Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for producing synthesis gas (syngas) using bio-oil. In some embodiments, syngas is produced by steam reforming bio-oil. In some embodiments, the bio-oil is provided in liquid form. In some embodiments at least some of the liquid bio-oil is transitioned into droplet form when entering a reformer for steam-reforming. In some embodiments, the reformer produces a gas stream comprising syngas, which may be fed to a furnace (e.g., direct reducing furnace, shaft furnace) for reducing iron ore to iron. In some embodiments, the amount of oxygen provided to the reformer is regulated based on an equivalence ratio (ER) corresponding to moles of oxygen fed to the reformer divided by moles of oxygen necessary to achieve stoichiometric combustion of the bio-oil, wherein an exemplary ER value is from about 0.1 to about 0.6.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in some aspects, are systems and methods for producing a material comprising iron through self-reduction of iron ore using bio-oil and/or other reducing agents (e.g., bio-based reducing agents), such as biocrude, ethanol, or other bio-based liquids or biologically sourced liquids. The bio-oil and/or other reducing agents can be mixed with the iron ore to form a furnace mixture, which can be heated, such that the components of the bio-oil and/or other reducing agents in the furnace mixture reduce the iron ore to form an iron product (e.g., a material that includes metallic iron). In some cases, the pre-formed furnace mixture allows for the reducing agents to interact with the iron more readily, thereby providing for quicker reaction rates, and thereby quicker reduction of iron ore, as compared to direct reduction iron production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for producing synthesis gas (syngas) using bio-oil. In some embodiments, syngas is produced by steam reforming bio-oil. In some embodiments, the bio-oil is provided in liquid form. In some embodiments at least some of the liquid bio-oil is transitioned into droplet form when entering a reformer for steam-reforming. In some embodiments, the reformer produces a gas stream comprising syngas, which may be fed to a furnace (e.g., direct reducing furnace, shaft furnace) for reducing iron ore to iron. In some embodiments, the amount of oxygen provided to the reformer is regulated based on an equivalence ratio (ER) corresponding to moles of oxygen fed to the reformer divided by moles of oxygen necessary to achieve stoichiometric combustion of the bio-oil, wherein an exemplary ER value is from about 0.1 to about 0.6.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in some aspects, are systems and methods for producing a material comprising iron through self-reduction of iron ore using bio-oil and/or other reducing agents (e.g., bio-based reducing agents), such as biocrude, ethanol, or other bio-based liquids or biologically sourced liquids. The bio-oil and/or other reducing agents can be mixed with the iron ore to form a furnace mixture, which can be heated, such that the components of the bio-oil and/or other reducing agents in the furnace mixture reduce the iron ore to form an iron product (e.g., a material that includes metallic iron). In some cases, the pre-formed furnace mixture allows for the reducing agents to interact with the iron more readily, thereby providing for quicker reaction rates, and thereby quicker reduction of iron ore, as compared to direct reduction iron production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for producing synthesis gas (syngas) using bio-oil. In some embodiments, syngas is produced by steam reforming bio-oil. In some embodiments, the bio-oil is provided in liquid form. In some embodiments at least some of the liquid bio-oil is transitioned into droplet form when entering a reformer for steam-reforming. In some embodiments, the reformer produces a gas stream comprising syngas, which may be fed to a furnace (e.g., direct reducing furnace, shaft furnace) for reducing iron ore to iron. In some embodiments, the amount of oxygen provided to the reformer is regulated based on an equivalence ratio (ER) corresponding to moles of oxygen fed to the reformer divided by moles of oxygen necessary to achieve stoichiometric combustion of the bio-oil, wherein an exemplary ER value is from about 0.1 to about 0.6.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a neural probe comprises a substrate comprising elongated shanks for penetrating neural tissue, each comprising a proximal end and a distal end; at least one optical source integral to the neural probe for illuminating the neural tissue; and microelectrodes located proximate the distal end of the elongated shanks for monitoring neuronal activity. In certain embodiments, a method of monitoring neuronal activity comprises implanting the neural probe into a test subject such that the elongated shanks protrude into neural tissue of the test subject; illuminating the neural tissue with the at least one optical source; and measuring neuronal activity in response to illuminating the neural tissue. In certain embodiments, a device comprises a semiconductor chip; at least one optical source integral to the semiconductor chip; and sensor elements integral to the semiconductor chip for collecting data responsive to light emitted from the at least one optical source.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a neural probe comprises a substrate comprising elongated shanks for penetrating neural tissue, each comprising a proximal end and a distal end; at least one optical source integral to the neural probe for illuminating the neural tissue; and microelectrodes located proximate the distal end of the elongated shanks for monitoring neuronal activity. In certain embodiments, a method of monitoring neuronal activity comprises implanting the neural probe into a test subject such that the elongated shanks protrude into neural tissue of the test subject; illuminating the neural tissue with the at least one optical source; and measuring neuronal activity in response to illuminating the neural tissue. In certain embodiments, a device comprises a semiconductor chip; at least one optical source integral to the semiconductor chip; and sensor elements integral to the semiconductor chip for collecting data responsive to light emitted from the at least one optical source.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip having integrated heaters and a method for manufacturing the microfluidic chip is provided. Specifically, the microfluidic chip comprises a first substrate having a microchannel formed therein. The second substrate is bonded to the first substrate to encapsulate the microchannel. An integrated heating element, that is hermetically sealed and electrically isolated from the microchannel, is formed on the top surface the second substrate after the first and second substrates are bonded together. A biological reaction can be performed in the microchannel of the microfluidic chip while the fluid in the microchannel is heated by electrical current passing through the integrated heating element.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a level of material in a storage bin, including a gear train, a gear train shaft rotatably coupled to the gear train, a drive shaft, a coupling system to couple the gear train shaft to the drive shaft, a paddle coupled to the drive shaft to rotate in unison therewith, the paddle configured to engage a material in the storage bin when the level of material reaches a threshold level, and a stepper motor. A controller may be communicatively coupled to the stepper motor wherein the controller is configured to monitor the running state and the stall state of the stepper motor.

Abstract: Certain embodiments comprise an implantable probe for rapid measurement of multiple neurochemicals on the cellular scale in the brain. Rapid detection of multiple chemicals in vivo (animal or humans) may provide an improved understanding of acute changes in neurochemicals that occur over several seconds. The neurotransmitter chemical sensing platform may provide for continuous in vivo sensing in trials of psychoactive drugs in the laboratory animal market. The high spatial resolution of the probe may allow for chemical detection around small groups of neurons, which may help to isolate the endogenous activity of different neuron types due to disease states. Neurochemical detection may also be used to measure tissue response to exogenous stimuli, such as pharmacodynamics of drugs. The high temporal and spatial resolutions and multi-neurochemical sensing of the probe may allow for detailed studies on in vivo brain response to both endogenous and exogenous stimuli.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a neural probe comprises a substrate comprising elongated shanks for penetrating neural tissue, each comprising a proximal end and a distal end; at least one optical source integral to the neural probe for illuminating the neural tissue; and microelectrodes located proximate the distal end of the elongated shanks for monitoring neuronal activity. In certain embodiments, a method of monitoring neuronal activity comprises implanting the neural probe into a test subject such that the elongated shanks protrude into neural tissue of the test subject; illuminating the neural tissue with the at least one optical source; and measuring neuronal activity in response to illuminating the neural tissue. In certain embodiments, a device comprises a semiconductor chip; at least one optical source integral to the semiconductor chip; and sensor elements integral to the semiconductor chip for collecting data responsive to light emitted from the at least one optical source.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a neural probe comprises a substrate comprising elongated shanks for penetrating neural tissue, each comprising a proximal end and a distal end; at least one optical source integral to the neural probe for illuminating the neural tissue; and microelectrodes located proximate the distal end of the elongated shanks for monitoring neuronal activity. In certain embodiments, a method of monitoring neuronal activity comprises implanting the neural probe into a test subject such that the elongated shanks protrude into neural tissue of the test subject; illuminating the neural tissue with the at least one optical source; and measuring neuronal activity in response to illuminating the neural tissue. In certain embodiments, a device comprises a semiconductor chip; at least one optical source integral to the semiconductor chip; and sensor elements integral to the semiconductor chip for collecting data responsive to light emitted from the at least one optical source.

Abstract: Provided herein is a coated biosensor and a method of preserving a coated biosensor to protect it during implantation into the brain or other tissues by coating the biosensor with a protective coating.

Abstract: The specification and drawings show an embodiment of the present invention in the form of a device comprising one or more biosensors either placed or imbedded in a catheter, needle or combination of the two. The catheter or needle comprises exclusionary slits upstream of the biosensor(s), angled so that fluid flows in through the slits and down past the biosensors. The wires connecting the biosensors to external monitoring and/or analytical apparatus are wired through the catheter or needle material. Also provided herein are methods for detection of small molecules using the device described herein.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a level of material in a storage bin, including a gear train, a gear train shaft rotatably coupled to the gear train, a drive shaft, a coupling system to couple the gear train shaft to the drive shaft, a paddle coupled to the drive shaft to rotate in unison therewith, the paddle configured to engage a material in the storage bin when the level of material reaches a threshold level, and a stepper motor. A controller may be communicatively coupled to the stepper motor wherein the controller is configured to monitor the running state and the stall state of the stepper motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to analyzing elements, including metals in mechanical systems. The invention therefore allows for detecting wear elements, such as metals, for example, in lubricants to determine whether the mechanical system is deteriorating, or even approaching failure. The invention relates to an integrated micro-electromechanical (MEMS) apparatus, and methods for using this apparatus.

Abstract: Various systems and methods related to the design and manufacturing of wearable patches for long-term, controlled stimulation of highly-localized regions on the skin of a wearer, including for the practice of acupuncture, are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments comprise an implantable probe for rapid measurement of multiple neurochemicals on the celluar scale in the brain. Rapid detection of multiple chemicals in vivo (animal or humans) may provide an improved understanding of acute changes in neurochemicals that occur over several seconds. The neurotransmitter chemical sensing platform may provide for continuous in vivo sensing in trials of psychoactive drugs in the laboratory animal market. The high spatial resolution of the probe may allow for chemical detection around small groups of neurons, which may help to isolate the endogenous activity of different neuron types due to disease states. Neurochemical detection may also be used to measure tissue response to exogenous stimuli, such as pharmacodynamics of drugs. The high temporal and spatial resolutions and multi-neurochemical sensing of the probe may allow for detailed studies on in vivo brain response to both endogenous and exogenous stimuli.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for an ingestible sensor device are described. The ingestible sensor devices may be swallowed by an animal to diagnose one or more conditions of the animal. The ingestible sensor device may include a sensor configured to receive a stimulus inside the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, wherein the sensor is configured to output a signal having a characteristic proportional to the received stimulus. The ingestible sensor device may further include a communications module that transmits a signal modulated with the sensor output signal and a housing configured to have a size that is swallowable, wherein the housing substantially encloses the sensor and communications module.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a neural probe comprises a substrate comprising elongated shanks for penetrating neural tissue, each comprising a proximal end and a distal end; at least one optical source integral to the neural probe for illuminating the neural tissue; and microelectrodes located proximate the distal end of the elongated shanks for monitoring neuronal activity. In certain embodiments, a method of monitoring neuronal activity comprises implanting the neural probe into a test subject such that the elongated shanks protrude into neural tissue of the test subject; illuminating the neural tissue with the at least one optical source; and measuring neuronal activity in response to illuminating the neural tissue. In certain embodiments, a device comprises a semiconductor chip; at least one optical source integral to the semiconductor chip; and sensor elements integral to the semiconductor chip for collecting data responsive to light emitted from the at least one optical source.