Abstract: The present invention provides articles resistant to the adsorption of proteins, cells and bacteria. The articles can either have a chemical chain bonded thereon where the chemical chain can comprise a terminal group free of a hydrogen bond donor or where a hydrogen bond donor is sufficiently buried such that an exposed surface of the article including the chemical chain is free of a hydrogen bond donor. The chemical chain, or plurality of chemical chains, can comprise a monolayer such as a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) which can be homogeneous (one type of SAM) or mixed, i.e. or more different types of SAMs. Other more specific examples of chemical chains are provided. The plurality of chemical chains can comprise a polymer such as a polyamine. In many aspects, the plurality of chemical chains is sufficiently free of cross-linking or branching. The present invention also provides an article capable of specific binding of a desired biomolecule while preventing non-specific binding of biomolecules.

Abstract: This invention provides binocular eyeglasses that have linear polarizing lenses to be employed by a golfer to examine the surface of a putting green as an aid in deciding the speed and direction of a puffing stroke. The planes of maximum transmission for the lenses are preferably complementary each lens 45° to horizontal. The polarizing lenses are supported to permit the golfer to rotate the lenses to “tip-up” position out of the line of sight, which enables the golfer to alternatively see a direct view and a polarizer altered view of the putting surface without significant delay of play.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, improved microfluidic systems and methods for fabricating improved microfluidic systems, which contain one or more levels of microfluidic channels. The inventive methods can provide a convenient route to topologically complex and improved microfluidic systems. The microfluidic systems provided according to the invention can include three-dimensionally arrayed networks of fluid flow paths therein including channels that cross over or under other channels of the network without physical intersection at the points of cross over. The microfluidic networks of the invention can be fabricated via replica molding processes, also provided by the invention, utilizing mold masters including surfaces having topological features formed by photolithography.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid. A method for treating a fluid may include combining two or more separate streams into a common stream and then splitting the common stream into a new set of separate streams wherein the separate streams may possess different properties. The separate streams may be combined to produce a gradient, such as a concentration gradient or shear gradient. The apparatus of the invention may provide a network of fluidic channels that may be used to manipulate a fluid to produce, for example, a gradient or a series of solutions containing a substance at varying concentrations.

Abstract: Electrical devices comprised of nanowires are described, along with methods of their manufacture and use. The nanowires can be nanotubes and nanowires. The surface of the nanowires may be selectively functionalized. Nanodetector devices are described.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to nanotechnology and nanoelectronics as well as associated methods and devices. In particular, the invention relates to nanoscale optical components such as electroluminescence devices (e.g., LEDs), amplified stimulated emission devices (e.g., lasers), waveguides, and optical cavities (e.g., resonators). Articles and devices of a size greater than the nanoscale are also included. Such devices can be formed from nanoscale wires such as nanowires or nanotubes. In some cases, the nanoscale wire is a single crystal. In one embodiment, the nanoscale laser is constructed as a Fabry-Perot cavity, and is driven by electrical injection. Any electrical injection source may be used. For example, electrical injection may be accomplished through a crossed wire configuration, an electrode or distributed electrode configuration, or a core/shell configuration. The output wavelength can be controlled, for example, by varying the types of materials used to fabricate the device.

Abstract: A current bridge comprising an oblong support strip that has an end face, and a plurality of contact feet each having a first strip-shaped leg and a second strip-shaped leg. The contact feet extend from the end face of the support strip and are formed integrally with the support strip. The two legs each comprise a main face specified by their strip shape. The main faces of the two legs extend essentially parallel to one another.

Abstract: A bulk-doped semiconductor that is at least one of the following: a single crystal, an elongated and bulk-doped semiconductor that, at any point along its longitudinal axis, has a largest cross-sectional dimension less than 500 nanometers, and a free-standing and bulk-doped semiconductor with at least one portion having a smallest width of less than 500 nanometers. Such a semiconductor may comprise an interior core comprising a first semiconductor; and an exterior shell comprising a different material than the first semiconductor. Such a semiconductor may be elongated and may have, at any point along a longitudinal section of such a semiconductor, a ratio of the length of the section to a longest width is greater than 4:1, or greater than 10:1, or greater than 100:1, or even greater than 1000:1.

Abstract: Various exemplary implementations of light emitting diode (LED) based illumination products and methods are disclosed including, but not limited to, glow sticks, key chains, toys, balls, various game accessories, light bulbs, night lights, wall lights, wall switches, wall sockets, wall panels, modular lights, flexible lights, automotive lights, wearable accessories, light ropes, decorative lights such as icicles and icicle strings, light tubes, insect control lights and methods, and lighted air fresheners/scent dispensers. Any of the foregoing devices may be equipped with various types of user interfaces (both “local” and “remote”) to control light generated from the device. Additionally, devices may be controlled via light control information or programs stored in device memory and/or transmitted or downloaded to the devices (e.g.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing standing wave oscillators (SWOS) using coplanar striplines (CPS). One example is given by a quarter-wavelength (?/4) coplanar stripline standing wave oscillator (SWO), while another implementation utilizes a closed-loop coplanar stripline configuration. In various aspects, SWOs are configured to optimize sinusoidal performance at high frequencies with low power dissipation by incorporating various features that dramatically increase the quality factor Q of the oscillator. In particular, in one aspect, an amplitude-dependent tailored distributed amplification scheme is employed as a mode control technique using multiple amplifiers having different gains along the length of the coplanar stripline. In another aspect, a coplanar stripline configured such that its resistance per unit length R and conductance per unit length G are discreet or continuous functions of position along the coplanar stripline is employed to reduce SWO losses.

Abstract: A device and system for indicating rapid deceleration to warn the operator and/or others of an urgent deceleration condition is provided. The device includes one or more sensors that are responsive to acceleration in the primary direction of vehicle motion. The controller communicates with the one or more sensors, corrects for gravitational effects, and initiates at least one warning indicator when the sensed acceleration exceeds a threshold value and thereby indicates an urgent deceleration condition.

Abstract: A device and method used to indicate vehicle inclination and conditions indicative of a potential rollover is disclosed. The device and method may be embodied in original equipment or in an aftermarket product in a manner so that the driver may easily determine the vehicle inclination. For example, the device and method may be embodied in a mirror assembly mounted in the vehicle. The device and method may also be used to detect the rate of change of inclination to provide a warning of adverse driving conditions. The device and method may also include a compass that indicates a corrected heading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gas powered spraying device that can be used for single or multi-part reactive medical polymer compositions is provided. A fluid or one or more reactive solutions are sprayed independently at a tissue surface, and the spraying of each solution of multi-component embodiments is controlled by a separate valve. Each solution is provided with a separate spray outlet, and each spray outlet is surrounded by an annular sheath of flowing gas. Gas flow is provided at two or more flow levels, including a high level flow for active spraying and a low level bypass flow to remove drips and prevent clogging, which can improve device reliability. Gas pressure can be used to drive fluid to its spray outlet, as well as to spray the fluid from the outlet to the tissue surface.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that has a pair of cylinders each having a reciprocating piston connected to a crank shaft by a connecting rod. One of the cylinders is adapted for an air and fuel intake and a compression strokes only, and the other of the cylinders adapted for power and exhaust strokes only. A conduit exists for transfer of gases from the one into the other cylinder after the compression stroke. The conduit has means for isolating gases in the conduit intermediate the compression and power strokes. Furthermore, the conduit is designed to prevent the transfer of liquefied fuel from the one cylinder to the other.

Abstract: A package of tape including a plurality of body portions. Each body portion is formed as a series of steps, each step including a plurality of turns of tape that are wrapped about a core. During formation of each step, the winding position of the tape is varied. In one embodiment, the winding position of the tape is oscillated a fraction of the width of the tape per revolution of the core, or during a revolution of the core. In an alternative embodiment, the winding position of the tape is varied by a fraction of the width of the tape in a first direction after each approximately full turn of tape. During formation of an immediately adjacent step in the same body portion, the winding position of the tape is varied by a fraction of the width of the tape in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A spacer for a sliding device connects a deck to a runner. The spacer may allow relative rotation, pivoting and/or sliding of the deck and the runner. The sliding, pivoting and/or rotating may reduce the stresses experienced at the attachment points of the spacer and the deck or the spacer and the runner. The spacer arrangement may also provide a sliding device with a smoother ride.

Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capped collet and a cap attached to the collet, which are capable of efficiently supplying a cooling fluid to a tool according to the type of the tool held therein, and of performing satisfactory cooling. The capped collet comprises: a collet body 10; a cap 11 which is attached to the top-end side of the collet body 10 in an attachable and detachable manner and which allows the tool to pierce therethrough; and a sealing member 12 placed between a tool holder 101 and the cap 11 in order to hermetically seal a space between them. The collet body 10 has a slot 13 formed at least from the top-end side thereof, and an annular projection 21 which is formed on the top-end side and which is coupled with the cap 11. The cap 1 has an annular groove 18 for coupling with the annular projection 21 of the collet body 10, and a cover 22 for covering the end face of the collet body 10 on the top-end side.

Abstract: A monitoring method and device which is capable of determining the overall fitness or condition of the device being monitored while simultaneously detecting unknown or unrecognized vibration frequencies. In addition, setting threshold values corresponding to the environment surrounding the device reduces the incidence of false alarms. False alarms may be controlled while detection of true alarms may be maximized by assigning values indicative of thresholds crossed and averaging the values before issuing an alarm. The monitoring system may also provide detailed information as to the operating condition of the device so as to allow the device to operate closer to its margin of safety. Thus, the device may handle more power or speed, without the need to modify the physical design. In addition, an onboard processing unit may be used to determine when the physical load on the device is approaching its physical limits and warn the operator so as to prevent the device from exceeding those limits.