Abstract: Air purification devices are described. Devices are powered to form an electric field along an airflow path that creates a plasma for destruction of pathogens carried through the device. Devices can be single-user, portable devices for purification of air flow to and/or from a single user.

Abstract: Derivatized malachite green leuco dyes for use in radio-chromic systems are described. The dyes have the following structure: in which Ar is a substituted phenyl or thiophene ring in which at least one substitution of the Ar ring is not ortho to the bond between the ring and the linking carbon, and in which R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from methyl, alkyl, or alkyl halide. The systems include the dyes in conjunction with an activator, e.g., a halogenated activator, and a carrier, e.g., a fluid carrier or an encapsulating polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A calibration system for an image plate used to detect high-energy particles produced by a radioisotope includes a casing and an image plate holder disposed at least partially inside the casing. The image plate is retained by the image plate holder inside the casing. A calibration source generates energy inside the casing to prepare the image plate for detection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional carbon structure. The method requires graphene layers and/or graphene oxide layers. The layers can be provided such that they correspond to the cross-section of a pre-defined shape. In this regard, the method of the present invention can be employed to manufacture a three-dimensional carbon structure having a custom shape.

Abstract: Derivatized malachite green leuco dyes for use in radio-chromic systems are described. The dyes have the following structure: in which Ar is a substituted phenyl or thiophene ring in which at least one substitution of the Ar ring is not ortho to the bond between the ring and the linking carbon, and in which R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from methyl, alkyl, or alkyl halide. The systems include the dyes in conjunction with an activator, e.g., a halogenated activator, and a carrier, e.g., a fluid carrier or an encapsulating polymeric matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional carbon structure. The method requires graphene layers and/or graphene oxide layers. The layers can be provided such that they correspond to the cross-section of a pre-defined shape. In this regard, the method of the present invention can be employed to manufacture a three-dimensional carbon structure having a custom shape.

Abstract: Methods for forming an identifying mark in a structure are described. The method is used in conjunction with an additive manufacturing method and includes the alteration of a process parameter during the manufacturing process. The method can form in a unique identifying mark within or on the surface of a structure that is virtually impossible to be replicated. Methods can provide a high level of confidence that the identifying mark will remain unaltered on the formed structure.

Abstract: Methods for forming an identifying mark in a structure are described. The method is used in conjunction with an additive manufacturing method and includes the alteration of a process parameter during the manufacturing process. The method can form in a unique identifying mark within or on the surface of a structure that is virtually impossible to be replicated. Methods can provide a high level of confidence that the identifying mark will remain unaltered on the formed structure.

Abstract: A calibration system for an image plate used to detect high-energy particles produced by a radioisotope includes a casing and an image plate holder disposed at least partially inside the casing. The image plate is retained by the image plate holder inside the casing. A calibration source generates energy inside the casing to prepare the image plate for detection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for immobilizing hazardous waste within a solid waste form and solid waste forms that can be formed according to the methods. The methods include dispersing waste materials throughout a metallic matrix material to form a particulate mixture followed by solidification of at least the metallic components of the mixture to form a solid waste form. The solidification can be carried out either incrementally in an additive manufacturing process or in bulk, but in either case, the solidification process is carried out such that waste material remains located within the solid metallic matrix essentially as deposited and there is little or no opportunity for the waste materials to separate and disperse throughout the matrix material. As such, the waste is retained within the solidified matrix essentially as deposited with no possibility for the waste to coalesce either during or following the solidification process.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a casing and a camera disposed inside the casing. A first field of view through the casing exposes the camera to light from outside of the casing. An image plate is disposed inside the casing, and a second field of view through the casing to the image plate exposes the image plate to high-energy particles produced by a radioisotope outside of the casing. An optical reflector that is substantially transparent to the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope is disposed with respect to the camera and the image plate to reflect light to the camera and to allow the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope to pass through the optical reflector to the image plate.

Abstract: A process of producing electrically conductive pathways within additively manufactured parts and similar parts made by plastic extrusion nozzles. The process allows for a three-dimensional part having both conductive and non-conductive portions and allows for such parts to be manufactured in a single production step.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a casing and a camera disposed inside the casing. A first field of view through the casing exposes the camera to light from outside of the casing. An image plate is disposed inside the casing, and a second field of view through the casing to the image plate exposes the image plate to high-energy particles produced by a radioisotope outside of the casing. An optical reflector that is substantially transparent to the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope is disposed with respect to the camera and the image plate to reflect light to the camera and to allow the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope to pass through the optical reflector to the image plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating inadvertent power drain from an electrical power source coupled to a starter-generator. A multiple-position key switch and bypass rectifier configuration is implemented. The multiple-position key switch is coupled to the power source. The key switch's start terminal is coupled to a solenoid for starting, while a bypass rectifier is coupled in parallel to the solenoid to provide a circuit path for recharging the electrical power source. When either a closed-in-neutral gear shift switch is open or the key switch is in a run/accessory power position, the solenoid is de-energized. This leaves the bypass rectifier as the remaining circuit path through which the power source is recharged. The bypass rectifier allows current flow in a single direction, thereby preventing discharge of the power source.

Abstract: A backup washer for clamping a diaphragm having a flexible washer disposed next to a rigid washer, the flexible washer including a material less stiff than a material of the rigid washer. The flexible washer may include an elastomer material such as rubber. A flexible washer having a varied stiffness profile may also be provided to the face by incorporating materials having different stiffnesses, contouring, or both. The rigid washer may include a metal, plastic, composite materials, or combinations of these and may also be bowed or ribbed. The flexible washer and rigid washer of the backup washer may mechanically fastened, bonded, or molded together. A diaphragm pump having a diaphragm which is clamped by at least one backup washer having a flexible washer which includes a material less stiff than the material of the diaphragm and a rigid washer next to the flexible washer which includes a material more stiff than the diaphragm material.

Abstract: A locking device is disclosed for locking a steering column of a vehicle against rotation, relative to a fixed structure of the vehicle, the steering column including a steering shaft. The device includes a locking bar attached to the fixed structure of the vehicle, the locking bar being free to reciprocate between locked and unlocked positions adjacent to the steering shaft; and a member projecting transversely from the steering shaft for engaging with the locking bar to limit rotation of the steering shaft when the locking bar is in the locked position.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column includes clamping members which are drawn by a spring against sides of a steering column mounting bracket which flexes to clamp a steering column supporting adjustment bracket. The clamping members are located at opposite pivot points of a parallelogram linkage which has intermediate pivot points coupled to a Bowden cable with sheath. Operating the Bowden cable to draw arms of the linkage together against the bias of the spring causes the clamping members to be unclamped to allow adjustment of the steering column.