Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized device that can be operated by one person to load and unload a motorcycle onto and off of a truck bed or similar cargo area of a motor vehicle or trailer. The device taught herein may be employed to lift a motorcycle to the level of the truck bed then moved within the bed for transport and storage.

Abstract: A method of making a large area substrate comprises drawing a plurality of tubes to form a plurality of drawn tubes, and cutting the plurality of drawn tubes into cut drawn tubes. Each cut drawn tube has a first end and a second end along the longitudinal direction of the respective cut drawn tube. The cut drawn tubes collectively have a predetermined periodicity. The method of making a large area substrate also comprises forming a metal layer on the first ends of the cut drawn tubes to provide a large area substrate.

Abstract: An array of aligned and dispersed carbon nanotubes includes an elongate drawn body including a plurality of channels extending therethrough from a first end to a second end of the body, where the channels have a number density of at least about 100,000 channels/mm2 over a transverse cross-section of the body. A plurality of carbon nanotubes are disposed in each channel, and the carbon nanotubes are sufficiently dispersed and aligned along a length of the channels for the array to comprise an average resistivity per channel of about 9700 ?m or less.

Abstract: A bandage that includes a material, which can be breathable, having a first surface, and a plurality of superhydrophobic particles attached to the first surface. The plurality of superhydrophobic particles ranging in size from about 100 nanometers to about 10 micrometers. The superhydrophobic particles including a protrusive material defining a plurality of nanopores and a plurality of spaced apart nanostructures that define an external boundary of the hydrophobic particles. The nanopores providing a flow through porosity. The first surface can be rendered superhydrophobic by the attached superhydrophobic particles. The material can have a second surface opposite the first surface that is hydrophilic. The superhydrophobic particles can be adhered to the first surface by a binder. Also included is a method of making the bandages described herein.

Abstract: An array of aligned and dispersed carbon nanotubes includes an elongate drawn body including a plurality of channels extending therethrough from a first end to a second end of the body, where the channels have a number density of at least about 100,000 channels/mm2 over a transverse cross-section of the body. A plurality of carbon nanotubes are disposed in each channel, and the carbon nanotubes are sufficiently dispersed and aligned along a length of the channels for the array to comprise an average resistivity per channel of about 9700 ?m or less.

Abstract: An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.

Abstract: A composition for producing an optically clear, well bonded superhydrophobic coating includes a plurality of hydrophobic particles comprising an average particle size of about 200 nm or less, a binder at a binder concentration of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, and a solvent. The hydrophobic particles may be present in the composition at a particle concentration of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %. An optically transparent, superhydrophobic surface includes a substrate, a plurality of hydrophobic particles having an average particle size of about 200 nm or less dispersed over the substrate, and a discontinuous binder layer bonding the hydrophobic particles to the substrate, where the hydrophobic particles and the binder layer form an optically transparent, superhydrophobic coating.

Abstract: A method of making a large area conformable shape structure comprises drawing a plurality of tubes to form a plurality of drawn tubes, and cutting the plurality of drawn tubes into cut drawn tubes of a predetermined shape. The cut drawn tubes have a first end and a second end along the longitudinal direction of the cut drawn tubes. The method further comprises conforming the first end of the cut drawn tubes into a predetermined curve to form the large area conformable shape structure, wherein the cut drawn tubes contain a material.

Abstract: Superoleophilic particles and surfaces and methods of making the same are described. The superoleophilic particles can include porous particles having a hydrophobic coating layer deposited thereon. The coated porous particles are characterized by particle sizes ranging from at least 100 nm to about 10 ?m and a plurality of nanopores. Some of the nanopores provide flow through porosity. The superoleophilic particles also include oil pinned within the nanopores of the porous particles The plurality of porous particles can include (i) particles including a plurality of spaced apart nanostructured features comprising a contiguous, protrusive material, (ii) diatomaceous earth particles, or (iii) both. The surfaces can include the superoleophilic particles coupled to the surface.

Abstract: An article having a nanostructured surface and a method of making the same are described. The article can include a substrate and a nanostructured layer bonded to the substrate. The nanostructured layer can include a plurality of spaced apart nanostructured features comprising a contiguous, protrusive material and the nanostructured features can be sufficiently small that the nanostructured layer is optically transparent. A surface of the nanostructured features can be coated with a continuous hydrophobic coating. The method can include providing a substrate; depositing a film on the substrate; decomposing the film to form a decomposed film; and etching the decomposed film to form the nanostructured layer.

Abstract: A control system for an adjustment device for a variable compression ratio engine comprising: a jack head, a jack piston, a sprocket wheel, a movable transmission member, and a control valve. The jack piston is received within a chamber of the jack head defining first and second fluid chambers. The control valve controls the flow of fluid between the first and second fluid chambers. Based on the position of the control valve, fluid flows from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber or vice versa, moving the control rack connecting the jack piston to the sprocket wheel. Reciprocating motion of the sprocket wheel adjusts the position of the cylinder of the engine.

Abstract: An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.

Abstract: A close-packed array of light emitting diodes includes a nonconductive substrate having a plurality of elongate channels extending therethrough from a first side to a second side, where each of the elongate channels in at least a portion of the substrate includes a conductive rod therein. The conductive rods have a density over the substrate of at least about 1,000 rods per square centimeter and include first conductive rods and second conductive rods. The close-packed array further includes a plurality of light emitting diodes on the first side of the substrate, where each light emitting diode is in physical contact with at least one first conductive rod and in electrical contact with at least one second conductive rod.

Abstract: A method of making a large area conformable shape structure comprises drawing a plurality of tubes to form a plurality of drawn tubes, and cutting the plurality of drawn tubes into cut drawn tubes of a predetermined shape. The cut drawn tubes have a first end and a second end along the longitudinal direction of the cut drawn tubes. The method further comprises conforming the first end of the cut drawn tubes into a predetermined curve to form the large area conformable shape structure, wherein the cut drawn tubes contain a material.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical energy conversion device is provided having an armature with a central cavity. The armature is rotatably mounted in a frame. A torsion bar is positioned within the armature with one end connected to the armature and the other end connected with an energy source or consuming device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized device that can be operated by one person to load and unload a motorcycle onto and off of a truck bed or similar cargo area of a motor vehicle or trailer. The device taught herein may be employed to lift a motorcycle to the level of the truck bed then moved within the bed for transport and storage.

Abstract: A method of and system for evaluating an appraisal value associated with a loan are disclosed. The method includes receiving an appraisal value and at least one of foreclosure sale data and purchase money transaction data associated with a loan in a computerized system. The method also includes estimating the accuracy of the appraisal value based the at least one of foreclosure sale data and purchase money transaction data. The system includes memory configured to store an appraisal value and at least one of foreclosure sale data and purchase money transaction data associated with the loan. The system also includes a processor coupled to the memory and operable to execute programmed instructions, wherein the programmed instructions are configured to estimate the accuracy of the appraisal value based on the at least one of foreclosure sale data and purchase money transaction data.

Abstract: A transmission for an engine or motor with a reduced package size and increased efficiency comprising: an input sprocket, an output sprocket, a chain, and a planetary gear set. The output sprocket is drivingly connecting to the input sprocket through the chain. The output sprocket has a hollow center portion that receives the sun gear of the planetary gear set. The planetary gear set also includes at least two planet gears meshed with the sun gear which are mounted to a fixed planet carrier for driving a differential with a ring gear portion. When the input sprocket is rotated in a first direction, the chain drives the output sprocket and the sun gear in the first direction, and the sun gear drives the planet gears to rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, driving the ring gear portion and differential in the second direction.

Abstract: A sprocket unit comprising: a damper mounted on the first shaft with a first face defining a recess and a second face defining chambers for receiving spring loaded weights; a sprocket mounted to the first shaft with a hub defining an aperture and a slot; a front end plate mounted on the shaft with a hub defining an aperture aligned with the aperture of the sprocket; and a spring received within the aperture of the sprocket, the aperture of the front end plate, and the recess of the damper. When the first shaft rotates and firing frequency of the engine coincides with a resonant frequency of the first shaft, the spring loaded weights slide in the chambers of the damper, dampening out the resonant frequency in the first shaft and when the sprocket rotates the spring compresses and extends, reducing torsional load of the first shaft on the second shaft.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a drawn glass tube having opposing ends, a semiconductive material disposed inside of the drawn glass tube, and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed at the opposing ends of the drawn glass tube. A method of making an electrical device comprises disposing a semiconductive material inside of a glass tube, and drawing the glass tube with the semiconductive material disposed therein to form a drawn glass tube. The method of making an electrical device also comprises disposing a first electrode and a second electrode on the opposing ends of the drawn glass tube to form an electric device.