Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a gradient catalyst structure and a method of making the same. The gradient catalyst structure can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on layered buckypaper. The layered buckypaper can include at least a first layer and a second layer and the first layer can have a lower porosity compared to the second layer. The gradient catalyst structure can include single-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or both in the first layer of the layered buckypaper and can include carbon nanofibers in the second layer of the layered buckypaper. The MEA can have a catalyst utilization efficiency of at least 0.35 gcat/kW or less.

Abstract: Fire retardant materials are provided that contain carbon nanotubes and particles capable of endothermically reacting when exposed to elevated temperatures. The carbon nanotubes may be a buckypaper. Methods also are provided for making a fire retardant material and for improving the fire retardation capabilities of a material.

Abstract: Flame retardant composite materials are provided which include at least one first paper which comprises carbon nanofibers and graphite oxide particles. The composite materials may further include at least one second paper which comprises carbon nanofibers. The composites may further include one or more structural material layers sandwiched between the first and second papers. Occupant structures are also provided with fire and smoke retardant surfaces composed of carbon nanofibers/graphite oxide particles papers at least partially surrounding occupants of the occupant structures.

Abstract: A composite material for electromagnetic interference shielding is provided. The composite material comprises a stack including at least two electrically conductive nanoscale fiber films, which are spaced apart from one another by at least one insulating gap positioned between the at least two nanoscale fiber films. The stack is effective to provide a substantial multiple internal reflection effect.

Abstract: Fire retardant materials arc provided that contain carbon nanotubes and particles capable of endothermically reacting when exposed to elevated temperatures. The carbon nanotubes may be a buckypaper. Methods also are provided for making a fire retardant material and for improving the fire retardation capabilities of a material.

Abstract: Fire retardant materials are provided that contain carbon nanotubes and particles capable of endothermically reacting when exposed to elevated temperatures. The carbon nanotubes may be a buckypaper. Methods also are provided for making a fire retardant material and for improving the fire retardation capabilities of a material.

Abstract: The hydroelectric device contains two base members, a hoist member, a paddle wheel member, and a power generation member. The base members are for the installation of the other members. The host member contains a pair of arm elements rotatably connected to the base members. The paddle wheel member contains an axle whose two ends are pin-joined to the arm elements, respectively. Therefore, the axle is rotatably configured across the arm elements, and across the base members. An end of the axle is configured with a first transmission element. The power generation member has a second transmission element at its input end engaged by the first transmission element. When the axle is turned and the first transmission element spins synchronously, the second transmission element of the power generation member is engaged to spin synchronously and the power generation member is driven to produce electricity.

Abstract: Flame retardant composite materials are provided which include at least one first paper which comprises carbon nanofibers and graphite oxide particles. The composite materials may further include at least one second paper which comprises carbon nanofibers. The composites may further include one or more structural material layers sandwiched between the first and second papers. Occupant structures are also provided with fire and smoke retardant surfaces composed of carbon nanofibers/graphite oxide particles papers at least partially surrounding occupants of the occupant structures.

Abstract: A prosthetic sock for a patient to wear over a residual limb is provided. The prosthetic sock includes an inner layer configured to fit over at least a portion of the residual limb of the patient. A foam layer is disposed on an outer surface of the inner layer. The foam layer compensates for changes in shape or volume of the residual limb within the prosthetic sock by changing shape in a manner effective to maintain a secure fit between the residual limb and a prosthetic socket of a prosthetic limb.

Abstract: A composite material for electromagnetic interference shielding is provided. The composite material comprises a stack including at least two electrically conductive nanoscale fiber films, which are spaced apart from one another by at least one insulating gap positioned between the at least two nanoscale fiber films. The stack is effective to provide a substantial multiple internal reflection effect. An electromagnetic interference shielded apparatus and a method for shielding an electrical circuit from electromagnetic interference is provided.

Abstract: The invention of automatic online defective elements checking and removing device relates to flexographic printing presses. Between a first vacuum conveying platform and a second vacuum and separating-conveying platform on the top of a mobile frame is provided a defective elements remover including a defective removing air ejector operated by a valve, which receives output signal from the online computerized visual QC station at the flexographic printing press and a receiver for carrying the ejected elements away from the platforms. Under the mobile frame is provided a vacuum pump and vacuum distribution tube connected each other with steel wire enforced hose and a ball valve is used to adjust the vacuum in order to prevent the printed labels from drifting on the conveyor belts. Both of the platforms are separately driven by motors and via toothed belts.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer and a method of making the same. The catalyst layer can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on buckypaper. The catalyst layer can have 1% or less binder prior to attachment to the membrane electrode assembly. The catalyst layer can include (a) single-wall nanotubes, small diameter multi-wall nanotubes, or both, and (b) large diameter multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or both. The ratio of (a) to (b) can range from 1:2 to 1:20. The catalyst layer can produce a surface area utilization efficiency of at least 60% and the platinum utilization efficiency can be 0.50 gPt/kW or less.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring the structural health of one or more structures and associated materials. For example, a structural health monitoring system can be provided. The system can include a structure to be monitored, the structure including a material with multiple triboluminescent sensors and multiple nano-optoelectronic members; and an analyzer in signal communication with the nano-optoelectronic members.

Abstract: A method is provided for functionalizing nanoscale fibers including reacting a plurality of nanoscale fibers with at least one epoxide monomer to chemically bond the at least one epoxide monomer to surfaces of the nanoscale fibers to form functionalized nanoscale fibers. Functionalized nanoscale fibers and nanoscale fiber films are also provided.

Abstract: An antenna for receiving and transmitting a signal is provided. The antenna includes a connection portion receiving and transmitting the signal, a first radiation portion and a second radiation portion. The connection portion includes a first end, a second end and a third end, wherein the first end is configured at a first distance from a ground. The first radiation portion is connected to the second end, and includes at least one folding area forming thereon at least one folding segment, wherein the folding segment and the connection portion have therebetween a shortest distance being a second distance. The second radiation portion is connected to the third end.

Abstract: A composite material for electromagnetic interference shielding is provided. The composite material comprises a stack including at least two electrically conductive nanoscale fiber films, which are spaced apart from one another by at least one insulating gap positioned between the at least two nanoscale fiber films. The stack is effective to provide a substantial multiple internal reflection effect. An electromagnetic interference shielded apparatus and a method for shielding an electrical circuit from electromagnetic interference is provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-molecule-based organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and a fabrication method thereof. The high-molecule-based OLED comprises a layer selected from a group consisting of an organic emissive layer, a first emission-auxiliary layer and a second emission-auxiliary layer. The organic emissive layer, first emission-auxiliary layer or second emission-auxiliary layer comprises a molecular material having a molecular weight of larger than approximately 730 g mol?1, and is formed by a solution-process.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer and a method of making the same. The catalyst layer can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on buckypaper. The method can include the steps of placing buckypaper in a vessel with a catalyst-precursor salt and a fluid. The temperature and pressure conditions within the vessel are modified so as to place the fluid in the supercritical state. The supercritical state of the supercritical fluid containing the precursor salt is maintained for period of time to impregnate the buckypaper with the catalyst-precursor salt. Catalyst nanoparticles are deposited on the buckypaper. The supercritical fluid and the precursor are removed to form a metal catalyst impregnated buckypaper.

Abstract: Fire retardant materials arc provided that contain carbon nanotubes and particles capable of endothermically reacting when exposed to elevated temperatures. The carbon nanotubes may be a buckypaper. Methods also are provided for making a fire retardant material and for improving the fire retardation capabilities of a material.

Abstract: A carrier tray as described herein includes a container having pockets for holding electrical components such as integrated circuits during manufacturing, and a device coupled to the container for tracking usage of the carrier tray into and out of process chambers used for performing particular processes on the electrical components carried therein. Stations and methods of using the carrier tray are also described herein.