Abstract: The invention relates to the detection, assessment and mitigation of harmful water-borne bacteria such as cyanobacteria. Multiple apparatus embodiments and variations are described. One apparatus can apply at least one of UV-C irradiation, microbubbles containing ozone and ultrasonic sound to mitigate the harmful water-borne bacteria. The systems and methods of the invention can be applied to bodies of water, including fresh water and salt water, and can be applied to wastewater treatment. The systems and methods of the invention can be used to reduce the concentration of algae directly and can be used to reduce the concentration of nutrients in water that algae use to grow. Methods of mitigation of the harmful bacteria are described that do not involve the introduction of chemicals into the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection, assessment and mitigation of harmful water-borne bacteria such as cyanobacteria. Multiple apparatus embodiments and variations are described. One apparatus can apply at least one of UV-C irradiation, microbubbles containing ozone and ultrasonic sound to mitigate the harmful water-borne bacteria. The systems and methods of the invention can be applied to bodies of water, including fresh water and salt water, and can be applied to wastewater treatment. The systems and methods of the invention can be used to reduce the concentration of algae directly and can be used to reduce the concentration of nutrients in water that algae use to grow. Methods of mitigation of the harmful bacteria are described that do not involve the introduction of chemicals into the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the mitigation of harmful water-borne bacteria such as cyanobacteria. Multiple apparatus are described. One apparatus can apply at least one of UVC irradiation, microbubbles and ultrasonic sound to mitigate the harmful water-borne bacteria. Methods of mitigation of the harmful bacteria are described that do not involve the application of chemicals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the collection of parasitic arthropods. In one specific example, the parasitic arthropod is a tick, which prefers to cling to the tops of foliage, while waiting for a passing host. The apparatus collects the tick. In one example the apparatus is a roller that includes a cylindrical carrier that is covered with a cloth-like material designed to have a tick attach itself thereto, so that when the roller is passed over a surface where ticks are believed to be present, the ticks attach to the roller. The cloth-like cover material is disposable, as is the cylindrical carrier. The disposable cover material may be conveniently disposed in a refuse container. An advantage of the invention is the mitigation of ticks and the diseases, such as Lyme disease, that the ticks may be carrying, without exposing a user to chemical insecticides.

Abstract: The invention concerns materials which exhibit photonic band gaps in the near infrared and visible regions of the optical spectrum and methods of preparation of such materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns materials which exhibit photonic band gaps in the near infrared and visible regions of the optical spectrum and methods of preparation of such materials.The materials manufactured according to the invention are particularly suitable for use in the optical analog to semiconductor behavior, in which a photonic band gap material, or a plurality of such materials acting in concert, can be made to interact with and control light wave propagation in a manner analogous to the way that semiconductor materials can be made to interact with and control the flow of electrically charged particles, i.e., electricity, in both analog and digital applications.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of materials which exhibit photonic band gaps in the near infrared and visible regions of the optical spectrum as thermophotovoltaic emitter materials.The materials used according to the invention are particularly suitable for use in the conversion of thermal or heat energy into optical or light energy. U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,114, PHOTONIC BAND GAP MATERIALS AND METHOD OF PREPARATION THEREOF, was issued on Jan. 31, 1995 to the present inventors for a class of material which can be employed according to the present invention.According to the invention it is possible to employ these materials in the conversion of thermal energy to optical energy, in particular as a thermophotovoltaic emitter material, when the thermal energy is supplied by sources such as flames, sunlight or other broadband electromagnetic sources, or hot gases or fluids.

Abstract: The invention concerns materials which exhibit photonic band gaps in the near infrared and visible regions of the optical spectrum and methods of preparation of such materials.The materials manufactured according to the invention are particularly suitable for use in the optical analog to semiconductor behavior, in which a photonic band gap material, or a plurality of such materials acting in concert, can be made to interact with and control light wave propagation in a manner analogous to the way that semiconductor materials can be made to interact with and control the flow of electrically charged particles, i.e., electricity, in both analog and digital applications.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor or cell for measuring the oxygen content of a specimen includes a body with a chamber that houses an electrochemically active anode and an electrochemically active cathode. A chemically inert, electrically inactive porous material is disposed between and in contact with the anode and cathode. An anode connector is in contact with the anode and a cathode connector is in contact with the cathode. An electrolytic solution of potassium hydroxide and a dissolved metal saturates the porous material and makes electrical connection between the anode and cathode. A specimen to be measured is introduced into the chamber. The electrolyte promotes catalytic reduction of free oxygen molecules carried by the specimen. The magnitude of current flow through a resistive load connected between the anode and cathode connectors is directly proportional to the quantity of oxygen present in the specimen.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor or cell for measuring the oxygen content of a specimen includes a body with a chamber that houses an electrochemically active anode and an electrochemically active cathode. A chemically inert, electrically inactive porous material is dispsoed between and in contact with the anode and cathode. An anode connector is in contact with the anode and a cathode connector is in contact with the cathode. An electrolytic solution of potassium hydroxide and a dissolved metal saturates the porous material and makes electrical connection between the anode and cathode. A specimen to be measured is introduced into the chamber. The electrolyte promotes catalytic reduction of free oxygen molecules carried by the specimen. The magnitude of current flow through a resistive load connected between the anode and cathode connectors is directly proportional to the quantity of oxygen present in the specimen.

Abstract: In a low angle silicon sheet growth process, a puller mechanism advances a seed crystal and solidified ribbon from a cooled growth zone in a melt at a low angle with respect to the horizontal. The ribbon is supported on a ramp adjacent the puller mechanism. Variations in the vertical position of the ribbon with respect to the ramp are isolated from the growth end of the ribbon by (1) growing the ribbon so that it is extremely thin, preferably less than 0.7 mm, (2) maintaining a large growth zone, preferably one whose length is at least 5.0 cm, and (3) spacing the ramp from the growth zone by at least 15 cm.

Abstract: A molten region is formed in a solid material disposed on a cooled hearth capable of rotation. The solid material acts as a crucible for the melt, and single crystals or textured polycrystals may be grown from the molten region, with simultaneous rotation of the hearth and contained solid. The melt is formed in the solid material by one or more electric arcs struck between the material which may behave as an anode, and one or more cathodes which are directed toward the material, so that the electron and plasma flow from the cathodes to the material, produces and maintains the melt.