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: 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: 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: 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 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.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting structure includes a mineral tubule having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending from the first end to the second end. The lumen terminates in a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end. The corrosion inhibiting structure also includes an anticorrosion deposit disposed within the lumen, and first and second precipitate stoppers covering the first and second openings, respectively. A coating composition includes a population of corrosion inhibiting structures and a coating material. A method of inhibiting corrosion includes loading anticorrosion agent deposits into lumens, forming stoppers at first and second openings by mixing loaded mineral tubules with a solution containing a predetermined concentration of transition metal ions, mixing the loaded mineral tubules having stoppers with a coating material to form a composite material, and applying the composite material to a metal surface.

Abstract: A method of identifying a user as an authorized user from free test text typed by that user into an input device. From the received test text, features associated with the typed text are extracted, such as timing data associated with alphanumeric letter pairs. These extracted features are compared to previously stored series of authorized user profiles, where the authorized user profiles were generated from a trial typing sample of alphanumeric data from each associated authorized user. The comparison identifies one of the authorized users with the user, and a score is derived to measure the strength of the comparison. If the score exceeds a threshold level, the user is identified as that authorized user.

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 80° F. and about 200° F.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strengthening cementitious concrete by placing a nanoparticle carrier liquid in contact with a first surface of a concrete section and inducing a current across the concrete section at sufficient magnitude and for sufficient time that nanoparticles in the nanoparticle carrier liquid migrate through a significant depth of the concrete section.

Abstract: Stable colloid 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: On-chip microplasma discharge devices capable of producing light, including ultraviolet light, capable of detecting atomic and molecular gas, and capable of detecting atomic and molecular contaminants in water samples. The on-chip microplasma discharge devices utilize nanoparticles or magnets to tune or confine microplasma discharges generated by electrodes delivering a voltage to the device. Selective control of the gaseous pressure at a value between atmospheric pressure and a vacuum pressure allows for further refinement of gas or contaminant detection, or for further tuning of the wavelength of the light to be produced.