Abstract: A method and system for desorbing and ionizing molecules from a sample for mass spectrometry using a microplasma device is disclosed. The system and method relies upon a microplasma device, or array of such devices, to partially ionize a gas to form a microplasma. The ionized gas can be a mixture of a noble gas, such as neon or argon, and hydrogen (H2). The ionized gas can form a effluent stream directed onto the surface of a sample to desorb molecules from the remainder of the sample. The desorbed molecules can be ionized by the effluent stream as they leave the surface of the sample. The ionization process can include: photoionization, penning ionization, chemical ionization (proton transfer), and electron impact ionization. The ionized particles from the sample can be directed to a mass spectrometer for analysis. This can produce spatially-resolved mass spectral data, and can be conducted concurrently with another imaging system, such as a microscope.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transducer employing radiation hardened electronics. Essentially a sensor assembly is positioned in a front section of a housing where the sensor assembly is coupled to an electronic module via terminals which connect the sensor to the module. The electronic module assembly is surrounded by an internal tungsten housing which is formed from a first tungsten “U” shaped cross-sectional member coupled to a second tungsten “U” shaped cross-sectional enclosure. The two members are coupled together and totally surround the electronic assembly. The members as held together are positioned within the housing by outer shell members to form a complete housing assembly whereby the electronic assembly and its associated terminal pins are totally surrounded by the tungsten holder section and the tungsten enclosure section.

Abstract: Credit card applications typically involve the help of a third party to input the necessary data required by a credit card issuing agency. Using the present invention, a customer at a fuel dispenser can complete a credit card application and have it approved or denied in a quick and easy transaction, without the need of assistance from a third party. All required data at the fuel dispenser is entered through a user interface which includes card swipe inputs and numeric inputs through a numeric key pad. The customer does not make any alphabetical inputs on a typical keyboard because fuel dispensers do not have keyboards.

Abstract: An ultrasonic-based apparatus and method for fuel inventory measurements and for the detection and characterization of materials in a fuel tank, including sludge, water, microorganisms and materials of different viscosities and densities that are present in the tank, presented in an easy-to-interpret picture display that can be remotely located from the tank.

Abstract: Rotary hydrodynamic blood pumps have been used to treat over a thousand patients. The Jarvik 2000 has supported a patient for seven years and uses blood immersed bearings washed by high flow to avoid excessive thrombus formation. This permits the pump to be very simple and small. Nonetheless, the present Jarvik 2000 bearings and all other mechanical blood immersed bearings of the prior art have a supporting structure that predisposes to thrombus adjacent to the bearings. The present invention provides a bearing structure that eliminates this predilection site for thrombus formation, and may provide indefinite thrombus free operation. The rotor of the preferred embodiment includes a tapered hub fabricated of wear resistant material supported by three posts at each end of the rotor, upon which the rotor rotates. Blood washes the unobstructed spaces between the posts to prevent the accumulation of a torus of thrombus that could enlarge excessively.

Abstract: The present invention describes systems and methods for providing high-density capacitors. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a high-density capacitor system comprising a substrate and a porous conductive layer formed on the substrate, wherein the porous conductive layer is formed in accordance with a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, the high-density capacitor system includes a dielectric material formed on the porous conductive layer and a second conductive layer formed on the dielectric material. Additionally, the high-density capacitor system includes a plurality of conductive pads configured in communication with the second conductive layer.

Abstract: An analog multi-gigabit receiver and/or transceiver can be implemented for the reception and demodulation of multi-gigabits quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulated using a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) process. Further, an analog multi-gigabit receiver and/or transceiver can be implemented for the reception and demodulation of multi-gigabits binary phase shift keying (BPSK), minimum shift keying (MSK), and/or amplitude shift keying (ASK) signal modulated in CMOS processes.

Abstract: A continuous process wherein polymers or polymeric materials can be subjected to multiple sequential processing systems of differing temperatures and process conditions to synergistically enhance the pelletization and crystallization of those polymers and polymeric formulations, dispersions, and solutions. The multiple sequential processing systems include the processes and equipment for mixing/extrusion, pelletization, multiple transportation processes, crystallization, multiple drying processes, and optional post-processing manipulations of pellets formed. Multiple serial and/or parallel crystallization processing systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Multiple electrode element capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (“cMUT”) devices and fabrication methods are provided. Some embodiments can include a forward or side looking catheter device having a plurality of cMUT arrays for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy. The forward or side looking intravascular device can generally comprise a plurality of cMUT arrays being disposed on a substrate in a spaced apart arrangement. The plurality of cMUT arrays can each comprise a plurality of cMUT elements. At least a portion of the plurality of cMUT elements can comprise a flexible membrane disposed above the substrate and a multiple element electrode. The multiple element electrode can comprise a plurality of electrode elements shaped and sized to have a width less than the width of the membrane, and be further configured to operatively shape the membrane in a reception state to receive ultrasonic energy and a transmission state to transmit ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use with a static-dynamic piezoresistive pressure transducer that measures low amplitude, dynamic pressure perturbations superimposed on top of a high static pressure through the implementation of a low-pass mechanical filter assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly may comprise a dual lumen reference tube and a removable filter subassembly further comprising a porous metal filter and narrow diameter tube. The transducer, which may be capable of operating at ultra-high temperatures and in harsh environments, may comprise of a static piezoresistive pressure sensor, which measures the large pressures on the order of 200 psi and greater, and an ultrasensitive, dynamic piezoresistive pressure sensor which may capture small, high frequency pressure oscillations on the order of a few psi or less.

Abstract: A novel flexible transducer structure is suitable for attaching to curved surface such as the leading edge of an aircraft wing. The structure comprises a thin flexible sheet of an insulating material with a leadless transducer secured to the sheet. The sheet is then placed over the curved surface and assumes the curvature of the surface. The transducer secured to the sheet provides an output of pressure according the pressure exerted on the sheet. The sheet basically is fabricated from a thin material such as Kapton and is flexible so as to assume the curvature of the surface with the transducer being exposed to pressure applied to the curved surface. The sensor in conjunction with the flexible sheet allows pressure to be measured without disturbing the air flow patterns of the measuring surfaces and because of its construction, is moisture resistant over a large variety of atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: An electronic flash memory external storage method and device for data processing system includes firmware which directly controls the access of electronic storage media and implements standard interface functions, adopts particular reading and writing formats of the external storage media, receives power via USB, externally stores data by flash memory and access control circuit with the cooperation of the firmware and the driver with the operating system, and has write-protection so that the data can be safely transferred. The method according to present invention is highly efficient and all parts involved are assembled as a monolithic piece so that it has large-capacity with small size and high speed. The device operates in static state and is driven by software. It is plug-and-play and adapted to data processing system.