Abstract: The present invention is a multi-wavelength diagnostic imager. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus and method for noninvasive evaluation of a target versus a non-target, comprising: one or more light sources having at least one emission spectra directed at the target wherein the position, orientation and intensity of light sources is varied to control near-surface reflectance and are directed at less than the entire target; and one or more detectors positioned to capture light reflected from the target into two or more spatial images of the target at two or more times, wherein the spatial images are used to distinguish between the target and the non-target.

Abstract: The present invention includes an integrated system and methods for patient treatment, the system includes a hospital bed; a plurality of patient diagnostic and treatment devices connected to a network, wherein each of the devices can communicate to a network and exchange information with the network about the care of a patient; and a processor accessible adjacent to the bed and connected to the network to integrate information obtained from the devices through the network with one or more additional sources of information databases, wherein the processor can communicate to one or more patient treatment devices either directly or via the network and the processor directs the one or more patient treatment devices to change the treatment of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention includes an integrated system and methods for patient treatment, the system includes a hospital bed; a plurality of patient diagnostic and treatment devices connected to a network, wherein each of the devices can communicate to a network and exchange information with the network about the care of a patient; and a processor accessible adjacent to the bed and connected to the network to integrate information obtained from the devices through the network with one or more additional sources of information databases, wherein the processor can communicate to one or more patient treatment devices either directly or via the network and the processor directs the one or more patient treatment devices to change the treatment of the patient.

Abstract: A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug and may also be used to set the packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may also contain a pressure-regulating assembly for regulating the differential pressure across the assembly. The tool may also include an indicator assembly for confirming that the tool has entered a plugging configuration, typically by altering a pressure within the tubing, such alteration being detectible at a surface location.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-wavelength diagnostic imager. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus and method for noninvasive evaluation of a target versus a non-target, comprising: one or more light sources having at least one emission spectra directed at the target wherein the position, orientation and intensity of light sources is varied to control near-surface reflectance and are directed at less than the entire target; and one or more detectors positioned to capture light reflected from the target into two or more spatial images of the target at two or more times, wherein the spatial images are used to distinguish between the target and the non-target.

Abstract: The present invention includes an integrated system and methods for patient treatment, the system includes a hospital bed; a plurality of patient diagnostic and treatment devices connected to a network, wherein each of the devices can communicate to a network and exchange information with the network about the care of a patient; and a processor accessible adjacent to the bed and connected to the network to integrate information obtained from the devices through the network with one or more additional sources of information databases, wherein the processor can communicate to one or more patient treatment devices either directly or via the network and the processor directs the one or more patient treatment devices to change the treatment of the patient.

Abstract: An optical, line-of-sight modem. The modem includes a micro-mirror assembly including a micro-mirror and including an actuator for providing rotational movement to the micro-mirror, the micro-mirror being controllable by predetermined control signals. The modem includes a source of electronic data signals, and a source of light having a narrow beam of light directed at the micro-mirror. Means are provided for converting the electronic data signals to optical signals modulating the beam of light. Means are also provided for controlling the micro-mirror so as to maintain the micro-mirror in a predetermined position for data communication.

Abstract: The process is based on vacuum packaging a fresh food product such as unpeeled potatoes (3), sealing the package (1) by a transparent film barrier (2), film which and the package (1) are comprised of a material suitable to endure high temperatures and pressures, such as those that are reached when cooking the food product (3) in a microwave oven. The film (2) fastened by heat welding on a perimetric flap (4) of the package (1), has longitudinal valves (5) in order for the steam to come out during cooking. The food product or raw potatoes (3) are washed with ozonized water, before packaging them, allowing the preservation thereof without chemicals and permitting steaming due to the fact that said product or potatoes (3) are packaged with a certain minimum degree of moisture, since what really permits the cooking phenomenon is the moisture itself of the product, in the present case the potatoes that has been 80 and 85% moisture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a defoaming agent for use with polycarboxylate based admixtures for concrete. The defoaming agent is comprised of tributyl phosphate, an alkylaryl sulfonic acid metallic salt and a modified alkylpolyalcoxy ester. Tributyl phosphate is a phosphate ester based defoamer and the modified alkylpolyalcoxy ester is an air detraining agent. The alkylaryl sulfonic acid metallic salt is used as a hydrotrope to ensure that the tributyl phosphate and the modified alkylpolyalcoxy ester react and do not separate.

Abstract: An admixture which delays the setting of concrete within a ready-mix truck is disclosed. The admixture is comprised of a mixture of glucono delta lactone and cornstarch and produces exceptional retarding results at a reasonable cost. The corn starch is relatively inexpensive and is used as a filler material to reduce the overall cost of the admixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a defoaming agent for use with polycarboxylate based admixtures for concrete. The defoaming agent is comprised of tributyl phosphate, an alkylaryl sulfonic acid metallic salt and a modified alkylpolyalcoxyester. Tributyl phosphate is a phosphate ester based defoamer and the modified alkylpolyalcoxyester is an air detraining agent. The alkylaryl sulfonic acid metallic salt is used as a hydrotrope to ensure that the tributyl phosphate and the modified alkylpolyalcoxyester react and do not separate.

Abstract: A method for controlling an optical, path-to-sight link, the optical link including a source of light having a beam of light, a controllable beam steering device and an actuator to permit steering the light beam, the beam steering device being controllable by predetermined control signals. The method includes the following steps. The beam steering device is controlled so as to scan the beam of light in a first predetermined pattern. First direction is received data from a remote receiver including a light detector, the direction data corresponding to a direction of the beam at which the scanned beam of light is detected by the light detector. Responsive to the first direction data, a first beam direction is determined for data communication from the link to the receiver. The beam steering device is controlled to maintain a communications beam direction corresponding to the first beam direction. The beam of light is modulated with electronic signals.

Abstract: A Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) switch (100) having a bottom electrode (116) formed over a substrate (112) and a thin protective cap layer (130) disposed over the bottom electrode (116). A dielectric material (118) is disposed over the protective cap layer (130) and a pull-down electrode (122) is formed over the spacer (120) and the dielectric material (118). The protective cap layer (130) prevents the oxidation of the bottom electrode (116). The thin protective cap layer (130) comprises a metal having an associated oxide with a high dielectric constant. A portion (132) of the thin protective cap layer (130) may oxidize during the formation of the dielectric material (118), increasing the capacitance of the dielectric stack (128).

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting admixture for concrete is disclosed comprising a combination of organic (amines) and inorganic (nitrites) fractions that provide a synergistic effect when present at a specific ratio. Such a synergistic effect occurs when the amine:nitrite ratio (% by weight) is between 1.5 to 2.5 resulting in the admixture providing excellent corrosion inhibiting capabilities.

Abstract: A miniaturized sensor (100) that improves the confidence measure of a given sample reading by directing the flow of sample to the sensor/sample interface (117) and thus bringing the sample reliably in contact with the sensor's biosensing film. An inlet flow channel (105) extending from the bottom (125) of the sensor (100) to the sensing surface (120). The inlet channel (105) guides the sample to a cavity 115 formed at a housing surface (120) where it interacts with the film deposit (117). An outlet channel (110) extends from the cavity (115) to the bottom surface (125) and directs the sample outside the device. The light source (58), detector array (68) and interface (54) can be added to the structure providing a fully integrated miniaturized sensor. Various well known methods of manufacturing may be used including mill casting, split molding and double mold processes.

Abstract: An integrated biochemical sensor (200) for detecting the presence of one or more specific samples (240) having a device platform (355) with a light absorbing upper surface and input/output pins (375) is disclosed. An encapsulating housing (357) provides an optical transmissive enclosure which covers the platform (355) and has a layer of fluorescence chemistry on its outer surface (360). The fluorophore is chosen for its molecular properties in the presence of the sample analyte (240). The detector (370), light sources (365, 367, 407, 409) are all coupled to the platform (355) and encapsulated within the housing (357). A filter (375) element is used to block out unwanted light and increase the detector's (370) ability to resolve wanted emission light.

Abstract: An integrated biochemical sensor (200) for detecting the presence of one or more specific samples (240) having a device platform (355) with a light absorbing upper surface and input/output pins (375) is disclosed. An encapsulating housing (357) provides an optical transmissive enclosure which covers the platform (355) and has a layer of fluorescence chemistry on its outer surface (360). The fluorophore is chosen for its molecular properties in the presence of the sample analyte (240). The detector (370), light sources (365, 367, 407, 409) are all coupled to the platform (355) and encapsulated within the housing (357). A filter (375) element is used to block out unwanted light and increase the detector's (370) ability to resolve wanted emission light.

Abstract: The thixotropic reaction that takes place in an aqueous dispersion of micro silica is delayed by the addition of a pre-determined amount of at least one chemical additive selected from the group consisting of amides, such as carbamide, or polyols, such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement mix comprising a hydraulic cement, aggregate in an amount of up to 80% by weight based upon the total weight of said cement mix, sufficient water to effect hydraulic setting of the cement, and an air-entraining additive consisting essentially of a coconut fatty acid diethanolamine produced by reacting alkyl ester of coconut acid with diethanolamine, a capramide diethanolamide and ricinoleic acid, said additive being in an effective amount whereby air will be entrained in said mix in an amount of 3% to 9% by volume of said mix.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement mix comprising a hydraulic cement, aggregate in an amount of up to 80% by weight based upon the total weight of said cement mix, sufficient water to effect hydraulic setting of the cement, and an air-entraining additive consisting essentially of a coconut fatty acid diethanolamine produced by reacting alkyl ester of coconut acid with diethanolamine and a capramide diethanolamide, said additive being in an effective amount whereby air will be entrained in said mix in an amount of 3% to 9% by volume of said mix.