Abstract: A shaped, flexible fuel and energetic system is presented. The shaped, flexible fuel comprises at least one polymeric binding material and porous silicon particles dispersed throughout the polymeric binding material. The porous silicon particles are prepared from a metallurgical grade silicon powder. The shaped, flexible fuel preferably includes shapes such as: an article, a film, a wire and a tape. The energetic system comprises the shaped, flexible fuel portion used alone or in combination with at least one oxidizer.

Abstract: Silicon nanosponge particles prepared from a metallurgical grade silicon powder having an initial particle size ranging from about 1 micron to about 4 microns is presented. Each silicon nanosponge particle has a structure comprising a plurality of nanocrystals with pores disposed between the nanocrystals and throughout the entire nanosponge particle.

Abstract: Porous silicon particles are prepared from a metallurgical grade silicon powder having an initial particle size greater than about 1 micron is presented. Each porous silicon particle comprises a solid core surrounded by a porous silicon layer having a thickness greater than about 0.5 microns.

Abstract: A process for producing a silicon nitride compound is presented. A starting solution comprising fluorosilicic acid is provided. The starting solution is derived from a silicon, etching process wherein silicon is etched with a solution comprising hydrofluoric acid and where silicon powder has been removed. The starting solution is heated to yield a vapor solution comprising silicon tetrafluoride, hydrogen fluoride, and water. The hydrogen fluoride is separated from the vapor solution wherein a pure stream of silicon tetrafluoride and water vapor remain. The silicon tetrafluoride and water vapor are hydrolyzed to yield a concentrated fluorosilicic acid solution. The fluorosilicic acid is reacted with a base to yield a fluorosilicic salt. The fluorosilicic salt is heated to yield anhydrous silicon tetrafluoride. The anhydrous silicon tetrafluoride is reacted with a metal hydride to yield a monosilane. The monosilane is reacted to form a silicon compound and a silicon nitride compound.

Abstract: A method for filtering and recovering solids from potato process water that results in a product containing a portion of the solids from the potato process water is presented. In general, the method involves providing a plurality of vessels wherein a step in a manufacturing process takes place in each vessel and wherein at least one step in the manufacturing process produces a potato process water having solids. The potato process water is passed through at least one ultrafilter wherein each ultrafilter produces an ultrafilter (u/f) permeate stream and a u/f concentrate stream. The u/f concentrate stream is collected and reintroduced into at least one vessel in the manufacturing process producing a product containing a portion of the solids from the potato process water. The final characteristics of the product remain essentially unchanged.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring optical properties of a sample are provided. The device comprises a housing surrounding a flow-through flow-cell having a sample inlet positioned proximate to a first end of the flow-cell and a sample outlet positioned proximate to a second end of the flow-cell and a sample chamber positioned between the sample inlet and the sample outlet. A plurality of excitation sources are positioned on the housing and are incident on a sample in the flow-cell. At least one excitation source has a wavelength that is different from the other excitation sources. At least one fluorescence emission detector, which detects a continuous broadband spectrum of emission wavelengths, is positioned in an operable relationship to the flow-cell. At least one signal interrogation system, which interprets a continuous fluorescence emission spectrum, is positioned in an operable relationship with each detector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a vehicle dump body elevation device, kit and method related thereto. The elevation device and kit comprise at least one hinge assembly for attaching a dump body to a vehicle frame and at least one hoist having a lower end pivotally attached to the vehicle frame and an upper end pivotally attached to the dump body. The kit permits easy installation without modification of the vehicle's structural components and it permits dumping over the vehicle's bumper and other frame mounted accessories.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tunable dielectric device comprising: a substrate and an endohedral fullerene encapsulating trimetallic nitride template compound disposed on the substrate. The endohedral fullerene encapsulating trimetallic nitride template compound has a dipole moment that is oriented when a voltage of less than about 5 volts is applied thereto causing a change in the orientation of the dipole moment of the compound. The physical dimension of the compound is essentially unchanged.

Abstract: Novel uses of compositions of silanol and trifunctional silanes include their application and cure to form erosion-resistant silicone coatings on fluid-handling parts. Methods of application, maintenance, and repair of these coatings are also described.

Abstract: A coated substrate is claimed. The coating, disposed on the substrate, comprises a self-assembled film having at least one bilayer. Each bilayer comprises a polyanion electrolyte layer and a polycation electrolyte layer. The uppermost layer or exposed layer of the coating comprises a fluoroalkyl group. Each bilayer thickness ranges from about 0.1 nanometers to about 20 nanometers. The resulting coated substrate has a low surface energy and is hydrophobic and/or oleophobic.

Abstract: A biosensor having enhanced sensitivity to physical or chemical parameters comprises a waveguide and a coating disposed on the waveguide. The coating has a refractive index that enhances the sensitivity of the biosensor to physical or chemical parameters. In a preferred embodiment, the coating comprises at least one dendrimer disposed on the waveguide, wherein the coating has a refractive index ranging from about 1.0 to about 1.5. A method for fabrication of the biosensor is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is for a fiber optic flow cell. The flow cell comprises a substrate having at least one sample channel and at least one optical fiber channel holder. At least one optical fiber is disposed within each optical fiber channel holder. Each optical fiber has at least one grating wherein each grating is in contact with each sample channel, defining a sensing area. At least one sample port is positioned in an operable relationship to at least one sample channel. Alternatively, at least one sample outlet is positioned in an operable relationship to at least one sample channel. The flow cell may be of a modular design providing a flow cell kit that contains pieces that may be assembled to form custom-made flow cells. The flow cell is used for conducting measurement studies on a sample.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for correcting errors generated by a laser with non-ideal tuning characteristics, the apparatus comprises a laser having non-ideal tuning characteristics. At least three interferometers are positioned in an operable relationship to the laser, wherein a sampling interferometer and at least one auxiliary interferometer correct for residual errors resulting from the laser; and wherein a measurement interferometer makes a measurement. A signal acquisition system is positioned in an operable relationship to each interferometer and a processor is positioned in an operable relationship to the signal acquisition system.

Abstract: A fiber-optic method for making simultaneous multiple parameter measurements employs an optical fiber sensor having at least one long period grating disposed therein. An excitation is created in the optical fiber sensor wherein a plurality of evanescent field sensing depths result. At least two long period grating signatures are created. When the optical fiber sensor is exposed to at least one material, changes in the material are identified by simultaneously measuring and comparing shifts in each long period grating signature; correlating the shifts to changes in the material; and solving a series of equations that compare changes in the coupling wavelength for a specific loss band. A reactive coating may be applied to the optical fiber sensor proximate to the long period grating such that changes in the reactive coating as it reacts with the material may also be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a residual life indicator. The residual life indicator comprises a solid, surface active, waterproof support medium having a concentric pattern imprinted thereon. The concentric pattern comprises a center pattern and at least one outer pattern. An indicator dye spot is disposed within the center pattern of the concentric patter. When the indicator dye is exposed to contaminants, the indicator dye spot visually moves toward the outer pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an interferometric sensor that permits the simultaneous measurement of a change in more than one environmental condition. The interferometric sensor comprises an optical fiber and a plurality of sensing regions positioned in an operable relationship to the optical fiber. Each sensing region has partially reflective boundaries and produces an interferometric signal.

Abstract: A fiber optic system and method of use is disclosed. The fiber optic system comprises a laminated, pre-stressed, piezoelectric actuator; and a fiber optic strain gage having an input/output fiber, wherein the fiber optic strain gage is attached to a surface of the laminated, pre-stressed, piezoelectric actuator. The fiber optic system is useful for performing dynamic mechanical analysis on a sample.

Abstract: By the present invention, a plurality of blown optical fiber insertions are made into a duct by employing the following method: first installing at least one fiber through the duct to a terminal; trapping the first fiber in place; and subsequently blowing at least one second fiber alongside the first trapped fiber through the duct to a terminal. In a preferred embodiment, a trap fitting is mounted onto an entry end of the duct to permit multiple insertions of blown optical fiber into a duct. The trap fitting comprises a fitting fixed into the duct downstream from a blow head; a passageway through a wall of the fitting; a cylindrical sleeve fixed to the exterior of the fitting over the passageway; and a plunger mounted in the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A method for imagining and treating a body employing at least one trimetallic nitride template endohedral metallofullerene compound is disclosed. The compound has at least one diagnostic and at least one treatment atom encapsulated within a fullerene cage. The two atoms are different from each other. The compound is administered into a body, traced, and allowed to react at a targeted area of the body.