Abstract: Several types of piezoelectric MEMS vibration energy harvesters are described herein as well as methods of fabricating the vibration energy harvesters. The vibration energy harvesters generally comprise a serpentine structure having a central longitudinal axis; a piezoelectric film deposited on a surface of the serpentine structure; a central mass located at a mid-portion of the central longitudinal axis; two lateral masses positioned at opposing corners of the serpentine structure; anchor points at two other opposing corners of the serpentine structure; and upper and lower electrode layers. The energy harvesters have a 180 degree rotational symmetry about the central mass and when the serpentine structure experiences a strain, the piezoelectric film generates a voltage. The geometry of the energy harvesters allows for lower frequency and wider bandwidth operation as well as higher power density.

Abstract: The present application relates, for example, to substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), to methods for their preparation and to uses of such SERS substrates in methods for the detection of an analyte in a sample. The SERS substrates of the present application comprise a support material, a layer of a SERS-active metal on the support material, and a layer of magnetically active nanoparticles on the layer of the SERS-active metal. The methods of preparing such SERS substrates comprise depositing a layer of a SERS-active metal on a support material, and depositing a layer of magnetically active nanoparticles on the layer of the SERS-active metal.

Abstract: An oceanographic sensor mooring section for use with standard oceanographic moorings comprising: mooring oceanographic equipment, such as floatation devices and sensors; and a subsurface power generation unit connected to the mooring oceanographic equipment, wherein the mooring section has connective swivels at opposing ends thereof for attachment of the mooring section to standard oceanographic moorings, mooring lines, or mooring anchors, to allow the mooring section to independently orient in the direction of current flow. The subsurface power generation unit comprises a battery and power management/tracking electronics and a rim turbine generating unit that harnesses the power of underwater currents to power any sensors and related electronics equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solvent dispensing system that includes a plurality of air-operated double diaphragm pumps, which are adapted to couple to a plurality of solvent supply containers, and coupled to a plurality of dispensing nozzles, wherein each air-operated double diaphragm pump is powered by a separate air supply line carrying pressurized air, and is controlled by a separate air directional control valve. The solvent dispensing system further includes a sealing cap device for coupling a solvent container to a solvent supply line. The sealing cap device is adapted to form a seal around a solvent discharge opening in a solvent container. The sealing cap device has a check valve and breather combination and a fitting for coupling the solvent container to a solvent supply line. Also disclosed is a clamping system for pressing the sealing cap device around the solvent discharge opening in the solvent container.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method for the conversion of nitrous acid to dinitrogen gas. In particular, the present application relates to a method for the conversion of nitrous acid to dinitrogen gas by contacting the nitrous acid with an amine-functionalized metal organic framework.

Abstract: Vibration assisted rotary drilling (VARD) tools that provide axial compliance and low amplitude axial displacements at the drill bit while transmitting the full rotary speed and torque of the drill string to increase drilling penetration rate. The VARD tools consist essentially of: i) an axially compliant section which transfers axial load across the tool; ii) a mechanism for opposing ends of the tool to displace axially relative to each other; iii) an energy absorbing section which dampens axial bit displacements; iv) a rotation transfer section which allows any rotation and torque applied to the drill string above the tool to be applied to the bit; and v) an optional axial force generating section.

Abstract: The invention provides an encapsulated magnetically geared brushless electric marine propulsion system with the principle components arranged axially around the central shaft. The marine propulsion system includes: the brushless DC motor, comprised of the stator fixed to the central shaft and motor magnets fixed within the motor rotor coupled to the central shaft using precision ball bearings; the high-speed magnetic gear rotor coupled to the motor rotor comprising an alternating array of magnets fixed to a ferromagnetic backing; the environmental barrier which protects the motor and additionally houses pole pieces to modulate magnetic flux; the low-speed magnetic gear rotor coupled to the central shaft and comprised of an alternating array of magnets fixed to a ferromagnetic backing; the propeller coupled to the low-speed magnetic gear rotor; and the shroud coupled to the struts of the motor mounting system.

Abstract: A water mill, power generator, for use underwater, has a flexible support shaft which permits the water current to orient the turbine axis substantially parallel to the direction of flow so that the force of the water on the blades is optimized for a given turbine, without the need for slip ring style connections between the generator at the turbine and the 5 anchored base. Optionally, the design features fins or cowlings on the flexible support shaft to further improve reorientation of the turbine with the water current or flow acting as the source of power; and/or output power links or power conditioning systems at the anchored base. The generators may be selected to meet low rotation operating conditions, and the entire system may be designed for particular ocean bottom and/or current parameters applicable to the 10 deployment.

Abstract: Disclosed is solvent dispensing system comprising a plurality of air-operated double diaphragm pumps, adapted to couple to a plurality of solvent supply containers, and coupled to a plurality of dispensing nozzles, wherein each air-operated double diaphragm pump is powered by a separate air supply line carrying pressurized air, and is controlled by a separate air directional control valve. The present invention also provides a means of coupling a solvent container to a solvent supply line, comprising a sealing cap device for forming a seal around a solvent discharge opening in a solvent container, said sealing cap device having a check valve and breather combination and a means for coupling the solvent container to a solvent supply line. Also disclosed is a clamping system for pressing the sealing cap device around the solvent discharge opening in the solvent container.

Abstract: Vibration assisted rotary drilling (VARD) tools that provide axial compliance and low amplitude axial displacements at the drill bit while transmitting the full rotary speed and torque of the drill string to increase drilling penetration rate. The VARD tools consist essentially of: i) an axially compliant section which transfers axial load across the tool; ii) a mechanism for opposing ends of the tool to displace axially relative to each other; iii) an energy absorbing section which dampens axial bit displacements; iv) a rotation transfer section which allows any rotation and torque applied to the drill string above the tool to be applied to the bit; and v) an optional axial force generating section.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for processing sea cucumbers having stages for orienting/aligning, cutting, splitting, flattening, eviscerating and cleaning the sea cucumber, and for collecting the eviscerated innards. A method for the automated splitting and evisceration of sea cucumbers using the apparatus of the present disclosure. A flattening plate and trough during the orienting/aligning step relax the sea cucumber and discourage its defence mechanisms. A wedge shaped flattening plate splits and flattens the sea cucumber immediately after the incision. Pronged discs maintain positioning of the sea cucumber during an aggressive wash and brush cleaning cycle, which may be repeated. Optionally, a vacuum may suction off a portion of the innards prior to cleaning.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for processing sea cucumbers having stages for orienting/aligning, cutting, splitting, flattening, eviscerating and cleaning the sea cucumber, and for collecting the eviscerated innards. A method for the automated splitting and evisceration of sea cucumbers using the apparatus of the present disclosure. A flattening plate and trough during the orienting/aligning step relax the sea cucumber and discourage its defence mechanisms. A wedge shaped flattening plate splits and flattens the sea cucumber immediately after the incision. Pronged discs maintain positioning of the sea cucumber during an aggressive wash and brush cleaning cycle, which may be repeated. Optionally, a vacuum may suction off a portion of the innards prior to cleaning.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for processing sea cucumbers having stages for orienting/aligning, cutting, splitting, flattening, eviscerating and cleaning the sea cucumber, and for collecting the eviscerated innards. A method for the automated splitting and evisceration of sea cucumbers using the apparatus of the present disclosure. A flattening plate and trough during the orienting/aligning step relax the sea cucumber and discourage its defence mechanisms. A wedge shaped flattening plate splits and flattens the sea cucumber immediately after the incision. Pronged discs maintain positioning of the sea cucumber during an aggressive wash and brush cleaning cycle, which may be repeated. Optionally, a vacuum may suction off a portion of the innards prior to cleaning.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to diagnosing and treating cardiomyopathy and particularly relating to methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyophathy (ARVD/C) are described. Provided are methods for screening for, diagnosing or detecting a risk of developing arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) comprising detecting the presence of a transmembrane protein 43 (TMEM43) disease associated variant in a sample of a subject, wherein the presence of a TMEM43 disease variant is indicative that the subject has ARVD/C or an increased risk of developing ARVD/C compared to an individual having wild type TMEM43.

Abstract: A novel process has been provided for the preparation of both a liquid peat extract substantially-free from biologically-undesirable concentrations of metal elements and compounds, and a solid peat residue substantially-free from biologically-undesirable concentration of metal elements and compounds. The process includes the first step of having specifically-recited physical and chemical properties, to a relatively mild acid hydrolyzation reaction under sterile controlled conditions at superatmospheric pressure at a temperature above the boiling point of water to a maximum elevated temperature of about 130.degree. C. for a time of from about 1 to about 2 hours in an inert container to provide a reacted medium comprising an aqueous liquid peat extract phase and a solid hydrolyzed peat phase dispersed therethrough. The pH of the reaction medium is then adjusted to near neutral. The neutralized reaction medium is removed from the inert container and is pressed and filtered in inert equipment.

Abstract: A novel method and package for both storing and shipping of nematodes and/or nematode eggs in their dormant state for the biological control of insects is provided herein. The package comprises: (1) a water-impervious container having a removable cover; (2) at least one pair of discrete, formed, substrates, each comprising an open celled, light weight foam having wicking action, the substrates substantially filling, and disposed in the container and below the cover, the foam being capable of retaining water within the foam, and when soaked in distilled water, of providing a distilled water having a pH of about 5 to about 7, the pair of substrates being disposed in face-to-face relationship; and at least one storage cavity at the interface between the pair of substrates for the placement therein of nematodes and/or nematode eggs in their dormant state, the wicking action of the foam serving to maintain the nematodes and/or nematode eggs moist.