Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The photobioreactor units are floated on a body of water such as a pond or a lake. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, the photobioreactor units are formed of flexible, deformable material and are configured to provide a substantially constant thickness of liquid medium. In certain embodiments, a barrier between the photobioreactor unit and the body of water upon which the unit is floated facilitates thermal communication between the liquid medium and the body of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for treating wounds. The devices may include polymer particles capable of absorbing fluid such as blood. When devices of the invention are exposed to fluid, the fluid may enter the device and cause the polymer particles to swell. Devices of the invention may also apply pressure on wound cavities to stop or restrict the flow of fluid. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise components to facilitate absorption of fluid throughout the device, such as wicking elements and/or multiple compartments. One or more of the devices can be placed directly in the wound cavity, or in a containment structure and then into the wound cavity.

Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The photobioreactor units are floated on a body of water such as a pond or a lake. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, the photobioreactor units are formed of flexible, deformable material and are configured to provide a substantially constant thickness of liquid medium. In certain embodiments, a barrier between the photobioreactor unit and the body of water upon which the unit is floated facilitates thermal communication between the liquid medium and the body of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for treating wounds. The devices may include polymer particles capable of absorbing fluid such as blood. When devices of the invention are exposed to fluid, the fluid may enter the device and cause the polymer particles to swell. Devices of the invention may also apply pressure on wound cavities to stop or restrict the flow of fluid. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise components to facilitate absorption of fluid throughout the device, such as wicking elements and/or multiple compartments. One or more of the devices can be placed directly in the wound cavity, or in a containment structure and then into the wound cavity.

Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The photobioreactor units are floated on a body of water such as a pond or a lake. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, the photobioreactor units are formed of flexible, deformable material and are configured to provide a substantially constant thickness of liquid medium. In certain embodiments, a barrier between the photobioreactor unit and the body of water upon which the unit is floated facilitates thermal communication between the liquid medium and the body of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for treating wounds. The devices may include polymer particles capable of absorbing fluid such as blood. When devices of the invention are exposed to fluid, the fluid may enter the device and cause the polymer particles to swell. Devices of the invention may also apply pressure on wound cavities to stop or restrict the flow of fluid. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise components to facilitate absorption of fluid throughout the device, such as wicking elements and/or multiple compartments. One or more of the devices can be placed directly in the wound cavity, or in a containment structure and then into the wound cavity.

Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The photobioreactor units are floated on a body of water such as a pond or a lake. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, the photobioreactor units are formed of flexible, deformable material and are configured to provide a substantially constant thickness of liquid medium. In certain embodiments, a barrier between the photobioreactor unit and the body of water upon which the unit is floated facilitates thermal communication between the liquid medium and the body of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for treating wounds. The devices may include polymer particles capable of absorbing fluid such as blood. When devices of the invention are exposed to fluid, the fluid may enter the device and cause the polymer particles to swell. Devices of the invention may also apply pressure on wound cavities to stop or restrict the flow of fluid. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise components to facilitate absorption of fluid throughout the device, such as wicking elements and/or multiple compartments. One or more of the devices can be placed directly in the wound cavity, or in a containment structure and then into the wound cavity.

Abstract: A composite structural member includes multiple layers with one or more embedded piezoelectric elements. In a conductive member, an insulating sheath electrically isolates each piezoelectric element while mechanically coupling it to the surrounding layers, forming a unitary structure with substantially homogeneous mechanical properties. In a graphite fiber composite structure, the piezoelectric elements are fitted in recesses in one or more interior layers, and located away from strain nodes of the structural members. Preferably pairs of elements are placed on opposite sides of a node and are driven in opposing phases to induce displacement of the structure. In a preferred prototype structure Kapton film insulates the piezoelectric elements, maintaining its integrity during a high temperature, high pressure curing process. An acrylic cement secures the insulator to the elements.