Abstract: A system and method includes a test container for detecting a target substance in a consumable sample, where the test container includes a test container body defining a test container top, a test container bottom opposing the test container top, a first chamber proximal the test container top, and a second chamber proximal the test container bottom, a magnetic diaphragm situated between the first chamber and the second chamber, the magnetic diaphragm obstructing flow of the consumable sample, and the magnetic diaphragm including a magnetic element embedded in the magnetic diaphragm, and a driving element geometrically complementary to the first chamber, the driving element including a consumable sample grinding feature protruding from a surface of the driving element.

Abstract: A vessel for storing fluid, the vessel including a liner having a liner body that defines: a liner cavity; a plurality of flexible connector portions that include a corrugated length that provides for flexibility of the respective connector portions, the connector portions having a first maximum diameter; a plurality of elongated tubing portions between the respective flexible connector portions, the elongated tubing portions having a second minimum diameter that is larger than the first maximum diameter of the flexible connector portions; and a plurality of taper portions coupling adjoining flexible connector portions and tubing portions configured to provide a transition between a smaller diameter of the connector portion and a larger diameter of the tubing portion.

Abstract: Selective chelation of bismuth radionuclide ions from a mixture including actinium radionuclide ions involves exposing a ligand to an aqueous solution that includes bismuth radionuclide ions and actinium radionuclide ions under conditions whereby the bismuth radionuclide ions selectively chelate to the ligand for form cationic complexes of the bismuth radionuclide ions. and separating the cationic complexes of the bismuth radionuclide ions from the actinium radionuclide ions. The ligands have a structure based on a 12-membered cyclen ring and may include pendant functional groups that can be derivatized with biological targeting vectors for targeted alpha therapy.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting harmful substances within a consumable sample comprising: receiving a consumable sample at a first chamber of a test container; transforming the consumable sample into a homogenized sample upon processing of the consumable sample; delivering the homogenized sample to a second chamber of the test container, wherein the second chamber is configured to receive the homogenized sample comprises an outlet port; mixing the homogenized sample with a process reagent within the second chamber, thereby producing a dispersion; transmitting a volume of the dispersion to an analysis chamber, of the test container, configured to position a detection substrate proximal the port of the second chamber and comprising a detection window that enables detection of presence of the allergen; and detecting presence of the allergen within the consumable sample by way of an optical sensor configured to detect signals indicative of the allergen through the detection window.

Abstract: Inventorying communications circuits may be provided. Consistent with embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods are disclosed for inventorying communication circuits. A calculation may provide a facility requirement value corresponding to a required number of service pair to serve a location with a predetermined service quality. Then, it may be determined that an available plurality of service pairs equal to the facility requirement value is available from a switching center to the location. Next, a circuit tag may be created corresponding to the available plurality of service pair. A plurality of service tags may then be created. Each the plurality of service tags may respectively correspond to each of the available plurality of service pair. The plurality of service tags may be sequentially numbered. Then, the circuit tag and the plurality of the service tags may be stored in an inventory database.

Abstract: Inventorying communications circuits may be provided. Consistent with embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods are disclosed for inventorying communication circuits. A calculation may provide a facility requirement value corresponding to a required number of service pair to serve a location with a predetermined service quality. Then, it may be determined that an available plurality of service pairs equal to the facility requirement value is available from a switching center to the location. Next, a circuit tag may be created corresponding to the available plurality of service pair. A plurality of service tags may then be created. Each the plurality of service tags may respectively correspond to each of the available plurality of service pair. The plurality of service tags may be sequentially numbered. Then, the circuit tag and the plurality of the service tags may be stored in an inventory database.

Abstract: Methods of Using Preformed Nanotubes to Make Carbon Nanotube Films, Layers, Fabrics, Ribbons, Elements and Articles are disclosed. To make various articles, certain embodiments provide a substrate. Preformed nanotubes are applied to a surface of the substrate to create a non-woven fabric of carbon nanotubes. Portions of the non-woven fabric are selectively removed according to a defined pattern to create the article. To make a nanofabric, a substrate is provided. Preformed nanotubes are applied to a surface of the substrate to create a non-woven fabric of carbon nanotubes wherein the non-woven fabric is substantially uniform density.

Abstract: New devices having horizontally-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making same are described. A discrete electro-mechanical device includes a structure having an electrically-conductive trace. A defined patch of nanotube fabric is disposed in spaced relation to the trace; and the defined patch of nanotube fabric is electromechanically deflectable between a first and second state. In the first state, the nanotube article is in spaced relation relative to the trace, and in the second state the nanotube article is in contact with the trace. A low resistance signal path is in electrical communication with the defined patch of nanofabric. Under certain embodiments, the structure includes a defined gap into which the electrically conductive trace is disposed. The defined gap has a defined width, and the defined patch of nanotube fabric spans the gap and has a longitudinal extent that is slightly longer than the defined width of the gap.

Abstract: Resistive elements include a patterned region of nanofabric having a predetermined area, where the nanofabric has a selected sheet resistance; and first and second electrical contacts contacting the patterned region of nanofabric and in spaced relation to each other. The resistance of the element between the first and second electrical contacts is determined by the selected sheet resistance of the nanofabric, the area of nanofabric, and the spaced relation of the first and second electrical contacts. The bulk resistance is tunable.

Abstract: A system routes local toll-free communications to a toll-free communications address via local switches and/or local network onto interconnecting local providers with local access settlement rates, thereby allowing a local rather than toll cost structure of the communication. When an originating communications address is identified as an LCA, intraLATA, or otherwise local communications address, the system routes the local toll-free call from the network to participating local switches that service the subscriber's terminating communications. According to exemplary embodiments, the originating communications are separated between the LCA and the rest of the LATA based upon the NPA-NXXs that are considered local to the subscriber's terminating number. The system also provides for communicating and routing local toll free communications and for reporting each local toll free communication to the subscriber.

Abstract: Electro-mechanical switches and memory cells using vertically-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making the same are described. An electro-mechanical device, includes a structure having a major horizontal surface and a channel formed therein. A conductive trace is in the channel; and a nanotube article vertically suspended in the channel, in spaced relation to a vertical wall of the channel. The article is electro-mechanically deflectable in a horizontal direction toward the conductive trace. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is defined by a thin film process. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is about 50 nanometers or less. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is clamped with a conducting material disposed in porous spaces between some nanotubes of the nanotube article. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is formed from a porous nanofabric.

Abstract: Nanotube articles having adjustable electrical conductivity, and methods of making the same. A patterned article includes conducting nanotubes that define a plurality of conductive pathways along the article, and also includes nanotubes of modified electrical conductivity. The modified nanotubes may electrically isolate the conducting nanotubes from other conductors. The nanotube segments may originally be semiconducting nanotubes, metallic nanotubes, nanotubes, single walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, or nanotubes entangled with nanotubes. The various segments may have different lengths and may include segments having a length shorter than the length of the article. A strapping material may be positioned to contact a portion of the plurality of nanotube segments. Such a strapping layer may also be used for making electrical contact to the nanotube fabric especially for electrical stitching to lower the overall resistance of the fabric.

Abstract: Certain applicator liquids and method of making the applicator liquids are described. The applicator liquids can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. An applicator liquid for preparation of a nanotube film or fabric includes a controlled concentration of nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium containing water. The controlled concentration is sufficient to form a nanotube fabric or film of preselected density and uniformity.

Abstract: Nanotube ESD protective devices and corresponding nonvolatile and volatile nanotube switches. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit for protecting a protected circuit is coupled to an input pad. The ESD circuit includes a nanotube switch electrically having a control. The switch is coupled to the protected circuit and to a discharge path. The nanotube switch is controllable, in response to electrical stimulation of the control, between a de-activated state and an activated state. The activated state creates a current path so that a signal on the input pad flows to the discharge path to cause the signal at the input pad to remain within a predefined operable range for the protected circuit. The nanotube switch, the input pad, and the protected circuit may be on a semiconductor chip. The nanotube switch may be on a chip carrier. The deactivated and activated states may be volatile or non-volatile depending on the embodiment.

Abstract: Electro-mechanical switches and memory cells using vertically-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making the same are described. An electro-mechanical device, includes a structure having a major horizontal surface and a channel formed therein. A conductive trace is in the channel; and a nanotube article vertically suspended in the channel, in spaced relation to a vertical wall of the channel. The article is electro-mechanically deflectable in a horizontal direction toward the conductive trace. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is defined by a thin film process. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is about 50 nanometers or less. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is clamped with a conducting material disposed in porous spaces between some nanotubes of the nanotube article. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is formed from a porous nanofabric.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that provides both a protective and a decorative covering, or sleeving, for rafters. Generally, the apparatus is a U-shaped sleeve that has upper and lower horizontal flanges that run the entire longitudinal length of the member. The upper flange provides a means for securely attaching the invention to roofing materials such as roof sheathing, and together with the bottom flange forms an external channel that can be used to carry soffit material between the rafters. Furthermore, to complete the coverage and, therefore, the protection afforded the exposed rafter by the present invention, an endcap is attached to the outer end of the U-shaped sleeve member. Additionally, to further enhance the appearance of the building, the rafter sleeving is designed to easily and securely carry decorative trim and/or molding pieces.

Abstract: A guide for use in cutting carpet and a method of joining two portions of cut carpet in edge-to-edge relationship has a base formed as a lower portion and an upper portion interengaged through a longitudinal slideway and presenting an upper ramp surface. The upper portion has a longitudinal channel along which a knife blade can pass to cut a carpet portion laid on the ramp. The lower portion has a vertical wall vertically below the channel and against which the cut edge of first carpet portion is located to abut during cutting of the second carpet portion on the ramp so that when the guide is removed the two cut edges will fall into edge-to-edge abutment for joining together.

Abstract: A cutting guide for use in making a cut in a carpet comprises an elongate base including a substantially flat upper surface portion and a channel which extends along the base. The inner side walls of the channel are at an oblique angle relative to the upper surface portion so that when the guide is placed underneath a carpet and a knife drawn along the channel in contact with a side wall, the cut edge thereby produced in the carpet is at an oblique angle to the plane of the carpet. When two such edges of different portions of carpet are abutted together, a tidy unobtrusive seam is produced.