Abstract: A method of providing nuclear fuel cladding in a radioactive fuel reactor includes coating the nuclear fuel cladding with a coating system and exposing the nuclear fuel cladding in pure water at at least 360° C. and a saturation pressure of 18.7 MPa, where the coating system is maintained without spallation or delamination after at least 3 days. The coating system includes a multilayer coating on the substrate including (i) one or more layers including at least a ternary metal compound and at least a binary metal compound and (ii) a top coat layer that does not include aluminum, where the ternary metal compound includes TiCrN, TiNbN, TiSiN, TiHfN, TaHfN, TaNbN, TiCrC, TiNbC, TiSiC, TiHfC, TaHfC, TaNbC, TiCrCN, TiNbCN, TiSiCN, TiHfCN, TaHfCN, TaNbCN, or combinations thereof and the binary metal compound includes CrN, NbN, TaN, Si3N4, HfN, CrC, HfC, TaC, NbC or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Coating used for radioactive fuel or a structural component in radioactive fuel reactors, e.g., nuclear fuel cladding alloys, can include a ternary monolithic coating or multiple layers of one or more layers of TiAlN TiZrN, TiCrN, TiNbN and/or CrN, ZrN, NbN, TiN, TaN, HfN. TiHfN, TaHfN, TaNbN, or mixed combinations and/or CrN, ZrN, NbN, TiN, TaN, Si3N4, and/or HfN. In addition, one or more layers can be comprised of a nitride, oxide, or carbide or mixed combination (i.e., carbonides, oxynitrides, oxycarbides, etc.) from Ti, Al, Zr, Cr, Si, Nb, Hf, or mixed combination (i.e., TiAlC1-xNx). The multilayer coating can be doped with a dopant.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. A polynucleotide comprising an immunostimulatory sequence is administered to a individual who has been exposed to or infected by HBV and/or HCV. The polynucleotide is not administered with a HCV or HBV antigen. Administration of the polynucleotide results in amelioration of symptoms of HBV and/or HCV infection.

Abstract: A microplasma device includes a substrate and either or both of a microchannel or microcavity defined in a polymer layer supported by the substrate. Electrodes arranged with respect to the polymer material can excite a plasma in a discharge medium contained in the microchannel or the microcavity or both. A method of forming a microplasma device places a curable polymer material between a mold having a negative volume impression of microcavities and/or microchannels and a substrate. The polymer is cured and then the mold is separated from the solid polymer.

Abstract: The invention concerns microcavity plasma devices and arrays with thin foil metal electrodes protected by metal oxide dielectric. Devices of the invention are amenable to mass production techniques, and may, for example, be fabricated by roll to roll processing. Exemplary devices of the invention are flexible. Embodiments of the invention provide for large arrays of microcavity plasma devices that can be made inexpensively. The structure of preferred embodiment microcavity plasma devices of the invention is based upon thin foils of metal that are available or can be produced in arbitrary lengths, such as on rolls. In a device of the invention, a pattern of microcavities is produced in a metal foil. Oxide is subsequently grown on the foil and within the microcavities (where plasma is to be produced) to protect the microcavity and electrically isolate the foil. A second metal foil is also encapsulated with oxide and is bonded to the first encapsulated foil.

Abstract: A customizable car wash blending and method is provided. The method includes the steps of positioning a vehicle adjacent a set of sensors (step 10), measuring a variety of parametric data relating to macroscopic debris and surface film formed on a surface of the vehicle, calculating the quantity of presoak components to be added to a presoak solution (step 70), blending the presoak solution (step 80), and applying the presoak solution to the vehicle (step 110). Quantities of presoak enhancing agents are also calculated from the sensor readings (step 120) along with the calculation of the number and type of wash cycles required for the vehicle (step 130).

Abstract: A method for fabricating microplasma discharge devices and arrays. The method employs techniques drawn from semiconductor device fabrication, such as chemical processing and photolithography, to produce arrays of devices inexpensively. An interdigitated electrode array is deposited on a first substrate. Cavities are formed in a second substrate by laser micromachining, etching, or by chemical (wet or dry) etching and the second substrate is overlaid on the electrode array. The inter-electrode spacing and electrode width are set so that each cavity has at least one pair of electrodes underneath it to excite a microplasma discharge in the cavity. The need to precisely register the two substrates is thus avoided.

Abstract: Field emission nanostructures assist operation of a microdischarge device. The field emission nanostructures are integrated into the microdischarge device(s) or are situated near an electrode of the microdischarge device(s). The field emission nanostructures reduce operating and ignition voltages compared to otherwise identical devices lacking the field emission nanostructures, while also increasing the radiative output of the microdischarge device(s).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for phase-locking microdischarge device arrays and an ac, rf, or pulse-excited microdischarge. The invention provides output from a non-laser optical source that is a phase-locked array of microdischarges formed of microdischarge cavities containing discharge filler and excitation electrodes. In exemplary embodiments, entire arrays of microdischarge device optical emitters that are not lasers can be fabricated into a surface area having a largest dimension smaller than the coherence length of at least one of the emissions produced by the individual elements. In other embodiments, arrays of microdischarge devices configured in a Fresnel pattern constitute a lens suitable for both producing and focusing light.

Abstract: A detector uses the magneto-optical Kerr effect and exploits the transition region between two magnetization states of a magneto-optical film to detect magnetic fields of less than 100 pT. The magnetic field of a subject is determined by examining the polarization of light reflected from the magneto-optical film. A several ?m thick, bismuth doped, YIG film is used for detection as the transition regions are steep, providing large changes in the polarization rotation angle for small variations in the applied magnetic field. The apparatus may be used in the functional imaging of various organs and systems in humans and animals or for the spatial and temporal tracking of nano or micro magnetic particles intentionally introduced into the circulatory or intestinal systems for diagnostic or research purposes.

Abstract: A discharge device is described that contains an anode, a cathode, and an insulating layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. A cavity is extends entirely through at least one of the anode or cathode and penetrates the dielectric layer. At least one of the anode or cathode may include a screen or the dielectric layer may have a plurality of films with at least two different dielectric constants. The voltage differences between the anode and cathode in each of multiple devices electrically connected together may be limited.

Abstract: A customizable car wash blending system and method is provided. The method includes the steps of positioning a vehicle adjacent a set of sensors (step 10), measuring a variety of parametric data relating to macroscopic debris and surface film formed on a surface of the vehicle, calculating the quantity of presoak components to be added to a presoak solution (step 70), blending the presoak solution (step 80), and applying the presoak solution to the vehicle (step 110). Quantities of presoak enhancing agents are also calculated from the sensor readings (step 120) along with the calculation of the number and type of wash cycles required for the vehicle (step 130). The method is implemented by customizable car wash blending system (200) which incorporates a plurality of sensors (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) in communication with a computer control system (270). Computer control system (270) communicates with a series of sub-systems (280, 290, 300, 310) in order to apply the presoak solution and wash the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention pertains to electrically operated levelers and stabilizers for vehicles, particularly recreational vehicles, wherein a reversible electric motor extends and retracts telescoping members mounted to the vehicle by a linkage system. Operation of the linkage system through a linkage and slot arrangement automatically pivots the stabilizer to a horizontal storage position and lowers the stabilizer to an operative position during extension of the telescoping members. The links are locked by an over-center relationship when the stabilizer is extended, and automatically unlock from the over-center relationship when the stabilizer members are retracted and raised. A foot at the outer end of the stabilizer automatically pivots between storage and operative positions.

Abstract: A modular room extender for recreational vehicles, modular homes and the like utilizing a pair of axially displaceable slide rods having outer ends attached to the extendible room. The slide rods are mounted within a bracket which includes spaced parallel guides wherein the bracket slide rods and guides define a modular unit which may be installed as a complete assembly. The slide rod's inner ends are free and not connected to other structure, and a reversible electric motor operates a gear and rack system for extending and retracting the slide rods. A stamped metal rack of economical construction is attached to each slide rod.