Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for synthesizing shape memory polyurethanes, and fibers therefrom. The polyurethanes can be synthesized via solution polymerization or bulk polymerization. Following synthesis, the polyurethanes can be treated via wet spinning, dry spinning, reaction spinning, melt spinning, or electro spinning.

Abstract: Polypyrrole (PPy) is one of the most commonly studied conducting polymers due to its good stability, high conductivity, ease of preparation and non-toxicity. The stability of the conductivity of polypyrrole films depends on the choice of dopant anion, the method of preparation, and the conditions of aging. Most of the existing methods only improve stability by sacrificing conductivity, as well as sensitivity. This invention provides a method for coating conducting polymer onto a substrate by first applying an anionic dopant and an oxidizing agent onto the substrate. The monomer is then allowed to form the conducting polymer at about ?10 to ?80° C. for a sufficient period of time. After storage for a long period of time (nearly a year), the conductive polymer coating still retains almost the same strain sensitivity and at least up to 85% of its initial conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for finding active ingredients/groups of constitutes from a multi-component system that are active as indicated by specific or a group of activity test. The method involves the use of a hyphenated instrument for determining the active ingredients.

Abstract: A method for treating progression of a refractive disorder in a human eye. The method includes the steps of producing a first image on a retina of the human eye and producing a second image to generate a defocus.

Abstract: The present invention relates an instrument tuner possessing a fiber optic with a prewritten fiber Bragg grating. The tuner is suitable for providing more accurate instrument tuning, capable of not being subject to a tuner's subjectivity or distortions or electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acupressure pen and methods of acupressure treatment, wherein said pen is capable of determining the optimal range for treatment on a particular acupoint, and recalling such optimal range during subsequent treatments. Through the use of a grid system, infrared communicator, and microcontroller, the pen is capable of being set and storing results in a matrix.

Abstract: Space frames consist of combination of one or more basic modules to function as a decorative feature or a building element in architectural design. There are certain aesthetic criteria to meet on the design of a basic space frame module; space frame module, geometric regularity, and dimension regularity for all the angles and lengths between edges. Designers exercise their own creativity to develop space frame modules base on these criteria. The present invention relates to a hybrid algorithm based on evolutionary algorithm for graph encoding scheme (EAGES) and genetic algorithm (GA) to evolve the design automatically in relative small number of generations. The hybrid algorithm is a tool to architects and designers to rapidly produce aesthetically pleasing designs with the resources available to them.

Abstract: A sensor device that uses a number of bragg grating (FBG) sensors and novel interrogation system with a ring cavity configuration for simultaneous time-division-multiplexex (TDM) and wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) interrogation of FBG sensors. The ring cavity includes an amplifier, and output coupler and an optical circulator. The coupler is connected to a wavelength measuring system and the optical circulator is connected to the FBG sensors. The FBG sensors can be in a number of groups. TDM interrogation is applied to each group of FBG sensors while WDM interrogation is applied to each FBG sensors within each group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of screening traditional medicines for immunomodulating activity and anti-tumor activity. The method involves applying techniques and tools used in the field of proteomics, isolating an active ingredient from a natural ingredient historically used as a traditional medicine, stimulating splenocytes, and measuring and determining biomarker indicators resulting from such stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strain gauge and methods of making such wherein the gauge contains a doped polymeric fluid suitable for measuring elongations of more than 10%.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method of fabricating a piezoelectric device through micromachining piezoelectric-on-silicon wafer. The wafers are constructed so that piezoelectric layer is a single wafer having a thin layer from 5 to 50 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods of preparing quinoline derivative compounds, and administering such compounds in the treatment of solid and non-solid tumors, notably on liver cancer.

Abstract: A foot massage apparatus comprises: a housing (5); a pair of replaceable footprint plates (4) with holes (40) arranged according to a particular foot massage pattern, which are placed on an upper plate (51) of the housing (5); protrusions (2; 3) protruding from the holes (40) of each replaceable footprint plate (4); a vertical adjustment mechanism provided in the housing (5), for adjusting the height of the protrusions (2; 3); a horizontal adjustment mechanism provided in the housing (5), for adjusting the horizontal position of the protrusions (2; 3); and a driving mechanism provided in the housing (5), for driving the protrusions (2; 3) to move up and down cyclically. The foot massage apparatus of the present invention has the advantages of enhancing a particular bodily function and fitting different foot sizes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piezoelectric ceramic composition, especially a lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composition, with a suitable amount of CeO2 or CeO2-containing complex additives, which is represented by the following formula: (Na0.475K0.475Li0.05)(Nb1-xAx)O3+yCeO2+zBO2 wherein “A” represents Sb or Sb+Ta, “B” represents a tetravalent transition metal, 0?x?0.2, 0.2 wt %<y<1.2 wt % and 0?z 1 wt %. Addition of CeO2 or CeO2-containing complex additives suppresses melting and abnormal grain growth of (Na0.475K0.475Li0.05)(Nb1-xAx)O3 during sintering, thereby improving sinterability and increasing the density of the composition. As a result, the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics are enhanced. Furthermore, the represented compositions have a wide sintering temperature range so that the process for preparing such a lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composition has high degree efficiency.

Abstract: An efficient, effective and reliable method for authentication of herbal medicines (HMs) based on a novel wavelet-enhanced automated three-dimensional chromatograms classification system. The method takes advantage of the character of 3D chromatograms which appear as functional curves and the preprocessing power of wavelet transform (WT) to minimize the interferences from noises and baseline drifting of the raw data, and at the same time significantly reduces the data sizes. This compressed data retain the essential features of the original raw data, whereby leading to efficient and reliable method for identifying or authenticating herbal medicines or other chemical mixtures of great complexity.

Abstract: A method of biometrics identification includes obtaining an image including a portion of a hand of an individual, analyzing the image to find one or more feature parameters defining different characteristics of the hand, and comparing the feature parameters with reference information in a database. The features parameters including a geometrical features parameter, a palm line features parameter or a palm texture features parameter.

Abstract: A hazard warning means for a vehicle, including: deceleration triggered actuation means, controlling means, and visual indicators, wherein said deceleration triggered actuation means including means for detection of a deceleration of a prescribed threshold and means for generating an actuation signal upon detection of said deceleration, said controlling means includes means for causing said visual indicating means to generate visible signals representing hazard conditions for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods for assisting a user having paralyzed muscles in walking. The methods focus on addressing foot drop and stimulating arm swing to aid in balance and mimic a “normal” person walk. The methods utilize a system capable of monitoring the gait cycle of the user and wireless transmitting signals to stimulation devices attached to the user's body.

Abstract: The present invention teaches methods and systems for transmitting signals in a building utilizing the reinforced steel bar structure in the building. The methods and systems allow the transmission and receipt of signals in residences and offices in older buildings while avoiding system reconfiguration, high cost cabling, and over-invasive installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of manufacturing a prytheroid-treated fabric and manufactured products created thereby. Through the development and application of prytheroid nanocapsules to a fabric, the fabric exhibits insecticidal properties, even following successive washings and solar exposure.