Abstract: An object detection system (24) is disclosed having a transducer (40, 40?) for detecting buried objects (26). The transducer is encapsulated within a robust, electromagnetically transparent construction (42).

Abstract: An augmented ceramic composite including aluminosilicate nanotubes may be added to a biocompatible polymer matrix. Aluminosilicate nanotubes have a surprisingly high biocompatibility, radio opaqueness, and suitability for storing therapeutic compounds for release over time. These surprising advantages make aluminosilicate nanotubes, such as halloysite nanotubes, a good candidate for use in various medical applications from bone and dental prosthetics to cancer treatment and prevention. Furthermore, unlike other additives, the addition of certain quantities of halloysite nanotubes increases the strength of the polymer matrix to which it is added.

Abstract: A method of surveying the condition of an underground conduit by positioning a propelled carriage assembly within the underground conduit. The carriage assembly includes (i) at least one transmitter/receiver unit capable of transmitting a pulsed signal toward at least a portion of an inner wall of the conduit, and (ii) a secondary sensor positioned on the carriage assembly. The data derived from the pulsed signal at a given lateral location within an underground conduit is read as is a secondary sensor condition derived from secondary sensor data taken at the given lateral location. Then it is determined whether the secondary sensor condition indicates a basis for a false void detection by the data derived from the pulsed signal and if the basis for false void detection exists, providing an indication of such basis.

Abstract: A Haber-Bosch process including the steps of providing a reactor having a substrate with catalyst filaments formed thereon. The catalyst filaments are formed of a metal including iron. A nitrogen compound and hydrogen are injected into the reactor such that at least a portion of the nitrogen compound and hydrogen contact the catalyst filaments. The nitrogen compound and hydrogen are reacted with the catalyst filaments at a temperature of less than about 600° F. and a pressure of less than about 2000 psig.

Abstract: A magnetic position sensor having at least one magnetic field sensor including a solidified layer of GMR nanowire carrier fluid formed on a substrate material. The solidified layer of carrier fluid has (i) discrete GMR nanowires each having a diameter of less than about 0.5 um and a length less than about 250 um; and (ii) a concentration of GMR nanowires in the dried layer between about 0.001 and about 10 percent by weight of the solution. The position sensor further includes a detection circuit capable of detecting a change in resistance of the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for installing lines or cables, including, without limitation, power lines, low voltage lines, telecommunications lines or cables (e.g., telephone cables, network cables, television cables, etc.), and/or the like, and, in particular, installing optical fiber and/or other lines, slightly below ground level in a roadway or other ground surface. In some cases, a method might include creating a channel in the ground surface, placing one or more lines (e.g., power lines, low voltage lines, telecommunications lines, and/or the like) in the channel, and placing a capping material in the channel, thereby encapsulating the lines. In some cases, placing the one or more lines in the channel might include placing a conduit (containing the one or more lines) in the channel, and encapsulating the one or more lines might include encapsulating the conduit. The capping material might include polyurea, thermosetting material, and/or any other suitable material.

Abstract: An object detection system (24) is disclosed having a transducer (40, 40?) for detecting buried objects (26). The transducer is encapsulated within a robust, electromagnetically transparent construction (42).

Abstract: A method of surveying the condition of an underground enclosure including the steps of: (a) positioning at least one transmitter/receiver unit (including an antenna) within an underground, substantially nonconductive enclosure, such that a substantial air gap exists between the antenna and the inner wall of the enclosure; (b) transmitting an ultra wideband (UWB) signal toward at least a portion of the inner wall; and (c) processing the return signal in order to identify the interface between the soil and a region of conductivity different from the soil.

Abstract: A conduit survey apparatus having a carriage capable of movement axially down a conduit. The carrier includes a radio frequency (RF) signal generator and an RF signal detector positioned on the carriage along with a controller controlling the signal generator and signal detector. The carrier further includes a waveguide with an open throat transmitting signals from the signal generator and directing received signals to the signal detector. Finally, the carrier includes a waveguide positioner mounted on the carrier and adapted to selectively engage an interior wall of the conduit, wherein the waveguide guide is connected to the positioner such that the open throat of the waveguide is within about 1 inch of the interior wall when the positioner engages the interior wall.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device capable of harvesting multiple forms of energy. The device includes a base, a piezoelectric cantilever, and a carbon nanotube film. The piezoelectric cantilever includes a piezoelectric layer disposed between a top electrode and a bottom electrode. A proximate end of the piezoelectric cantilever is supported by the base. The base does not support a distal end of the piezoelectric cantilever. The piezoelectric cantilever is capable of converting vibration energy into electrical power. The carbon nanotube film is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation and thermal radiation, and thereafter transmitting heat to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is mechanically deformed in response to said heating, thereby generating electrical power.

Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch process including the steps of providing a reactor having a substrate element with a surface and a plurality of elongated micro-structures of catalyst material attached to the substrate surface The catalyst material includes at least one of cobalt, iron, or ruthenium and the micro-structures have a width of less than about 1 um and a length at least five times the width. A carbon compound and hydrogen are injected into the reactor such that at least a portion of the carbon compound and hydrogen contact the catalyst material. The carbon compound and hydrogen are reacted with the catalyst at a temperature between about 150° F. and about 400° F.

Abstract: A cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) liner inspection system used to inspect a resin level in a CIPP liner that has been impregnated with resin using an inspection chamber having an optical sensor. The CIPP liner inspection system is also used to identify zones within an installed CIPP liner having lower mechanical strength due to inadequate distribution of resin using a robotic unit having an optical sensor. The optical sensor measures an optical property, which is used to determine a resin level or a mechanical property based on predetermined correlations between the optical property and the resin level and predetermined correlations between the optical property and the mechanical property.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can identify a focal area of abnormal brain interactions in a subject. Time series data can be received that corresponds to recordings from a plurality of regions in a brain of the subject during a resting period. Based on the time series data, an information inflow associated with each of the plurality of regions can be determined. The focal area of the abnormal brain interactions can be identified as one of the plurality of regions having a maximum information inflow.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for installing lines or cables, including, without limitation, power lines, low voltage lines, telecommunications lines or cables (e.g., telephone cables, network cables, television cables, etc.), and/or the like, and, in particular, installing optical fiber and/or other lines, slightly below ground level in a roadway or other ground surface. In some cases, a method might include creating a channel in the ground surface, placing one or more lines (e.g., power lines, low voltage lines, telecommunications lines, and/or the like) in the channel, and placing a capping material in the channel, thereby encapsulating the lines. In some cases, placing the one or more lines in the channel might include placing a conduit (containing the one or more lines) in the channel, and encapsulating the one or more lines might include encapsulating the conduit. The capping material might include polyurea, thermosetting material, and/or any other suitable material.

Abstract: A chipless RFID tag system having a transmitter sending an input signal and a tag substrate. An ID generation circuit on the tag relies on microstrip transmission line patterns which are pre-designed to generate a unique code. The ID generating circuit may be designed based upon the transmission line properties, including signal delay, and/or reflection, and/or phase change. The tag may be formed on a flexible substrate having at least one microstrip and the microstrip having a first portion with a first impedance and a second portion with a second impedance different from the first impedance. The tag may further include a microstrip antenna for communication with the transmitter and a receiver system. The tag may also include sensors for detection of desired substances of interest. The system may further include a receiver detecting at least two reflections from an interface of first and second impedances and identifying relative time domain positions of the reflections to one another.

Abstract: Stable nanoparticles comprising poorly soluble drugs are disclosed, as well as methods of making and methods of using such nanoparticles, e.g., as therapeutics and diagnostics.

Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch process including the steps of providing a reactor having a substrate element with a surface and a plurality of elongated micro-structures of catalyst material attached to the substrate surface The catalyst material includes at least one of cobalt, iron, or ruthenium and the micro-structures have a width of less than about 1 um and a length at least five times the width. A carbon compound and hydrogen are injected into the reactor such that at least a portion of the carbon compound and hydrogen contact the catalyst material. The carbon compound and hydrogen are reacted with the catalyst at a temperature between about 150° F. and about 400° F.

Abstract: A geopolymer concrete formed by mixing about 3% to about 43% by weight incinerator fly ash, about 3% to about 35% by weight coal fly ash, about 7% to about 38% by weight alkaline activator liquid, and about 31% to about 70% by weight aggregate. The incinerator fly ash may be derived from a solid waste incinerator facility. The alkaline activator liquid may include a sodium hydroxide solution and sodium silicate. The aggregate may include a fine aggregate, such as sand, and a coarse aggregate, such as gravel.

Abstract: A steerable ground piercing tool includes an elongated outer housing having a lengthwise extending bore and an inner assembly at least in part disposed within the outer housing. The inner assembly includes a rotatable chisel having a longitudinally extending shaft at least in part disposed within the housing bore. The chisel has a first end defining an asymmetric tip and a second end defining a first impact surface for receiving a reciprocating action impact to drive the tool through the ground. The inner assembly further includes a conversion mechanism to selectively convert upon activation thereof at least a first portion of the reciprocating action imparted to the first impact surface into combined reciprocation and rotation of the tool.

Abstract: A geopolymer mortar formed by mixing about 35% to about 45% by weight pozzolanic material, about 35% to about 45% by weight silicon oxide source, about 15% to about 20% by weight alkaline activator solution, and about 0.3% to about 2.5% by weight copper ion source. The pozzolanic material may be fly ash and the silicon oxide source may be sand. The alkaline activator solution may be a sodium hydroxide solution containing sodium silicate. The geopolymer mortar may have a viscosity in the range of about 25,000 to about 50,000 centipoise. The geopolymer mortar may be formed by further mixing one or more additives, such as surfactants, thermal spheres, anti-sagging agents, adhesion primers, or fibers. The geopolymer mortar may be applied as a protective coating on a surface of a structure.