Abstract: A reconfigurable motion generator and control system for multi-phase motion generation. Reconfigurable motion generators are a new class of mechanical devices that are designed for a specific part family and their associated motion generation tasks. The reconfigurable motion generator may utilize revolute joints for link length and pivot adjustment to achieve different configurations from the same set of links. Due to the nature of adjustment of the mechanism this methodology may be used for different types of motion generation tasks such as (a) common start position, (b) common end position, (c) common intermediate position, and (d) distinct motion generation tasks with no common positions. This technique can be applied towards the synthesis of reconfigurable motion generators for use in many planar or spherical applications involving multi-phase function, path, and motion generation tasks.

Abstract: The present application discloses carbonaceous nano-fibrous materials developed by electrospinning mixtures of alkali lignin with a polymer at varied mass ratios. The present application also discloses processing of the lignin/polymer fibers via progressive heat treatments for stabilization, pre-carbonization and carbonization. The resulting carbon nanofibers maintain a uniform shape and have high specific surface area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing soil reinforced by microbe-based bio-binders and soil produced by the method. The bio-binders are not harmful to humans, do not cause environmental pollution and secure sufficiently the soil strength and resistance against wind. According to the method, the soil is prepared by binding sand whose major components are silica and alumina, ureolytic microbes, urea, calcium ion, and polymer fibers, and the content of polymer fibers in sand ranges from 0.05 wt % to 5 wt %. In addition, it is preferable that the microbes provide CaCO3 at a rate at 1˜7×10?9 g CaCO3 ppt cell?1 hr?1 under optimum conditions.

Abstract: An optically scannable code antenna is provided. Encoded matrix codes are printed with electrically conductive material on a substrate. An antenna pattern is generated on the substrate from the electrically conductive material. Enclosed information in the matrix code and accessible via the antenna pattern is provided. At least a portion of the antenna pattern is also a portion of the matrix code. Signals are transmitted and received from the antenna pattern made up of a portion of the matrix code formed on the substrate by electrically conductive materials. Authentication and security measures using the matrix code and signal from the antenna pattern are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing soil reinforced by microbe-based bio-binders and soil produced by the method. The bio-binders are not harmful to humans, do not cause environmental pollution and secure sufficiently the soil strength and resistance against wind. According to the method, the soil is prepared by binding sand whose major components are silica and alumina, ureolytic microbes, urea, calcium ion, and polymer fibers, and the content of polymer fibers in sand ranges from 0.05 wt % to 5 wt %. In addition, it is preferable that the microbes provide CaCO3 at a rate at 1˜7×10?9 g CaCO3 ppt cell?1 hr?1 under optimum conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining standardized environmental attributes is disclosed, including a method and apparatus for generating and quantifying standardized carbon emission reduction credits. General data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a suitable model to determine the approximate change in the environmental attribute as a result of a human-caused change. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize the environmental attribute. Standardized environmental attributes may be compiled for trade and other standardized environmental attributes are placed in reserve.

Abstract: The present invention is a high modulus bio-based polymer plastic composition or mixture and methods of preparing the same. The composition is formed from the reaction of a bio-based epoxidized triglyceride oil, an energy activated catalyst and a bio-based non-aromatic cross-linking compound to form a structural polymer plastic. The bio-based epoxidized triglyceride oil is selected from a bio-based epoxidized triglyceride or a bio-based acrylated epoxidized triglyceride. The non-aromatic cross-linking compound is selected from itaconic acid or itaconic anhydride, and the energy activated catalyst is activated by UV radiation or heat.

Abstract: A bicone antenna, having: a tapered top cone; a tapered bottom cone; a laterally extending ground plate beneath the tapered bottom cone; at least one shorting pin connecting the tapered top cone and the tapered bottom cone; a central pin connected to the tapered top cone; a coaxial feed connected to central pin and the laterally extending ground plate; and a dielectric disposed between the tapered top cone and the tapered bottom cone.

Abstract: A method of rapid prototyping of a microwave device, by: providing a plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film, each sheet having a different metallization pattern formed thereon; providing a base onto which each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film can be received, wherein the base comprises a metallization pattern formed thereon such that the placement of each of the plurality of thin sheets thereon forms a different circuit; and sequentially placing each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film onto the base, thereby sequentially forming different circuits across the thin sheet and the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanofluid that contains carbon nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and a surfactant in a thermal transfer fluid. The present invention also relates to processes for producing such a nanofluid with enhanced thermal conductive properties.

Abstract: A system for generating standardized greenhouse gas emission reduction credits based on mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions at a site resulting from use of renewable carbon as a fuel at the site to produce energy in substitution for previous use of a fossil fuel at the site, includes a computer, at least one database accessible by the computer and containing past site-specific data and subsequent site-specific data regarding the at least one variable impacting emissions of the greenhouse gas generated from the use of the renewable carbon as a fuel for generating energy at the site, a greenhouse gas emissions modeling module, and at least one interface to the computer, for outputting a report of the identified quantity of the standardized greenhouse gas emission reduction credits.

Abstract: A computer-based method for generating standardized emission reduction credits includes the steps of receiving site-specific data with respect to a geographic location regarding at least one variable impacting reduction of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere, retrieving data general to a geographic region encompassing the location regarding at least one variable impacting the nitrous oxide, processing the site-specific and the general data through a model running on a computer, to determine an approximate change in impact on the nitrous oxide at the location over a specified time period, conducting an uncertainty analysis on the approximate change at the location over the specified time period, via the computer, from the uncertainty analysis, identifying a quantity of emission reduction credits meeting an established standard of certainty as the standardized emission reduction credits; and reporting from the computer the identified quantity of the standardized emission reduction credits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining standardized carbon emission reduction credits is disclosed. General regional data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a carbon sequestration model to determine the approximate change in the level of carbon compounds stored in a media, such as soil, over a specified period of time. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize carbon emission reduction credits. Standardized carbon emission reduction credits may be compiled for trade and other carbon emission reduction credits are placed in reserve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of a nanofluid, which comprises a thermal transfer fluid and carbon nanoparticles. The nanofluid may be hydrophilic nanofluids, such as a coolant, or hydrophobic nanofluids, such as nanolubricants or nanogreases. In particular, the present invention provides a homogenous hydrophilic nanofluid, which contains soluble carbon nanotubes in the hydrophilic thermal transfer fluid. The present invention also provides a nanogrease, which is a sustainable dispersion of solid carbon nanotubes in a hydrophobic thermal transfer fluid. The solid carbon nanotubes function as both as a thickener to modulate viscosity and as a solid heat transfer medium to enhance thermal conductivity and high temperature resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining standardized carbon emission reduction credits is disclosed. General regional data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a carbon sequestration model to determine the approximate change in the level of carbon compounds stored in a media, such as soil, over a specified period of time. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize carbon emission reduction credits. Standardized carbon emission reduction credits may be compiled for trade and other carbon emission reduction credits are placed in reserve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing arsenic in arsenic contaminated water, especially for small drinking water systems such as those used in individual homes, rural areas, and small communities, by simply contacting arsenic-contaminated water with an arsenic removal medium. The present invention also relates to the composition of the arsenic removal medium, which comprises particles of calcium carbonate minerals and magnesium carbonate aggregates.

Abstract: A system of rapid prototyping, having: a plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film, each sheet having a different metallization pattern formed thereon; and a base onto which each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film can be received, wherein the base comprises a metallization pattern formed thereon, and wherein placement of each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film onto the base results in a different circuit being formed across the thin sheet and the base.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for determining carbon emission reduction credits and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for generating and quantifying standardized carbon emission reduction credits. General data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a carbon sequestration model to determine the approximate change in the level of carbon compounds stored in a media, such as soil, over a specified period of time. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize carbon emission reduction credits. Standardized carbon emission reduction credits may be compiled for trade and other carbon emission reduction credits are placed in reserve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miscible transparent polymer blend, specifically, a polycarbonate blend which comprises homopolycarbonates and/or copolycarbonates. In particular, high aspect ratio monomers confer unique miscibility properties on polycarbonates. Miscible, transparent blends have been found to form from polycarbonate mixtures containing as components of the mixture (1) polycarbonates of bisphenol A monomers copolymerized with a variety of bisphenols, and (2) polycarbonates containing high aspect ratio monomers.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for determining carbon emission reduction credits and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for generating and quantifying standardized carbon emission reduction credits. General data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a carbon sequestration model to determine the approximate change in the level of carbon compounds stored in a media, such as soil, over a specified period of time. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize carbon emission reduction credits. Standardized carbon emission reduction credits may be compiled for trade and other carbon emission reduction credits are placed in reserve.