Abstract:
Methods for controlling the rheology of ink applied to an imaging surface of a variable data lithography system include applying ink in a layer with a first complex viscoelastic modulus such that said ink layer readily separates in regions over the imaging surface covered by a dampening solution and into regions over the imaging surface at which dampening solution has been removed, increasing the complex viscoelastic modulus of the ink to a second complex viscoelastic modulus while the ink is over the imaging surface, thereby increasing the level of at least one of ink cohesive energy and ink tack prior to the transfer of said ink to said substrate at said image transfer subsystem.
Abstract:
A device and method for the detection of the interaction between two or more objects is disclosed. The device utilizes electrical impedance spectra measured from a piezoelectric element attached to one such object. Comparison of such spectra along a range of traverse allows precise estimates of distance to be made. One useful application is the topographical mapping of a surface.
Abstract:
Methods for producing plasma-treated, functionalized inorganic oxide surfaces are provided. The methods include the steps of subjecting an oxide surface to a plasma to create hydroxyl functionalities on the surface and reacting the hydroxyl functionalities with epoxy group-containing molecules in situ in the absence of plasma. Biomolecules may be immobilized on the resulting functionalized surfaces. The methods may be used to treat a variety of oxide surfaces, including glass, quartz, silica and metal oxides.
Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for the manufacture of composite lattice structures comprising a weaving mechanism 104 configured to position fibers in a lattice structure, the weaving mechanism 104 comprising one or more bobbins 304, each one or more bobbin 304 configured to carry fiber and a plurality of horn gears 302 configured to move the one or more bobbins 304 across the face of the weaving mechanism 104 to control the position of the fiber carried by the one or more bobbins 304 in the lattice structure, and a shape retention structure 108 configured to hold the fibers in lattice structure. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would automate the process of manufacturing composite lattice structures and reduce the costs associated with the existing methods for manufacturing such structures.
Abstract:
The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a pyrophoric flare comprising a normally closed container containing a pyrophoric substance. A perforated cylinder may be immersed in the pyrophoric substance to meter the flow of the pyrophoric substance into the atmosphere. The container is configured to completely or partially fragment when activated to release the pyrophoric substance into the atmosphere.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided for dynamically determining a primary adapter in a heterogeneous N-way adapter configuration. Each of the adapters generates information about itself and exchanges the information with all other adapters. First a decision-making adapter is identified. Then the decision-making adapter compares the adapter-generated information of all the adapters and makes a decision determining the primary adapter. The decision-making adapter communicates the decision to all other adapters. The determined primary adapter assumes a role as the primary adapter and the other adapters assume a role as a secondary adapter.
Abstract:
A subsystem for controlling the rheology of ink applied to an imaging surface of a variable data lithography system comprises an ink reservoir, an ink application subsystem for applying ink from the ink reservoir over the imaging surface at a first ink temperature, and an ink complex viscoelastic modulus control subsystem for modifying the complex viscoelastic modulus of the ink from a first value at the ink reservoir to a second value prior to transfer of the ink from the imaging surface to a substrate. The ink complex viscoelastic modulus control subsystem may comprise a partial curing stage, such as a photo-curing stage. The ink may optionally include photoinitiators to assist with the partial curing. Alternatively, the ink complex viscoelastic modulus control subsystem may consist of an ink pre-heating subsystem and/or a post-application cooling system.
Abstract:
The present invention provides devices and methods for micro-scale simulated moving bed chromatography (SMB) for continuous preparation of analytic quantities of highly pure fractions of target molecules. The present apparatus and method of the invention is adapted in a preferred embodiment to separations by affinity chromatography involving three discontinuous liquid flow loops. An alternative embodiment of affinity chromatography utilizes standard SMB operating under isocratic conditions.
Abstract:
A boarding bridge fall protection system including a double-line support apparatus is disclosed. The double-line support apparatus include a first anchor block, a second anchor block and a double-lifeline system. The first anchor block is configured to be disposed at a first distal end of a tunnel section of a boarding bridge. The second anchor block is configured to be disposed at a second distal end of the tunnel section. The double-lifeline system includes a plurality of lifelines configured to operatively connect to the first anchor block and the second anchor block.