Abstract: An apparatus and method for igniting combustible materials in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine using corona discharge plasma from a quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. A tapered quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator is adapted to mate with the combustion chamber. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator is coupled with an energy shaping means, or waveform generator, that develops the appropriate waveform for triggering radio frequency oscillations in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. A loop coupling is angularly positioned within the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator to match impedances between the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and the energy shaping means, or waveform generator. Radio frequency oscillations produce a standing wave in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and a corona discharge plasma develops near the center conductor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include one-step synthesis to prepare a hypergolic green Fuel (HGF) propellant from 2-Hydroxyethylhydrazine (HEH) via a “one-step synthesis method”. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure include fully nitrated HGF and partially nitrated HGF and formulations containing Hydroxyethylhydrazinium Nitrate (HEHN) and acetone, where the HEHN is produced independently.

Abstract: A method may include steps of binding an analyte to a ligand, exposing the analyte to light of differing wavelengths, and observing a difference in spectral response of the analyte at the differing wavelengths. Further steps may include comparing the observed difference with a known difference in spectral response of a reference substance at the differing wavelengths, and determining whether the observed difference meets a predetermined threshold of identity with the known difference. The method may be performed with reference to a surface having a reflective area with a known size a non-reflective area adjacent to the reflective area. The method may thus include the steps of providing a ligand in alignment with the non-reflective area of the surface, and binding an analyte to the ligand in a position reaching across the reflective area.

Abstract: A system and method to enhance execution of architected instructions in a processor uses auxiliary code to optimize execution of base microcode. An execution context of the architected instructions may be profiled to detect potential optimizations, resulting in generation and storage of auxiliary microcode. When the architected instructions are decoded to base microcode for execution, the base microcode may be enhanced or modified using retrieved auxiliary code.

Abstract: An object tracking system includes a sensor grid having a plurality of sensor clusters configured to sense the presence of a magnetic field of an object. Each sensor cluster includes three or more single-axis magnetic sensors. The sensors in a cluster may be arranged with their axes parallel to one another. The sensor grid may account for ambient magnetic noise by measuring the magnetic field in a zone a distance away from the object to update the ambient magnetic field noise measurement. The sensor grid or a portion thereof may include a plurality of sensors printed on a common sheet. The sensor grid may comprise one or more sheets overlapped or interconnected. The system may track an object and determine up to three degrees of positioning and three degrees of orientation by using a geometric solution of the intercepts of magnetic field strengths obtained from information collected by the magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A plasma generator comprises a radio frequency power source, a coaxial cavity resonator assembly, and a direct current power source. The radio frequency power source provides a voltage supply of radio frequency power having a first ratio of power over voltage. The resonator assembly includes a center conductor coupled to the radio frequency power source, and also includes a virtual short circuit. The direct current power source is connected to the center conductor at the virtual short circuit, and provides a voltage supply of direct current power having a second ratio of power over voltage that is less than the first ratio.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining and characterizing the presence of damage or abnormalities resulting from or concomitant with systemic hypertension in subject. This method is comprised of the acquisition of ocular image(s) and subsequent evaluation, classification and/or interpretation of these image(s). The ocular image(s) may be acquired by photography. Evaluation, classification, and/or interpretation may be automated or involve the active participation of a human. The ocular images may be classified into either a normal or clinical group or compared to an algorithm of hypertensive symptoms. The ocular images may, additionally, be processed and have the pertinent characteristics extracted to make the classification more exact.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a device that includes one or more line of sight transmitters configured to transmit signals over a line of sight communications medium, one or more transmitters configured to transmit signals over another communications medium and a controller. The controller is configured to perform an operation that includes retrieving a key adapted for use in decrypting encrypted content. The operation further includes transmitting the key to a second device over the line of sight communications medium using the one or more line of sight transmitters. Additionally, the operation includes encrypting data such that the data can be decrypted using the retrieved key. The operation also includes transmitting the encrypted data to the second device over the other communications medium using the one or more transmitters, where the second device is configured to decrypt the encrypted data using the key received over the line of sight communications medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to passive cooling systems and methods for electronics. An exemplary passive cooling system for electronics has a circuit package and dielectric liquid. The circuit package has a cover positioned over a circuit element coupled to a substrate. The cover is attached to the substrate and creates a water-tight seal around the circuit element. The circuit package further has a porous media. The dielectric liquid directly contacts the circuit element, and heat from the circuit element is transferred to the dielectric liquid. As the liquid reaches its boiling point, vapor from the liquid is passed through the porous media for further cooling.

Abstract: A spout assembly is provided. The spout assembly includes a spout and a spout base. The spout base has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a spout sized to enclose an electrical switching apparatus electrical coupling. That is, the spout base includes a CT support surface with a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the spout cross-sectional area. Current transformers are disposed upon the spout base CT support surface.

Abstract: A quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator for producing corona discharge plasma from is presented. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator has a folded cavity made of opposing concentric cavity members that are nested together to form a continuous cavity ending in a aperture. A center conductor with a tip is positioned in the cavity. The folded cavity advantageously permits the coaxial cavity resonator to resonate at a lower operating frequency than an unfolded quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator of the same length. Embodiments of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator use narrower apertures to reduce radiative losses, and include center conductors that are reactive load elements, such as helical coils. When a radio frequency (RF) oscillation is produced in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator, corona discharge plasma is formed at the tip of the center conductor. The corona discharge plasma can be used to ignite combustible materials in combustion chambers of combustion engines.

Abstract: A quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator for producing corona discharge plasma from is presented. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator has a folded cavity made of opposing concentric cavity members that are nested together to form a continuous cavity ending in a aperture. A center conductor with a tip is positioned in the cavity. The folded cavity advantageously permits the coaxial cavity resonator to resonate at a lower operating frequency than an unfolded quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator of the same length. Embodiments of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator use narrower apertures to reduce radiative losses, and include center conductors that are reactive load elements, such as helical coils. When a radio frequency (RF) oscillation is produced in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator, corona discharge plasma is formed at the tip of the center conductor. The corona discharge plasma can be used to ignite combustible materials in combustion chambers of combustion engines.

Abstract: A wind turbine shaft includes tubes that are centered on a longitudinal axis, coupled to rotate together about the axis, and movable telescopically along the axis between a retracted condition and an extended condition. A mounting structure is configured to mount wind turbine vanes on the tubular structure when the tubes are in the extended condition. A generator has a pair of parts including a rotor and a stator, and is configured for coupling with the tubular structure for one of the parts to rotate about the axis with the tubular structure while the other part is stationary.

Abstract: A process is described for enhancing the yield of liquid products from natural gas from at least one extraction well. This process is achieved by injecting methane at a higher pressure than the rock pressure in at least one injection well site. The methane serves to maintain the pressure of gas in the formation, while also promoting the flow of liquid products away from the injection well and towards a collection well. The net effect is higher net yield of liquid products (referred to as “Y-Grade” liquids) from that well, with lower net yield of non-condensable methane. Because methane is naturally present in natural gas, the gas remaining underground is still a valuable product that can be trapped in the future. The use of the dry gas as the fracturing medium reduces or potentially eliminates the need to use water in fracturing process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for igniting combustible materials in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine using corona discharge plasma from a quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. A tapered quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator is adapted to mate with the combustion chamber. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator is coupled with an energy shaping means, or waveform generator, that develops the appropriate waveform for triggering radio frequency oscillations in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. A loop coupling is angularly positioned within the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator to match impedances between the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and the energy shaping means, or waveform generator. Radio frequency oscillations produce a standing wave in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and a corona discharge plasma develops near the center conductor.

Abstract: A quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator for producing corona discharge plasma from is presented. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator has a folded cavity made of opposing concentric cavity members that are nested together to form a continuous cavity ending in a aperture. A center conductor with a tip is positioned in the cavity. The folded cavity advantageously permits the coaxial cavity resonator to resonate at a lower operating frequency than an unfolded quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator of the same length. Embodiments of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator use narrower apertures to reduce radiative losses, and include center conductors that are reactive load elements, such as helical coils. When a radio frequency (RF) oscillation is produced in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator, corona discharge plasma is formed at the tip of the center conductor. The corona discharge plasma can be used to ignite combustible materials in combustion chambers of combustion engines.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for passively detecting the presence of near-surface human-scale underground anomalies using earth field measurements. A sensor is used to measure at least one electric or magnetic component of the Earth's electromagnetic field at a frequency of 5 kHz or greater in proximity to the Earth's surface for a given area. The measured intensities are used to identify variations indicative of the presence of a near-surface human-scale underground anomaly. Measuring the intensity of at least one component of the electromagnetic field at a plurality of frequencies of 5 kHz or greater can be used to determine the depth and characteristic of a near-surface human-scale underground anomaly.

Abstract: A system and method to enhance execution of architected instructions in a processor uses auxiliary code to optimize execution of base microcode. An execution context of the architected instructions may be profiled to detect potential optimizations, resulting in generation and storage of auxiliary microcode. When the architected instructions are decoded to base microcode for execution, the base microcode may be enhanced or modified using retrieved auxiliary code.

Abstract: A turbine thermal generator and controller includes first and second members having opposing surfaces together defining boundaries of a fluid chamber, a means for rotating about an axis said first member relative to said second member thereby generating heat in a fluid contained in said fluid chamber, and means for transferring heat from said fluid to a load.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a vehicle includes a first loop that includes, in serial order, a first hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic line, a hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic line. A second hydraulic pump and a third valve control low pressure fluid from the second pump to the hydraulic motor casing. The low pressure fluid through the third valve maintains the motor pistons retracted when the motor is not being used. For actuating the motor, the third valve is actuated for disconnecting the second pump and relieving pressure from the motor casing. Low pressure is then provided to the first and second lines for extending the motor pistons. The first and second valves are then actuated for isolating the first and second lines from one another, and the first pump is used to power the motor. The first, second and third valves are advantageously solenoid cartridge valves.