Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments directed to a bubble based ion source system comprising an ion source configured to generate a plurality of ions, an ion channel, an electrode, and/or any other components. The ion source can include a container at least partially comprising a solvent or solution, a bubble generator coupled to the container configured to generate a plurality of bubbles within the solvent, and/or any other component. The ion channel can receive ions that are generated based on solvent from the bubbles.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments directed to a bubble based ion source system comprising an ion source configured to generate a plurality of ions, an ion channel, an electrode, and/or any other components. The ion source can include a container at least partially comprising a solvent or solution, a bubble generator coupled to the container configured to generate a plurality of bubbles within the solvent, and/or any other component. The ion channel can receive ions that are generated based on solvent from the bubbles.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments directed to a bubble based ion source system comprising an ion source configured to generate a plurality of ions, a heat source positioned above the container, an ion channel comprising an aperture and a plurality of electrodes, and/or any other components. The ion source further comprises a container at least partially comprising a solvent or solution, a bubble generator coupled to the container configured to generate a plurality of bubbles within the solvent, and/or any other component. The heat source can be configured to evaporate at least a portion of the solvent from each of the bubbles leaving a plurality of ions.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments directed to a bubble based ion source system comprising an ion source configured to generate a plurality of ions, a heat source positioned above the container, an ion channel comprising an aperture and a plurality of electrodes, and/or any other components. The ion source further comprises a container at least partially comprising a solvent or solution, a bubble generator coupled to the container configured to generate a plurality of bubbles within the solvent, and/or any other component. The heat source can be configured to evaporate at least a portion of the solvent from each of the bubbles leaving a plurality of ions.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: A novel on-line method is presented for the extraction and preconcentration of amino acids using a sol-gel coated column coupled to a conventional UV/vis detector. Extraction, stacking and focusing techniques are used in the preconcentration procedures. Sol-gel coatings are created by using N-Octadecyldimethyl[3(trimethoxysilyl)proply]ammonium chloride (C18-TMS) in the coating sol solutions. The resulting sol-gel coating carries a positive charge. For extraction, the pH of the samples is properly adjusted to impart a net negative charge to amino acids. A long plug of the sample is then passed through the sol-gel coated capillary to facilitate extraction via electrostatic interaction between the positively charged sol-gel coating and the negatively charged amino acid molecules. The focusing of the extracted amino acids is accomplished through desorption of the extracted amino acid molecules carried out by local pH change. The described procedure provides 150,000-fold enrichment effect for alanine.

Abstract: Activation of a propellant in a constant volume container causes a phase change material to rapidly expand so that the pressure in the container increases. Programmability and sequential actuation are enabled by patterning the phase change material into the integrated device. The pressure generated may be used to activate an energy transducer such as a high pressure turbine, a piezoelectric material, and an elastic strain material. This provides a hybrid actuation system of electrical energy, pneumatic and hydraulic power. The pressure change in a constant volume container is also harnessed to provide a microbattery.

Abstract: An autonomous genosensor apparatus and methods for use are provided for the field detection and analysis of ambient chemical, biochemical, biologic, biogenetic, and radiologic materials under field conditions in fluid or gaseous environments, such as marine or aquatic environments or industrial processes. Autonomous genosensors provide integral, self contained units which automatically extract environmental samples, prepare those samples for analytical studies, analyze those samples using studies such as DNA or biomarker analysis, and store or transmit the data produced to a remote computer or computer network. Autonomous genosensors may be used as freestanding units, or may be networked and controlled through a remote computer network.

Abstract: Activation of a propellant in a constant volume container causes a phase change material to rapidly expand so that the pressure in the container increases. Programmability and sequential actuation are enabled by patterning the phase change material into the integrated device. The pressure generated may be used to activate an energy transducer such as a high pressure turbine, a piezoelectric material, and an elastic strain material. This provides a hybrid actuation system of electrical energy, pneumatic and hydraulic power. The pressure change in a constant volume container is also harnessed to provide a microbattery.

Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: An autonomous genosensor apparatus and methods for use are provided for the field detection and analysis of ambient chemical, biochemical, biologic, biogenetic, and radiologic materials under field conditions in fluid or gaseous environments, such as marine or aquatic environments or industrial processes. Autonomous genosensors provide integral, self contained units which automatically extract environmental samples, prepare those samples for analytical studies, analyze those samples using studies such as DNA or biomarker analysis, and store or transmit the data produced to a remote computer or computer network. Autonomous genosensors may be used as freestanding units, or may be networked and controlled through a remote computer network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly miniaturized wireless transceiver employing WLAN technology that offers flexible integration with multiple, generic sensing technologies. The developed wireless system can be readily integrated with existing sensing technology to enable direct sensor-to-internet communication in environments where wired connections are too costly, or otherwise impractical.

Abstract: A method for making a patterned SiO2 films over TiO2 (Si02/Ti02) under ambient atmospheric conditions, including room temperature, through photo and chemical reactions. The method is simple, convenient and can be performed in a short period of time, typically less than two hours. The patterned TiO2 film is fabricated through photo-irradiation of a photosensitive organic-titanium film using a mask. Silica particles are generated from silicate solution by adjusting pH values to 10 to 8 with hydrochloric acid. The pre-deposited TiO2 film has a strong attraction for the SiO2 particles, leading to the instant formation of SiO2 film over the TiO2 film. The silica films are also amino-silylated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane toward applications such as patternable, location-specific silica-based separation and purification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to create two dimensional and three dimensional structures using a maskless photolithography system is provided. In an embodiment, the pattern generator comprises a micromirror array wherein the positioning of the mirrors in the micromirror array and the time duration of exposure can be modulated to produce patterns to photoform photosensitive material. The desired pattern can be designed and stored using conventional computer aided drawing techniques and can be used to control the positioning of the individual mirrors in the micromirror array to reflect the corresponding desired pattern. A fixture for mounting of the substrate can be incorporated and can allow the substrate to be moved three dimensions. The fixture can be rotated in one, two, or three directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to maskless photolithography using a patterned light generator for creating 2-D and 3-D patterns on objects using etching and deposition techniques. In an embodiment, the patterned light generator uses a micromirror array to direct pattern light on a target object. In an alternate embodiment, the patterned light generator uses a plasma display device to generate and direct patterned light onto a target object. Specifically, the invention provides a maskless photolithography system and method for photo stimulated etching of objects in a liquid solution, patterning glass, and photoselective metal deposition. For photo stimulated etching of objects in a liquid solution, the invention provides a system and method for immersing a substrate in an etchant solution, exposing the immersed substrate to patterned light, and etching the substrate according to the pattern of incident light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to instruments used to analyze materials with light-absorbing properties and their methods of use. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of adjustable optical filters whereby light-absorption can be measured in more detail and with greater variables than what is currently known in the art.

Abstract: Activation of a propellant in a constant volume container causes a phase change material to rapidly expand so that the pressure in the container increases. Programmability and sequential actuation are enabled by patterning the phase change material into the integrated device. The pressure generated may be used to activate an energy transducer such as a high pressure turbine, a piezoelectric material, and an elastic strain material. This provides a hybrid actuation system of electrical energy, pneumatic and hydraulic power. The pressure change in the constant volume container is also harnessed to provide a microbattery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the conductivity of a fluid employing the differential radio frequency phase detection between two embedded toroidal coils.