Abstract: The present invention includes carbon nanotubes whose hollow cores are 100% filled with conductive filler. The carbon nanotubes are in uniform arrays on a conductive substrate and are well-aligned and can be densely packed. The uniformity of the carbon nanotube arrays is indicated by the uniform length and diameter of the carbon nanotubes, both which vary from nanotube to nanotube on a given array by no more than about 5%. The alignment of the carbon nanotubes is indicated by the perpendicular growth of the nanotubes from the substrates which is achieved in part by the simultaneous growth of the conductive filler within the hollow core of the nanotube and the densely packed growth of the nanotubes. The present invention provides a densely packed carbon nanotube growth where each nanotube is in contact with at least one nearest-neighbor nanotube.

Abstract: The invention encompasses photoacoustic apparatuses and photoacoustic spectrometry methods. The invention also encompasses sample cells for photoacoustic spectrometry, and sample cell/transducer constructions. In one aspect, the invention encompasses a photoacoustic spectroscopy apparatus, comprising: a) a sample reservoir and an acoustically-stimulable transducer acoustically coupled with the sample reservoir, the transducer comprising a detector surface having a substantially planar portion; and b) a beam of light configured to be directed through the sample at an angle oblique relative to the substantially planar portion of the detector surface to generate sound waves in the sample.

Abstract: An alerting device and method to remind personnel of a risk is disclosed. The device has at least two sensors, a logic controller, a power source, and an annunciator that delivers a visual message, with or without an audible alarm, about a risk to a person when the sensors detect the person exiting a predetermined space. In particular, the present invention reminds a person of a security, safety, or health risk upon exiting a predetermined space. More particularly, the present invention reminds a person of an information security risk relating to sensitive, proprietary, confidential, trade secret, classified, or intellectual property information.

Abstract: A heat transfer and electric-power-generating component is disclosed that utilizes microstructural architecture for enhanced heat transfer. The component includes a heat source, a microstructural heat sink; and a thermoelectric device disposed between the heat source and the microstructural heat sink. During operation, heat flows from the heat source to the heat sink through the thermoelectric device such that the thermoelectric device can convert a portion of the heat flow into electric power. In some of the preferred aspects of the invention, the heat sink is an ultra thin film desorber combustor, and the heat source is a microchannel combustor. The microstructural architecture can provide high rates of thermal transfer through the thermoelectric device, allowing for surprisingly high thermoelectric power generation from a compact and light weight component.

Abstract: A simple and effective method to bond a thin coating of poly(N-isopropylacylamide) (NIPAAm) on a glass surface by UV photopolymerization, and the use of such a coated surface in nano and micro technology applications. A silane coupling agent with a dithiocarbamate group is provided as a photosensitizer preferably, (N,N′-diethylamine) dithiocarbamoylpropyl-(trimethoxy) silane (DATMS). The thiocarbamate group of the sensitizer is then bonded to the glass surface by coupling the silane agent with the hydroxyl groups on the glass surface. The modified surface is then exposed to a solution of NIPAAm and a crosslinking agent which may be any organic molecule having an acrylamide group and at least two double bonds in its structure, such as N, N′-methylenebisacrylamide, and a polar solvent which may be any polar liquid which will dissolve the monomer and the crosslinking agent such as acetone, water, ethanol, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An essentially nickel- and rhenium-free catalyst is described comprising ruthenium on a titania support where the titania is greater than 75% rutile. A catalytic system containing a nickel-free catalyst comprising ruthenium on a titania support where the titania is greater than 75% rutile, and a method using this catalyst in the hydrogenation of an organic compound in the aqueous phase is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for microbial reduction of a technetium compound to form other compounds of value in medical imaging. The technetium compound is combined in a mixture with non-growing microbial cells which contain a technetium-reducing enzyme system, a stabilizing agent and an electron donor in a saline solution under anaerobic conditions. The mixture is substantially free of an inorganic technetium reducing agent and its reduction products. The resulting product is Tc of lower oxidation states, the form of which can be partially controlled by the stabilizing agent. It has been discovered that the microorganisms Shewanella alga, strain Bry and Shewanelia putrifacians, strain CN-32 contain the necessary enzyme systems for technetium reduction and can form both mono nuclear and polynuclear reduced Tc species depending on the stabilizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for calibrating a downward viewing image acquisition system. The apparatus comprises a calibration panel with calibrative material of known reflectivity. The calibrative material coats the panel surface or is pulled across its surface or pulled across its frame so as to maintain a consistent reflectivity and/or emissivity. A housing is provided which protects the calibration panel from the deteriorative effects of natural elements. The housing alternately exposes the calibration panel to the downward viewing image acquisition system as a calibration exposure and covers the calibration panel after the calibration exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for separating high molecular weight molecules from low molecular weight molecules. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of microdialysis for removal of the salt (low molecular weight molecules) from a nucleotide sample (high molecular weight molecules) for ESI-MS analysis. The dialysis or separation performance of the present invention is improved by (1) increasing dialysis temperature thereby increasing desalting efficiency and improving spectrum quality; (2) adding piperidine and imidazole to the dialysis buffer solution and reducing charge states and further increasing detection sensitivity for DNA; (3) using low concentrations (0-2.5 mM NH4OAc) of dialysis buffer and shifting the DNA negative ions to higher charge states, producing a nearly 10-fold increase in detection sensitivity and a slightly decreased desalting efficiency, (4) conducting a two-stage separation or (5) any combination of (1), (2), (3) and (4).

Abstract: A method for converting liquid organic material in a mixture into a product utilizing a catalyst in the form of a plurality of porous particles wherein each particle is a support having nickel metal catalytic phase or reduced nickel deposited thereon in a first dispersed phase and an additional metal deposited onto the support in a second dispersed phase. The additional metal is effective in retarding or reducing agglomeration or sintering of the nickel metal catalytic phase without substantially affecting the catalytic activity, thereby increasing the life time of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing dispersed charged particles. More specifically, a series of elements within a region maintained at a pressure between 10.sup.-1 millibar and 1 bar, each having successively larger apertures forming an ion funnel, wherein RF voltages are applied to the elements so that the RF voltage on any element has phase, amplitude and frequency necessary to define a confinement zone for charged particles of appropriate charge and mass in the interior of the ion funnel, wherein the confinement zone has an acceptance region and an emmitance region and where the acceptance region area is larger than the emmitance region area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for tracking the position in three dimensions of one or more objects underwater. Two multibeam sonar heads are positioned to operate in intersecting planes. The two multibeam sonar heads are synchronized to the time signals are emitted from a transmitter. The echoes of the emitted signals are detected by both heads and the data from the two sonar heads is transmitted to a computer that processes the data and can display the position of the one or more objects.

Abstract: A micro-machined virtual impactor device to permit the separation, collection and concentration of a significant portion of environmental particulates having a diameter of less than ten microns and its method of operation. The device includes a plurality of projections, each having a virtual impact surface that defines an aperture in a stagnant zone of fluid flow. A major portion of the particulate material is concentrated into a minor portion of the fluid which is processed through the aperture, where it is collected for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A treatment method for containers of hazardous materials, including chemical and conventional weapons, is described. The method is applicable to munitions containing explosives and chemical warfare agents, and to training or test rounds. The containers are subjected to a highly corrosive fluid which dissolves all or part of the container and renders the containers useless as munitions. The highly corrosive fluid may render the hazardous material non-hazardous. The result of the treatment is a liquor which can undergo further treatment for recovery or disposal.

Abstract: A simple and effective method to bond a thin coating of poly(N-isopropylacylamide) (NIPAAm) on a glass surface by UV photopolymerization, and the use of such a coated surface in nano and micro technology applications. A silane coupling agent with a dithiocarbamate group is provided as a photosensitizer, preferably, (N,N'-diethylamine)dithiocarbamoylpropyl-(trimethoxy)silane (DATMS). The thiocarbamate group of the sensitizer is then bonded to the glass surface by coupling the silane agent with the hydroxyl groups on the glass surface. The modified surface is then exposed to a solution of NIPAAm and a crosslinking agent which may be any organic molecule having an acrylamide group and at least two double bonds in its structure, such as N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, and a polar solvent which may be any polar liquid which will dissolve the monomer and the crosslinking agent such as acetone, water, ethanol, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A skin patch is disclosed for usage in the delivery of a contactant to human skin for the purpose of treating medical conditions responsive to contact immunotherapy. The skin patch specifically induces a cell-mediated contact dermatitis in the treatment of skin disorders. Its anticipated use pertains to treatment of human papilloma virus infections, or warts. In a first embodiment, a pressure activated single chambered skin patch is topically applied and used for controlled release of contactant to human skin. In a second embodiment, a pressure activated two chambered skin patch is topically applied and used for controlled release of a contactant to human skin. Alternatively, a single chambered skin patch is topically applied and hydrated by the contacted skin for release of contactant. In addition, a flared shroud region can be provided between the containment portion of the shroud and a surrounding adhesive flange to enlarge the area treated upon release of the contactant.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterization of in-situ microbial biofilm populations in subsurface groundwater. The device permits biofilm-forming microorganisms to adhere to packing material while emplaced in a groundwater strata, so that the packing material can be later analyzed for quantity and type of microorganisms, growth rate, and nutrient requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of operating the apparatus, wherein a feed material is converted into a glassified condition for subsequent use or disposal. The apparatus is particularly useful for disposal of hazardous or noxious waste materials which are otherwise either difficult or expensive to dispose of. The apparatus is preferably constructed either by excavating a melt zone in a quantity of soil or rock, or by constructing a melt zone in an apparatus above grade and lining the melt zone with a back fill material if refractory properties are needed. The feed material is fed into the melt zone and, preferably, combusted to an ash, whereupon the heat of combustion is used to melt the ash to a molten condition. Electrodes may be used to maintain the molten feed material in a molten condition, and to maintain homogeneity of the molten materials.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of operating the apparatus, wherein a feed material is converted into a glassified condition for subsequent use or disposal. The apparatus is particularly useful for disposal of hazardous or noxious waste materials which are otherwise either difficult or expensive to dispose of. The apparatus is preferably constructed by excavating a melt zone in a quantity of soil or rock, and lining the melt zone with a back fill material if refractory properties are needed. The feed material is fed into the melt zone and, preferably, combusted to an ash, whereupon the heat of combustion is used to melt the ash to a molten condition. Electrodes may be used to maintain the molten feed material in a molten condition, and to maintain homogeneity of the molten materials.

Abstract: Reflection wave forms obtained from aged and unaged material samples can be compared in order to indicate trends toward age-related flaws. Statistical comparison of a large number of data points from such wave forms can indicate changes in the microstructure of the material due to aging. The process is useful for predicting when flaws may occur in structural elements of high risk structures such as nuclear power plants, airplanes, and bridges.