Abstract: A method of making a multicomponent photocatalyst, includes inducing precipitation from a pre-cursor solution comprising a pre-cursor of a plasmonic material and a pre-cursor of a reactive component to form co-precipitated particles; collecting the co-precipitated particles; and annealing the co-precipitated particles to form the multicomponent photocatalyst comprising a reactive component optically, thermally, or electronically coupled to a plasmonic material.

Abstract: Devices, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are provided for hemorrhage detection. An example sensing device for hemorrhage detection includes a blood detection layer that includes a permeable film and one or more optical fibers supported by the permeable film. The device also includes an optical sensor that includes a light source that emits light and an optical receiver in optical communication with the light source via the one or more optical fibers. The optical receiver generates optical data responsive to the light emitted by the light source and received by the optical receiver via the one or more optical fibers indicative of at least a wavelength of the light. The device further includes a controller operably coupled with the optical sensor that receives the optical data generated by the optical receiver in response to the emitted light and determines an amount of blood based upon the optical data.

Abstract: Devices, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are provided for hemorrhage detection. An example sensing device for hemorrhage detection includes a blood selective layer that includes a permeable film and an iron selective conductive circuit supported by the permeable film. The sensing device further includes a controller operably coupled with the blood selective layer. The controller is configured to supply a current to the iron selective conductive circuit, determine an impedance of the iron selective conductive circuit responsive to blood received by the blood selective layer, and determine an amount of blood received by the blood selective layer based upon the determined impedance. The controller may further compare the determined impedance with an alert threshold and generate an alert signal in an instance in which the determined impedance satisfies the alert threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a traction surface and methods for forming the traction surface. The traction surface may comprise a compound material comprising glass fibers oriented orthogonal to the surface of the compound material extending from the compound material, wherein when the traction surface contacts an icy surface, the glass fibers are operable to penetrate a liquid-like top layer of the icy surface to provide grip with an ice layer below the liquid-like top layer. The method for forming the traction surface may comprise integrating glass fibers into a compound material; orienting the glass fibers within the compound material such that the glass fibers are oriented approximately orthogonal to the surface of the compound material; splitting the compound material to expose the glass fibers, wherein the glass fibers extend from the surface of the compound material; and forming the split compound material into a traction surface.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to absorbing elements in respiratory face masks. Applicants have developed a structure for respiratory masks that can both absorb moisture from the face (such as perspiration, as well as from condensed moisture in the breath), and maintain a low breath resistance (won't increase the breath resistance significantly). The structure may comprise an annular structure added to the respiratory masks for moisture management, wherein the annular structure comprises moisture absorbent materials. This structure may also be known as an absorbing element operable to absorb moisture effectively, provide a respiratory mask with improved moisture control characteristics, reduce fogging of a face shield or eyeglasses of the wearer, and reduce the amount of uncomfortable moisture buildup on the face of the wearer.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to absorbing elements in respiratory face masks. Applicants have developed a structure for respiratory masks that can both absorb moisture from the face (such as perspiration, as well as from condensed moisture in the breath), and maintain a low breath resistance (won't increase the breath resistance significantly). The structure may comprise an annular structure added to the respiratory masks for moisture management, wherein the annular structure comprises moisture absorbent materials. This structure may also be known as an absorbing element operable to absorb moisture effectively, provide a respiratory mask with improved moisture control characteristics, reduce fogging of a face shield or eyeglasses of the wearer, and reduce the amount of uncomfortable moisture buildup on the face of the wearer.

Abstract: An outsole for footwear is provided. The outsole includes a base having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of resistance elements disposed on the outer surface of the base.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a traction surface and methods for forming the traction surface. The traction surface may comprise a compound material comprising glass fibers oriented orthogonal to the surface of the compound material extending from the compound material, wherein when the traction surface contacts an icy surface, the glass fibers are operable to penetrate a liquid-like top layer of the icy surface to provide grip with an ice layer below the liquid-like top layer. The method for forming the traction surface may comprise integrating glass fibers into a compound material; orienting the glass fibers within the compound material such that the glass fibers are oriented approximately orthogonal to the surface of the compound material; splitting the compound material to expose the glass fibers, wherein the glass fibers extend from the surface of the compound material; and forming the split compound material into a traction surface.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to absorbing elements in respiratory face masks. Applicants have developed a structure for respiratory masks that can both absorb moisture from the face (such as perspiration, as well as from condensed moisture in the breath), and maintain a low breath resistance (won't increase the breath resistance significantly). The structure may comprise an annular structure added to the respiratory masks for moisture management, wherein the annular structure comprises moisture absorbent materials. This structure may also be known as an absorbing element operable to absorb moisture effectively, provide a respiratory mask with improved moisture control characteristics, reduce fogging of a face shield or eyeglasses of the wearer, and reduce the amount of uncomfortable moisture buildup on the face of the wearer.

Abstract: Anti-reflective (AR) coatings and methods for applying AR coatings to substrates, such as optical lenses. The coating may include a polyurethane base layer and a fluoropolymer top layer. The base layer may protect the underlying substrate, promote adhesion between the top layer and the underlying substrate, and achieve index-matching with the underlying substrate. The method may involve an inexpensive and efficient solution coating process.

Abstract: Solar cells with enhanced efficiency are disclosed. An example solar cell includes a first electrode (12). The first electrode (12) includes an electron conductor film (14). A quantum dot layer (16) is coupled to the electron conductor film (14). An electrolyte solution (18) is disposed adjacent to the quantum dot layer (16). A second electrode (20) is electrically coupled to one or more of the electrolyte solution (18) and the quantum dot layer (16). The second electrode (20) includes a sulfur-containing coating compound (24), and the electrolyte is a polysulfide electrolyte.

Abstract: An illustrative solar cell may include an electron conductor, an absorber, a hole conductor, and one or more other layers that help reduce interfacial charge recombination within the solar cell for improved solar cell efficiency. In one example, an electron inhibiting/hole transporting layer is provided that blocks or at least substantially inhibits movement of electrons that may otherwise move from within the absorber and/or electron conductor into the hole conductor of the solar cell, while permitting holes to travel from the absorber to the hole conductor. In some cases, the electron inhibiting/hole transporting layer may be transparent or substantially transparent to incident light so that the incident light may reach the absorber material.

Abstract: An illustrative solar cell may include an electron conductor, an absorber, a hole conductor, and one or more other layers that help reduce interfacial charge recombination within the solar cell for improved solar cell efficiency. In one example, an electron inhibiting/hole transporting layer is provided that blocks or at least substantially inhibits movement of electrons that may otherwise move from within the absorber and/or electron conductor into the hole conductor of the solar cell, while permitting holes to travel from the absorber to the hole conductor. In some cases, the electron inhibiting/hole transporting layer may be transparent or substantially transparent to incident light so that the incident light may reach the absorber material.

Abstract: Solar cells and methods for manufacturing solar cells and/or components or layers thereof are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a multi-bandgap quantum dot layer for use in a solar cell may include providing a first precursor compound, providing a second precursor compound, and combining a portion of the first precursor compound with a portion of the second precursor compound to form a multi-bandgap quantum dot layer that includes a plurality of quantum dots that differ in bandgap.

Abstract: Disclosed are solar cells and methods for making solar cells. Also disclosed are counter electrodes for solar cells including dye-sensitized and/or nanocrystal-sensitized solar cells. An example counter electrode for a solar cell may include a substrate, a microstructured template disposed on the substrate, and a layer of catalytic material disposed on the microstructured template.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally ordered macroporous sensor apparatus and method of forming the same. A direct opal film associated with a number of pores can be formed by vertical deposition of one or more nanospheres on a glass substrate. The thickness of the direct opal film can be controlled by concentration of the nanospheres. A mixture of a precursor/monomer of a sensing material and a complexing agent can be filled into the pores associated with the direct opal film, such that the mixture permeates the interstitial spaces between the pores. The nanospheres may then be removed in order to form a three dimensionally-ordered macroporous electrode with an inverse opal structure. Optionally, the sensing material can be coated on an inverse opal backbone structure formed from an external inactive material and utilizing a coating operation.

Abstract: CdSe-quantum dots are formed on a TiO2 patterned layer by chemical deposition from a solution of aminotriacetic acid/cadmium (NTA/Cd) and sodium selenosulfate. CdSe-quantum dots are useful as sensitizers for solar cells. The conversion efficiency of light of light power to electric power is enhanced by adjusting the ratio of potassium aminotriacetate to cadmium (NTA/Cd) as well as the chemical bath deposition (CBD) temperature and time.

Abstract: A flexible solar cell is assembled by forming a TiO2 patterned layer on a flexible substrate electrode. Quantum dots (QDs) are formed on the TiO2 patterned layer. A gasket is disposed between the flexible substrate electrode and a flexible counter electrode forming a sandwich. Electrolyte and sealant are injected between the substrate electrode and flexible counter electrode to form the flexible solar cell.