Abstract: Select embodiments of the present invention employ biological means to direct assemble CNT-based nanostructures, allowing for scaling to macrostructures for manufacture. In select embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for assembling DNA-functionalized SWNTs by phosphodiester bonding catalyzed by ssDNA-ligase to form macroscopic CNT aggregates.

Abstract: The pressure-detecting system utilizes a nanocomposite sensor with quantum dots embedded in a matrix. Under pressure, both the quantum dots and the matrix fluoresce when illuminated by a laser. A spectroscope detects the intensity of each fluorescence and sends the information to a data processor. The data processor calculates a ratio using the intensities. Comparing this ratio to ratios stored in a data object in a database provides a value for the pressure detected by the sensor. The data object contains multiple ratios, each correlated to a specific pressure during a calibration process for the sensor. This calibration process subjected the sensor to known pressures, with the resultant ratios calculated and stored in the data object, correlated to the appropriate pressures.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluid power generator with elastic tension gradient strips that move in a serpentine fashion to generate power from fluid flow. Each strip has a tension gradient that decreases going back. This allows steady serpentine movement of the strip to move a coil generator across multiple magnets to generate power. Tensioning tubes keep the strips under tension and attach the strips to a strip support that also supports a magnet holder. The magnet holder keeps the magnets in position within the coil generators so that any serpentine movement of the strip can generate power.

Abstract: A nanoparticle sensor apparatus includes a silicon-based nanoparticle having a centrosymmetric crystalline structure. A lanthanide atom embedded within the silicon-based nanoparticle provides light emission when the sensor apparatus undergoes pressure loading. This sensor apparatus may be encapsulated in a polymer matrix to form a nanoparticle sensor matrix apparatus which may be located on or in a structure. To measure the pressure on such a structure, a UV light source illuminates the sensor apparatus. An optical emission detector detects the intensity of light emitted from the sensor in response, while a processor correlates that intensity to the pressure loading.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluid power generator with elastic tension gradient strips that move in a serpentine fashion to generate power from fluid flow. Each strip has a tension gradient that decreases going back. This allows steady serpentine movement of the strip to move a coil generator across multiple magnets to generate power. Tensioning tubes keep the strips under tension and attach the strips to a strip support that also supports a magnet holder. The magnet holder keeps the magnets in position within the coil generators so that any serpentine movement of the strip can generate power.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymer supercapacitor and method for making such a supercapacitor. The supercapacitor is formed by loading a flexible electrode plate of a high surface area material with metal oxide particles, then encasing the electrode plate in a coating of a polymer electrolyte. The electrode plate is then folded in half and flexible plates attached to the upper and lower surfaces to form the supercapacitor.

Abstract: A nanoparticle sensor apparatus includes a silicon-based nanoparticle having a centrosymmetric crystalline structure. A lanthanide atom embedded within the silicon-based nanoparticle provides light emission when the sensor apparatus undergoes pressure loading. This sensor apparatus may be encapsulated in a polymer matrix to form a nanoparticle sensor matrix apparatus which may be located on or in a structure. To measure the pressure on such a structure, a UV light source illuminates the sensor apparatus. An optical emission detector detects the intensity of light emitted from the sensor in response, while a processor correlates that intensity to the pressure loading.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymer supercapacitor and method for making such a supercapacitor. The supercapacitor is formed by loading a flexible electrode plate of a high surface area material with metal oxide particles, then encasing the electrode plate in a coating of a polymer electrolyte. The electrode plate is then folded in half and flexible plates attached to the upper and lower surfaces to form the supercapacitor.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have excellent mechanical properties such as low density, high stiffness, and exceptional strength making them ideal candidates for reinforcement material in a wide range of high-performance composites. Fibers with increased tensile strengths are produced by employing plasma treatment under various conditions. Tensile strength is improved by at least 35%, relative to an untreated fiber. Methods of making such high strength carbon nanotube fibers via plasma processing are disclosed.

Abstract: The pressure-detecting system utilizes a nanocomposite sensor with quantum dots embedded in a matrix. Under pressure, both the quantum dots and the matrix fluoresce when illuminated by a laser. A spectroscope detects the intensity of each fluorescence and sends the information to a data processor. The data processor calculates a ratio using the intensities. Comparing this ratio to ratios stored in a data object in a database provides a value for the pressure detected by the sensor. The data object contains multiple ratios, each correlated to a specific pressure during a calibration process for the sensor. This calibration process subjected the sensor to known pressures, with the resultant ratios calculated and stored in the data object, correlated to the appropriate pressures.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have excellent mechanical properties such as low density, high stiffness, and exceptional strength making them ideal candidates for reinforcement material in a wide range of high-performance composites. Fibers with increased tensile strengths are produced by employing plasma treatment under various conditions. Tensile strength is improved by at least 35%, relative to an untreated fiber. Methods of making such high strength carbon nanotube fibers via plasma processing are disclosed.

Abstract: Select embodiments of the present invention employ biological means to direct assemble CNT-based nanostructures, allowing for scaling to macrostructures for manufacture. In select embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for assembling DNA-functionalized SWNTs by phosphodiester bonding catalyzed by ssDNA-ligase to form macroscopic CNT aggregates.

Abstract: Multiple-scale self-assembled tube structures (SATS) comprising multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT) and processes for their nucleation and growth. These hierarchical and self-assembled SATS demonstrate the feasibility of controlled synthesis of macroscopic CNT structures and CNT-reinforced materials for use in broad applications such as structures, thermal transfer, electronics, fluid dynamics, and micro-fluidics.

Abstract: A method for using a reusable sample-holding device for readily loading very small wet samples for observation of the samples by microscopic equipment, in particular in a vacuum environment. The method may be used with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), an X-ray microscope, optical microscope, and the like. For observation of the sample, the method provides a thin-membrane window etched in the center of each of two silicon wafers abutting to contain the sample in a small uniform gap formed between the windows. This gap may be adjusted by employing spacers. Alternatively, the thickness of a film established by the fluid in which the sample is incorporated determines the gap without need of a spacer. To optimize resolution each window may have a thickness on the order of 50 nm and the gap may be on the order of 50 nm.

Abstract: A method for using a reusable sample-holding device for readily loading very small wet samples for observation of the samples by microscopic equipment, in particular in a vacuum environment. The method may be used with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), an X-ray microscope, optical microscope, and the like. For observation of the sample, the method provides a thin-membrane window etched in the center of each of two silicon wafers abutting to contain the sample in a small uniform gap formed between the windows. This gap may be adjusted by employing spacers. Alternatively, the thickness of a film established by the fluid in which the sample is incorporated determines the gap without need of a spacer. To optimize resolution each window may have a thickness on the order of 50 nm and the gap may be on the order of 50 nm.

Abstract: A reusable sample-holding device for readily loading very small wet samples for observation of the samples by microscopic equipment, in particular in a vacuum environment. Embodiments may be used with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), an X-ray microscope, optical microscope, and the like. For observation of the sample, embodiments provide a thin-membrane window etched in the center of each of two silicon wafers abutting to contain the sample in a small uniform gap formed between the windows. This gap may be adjusted by employing spacers. Alternatively, the thickness of a film established by the fluid in which the sample is incorporated determines the gap without need of a spacer. To optimize resolution each window may have a thickness on the order of 50 nm and the gap may be on the order of 50 nm.

Abstract: In select embodiments of the present invention, a method for optimizing thermal transfer capacity of a fluid employs multi-walled carbon nano-tubes (MWCNTs) and a surfactant such as Gum Arabic (GA), that are mixed into a fluid, such as water, according to a specific protocol and energized via ultrasound until a specified amount of total energy is applied. For select embodiments, the maximum demonstrated enhancement of an aqueous fluid in thermal conductivity is 20% and in convective heat Transfer is 32%. The thermal conductivity enhancement increased considerably at bulk temperatures greater than 24° C. The percentage enhancement in convective heat transfer in a tube increases with axial distance. The resultant optimized fluid is also described.

Abstract: A reusable sample-holding device for readily loading very small wet samples for observation of the samples by microscopic equipment, in particular in a vacuum environment. Embodiments may be used with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), an X-ray microscope, optical microscope, and the like. For observation of the sample, embodiments provide a thin-membrane window etched in the center of each of two silicon wafers abutting to contain the sample in a small uniform gap formed between the windows. This gap may be adjusted by employing spacers. Alternatively, the thickness of a film established by the fluid in which the sample is incorporated determines the gap without need of a spacer. To optimize resolution each window may have a thickness on the order of 50 nm and the gap may be on the order of 50 nm.

Abstract: An Electro-Osmotic Pulse (EOP) system is used to dewater structure, both natural and manmade. Preferably, the system employs durable, dimensionally stable anodes affixed to structure in a configuration designed to maximize electrical contact with the structure and minimize electrode gas generation. The anodes and cathodes are attached to a DC power supply that provides a voltage potential between them. DC power is cycled until the structure has been sufficiently treated. Select embodiments employ perforated metal pipes as cathodes for the purpose of transport and drainage of fluids. In select embodiments of the present invention, the cathodes are connected to variable resistors designed to reduce opportunity for corrosion of buried metal objects in the vicinity of the EOP system. Select embodiments employ a pre-specified pulse train of DC voltage pulses to migrate water from under a crawl space while moving available cations in the soil. Select embodiments also protect large structures such as concrete dams.

Abstract: A system incorporating a robot to inspect ferrous surfaces. Preferably, the robot is an articulated device having a tractor module for motive power and steering, a power module for electrical power and communications and additional motive power, and a third module for cleaning and inspection. The robot uses sensors and generates and transmits signals to a computer through a tether and receives direction from an operator via the computer and tether. The computer continuously monitors the location of the robot and supports the robot during deployment. In a specific application, the robot travels the interior of a tank on a set of magnetized wheels. Prior to inspection, the tank surface is cleaned of deposits by rotary cutters and rotary brushes on the third module. The robot obtains thickness measurements via onboard ultrasonic transducers that contact the cleaned surface. A method for implementing inspection of ferrous surfaces is also described.