Abstract:
A system for controlling activation of a payload, particularly a high value, high consequence payload, such as a weapon of mass destruction, cannot be activated until it confirms that it has arrived at the correct destination. The system stores information that sufficiently identifies the location where the system should be activated or detonated. Sensors identify characteristics of the current location of the payload. A correlation is performed between the measured characteristics of the current location and the information stored that identifies the desired activation location. When the information sufficiently correlates, the system is allowed to activate.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for a forced-convection heat exchanger are provided. In one embodiment, heat is transferred to or from a thermal load in thermal contact with a heat conducting structure, across a narrow air gap, to a rotating heat transfer structure immersed in a surrounding medium such as air.
Abstract:
An eddy current probe adapted for detecting cracks in material directly beneath a raised-head fastener is disclosed. The probe comprises an eddy current coil and a support means for carrying the coil in an orientation suitable for introducing eddy currents into material directly beneath a raised-head fastener.
Abstract:
Embodiment of the present invention relate to dendrimers useful for application as catalysts, in particular as improved electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). Methods of preparing such catalysts are described. Examples include dendritic nanostructured metal catalysts, such as platinum and platinum-alloy catalysts.
Abstract:
Microfluidic devices according to embodiments of the present invention include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a channel or chamber having a nonuniform array of insulating features on one or more surfaces. Electrodes are provided for generation of a spatially non-uniform electric field across the array. A voltage source, which may be an A.C. and/or a D.C. voltage source may be coupled to the electrodes for the generation of the electric field.
Abstract:
Devices (100) and methods for thermally lysing of biological material, for example vegetative bacterial cells and bacterial spores, are provided. Hot solution methods for solubilizing bacterial spores are described. Systems for direct analysis are disclosed including thermal lysers (100) coupled to sample preparation stations. Integrated systems capable of performing sample lysis, labeling and protein fingerprint analysis of biological material, for example, vegetative bacterial cells, bacterial spores and viruses are provided.
Abstract:
Doped luminescent materials are provided for converting excited triplet states to radiative hybrid states. The doped materials may be used to conduct pulse shape discrimination (PSD) using luminescence generated by harvested excited triplet states. The doped materials may also be used to detect particles using spectral shape discrimination (SSD).
Abstract:
An eddy current probe adapted for detecting cracks in material directly beneath a raised-head fastener is disclosed. The probe comprises an eddy current coil and a support means for carrying the coil in an orientation suitable for introducing eddy currents into material directly beneath a raised-head fastener.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for producing crystals that minimizes birefringence even at large crystal sizes, and is suitable for production of CaF2 crystals. The method of the present invention comprises annealing a crystal by maintaining a minimal temperature gradient in the crystal while slowly reducing the bulk temperature of the crystal. An apparatus according to the present invention includes a thermal control system added to a crystal growth and annealing apparatus, wherein the thermal control system allows a temperature gradient during crystal growth but minimizes the temperature gradient during crystal annealing. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a secondary heater incorporated into a conventional crystal growth and annealing apparatus. The secondary heater supplies heat to minimize the temperature gradients in the crystal during the annealing process. The secondary heater can mount near the bottom of the crucible to effectively maintain appropriate temperature gradients.