Abstract:
A molecular concentrator comprising a thermal ratchet for driving molecules from one place to another. A plurality of linear, two-dimensional, and/or three-dimensional arrangements of heater structures are arranged on or suspended above a substrate. Each of the heater structures is configured to strongly sorb a vapor of interest when the heater structure is at room temperature and to rapidly desorb the vapor when the heater structure is at an elevated temperature. The vapor sorption of the individual heater structures is made selective by surface treatments, by monomolecular film depositions or by thicker absorbent polymer depositions. By selectively heating and cooling the heater structures, vapor molecules incident on the heater structures can be directed in a desired manner, e.g., from heater structures closest to a vapor-containing environment to a sensor.
Abstract:
A prosthesis comprises a tubular member that defines an inner lumen and has an inner surface and an outer surface, an outer member secured to the tubular member and covering at least a portion of the tubular member outer surface and forming an outer chamber therewith, and at least one valve in the tubular member to regulate or control fluid flow between the tubular member lumen and the chamber.
Abstract:
A sensing device having: a bottom electrode, a dielectric on the bottom electrode, a grid of nanoelectrodes on the dielectric, and a top electrode in electrical contact with the grid. A method of chemical or biological sensing comprising: providing a grid of nanoelectrodes; exposing the grid to fluid suspected of containing a chemical or biological analyte; and measuring a change in the capacitance and conductance of the grid.
Abstract:
The disclosed subject matter describes a method, system, apparatus, and storage medium for interfacing multiple communication systems, comprising the following steps. The interface receives information from the client, and determines the format of the information. The disclosed subject matter identifies the third party to receive the information and transforms the originally received information into a format compatible for the third party. The server or router then sends the converted information to the intended third party. The associated process allows communication between the client and third party in both directions.
Abstract:
A method includes covering ostai of branch vessels emanating from a main vessel and an aneurysm with a high metal to vessel ratio stent. A metal to vessel ratio of the high metal to vessel ratio stent is sufficiently high to encourage tissue ingrowth around the high metal to vessel ratio stent yet is sufficiently low to ensure perfusion of the branch vessels through the high metal to vessel ratio stent. The ingrowth of tissue provides secure fixation and sealing of the high metal to vessel ratio stent to the main vessel and remodels and essentially eliminates the aneurysm. Further, as the entire high metal to vessel ratio stent is permeably, the high metal to vessel ratio stent is deployed without having to rotationally position the high metal to vessel ratio stent.
Abstract:
A method of immersing an electrode in an electroplating solution while under vacuum, to substantially eliminate air and/or other gas from microscopic holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. A method of electroplating an electrode in an electroplating solution including the application of a vacuum to the electrode while it is immersed in the electroplating solution to thereby substantially eliminate air and/or other gas from microscopic holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. The electroplating liquid may be applied to only one side of the electrode (“the wet side”) in which case, sufficient time is allowed to pass for the immersion liquid to fill the microscopic through-holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. An enhancement of this mode is to force liquid through the microscopic holes from the wet side. A highly penetrating solvent may be used as an immersion liquid. Alternatively, carbon dioxide can be used as an immersion liquid, in which case the liquid carbon dioxide may be obtained by adjusting the temperature and pressure conditions in a closed container of gaseous carbon dioxide.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for allowing consumers to search for a provider of a specific type of professional service, typically legal. A method configured according to an embodiment of the present invention may involve supplying a location indicator in which to locate a service provider; supplying an area of the specific type of service which the user is interested in; being supplied a list of service providers working in the area of the specific type of service which the user is interested in and in or near the location indicator; being supplied a list of flat rate or fee prices for the service providers on the list and being supplied a list of the status of the service providers' participation in a charitable program. This method may be utilized by a web based system.
Abstract:
An analog to digital converter includes a resistor-divider network including a plurality of resistors, an arbel channel circuit configured to generate a voltage sawtooth signal as an output, a dc-offset disposed to couple a node of the resistor-divider network and the arbel-channel circuit. The converter further includes a voltage reference circuit configured to generate a reference voltage, and a differential comparator configured to compare the voltage sawtooth signal with the reference voltage to produce a digital output signal corresponding to the voltage sawtooth signal. Method of converting an analog signal to a digital signal is also described.