Abstract: Novel hyper-branched, dense, high-refractive-index polymers, and compositions utilizing those polymers are provided, along with methods of forming high refractive index films with those compositions. The refractive index of the material is at least about 1.8 at 400 nm. Further, it can be made into optically transparent thin films of only a couple hundred angstroms thickness to thick films of several micrometers thick, as well as into “bulk” solids. The use of a thermal acid or a photo acid generator facilitates crosslinking after the coating process.

Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to TSNAs are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of TSNAs from biological fluids. Such polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials. Also disclosed are selectively adsorbent non-molecularly imprinted polymer of a non-acidic monomer and a cross-linker having polar functionality, one of which is hydrophilic, the other of which is hydrophobic, and the use of such polymers in the treatment of materials containing nicotine and nitrosamine.

Abstract: Printed resistive-based sensors and transducers comprising a thin, electronically “active” sensing layer within a dielectric and/or metallic layered structure are provided. The electronic resistance of the active sensing layer is measured during a change in the sensor environment. By utilizing a multi-layered architecture around the active sensing layer, the electronic signal of the sensing element can be improved. By carefully selecting the architecture and materials that surround the active sensing layer, the sensitivity, stability, and selectivity of the sensor to detect changes in the environment are improved. This design allows for a number of specific application areas for environmental sensing.

Abstract: Porous beads are provided of a polymer of a non-acidic monomer and a cross-linker having polar functionality, one of which is hydrophilic, the other of which is hydrophobic, further comprising residues of polyvinyl alcohol. The beads may be molecularly imprinted or non-molecularly imprinted. The use of such beads in the removal of nitroso-containing compounds from material containing them is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a non-molecularly imprinted polymer which is selectively adsorbent for at least one tobacco specific nitrosamine in the presence of nicotine, said polymer being a polymerization product of a non-acidic monomer and a cross-linker having polar functionality, one of which is hydrophilic, the other of which is hydrophobic.

Abstract: A method of making an image of a scene (including a scene made by the method) generally corresponding to that perceived by the human brain via the human eyes, the method including the steps, in any suitable order, of: capturing, recording, generating, or otherwise representing a scene consisting of the entire field of view, or part thereof, visible to a human observer from a given ‘Viewing Point’ (VP) when fixating on a given region within the scene, progressively enlarging the image towards the area of the scene, and progressively compressing the area of the scene corresponding to the peripheral field of vision to thereby produce a modified image of the scene generally corresponding to how the scene would appear to the human perceiver.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a passive locking device for preventing an ammunition belt from sliding across the top of an internal wall of an ammunition magazine used in conjunction with a belt feed weapon. In one embodiment the passive locking device is movable between a locked position in which a locking end is in close proximity to the top of the internal wall, and an unlocked position in which the locking end is spaced apart from the top of the wall.

Abstract: Novel, wet developable anti-reflective coating compositions and methods of using those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a polymer and/or oligomer having acid functional groups and dissolved in a solvent system along with a crosslinker and a photoacid generator. The preferred acid functional group is a carboxylic acid, while the preferred crosslinker is a vinyl ether crosslinker. In use, the compositions are applied to a substrate and thermally crosslinked. Upon exposure to light, the cured compositions will decrosslink, rendering them soluble in typical photoresist developing solutions (e.g., alkaline developers).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a passive locking device for preventing an ammunition belt from sliding across the top of an internal wall of an ammunition magazine used in conjunction with a belt feed weapon. In one embodiment the passive locking device is movable between a locked position in which a locking end is in close proximity to the top of the internal wall, and an unlocked position in which the locking end is spaced apart from the top of the wall.

Abstract: A semiconductor stack and a semiconductor base device with a wiring substrate and an intermediate wiring board for a semiconductor device stack is disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor chip is arranged between the intermediate wiring board and the wiring substrate, which is electrically connected by way of the wiring substrate on the one hand to external contacts on the underside of the wiring substrate and on the other hand to contact terminal areas in the edge regions of the wiring substrate. The intermediate wiring board has angled-away external flat conductors, which are electrically connected in the contact terminal areas of the wiring board. Furthermore, on the upper side of the intermediate wiring board, arranged on the free ends of the internal flat conductors are external contact terminal areas, which correspond in size and arrangement to external contacts of a semiconductor device to be stacked.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: A portable power tool having a housing with a rotation motor for powering a working implement, wherein sensors are provided to indicate the motor speed and the power supply, and a programmable evaluation unit is arranged to compare indicated speed and pressure values with stored limit values, and to accumulate the total operation time of the power tool and compare that with preset time limits for tool service intervals, and an optical information unit is provided on the housing to indicate whether those stored limit values have been reached.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automating carbon footprinting are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: obtaining data related to predetermined resources associated with an item from predetermined data sources; calculating estimated emission factors for each of the resources; determining a contributory uncertainty of the data and of the emission factors; guiding a user based on a comparison of the respective contributory uncertainty of data related to the resources or emission factors; and utilizing both data related to the resources and the estimated emission factors of the resources to determine a carbon footprint of the item.

Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to TSNAs are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of TSNAs from biological fluids. Such polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials. Also disclosed are selectively adsorbent non-molecularly imprinted polymer of a non-acidic monomer and a cross-linker having polar functionality, one of which is hydrophilic, the other of which is hydrophobic, and the use of such polymers in the treatment of materials containing nicotine and nitrosamine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a passive locking device for preventing an ammunition belt from sliding across the top of an internal wall of an ammunition magazine used in conjunction with a belt feed weapon. In one embodiment the passive locking device is movable between a locked position in which a locking end is in close proximity to the top of the internal wall, and an unlocked position in which the locking end is spaced apart from the top of the wall.

Abstract: Novel, wet developable anti-reflective coating compositions and methods of using those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a polymer and/or oligomer having acid functional groups and dissolved in a solvent system along with a crosslinker and a photoacid generator. The preferred acid functional group is a carboxylic acid, while the preferred crosslinker is a vinyl ether crosslinker. In use, the compositions are applied to a substrate and thermally crosslinked. Upon exposure to light, the cured compositions will decrosslink, rendering them soluble in typical photoresist developing solutions (e.g., alkaline developers).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: A number of pre-production calibration tightenings are performed at a screw joint identical to a screw joint used in production and using the same impulse wrench as to be used in production tightening. The value of one or more tightening related parameters are registered at the attainment of the desired pre-tension level, and those parameter values are used to statistically form a basis for a reference set-up. The tightening parameter values registered during production tightening are compared to the reference set-up, and an indication is obtained as to discrepancies between the reference set-up and the actually registered parameter values to get an indication as to whether the impulse wrench is malfunctioning and/or the screw joint is faulty.