Abstract: The invention provides methods for the enhancement of surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based detection assays of toxic industrial chemicals, biological agents and chemical agents. The methods can be used in any molecular recognition assay that uses a solid support and may be used in air. The invention also provides an SPR instrument that operates in imaging mode and utilizes both positive and negative shifts in SPR to identify analytes.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to proton exchange membranes comprising a carbon cluster derivative that comprises a plurality of functional groups so as to be capable of transferring a plurality of protons between each of the functional groups of the carbon cluster derivative, wherein the proton conductor further comprises a dry gel material in addition to the carbon cluster derivative. The proton conductor is usable, even in a dry state, in a wide temperature range including ordinary temperature to an intermediate temperature of about 250° C. An electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell, that employs the proton conductor is not limited by atmospheric conditions and can be of a small and simple construction. The proton conductor may be formed into useful thin films by casting suspensions containing both the carbon cluster derivatives and the chemical precursors of the dry gel material. On exposure to water, sol gel reactions form a wet gel material.

Abstract: A non-toxic, antifouling coating composition is provided which comprises zinc oxide contacted with photosensitizer(s) which increase the capability of zinc oxide to absorb visible light.

Abstract: A non-toxic, antifouling coating composition is provided which comprises zinc oxide which has ben surface coated by photosensitizer(s) which increase the capability of zinc oxide to absorb visible light.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of thermal flux including a heat source and a heat sink being in proximity to each other and an electrochemically variable thermal switch to control transfer of heat therebetween.

Abstract: A method of treating fluids containing impurities by means of an electrochemical reactor consisting of at least one pair of opposed main electrodes, a power source capable of generating an alternating current connected to the main electrodes, and a plurality of auxiliary electrodes disposed between the main electrodes which are uniformly arranged in a mutually close relationship. The auxiliary electrodes may be disposed on the surfaces of nonconductive supports so as to form a macroporous mixed filler layer between the main electrodes. Control of the electrochemical reactions is achieved through the choice of electrocatalytic materials on the surfaces of the auxiliary electrodes and materials dissolved in the fluid to be treated.

Abstract: Structures to serve as selective magnetic sorbents are formed by dissolving a cellulose derivative such as cellulose triacetate in a solvent containing magnetic particles. The resulting solution is sprayed as a fine mist into a chamber containing a liquid coagulant such as n-hexane in which the cellulose derivative is insoluble but in which the coagulant is soluble or miscible. On contact with the coagulant, the mist forms free-flowing porous magnetic microspheric structures. These structures act as containers for the ion-selective or organic-selective sorption agent of choice. Some sorbtion agents can be incorporated during the manufacture of the structure.

Abstract: A device for measuring the velocity of flow of a liquid comprises electrodes over which the liquid flows. A chemical emitting electrode is mounted so as to contact the liquid at a first point and is supplied with periodic input pulses by a current pulse generator such that chemicals are caused to be periodically generated on its surfaces. A second chemical detecting electrode is mounted downstream of the first point. The second electrode is connected to a potentiostatic circuit which produces an output signal when it detects the arrival of chemicals produced by the first electrode. A circuit measures the time between an input pulse and the corresponding output signal such that the velocity of the flow of the liquid can be determined.

Abstract: Procedures for feeding fish or crustaceans are disclosed which make possible monitoring the extent to which the administered food is actually eaten. These procedures utilize fluorescent dyes which are commingled with the food in order by their release into the culture water to indicate the extent to which the feed is being eaten. By administering food containing fluorescent dyes which when eaten cause the culture water to fluoresce, a direct measure of the food eaten is achieved. By administering food containing fluorescent dyes which when not eaten cause the culture water to fluoresce, a direct measure of the extent of wasteful overfeeding is achieved. By administering food containing both types of fluorescent dyes simultaneously, and measuring the ratio of their fluorescences, a sensitive measure of feeding activity is achieved.

Abstract: A flexible, water activated electrochemical cell and battery suitable generally for application in marine devices requiring low power levels for long periods of time without maintenance or replacement is fabricated in the shape of a rope. This novel shape permits extension of the rope battery cells over long distances and greatly increases the rates at which deleterious reaction products can be liberated to the surrounding water and thus greatly improves the efficiency of low drain water activated batteries.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which facilitates the handling of bulk cargos of minerals (particularly coal) agricultural and forest products and their unloading from a storage or shipping container. In accordance with the disclosed method the bulk material is coated with a release agent in a peripheral zone surrounding its mass in areas adjacent the interior wall surfaces of the container. To form such a zone of bulk material coated with release agent, that area of the bulk material is continuously sprayed or dusted with a release agent during loading. Preferably, the interior surfaces of the container are likewise coated with a release agent, either prior to loading or simultaneous with the coating of the bulk material during loading.

Abstract: Improvements in the amount of ore receivable from a seam having an overburden and improvements in mine safety are achieved by strategically deploying inflated bladders for temporary overburden support and using certain bladders as forms for producing permanent support structures. An access wall is provided to an edge of the seam to be mined by forming a trench or tunnel; and, ore is mined by working into the access wall to produce a series of elongated, substantially parallel chambers. As each chamber is completed, its overburden is supported by inserting and inflating one or more bladders; and, caving of the access wall is prevented by installing a bladder at the mouth of the chamber. Because of the support, adjacent chambers may be quite close together, leaving only a thin rib of ore therebetween. When the work has progressed along the ore face, the inwardly disposed overburden supporting bladders in chambers remote from the newest excavation may be removed.

Abstract: An electrode for use in electrochemical cells in which a halogen is an active electrochemical agent. The electrode comprises a high surface area conductive matrix, preferably of carbon, with a polymer grafted thereto. The polymer has halogen active quaternary ammonium, sulfonium, or phosphonium sites or mixtures thereof incorporated into its structure which holds the halogen at the electrode until discharge.A cell and battery which utilize the electrode and an aqueous electrolyte containing beneficial additives are also disclosed.