Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 ?m is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.

Abstract: A blood pressure analysis system/method allowing conversion from an analog sensor input to a standardized analog output interface is disclosed. In some preferred embodiments the system/method permits a fiber optic pressure sensor to be interfaced to a standard patient care monitor (PCM) system using standardized Wheatstone Bridge analog interface inputs. Within this context the Wheatstone Bridge sensed output is defined by stimulus from the PCM and modulation of bridge element values by the conditioned output of an analog pressure sensor. The use of analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion in this blood pressure analysis permits retrofitting of PCM devices having analog Wheatstone Bridge inputs with advanced patient monitoring sensors without the need for specialized modifications to the baseline PCM data collection framework.

Abstract: A transducer interface system/method allowing conversion from an analog sensor input to a standardized analog output interface is disclosed. In some preferred embodiments the system/method permits a fiber optic pressure sensor to be interfaced to a standard patient care monitor (PCM) system using standardized Wheatstone Bridge analog interface inputs. Within this context the Wheatstone Bridge sensed output is defined by stimulus from the PCM and modulation of bridge element values by the conditioned output of an analog pressure sensor. The use of analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion in this transducer interface permits retrofitting of PCM devices having analog Wheatstone Bridge inputs with advanced patient monitoring sensors without the need for specialized modifications to the baseline PCM data collection framework. Methods disclosed herein include techniques to connect arbitrary types/numbers of analog sensors to traditional PCM systems without the need for PCM system hardware/software modifications.

Abstract: A transducer interface system/method allowing conversion from an analog sensor input to a standardized analog output interface is disclosed. In some preferred embodiments the system/method permits a fiber optic pressure sensor to be interfaced to a standard patient care monitor (PCM) system using standardized Wheatstone Bridge analog interface inputs. Within this context the Wheatstone Bridge sensed output is defined by stimulus from the PCM and modulation of bridge element values by the conditioned output of an analog pressure sensor. The use of analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion in this transducer interface permits retrofitting of PCM devices having analog Wheatstone Bridge inputs with advanced patient monitoring sensors without the need for specialized modifications to the baseline PCM data collection framework. Methods disclosed herein include techniques to connect arbitrary types/numbers of analog sensors to traditional PCM systems without the need for PCM system hardware/software modifications.

Abstract: The present invention is a device suitable for capture and containment of oil and gas wells following blowouts or other catastrophic failures, including those in submarine environments, and methods for its construction. The present invention provides a structurally-robust repair collar with integrated locking elements capable of engaging a riser pipe assembly, and an internal structure allowing in situ formation of an impermeable permanent seal through the introduction of liquid concrete into the device. The repair collar can provide means for attaching valves and various other downstream components in order to return pre-blowout functionality to the repaired riser, including oil recovery and flow control capability.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical battery having an annular rotor structure with magnetic levitation components integrally mounted in the rotor structure providing a passive levitation system in conjunction with a central core having permanent magnet elements mounted thereon, eliminating the need for the shaft and hub typically used on such devices. The rotor structure and central core are disposed in an evacuated housing. The rotor comprises a composite core wrapped with one or more layers of high-strength composite filaments, wherein the first layer is wrapped over the composite core in a continuous filament spiral-wound pattern, the second layer is wound in the same pattern, but in a counter-rotating direction and the third layer is wound in sequential planes radial to the axis of the rotor. Preferably, the closed-circuit conductive coils are embedded in the rotor structure and the magnet elements are configured in a Halbach Array.

Abstract: An electromechanical battery having an annular rotor structure with magnetic levitation components integrally mounted in the rotor structure providing a passive levitation system in conjunction with a central core having permanent magnet elements mounted thereon, eliminating the need for the shaft and hub typically used on such devices. The rotor structure and central core are disposed in an evacuated housing. The rotor comprises a composite core wrapped with one or more layers of high-strength composite filaments, wherein the first layer is wrapped over the composite core in a continuous filament spiral-wound pattern, the second layer is wound in the same pattern, but in a counter-rotating direction and the third layer is wound in sequential planes radial to the axis of the rotor. Preferably, the closed-circuit conductive coils are embedded in the rotor structure and the magnet elements are configured in a Halbach Array.

Abstract: An electromechanical battery having an annular rotor structure with magnetic levitation components integrally mounted in the rotor structure providing a passive levitation system in conjunction with a central core having permanent magnet elements mounted thereon, eliminating the need for the shaft and hub typically used on such devices. The rotor structure and central core are disposed in an evacuated housing. The rotor comprises a composite core wrapped with one or more layers of high-strength composite filaments, wherein the first layer is wrapped over the composite core in a continuous filament spiral-wound pattern, the second layer is wound in the same pattern, but in a counter-rotating direction and the third layer is wound in sequential planes radial to the axis of the rotor. Preferably, the closed-circuit conductive coils are embedded in the rotor structure and the magnet elements are configured in a Halbach Array.