Abstract: Various systems and methods for detecting electron spins using electron paramagnetic resonance are described. An excitation signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal of varying amplitude and phase as compared to a reference signal may be present. A crossed loop resonator configured to isolate a detection signal produced by the excitation signal exciting an object with a magnetic field may also be preset. Further, a detection device configured to detect electron spins of the object using the detection signal isolated by the crossed loop resonator may be present.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a prosthesis using a brain imager that images a localized portion of the brain are provided according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, the brain imager can provide motor cortex activation data using near infrared imaging techniques and EEG techniques among others. EEG and near infrared signals can be correlated with brain activity related to limbic control and may be provided to a neural network, for example, a fuzzy neural network that maps brain activity data to limbic control data. The limbic control data may then be used to control a prosthetic limb. Other embodiments of the invention include fiber optics that provide light to and receive light from the surface of the scalp through hair.

Abstract: This invention is a temperature-based smart insole capable of continuously or intermittently measuring the foot temperature of the patient at one or more locations of the foot while the insole is worn. The device provides feedback to the patient alerting the individual of risk based on his/her plantar temperatures. Benefits of this device include: its ability to free the patient from the clinical setting and increase patient's confidence to be mobile, thus enhancing circulation while at the same time allowing the patient to self-monitor their feet.

Abstract: Provided is a system for monitoring gait. More particularly, the system comprises: one or more pressure sensors; an algorithm which compares the data from the pressure sensor(s) to a stability profile, and provides a feedback value; means for communicating the feedback value; and a power source. Also provided is a method for gait analysis comprising: collecting signals from one or more pressure sensors located in pressure proximity to a foot, generating a test profile; comparing the test profile to a stability profile; generating a feedback signal; and communicating the feedback signal. The system may also comprise one or more accelerometers.

Abstract: This invention is a temperature-based smart insole capable of continuously or intermittently measuring the foot temperature of the patient at one or more locations of the foot while the insole is worn. The device provides feedback to the patient alerting the individual of risk based on his/her plantar temperatures. Benefits of this device include: its ability to free the patient from the clinical setting and increase patient's confidence to be mobile, thus enhancing circulation while at the same time allowing the patient to self-monitor their feet.

Abstract: Provided is a system for monitoring gait. More particularly, the system comprises: one or more pressure sensors; an algorithm which compares the data from the pressure sensor(s) to a stability profile, and provides a feedback value; means for communicating the feedback value; and a power source. Also provided is a method for gait analysis comprising: collecting signals from one or more pressure sensors located in pressure proximity to a foot, generating a test profile; comparing the test profile to a stability profile; generating a feedback signal; and communicating the feedback signal. The system may also comprise one or more accelerometers.

Abstract: A method for predicting long-term electrical insulation properties of composite materials in a moist environment. The method including the steps of providing a specimen, and testing the specimen to determine moisture content values and leakage current values at predetermined time intervals. The method further including the steps of determining a moisture-leakage current factor from the moisture content values and leakage current values, and using the moisture-leakage current factor to determine electrical insulation properties of the specimen.

Abstract: A method and system provides for acoustic sensing of structures, including a general shape and/or configuration of the structure and movement within the structure. Acoustic waves are used to characterize structures, including any activity within. As waves from a sound source travel into the structure, they resonate within cavities and connecting tunnels or halls. This acoustic resonance is received at an acoustic receiver. The received signal is analyzed in comparison to the generated signal, and properties of the structure are determined, including the size and shape of the structure, as well as movement of objects within the structure.

Abstract: The methods of the invention employ electrostatic atomization to form a compound droplet of at least two miscible fluids. The compound droplet comprises a core of a first fluid and a layer of a second fluid completely surrounding the core. The first fluid contains the agent to be encapsulated and the second fluid contains an encapsulating agent. The first and second liquids are miscible. The encapsulated droplets can contain a variety of materials including, but not limited to, polynucleotides such as DNA and RNA, proteins, bioactive agents or drugs, food, pesticides, herbicides, fragrances, antifoulants, dyes, oils, inks, cosmetics, catalysts, detergents, curing agents, flavors, fuels, metals, paints, photographic agents, biocides, pigments, plasticizers, propellants and the like and components thereof. The droplets can be encapsulated by a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, lipid bilayers and polymer shells.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for supporting, installing, and removing a safety net or other partition in a multiple use facility. The support system is comprised of a number of linear or substantially linear segments that are coupled together in a configuration that approximates the shape of the area being partitioned. The support system may be easily assembled and the safety net or other partition secured thereto. The support system is attached at various points to a lifting system that can lift the support system, and safety net or other partition, into position. Similarly, the support system may be lowered, disassembled, and stored for further use.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for use in an internal combustion engine employs a removable optical housing that is inserted through a hole in the cylinder wall or the cylinder head. The distal end of the housing supports a lens made of a material such as polycrystalline spinel or sapphire to provide a desired field of view within the cylinder and to project an image from the field of view through the internal passageway of the optical housing. A camera receives and records the image provided by the lens and optical housing. In one embodiment, the distal portion of the optical housing is secured to the cylinder wall by means of threads or a breech-mount mechanism to permit quick and easy removal and cleaning of the lens. In another embodiment, the distal end of the optical housing is inserted into the cylinder through a spark plug housing. The optical housing is secured to the cylinder head by a formed hole in a support bracket.

Abstract: A gas analysis device for the remote detecting, measuring and recording of NO, CO, CO.sub.2, HC, and H.sub.2 O levels from the exhaust (30) of moving motor vehicles (28) utilizes a source (11) of collimated infrared and ultraviolet radiation (15) and includes a detector unit (16) positioned on the opposite side of the roadway for receiving and measuring the infrared and ultraviolet radiation from the source (11) tranmitted through the vehicle exhaust. The detector unit splits the combined infrared and ultraviolet radiation into separate infrared and ultraviolet beams (42) and (40). The ultraviolet beam is diffracted onto a photodiode array in a spectrometer that generates a signal indicative of NO in the vehicle exhaust. A rotating reflector (27) time-multiplexes the infrared beam to a plurality of infrared sensors that generate electrical signals indicative of, for example, CO, CO.sub.2, HC, and H.sub.2 O in the vehicle exhaust. A computer (17) then computes the relative concentrations of CO, CO.sub.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic precipitator for removing high resistivity particles from a gas stream. The precipitator includes a charger section having a plurality of corona electrodes and hollow tubular collector electrodes. These electrodes are arranged in parallel, alternating arrangement in a single plane which is positioned perpendicular to the gas flow. The electrodes are connected to a high voltage electrical source while produces a thin high current electrical field which electrically charges the particles present. A temperature control fluid is passed through the collector electrodes to control the temperature of the particles collected so as to maintain the resistivity of the particles in a range in which back ionization will not occur. Due to the size and geometry of the charger section and the temperature control of the particle layer, an extremely high voltage, high current electrical field can be maintained. A collector section can be provided spaced downstream from the charging section.