Abstract:
The invention provides a photobiological fuel cell converting chemical energy possessed by a carbon-containing compound and light energy into electrical energy. A positive electrode (24) and a negative electrode (23) provided with an electrolyte (26) interposed between them are arranged as constituents. An electromotive force is generated across the positive electrode (24) and the negative electrode (23) by an oxidation reaction involving an electrochemical reception of electrons from carbon-containing compound by an external electric circuit via the intermediacy of a photosensitizer molecule excited by light, an oxidation-reduction mediator, catalytic enzymes, and reduction reactions at a positive electrodes (24).
Abstract:
A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.
Abstract:
A method for accelerating a motor vehicle having multiple torque sources including a first torque source and a second torque source that each provide a torque output in order to simulate a single torque source engine. The method includes determining an acceleration request. The acceleration request is compared to a data store of target torque outputs associated with torque output from the single torque source engine. A target torque output based on the acceleration request is selected. The torque output from the first torque source is increased to the target torque output if the first torque source can meet the target torque output. The combined torque output from the first and second torque sources is increased to the target torque output if the first torque source cannot meet the target torque output.
Abstract:
A reinforced polymer matrix composite material with anti-anisotropy reinforcement array is disclosed having coupled fiber reinforcement structures. The coupled fiber reinforcement structures are formed of a plurality of bound or bonded fibers, which form multi-dimensional structures capable of maintaining cross structure during molding. The structures are sized to allow their use in various molding processes. The coupled multiple fiber structures preferably have an aspect ratio of less than ten.
Abstract:
The Nephelometer comprises an illumination device (10) and a detector device (19). By means of the illumination device (10), a sample to be analyzed being arranged in a chamber (16) is illuminated, the scattered light emanating from the sample being detected by the detector device (19). A central shading element (17) arranged in a plane conjugate to the light source (11) of the illumination device (10) is located between the sample chamber (16) and the detector device (19). The detector device (19) further comprises another shading element (20) located in a plane conjugate to the exit opening shutter (15) of the illumination device (10). Direct light from the sample to be analyzed is absorbed by the central shading element (17), while the further shading element (20) absorbs stray light exiting from the exit opening shutter (15) of the illumination device (10) and impinging on the entrance lens arrangement (18) of the detector device (19) without passing through the sample.
Abstract:
A fumed silica monolithic integrating cavity device. The device is configured to facilitate optical measurements taken from a sample positioned within a cavity of the device. The cavity is defined by a fumed silica monolith with the added feature of a fused quartz lining on the surface of the monolith. This provides an intermediate surface that allows for cleaning and reuse of the highly effective diffuse light scattering fumed silica monolith. Furthermore, the lining may be placed under pressure or vacuum to structurally enhance mechanical integrity of the underlying monolith. Thus, continued or reliably repeated use of the device may be appreciated as well as use in more industrial environments that are prone to vibration.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for growing photosynthetic organisms lacking Photosystem II (PSII) function using externally supplied electrons shuttled into the organism using redox mediators to improve photosynthetic output and to produce and recover chemicals of interest. By removing PSII, all PAR photons are funneled toward Photosystem I, thereby significantly increasing the theoretical photon utilization efficiency for CO2 fixation, energy storage and the capacity to synthesize valuable chemicals. Additional genetic modification can be performed to insert or enhance specific metabolic pathways to generate products of commercial interest.
Abstract:
A method of dispersing flux in molten metal includes providing a source of flux powder and a source of gas. An impeller is disposed on an end of a shaft inside the impeller chamber of a base made of heat resistant material. The base is submerged in the molten metal and includes a molten metal inlet opening into the impeller chamber and a molten metal discharge passageway extending from the impeller chamber to an exterior of the base. Molten metal is drawn through the inlet opening into the impeller chamber by rotation of the impeller in the impeller chamber. The molten metal is moved out of the impeller chamber through the discharge passageway by the rotation of the impeller. A discharge stream of molten metal travels through the discharge passageway into the molten metal exterior to the base. The gas flows from the gas source into a refractory flux conduit. The flux conduit extends from outside the molten metal into fluid communication with the discharge passageway. The flux solids move from the flux source to the flux conduit. The flux solids flow along the interior of the flux conduit by virtue of the flowing gas. The gas and flux solids are injected into the discharge stream in the discharge passageway. The flux solids are dispersed in the molten metal of the chamber.
Abstract:
A method of screening for genetic or epigenetic markers associated with autism or related disorders comprises the steps of providing a biological sample from a mammal; and testing the sample or genetic material isolated from the sample for genetic polymorphisms/mutations and/or epigenetic alterations. The polymorphism may be located in the Xq/Yq pseudoautosomal gene region and extends into the adjacent Xq28 gene region.
Abstract:
Device for automatically implementing the SPE method, with a two-dimensional needle arrangement which is suitable for removing substances from different two-dimensional specimen vessel arrangements and dispensing them under pressure into a two-dimensional cartridge arrangement.