Abstract: A method for tuning the conductance of a molecular network includes a network of covalently bound molecular units, which are molecular entities assembled so as to form a network that can typically be compared to a finite, imperfect 2D crystal. Each of the molecular entities includes: a branching junction; M branches (M?3) branching from said branching junction, where each of the M branches comprises an aliphatic group; and M linkers, each terminating a respective one of the M branches. Each of the M linkers is covalently bound to a linker of another molecular entity of the network. The method involves tuning the electrical conductance of molecular entities of a subset of the molecular entities of the network, in one or several (e.g., parallel or successive) steps.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first trailer having a rear end, and a second trailer having a front. The second trailer is coupled to the first trailer. The vehicle also includes at least one flexible membrane that includes a perimeter coupled to the rear end. A seal is formed between the perimeter and the rear end. The vehicle further includes a pressurization source coupled to the vehicle, and at least one port defined in and extending through the rear end. The at least one port is enclosed by the perimeter and in fluidic communication with the pressurization source. In a deployed profile, the at least one flexible membrane extends between the rear end of the first trailer and the front of the second trailer.

Abstract: A system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a flexible membrane including a perimeter coupled to a rear end of the trailer. A variable-volume cavity is defined between the flexible membrane and the rear end. The system also includes a source of pressurized gas coupled to the trailer and in fluidic communication with the variable-volume cavity, and a controller operable to control a flow of the pressurized gas from the source to the variable-volume cavity such that the flexible membrane is moved from a stowed profile, wherein the flexible membrane is collapsed against the rear end of the trailer, to a first deployed profile, wherein the flexible membrane is maintained in a first pre-selected tapered aerodynamic shape projecting rearward from the rear end.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear end and a flexible membrane that includes a perimeter. The perimeter is coupled to the rear end, wherein a seal is formed between the perimeter and the rear end. The vehicle also includes a pressurization source coupled to the vehicle, and at least one port defined in and extending through the rear end. The at least one port is enclosed by the perimeter and in fluidic communication with the pressurization source.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first trailer having a rear end, and a second trailer having a front. The second trailer is coupled to the first trailer. The vehicle also includes at least one flexible membrane that includes a perimeter coupled to the rear end. A seal is formed between the perimeter and the rear end. The vehicle further includes a pressurization source coupled to the vehicle, and at least one port defined in and extending through the rear end. The at least one port is enclosed by the perimeter and in fluidic communication with the pressurization source. In a deployed profile, the at least one flexible membrane extends between the rear end of the first trailer and the front of the second trailer.

Abstract: A system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a flexible membrane including a perimeter coupled to a rear end of the trailer. A variable-volume cavity is defined between the flexible membrane and the rear end. The system also includes a source of pressurized gas coupled to the trailer and in fluidic communication with the variable-volume cavity, and a controller operable to control a flow of the pressurized gas from the source to the variable-volume cavity such that the flexible membrane is moved from a stowed profile, wherein the flexible membrane is collapsed against the rear end of the trailer, to a first deployed profile, wherein the flexible membrane is maintained in a first pre-selected tapered aerodynamic shape projecting rearward from the rear end.

Abstract: A method for tuning the conductance of a molecular network includes a network of covalently bound molecular units, which are molecular entities assembled so as to form a network that can typically be compared to a finite, imperfect 2D crystal. Each of the molecular entities includes: a branching junction; M branches (M?3) branching from said branching junction, where each of the M branches comprises an aliphatic group; and M linkers, each terminating a respective one of the M branches. Each of the M linkers is covalently bound to a linker of another molecular entity of the network. The method involves tuning the electrical conductance of molecular entities of a subset of the molecular entities of the network, in one or several (e.g., parallel or successive) steps.

Abstract: A method for determining a value of a local contact potential difference by noncontact atomic force microscopy. For one or more cantilever positions above a surface of a sample: i) determining two distinct voltage values of DC voltage applied between an oscillating cantilever and the sample, and ii) determining, by one or more processors, a value of a local contact potential difference based, at least in part, on the two distinct voltage values that were determined.

Abstract: A method for determining a value of a local contact potential difference by noncontact atomic force microscopy. For one or more cantilever positions above a surface of a sample: i) determining two distinct voltage values of DC voltage applied between an oscillating cantilever and the sample, and ii) determining, by one or more processors, a value of a local contact potential difference based, at least in part, on the two distinct voltage values that were determined.

Abstract: A method for determining a value of a local contact potential difference by noncontact atomic force microscopy. For one or more cantilever positions above a surface of a sample: i) performing two atomic force microscopy measurements, using an oscillating cantilever, ii) thereby determining two distinct voltage values of DC voltage applied between the cantilever and the sample, and iii) obtaining a value of a local contact potential difference based, at least in part, on the two distinct voltage values determined. Wherein substantially similar distinct values indicate a substantially similar value of frequency shifts of cantilever oscillation, as measured for each of said distinct values.

Abstract: A method for determining a value of a local contact potential difference by noncontact atomic force microscopy. For one or more cantilever positions above a surface of a sample: i) performing two atomic force microscopy measurements, using an oscillating cantilever, ii) thereby determining two distinct voltage values of DC voltage applied between the cantilever and the sample, and iii) obtaining a value of a local contact potential difference based, at least in part, on the two distinct voltage values determined. Wherein substantially similar distinct values indicate a substantially similar value of frequency shifts of cantilever oscillation, as measured for each of said distinct values.

Abstract: A humidifier, especially for room humidification, has a reservoir for water to be dispersed into the atmosphere, a unit for dispersing the water and a passage between the reservoir and that unit which is provided with a UV radiation generator for sterilizing water before it reaches the unit. The unit can be a heater, an ultrasonic atomizer for the water or a wettable surface over which air is passed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose objective for use in a compound microscope wherein the microscope has an eyepiece and a multi-purpose processing element in the back focal plane or Fourier plane of the objective and an aperture or slit for the light source situated in the front focal plane or conjugate Fourier plane of the condenser. An aperture specimen stage is disposed between the condenser and objective lenses. The multi-purpose light processing element has a plurality of light processing regions upon a selected region of which the image of the aperture slit is formed. The aperture element is moveable relative to the multi-purpose light processing element so as to direct light onto the selected region of the multi-purpose processing element.

Abstract: A humidifier, especially for room humidification, has a container removably mounted on a base and communicating with a sterilizing chamber to which the water is delivered and in which the water is exposed to a UV lamp with sufficient residence time to effect sterilization. From that chamber the sterile water is delivered to a heating chamber formed in a casting and communicating with a duct in the container from which the steam is supplied to the room. A thermostat on the casting cuts off the heater upon a failure to supply water to the latter. The apparatus can have a humidistat for turning on and off the heater.

Abstract: An arc discharge device such as a fluorescent lamp comprising a lamp envelope having an inner phosphor coating. An arc spreading assembly is disposed in or in close proximity to the lamp envelope. The lamp envelope is of an oval or elliptical cross-section and the major axis is a multiple of the minor axis of the lamp's cross-sectional shape. The lamp envelope is strengthened mechanically and protected against atmospheric pressure by being enclosed in an evacuated outer cylindrical protective envelope.

Abstract: An arc discharge device such as a fluorescent lamp without partitions, such as a double walled hemisphere or portion thereof, a double walled conical section, a double walled cylinder, which are more intensely and fully illuminated by magnetic arc spreading techniques. The magnetic field is concentrated in the region just beyond the source of the arc to maximize the spreading effect.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp having cylindrical or elliptical envelope containing a rare gas atmosphere as the starter gas and mercury and other volatile metals. The luminous output of this high intensity discharge lamp is increased by the presence of a magnetic field which spreads the arc discharge throughout the lamp envelope.

Abstract: One or more Fresnel prisms appropriately mounted integrally in the rear window (or windows) of a motor vehicle expands the drivers' field of view, eliminating blind spots both to the right and left rear areas of the vehicle. The viewing system, used in conjunction with an internally mounted rear viewing mirror, overcomes the necessity of providing either or both right and left side outboard rear viewing mirrors.

Abstract: An arc discharge device such as a fluorescent lamp comprising an outer envelope having an inner phosphor coating. A rotating field magnetic arc spreading device is disposed in close proximity to the envelope at each end of the lamp envelope. The envelope has a circular cross section.