Abstract: A qubit device includes a crystal immobilized on a substrate and in contact with electrodes. The crystal exhibits a charge pair symmetry and with an electron current moving clockwise, counter clockwise, or both. The current in can be placed in a state of superposition wherein the current is unknown until it is measured, and the direction of the current is measured to produce a binary output corresponding to a logical zero or a logical one. A state of the qubit device is monitored by measuring a voltage, a current, or a magnetic field and assigning a superposition or base state depending on a threshold value.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for: (1) alternatingly in time inflating and deflating a sealed compartment that includes: a first flexible and deformable seal connected to a pressure control chamber; (2) alternatingly in time pumping a gas into a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a first piston in a first partially sealed cylinder of a double acting kinematic cylinder, the double acting kinematic cylinder further comprising a second partially sealed cylinder, including: a second piston and the pressure control chamber, the pressure control chamber both on a first side of the second piston and within the second partially sealed cylinder; and (3) transferring a force from the first piston to the second piston via a rigid coupler affixed at a first end to the first piston and at a second end to the second piston, such as to alternating inflate and deflate a seal.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for estimating state of a cardiovascular system, comprising a cardiac stroke volume analyzer, comprising: (1) a blood pressure sensor generating a time-varying pressure state waveform output from a limb of the person; (2) a system processor connected to the blood pressure sensor; and (3) a dynamic state-space model; the system processor receiving cardiovascular input data, from the blood pressure sensor, related to a transient pressure state of the cardiovascular system; at least one probabilistic model, of the dynamic state-space model, operating on the time-varying pressure state waveform output to generate a probability distribution function to a non-pressure state of the cardiovascular system; iteratively updating the probability distribution function using output from the blood pressure sensor; and processing the probability distribution function to generate a non-pressure state output related to stroke volume of a heart of the person and arterial compliance

Abstract: A probabilistic digital signal processor using data from multiple instruments is described. In one example, a digital signal processor is integrated into a biomedical device. The processor is configured to: use a dynamic state-space model configured with a physiological model of a body system to provide a prior probability distribution function; receive sensor data input from at least two data sources; and iteratively use a probabilistic updater to integrate the sensor data as a fused data set and generate a posterior probability distribution function using all of: (1) the fused data set; (2) an application of Bayesian probability; and (3) the prior probability distribution function. The processor further generates an output of a biomedical state using the posterior probability function.

Abstract: A probabilistic digital signal processor using data from multiple instruments is described. In one example, an analyzer is configured to: receive discrete first and second input data, related to a first and second sub-system of the system, from a first and second instrument, respectively. A system processor is used to fuse the first and second input data into fused data. The system processor optionally includes: (1) a probabilistic processor configured to convert the fused data into at least two probability distribution functions and (2) a dynamic state-space model, the dynamic state-space model including at least one probabilistic model configured to operate on the at least two probability distribution functions. The system processor iteratively circulates the at least two probability distribution functions in the dynamic state-space model in synchronization with receipt of updated input data, processes the probability distribution functions, and generates an output related to the state of the system.

Abstract: A sampling adapter having a tubular body with a first open end and a second open end encloses an adapter volume that is accessible by a sensor probe through a septum in cap covering the first open end. The second open end is configured to be reversibly attachable to an opening in a storage container.

Abstract: A constant volume combustion chamber, combustor, and method for constant volume combustion involve combusting a fuel in a chamber sealed by a pintle having a conical portion fitted into a conical nozzle throat and pulling the pintle away from the nozzle throat to allow combustion products to exhaust through a nozzle outlet. The shapes and surfaces of the pintle and nozzle throat provide for sealing the chamber at high pressures while resisting surface wear. Operational parameters for the combustor may be computer controlled in response to measured pressures and temperatures in the combustor.

Abstract: A method and system for processing algae involves the use of an ionic liquid-containing clarified cell lysate to lyse algae cells. The resulting crude cell lysate may be clarified and subsequently used to lyse algae cells. The process may be repeated a number of times before a clarified lysate is separated into lipid and aqueous phases for further processing and/or purification of desired products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring, collecting, and processing the temperatures of a number of hot junctions in a thermocouple sensor array simultaneously comprises means for measuring the temperature of one or more reference junctions and means for collecting, processing, storing, and transmitting data collected from an array of thermocouple temperature sensors. The measured temperature(s) of the one or more reference junctions is used to correct the measured voltage in each of a plurality of thermocouple circuits to obtain accurate hot junction temperature measurements. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for collecting and processing temperature data from various locations within engines such as turbine, rocket, and internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A two-stage air source heat pump having an extended operational temperature range combines intercooling, regeneration, and inter-stage vapor recirculation. Cooling a working gas in between the lower and higher-pressure stages decreases the work required to compress the working gas. The entire system may be computer controlled using sensors to monitor flows, temperatures, and pressures in and around the system.

Abstract: A probabilistic digital signal processor using data from multiple instruments is described. Initial probability distribution functions are input to a dynamic state-space model, which operates on state and/or model probability distribution functions to generate a prior probability distribution function, which is input to a probabilistic updater. The probabilistic updater integrates sensor data from multiple instruments with the prior to generate a posterior probability distribution function passed (1) to a probabilistic sampler, which estimates one or more parameters using the posterior, which is output or re-sampled in an iterative algorithm or (2) iteratively to the dynamic state-space model. For example, the probabilistic processor operates on fused data using a physical model, where the data originates from a mechanical system or a medical meter or instrument, such as an electrocardiogram or pulse oximeter to generate new parameter information and/or enhanced parameter information.

Abstract: An energetic ionic liquid catalytic decomposition gas generator uses stoichiometric and nonstoiciometric mixtures of specific energetic ionic liquids and iridium catalyst. The catalyst temperature used and gas production versus ignition may be controlled by combining one or more cationic species with one or more anionic species of the ionic liquid(s).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring, collecting, and processing the temperatures of a number of hot junctions in a thermocouple sensor array simultaneously comprises means for measuring the temperature of one or more reference junctions and means for collecting, processing, storing, and transmitting data collected from an array of thermocouple temperature sensors. The measured temperature(s) of the one or more reference junctions is used to correct the measured voltage in each of a plurality of thermocouple circuits to obtain accurate hot junction temperature measurements. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for collecting and processing temperature data from various locations within engines such as turbine, rocket, and internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A one-step process for the lysis of microalgae cell walls and separation of the cellular lipids for use in biofuel production by utilizing a hydrophilic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium. The hydrophilic ionic liquid both lyses the microalgae cell walls and forms two immiscible layers, one of which consists of the lipid contents of the lysed cells. After mixture of the hydrophilic ionic liquid with a suspension of microalgae cells, gravity causes a hydrophobic lipid phase to move to a top phase where it is removed from the mixture and purified. The hydrophilic ionic liquid is recycled to lyse new microalgae suspensions.

Abstract: A high speed sensor data transfer interface is described. The interface combines a bridge circuit, carrier voltage source, first order RC high pass filter, reference power supply, Bessel filter, and high-speed analog to digital converter on a single Smart Transducer Interface Module board (STIM) to receive data from sensors. Data from the STIM is transferred to a Network Capable Application Processor (NCAP) having a microprocessor and either a Field Programmable Gate Array or a Complex Programmable Logic Device. The NCAP transfers data to a data exchange network.

Abstract: A method and system for processing algae involves the use of an ionic liquid-containing clarified cell lysate to lyse algae cells. The resulting crude cell lysate may be clarified and subsequently used to lyse algae cells. The process may be repeated a number of times before a clarified lysate is separated into lipid and aqueous phases for further processing and/or purification of desired products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing algae are described in which a hydrophilic ionic liquid is used to lyse algae cells at lower temperatures than existing algae processing methods. A salt or salt solution is used as a separation agent and to remove water from the ionic liquid, allowing the ionic liquid to be reused. The used salt may be dried or concentrated and reused. The relatively low lysis temperatures and recycling of the ionic liquid and salt reduce the environmental impact of the algae processing while providing biofuels and other useful products.

Abstract: A self-contained storage system for hazardous materials includes a containment envelope enclosing a storage tank containing hazardous materials and forming a containment space between the storage tank and containment envelope. Leaked material is detected by one or more sensors in the containment space and, depending on the concentration or time rate of change in concentration of the leaked material, alarms and corresponding mitigation measures are reversibly activated to remove leaked material from the containment space.

Abstract: A constant volume combustion chamber, combustor, and method for constant volume combustion involve combusting a fuel in a chamber sealed by a pintle having a conical portion fitted into a conical nozzle throat and pulling the pintle away from the nozzle throat to allow combustion products to exhaust through a nozzle outlet. The shapes and surfaces of the pintle and nozzle throat provide for sealing the chamber at high pressures while resisting surface wear. Operational parameters for the combustor may be computer controlled in response to measured pressures and temperatures in the combustor.

Abstract: The invention comprises a slide preparation apparatus and method of operation therefor for aiding in microscope slide preparation. The slide preparation apparatus includes an inclined plane surface configured to support a microscope slide assembly at an angle that ergonomically facilitates delivery of a fluid sample to an upper edge of a cover slip of the microscope slide assembly, which allows gravity to aid fluid delivery a microscope slide. Preferably, the slide preparation apparatus is heated and/or temperature controlled to reduce viscosity of the sampled fluid, which enables the fluid to flow between the microscope slide and the cover slip.