standard may replace more costly, porous, fiber-reinforced, composite reference standards in the aircraft industry and in other non-aircraft applications.

Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of trash management systems and methods for the disposal and/or collection of trash. In one embodiment under the invention, a trash management system may include a mobile cart, a trash vessel connected to the cart, a piston adapted to compact trash within the trash vessel, and a passageway adapted to be connected to a vacuum trash disposal. The piston may be adapted to travel from one position to a second position, and back from the second position to the first position. This movement of the piston may be achieved utilizing multiple passageways which are each adapted to be connected to a vacuum source and a vent source.

Abstract: An efficient, effective and reliable method for authentication of herbal medicines (HMs) based on a novel wavelet-enhanced automated three-dimensional chromatograms classification system. The method takes advantage of the character of 3D chromatograms which appear as functional curves and the preprocessing power of wavelet transform (WT) to minimize the interferences from noises and baseline drifting of the raw data, and at the same time significantly reduces the data sizes. This compressed data retain the essential features of the original raw data, whereby leading to efficient and reliable method for identifying or authenticating herbal medicines or other chemical mixtures of great complexity.

Abstract: A fiber optic transceiver module having built-in test capability is packaged in a housing to meet small-form-factor (SFF) requirements. The module has a first optical fiber having an angled end that defines an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first optical fiber. A second optical fiber also has an angled end that defines an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the second optical fiber. The first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are aligned with one another. An optical source emits an optical signal propagated along the first optical fiber in which a portion of the optical signal is received at the second optical fiber and is propagated along the second optical fiber. An optical detector receives a return optical signal transmitted through the angled end of the second optical fiber in response to reflection from a discontinuity in the optical path of the second optical fiber.

Abstract: A system for single wire secondary distribution comprising a spacecraft platform; a central bus interface unit coupled to the spacecraft platform; a payload unit coupled to the central bus interface unit; and a centralized power supply for powering the central bus interface unit and the payload unit; wherein the spacecraft platform provides a command to the central bus interface unit; wherein the central bus interface unit interrupts the power to the payload unit in a manner corresponding to the commands received by the central bus interface unit; wherein the payload unit decodes the interruption to the power and executes the command from the spacecraft platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for attenuating aerospace engine noise and unsteady pressure fluctuations associated with high velocity exhaust flows. The apparatus and method reduce acoustic fatigue damage to aerospace vehicles that may be caused by the reflection of exhaust energy from landing and/or launch platforms. The apparatus includes a passive treatment area associated with the platform operable for reducing the magnitude of the reflected sound waves and unsteady pressure fluctuations from the high velocity exhaust mass flow exiting from the engine. The passive treatment area may include a layer of sound absorptive material, at least one set of roughness elements for disrupting high velocity flow structures. A protective cover may be positioned over the passive treatment area for permitting exhaust flow to pass therethrough while still providing adequate structure to support the weight of the aerospace vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting an effector or cofactor comprises (a) a nucleic acid enzyme; (b) a substrate for the nucleic acid enzyme, comprising a first polynucleotide; (c) a first set of particles comprising a second polynucleotide at least partially complementary to the substrate, where the polynucleotide is attached to the particles at its 3? terminus; and (d) a second set of particles comprising a third polynucleotide at least partially complementary to the substrate, where the polynucleotide is attached to the particles at its 5? terminus.

Abstract: A system and method by which specialized components (tenants) are mounted to an assembly comprising a plurality of modular units. Each modular unit has one or more interface connecting locations for one or more of a power connection, a thermal connection and data base connection, along with one or more of power, thermal and data transmission paths. Modular units can be united in an assembly, and at least some of the modular units have a switching system to selectively transmit and/or receive one or more of power, thermal and data transmissions.

Abstract: A film contains a first polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond donating moieties, and a second polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond accepting moieties. The second polymer is hydrogen bonded to the first polymer.

Abstract: A method of making a photonic fabric display includes wrapping photonic fibers with a yarn, weaving the wrapped photonic fibers to form a fabric, printing a pattern on the fabric, surface treating the fabric, and coupling the photonic fibers with a light source to form a photonic fabric display.

Abstract: A method of bonding layers to form a structure, comprises curing a first adhesive while squeezing a first layer and a multilayer structure together between a first backing and a second backing. The multilayer structure comprises a substrate and a second layer, and the first adhesive is between and in contact with the first layer and the second layer. Furthermore, the first layer and the second layer each have a thickness of at most 100 ?m, and at least one of the first backing and the second backing comprises a first elastic polymer.

Abstract: A method of measuring the squeeze force of a package includes applying a compression force to the package, and measuring the compression force as a function of volume change of the package. The compression force may be applied by placing the package in a force tester, and compressing the package with a movable crosshead. A device for measuring the squeeze force of a package containing a fluid may include a force tester and a fluid gauge, where the force tester includes a movable crosshead and a force gauge attached to the crosshead. The device may also include a holder to secure a bottle for testing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward biomarkers that identify characteristics of algae. The invention is further directed toward biomarkers that serve to identify algae species and strains of algae species as well as detect the presence of algal toxins. Additional embodiments feature methods utilizing algal biomarkers and polypeptides that can serve as biomarkers.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor structure includes etching an isolation oxide. The isolation oxide is in a substrate, a gate layer is on the substrate, a patterned metallic layer is on the gate layer, and a first patterned etch-stop layer is on the metallic layer.

Abstract: An instrument for holding and aligning an x-ray sensing device is described. The instrument includes a ring guide having a sight for aligning the cone of an x-ray device with an x-ray sensing device and arm having a first end slidably engaging an adjustment cavity formed in the sight. The adjustment cavity forms at least one alignment groove. The instrument also includes a holder for holding the x-ray sensing device. The holder has a first retention member including a back plate, a first retention guide connected with an end of the back plate and a second retention guide connected with an opposing end of the back plate. The holder further has an upper retention stop connected with the back plate and between the retention guides. The first retention guide faces the second retention guide. The arm has a second end engaging the holder.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor structure, comprises cleaning a gate stack with a cleaning solution. The gate stack comprises a gate layer, a metallic layer on the gate layer, and a etch-stop layer on the metallic layer. The gate layer is on a semiconductor substrate, the cleaning solution is a non-oxidizing cleaning solution, and the metallic layer comprises an easily oxidized metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for detecting chemical, biological, biochemical or other environmental stimuli, and includes a plurality of colloidal particles having chemical receptors bound to each particle's surface, wherein when a target stimulus is directed to the bound chemical receptor, the gelled matrix contracts or expands, which changes the lattice constant, thereby changing the pattern of diffracted light in a measurable manner so that the target stimulus' presence can be detected by a spectrometer. The plurality of colloidal particles are composed of a material having a first dielectric constant, and the gel and surrounding medium have a second dielectric constant. The colloidal particles can be assembled using holographic optical tweezers and polymerized to create an integrated sensor array, which diffracts light in a detectable characteristic manner.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor structure comprises forming an oxide layer on a substrate; forming a silicon nitride layer on the oxide layer; annealing the layers in NO; and annealing the layers in ammonia. The equivalent oxide thickness of the oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer together is at most 25 Angstroms.

Abstract: A method of forming particles comprises accelerating a stream comprising a liquid; and vibrating the stream, to form particles. The particle may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle used to form the stream, allowing for the formation of micro- and nano-sized particle.