Abstract: An investment casting method involves producing a casting shell by applying a hardenable refractory material to a sacrificial pattern. The casting shell having a plurality of phosphate bonds in the hardenable refractory material, which provide increased structural integrity during casting and improved frangibility during shell removal. The casting shell may also have a plurality of gaseous pockets suspended in the refractory material, which do not degrade the structural integrity during casting and provide improved frangibility during shell removal.

Abstract: A game bird decoy provides for more natural kinematics by providing a smoothly articulating neck, an automatic orientation of the neck with respect to body tipping and improved dual-mode wing activation in which the wings may lift or lift and extend as a function of body angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing the amount of mercury contaminant in food articles such as fish.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of making and using a fluorescent probe from the Sandercyanin protein as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of creating a fluorescent probe, comprising the steps of attaching a Sandercyanin moiety to a probe, wherein the probe is specific to a desired target.

Abstract: Methods of isoprenoid production are provided by the present invention. In particular, transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacteria and methods for producing isoprene and pinene using a host transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacterium are provided.

Abstract: A printable refractory material is provided having a liquid and powder component configured for use in a 3-D powder printer, where the material forms hydraulic bonds when the liquid and powder components are combined. Methods of printing the refractory material and forming castings therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: The preset invention is a hierarchically-structured carbon microbead and method for forming the microbead utilizing hydrothermal carbonization of a biomass/catalyst mixture to produce partially carbonized amorphous microspheres, wherein the biomass is an inexpensive material containing a high oxygen content component (e.g., sugar, starch, alcohol), and the catalyst is a metal or metal-containing compound, preferably a transition metal compound, and more specifically a transition metal selected from Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt. Subsequently, a heat treatment is performed where the amorphous microspheres are heated to a temperature that is sufficiently high so as to result in carbonization, graphitization, and production of a carbonaceous coating or shell on the core of the microbead.

Abstract: Solvents for macromolecules generally believed to be insoluble in their pristine form are identified by generation of a “solvent resonance” in the relationship between solvent quality (deduced by Rayleigh scattering) and an intrinsic property of solvents. A local extreme of the solvent resonance identifies the ideal intrinsic property of an ideal solvent which may then be used to select a particular solvent or solvent combination. A solvent for graphene is used in the production of transparent conductive electrodes.

Abstract: A system includes a vibration unit that provides independent adjustability of vibration characteristics such as frequency and amplitude and may provide a first motor that rotates an eccentric and can adjust vibration frequency and a second motor that that may move the eccentric within the vibration unit in a manner that adjusts amplitude of the vibration.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for assisting individuals with hypertonic extension pattern provides a pivoting support that better matches the pivoting motion of the patient's head in backward extension. A restoring spring absorbs and dissipates the energy of the extension and provides adjustable spring restoring force.

Abstract: A mechanism, e.g. for driving a wheelchair, converting oscillating motion of a lever (15) into rotary motion of an output disc (capstans 34) by means of a flexible member (belt 26). In one direction of the lever (15), the belt (26) drives the output disc (capstans 24). In the other direction, the belt (26) slips. This is achieved by a (rotary) drag element (22) providing a (rotary) resistance force (=counter force) upstream the output disc (34) thereby tensioning the belt (26) such that slip is avoided.

Abstract: Solvents for macromolecules generally believed to be insoluble in their pristine form are identified by generation of a ‘solvent resonance’ in the relationship between solvent quality (deduced by Rayleigh scattering) and an intrinsic property of solvents. A local extreme of the solvent resonance identifies the ideal intrinsic property of an ideal solvent which may then be used to select a particular solvent or solvent combination. A solvent for graphene is used in the production of transparent conductive electrodes.

Abstract: High-speed formation of char, useful as a precursor to activated carbon, is produced by a combination of cellulosic material and an acid solution both preheated close to the steam temperature and then mixed. The rapid endothermic reaction rapidly chars the cellulosic material driving excess water away as steam and minimizing tar formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to rehabilitation systems and methods for providing therapy to individuals who have suffered a stroke or other neurological insult. A rehabilitation system may comprise a depth sensing camera positioned to view a workspace into which a patient's hands may be located, a display system viewable by the patient, and an electronic computer executing a stored program to display a representation of a virtual space holding at least one virtual object, display a representation of at least one hand of the patient, and monitor a virtual manipulation of the virtual object by the patient's hand. Other embodiments may include virtual reality goggles, head motion tracking, various exercises and of varying difficulty, tracking metrics and recording for subsequent playback.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting cancerous tissue in a subject is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a system and method for non-invasively identifying cancerous regions in breast tissue. The system includes a sensor system, a drive system, and a processor. The sensor system includes a sensor plate and, similarly, the drive system includes a drive plate. A time-varying voltage is applied to the drive plate and induced currents are subsequently measured by the sensor plate. Signals indicative of an induced current are then acquired and analyzed by the processor to determine the spatial location of anomalous regions. Subsequently, the anomalous regions are characterized as either cancerous or non-cancerous.

Abstract: A device and method for accurately characterizing tissue impedance employs multiple electrodes at a plurality of separation distances to cancel the effects of front end loading leakage currents and electrode polarization to improve the accuracy of sensitive impedance measurements used to identify cancerous tissues. These measurements may be automated over a range of frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for musculoskeletal stimulation allows independent electronic control of vibration parameters and overall biasing force so that an optimum combination of these parameters may be obtained regardless of the user's weight and without the need for adjustment of mechanical weights or springs.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of making and using a fluorescent probe from the Sandercyanin protein as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of creating a fluorescent probe, comprising the steps of attaching a Sandercyanin moiety to a probe, wherein the probe is specific to a desired target.

Abstract: A prefabricated sprue assembly provides attachment to independently-produced investment casting molds to substantially reduce the need for pattern material. Installable connections between the prefabricated sprue assembly and the investment mold allow substantial reduction of scrap loss caused by errors in production of individual investment molds by culling defective molds before installation to the sprue assembly.

Abstract: An investment casting method involves producing a casting shell by applying a hardenable refractory material to a sacrificial pattern. The casting shell having a plurality of phosphate bonds in the hardenable refractory material, which provide increased structural integrity during casting and improved frangibility during shell removal. The casting shell may also have a plurality of gaseous pockets suspended in the refractory material, which do not degrade the structural integrity during casting and provide improved frangibility during shell removal.