Abstract: The tactile directional guide system provides directional information in the form of vibrations for use during emergency evacuations and the like. The tactile directional guide system includes a vibrational module adapted for mounting on a support surface, such as the floor or wall of a hallway or corridor, as non-limiting examples. The vibrational module includes a plurality of members linearly arrayed along a longitudinal direction and a plurality of vibrators respectively coupled to the plurality of members. A controller is in communication with the plurality of vibrators and is configured to selectively sequentially actuate the plurality of vibrators in either a forward longitudinal direction or a rearward longitudinal direction to provide a tactile directional output.

Abstract: The effervescent tablet for enhanced oil recovery is made of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium phosphate monobasic (NaH2PO4), and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). To perform enhanced oil recovery, a suspension is first prepared by adding the effervescent tablet to water. This preparation may be performed at room temperature. Steam is then injected into the oil well, followed by flooding the oil well with the suspension. One-third of the pore volume of an oil reservoir of the oil well may be injected with the steam, and two-thirds of the pore volume of the oil reservoir may be flooded with the suspension.

Abstract: A soil layer extractor tool used in a system for obtaining a soil sample, dispensing liquid into the soil sample, collecting the resulting leachate, and extracting a soil layer from the obtained soil sample. The soil layer extractor tool includes a base, a holder for a sample tube, and crane for lifting walls of the sample tube to expose a soil sample within the sample tube. The base includes a lower base portion and upper base portion joined in sliding relation. Vertical posts are mounted on the upper base portion, and extractor blades are mounted on the vertical posts for extracting a soil layer. The extractor blades include a lower blade and upper blade, and a vertical blade positioned therebetween. A soil layer is extracted by a sliding movement pushing the extractor blades into the exposed soil sample thus removing a soil layer from sample contained in the sample tube.

Abstract: A method of healing a wound in a patient, can include administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of Sulforaphane-Cysteine (SFN-Cys). The therapeutically effective amount may be 1.5 ?M. The SFN-Cys may be combined with an excipient and the excipient may be a poloxamer. The SFN-Cys, combined with a poloxamer, may be applied topically or taken orally.

Abstract: A water desalination system and process are provided in which a suspension is fed into a water desalination chamber from a source container. At least one effervescent tablet is introduced into a base fluid within the source container to form the suspension. The effervescent tablet serves to increase the heat absorption of the base fluid and enhance the efficiency of the water desalination process. The effervescent tablet used in the process may include multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as well as one or more surfactants and/or effervescent agents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, monosodium phosphate, and sodium carbonate. Introduction of the effervescent tablet into the base fluid may result in the growth of crystals within the suspension. The presence of crystals in the suspension serving to further enhance the solar radiation and heat absorbance of the base fluid.

Abstract: A pothole-repairing apparatus includes a frame, first and second continuous track assemblies connected to opposite sides of the frame, a brush assembly connected to the frame, an asphalt pouring assembly disposed on the frame, at least one ultrasonic sensor disposed on the frame, a grader blade connected to the frame, a power source disposed on the frame, a controlling circuit disposed on the frame, a transceiver disposed on the frame, and a plurality of motors for controlling the operations of the first and second continuous track assemblies, the brush assembly and asphalt pouring assembly. The brush assembly can be used to clean a pothole free of debris. The asphalt pouring assembly can be used to fill the pothole with an asphalt mix. The asphalt mix can be compacted in the pothole by driving over the asphalt mix with the first and second continuous track assemblies.

Abstract: The system for making suspensions includes a housing, with a platform mounted therein and a translating table slidably mounted on the platform for removably supporting a receptacle. A base fluid tank stores a base fluid, and a solid particle container stores solid particles. A rotating dispenser system is mounted within the housing, above the platform and the receptacle. The rotating dispenser includes a base fluid dispenser for dispensing a controlled mass of the base fluid into the receptacle, and a solid particle dispenser for dispensing a controlled mass of the solid particles into the receptacle. The base fluid dispenser is in communication with the base fluid tank, and the solid particle dispenser is in communication with the solid particle container. A mixer selectively and controllably mixes the controlled mass of the base fluid and the controlled mass of the solid particles in the receptacle to form the suspension.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically determining and adjusting a dispersion stability of particles in a suspension. The system includes a thermal imaging camera configured to determine movement of the particles in the suspension; and a mixing device, wherein the mixing device is configured to stir the suspension to dynamically maintain the suspension at a desired dispersion stability and temperature.

Abstract: A mooring device, mechanism, system and method for automatic boat docking. The automated boat docking system has a mooring device installed at a marina or at a boat ramp. The mooring device will have a rod installed, with a suction valve at the end of an arm connected to the rod. The suction valve is used to hold the boat in place. Once the suction valve is connected to the boat, the rod will move, and the arm will rotate the boat to where the boat will be docked or lifted safely.

Abstract: A sample observation container and methods of use thereof are provided. The sample observation container includes a base and one or more sidewalls extending from the base. The one or more sidewalls form a sample enclosure for holding a sample undergoing a sample observation test such as sedimentation photographical capturing and dynamic light scattering, among other tests. The one or more sidewalls form a sample enclosure of adjustable cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area may be adjusted by feeding or retracting a flexible sheet from a source roll to the sample enclosure. The cross-sectional area may further be adjusted by removing an innermost sidewall from among one or more nested sidewalls. The containers allow for physical adjustment of the cross-sectional area while performing subsequent sample observation tests, thereby allowing assessment of the effects of container size on the results of the sample, such as particles in liquid suspension.

Abstract: A plunging liquid jet reactor and water treatment system is provided including a supply water tank. A downcomer within the supply water tank defines a hollow column having an upper end and open lower end. Supply water is pumped to a nozzle on the upper end of the downcomer. The nozzle generates a liquid jet downward in the hollow column. A filter having at least one semi-permeable membrane surrounds the downcomer. A collection tray is mounted between the filter and the supply tank for collecting treated water pushed upward between the filter and the downcomer. A pressure difference between supply water surrounding the filter and water within the filter causes water molecules to pass through the semi-permeable membrane and form treated water which is gathered on the collection tray. Depending on the filter medium and number of stages, the system may be employed in water desalination, microfiltration, nanofiltration, and/or ultrafiltration.

Abstract: An automated hydroponics system includes a plant housing, a power source, a microcontroller, and a handheld device. The plant housing includes a platform for supporting a plant, a main solution container for storing water to be supplied to the plant, and a plurality of supplemental solution containers including a low pH solution container, a high pH solution container, and a nutrient solution container. The main solution container is connected to the supplemental solution containers by one or more water-supply conduits. The main solution container can include a pH level sensor configured for detecting pH levels in the main solution, a TDS sensor for detecting a level of total dissolved solids in the main solution a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the main solution, a water level sensor for monitoring a level of the main solution, and one or more pumps.

Abstract: The effervescent tablet for enhanced oil recovery is made of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium phosphate monobasic (NaH2PO4), and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). To perform enhanced oil recovery, a suspension is first prepared by adding the effervescent tablet to water. This preparation may be performed at room temperature. Steam is then injected into the oil well, followed by flooding the oil well with the suspension. One-third of the pore volume of an oil reservoir of the oil well may be injected with the steam, and two-thirds of the pore volume of the oil reservoir may be flooded with the suspension.

Abstract: The fabric with embedded dispensing channels includes a fabric sheet with at least one flexible conduit integrated into the fabric sheet. The at least one flexible conduit has an inlet and a plurality of dispensing holes formed through at least one wall thereof. The at least one flexible conduit is hollow and defines an interior channel. Opposite the inlet, the at least one flexible conduit may have a closed end. A pump, compressor or the like may be fluidly connected to the inlet for transferring a substance into and through the at least one flexible conduit for dispensing through the dispensing holes.

Abstract: An effervescent suspension for metallic quenching and coating purposes, is implemented by providing and an effervescent tablet with mixture comprising a solid alkaline, a solid acid, and noble metal particles. The mixture is added to water to produce a reaction in the water resulting in the release of CO2 gas, which disperses the noble metal particles in the water to provide a suspension. A hot metal material, having a temperature below its melting point, is immersed in the suspension to provide a quenched metal that has a temperature below its melting point in the suspension to provide a quenched metal coated with noble metal particles. The solid alkaline may comprises sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO2) powder and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) powder. The solid acid may comprise monosodium phosphate (NaH2PO4) powder.

Abstract: The amusement ride for children has an open frame and a swinging passenger carriage suspended from a crossbar carried by two trolleys mounted in parallel tracks on the roof of the open frame. The passenger carriage has an upper platform rotatably mounted on a base platform, rotation of the upper platform being controlled manually by the passenger through rotation of a wheel mounted on a column having an end journaled into a bearing mounted in the base platform. A reversible motor is mounted on the roof frame, the shaft of the motor being connected to the crossbar by a crank and connecting rod to control translational movement of the trolleys, causing the passenger carriage to swing forward and backward. The combination of translational movement and swinging movement of the carriage with rotational movement of the upper platform provides a uniquely thrilling sensation for a child seated on the passenger carriage.

Abstract: A system and method for producing hydrogen (H2) gas and a magnesium (Mg)-aluminum (Al) based aqueous suspension from pre-prepared effervescent tablets are provided. The produced H2 gas can be stored in a tank or directly utilized in a fuel cell, whereas the produced suspension can be employed as an advanced heat transfer fluid in a variety of thermal applications. Furthermore, the as-prepared tablets are fabricated with a homogeneously mixed and well-compressed mixture of Al particles, Mg particles, and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) powder in a sealed container to prevent air and humidity from reacting with the raw materials. As a result of the chemical reaction between the tablet and water, H2 gas (in the form of bubbles) and the Mg—Al-based suspension are produced simultaneously. This system results in two products (i.e., H2 and suspension) that can be used individually or all at once by integrating the different system components together.

Abstract: The modular intramedullary fixation device is a multi-piece bone fixation device for insertion into the medullary cavity of a bone. In one embodiment, the modular intramedullary fixation device is formed from a plurality of substantially Z-shaped modular elements, which are assembled together to a desired length and width. In additional embodiments, the modular intramedullary fixation device includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a connector for connecting the two portions to each other. The connector may be provided in a wide variety of configurations, including an adjustable connector for adjusting the length of the modular intramedullary fixation device. Each of the proximal and distal portions may further have an adjustable length.

Abstract: The convertible stairs for wheelchair accessibility combine a tiltable staircase with a vertically movable platform. The tiltable staircase includes rotating stairs which can be angularly adjusted between a stepped configuration and a planar, ramp-like configuration. Proximal ends of first and second staircase frames are pivotally secured to the platform such that selective raising and lowering of the platform causes the tiltable staircase to tilt up and down. When the stairs of the staircase are rotated into the planar, ramp-like configuration, the platform may be fully raised to tilt the staircase upward, creating a horizontal surface for the wheelchair to cross from the platform to an upper floor or level. To exit the upper floor or level, the wheelchair user reverses the process, returning to the platform which is lowered to the lower floor or level, also lowering the staircase. The stairs may then be rotated back to a stepped configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for producing hydrogen (H2) gas and a single or hybrid hydrogen active material based aqueous suspension from pre-prepared effervescent tablets are provided. The produced H2 gas can be stored in a tank or directly utilized in a fuel cell, whereas the produced suspension can be employed as an advanced heat transfer fluid in a variety of thermal applications. The effervescent tablets can be fabricated with a homogeneously mixed and well-compressed mixture of hydrogen active metallic particles and effervescent powder in a sealed container to prevent air and humidity from reacting with the raw materials. As a result of the chemical reaction between the tablet and water, H2 gas (in the form of bubbles) and the hydrogen active material-based suspension are produced simultaneously. This system results in two products that can be used individually or all at once by integrating the different system components together.