Abstract: The present invention is directed towards processes for covalently attaching molecular wires and molecular electronic devices to carbon nanotubes and compositions thereof. Such processes utilize diazonium chemistry to bring about this marriage of wire-like nanotubes with molecular wires and molecular electronic devices.

Abstract: A power system having an extended life and a system and method for extending the life of a battery powered device. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a plurality of power sources and an alternate energy source. The method also comprises measuring the voltage of the power sources and the alternate energy source. The method further comprises selecting a power source to provide voltage to the device, wherein the selected power source provides voltage to the device. In addition, the method comprises optionally charging any power source that is providing voltage to the device. Moreover, the method is repeated after a variable delay. Further embodiments include switching to providing the voltage to the device from a power source while charging another power source.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target fluid in a fluid sample comprising a first fluid and the target fluid using photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), comprises a) providing a light source configured to introduce an optical signal having at least one wavelength into the fluid sample; b) modulating the optical signal at a desired modulation frequency such that the optical signal generates an acoustic signal in the fluid sample; c) measuring the acoustic signal in a resonant acoustic detector; and d) using the phase of the acoustic signal to detect the presence of the target fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid sequences of Ginkgo biloba diterpene synthases, particularly of a levopimaradiene synthase. More specifically, the invention is directed to a cell of a unicellular organism, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Escherichia coli, comprising levopimaradiene synthase for the metabolically engineered in vivo biosynthesis of a diterpene and a ginkgolide.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for assessing the fitness of an individual. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a physical fitness value of an individual by measuring a first trial of an activity conducted by the individual to provide a first measured component. The method further comprises measuring a second trial of an activity conducted by the individual to provide a second measured component. In addition, the method comprises determining the physical fitness values from the first and second measured components. In some embodiments, the method comprises estimating speed or mechanical power output values for the individual over a desired duration. In other embodiments, the method comprises determining the VO2 max of the individual.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing fullerene nanotube catalyst supports and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, fullerene nanotubes or fullerene nanotube structures can be employed as the support material. A transition metal catalyst is added to the fullerene nanotubes. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst metal cluster is deposited on the open nanotube end by a docking process that insures optimum location for the subsequent growth reaction. The metal atoms may be subjected to reductive conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to catalyzed hot stamp methods for polishing and/or patterning carbon nanotube-containing substrates. In some embodiments, the substrate, as a carbon nanotube fiber end, is brought into contact with a hot stamp (typically at 200-800° C.), and is kept in contact with the hot stamp until the morphology/patterns on the hot stamp have been transferred to the substrate. In some embodiments, the hot stamp is made of material comprising one or more transition metals (Fe, Ni, Co, Pt, Ag, Au, etc.), which can catalyze the etching reaction of carbon with H2, CO2, H2O, and/or O2. Such methods can (1) polish the carbon nanotube-containing substrate with a microscopically smooth finish, and/or (2) transfer pre-defined patterns from the hot stamp to the substrate. Such polished or patterned carbon nanotube substrates can find application as carbon nanotube electrodes, field emitters, and field emitter arrays for displays and electron sources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bone implants that allow for the directed application of an osteogenic compound. The implant is preferably constructed of a biodegradable polymer formed into a structure having micro-architectural features and includes features that allow for in-situ application of a liquid biodegradable polymer to securely attach the implant to the surrounding tissue. The implant is constructed with a nozzle connected to a fluid supply that can be injected through a central channel and one or more distribution channels. The implant is designed so as to provide structural support to the damaged area. The implant and the fluid supply are preferably biodegradable polymers that contain an osteogenic material.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fullerene nanotube composition. The fullerene nanotubes may be in the form of a felt, such as a bucky paper. Optionally, the fullerene nanotubes may be derivatized with one or more functional groups. Devices employing the fullerene nanotubes of this invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to dispersing and fractionating single-wall carbon nanotubes, which can be derivatized to facilitate fractionation, for example, by adding solubilizing moieties to the nanotubes.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fullerene nanotube purification process and more particularly to a purification process that comprises heating the fullerene nanotube-containing felt under oxidizing conditions to remove the amorphous carbon deposits and other contaminating materials. In a preferred mode of this purification procedure, the felt is heated in an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidant, such as nitric acid, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid, or a potassium permanganate. Preferably, fullerene nanotube-containing felts are refluxed in an aqueous solution of an oxidizing acid at a concentration high enough to etch away amorphous carbon deposits within a practical time frame, but not so high that the fullerene nanotube material will be etched to a significant degree. When material having a high proportion of fullerene nanotubes is purified, the preparation produced will be enriched in fullerene nanotubes, so that the fullerene nanotubes are substantially free of other material.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fullerene nanotube purification process and more particularly to a purification process that comprises heating the fullerene nanotube-containing felt under oxidizing conditions to remove the amorphous carbon deposits and other contaminating materials. In a preferred mode of this purification procedure, the felt is heated in an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidant, such as nitric acid, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid, or a potassium permanganate. Preferably, fullerene nanotube-containing felts are refluxed in an aqueous solution of an oxidizing acid at a concentration high enough to etch away amorphous carbon deposits within a practical time frame, but not so high that the fullerene nanotube material will be etched to a significant degree. When material having a high proportion of fullerene nanotubes is purified, the preparation produced will be enriched in fullerene nanotubes, so that the fullerene nanotubes are substantially free of other material.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of making single-wall carbon nanotubes by laser vaporizing a mixture of carbon and one or more Group VIII transition metals. Single-wall carbon nanotubes preferentially form in the vapor and the one or more Group VIII transition metals catalyzed growth of the single-wall carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more single-wall carbon nanotubes are fixed in a high temperature zone so that the one or more Group VIII transition metals catalyze further growth of the single-wall carbon nanotube that is maintained in the high temperature zone. In another embodiment, two separate laser pulses are utilized with the second pulse timed to be absorbed by the vapor created by the first pulse.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new methods for combining, processing, and modifying existing materials, resulting in novel products with enhanced mechanical, electrical and electronic properties. The present invention provides for polymer/carbon nanotube composites with increased strength and toughness; beneficial for lighter and/or stronger structural components for terrestrial and aerospace applications, electrically and thermally conductive polymer composites, and electrostatic dissipative materials. Such composites rely on a molecular interpenetration between entangled single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and cross-linked polymers to a degree not possible with previous processes.

Abstract: A system and method for independently controlling the collimation and lateral positioning of a light beam comprises at least one acousto-optic deflector and a pair of counter propagating acoustic waves with offset frequencies. While the frequency offset controls the lateral positioning of the light beam, a frequency gradient across the acousto-optic deflectors controls the collimation of the light beam.

Abstract: A method of increasing cellular NADPH levels by expressing one or more genes that encode a enzyme that causes the production of NADPH. The system can be combined with other enzymes that require NADPH, thus improving the overall production of the desired protein.

Abstract: Systems for THz transmission using new types of THz waveguides with low loss, negligible group velocity dispersion and structural simplicity are described herein. The THz system incorporates the use of a waveguide with two or more substantially parallel conductive elements which may enable many new THz sensing applications. It is now possible to direct the THz pulse inside of containers or around corners, where line-of-sight optics are not practical. Moreover, the systems allow use of either radially polarized or linearly polarized THz antennas. The disclosed systems are compatible with existing terahertz generation and detection techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fullerene, nanotube, or nanofiber filled metals and polymers. This invention stems from a cross-disciplinary combination of electromagnetic and acoustic processing and property enhancement of materials through fullerene or nanofiber additives. Containerless processing (CP) in the form of electromagnetic field enduced and/or acoustic mixing leads to controlled dispersion of fullerenes, nanotubes, or nanofibers in various matrices. The invention provides methods of mixing that highly disperse and align the fullerenes, nanotubes, or nanofibers within the matrices of metals and polymers. The invention provides new compositions of matter and multifunctional materials based on processing, composition, and degree of in situ processing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an optical imaging system comprises a non-destructive optical device that obtains information concerning a target object and a X,Y positioning system that is capable of positioning one or both of the target object and the optical device to pre-determined offset locations more closely spaced than the obtainable resolution of the optical device. A first “base” image is produced and then overlapping additional images may be produced by the positioning one or both of the target object and the optical device to the pre-determined locations. The first image and the additional images may be combined to produce a single combined image that contains inherently more information than the first image or any of the additional images alone. The combined image then may be digitally restored and enhanced to produce an image with a greater resolution than the optical device yields.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods and devices for analyzing populations of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the basis of their fluorescence properties and the comparison of said properties to fluorescence profiles of pre-determined SWNT compositions. Generally, such analyzing yields information about the composition of the SWNTs within said population. Such information includes, for example, the relative abundances of semiconducting SWNTs, the diameter distribution of such SWNTs, and the relative abundances of one or more particular SWNT species—as identified by one or more specific nanotube indices (n,m). The methods and devices of the present invention provide for the analysis of SWNT compositions in a rapid and efficient manner.