Abstract: Beamforming is provided for a wireless MIMO device by using antenna puncturing to reduce the number of transmit antennas that are used to transmit data for certain subcarriers. In a conventional approach, if N spatial streams are being used to provide spatial multiplexing, then N transmit antennas would be used to transmit for each subcarrier. In at least one embodiment of the invention, enhancements in channel capacity are achieved by using less than N transmit antennas for one or more subcarriers.

Abstract: Complex antennas weights for use in beamforming in a multiple-antenna system are determined based upon clear channel assessment (CCA) information in a wireless networking environment.

Abstract: Diamond heat spreaders are produced having thermal properties approaching that of pure diamond. Diamond particles of relatively large grain size are tightly packed to maximize diamond-to-diamond contact. Subsequently, smaller diamond particles may be introduced into the interstitial voids to further increase the diamond content per volume. An interstitial material is then introduced which substantially fills the remaining voids and should have favorable thermal properties as well as form chemical bonds with the diamond. Alternatively, the packed diamond may be subjected to ultrahigh pressures over 4 GPa in the presence of a sintering aid. The resulting diamond heat spreader has diamond particles which are substantially sintered together to form a continuous diamond network and small amounts of a sintering agent.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing superabrasive particles such as diamonds and cubic boron nitride are disclosed and described. One procedure includes providing a superabrasive precursor including a source material in a metal matrix. The carbon source can contain a majority of carbon atoms oriented in a rhombohedral polytype configuration. A shock wave can be passed through the carbon source that is sufficient to convert the diamond to graphite. The superabrasive precursor can be formed by dissolving hexagonal carbon in a suitable molten metal or by mixing particulate components. Similarly, hexagonal boron nitride can be used in a metal matrix which is subjected to a shock wave having sufficient energy to form cubic boron nitride. The superabrasive particles produced using these methods can be provided at relatively high yields with reduced costs.

Abstract: A display representing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, has a trunk made of a hollow tube and held by a base in substantially vertical position. A liquid, such as water, is placed in the tube and an air supply in or near the bottom of the tube generates bubbles that rise through the tube. The tube and bubbles therein are preferably illuminated to add to the effectiveness of the display. Illumination can be provided by LED's which avoid the heat of incandescent lamps. Branches are secured to the trunk tube and extend outwardly therefrom to support a foliage garland to provide tree foliage and give the display the appearance of a tree. The tree can be provided as a separate trunk tube portion, base, and foliage garland so the parts can be packed and shipped without the base attached to the tube.

Abstract: An odor removal system to neutralize odors and VOC emissions in commercial and/or industrial air streams utilizes Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) to create a range of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to cause the oxidation and/or reduction of odor causing molecules and VOC's. The ROS is generated by drawing atmospheric and/or odorous air through a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Generation Cell (DBDPGC). The gas is activated by passing it through the non-thermal plasma field in the DBDPGC, producing the ROS that are then immediately mixed into the odorous gas to be treated. If the odorous gas is passing through the NTP field, it is inherently mixed. When large volumes of gas, and/or extremely high odor loads in large gas volumes must be treated, multiple units can be combined in parallel. The DBDPGC has hermetically sealed hot electrodes and may be used in other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing biodegradable microspheres containing physiologically active agents. Particularly, the present invention relates to the process comprised the following steps (1) to prepare a polymer solution containing physiologically active agents wherein a biodegradable polymer is dissolved in a water-soluble organic solvent and physiologically active agents are dissolved or suspended to it; (2) to form a O/O type emulsion by emulsifying the polymer solution into a water soluble alcohol which contains an emulsion stabilizer; and (3) to extract the organic solventS and alcohol by adding the emulsion into a neutral or an alkaline aqueous solution to educe the microspheres. The process of the present invention is effective for producing the microspheres having a uniform size which arm congenital to a living body and has an excellent inclusion efficiency. So, the microspheres prepared by the process of the present invention are used for a drug delivery system.

Abstract: A self-grown monopoly compact grit and high pressure, high temperature process for preparing the same. The high pressure, high temperature sintered/synthesized monopoly compact grit is used in various industrial tools such as saw blades, grinding wheels, cutting tools and drill bits. Further, the monopoly compact grit of the present invention is produced from a seed of a mono-crystal of diamond or cubic boron nitride surrounded by either a self-grown crystal layer or an integrally bonded poly-crystalline sintered compact layer. The self-grown crystal layer is a new grown crystal structure where the seed crystal grows into a new phase through a normal diamond or cubic boron nitride synthesis process in the presence of a catalyst metal solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making medicated bath powder from natural plants. The process comprises multiple cycles of extraction with heating; combining the resulting extracts and concentrating, freezing drying or spraying drying them to form a drug powder, which then mixed with the volatile oils obtained from the first extraction. The active components of these natural plants can be effectively preserved in the medicated bath powder of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for removing radioactive contaminants from a given surface. An acidic solution having a pH of less than 3.0, and preferably less than 1.5, of a complex substituted keto-amine, and a mixture of a saturated and unsaturated lower alcohol (e.g. isopropyl alcohol and propargyl alcohol), and concentrated acid is applied to a contaminated surface. The solution is left on said surface for a time sufficient to remove the radioactive contaminants into the acidic solution and then removed. The acidic solution containing the radioactive contaminants is preferably neuralized by an alkaline material to a pH of between 5.5 and 9.0. Removal of thorium contamination from railcars is one useful application of the invention. The method of the present invention has the effect of removing substantially all of the radioactive contaminants from a previously contaminated surface.

Abstract: A biodegradable carrier for delivery of a selected bioactive molecule into a targeted host cell containing an amphiphilic polyester-polycation copolymer and an amphiphilic polyester-sugar copolymer. The carrier is particularly useful for delivery of a negatively charged bioactive molecule such as a nucleic acid. The invention improves delivery efficiency by providing a particulate gene carrier for which the particle size and charge density are easily controlled by various means. Various kinds of ligands and other functional compounds may be also be introduced to the carrier. The carrier may be used for delivering a targeted host cell with a bioactive molecule.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding metal ions from a source solution comprise using a polyhydroxypyridinone-containing ligand covalently bonded to a membrane support having the formula M—A—L(HOPO)n. M is a membrane having a hydrophilic surface, A is a covalent linkage mechanism, L is a ligand carrier, HOPO is a hydroxypyridinone appropriately spaced on the ligand carrier to provide a minimum of six functional coordination metal binding sites, and n is an integer of 3 to 6. The separation is accomplished by passing a source solution containing the ions to be separated through a cartridge containing the membrane-ligand composition, causing the selected ions to be complexed to the HOPO ligands and subsequently removing the selected ions from the cartridge by passing an aqueous receiving solution through the cartridge and quantitatively stripping the selected ions from the HOPO ligand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clearing fumes from an engine compartment by providing a pressure switch which is activated when a pressure sensor responds to increased pressure when a boat is at rest or traveling at a wakeless speed in water. When the electrical system of the boat is activated and an inlet tube at the rear of the boat is below the surface of the water, water is able to rapidly enter the inlet tube. Pressure is generated by the presence of water within the inlet tube. Closing the pressure switch results in electrical energy being coupled to the bilge blower to thereby clear the fumes from the engine compartment.In contrast, when the boat increases its speed to the point where it is planing, the boat is virtually skimming along the surface of the water.

Abstract: A flexible bottle holder for feeding livestock. The bottle holder includes a main support body configured for supporting a livestock feeding bottle thereon. Opposing side support arms extend upwardly from either side of the support body and are configured to grip the feeding bottle therebetween as the bottle rests upon the support body. A gripping member is coupled to the support body and includes a first wall and a resilient U-shaped member intercoupled with the first wall. The U-shaped member is configured to deflect responsive to contact with the support edge, and is spaced apart from the first wall by a distance which is less than the width of the support edge. When the gripping member is placed upon the support edge, such as over the top of a calf stall wall, the support edge resides sandwiched between the first wall and the U-shaped member in a firm grip.

Abstract: A device for ameliorating RF radiation received from cellular telephones and the like is disclosed. The device includes at least one spacing member attachable to the cellular telephone so as to maintain the telephone a minimum desired distance from the user while the telephone is in use. The spacer will generally be made of an elastomeric and/or energy absorbing material, so as to be comfortable and minimize the specific energy absorption rate of RF radiation by the user.

Abstract: An Enteral Feeding Pump Motor Unit and Method of Use are disclosed. The motor unit uses optical sensors to monitor the rotational period and position of a platen of the motor unit. If the rotational period is different from a predetermined desired period, a controller in communication with the optical sensors and the platen changes the rate at which the platen rotates so as to effectuate movement of a desired amount of fluid through a delivery set passing through the motor unit. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the optical sensors are disposed in an asymmetrical pattern to enable self-testing and to avoid ambiguous readings.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a seat to a seat post comprises a cylindrical housing with oppositely oriented openings on the side of the housing. Top and bottom clamping pieces are positioned through the openings. Mating grooves on the ends of the clamps are adapted for placement and securing of a pair of rails affixed to the underside of the seat. A bottom block is disposed beneath the clamps and adapted for abutment against the clamps. The interior bottom portion of the housing is threaded, and the exterior top portion of the seat post is threaded for engagement with the threads of the housing, so that the seat post itself is tightened against the bottom piece, thus securing the seat rails within the clamps without need for tools or small components.

Abstract: A protective sheath for insulating a live end of an electrical cable is provided, the sheath comprising a receptacle constructed of insulative material and having interior and exterior portions, the sheath including both open and closed ends, the open end being accessible for insertion of a live end of an electrical cable. The receptacle includes a structure of attaching the receptacle to an electrical cable near a live end thereof. A retainer mounting plate may be provided within the receptacle near the closed end, the mounting plate serving as a point of attachment for the live end of the electrical cable to be protected.