Abstract: The invention is directed broadly to microporous films prepared from immiscible blends of at least two components, preferably polymers, which are produced via melt processing, a film formed therefrom, for example by extrusion and post-film-forming treatments comprising uniaxial or biaxial cold-stretching and hot-stretching. The films have a three-dimensional reticulated or interconnected network of microcracks or crazing throughout the film, extending from one surface of the film to the other, providing a stable porosity and pore size useful for a variety of filtration and other applications.

Abstract: Improvements in the sensor array are disclosed for an array used in a module for preventing unauthorized use of a firearm or other device. The module to which the invention is applicable of the type including a plurality of pressure sensors for sensing a user's handgrip on the device; comparator means for comparing a pressure signature profile compiled from an output from said pressure sensors with at least one pressure signature profile in storage; and means for preventing operation of the device when the compared profiles do not match. The improved sensor array comprises a first set of spaced electrically conductive lines formed on the gripping surface; a thin layer of (preferably) piezoresistive material overlying the first set of conductive lines; and a second set of spaced electrically conductive lines formed over the piezoresistive layer.

Abstract: THz imaging apparatus and methods are provided for rapidly and effectively examining a region of interest to determine the presence of specified compositions. The apparatus includes means for generating electromagnetic radiation of a desired terahertz frequency suitable for the examination, and for rendering the radiation incident at the region of interest. Detector means are provided at a plurality of points in a plane spaced from the region of interest, for detecting the terahertz radiation reflected from or transmitted through the region. Means are provided for converting the detected terahertz radiation to an image of the region of interest from which the presence of the specified compositions are determinable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to concrete, mortar and other hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash for use in construction. The invention relates to hardenable mixtures comprising cement and fly ash which can achieve greater compressive strength than hardenable mixtures containing only concrete over the time period relevant for construction. In a specific example, processing fly ash by grinding to the desired size distribution range gives a 100% yield of fly ash for utilization in high quality concrete and mortar. Such materials can thus significantly reduce construction costs, as well as provide a useful outlet for material that is generally regarded as a pollutant and a nuisance.

Abstract: An unauthorized user prevention device and method prevents unauthorized users from operating a devices such as firearms or other types of weapons, and can also prevent access as an anti-theft device for vehicles and doors to vehicles or buildings. A users initially grips a handle containing pressure sensors, and a pressure signature profile is stored that is based on hand position of the user's handgrip on the particular device as indicated by a change in pressure, pressure as a function of position on the particular device; and pressure as a function of time. A comparator compiles the pressure signature profile and compares it with profiles is storage to determined whether a match exists. Upon finding a match, a control unit releases an interlocking unit to enable the user to operate the device because he/she is authorized.

Abstract: A method of sorting packets for transmission over a communication network. The packets are sorted into groups in accordance with predetermined criteria, wherein the number of groups is equal to at least three times the square root of a fraction whose numerator is the maximum transmission rate and whose denominator is the minimum transmission rate. Each group is assigned a first departure time in accordance with the predetermined criteria. Each packet of each group is assigned a second departure time. Wherein the number of the departure time is equal to the square root of a fraction whose numerator is the maximum rate and whose denominator is the minimum transmission rate. Each packet is transmitted over the communication network in accordance with the second departure time.

Abstract: A evanescent resonator device includes a short-circuited evanescent waveguide and loading capacitor. The evanescent waveguide of the resonator includes a single length of evanescent transmission line terminated in short circuit, a first support substrate having a predetermined dielectric constant, the first support substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a dielectrically loaded feed network including: (a) a second substrate arranged on the top surface of the first support substrate, the second substrate having a predetermined dielectric constant that is higher than the first support substrate; and (b) a metal strip arranged on an upper surface of the second substrate, so that the second substrate is arranged between the first support substrate and the second substrate. A ground plane is arranged on the bottom surface of the first support substrate, the support substrate includes a hollow metalized center area being open on an upper end closest to the second substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing fullerenes, in large quantities at an economical cost, from liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons treated by a high energy source in a reactor devoid of oxygen are presented. The liquid hydrocarbons preferably selected from used hazardous materials such as used motor oils, oils, crude petroleum or petroleum cracking by-products, and the gaseous hydrocarbons such as methane and acetylene, are introduced into the oxygen deprived reactor and exposed to a high energy source which may be a plasma jet, a laser beam or a submerged electrical arc. Exposure to the high energy source causes the hydrocarbon atoms to disassociate, thereby converting the liquid and gaseous components into a vapor or cloud of mixed material. The vapor or cloud is then processed to enable the liberated carbon atoms to bind and recombine to form fullerenes. The cloud is then introduced into a condensation zone of said reactor to form a mixture of fullerenes, solid soot and residue gases.

Abstract: A method for the separation of carbon dioxide from a gas mixture is described in which a dendrimer selective for carbon dioxide is present in an immobilized liquid membrane, the dendrimer being either in pure form or optionally with at least one solvent, such as but not limited to glycerol, polyethylene glycol, water, refrigerated methanol, NMP, or glycerol carbonate, the latter also having selective carbon dioxide properties as will be described below. In another embodiment, a dendrimer selective for carbon dioxide and capable of forming a film may be used in the method as the membrane itself, optionally with at least one solvent.

Abstract: A method for routing a data packet is disclosed. A first preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a trie data structure to store information such as the output port address associated with a plurality of the most significant bits (“prefixes”) of the destination address field of a data packet presented to a router. The first preferred embodiment stores information associated with both (1) prefixes that are integral multiples of the binary logarithm of the number of words in each node of the trie data structure and (2) prefixes that are not integral multiples. In the event that an output port address is deleted with respect to a prefix that is an integral multiple, the output port address associated with a shorter prefix that is not an integral multiple is preserved. Methods of retrieval, insertion and deletion of information are disclosed. Other aspects of the invention pertain to certain systems and articles of manufacture comprising computer programs.

Abstract: An unauthorized user prevention device and method prevents unauthorized users from operating a devices such as firearms or other types of weapons, and can also prevent access as an anti-theft device for vehicles and doors to buildings. A users initially grips a handle containing pressure sensors, and a pressure signature profile is stored that is based on hand position of the user's handgrip on the particular device as indicated by a change in pressure, pressure as a function of position on the particular device; and pressure as a function of time. A comparator compiles the pressure signature profile and compares it with profiles is storage to determined whether a match exists. Upon finding a match, a control unit releases an interlocking unit to enable the user to operate the device because he/she is authorized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and analyzing a component of a fluid sample that is considered to be a contaminant, and particularly, that is or may be an organic material. The invention is predicated on the introduction of the sample fluid in a pulsed manner via a first carrier fluid into a feed chamber. A membrane is located between the feed chamber and an exit chamber, and in fluid registry therewith. When the sample enters the feed chamber, the component to be separated and analyzed can permeate the membrane, and thus passes through the membrane to the exit chamber, and then enters a second carrier fluid which carries it to a detector for analysis. The detector may be a gas chromatograph (GC), mass spectrometer (MS) or the like.

Abstract: A device and method for the continuous on-line or discrete off-line concentration and measurement of organic compound contaminants in a fluid sample stream is disclosed, in which an adsorbent trap means, which may be a tube of metal packed with an adsorbent composition such as a carbon-based composition, is used to adsorb the organic compound contaminants, while venting out permanent gases, such as CO, CO2, N2, O2, NO2, SO2, CH4, and H2O. The adsorbent trap means is capable of rapid heating and cooling, and when a pulse of electrical energy or microwave energy is applied thereto, the adsorbed organic compound contaminants are rapidly desorbed therefrom; after which they are carried to a detector means for measuring the organic compound contaminants. Embodiments are included in which gas chromatography (GC) is not employed.

Abstract: The travel range is extended for electrostatically actuated micro mirrors used as attenuators, modulators and switches in optical networks by the use of dielectrically coated, preferably with Silicon dioxide, inner surfaces. Oxide charge and oxide capacitance combine to expand the travel range of the mirrors before snap down, at the expense of increased applied bias voltage. This method of travel range extension is preferred over other range extension methods due to its simplicity, reproducibility, and ease of manufacture, as well as benefits of decreased stiction and inhibited electrode shorting. A method for the manufacture of the devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite resonator (10) consisting of a conducting metal (14) and a dielectric material (12) is used to provide resonant frequencies lower than can be obtained using the same volume of dielectric alone and with higher unloaded Q than can be obtained using the same volume of metal imbedded into a cavity and used as a resonator. This significantly reduces the cost and size of the resonator (10) without degrading its performance. An inexpensive metal (14), such as aluminum, can be substituted for more than half of the dielectric (12) and stille form a resonator (10) with substantially equivalent resonant properties. The operative embodiments of the resonator invention (1) cover composites with doughnut-shaped, i.e., cylindrical, configurations, with the “doughnut” either metal (14) or dielectric (12), and the “hole” either dielectric (314) or metal (312), respectively.

Abstract: A system for using a virtual reality environment to create a design model and generate numerically controlled (NC) machining trajectories for use in fabrication of the model. The model is created in a virtual environment by carving a workpiece with one or more tools, each of which may have the geometry of a hand tool (e.g. a knife) or a machining tool (e.g. milling cutter). The selection and manipulation of virtual objects is performed in virtual space. Swept volumes of the virtual objects are generated using a solid modeling system according to the shape of the virtual objects and their trajectories, and Boolean operations are performed on the swept volumes and the initial virtual stock (workpiece) to create the design model. If the virtual object has the geometry of a computer numerical control (CNC) machining tool, the real NC machining trajectories for making the design object can be generated from the virtual object's movements, during the design model creation with the virtual reality environment.

Abstract: This invention describes a rapid tooling process that integrates solid freeform fabrication (SFF) with electroforming to produce metal tools including molds, dies, and electrical discharge machining (EDM) electrodes. An SFF part is metalized by electroless plating and then placed in an electroplating solution, where metal is deposited upon the part by electrolysis. When the desired thickness of metal has been reached, the SFF part is removed from the metal shell. The shell is then optionally backed with other materials to form a mold cavity, and EDM electrode, or other desired parts for tooling. Thermomechanical modeling and numerical simulation with finite element analysis (FEA) is used to determine the geometry of the SFF part and the electroform thickness for minimizing the manufacturing time and cost while satisfy the tooling requirement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for depleting endotoxin from biological solutions by exposure of solutions containing endotoxin to an immobilized metal affinity chromatography matrix composed of a metal ion such as iron (III) bounds to a resin, wherein the metal is capable of selectively binding endotoxin in the solution. These methods are useful for purifying, for example, biological products prepared using bacterial cells, or products in which bacterial contamination is problematic. In another embodiment, endotoxin in circulation in a body can be removed by exposing the blood to the aforementioned matrix, whereby endotoxin is removed before the blood is returned to the body.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator that is capable of providing up to six degrees of positioning freedom. Specifically, the piezoelectric actuator is capable of providing positioning freedom in three linear directions (x, y, z) and three rotary angles (&phgr;, &thgr;, &psgr;). The piezoelectric actuator typically comprises a plurality of unit cells stacked on top of one another. Each unit cell comprises a base plate, a cruciform base, and a stack of piezoelectric plates. The base plate is used to support the cruciform base. The cruciform base comprises a piezoelectric cruciform-shaped body, a plurality of electrodes formed on the top surface of the cruciform-shaped body, and a ground plane formed on the bottom surface of the cruciform-shaped body. Each piezoelectric plate in the stack of piezoelectric plates comprises a piezoelectric plate body, a plurality of electrodes formed on the top surface of the plate body, and a ground plane formed on the bottom surface of the plate body.

Abstract: The travel range is extended for electrostatically actuated micro mirrors used as attenuators, modulators and switches in optical networks by the use of dielectrically coated, preferably with Silicon dioxide, inner surfaces. Oxide charge and oxide capacitance combine to expand the travel range of the mirrors before snap down, at the expense of increased applied bias voltage. This method of travel range extension is preferred over other range extension methods due to its simplicity, reproducibility, and ease of manufacture, as well as benefits of decreased stiction and inhibited electrode shorting. A method for the manufacture of the devices is also disclosed.