Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the tunable precipitation of apatite induced by a chemical reaction within a polymeric hydrogel, and the product made thereof. The present invention includes a pH dependent pathway for the hydrolysis of DCPD precursor phase. In addition to pH the stoichiometry of the CaP reactants can contribute to the composition of the CaP phase incorporated into the PVA hydrogels. At elevated pH the direct conversion of DCPD to apatite is observed. However, decreasing the reaction pH to 7.4 to mimic physiological conditions results in the inclusion of OCP as a transition step.

Abstract: A miniturized laminar gear box possessing high torque densities and methods of manufacturing the same. The high torque density is possible by directing the output shaft of the planetary stages through the sun gear and behind the input shaft. This allows the input shafts of the planetary stages to face towards the interior of the gearbox and provides a rotary shaft for the spur stages housed in between the planetary stages.

Abstract: Methods and systems for correcting aberrations in atom probe tomography are described. A specimen function associated with a plurality of lattice positions of ions of a specimen in a holder is generated using a transmission electron microscope. An image function associated with x- and y-coordinates and time of flight information for a plurality of ions of the specimen in the holder is generated using a delay line detector mounted on the transmission electron microscope. A transfer function based on the specimen function and the image function is generated. The transfer function comprises information relating to ion trajectory aberrations. An Atom Probe Tomography (APT) image of the specimen is generated based on the specimen function, the image function, and the transfer function. The APT image is adjusted to correct for the ion trajectory aberrations.

Abstract: Zwitterionic cryogels and methods of making the same and using the same are disclosed. The zwitterionic cryogels are not brittle and are capable of self-healing by reestablishing crosslinks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic-field driven colloidal microbot that employs wall-based propulsion, method of forming the microbot and a method of using the microbot. The microbot can be formed in situ with the use of magnetic fields, and the magnetic fields can be used to translate the microbot to a specified location in a patient. The microbot does not depend on “swimming” or flow currents within a patient to move, but instead can propel itself along a surface using a magnetic field. Once the magnetic field is removed, the microbot disassembles into colloidal particles.

Abstract: A decarburized self-piercing rivet is provided that can join dissimilar sheets of material while reducing the likelihood of forming cracks during the riveting process. The decarburized self-piercing rivet has requisite hardness and column strength to pierce the sheets of material and also has a ferrite layer that improves ductility and performance of the rivet. The increase ductility reduces the likelihood of cracks forming during the riveting process. A manufacturing process is also provided that austentizing and decarburizes the rivet simultaneously in a salt pot furnace to reduce the need for any post-austentizing localized heat treatments.

Abstract: Augmented three-dimensional (3D) printing systems and methods for constructing and mineralizing a hydrogel structure with defined geometry are disclosed. One example embodiment is a system for three-dimensional printing and mineralizing a polymer. The system includes a three-dimensional printer unit with a syringe extruder, a fluid delivery system operatively coupled to the three-dimensional printer unit, and a control unit. The control unit is operatively coupled to the three-dimensional printer unit and fluid delivery system, and is configured to (i) cause the three-dimensional printer unit to print a portion of a three-dimensional polymer object, (ii) cause the fluid delivery system to flush the portion of the three-dimensional polymer object with a fluid to mineralize the portion of the three-dimensional polymer object, and (iii) cause the three-dimensional printer unit to print a subsequent portion of the three-dimensional polymer object.

Abstract: Methods to identify and quantify the emulsion properties in oil and gas producing wells at downhole condition or pipelines using NMR and to provide potential treatment options. The longitudinal (T1), transverse (T2) relaxation times and diffusion coefficient of a fluid are changed by the presence of a second dispersed fluid phase in the form of bubbles or droplets. Properties may be determined by comparing the measured T1 and T2 spectra and diffusion coefficient at downhole conditions with the bulk responses of the constituent fluids.

Abstract: A system and method of non-intrusively measuring characteristics of a fluid in a substrate are provided. The fluid is located in a fluid channel in a substrate, and an electromagnetic radiation source emits an electromagnetic beam toward the fluid and the substrate such that a first part of the beam reflects off a first surface of the substrate and a second part of the beam travels through the fluid and reflects off a second surface of the substrate. A sensor detects the resulting interference pattern produced by the two parts of the beam. Changes in fringes of the interference pattern, such as shifting positions or intensities, relates to a change in the refractive index of the fluid. Since a change in refractive index relates to the density and pressure of the fluid, the changes in interference patterns can be used to discern changes in characteristics in the fluid such as pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metallic membrane for nitrogen separation, the method of making the membrane and methods of using the membrane. The invention also relates to a metallic membrane for disassociation of nitrogen and subsequent reaction with hydrogen to produce ammonia at moderate conditions compared to a conventional Haber-Bosch process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method to use nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) to determine the surface relaxivity in a reservoir. The surface relaxivity can be used to calculate the pore size distribution in a reservoir.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is a nanocrystal that includes a nanocrystal core and a ligand coordinated to a surface of the nanocrystal core, where the ligand includes a functionalized aromatic molecule. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the functionalized aromatic molecule may include at least one of cinnamic acid (CAH) and/or a functionalized CAH molecule.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a method and apparatus for subterranean wellbores and in particular, to a method and apparatus for rotating a subsurface tubular string, such as a casing section, without rotation at the surface. More specifically, a casing section of a wellbore may be rotated to provide a cement seal with increased strength and reliability. In one embodiment, a downhole tool and rotation assembly is disclosed which imparts a torsional force to a predetermined casing section when a fluid is flowed through the downhole tool and rotation assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to gold/lanthanide nanoparticle conjugates, such as gold/gadolinium nanoparticle conjugates, nanoparticle conjugates including polymers, nanoparticle conjugates conjugated to targeting agents and therapeutic agents, and their use in targeting, treating, and/or imaging disease states in a patient.

Abstract: A system and method of extracting frozen water from soil or a regolith and capturing the water is provided. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a water collection system to extract and collect water from regolith. The system is configured to heat the regolith in situ to a temperature at which frozen water in the regolith will vaporize. The water vapor is then captured and collected. In one embodiment, the system includes a power system to provide energy to the regolith to heat the regolith, an enclosure to trap the water vapor released from the heated regolith, and a container operably interconnected to the enclosure to collect the water vapor. In one embodiment, the system can be positioned at a production facility on the Earth, the Moon, Mars, or an asteroid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing metal sulfide materials, including cathode materials. In some embodiments, the metal sulfide material comprises a secondary cluster of metal sulfide nanoparticles surrounded by a carbon layer. The carbon layer may be created by carbonizing one or more polymer layers disposed about the secondary cluster. The carbonized layer may aid in optimizing performance of the cathode material. Also disclosed herein are methods, processes, devices, and systems for removing hydrogen sulfide from a waste stream. In some embodiments, the waste stream containing hydrogen sulfide is a gas. The waste stream can be combined with a solvent containing a metal-catalyst complex, and the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with the metal results in production of a hydrogen gas and a solid comprising metal sulfide.

Abstract: A hybrid additive manufacturing method that allows for precise deposition of various photo curable resins without the use of a vat has been developed. This method utilizes thermoplastics for an exterior shell and structural support. This method of resin or epoxy deposition allows for stronger parts to be printed more rapidly through hybridization of two additive manufacturing methods. This hybrid nature greatly expands material compatibilities from strictly thermoplastics to thermoplastics and any photo curable resins. Furthermore, reinforcing materials or dopants can be incorporated into the part using the method and apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protonic ceramic fuel cell and a method of making the same. More specifically, the method relates to a cost-effective route which utilizes a single moderate-temperature (less than or equal to about 1400° C.) sintering step to achieve the sandwich structure of a PCFC single cell (dense electrolyte, porous anode, and porous cathode bone). The PCFC layers are stably connected together by the intergrowth of proton conducting ceramic phases. The resulted PCFC single cell exhibits excellent performance (about 450 mW/cm2 at about 500° C.) and stability (greater than about 50 days) at intermediate temperatures (less than or equal to about 600° C.). The present invention also relates to a two step method for forming a PCFC, and the resulting PCFC.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a method and apparatus for subterranean wellbores and in particular, to a method and apparatus for rotating a subsurface tubular string, such as a casing section, without rotation at the surface. More specifically, a casing section of a wellbore may be rotated to provide a cement seal with increased strength and reliability. In one embodiment, a downhole tool and rotation assembly is disclosed which imparts a torsional force to a predetermined casing section when a fluid is flowed through the downhole tool and rotation assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel systems and methods of locating downhole objects in a wellbore, the condition of casing within the wellbore, and characteristics of a subterranean formation. More specifically, data associated with a hydraulic impulse in fluid in the wellbore is used to determine a location of a downhole object. Data associated with the hydraulic impulse is collected and then processed in the frequency domain to identify the location of the downhole object. The downhole object may be a tool positioned within the wellbore or a fracture network that communicates with the wellbore by a perforation through wellbore casing. The system and method of the present disclosure can also be used to identify locations of unintended holes or perforations in casing and other tubulars.