Abstract: A first communication device configured for communications with a second communications device, and related system and method of operation, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the first device includes a first transceiver allowing the first device to send and receive electromagnetic communication signals, and a second transceiver allowing the first device to send and receive capacitive communication signals. The first device includes a control device coupled to the first and second transceivers, whereby the first device is configured for achieving both electromagnetic communications and capacitive communications, respectively, with the second device.

Abstract: A method is provided for abruptly stopping a vibration motor providing tactile feedback (406) to the user of a portable communication device (100). The method comprises providing a drive waveform (401) including an attack signal (402), and a stop signal (411) out of phase with the attack signal (402), to one of the vibration motor (235) or the multi-function transducer (130) to quickly stop the vibration. The drive waveform may include an optional sustain signal (407) subsequent to the attack signal (402) and prior to the stop signal (411). A file stored in memory (212) is accessed to provide the drive waveform (401).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting an atmospheric component. The apparatus comprises one or more arrays, wherein each array comprises one or more colorimetric reagents. A material encapsulating the colorimetric reagents of each array is capable of being at least partially removed to expose the colorimetric reagents of a selected array to the atmosphere. An imager detects colors of the one or more colorimetric reagents in the selected array. Circuitry then determines changes in colors of the one or more colorimetric reagents within the selected array.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of preparation of formulations of microcrystalline lutein, particularly in the form of esters, which are resistant to oxidation and are soluble in hydrophilic and/or lipophilic media. For these formulations, the esters of lutein are mixed with antioxidants, vegetable oils and/or organic solvents, and this initial mixture is submitted to various stages depending on the type of final formulation required. These formulations are suitable for direct application as colourants in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics fields. They can also be used as diet supplements.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) for performing intelligent operations includes a housing (112), a manually operable input (118, 122) for providing information to the electronic device, and a material (124) positioned between the manually operable input and the housing. An electromechanical transducer (218, 220) has a mechanical connection consisting of to the manually operable input and an electrical connection for receiving power, wherein substantially all of a mechanical output from the electromechanical transducer is provided to the manually operable input, the material preventing the mechanical output from being transmitted from the manually operable input to the housing.

Abstract: The method of fermentation with selected strains of B. trispora described in the present invention makes it possible to achieve lycopene yields higher than those currently described. The methods of isolation, purification and formulation are applicable to any natural source of lycopene, especially to submerged cultures of mucoral fungi of the genera Blakeslea, Choanephora, Phycomyces or Mucor. The method of extraction makes it possible to simplify the recovery process and increase the purity of the product, relative to the methods previously described. The methods of formulation provide high added value, since they make it possible to obtain stabilized preparations of lycopene for direct application in the food and pharmaceutical fields.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of preparation of formulations of microcrystalline lutein, particularly in the form of esters, which are resistant to oxidation and are soluble in hydrophilic and/or lipophilic media. For these formulations, the esters of lutein are mixed with antioxidants, vegetable oils and/or organic solvents, and this initial mixture is submitted to various stages depending on the type of final formulation required. These formulations are suitable for direct application as colourants in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics fields. They can also be used as diet supplements.

Abstract: An exemplary device and method for microfluidic transport is disclosed as providing inter alia a passive check valve (100), a fluid inlet channel (210), a fluid outlet channel (220) and a pumping cavity (240). The fluid inlet channel (210) is generally configured to flow a fluid through the check valve (100). The check valve (100) generally provides substantially passive means for preventing or otherwise decreasing the incidence of purged outlet fluid re-entering either the pumping cavity (240) or the fluid inlet channel (210). Accordingly, the reduction of backflow generally tends to enhance overall pumping performance and efficiency. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve micropump operation in any microfluidic application.

Abstract: An exemplary device and method for microfluidic transport is disclosed as providing inter alia a passive check valve (100), a fluid inlet channel (210), a fluid outlet channel (220) and a pumping cavity (240). The fluid inlet channel (210) is generally configured to flow a fluid through the check valve (100). The check valve (100) generally provides substantially passive means for preventing or otherwise decreasing the incidence of purged outlet fluid reentering either the pumping cavity (240) or the fluid inlet channel (210). Accordingly, the reduction of backflow generally tends to enhance overall pumping performance and efficiency. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve micropump operation in any microfluidic application.

Abstract: A cast-on-resist (COR) method of forming a ceramic layer (114) with a recessed pattern is provided according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The COR method is comprised of depositing a resist (102) on a substrate (104) and selectively exposing the resist (102) to a radiation source such that a first portion (106) of the resist (102) having a positive image of the pattern is soluble in a solvent and a second portion (108) of the resist (102) having a negative image of the pattern is insoluble in the solvent. The COR method is further comprised of immersing the resist (102) in the solvent to remove the first portion (106) to form a casting substrate (110) having the negative image of the pattern, applying ceramic slurry (112) on the casting substrate (110), curing the ceramic slurry (112) on the casting substrate (110) and removing the ceramic layer (114) from the casting substrate (110) after the curing.

Abstract: Alternative process for obtaining 6-aminopenicillanic acid. The process comprises replacing the stages of extraction with organic solvents and isolation and separation of the intermediate penicillin salt as a solid by a process of ultrafiltration of the culture broth in at least 2 successive stages. The first stage has a cut-off for molecular weights of 20,000 Dalton and the second, 2000 Dalton. Subsequent to the enzyme conversion stage the products from that stage are subjected to a series of anionic exchange chromatography steps.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (10) includes first and second electrodes (12) and (14) with an electrolyte system (26) disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system includes a polymeric support structure through which is dispersed an electrolyte active species in an organic solvent. The solvent, which remains liquid to low temperatures, is a binary or higher order system comprising diethyl carbonate and one or more of propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, dipropylcarbonate, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile, dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 10 includes first and second electrodes 12 and 14 with an electrolyte system 26 disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system includes at least a multilayered first polymeric region 28, having second layers 30 and 32, of a second polymer material. The second layers may absorb an electrolyte active species and to adhere the adjacent layer of electrode material to the electrolyte 26. The electrolyte system further includes a process for packaging and curing the electrolyte after it has been incorporated into a discrete battery device.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (10) includes first and second electrodes (12) and (14) with an electrolyte system (26) disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system includes a polymeric support structure through which is dispersed an electrolyte active species in an organic solvent. The solvent, which remains liquid to low temperatures, is a binary or higher order system comprising diethyl carbonate and one or more of propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, dipropylcarbonate, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile, dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 10 includes first and second electrodes 12 and 14 with an electrolyte system 26 disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system includes at least a multilayered first polymeric region 28, having second layers 30 and 32, of a second polymer material. The second layers may absorb an electrolyte active species and to adhere the adjacent layer of electrode material to the electrolyte 26. The electrolyte system further includes a process for packaging and curing the electrolyte after it has been incorporated into a discrete battery device.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 10 includes first and second electrodes 12 and 14 with an electrolyte system 26 disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system includes at least a first and second layer 28 and 30, the second layer 30 being used to absorb an electrolyte active species and to adhere the adjacent layer of electrode material to the electrolyte 26. The electrolyte system further includes a process for packaging and curing the electrolyte after it has been incorporated into a discrete battery device.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 10 includes first and second electrodes 12 and 14 with an electrolyte system 26 disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system includes at least a first and second layer 28 and 30, the second layer 30 being used to absorb an electrolyte active species and to adhere the adjacent layer of electrode material to the electrolyte system 26. The electrolyte system further includes a process for packaging and curing the electrolyte after it has been incorporated into a discrete battery device.

Abstract: An electrolyte system (40) for use in connection with an electrochemical cell (10). The cell (10) includes a positive electrode (20) and a negative electrode (30) with the electrolyte system (40) disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system is a polymer gel electrolyte system including a liquid electrolyte species which may be either aqueous or non-aqueous and a polymer gel electrolyte support structure. The polymer gel electrolyte support structure includes at least an non woven first polymer and a second polymer which is adapted to absorb the electrolyte active species. The first polymer is a fibrous polymer to reduce swelling of the gel electrolyte in the presence of the electrolyte active species, and further to enhance mechanical integrity of the support structure.

Abstract: An electrolyte system 40 for use in connection with an electrochemical cell 10. The cell 10 includes a positive electrode 20 and a negative electrode 30 with the electrolyte system 40 disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system is a blended polymer gel electrolyte system including a liquid electrolyte species which may be either aqueous or non-aqueous and a blended polymer gel electrolyte support structure. The blended polymer gel electrolyte support structure includes at least a first phase adapted to absorb or otherwise engage the electrolyte active species and a second phase which is substantially inert and does not absorb the electrolyte active species. The second phase may be divided to reduce swelling of the gel electrolyte in the presence of the electrolyte active species, and further to enhance mechanical integrity of the support structure.

Abstract: An electrolyte system (40) for use in connection with an electrochemical cell (10). The cell (10) includes a positive electrode (20) and a negative electrode (30) with the electrolyte system (40) disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system is a polymer gel electrolyte system including an electrolyte active species which may be either aqueous or non-aqueous and a polymer gel electrolyte support structure. The blended polymer gel electrolyte support structure includes at least a first phase adapted to absorb or otherwise engage the electrolyte active species disposed on and through the pores of a second phase which is substantially inert and does not absorb the electrolyte active species.