Aerodynamic lenses are optimized specifically for molecules and small nanoparticles. These aerodynamic lenses produce collimating beams of nanoparticles as small as 3 nm. This technology allows proteins (normally too small to be focused by previous aerodynamic lenses) to be focused in a beam which allows proteins to be used directly in mass spectrometry and particle deposition systems. (Z05056)
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A solar thermochemical reactor produces syngas from concentrated solar energy, water, and carbon dioxide. The solar reactor efficiently produces affordable hydrogen that can be used directly as fuel. This reaction recycles carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, which can be used as a component of syngas. The solar thermochemical reactor represents a major advance in technology that provides a revolutionary and transformational approach that uses abundant solar resources to produce hydrogen. (2012-04-02) (20110019)
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Ammonia production usually requires the formation of molecular hydrogen followed by contacting the hydrogen with molecular nitrogen over a catalyst in the Haber Bosch process for ammonia synthesis, more commonly known as simply the Haber process. This small-scale liquid anhydrous ammonia reactor allows for the production of ammonia on a distributed and as-needed basis from water vapor and air (nitrogen source). The ammonia synthesis reactor process is also able to produce ammonia at relatively low temperatures as well as atmospheric pressure. Once formed, ammonia can be used in fertilizer production and pharmaceutical production. (Z07182)
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AMSOL is a computational chemistry software program that calculates the free energy of a solvated molecule. The software application calculates the change in energy when molecules are dissolved in water or an organic solvent. (Z05201)
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An artificial cornea based on collagen and laminin that enable tissue and cell growth into a synthetic material (silica) that is known for its superior mechanical and optical as well as biocompatibility properties. (2011-12-12) (Z09049)
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The University of Minnesota developed bio-based monomer chains efficiently graft onto acrylate to make a bio-based pressure sensitive adhesive with similar performance characteristics to other pressure sensitive adhesives. This technology can be scaled up using acrylate emulsion polymerization, an existing manufacturing technology, and results in a PSA containing up to 60% bio-based content. (20110026)
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Biodegradable epoxy elastomers based on an epoxy core structure are synthesized using “green chemistry” principles, and can be used as adhesives and coatings for biomedical devices, drug delivery, 3-D scaffolds for cell culture and tissue engineering, and elastic tissue repair and replacement. (2012-05-29) (20120103)
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A new method allows direct synthesis of a biobased polymer, poly (3-hydroxypropionic acid), from 3-hydroxpropionic acid, a commercial monomer that is derived from corn. The method uses a single vessel reactor for simple synthesis and rapid scale up. The method results in a higher molecular weight polymer using a process with lower toxicity than competing technologies. (Z05135)
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Polylactic acid, although renewable, suffers from extreme brittleness and low impact strength which hampers many commercial applications for this renewable plastic. The University of Minnesota has developed a way to graft a co-polymer onto polylactic acid in order to strengthen the plastic beyond the capability of commercial additives. This biodegradable plastic could replace high impact polystyrene in commercial applications such as engineered plastics and packaging. (Z09084)
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A biodegradable thermoplastic has been produced from a lignin derivative that has properties similar to polystyrene. This method for creating renewable plastic uses the excess lignin generated from pulp mill operations, bioethanol production, and chemical and pharmaceutical production from plant material. It is also a renewable and biodegradable alternative to polystyrene, a material which is derived from petroleum and not biodegradable. (99187)
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Biodiesel can be produced from dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), leftover from corn consumed in ethanol production using this chemical process. It is an add-on system placed at the end of an existing ethanol production plant for additional revenue. The process converts corn oil extracted from the DDGS into biodiesel, and further refines the biodiesel into a useable biofuel. This biofuel is an alternative to biodiesel formed from soybeans. (Z04005)
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A biological pathway that produces isobutyric acid from sugar-based feedstocks has been developed using fungal and bacterial enzymes. This biological pathway is more environmentally friendly and direct than chemical synthesis. Isobutyric acid is a commodity chemical used to produce methyacrylic acid (MAA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) which can further be processed into plastics, adhesives, ion exchange resins, and lubrication additives. (20110077)
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A biomedical sensor technique uses a giant magnetoresistor (GMR) sensor and magnetic nanoparticles to distinguish nanoparticles with different magnetic properties. The device is low cost, portable and high signal to noise compared to fluorescence techniques. This magnetic coloring allows, for example, observation of the reactions between proteins and cell membranes and a high-throughput method to sort molecules and cells. (2012-08-02) (20100020)
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Plastic Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) microstructures can be formed in bacterial hosts. These materials may be applied in orthopedic devices, orthopedic implants, and other implantable medical devices. The biopolymers are synthesized in bacteria through use of a polymerase enzyme within the organisms. The microbes intake a variety of renewable feedstocks and the produced polymers within the cells can later be extracted from the organisms. (99107)
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The University of Minnesota has developed a method to produce glycerin-free biodiesel using a proprietary, genetically engineered enzyme. This method reduces the costs and improves the purity of biodiesel production. The method shows great promise to use cellulosic feedstock. (Z07163)
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Biotransformation with improved redox balance uses renewable carbon feed stocks to create a myriad of products, including chemicals, fuels, additives, and pharmaceutical compounds. The technology reduces the redox imbalance without diverting carbon to side products which improves the overall efficiency. The technology doesn’t require expensive co-factors which reduces overall cost. This technology is an alternative platform to traditional industrial microbial fermentation, which is currently used by a wide range of companies making a variety of products (fuels, specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical compounds, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and organic acids). (2012-01-31) (20100174)
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The Observation and Surveillance Camera Placement Method consists of algorithms and formulas to improve video camera recognition of human activity by providing the best camera position for observation. The Camera Placement Method works for single- or multi- camera systems, and optimizes the placement of multiple cameras to idealize the cameras’ view of tasks being performed in an area. The Camera Placement Method incorporates the environment and the subjects’ paths of motion in the scene in order to determine optimal camera placement for observation and scene surveillance. The Camera Placement Method can be used for surveillance, activity recognition, traffic monitoring, and other subject tracking applications. (Z05182)
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A planting mixture of switchgrasses and legumes has been shown to sequester carbon at high levels on degraded or marginal lands. This mixture can be used to produce a carbon-negative biofuel or produce carbon offsets which can be sold under the Kyoto protocol or Chicago Climate Exchange. (2012-02-22) (Z08031)
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A biological synthesis of carotenoids results in higher concentrations and fewer impurities than plant based extraction and may be less expensive than chemical synthesis. Furthermore, biosynthesis results in unique carotenoids that are not found in nature which could have far reaching implications in the food colorant or nutraceutical industry. (Z05100)
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The CDesK© CD provides Design and Manufacturing Specifications for a durable, mobile, versatile and adaptable workstation for education and professional design environments. Shelves and accessories, mounted on the unique “ladder-back” design, encourage the user to configure the workstation to suit the way they work and enables interaction with the work environment. (Z07167)
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Robust microbes capable of efficiently producing cellulosic ethanol and able to withstand the toxic byproducts of cellulose hydrolysis processes have been developed. A major challenge in cellulosic ethanol production is that the sugar feedstocks that microbes require to produce ethanol by fermentation are often created in the same locations as toxic byproducts of the sugar-creation process itself. (Z07117)
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The creation of nanomaterials and complex proteins by self-assembly chemical synthesis of multivalent proteins allows for chemical control over the process to engineer specific nanomaterials and complex protein structures. This has a wide range of applications including the self-assembly of designed multivalent antibodies with therapeutic and diagnostic utility, drug delivery molecules, and self-assembly of enzymes. (Z05097)
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The bioreactor creates “designer organisms” that utilize renewable resources to produce cellulosic fuels, cellulosic chemicals, and cellulosic ethanol. Microbe growing bioreactors are vital systems in the development of these organisms that must be able to consume a variety of feedstocks, survive the toxic by-products of the production process, and must withstand a variety of temperatures and conditions. Such robust organisms are a major focus of biofuel companies that are currently investing significant amounts of money into biotechnology research and the development of these organisms. (2012-05-07)(Z02025)
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This CMOS image sensor technology enables sharp imaging of fast-moving objects as well as twice the dynamic range of other CMOS image sensors. Dynamic range is a metric of how well a camera performs under a wide array of light intensities and it is especially useful when taking pictures outdoors. This technology utilizes an existing and proven CMOS image sensor that is cost-effectively altered using existing CMOS chip tooling. (2012-01-12) (Z07093 Z08040)
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A method, using, co-cultured microbes, Synechococcus and Shewanella, to produce long-chain hydrocarbons directly from sunlight and water, eliminates the costs and challenges associated with obtaining, transporting, and processing cellulosic feedstocks to make vehicle fuels. The technology does not require large amounts of dedicated agricultural land which eliminates the competition with existing food sources. The research has been funded through a DOE ARPA-E grant. (20100084)
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A high-frequency AC-AC transformer requires only two semiconductor switches with significant simpler switching. The transformer does not have an intermediate DC-conversion step, which eliminates the need for a bulky capacitor. The overall system has lower complexity and higher reliability due to the fewer number of switches and simpler switching. While a hundred-fold smaller than conventional, low-frequency transformers, the power efficiency is comparable. The compact power transformer is well-suited to applications in wind energy or power electronics, naval vessels, aircraft, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and other smart grid applications. (Z09057)
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Software-based error pattern correction mechanism increases hard disk storage capacity by 10-20% with no physical modification of the magnetic elements of a disk drive. This error pattern correction for cyclic codes has a greater than 0.6dB SNR ration gain compared to the traditional Reed-Solomon code read channel method for error correction and also results in a lower computational demand. (2012-06-04) (Z07095)
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The method for delivering large precursors for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) based on sublimation in a fluidized bed provides more reliable vapor pressure of larger precursor molecules and reduces particle contamination. The fluidized bed consists of either pure precursor or precursor mixed with an inert powder. When operating at a carrier gas flow above the minimum required to fluidize the bed, the system significantly outperforms the current technology such as fixed-bed systems. (2012-10-11) (Z05074)
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Precise vehicle position can be determined by installing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags encoded with road name, specific lane, direction of travel, and distance from known reference information. Vehicle Positioning Systems complement and extend the reach of GPS devices by removing the reliance on satellite signals. RFID tags can be inexpensively used in intelligent transportation systems and have the potential to enable bus location automation, high occupancy tolling lanes, rear-end crash prevention, in-vehicle signing, and vehicle navigation without GPS. (2012-05-23) (Z05077)
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The Programmable Reconfigurable Fluid 3D Manufacturing process works for two dimensional and three dimensional components, is highly parallel, and is much faster than robotic manufacturing. It can be used to assemble multi-chip modules, hybrid systems, and micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems that consist of non-identical components. The programmability and the ability to recognize different objects are important advantages this process has over other techniques. This manufacturing process is based on a new form of directed self-assembly that uses geometric shape recognition to identify different components. (2012-03-06) (Z05009)
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DNA electrophoresis uses microfluidic technology to separate DNA strands which increases the speed at which the separation process takes place with a much higher efficiency. The technology, called Nanofence, is made up of an ordered array of posts that are embedded in the microfluidic chip used in microchip electrophoresis. The posts in the Nanofence technology are placed within the channels on the microfluidic chips. Gaps in between the posts are based on the size of DNA allowing for customized separation conditions for specific needs. (2012-05-31) (20110194)
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The Driver Assistive System is a technology that provides navigation assistance for road going vehicles in low visibility conditions. This technology facilitates accurate navigation, lane keeping, and collision avoidance in poor conditions such as fog, snow, and rain. The surrounding environment is revealed to the driver through a Head Up Display (HUD), allowing drivers to view the HUD screen and the windshield simultaneously. (Z00053)
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A dual-mode ultrasound system for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) offers temporal resolution on the order of milliseconds. The system is closed-loop and offers real-time intensity modulation based on continuous monitoring of tissue response to the HIFU beam. This method offers improved temporal resolution over MRI-guided procedures, which is expected to improve clinical outcome and reduce treatment time. (20100235)
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An E. coli strain has been genetically engineered that can convert unrefined glycerol to ethanol in a fast and high yield E. coli fermentation process. Glycerol waste (also called glycerin or glycerine) is the major waste product in biodiesel manufacturing processes, and this E. coli strain can efficiently convert this biodiesel waste into ethanol, a type of biofuel. Existing processes utilize E. coli for bacterial fermentation to convert glycerol to ethanol, but at much lower yields and much slower rates. (Z09192)
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For cost effective management of chronic heart disease, implantable devices can be used for early detection of atrial fibrillation and pulmonary edema. With slight changes to hardware and software, current pacemakers and defibrillators could be used for monitoring the stress of the left atrium on a continuous basis. (Z05107)
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A reliable and simple transfer-and-bond process method for producing integrated silicon photonics on flexible plastic films solves many of the issues found in current fabrication processes. In the flexible electronics and photonics industry, there are challenges that are in the production process, namely reliability and consistency. (2013-05-06) (20130121)
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The Fluid Mechanics Simulation Software tool, LBHydraTM, is a modular, extensible Lattice-Boltzmann simulator capable of modeling a wide array of fluid mechanical behavior. These modules transfer the calculation from CPU to GPU, thereby increasing the speed of the simulation by a factor of nearly 40x. (20100042)
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Using difluorocarbene, polymers can be fluorinated under mild conditions to improve strength, chemical and oxidative stability. Difluorocarbene is a reactive species which readily reacts with unsaturated parts of the polymer chain. (2012-08-09) (Z00077)
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A geothermal power generation system has been designed that will allow a power plant to be run from geothermal heat energy and uses carbon dioxide (CO2) gases accumulated from carbon dioxide sequestration. This method is a superior alternative to traditional geothermal power plants because it uses carbon dioxide in place of groundwater as the working fluid. Water is significantly more difficult to heat in low temperature thermal wells and the hydrofracturing required to use water as the working fluid has been linked to earthquakes. This geothermal power generation system could be used in more locations throughout the world, and without the potential of seismic shocks. (Z09126)
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The giant magnetoresistance (GMR) biomolecule sensing system for drug development and biomedical testing can test large number of samples simultaneously. A system based on this sensor may be able to test up to 1000 nanoparticle tagged biomolecules in 5 minutes. The GMR biomolecule-sensing system has applications in diagnostic centers and laboratories as well as in drug discovery. (2012-10-16) (20110105)
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A graphene based variable capacitor varactor uses the quantum properties of graphene to measure charge. The result is a significant size reduction (around 1000x) compared to MEMS based wireless sensors. The graphene based sensor has significantly higher sensitivity in the detection of charge and a superior quality factor (Q) than alternative charge sensing devices. Since it is passive and does not require an external power source, the device should be low cost and suited to in vivo applications such as radiation dosimetry for accurate external beam radiation therapy and radioactive seeds (brachytherapy) as well applications, such as monitoring blood glucose. (20110133)
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The unmanned syringe filtration system for liquids allows researchers to perform other tasks in the lab while solutions are filtered. The liquid filtration system is low cost and fits most syringes. The loaded syringe and filter are placed in the “Gopher Squeeze” which incorporates a pressure knob, replacing the force applied by hand. The researcher only needs to turn the knob to increase the spring tension to keep pressure on the syringe. (2012-11-20) (20130024)
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Heat-resistant Thermoplastic, plastic that can withstand high temperatures, can be made from renewable and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) using a process developed by University of Minnesota researchers. This heat resistant PLA is derived from the material lactide found in biomass such as corn starch, sugar, wheat, and sugar beets. This thermoplastic is an eco friendly alternative to Styrofoam or petroleum-based plastic due to the environmentally friendly creation process and the available renewable biomass sources. (Z08149)
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The high efficiency hydraulic transformer operates at high efficiency across the full displacement range. Conventional variable displacement pumps suffer from low efficiency when operated at partial loads and low displacements, but the described architecture overcomes these problems. (2013-02-04) (20130033)
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Carbon-coated silica HPLC stationary phase provides improved retentivity and higher loadability over competing carbon adsorbents and can be used at higher pressures than competing carbon adsorbents. Carbon-coated silica also has better stereoselectivity and stability in acidic or basic media. (20090028)
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A standard microbolometer can be modified to selectively eliminate interference from thermal sources. This is done by using materials in the microbolometer that have been designed to absorb wavelengths in the MWIR, but not the FIR range (the strongest thermal emission band). This results in uncooled thermal detector arrays with higher detectivity that can be used for CO and generic hydrocarbon detectors and requires few changes to the existing microbolometer. (2011-12-07) (Z08092)
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The process of creating macroporous structures from inexpensive precursors is rapidly scalable. This versatile process can be used for metals, metal alloys and inorganic materials. The process can be used to achieve a wide range of pore-sizes from 30nm to 500nm for different applications including battery materials, thermal insulators, composite ceramic materials, cosmetics, photonic crystals, and catalysis. (99014)
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The uncooled, resonance-based thermal detector allows trace chemical detection from a distance using a point and click method. This technology pairs a low sensitivity detector to filter out noise with a filter that couples with on-resonance wavelengths of light. The result is much higher sensitivity than existing uncooled devices and a smaller, lighter, and lower power detector compared to cooled devices. (2012-01-11) (Z07046)
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A system for highly precise navigation uses visual and inertial- based measurements that feeds into a unique Kalman filter based algorithm for pose estimation (position and orientation). The pose estimation algorithm can provide a unified basis for stability control, traction control, slip detection and obstacle avoidance in ground-based applications and navigation and tracking in air-based applications. The system operates where GPS and odometer systems fail or are denied and can be integrated into existing automatic active safety systems and aerospace navigation systems. (Z07191)
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The hybrid energy system recovers the waste heat typically lost by fuel cell systems and incorporates the waste heat into a geothermal heat exchange system. This greatly increases the energy efficiency of the geothermal heat pump. The fuel cell provides electricity to the geothermal heat pump and digital control unit and can be operated independent from the grid. This technology has applications in residential and commercial buildings and can improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems in the building. (Z04147)
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This energy storage system design results in a lighter weight device, and up to 24 times the energy density of traditional hydraulic accumulators. This opens up applications in hydraulic hybrid vehicles and a cost-effective method for storing off-peak energy from wind turbines. (Z07054)
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This biodegradable material is bulk hydrophobic but is hydrophilic at the surface, and is inert to biofouling and cell attachment. This feature is preserved as the polymer degrades generating essentially a renewable inert biosurface. These materials have wide applications such as in the coating of medical devices and other inert surfaces. (2012-11-13) (20120269)
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Improved organic photovoltaic cells increase the exciton diffusion lengths and efficiency of energy transfer. The devices are compatible with high throughput, simple fabrication processes, and low cost materials, making them an ideal source for renewable energy. This approach increases the diffusion length by using a diluted electron donor layer in a simple, planar heterojunction organic photovoltaic device that increases energy transfer efficiency, improves stability, and reduces costs. This approach leads to a 50% increase in device efficiency. (2012-08-28) (20120109)
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Improvements to drift tube ion spectrometers allow aerosol analysis with increased sensitivity and shorter measurement times. The new configuration uses a different type of detector and unique sample inlet method that allows for detailed analysis of aerosol samples. (2012-09-27) (20120251)
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An improved non-coherent ultra wideband radio receiver has been developed that greatly simplifies signal processing over other non-coherent ultra wideband radio receivers. The amplification of the non-coherent signal results in the ability to use the existing CMOS processes instead of tunnel diode add-ons. This results in lower power usage and low-cost design with no performance degradation. The technology has applications in indoor location awareness, cognitive radio and ultra wideband radio. (2012-01-05) (Z04117)
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The quality of NMR spectroscopy can be improved by acquiring more half spin-echo data and using an iterative numerical method to reconstruct missing data points of the corresponding full symmetrical echo data, allowing for a better-quality NMR spectrum with sharper peaks. The technique is advantageous at higher fields and has applications in NMR.
(20111214) (Z00135)
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The direct fuel injector system design incorporates a fuel injection assembly to deliver continuously variable injection flow rate by controlling the injector needle position. An iterative learning control feedback circuit controller is utilized to provide the optimum fuel injection rate at all times. This increases the fuel combustion efficiency and leads to improved fuel economy. (20130097) (2013-02-19)
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The intelligent transportation system has vision-based tracking, detection and vehicle classification which it uses to analyze video images to detect, count and track vehicles. The traffic management software identifies discrete shapes such as buses, trucks, cars and bicycles, and keeps traffic counts of the varying shapes. The vision based tracking identifies weaving sections, merging patterns, provides an understanding of traffic capacity, and maximizes traffic patterns in areas of merging and cross-lane traffic. (2012-04-02) (Z01178)
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A new ion gel material has been developed for use in organic field effect transistors which greatly improves the conductivity over solid polymer designs used in printed electronics. This new material has more conductivity which results in lower power consumption, higher currents, faster processing speeds, and greater durability. The ion gel can also be deposited directly onto plastic at room temperature making this material optimal for printed electronics. (Z07062)
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Iron complexes for stereospecific oxidation and bleach activation can be used for stain removal, to inhibit dye transfer, and, alternatively, stereospecific oxidation of organic substrates, particularly stereospecific hydroxylation and epoxidation. (2012-07-12) (96147)
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A very strong permanent magnet can be created using iron and nitrogen instead of any rare earth inputs, such as neodymium. The theoretical magnetic energy product for this iron nitride (Fe16N2) magnet is 130 mega gauss oersteds, which is more than twice the maximum reported magnet energy product for a rare-earth neodymium magnet. The process is environmentally friendly and compatible with mass production techniques and has applications in electric motors, wind turbines, and electronics. (20120016)
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Vehicles rear-ending snowplows are a common problem that occurs in 70% of all snowplow accidents. Even when the snowplow is seen, drivers have a hard time gauging their relative motion which often results in a collision. The University of Minnesota developed a lighting device that improves visibility of the vehicle during low-visibility conditions. This device uses high contrast LEDs adjacent to a region of dark contrast. This lighting device reduces the likelihood of rear-end collisions with snowplows. (2011-11-09) (20120039)
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Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a method for the rapid creation of liquid hydrocarbon fuel directly from biomass feedstock that does not require expensive hydrogen inputs. The entire process is low-pressure which alleviates the need for high-cost, high-pressure reaction vessels. This method allows for the fast conversion of biomass with alkane and/or alcohol co-reactants over zeolite multifunctional catalyst films and bypasses several expensive, slow, or low yield processing steps usually required for the biofuel. (20090008)
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A composite structure has been developed to reduce current densities required for spin-torque transfer in magnetic storage devices by up to a factor of 50. Spin-torque transfer is a technique for storing data in magnetic storage devices such as magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM). Improvements in implementation of spin-torque transfer would allow MRAM to be a universal memory storage device usable in virtually all electronics. The major issue in utilizing spin-torque transfer in MRAM (STT-MRAM) is the high power inputs the technique requires and the degradation of the storage elements due to the heat created from these high power inputs. Other methods that attempt to address this issue have only succeeded in lowering the magnetic current densities by about a factor of three. (Z09007)
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A magnetic grid can be used to separate magnetic materials in taconite, yielding a higher amount of magnetic materials. The grid allows fine, high grade magnetic particles to be captured. (2012-10-16) (Z00026)
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A new magnetic tunnel junction eliminates the need for intermediate sense amplifiers which reduces size and power requirements of microprocessors. The MTJ allows complex and multistage logic to be realized in MTJ-based spin electronics as when compared to other spin electronics and has the potential to reduce leakage current that is often a problem with CMOS, by powering down the logic circuits when not in use. This technology has applications in increasing scaling of microchips beyond current CMOS limits. (2012-1-24) (20110171)
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The Method for Monitoring and Counting Crowds is a new method for detecting and tracking objects – particularly crowds – with a computer vision system. Previous computer vision technologies could not keep track of large, dense crowds. The Method for Monitoring and Counting Crowds tracks crowds regardless of size or density just as easily as individuals. (Z06171)
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MIBK, an industrial solvent, can be produced from glucose with a bio-based process using a modified microbe.
This process has high specificity and offers a renewable route to chemicals that will be cost-competitive with the current process that utilizes petroleum derived feedstocks. (2012-04-24) (20110196)
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Micropatterned micro assembly using the xerographic printer allows for the flexible and fast deposition of charged nanoparticles, molecules, and integrated circuits onto a form. The nanoparticles may be deposited into micropatterns from gas, liquid, or powder onto patterned areas of up to 1 〖cm〗^2 in a single simple step using a conductive stamp. The stamp can be used to cost-effectively mass-produce a micropattern with a resolution tens to thousands of times better than existing xerographic printers. The technology has applications in microfabrication of quantum dot arrays/circuits or biological macromolecules. (2012-02-23) (Z03098)
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Chalcones, flavonoids and stilbenes can be produced using a microbial biosynthetic route from lignin, which allows production of high-yield, high-purity structures which cannot be replicated in nature or with chemical methods. This technology has applications in nutraceuticals, particularly in the production of Resveratol, the antioxidant found in red wine. (2012-05-02) (Z04007)
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The microfluidic device can increase recovery and viability of cryopreserved cells, as well as increase extraction of dimethly sulfoxide (DMSO), all at a low cost. Freezing cells such as cord blood, bone marrow, and stem cells require DMSO, but this cryopreservation agent needs to be removed before the cells are used in clinical applications. (2012-07-12) (20120069)
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A free piston engine and compressor package has been developed for use in fluid power applications. The device incorporates homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), which negates the need for active control, reducing implementation costs. The system can be fabricated at a miniature scale, operated with reasonable power for portable use and has a high enough power-to-weight ratio to be used in orthotics, power tools and robotics. (2012-09-06) (20120199)
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The nanoparticle synthesis system produces nanoparticles such as FeCo-FeCoO, FeCo-Au, FeCo-SiO2, Fe-Ag, Co-Au, C, Fe-Au with at an industrial scale. Previous systems capable of these nanoparticles with high crystallinity were only able to produce small, lab-scale quantities. The system offers the ability to handle flexible substrates and control the deposition composite structure and has applications in biomedical, solar, and multi-junction solar cells applications. (2012-02-24) (20100014)
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The University of Minnesota developed a nanostructured membrane that separates ammonia, hydrogen, and nitrogen. This membrane has tunable domain sizes, narrow pore size distribution and can be fabricated using a low-cost method. The membrane has applications in water purification, fuel cells, gas separation, and ultrafiltration. (Z07135)
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This mobility aid helps the visually-impaired, or those working in low visibility areas, navigate indoors by assisting in the identification and avoidance of obstacles. The typical support instrument for the visually impaired is the “white cane,” which is used for the detection of obstacles by providing a limited degree of haptic feedback to the user. The portable indoor navigation aid alerts the user to the layout of an entire indoor area upon entrance so as to assist in collision avoidance. Through the use of hardware and software, users are informed of objects in a room by audio and haptic feedback technologies. (Z06043)
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The number of humans in a vehicle can be detected using two near infrared (near-IR) cameras. The system uses two cameras which focus on the same point; the images are fused together to produce an intensified image which can be analyzed by pattern recognition software. (2012-08-02) (99201)
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A non-thermal food pasteurization system effectively removes pathogens while preserving the liquid’s nutrients, flavors, aromas, and colors. This method partially sterilizes the liquid by generating a non-thermal plasma. The system includes a reactor that generates non-thermal plasma species that are highly reactive and extremely effective in killing live pathogens, and can be used to pasteurize milk, juices, and canned food products. (2012-05-31) (Z01168)
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A process to produce copper, zinc, tin and sulfide (CZTS) uses non-toxic, abundant materials to produce a thin film solar cell. Currently, production of CZTS thin films is hindered by the toxic chemcials used to produce it such as hydrazine and hydrogen sulfide. The non-toxic method uses metal-containing sulfur complexes and does not require a sulfurization step. (20110008)
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A robust, cost effective process for olefin production dehydrogenates hydrocarbons to produce a mono-olefin, using a catalyst consisting of platinum modified with copper or tin on a ceramic monolith. The autothermal production of isobutylene is a viable solution to reduce the energy investment and costs associated with producing this chemical. Isobutylene is used as the starting material to produce many other products such as detergents, gasolines and pharmaceuticals. Autothermal reforming is an effective solution that meets the high demands of the chemical market industry by producing high yields of olefins, while reducing the production costs, feedstock consumption, and coke formation. (2011-12-07) (94087)
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The graded heterojunction organic light-emitting diode combines the two competing emissive layer architectures for OLEDs, double emissive layer and uniformly mixed host, resulting in drastic simplification and double the quantum efficiency of commercial OLED products. This could further result in reduced manufacturing costs and longer lifespans. (20100200)
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Graded heterojunction organic photovoltaic solar cell technology combines two competing organic solar cell technologies, bilayer and dispersed heterojunction, in order to improve power conversion efficiency and reduce manufacturing cost. (Z09174)
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Autothermal oxidative dehydrogenation produces olefins utilizing a fluidized bed of supported platinum, rhodium, or nickel catalysts. The fluidized bed provides stable temperature control, lower pressure drop, and safer operations. Oxidative dehydrogenation is highly energy efficient, produces high conversions, and high yields of alkane from gaseous hydrocarbon feeds. (2012-03-07) (94088)
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An MPI-based parallel library that implements algorithms for partitioning/repartitioning unstructured graphs, computing fill-reducing orderings of sparse matrices and is great for parallel numerical simulations involving large unstructured meshes. (Z09041)
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Olefins can be produced from alkanes by partial oxidation with the functional group of the parent alkane intact. Partial oxidation leads to higher yields and lower reaction temperatures than steam cracking; the described invention can be used with wide range of feedstocks, including biomass. (2012-08-09) (Z04187)
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The hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio in the partial oxidation of methane can be tailored by adding carbon dioxide or water to the reactants. By adding water to the feed of reactants, more hydrogen is produced; when carbon dioxide is used, the product mix shifts towards carbon monoxide. (2012-09-06) (97135)
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A bio-based, phthalate-free PVC plasticizer that eliminates the toxiclogical effects of phthalates at a similar price and performance to dioctyl phthalate. This plasticizer exceeds the performance at half the cost of the leading bio-based, phthalate-free PVC plasticizer. (20100213)
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Plasmonic devices formed from ultrasmooth metal films patterned with nanoscale concentric circles convert thermal energy into a laser like beam of light. (Z09085b)
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The University of Minnesota developed a method of creating polymer nanoparticles that deliver compounds such as drugs, cosmetics, or pigments. The nanoparticles have a wide range of sizes and molecular weights, have highly malleable interfacial properties, and their size variability can be very closely controlled. The method is also useful in producing particles of far greater size than in other methods and have applications in pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, drug screenings, agricultural agents, printer inks, flavorings, and cosmetics. (Z05052)
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Porous polymer films can be created from a mixture of two cocontinuous polymers and nanoparticles. This process utilizes the mixture of polyethylene oxide with either polyethylene or polypropylene. After extracting the highly water soluble PEO from the polymer blend, porous polyethylene or polypropylene films are derived. The films have improved mechanical properties with tighter control over pore size and distribution. These properties are important in applications such as gas separation membrane supports and battery separators. This method is more economically feasible and produces a polymer film with enhanced pore distribution, size, and wettability factor. (2012-06-21) (20120045)
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A real-time active piston motion control acts as the virtual crankshaft in a free piston engine to coordinate the combustion and the load. The control system forces the piston to follow a pre-determined trajectory by sensing the combustion event and the load in real-time. Potential applications include off road machinery, agricultural equipment, on-highway vehicles and smaller mobile applications (5-10 kW). (2012-09-24) (20120205)
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A pressure sensitive adhesive formula uses surfmers to avoid needing to add large amounts of surfactants. The surfmers, derived from soybean oil, are hydrophilic and resistant to water. Potential applications include pressure sensitive tapes, note pads, labels, automobile trim and a wide variety of other products. (2012-11-06) (20120321)
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Programable, reconfigurable liquid solder directed self-assembly is up to 1000 times faster than robotic manufacturing systems. This method is programmable and enables batch integration of different devices in both 2D and 3D and allows rapid reconfigurations by reprogramming receptors that direct the assembly process. The technology makes use of the current CMOS manufacturing infrastructure. This method has applications in the manufacturing of microelectronic and optoelectronic devices such as radio frequency identification tags. (Z06164)
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A system for separating proteins from eluent using surface modified dense zirconium oxide particles has been developed. The high density means the process can be run with a higher flow rate and at higher temperatures than current systems allow. Due to the high stability of the particles, they can be thoroughly sanitized and reused. (2012-07-26) (95049)
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The pulse width modulated fluidic valve (PWM valve) has an extremely high frequency response. Due to the always on or off nature of the valve, the efficiency is greater than other valves. This reduces input power and lowers operational costs. By combining the PWM valve with a fixed displacement pump, a small, lightweight variable displacement pump is effectively created. The technology has applications in hydraulic powered vehicles. (Z04199)
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The panelized roof system does not require an interior supporting framework or roofing truss. This roof structure reduces construction costs and increases the amount of available space within a building. The insulation layer can be on the outside of the panel or within it, increasing the overall efficiency of the building. The panels can be completely waterproof along exposed surfaces and are suitable as exterior roofing surfaces. (Z07004)
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This system offers intersection control in rural areas by providing the safety benefits of a signalized intersection while minimizing the inconveniences of disrupted traffic flow. This system determines the “state” of an intersection and alerts drivers of the information allowing them to make decisions. (Z04075)
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The pulse-width modulated (PWM) controller allows for matrix converter switch control without the use of complicated space vectors and sector-based calculations which simplifies operation and increases reliability. The simple control is much less expensive to implement and is solid state. The PWM has applications in the adjustable speed motors found in wind turbines, and electric engines. (Z06055)
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A process to harvest microalgae by co-culturing filamentous fungi to create algae pellets has been developed. This method is highly efficient, can be implemented without capital investment, and can be used in both closed bioreactors and open ponds. Furthermore, the method is more environmentally friendly than existing methods and has applications in biofuel production and nutraceutrical production. (2012-02-22) (2012011)
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The single wire arc spray apparatus and methods yield a narrow beam spray and a controlled width spray pattern having highly defined edges. Current arc spray technologies can suffer from divergence of spray of up to 20 degrees, leading to the spray coating having uneven thickness. The described method generates a narrow beam thermal spray of liquid droplets to overcome this problem and produce spray coatings with uniform thickness. (2013-01-31) (Z00216)
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SMART Signal is an urban traffic data collection and arterial traffic performance measurement system that collects and archives event-based traffic data at multiple intersections simultaneously. Using the traffic data, SMART Signal generates time-dependent performance measures for both individual intersections and arterials, including intersection queue length and arterial travel time. The ultimate goal of the SMART Signal is to develop a holistic framework that systematically measures, automatically fine-tunes, and realistically and practically models traffic flow on signalized urban arterials. (2012-05-23) (Z08214)
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