Abstract: Novel magnetorheological elastomer compositions are provided. The magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) may have aligned or randomly arranged magnetizable particles in a thermoset or thermoplastic matrix. The magnetizable particles may be coated to reduce corrosion and/or improve bonding between the particle and the matrix. The magnetizable particles may be flake-shaped. The MREs may have matrices selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, butyl rubbers, ethylene-propylene copolymers and terpolymers, ethylene-acrylic copolymers, fluorinated elastomers, silphenylene-siloxanes, silarylene-siloxanes, poly(carborane-siloxane-acetylene)s and blends thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reducing and fixating bone fragments during osteosynthesis is disclosed. An internal fixation plate has first and second arms forming an acute angle. Attachment locations adapted to secure the plate to bone are located at distal portions of the respective arms. A third attachment location is located intermediate the first and second attachment locations. The arms have both a rigid retainer portion to assist in aligning opposing bone fragments and a flexible portion that desirably conforms to the surface of the bone to which it is to be fastened without requiring a surgeon to attempt to bend the plate prior to fastening it to the bone. A method is described for using the plate in combination with a tension-wire method that uses monocortical screws with stainless-steel wire to reduce and fixate a fracture.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for making unsubstituted carborane anions and monosubstituted carborane anions of formula: (R—CBn—Hm?)? where n is an integer ranging from 5 to about 11 and m? is an integer ranging from 5 to 16 where the relative values of n and m? depend upon the exact structure of the carborane and the presence of a non-hydrogen substituent. m as used herein is an integer ranging from 5 to 16. When R is hydrogen the anion is unsubstituted. When R is a halogen, a phenyl, a substituted phenyl group, such as fluorophenyl group, or any other substituent, the carborane is substituted. The method is particularly useful for preparation of twelve-vertex carborane anions R—CB11H11?, where R is a defined above, and is specifically useful for preparation of the unsubstituted carborane CB11H12-??, where R is H.

Abstract: A tunable vibration isolation device comprising a magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE), and methods of using such a device, are provided. By manipulating a magnetic field within the MRE the device's stiffness is controlled. The vibration isolator can be constructed to provide shock absorption in one, two and three dimensions. Coupling the tunable device to a sensor feedback and a control system provides fast and accurate vibration isolation and energy dissipation for shock events in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The disclosed device is directed toward magneto-rheological fluid encasement device. The magneto-rheological fluid encasement device comprises a body having at least one containment element defining an interior and an exterior. A magneto-rheological fluid is disposed in the interior of the at least one containment element. At least one magnetic field is in operative communication with the magneto-rheological fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids and their encoded proteins that are involved in tocopherol or plastoquinone biosynthesis. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering phytyl/prenyltransferase protein content and/or composition of plants.

Abstract: A system and method for executing random pulse width modulation in electronic power converters. In accordance with this invention, the sampling period of sampling cycles for pulse width modulation remains constant while the period of switching cycles are varied. The periods of switching cycles are varied using random numbers to calculate delays between the start of coincident sampling and switching cycles.