Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for measuring a normalized air-to-fuel ratio. A normalized air-to-fuel ratio is measured by providing an engine control module, providing a first wide-band oxygen sensor in fluid communication with an exhaust stream, adjusting the oxygen pumping current to achieve a stoichiometric balance, detecting the oxygen pumping current, converting the oxygen pumping current to an oxygen balance metric, and communicating the oxygen balance metric to the engine control module. In certain embodiments, the oxygen balance metric may be a volumetric oxygen percentage. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a first and second wide-band oxygen sensor upstream and downstream from an exhaust treatment module.
Abstract:
A vessel transfer system utilizes a larger, surface effect vessel with a hull and a cargo deck, having a pressurized volume of air under its hull. The larger vessel cargo deck is lowered relative to a water surface in order to receive a smaller vessel. Lowering is achieved by depressurizing the volume of pressurized air under the hull. Movable propulsors on an air cushion vehicle permit efficient operation under way in an outer position, while minimizing the envelope dimensions for stowage in a well deck, providing clearance from bridges, docks, etc. in an inner position. In the outer position, the propellers operate in more uniform inflow conditions, resulting in improved performance and lower noise levels. In addition, the craft can be arranged to use a full width stern ramp resulting in time saved during cargo loading/unloading. The propellers will be less likely to ingest green water in high sea states.
Abstract:
We describe the novel use of a sugar-containing hydrogels as very highly porous, aqueous support material for the immobilization of oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins, antigens, antibodies, polysaccharides, and other biomolecules for sensor applications. The unusually large sizes of the interconnected pores allow large target molecules to pass rapidly into and through the gel and bind to immobilized biomolecules. An additional advantage of the sugar-containing hydrogels are their extremely low non-specific absorption of labeled target molecules, providing low background levels. State-of-the-art hydrogel materials do not have this type of homogeneous interconnected macroporosity, thus large target molecules cannot readily diffuse through them. In addition, they nearly always experience non-specific (background) absorption of labeled target molecules, limiting their usefulness in sensor applications. This invention provides a method for preparing a sugar polyacrylate hydrogel with functional chemical groups which covalently bond oligonucleotides and peptides. A method for copolymerizing acrylate-terminated oligonucleotides with sugar acrylate monomers and diacrylate cross-linking agents is also provided.
Abstract:
A polymer film comprising at least two layers, wherein each layer comprises a compound comprising the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected organic groups. A method of making a polymer film comprising the steps of: providing a monomer solution comprising one or more monomers comprising the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected organic groups; dispensing the monomer solution onto a substrate; heating the monomer solution on the substrate to polymerize the monomer; and repeating the steps of providing a monomer solution, dispensing, and heating one or more times, wherein the spin-coating is performed on top of the prior spin-coated layer.
Abstract:
A device having a substrate and an enzyme attached to the substrate. The substrate has a polymeric surface having at least two conductivity states. A minimum voltage that does not cause a redox reaction in the enzyme may be applied to the polymeric surface to change the conductivity state of the surface. A method of controlling enzyme activity by providing the above substrate with polymeric surface, attaching an enzyme to the substrate, and altering the conductivity state of the polymeric surface. Changing the conductivity of the polymer can change the activity of the enzyme.
Abstract:
We describe the novel use of a sugar-containing hydrogels as very highly porous, aqueous support material for the immobilization of oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins, antigens, antibodies, polysaccharides, and other biomolecules for sensor applications. The unusually large sizes of the interconnected pores allow large target molecules to pass rapidly into and through the gel and bind to immobilized biomolecules. An additional advantage of the sugar-containing hydrogels are their extremely low non-specific absorption of labeled target molecules, providing low background levels. State-of-the-art hydrogel materials do not have this type of homogeneous interconnected macroporosity, thus large target molecules cannot readily diffuse through them. In addition, they nearly always experience non-specific (background) absorption of labeled target molecules, limiting their usefulness in sensor applications. This invention provides a method for preparing a sugar polyacrylate hydrogel with functional chemical groups which covalently bond oligonucleotides and peptides. A method for copolymerizing acrylate-terminated oligonucleotides with sugar acrylate monomers and diacrylate cross-linking agents is also provided.
Abstract:
A polymerization process is provided using a mixture of a solvent, a monomer, an oxidizing agent, and a moderator. The mixture is coated on a substrate and heated to initiate oxidative polymerization. At least one of three process conditions is used: the solvent having a boiling point in excess of about 120° C.; the total concentration of the monomer, the oxidizing agent, and the moderator being at least about 40% by weight; and the molar concentration of the moderator being greater than the molar concentration of the monomer.
Abstract:
A stamp for transferring molecules and molecular patterns to a substrate face includes a backing and a polymeric gel bound to the backing and loaded with the a molecular species. Where the molecule to be patterned is a biomolecule, such as a protein or nucleic acid, the polymeric gel is typically a hydrogel. Exemplary hydrogels include sugar-based polyacrylates and polyacrylamides.
Abstract:
A flexible beverage package includes a container having deformable walls for accommodating the beverage therein. A pictorial indicia is included on the container walls. Handle elements are positioned on the container walls for forming extending grasping members to allow grasping of the container without deforming the walls. The handle elements are incorporated into the pictorial indicia for forming an externally extending continuation of the pictorial indicia.