Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nanowires, nanospheres and microspherical structures derived from keratin, such as bird feathers. Such structures may be utilized to form biodegradable, organic, non-toxic solar cells for the purpose of propogating energy in a circuit of an electronic device. Structures of the present invention can also be utilized in pharmaceutical delivery devices and biosensing purposes, in particular, detecting cancerous cells in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nanowires, nanospheres and microspherical structures derived from keratin, such as bird feathers. Such structures may be utilized to form biodegradable, organic, non-toxic solar cells for the purpose of propagating energy in a circuit of an electronic device. Structures of the present invention can also be utilized in pharmaceutical delivery devices and biosensing purposes, in particular, detecting cancerous cells in vivo.

Abstract: Pipe fractures in cooling staves of blast furnaces are a common failure mechanism Herein is a repair method for a cooling stave utilized in a blast furnace, the cooling stave having a compromised stave inlet outlet pipe attached to the cooling pipe in the cooling stave, the method comprises of the steps of inserting a rigid pipe into the compromised stave inlet outlet pipe to form a first annulus; inflating a bladder disposed inside the inner pipe and cooling stave; injecting a first uncured epoxy material into the first annulus; permitting the first uncured epoxy to cure; and removing the bladder.