Abstract: An alloy solute sensor probe, measurement system and measurement method are disclosed for directly measuring solute concentration profiles in conductive material components at elevated processing temperatures. The disclosed device and method permit direct, real-time non-destructive measurement of solute concentration profiles in treated surfaces in alloy components. In disclosed embodiments, a novel concentric carbon sensor and rod-shaped carbon sensor are disclosed which employ AC frequencies for probing the subsurface region of alloy samples to determine carbon concentration profiles at steel surfaces from measurements of alloy resistivity profiles. Results of carbon profile measurements obtained with the disclosed device and method compare favorably with conventional destructive analytical measurements made on post-processed samples.

Abstract: A rechargeable, stackable, thin film, solid-state lithium electrochemical cell, thin film lithium battery and method for making the same is disclosed. The cell and battery provide for a variety configurations, voltage and current capacities. An innovative low temperature ion beam assisted deposition method for fabricating thin film, solid-state anodes, cathodes and electrolytes is disclosed wherein a source of energetic ions and evaporants combine to form thin film cell components having preferred crystallinity, structure and orientation. The disclosed batteries are particularly useful as power sources for portable electronic devices and electric vehicle applications where high energy density, high reversible charge capacity, high discharge current and long battery lifetimes are required.

Abstract: Tunable pull-through energy attenuator and decelerator devices is disclosed which provide for variable force-time profiles, deceleration and kinetic energy attenuation of moving objects so as to prevent damage or injury to impacting objects, vehicles or persons. The device employs either consumable inelastic or reusable, viscoelastic deforming elements, such as tubes, rods, plates or strips, which absorb substantial amounts of energy through repeated inelastic or viscoelastic deformation when the deforming element is pulled-through a tunable array of rigid pins having a variety of configurations and settings. The disclosed devices provide for variable force-time profiles which control the cumulative deformation and thereby the amount of energy absorbed and rate of deceleration of impacting objects.

Abstract: An electromagnetic linear generator and regenerative electromagnetic shock absorber is disclosed which converts variable frequency, repetitive intermittent linear displacement motion to useful electrical power. The innovative device provides for superposition of radial components of the magnetic flux density from a plurality of adjacent magnets to produce a maximum average radial magnetic flux density within a coil winding array. Due to the vector superposition of the magnetic fields and magnetic flux from a plurality of magnets, a nearly four-fold increase in magnetic flux density is achieved over conventional electromagnetic generator designs with a potential sixteen-fold increase in power generating capacity.

Abstract: Self-assembled monolayers and multilayer thin film structures were assembled from multiple components that were linked non-covalently by metal-ligand complexation. Non-covalently assembled multicomponent films assembly my the present method obviate problems associated with the covalent assembly of SAMs and multilayer thin film structures from large molecules. In one preferred embodiment, the disclosed film structures comprise 2,6 pyridinedicarboxylate ligands attached to an alkanethiol, which form a self-assembled monolayer on gold. The SAM is subsequently functionalized by sequential deposition of metal ions and ligands, allowing incorporation of one or more chromophores, photooxiding compounds or photoreducing to form multilayer film structures. Transition metals, lanthanide metals and other metals of varying charge may be employed in complexing with with 2,6 pyridinedicarboxylate ligands to form stable ordered structures.

Abstract: A sequential processing reactor vessel and method is disclosed for accelerated extraction and fractionation of chemical analytes from complex solid sample materials. The device and method provide for sequential extraction of elemental constituents from solid materials by sequentially contacting target samples within a single reaction vessel using a series of different reagents at temperatures as high as 150° C. and pressures up to 150 psi to accelerate reactions. The aggressive chemical treatments provided by the disclosed device and method enable the complete digestion of solid samples in liquid analyte samples that can be directly analyzed by conventional spectrometry or other suitable methods. The disclosed device and method provide for efficient sample processing and accelerated reactions to significantly reduce processing times and costs for elemental analysis of solids while improving accuracy, precision and reliability of results compared to conventional devices and methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical sensor, sensing system and sensing method which provides for a multi-sensor, cross-reactive, sensor array having a rapid response time, dynamic modulation of sampling parameters, and real-time feedback control of sampling and detection conditions. The device and method provide for smart detection and discrimination of analytes in fluids through intelligent sampling, detection, and control algorithms. The invention further provides for a sensor array having discrete sensor elements dispersed on fluid-permeable, high surface area, porous, textured substrates. The innovative device and method exhibit high sensitivity, discrimination and detection capability for target analytes at ppb and sub ppm concentrations.

Abstract: A family of innovative composite zeolite materials and methods for making the same are disclosed. Zeolites 3A and 13X have been incorporated into hybrid polysiloxane polymers to form composite materials which are useful as membranes for separating a variety of gaseous and liquid materials. Thermal curing, thermal drying and UV curing were utilized to initiate polymer crosslinking reactions and bond the polymers to zeolite surfaces. Thin film samples exhibited nitrogen adsorption as high as 126 cc/g and specific surface area of up to 390 m2/g. Infrared characterization spectra and TEM analysis indicated that polymeric matrices bonded to zeolite surfaces. Pore size of the composite membrane films may be tailored for specific separation applications through choice of zeolite and polymer compositions, curing method, and post-synthesis membrane treatments.

Abstract: An innovative multi-dimensional, low frequency, impedance measurement probe array, measurement system, and method are disclosed for detecting flaws in conductive articles. The device and method provide for contacting a conductive article with an multi-probe array of current and voltage probes, injecting current sequentially through a plurality of current probe pairs and measuring absolute or relative voltages with a plurality of voltage probes and voltage probe pairs across the surface of an article for each current flow condition. The device and method further provide for constructing a voltage profile across the surface of an article where disruptions in the voltage profile enable detection of the presence, location and orientation of flaws for flaw sizes as low as 20 um.

Abstract: A multi-layered, active, thin film, solid-state electrochromic device having a high reflectivity in the near infrared in a colored state, a high reflectivity and transmissivity modulation when switching between colored and bleached states, a low absorptivity in the near infrared, and fast switching times, and methods for its manufacture and switching are provided. In one embodiment, a multi-layered device comprising a first indium tin oxide transparent electronic conductor, a transparent ion blocking layer, a tungsten oxide electrochromic anode, a lithium ion conducting-electrically resistive electrolyte, a complimentary lithium mixed metal oxide electrochromic cathode, a transparent ohmic contact layer, a second indium oxide transparent electronic conductor, and a silicon nitride encapsulant is provided. Through elimination of optional intermediate layers, simplified device designs are provided as alternative embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical sensor apparatus for far-field viewing and imaging as well as for the optical detection and analytical measurement of at least one species of analyte in a remotely-positioned fluid sample. The apparatus employs an imaging fiber comprising a fiber optic array and a Gradient Index lens; and utilizes a remotely-positioned solid substrate having light energy absorbing indicator ligands on an external surface for reactive contact with individual species of analytes when present in a fluid sample. The optical sensor apparatus is able to view an object and provide an image of the object located at a pre-set optical distance remote from the imaging fiber. The apparatus is also able to detect and identify, qualitatively and quantitatively, one or more analytes of interest in a flowing solid, gaseous, or liquid sample at remote locations distanced from the imaging fiber itself.