Abstract: Detecting and identifying ions using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and an ion separation pre-filter, such as an ion spectrometer, are provided. The combination of an ion separator as a pre-filter for SERS provides a highly sensitive detector with very low false alarm rates. Target ions from an ionized sample are identified and separated by the ion separator. The target ions are steered and deposited onto a SERS substrate for Raman spectroscopic analysis with an optical probe. The Raman spectrum is compared with reference spectra and the composition of the sample is identified. The ion current from the target ions can also be measured, preferably concurrently with the Raman spectrum measurement. Types of ion separators include a differential ion mobility spectrometer, an ion mobility spectrometer, or a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Detecting and identifying ions using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and an ion separation pre-filter, such as an ion spectrometer, are provided. The combination of an ion separator as a pre-filter for SERS provides a highly sensitive detector with very low false alarm rates. Target ions from an ionized sample are identified and separated by the ion separator. The target ions are steered and deposited onto a SERS substrate for Raman spectroscopic analysis with an optical probe. The Raman spectrum is compared with reference spectra and the composition of the sample is identified. The ion current from the target ions can also be measured, preferably concurrently with the Raman spectrum measurement. Types of ion separators include a differential ion mobility spectrometer, an ion mobility spectrometer, or a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided which has a liquid anode. Preferably the liquid anode comprises molten salt and a fuel, which preferably has a significant elemental carbon content. The supply of fuel is preferably continuously replenished in the anode. Where the fuel contains or pyrolizes to elemental carbon, the reaction C+2O2??CO2+4e? may occur at the anode. The electrochemical cell preferably has a solid electrolyte, which may be yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The electrolyte is connected to a solid or liquid cathode, which is given a supply of an oxidizer such as air. An ion such as O2? passes through the electrolyte. If O2? passes through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode, a possible reaction at the cathode may be O2+4e??2O2?. The electrochemical cell of the invention is preferably operated as a fuel cell, consuming fuel and producing electrical current.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting vibration information by receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted from a biological organism at a light amplitude modulation detector array to provide real-time imaging of the target object. The detected radiation may be visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation, and/or of other desired frequency ranges. The detected radiation is preferably AC-coupled to isolate components relating to oscillations of the biological organism from components relating to ambient radiation, e.g. background sunlight. The isolated oscillations may then be digitized, stored, and subjected to processing such as a Fourier transform to generate outputs representative of frequencies of oscillation. This output can then be used for analysis of the target object.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided which has a liquid anode. Preferably the liquid anode comprises molten salt and a fuel, which preferably has a significant elemental carbon content. The supply of fuel is preferably continuously replenished in the anode. Where the fuel contains or pyrolizes to elemental carbon, the reaction C+2O2??CO2+4e? may occur at the anode. The electrochemical cell preferably has a solid electrolyte, which may be yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The electrolyte is connected to a solid or liquid cathode, which is given a supply of an oxidizer such as air. An ion such as O2? passes through the electrolyte. If O2? passes through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode, a possible reaction at the cathode may be O2+4e??2O2?. The electrochemical cell of the invention is preferably operated as a fuel cell, consuming fuel and producing electrical current.

Abstract: A membrane purification system and method are described in which a first membrane, an osmotically active agent, and a second membrane are utilized to separate fluid components. In general, fluid is moved through the first membrane into an osmosis compartment containing the osmotically active agent by the osmotic force of an osmotically active agent disposed between the first membrane and the second membrane. The fluid is forced from the osmotically active agent and through the second membrane while the second membrane retains the osmotically active agent in the osmosis compartment. The osmotically active agent may include a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molds and mold portions that comprise or have integrated therewith a resinous material and comprise at least one electromagnetic actuator imbedded in the resinous material, so as to be capable of further forming the at least one precursor area of the work piece. The resin is used to locate the coil, and clamps or other restraints preferably are used to keep the weaker electrically insulating resin out of a state of large tensile stress or strain, which may cause it to fracture. Preferably, the resinous material comprises metallic flakes imbedded therein.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for formimg a metal work piece into a target shape, the apparatus comprising: (a) a male mold portion having a mold side and a back side; (b) a female mold portion having a mold side and a back side; at least one of the mold side of male mold portion and the mold side of female mold portion comprising a removable portion and adapted to mate incompletely so as to deform a work piece disposed therebetween into a precursor shape, so as to leave at least one precursor area of the work piece to be finally formed; (c) the removable portion comprising at least one electromagnetic actuator, the removable portion disposed so as to be capable of further forming the at least one precursor area. The invention additionally may comprise: (d) a current power source adapted to produce a current pulse through the at least one electromagnetic actuator, so as to produce a magnetic field in the at least one precursor area so as to deform the at least one precursor area into a target shape.