Patenti Instituta “Jožef Stefan”

The present invention refers to a cardan joint and a multi-axis positioning containing the same. The cardan joint comprising: a first yoke; and a second yoke. Wherein the first yoke and the second yoke are connected via a linkage. The cardan joint further comprising: a backlash adjusting mechanism, the backlash adjusting mechanism configured to reduce or increase an amount of backlash between the linkage and either the first yoke or the second yoke.

The device consists of a control module (1), to which accelerometric sensors (3, 4, 11) are connected to the input, while two groups of electrodes are connected to the output, the first group (6L, 6R, 7L, 7R) and the second group (8L, 8R, 9L, 9R). The control module (1) consists of a microprocessor (10), to the first output (10b) of which the generator (12) of electrical impulses is connected, and to the second output (10c) the transmitter (13). The generator (12) has two outputs, the first output (A) and the second output (B). The first group of electrodes (6L, 6R, 7L, 7R) is connected to the first output (A), and the second group of electrodes (8L, 8R, 9L, 9R) is connected to the second output (B) via the third strip (5b). It also revealed how to reduce the risk of injuries during a human fall or their consequences.

The present invention relates to improved methods for identifying daily activities of a person. It includes a new method for identifying activities that uses the context of the current activity to determine and improve the accuracy of its recognition. The method uses sampled data on linear and gravitational acceleration. This information is provided by a motion sensor, directly or indirectly supported by the subject. The context extractor processor calculates multiple contexts from the data. The processor for context modeling is a machine learning memory that teaches the model for each value of the context. The activity of the subject is recognized by combining, t. j. pooling the results of several context models. The invention provides an application for identifying an activity that determines the activity of the subject. An application may include a notification mechanism with an alarm if a drop is detected. Among other things, it can include: a gym application, an activity-based daily application, an out-of-home help application, etc. The technical effect of the experience allows you to control the smart home and more precisely detect the fall that triggers an automatic emergency call.

The subject of the invention is an adapter device and method for acquisition and transfer of signals from a host device 11 that has no built-in external communication capability, i.e. no communication ports. In one embodiment the adapter device 10 includes an acquisition module 1 configured to acquire data signals from the host device; and a transfer module 5, which is communicably connected to the acquisition module, configured to transfer said acquired data signals to an external device 12. The adapter device may include a processor 4 and voltage level shifter 3. The adapter device may be connected in the signalling path of an LCD display in the host device so that it can sniff, interpret (if necessary) and transmit the data being sent by the host device to its LCD screen to an external device. The embodiment described is the modification of a weighing/ kitchen scale, with no in-built means of communicating externally, so that an adapter device is connected internally to its LCD screen circuitry such that the adapter device can sniff and send out measurements taken by the scale to an external device, such as a connected smart-phone. The adapter may communicate G using a wired connection or wirelessly, e.g. Bluetooth, to the external device. An wireless adapter/retro-fit kit is also described.

The subject of the invention is a process for automatic data filtering or non-delayed measurements, where the speed data contain a repeating pattern. The proposed process allows you to instantiate metrics automatically, removing the repeated sample in the measurements automatically. The proposed procedure is used to regulate the speed of the brushless one-way BLDC motors or to control or measure the speed of the rotary machines.

The present invention relates to a device for continuous monitoring of the quality of the lubricant (2) and the particulate content thereof comprises a connecting hydraulic assembly (19) which is hydraulically connected to the reservoir via a suction connection hydraulic tube (3) with a built-in pump (21) and a return hydraulic connection pipe (2) and in the second position it prevents the flow of the lubricant (2) through it and ensures that the lubricant (2) is provided in the first position (1) and further comprises a two- ) of the suction hose (3) returns to the reservoir (1) after the return tube (4). In this unit (5) a measuring block (25) is connected which is hydraulically connected to said distributor (24) and comprises a sensor (26) for identifying the presence of metal particles in the lubricant (2), a coarse oil filter (27), a fine oil a filter (28), a water oil detection sensor (29), and a sensor (30) for monitoring a dielectric oil constant that is hydraulically connected to said distributor (24). The apparatus further comprises a data acquisition unit (7) for connecting each of said sensors (26, 29, 30), said unit (7) being in addition to a measurement control unit (33) with an integrated analog-to-digital converter (34) ) for connecting the unit (7) to said sensors (26, 29, 30) includes a memory unit (36) and a unit (37) for establishing a wireless Internet connection, optionally also a power conversion unit (31), wherein said unit (37) for establishing a wireless internet connection, with the possibility of signaling or signaling, information, but wirelessly, is connected to the data analysis unit (9) and via the latter to the display (17).

The purpose of the present invention is the system and the process for the continuous control and management of the tablet manufacturing process is to achieve greater flexibility and higher quality of tablet production, a deep understanding of the technological process and effective monitoring of the tablet manufacturing process. In the invention, this is achieved by a process, system, and device that presents the predicted impact of the current process parameters of production on the quality of the finished product in our comparative tablets in a comprehensible graphic and symbolic manner, and leads it further in the appropriate adaptation of the parameters with the aim of improving the quality of the finished product. Process control and operator control in managing the production process by adjusting critical parameters is according to the invention based on a limited maneuver and control space determined by intelligent techniques taking into account the final product quality (tablets). The management of the tablet manufacturing process is carried out with the help of a graphical user interface, which enables both the display space and the forecasting of the quality of new batches by means of the selected model, and, on the basis of critical elements, suggests in which direction (within the scope of maneuver) if we want to get a better quality final product. Monitoring and management are possible at every stage of the process for all process parameters. By testing various combinations of parameters on upcoming devices in the tablet manufacturing process, the operator searches for the safest and most meaningful combination that brings the gabo to the best tablets. Based on experimental settings and explanations of the system, it decides in each important step for setting the parameters of the next stage in the process.

The subject of the invention is a process for the intelligent control of the operation of the refrigeration system, that is to detect unusual operation and predict the failure of the cooling appliance by means of machine learning, which continuously analyzes the data flows of the environmental parameters and improves predictive accuracy through the user’s feedback. The process is characterized in that the process unit (3) implements a process for learning (12) the normal operation of the device, the result of which is the classifier (13), the event detection process (9) based on the wave transformation (8) and the procedure for the classification of detected events (15) and, in the case of a detected significant event (16), a notification of the event and an input of feedback (19) is displayed via the user interface (6).

The subject of the invention is a humanoid torso mechanism that simulates the actual movement of the human body. The torso includes a unique combination of mechanism and controlled rotary axes with actuators (4-8) arranged in a geometry that enables human-like movements. The construction provides mounting surfaces for other humanoid parts such as legs (3), arms (2) or head (1). The structure of the present invention comprises five degrees of freedom. All degrees of freedom are achieved with rotary axes and are concentrated in the lower part of the torso except the last one on the top. The lower torso portion of the assembly includes a torso basic rotation around the vertical axis, which is attached to a base such that the output shaft extends vertically upwards. The next axis is attached to the first axis arrangement structure for the torso tilting function. The next two axes are arranged for tilting the torso forward-and-back in the hip and for the buckling of the mechanical spine structure. That combination of buckling and bending mechanical struc- tures is carried out in a unique way that allows the simulation of buckling and bending the spine in a way very similar to the human body. This is a very realistic and effectively enforced movement that is very similar to human body movement. The last axis mounted on the top of the torso rotates the shoulder girdle around the vertical axes. Movement of each axis is driven by actuators which are attached in each joint of the torso structure and independently controlled by a computer.

The object of the invention is a detector assembly and device for measuring the sparking intensity of collector engines. The device can be classified into the technical field of testing dynamo-electric engines solving the problem of measuring the sparking intensity of the collector or at the brushes of collector engines. This technical problem is solved by direct measuring of the high-frequency noise signal on the brushes of the tested engine (12), which is tapped by two separating condensers (2A and 2B). An additional galvanic insulation is provided by the insulating high-frequen- cy transformer (3) which is followed by a pass-band filter (4). Following the detection by a high-frequency (video) detector (5) there is a quasi-peak detector (7), a smoothing filter (8), a signal level display (9) as well as level histogram display (10). The sparking noise signal is tapped directly at the brushes of the tested engine (1) and is dealt with as a high-frequency signal in the form of conductive jamming in the several MHz band. Typical of the invention is also that for the characterisation of sparking a quasi-peak detector (7) and level histogram display (10) are used.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a dispersion of graphene and/or its derivatives based on noble metals in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for the preparation of composite PDMS polymeric materials based on graphene and/or its derivatives based on noble metals. The process for preparing a dispersion of graphene and/or its derivatives in PDMS is carried out by simultaneous application of ultrasound and vacuum. Said process allows preparation of thin films of the PDMS/graphene composite material with high optical absorption and light penetration depth comparable to the film thickness.

The invention is a quasi-passive mechanism with modulation of compliance for a prosthetic or orthotic joint, which allows for modulation of compliance to address the transferability of pneumatic actuators and forms a mechanism that can effectively relieve the human joint. The mechanism generates force in the pneumatic cylinder when the joint bends, compressing air in one chamber of the cylinder, while creating a vacuum in the other chamber. The uniqueness of the mechanism lies in the sequential mechanical connection of the pneumatic muscle, which radially expands and longitudinally contracts with increased pressure, thereby changing the effective length of the cylinder. The modulation of stiffness of the mechanism is consequently achieved by simultaneously changing the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder and the contraction of the length of the pneumatic muscle. The most significant innovation of the mechanism after the invention is that the change in pressure in the pneumatic muscle is achieved by compressing air in the cylinder and a suitable combination of opening and closing three pneumatic valves. As a result, the mechanism does not require an external source of compressed air.

A computer-based nuclear research reactor simulator system for simulating behaviour of the reactor core, and permitting selection and/or adjustment of physical parameters of the reactor core. The simulator system is for teaching operation of a real reactor system and comprises a hardware console (1) with buttons for controlling simulated control rods and warning lights connected using suitable connections (2) to a microcontroller (3) and a computer with a screen (5) connected to the microcontroller (3) via communication means (4). The software comprises a thermodynamic model simulating heat transfer from fuel elements and the effect of heat on the simulated reactor, and a physical module solving point kinetics equations with fuel temperature and moderator temperature feedback effects for real-time simulation of the reactor core.

The method for treatment metals and metal alloys used for implants, especially vascular stents, is provided. The method comprises of three combined steps, including the first plasma-treatment step, the hydrothermal treatment and the second plasma-treatment step. The first plasma-treatment step assures for a contaminant-free surface with high surface energy, which in turn enables nucleation sites of appropriate properties for depositing a nano-structured film of titanium oxide. The next step is the deposition of a titanium oxide film. The second step is preferably performed within 10 to 1000 s after the first plasma treatment to minimise the risk of spontaneous hydrophobic recovery. The as-deposited materials are further treated by the second plasma treatment, which assures for appropriate surface finish and crystallinity of the thin nano-structured titanium oxide film. The methods of invention enable the formation of the titanium oxide layer on the surface of metals or alloys with improved biocompatibility/hemocompatibility against state of the art.

The present invention belongs to the field of nanotechnology, more precisely to the field of nanostructures formed by manipulation of individual atoms, molecules, and to manufacturing processes for providing said nanostructures. The invention relates to an apparatus for anodic oxidation of small metal grids, which comprises: − a housing comprising a bottom part and a top part arranged to receive a metal grid, wherein – each part is provided with an opening for allowing contact with an electrolyte, – one of the said parts is provided with a slot for receiving an electrical contact, said slot is arranged around the said opening, – at least one, preferably at least one, preferably both parts are provided with a slot for installation of a seal, preferably rubber seal, around the said opening, – each part having assembly means to assemble both housing parts together, − the electrical contact shaped as an elongated flat element with a circular head having a hole to receive the metal grid, said hole being slightly smaller than the metal grid to be anodized, wherein the elongated flat element is arranged to be connected to electricity, preferably using an alligator clip, and − preferably the metal grid, typically a TEM grid usually having a diameter or length up to 5 mm.

An oligomerization method of unsaturated hydrocarbons having double bonds, proceeding in a liquid phase, in an organic medium, in a mixture of substrates mutually exhibiting a double bond system of the [2+2], [4+2] or [2+4] type, using a reaction initiating agent, according to the invention, characterized in that at least one of the substrates has an ionization potential lower than 9.33 eV or a redox potential lower than 2.0 V, at least one of the substrates has at least one double bond involved in the reaction that is not part of an aromatic ring, wherein the other substrate can react via a double bond system of the aromatic ring, as long as it has an electron delocalization energy in the aromatic ring lower than 18 kj/mol per aromatic carbon atom in the structure of that compound, and a solid silver(ll) salt is used as the initiating agent, which leads to the formation of a radical cation from a substrate of a lower ionization energy, which then reacts with another substrate molecule without a deprotonation step for that radical cation, and then transforming the resulting adduct into a neutral molecule with the formation of another radical cation from a substrate of a lower ionization energy, which radical cation further reacts in solution according to the same mechanism, wherein the process is carried out at 270-350 K, preferably at room temperature, in an apparatus made of a material which is chemically inert and inert with respect to silver(ll) salts, preferably in an apparatus with an inner surface made of glass, quartz, fluoropolymers or stainless steel, into which are introduced substrates and an anhydrous organic solvent, which is chemically inert, also with respect to the silver(ll) salt, and then the silver(ll) salt is introduced as an initiating agent, after which the apparatus is closed and the reaction is carried out for at least 24 hours, preferably for at least 72 hours, and then the solid silver compounds are recovered from the post-reaction mixture and subjected to regeneration, and the liquid phase is separated into a light fraction of dimeric cycloaddition products and heavier fractions of oligomeric linear addition products, from which pure products or mixtures of isomeric products are isolated, for example by chromatographic methods. The invention provides an unsaturated hydrocarbon oligomerization method, including the cycloaddition of unsaturated hydrocarbons, which makes it possible to carry out, under ordinary pressure and temperature conditions, reactions between reactants commonly regarded as inert.

The present invention relates to a novel polypeptide which displays specific carbohydrate binding activity, particularly against glycans that contain mannose, and in vivo and ex vivo methods of use thereof. Methods of use comprise administering a polypeptide of the invention, for example to a sample or a subject in which carbohydrate is present, under conditions suitable for the polypeptide to bind the carbohydrate. The carbohydrate may be expressed by a pathogen. The invention relates to polypeptides and compositions thereof with anti-pathogen activity, such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal or anti-tumour activity. Also provided are methods for the prevention or treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by pathogens which express carbohydrate, for example as glycoproteins.

The present invention belongs to the field of nanotechnology, more precisely to the field of nanostructures formed by manipulation of individual atoms, molecules, and to manufacturing processes for providing said nanostructures. The invention relates to a method for functionalization of nanostructured films during crystallization, the essence of which is application of external pressure during crystallization of synthesized nanostructured films. The contact pressure ensures modification of the surface of nanostructured films. The method thus comprises two steps:a) synthesis of an immobilized amorphous nanostructured film by any suitable synthesis process, andb) crystallization of the film obtained in step a) at elevated temperatures in the presence of the contact pressure, wherein various chemicals may also be used between the film and means providing the contact pressure. Said chemicals influence the chemical composition of the film obtained after step b).

A packaging material, coating for packaging material, apparatus for forming such and method for doing so are described. The packaging material comprises a polymeric substrate layer; a chitosan layer, formed on the polymeric substrate layer; and an active layer, comprising chitosan nanoparticles and an antioxidant material, formed on the chitosan layer.

The invention relates to methods for energy-efficient disinfection or sterilisation of contaminated liquid, such as water contaminated with viruses or microbes. An asymmetric configuration of a cavitation nozzle made from dielectric material enables the formation of a permanent supercavitation bubble of a large volume. A low-pressure gaseous plasma is formed inside said supercavitation bubble by one or more electrodes mounted within the supercavitation bubble to prevent contact of the metallic electrode with liquid water and thus Ohmic heating of the contaminated water. The electrodes are connected to a high voltage power supply with an amplitude of the order of at least 300 V. Since there is an almost time-independent low pressure in the said supercavitation bubble, the power supply enables formation of a stable gaseous discharge inside the supercavitation bubble and thus formation of both radicals and radiation useful for destruction of viruses to the levels below the current US EPA standard in few minutes, while the temperature of liquid water remains practically unchanged. The electricity consumption for 4 log reduction of a virus is below kWh per m3 of contaminated water, which makes the invention useful not only for hospitals and pharmaceutical companies but the food industry and agriculture as well.

The present invention provides methods for improving the wettability of surfaces, in particular to reduce the receding contact angle and/or increase the hysteresis of the contact angle. The presented methods may include the following steps: a) mixing poly(styrene), poly(methyl methacrylate) and a solvent to produce a polymer solution; b) applying the polymer solution to a substrate to form a coating of the polymer solution; c) drying the coating of the polymer solution to produce a polymer layer on the substrate; d) exposing the polymer layer to reactive polar species to create a modified polymer layer on the substrate.

The subject of the invention is a method for improving the surface properties of dental silicate ceramics to achieve better bonding with composite cements. The method is based on the treatment of the surface of dental silicate ceramics with a suitable combination of doses of neutral oxygen and/or nitrogen atoms and positively charged molecular and atomic ions of oxygen and/or nitrogen. By using the method that is the subject of this invention, it is possible to achieve better adhesion between dental silicate ceramics and composite cement, and to shorten the processing time compared to previously used methods. Additionally, by using this technique, we avoid the use of hydrofluoric acid, which is toxic and currently used for etching the surface of dental silicate ceramics in concentrations of 4-10%. We can also avoid the use of silane, which is used to improve the bonding between dental silicate ceramics and composite cement. The method thus allows us to prepare the inner surface of fixed prosthetic dental restorations made of dental silicate ceramics well and quickly before cementation with composite cements, which is one of the key factors for the long-term success of dental prosthetic care.

The invention relates to a filament for 3D printing of anisotropic polymer-bonded magnets, which contains a polymer binder and magnetically anisotropic particles that are aligned in such a way that the filament is magnetically anisotropic. The subject of the invention is also a method for producing such filaments for 3D printing of anisotropic polymer-bonded magnets, which involves the steps of (i) mixing magnetic particles with a moldable/meltable polymer binder, (ii) exposing the mixture of magnetic particles and soluble polymer binder to a magnetic field, so that the axis of each magnetic particle aligns, and (iii) curing the polymer binder to form the filament.

The packaging material, the coating for the packaging material, the device for applying them, and the appropriate application procedure are described. The packaging material comprises a polymeric substrate; a chitosan layer formed on the surface of the polymeric substrate; and an active layer containing chitosan nanoparticles and an antioxidant, formed on the chitosan layer.

A method of coating magnetic particles with pseudo-boehmite (AlOOH) by forming an aqueous suspension of magnetic particles, adding aluminium nitride powder to the suspension in an amount of 0.1-10 % by weight of the suspension with a mass ratio of AlN : magnetic particles in the range 1:1 to 99:1 and heated to a temperature in the range 50-200 0C for 5-600 minutes. Refluxing can also be performed. The magnetic particles can be an oxide (e.g. iron oxide), a carbide or a metal (e.g. iron, nickel or cobalt alloys) with a size in the range 3 nm to 10 mum and can be coated with a stabiliser such as citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid or tartaric acid. The coated magnetic particles can then be removed, dried and calcined to form magnetic particles coated with gamma-alumina which can be used as adsorbents, catalyst carriers or drug carriers.

The present invention relates to a method for recovery of rare-earth elements from Nd-Fe-B magnet scraps. In the method the Nd-Fe-B magnet scraps (2) are anodically oxidized in an electrochemical reactor (1) which at least comprises an anode formed of said Nd-Fe-B magnet scraps (2), a cathode and an aqueous liquid electrolyte (5). The aqueous liquid electrolyte (5) is selected such that during the anodic oxidation said Nd-Fe-B magnet scraps (2) are leached in the electrolyte (5) and Fe metal (7) is deposited on the cathode. After said anodic oxidation step Na2SO4 (12) is added to the electrolyte (5) to precipitate rare-earth elements. The electrolyte (5) is then filtered to recover the precipitated rare-earth elements in the form of (RE, Na)(SO4)2 double salts (13).

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for depositing carbon nanostructures such as three-dimensional graphene mesh using non-equilibrium gaseous plasma of high power density. Methods are disclosed for rapid deposition of randomly distributed graphene sheets on surfaces of substrates using decomposition of CO molecules of a high potential energy, and said excited CO molecules interacting with a substrate. Another method uses a carbon containing precursor in condensed form and a processing gas comprising oxygen or an oxygen containing gas. The three-dimensional graphene mesh prepared according to the methods of invention is useful in different applications such as light absorbents, fuel cells, super- capacitors, batteries, photovoltaic devices and sensors of specific gaseous molecules.

The present invention improves the surface modification of NiTi alloys used for instance in medical devices through treatment with hydrogen particles in a suitable gaseous discharge and with oxygen atoms. The technique according to the present invention provides the formation of biocompatible solely titanium oxide layer thus preventing nickel to be present in the top surface layer. Furthermore this enables nanostructuring of the surface which depends on the treatment conditions. Devices made from NiTi alloys treated with the method according to the present invention have improved biocompatibility; platelets do not readily attach and activate on such surfaces and the thrombus formation rate is reduced in comparison with extensively used untreated NiTi alloys.

The present invention relates to methods for depositing vertically oriented carbon nanowalls (CNWs) using non-equilibrium gases such as gaseous plasma. Methods are disclosed for rapid deposition of uniformly distributed nanowalls on large surfaces of substrates using ablation of bulk carbon materials by reactive gaseous species, formation of oxidized carbon-containing gaseous molecules, ionization of said molecules and interacting said molecules, neutral or positively charged, with a substrate. The CNWs prepared are useful in different applications such as fuel cells, lithium ion batteries, photovoltaic devices and sensors of specific gaseous molecules.

The present invention refers to a method for producing desired morphology of a nanotubular matrix, in particular titanium dioxide containing matrix, which reduces adhesion and activation of platelets on medical devices. Surfaces produced by the method of invention can be used for blood contacting devices, such as stents and artificial heart valves in order to reduce thrombus reactions on the implant material surface.

The invention relates to a Bi, Pr and V-free novel ZnO voltage-sensitive ceramic material and a preparation method thereof. The ZnO voltage- sensitive ceramic material is composed of zinc oxide and a modified additive, wherein the content of zinc oxide is 86.5-99.7mol%, and the content of the modified additive is 0.3-13.5mol%; the modified additive comprises 0.1-10mol% of CaCO3, 0.1-1.5mol% of Co2O3, 0.1-1mol% of Cr2O3 and 0-1mol% of La2O3. The voltage-sensitive voltage of the novel ZnO voltage-sensitive ceramic material is 360-700V/mm, the nonlinear coefficient (I-V nonlinear coefficient) alpha is greater than or equal to 18, the leak current IL is less than or equal to 1mA, and the comprehensive property is excellent. The material is equivalent to that of existing Bi-containing zinc oxide voltage-sensitive ceramic industrially produced in property.

The present invention relates to the vibration system comprising: a filter plate (10) made of a ceramic porous material, said filter plate (10) comprising two sides an upper side and a lower side, and one or more vibration actuators (11) physically coupled to said filter plate (10) and driven, through electrical interconnections (21) and electrodes (23, 24), with a driving voltage to vibrate said filter plate (10) at a given frequency comprised in a range between 100 Hz and 100 kHz and to provide a displacement in a plane of said filter plate (10) with an amplitude be- tween 0.01 and 2 μm, wherein said filter plate (10) and said one or more vibration actuators (11) being assembled in a housing (13) with clamping means (14), a periphery of the housing (13) delimiting a filtering area (15), and said one or more vibration actuators (11) being located in or nearby said filtering area (15).

The invention provides an electro-optical modulator having: a mono-or multi-layered film of 2-dimensional semiconducting material having a layered crystal structure; and electrodes formed at each side of the semiconducting material, wherein the application of electrical potential to said electrodes and across said semiconducting material modulates the transmittance of light of certain wavelengths as a function of the voltage. Integrated photonic circuits and optical devices having such modulators are also provided.

The subject of the application is a method of electrochemical synthesis of high-purity silver(II) salts, which is characterized by the electrolysis of silver(I) salts or silver(I) hydrosalts in a solution of an acid containing the same anion as the electrolyzed salt, preferably an inorganic oxanion or an inorganic oxofluoroanion of a non-metal at a high degree of oxidation, preferably a non-metal such as C(IV), N(V), P(V), S(VI), Se(VI), Te(VI), Cl(VII), Br(VII), I(VII). During electrolysis, a concentrated solution of the acid is used, preferably a solution with a concentration above 80%, preferably a solution with a concentration higher than or equal to 95%, with the permissible contamination of the acid being water, anhydride of this acid or another solvent forming solutions of the appropriate silver(I) salt and this acid, possibly with the addition of an electrolyte. The notification also covers products obtained by this method and the method of synthesis of high-purity silver(II) salt hydrates and products obtained by this method.

The subject of the application is silver(II) sulphate hydrate. It is the first known stable chemical compound containing simultaneously silver ions Ag2+ and coordination water molecules within a single crystalline phase. Silver(II) sulfate hydrate retains all the desirable characteristics of silver(II) compounds (i.e. high erdox potential, chemical activity in contact with hydrocarbons, etc.), while being resistant to water. The synthesis of silver(II) sulfate hydrate is carried out by controlled exposure of silver(II) sulfate to water. It is possible to expose silver(II) sulfate to steam, water or ice under controlled conditions. Silver(II) sulfate monohydrate uses silver(II) sulfate produced by any method. The best product is obtained using silver(II) sulphate with large crystallites, obtained by electrochemical method. Silver(II) sulfate hydrate can be used as a chemical reagent under normal conditions in an atmosphere of humid air.

The vibration system comprising: a filter plate (10) made of a ceramic porous material, said filter plate (10) comprising two sides an upper side and a lower side; and one or more vibration actuators (11) physically coupled to said filter plate (10) and driven, through electrical interconnections (21) and electrodes (23, 24), with a driving voltage to vibrate said filter plate (10) at a given frequency comprised in a range between 100 Hz and 100 kHz and to provide a displacement in a plane of said filter plate (10) with an amplitude between 0.01 and 2 μm, wherein said filter plate (10) and said one or more vibration actuators (11) being assembled in a housing (13) with clamping means (14), a periphery of the housing (13) delimiting a filtering area (15), and said one or more vibration actuators (11) being located in or nearby said filtering area (15).

The present invention refers to a method for immobilization of heparin on polymeric material, said method comprising selecting a substrate made from a polymeric material, pre-treating said substrate, mounting said substrate into a vacuum chamber, evacuating the vacuum chamber to pressure essentially below 100 Pa, preferably below 1 Pa, selecting a source of NH2 radicals, leaking the NH2 radicals from said source into said vacuum chamber during continuous pumping of said vacuum chamber, interacting said NH2 (NH2) radicals with said substrate made from a polymeric material, evacuating said vacuum chamber, venting said vacuum chamber to atmospheric pressure, and covalent bonding of activated heparin on said substrate.

The present invention relates to process of the electrochemical synthesis of the silver(ll) salts of high purity, the methods of synthesis of silver(ll) hydrates of high purity, products produced by these methods, and the use of so obtained silver(ll) compounds to modify the molecular structures of organic compounds including waste disposal. A method of electrochemical synthesis of a silver(II) salts with the electrolysis of the silver(l) salts or hydrogensalts of silver(l) in the acid solution containing the same anion as electrolyzed salt, preferably oxoanion or oxofluoroanion with inorganic element in a high degree of oxidation. Use of concentrated acid solu- tion, preferably at a concentration of above 80%. The invention includes silver(II) salts obtained by this method. Process of the synthesis of silver(ll) salts hydrates with expose of silver(II) or silver(I/If) salts to liquid water, ice or water vapour, under strictly controlled conditions. Preferably, the gas solution with a concentration of water vapor 0-100 g/m 3, for 1-200 hours. The invention includes silver(II) salts hydrates obtained by this method. A method of modifying the molecular structures of organic compounds using an oxidising agent is based in on the oxidative initiation of a reagent with a redox compound, using at least one of silver(ll) compound. The invention comprises the use of a silver(ll) salt. The invention comprises the use of a silver(ll) salt as the redox reagent for disposal of hazardous waste and/or toxic substances, particularly organic.

The present invention refers to a method which prevents excessive adsorption of microvesicles on the surfaces of tools used for sampling, storing and handling body fluids containing microvesicles. The method comprises the steps of: selecting said a tool from the a list plurality of tools including but not limited to needles, blood tubing, blood bags, catheters, Eppendorf tubes, pipettes or the like, providing said tool from said plurality of tools, providing a source of positively and negatively charged particles of high density, selecting a source assuring for formation of positively and negatively charged particles of high density and treating a surface of said tool by applying short pulses of said source of particles next to or on the said surface of said tool to assure surface modification of said surface by reacting said positively and negatively charged particles of high density on said surface. The method according to the present invention ensures contacting of tools with short pulses of highly ionized gas comprising both positively and negatively charged particles, the pulses being essentially short enough to avoid excessive heating of materials used for collecting, sampling, storage, transport and isolation of micro vesicles and the density of both positively and negatively charged particles which is essentially high enough to cause roughening of said tools on sub-micrometer or nanometer scale. Especially tools treated according to the present inventive method prevents excessive adsorption of microvesicles on the surfaces of said tools used for collecting, sampling, storing, transporting and isolating of microvesicles or the like. The method according to the present inven- tion enables higher yields and lower fragmentation of microvesicles for instance by preventing adsorption of this valuable diagnostic material on the surface of different tools used for isolation and detection. Accordingly, the present invention also provides increasing the roughness of a material by the method according to the present invention. In particular the material which is used to produce diagnostic or medical tools or devices.

This invention relates to bonded magnets and the method for their production. Such magnets benefit from the fact that for binding, they utilize Low-Melting-Point metal or an alloy, and thus can be used at temperatures where conventional bonded magnets cannot operate. This composite magnet is made of magnetic phase and non-magnetic metallic binder. The mechanical and magnetic properties of metal-bonded magnets vary with the ratio of the two phases. The optimum result is achieved when adding 20-40 wt. % of binder. A huge difference can be observed between conventional and spark-plasma sintering (SPS) processing. An increase in remanence is up to 30%, as a consequence of simultaneous application of pressure and temperature. Additionally, minimized expo- sure time contributes to preservation of magnetic properties, which is a strong advantage of SPS technique. The value added of such magnets is the ability to withstand temperatures above 200° C., due to metallic matrix.

The subject of the invention is a process for the synthesis of molybdenum carbides in the form of quasi-one-dimensional structures; This is nanowires, microsounds, nanotubes, and microtractors. The invention is in the field of inorganic chemistry and transition metal chemistry and refers to the synthesis of molybdenum carbides in the form of quasi-one-dimensional structures by the method of converting quasi-one-dimensional compounds with a submicro cross section of the nanoparticles described by the formula Mo6CyHz, 8.2 smaller than y + z less than 10, Mo is molybde- num, C is halogen (sulfur (S), selenium (Se), telur (Te)); H is halogen (iodine (I)), by heating in the presence of a carbon-containing gas. This process allows the synthesis of the macroscopic amount of molybdenum carbides in the form of quasi-one-dimensional structures (nanoscale, microsounds, nanotubes, and microtrains).

The subject of the invention is a method for purification with blood, lymph, blood plasma or any other body fluid of contaminated metal implants made of titanium or titanium alloy. These implants are exposed to atomic oxygen, which reacts chemically with organic material from impurities at room temperature or slightly elevated temperature, partly or completely oxidizes it, and oxidation products can be volatile molecules leaving the surface of said implants during treatment. After the sufficiently large received dose of atomic oxygen, only the oxidized microelements that are initially present in the impurities with which the implants are contaminat- ed remain on the surface of said implants. The method allows complete removal of the organic component without altering the other properties of said implants, since the treatment is carried out at a sufficiently low temperature below 100 degrees Celsius.

The invention described herein is a reactor comprising: a housing defining a chamber therein; an inlet channel and an outlet channel running through the housing into the chamber; and a support positioned within the chamber; the support having a surface comprising a semiconductor material. Also described are methods of making reactors, methods of using reactors, and related uses and products.

The present invention lies in the field of electrocaloric energy conversion. More specifically, the present invention relates to improvements in systems and methods which employ electrocaloric materials as a source of temperature variation in electrocaloric refrigeration processes. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the application of electrocaloric materials in combination with a working fluid communicating with a heat source and a heat sink in counter flow.

The subject of the invention is a curable hybrid sol-gel composition including the combination of: (a) a first sol comprising the combination of (i) a hydrolysable silicon alkoxide and (ii) a silicon alkoxide having a least one non-hydrolysable substituent bonded to the silicon atom; and (b) a second sol comprising the combination of (i) a hydrolysable metal oxide in which the central metal atom is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Al, B, Sn, and V, and (ii) a (meth)acrylic acid-functional component. The cured composition is useful in a variety of compositions, e.g., as an anti-corrosion coating for metal substrates.

The present invention relates to a method of synthesizing tetragonal zirconia thin film material, said method comprising interaction of zirconium or zirconium-containing materials with a reaction gas comprising oxygen under elevated temperature and the influence of a magnetic field; a tetragonal zirconium material obtained thereby and its use in treatment of hazardous organic gases or liquids.

This disclosure provides three-dimensional and thin film morphologies of fluoro-polymer nanocomposites with adjusted friction properties, which contain inorganic nanotube-based nanomaterials as low-friction additives. The term nanotube-based nanomaterials means nanomaterials which occur in cylindrical geometry, or are derived from cylindrical geometry by using mechanical or chemical methods. In particular, this disclosure provides a method of adjusting friction properties of PVDF based polymers with MoS2-nanotube-based as inorganic low-friction additives. Friction of the PVDF/MoS2 nanotube-based nanomaterials is substantionaly reduced with respect to PVDF coatings without the said additives.

A method for treating low-grade magnetically hard sintered raw material for the manufacture of segmented permanent magnets (SPMs) includes carrying out primary sorting of specimens of raw material into groups according to geometric characteristics and external appearance, taking into account desired SPM parameters; obtaining sample measurements of magnetic, chemical and microstructural parameters and performing a HAST test to determine the possibility in principle of manufacturing an SPM; and manufacturing a pilot batch of SPMs, which includes cutting the specimens into parts having a set configuration, gluing the parts into a multi-layer stack, cutting and grinding the surface of the obtained multi-layer stack to a set size, and applying a protective coating to the surface of the obtained SPM. If the SPM does not meet the desired characteristics, the specimens of raw material are subjected to secondary sorting into sub-groups according to magnetic, chemical and microstructural parameters and, during manufacture, the arrangement and orientation of individual parts with different magnetic characteristics within the multi-layer stack under formation are additionally selected with a view to obtaining the desired overall magnetic characteristics. The result is the efficient treatment of recyclable material and a broadening of the range of semi-finished products.

The present concept was developed for formation of human- and environmental- friendly material able to provide antibacterial activity. This material is composed of bioceramic (hydroxyapatite), metallic (gold) and organic part containing amino and thiol groups (amino acids) in the form of composite. Bioceramic part of this material is templating agent applied as a controller of growth and stability of metallic nanoparticles particle. These metallic nanoparticles have functionalized surface and they are centers of antibacterial activity of composites. Efficacy of antibacterial activity of these materials depends on selection of surface functionalization providing activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. For developed materials this activity is much stronger compare to HAp/ Ag composite which shows ability for their use as more favorable re- placement of toxic silver. Materials were synthesized using sonochemical method, which has been developed as a novel, “green” approach for their formation.

This invention relates to a sensor module with a ceramic pressure sensor (1) manufactured in an elongated three-dimensional ceramic substrate having at least one cavity sealed with a measuring membrane (8) on which sensor elements are made, at one end of the substrate and with an electric connectors (12) and the reference pressure opening (9) which is connected to the cavity at the other end of the substrate via at least one channel (10) in the substrate, and this ceramic pressure sensor is fixed in the housing so as to form a console structure in which sensor portion of the sensor (4) with a membrane (8) on a free protruding end and the housing is divided into two hermetically separated chambers, one of which is in one measured medium and in the other there is a part of the substrate on which the electronics and connectors are made, so that the part substrate with a membrane (8) in contact with a measuring medium on the opposite side of the membrane, such as the sensor elements.

The subject of the invention is a process for the synthesis of nitrides 4d and 5d of transition metals (Nb, Mo Ta, W) in the form of quasi-one-dimensional structures, i.e. nanoparticles, microsounds, nanotubes and microtears. The invention comprises the synthesis of nitrides of transition metals in the form of quasi-one-dimensional structures with the method of converting quasi-one-dimensional compounds with a submicro cross section of the nanoparticles described by the formula M6CyHz, 8.2 smaller than y + z less than 10, where M is a transition metal (Nb, Mp Ta, W), C is a chalcogen (sulfur (S), selenium (Se), telur (Te)); H is halogen (iodine (I)) by heating in the presence of ammonia. This process allows the synthesis of large amounts of nitrides 4d and 5d (Nb, Mo Ta, W) of transitional metals in the form of quasi-one-dimensional structures (nanoscale, microsounds, nanotubes and microtrains).

The object of the invention is a multilayer ceramic structure that enables contactless dielectric heating of liquids and contains two electrodes, a cavity between them, and an input and output channel. Electrodes may be in direct contact with the heated liquid, but they may be protected by a thin layer of ceramics, which must be considerably thinner than the height of the cavity between the electrodes. Ceramic foils are folded in such a sequence to obtain gaps in the right places and compress the whole structure uniaxially or isostatically. Compressed multilayer ceramic structure is milled at temperatures from 800 to 1600 degrees C from 5 to 120 minutes. After firing, install the piping inlet and outlet ducts.

The subject of invention is a one-stage process of manufacturing composite ceramic heater before sintering powder mixtures of silicon nitride (Si3N4), Zirconium dioxode (Zn02) and oxide additives (Y203, Al203, Re203, …) for sintering and organic additions to the design, while during sintering in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen or argon on the surface of the composite with the reaction of Si3 N4 and ZrO2 forms ZrN, while core product remains unreacted. After sintering the product has the right mix insulating and conductive ceramic components, and good mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.

The subject of the invention is a method for the preparation of carrier colloidal powder with high specific surface area for application of a thin layer and/or nanoparticles. Due to a very large specific surface area and porosity of the carrier particles certain properties of nanoparticles that they exhibit due to their small size are preserved or even increased in comparison with the use of nanoparticles as such. Handling the so prepared composite colloidal particles with an increased specific surface area is very simple. The carrier powder is produced by exploiting hydrolysis of the AIN powder, wherein during a reaction between AIN and water the decomposed AIN particles are replaced by a number of agglomerates of porous particles from AI00H with a high specific surface area that can be subsequently thermally treated in order to obtain the particles from one of the transitional forms of AI2O3, i. e. y-, d- or q-AI2O3, without any significant change in the morphology of the particles.

The subject of the invention is a method for the preparation of carrier colloidal powder with high specific surface area for application of a thin layer and/or nanoparticles. Due to a very large specific surface area and porosity of the carrier particles certain properties of nanoparticles that they exhibit due to their small size are preserved or even increased in comparison with the use of nanoparticles as such. Handling the so prepared composite colloidal particles with an increased specific surface area is very simple. The carrier powder is produced by exploiting hydrolysis of the A1N powder, wherein during a reaction between A1N and water the decomposed A1N particles are replaced by a number of agglomerates of porous particles from A100H with a high specific surface area that can be subsequently thermally treated in order to obtain the particles from one of the transitional forms of AI2O3, i. e. y-, 8- or 9-AI2O3, without any significant change in the morphology of the particles.

The subject invention is alumina porcelain used in the electrotechnics and process of its construction. Alumina porcelain after the invention belongs to the group of alkali alumosillicate porcelain with high mechanical strength. Alumina porcelain after the invention is prepared from the followingraw material: 25 to 38 weight percent of calcite alumina, 20 to 33 percent by weight of kaolin, 26 to 37 weight percent clay, 19 to26 weight percent potassium feldspar, 5 to 35 weight percentground porcelain shards and 0.01 to 1 weight percentsurfactants. The mixture can be served together from 1-24 hoursor by a mixture of clay and feldspar served 1-12 hours, addalumina, ground potsherd porcelain, kaolin and surfaceactive substances and further served 1-12 hours. Formed material is burning in the temperature range from 1280 to 1320 degrees C from 1 to 4hours. Alumina porcelain with the stated composition and prepared underprocedure described above has a flexural strength of 130 MPa and homogeneousmicrostructure. Porcelain potsherd that remains after processing isground into a powder of average particle size of 5 to 50 micrometersand is used in the manufacture of the raw material mixture.

The present invention relates to a magnetocaloric material based on GdSi2Ge2 and a procedure of its manufacture assuring the increase in cooling capacity and control of maximum magnetocaloric effect tempera- ture in the magnetocaloric material based on GdSi2Ge2 by addition of iron which replaces elements in the base alloy in various quantities. Such a material would be applicable as a working material in a magnetic cooler. According to the invention, the material based on GdSi2Ge2 is characteristic in that silicon and germanium are simultaneously replaced with iron according to the equation Gd5Si(2-x/2)Ge(2-x/2)Fex, where x is between 0.06 and 0.25. The magnetocaloric material is prepared by means of an arc smelter from suitable mixtures of elements in a water cooled copper container under argon atmosphere, where after each arc melting the material is turned around and molten again and the procedure is repeat- ed four times, then it is thermally treated so that it is closed in a quartz tube under vacuum and heated to 1300 degrees Celsius in a tube oven for 4 hours and finally cooled down with cold water at once.

The present invention relates to an implant having a multilayered coat- ing comprising a porous titanium-based layer on the implant, an optional interface titania layer on and/or in the porous titanium-based layer and a bioactive glass layer on and/or in the porous structure formed by the titanium-based and titania layer(s); as well as to a process for preparing an implant having a multilayered coating.

The subject of the invention is a bioactive and photocatalytic coating on metal orthopaedic and dental implants and a procedure of its preparation. The coating based on titanium oxide is prepared by hydrothermal treatment of metal implants in an autoclave at a temperature of 100- 300 degrees Celsius for 6-96 hours in a saturated water solution of Ti, Ca, Mg, P, Si, Sr and Zn ions, having a pH value of 3 to 12. After the hydrothermal treatment, there is an up to 5 micrometres thick coating on a metal implant, based on titanium oxide in the form of anatase, the grains being of a pinacoid shape and containing essential microelements, the coating is firmly bound to the substrate, it is hydrophilic and photocatalytic and in irradiation by UV-light it decomposes organic and biological impurities or sterilizes the surface, forms hydroxyapatite on surfaces in a simulated body liquid and prevents direct contact of blood plasma with cytotoxic and allergenic metals, e.g. with aluminium and vanadium in Ti6Al4V. In this way the coating on the basis of titanium oxide, prepared by hydrothermal treatment of metal implants, accelerates and enhances the osteointegration of implants and reduces the later negative effect on the organism.

The present invention relates to a high performance thin-film, transistor entirely processed at temperatures not exceeding 150°C, using amorphous multi component dielectrics based on the mixture of high band gap and high dielectric constant (K) materials. The invention relates to the use of sputtered or ink jet printed mixed dielectric materials such as Ta2O5 with SiO2 or Al2O3 or HfO2 with SiO2 or Al2O3. These multicomponent dielectrics allow producing amorphous dielectrics to be introduced in high stable electronic devices with low leakage currents, while preserving a high dielectric constant. This results in producing thin film transistors with remarkable electrical properties, such as the ones produced based on Ga-In-Zn oxide as channel layers and where the dielectric was the com- bination of the mixture Ta2O5:SiO2, exhibiting field-effect mobility exceed- ing 35 cm2 V-1 s-1, close to 0 V turn-on voltage, on/off ratio higher than 106 and subthreshold slope below 0.24 V dec-1.

The subject of the invention is alumina porcelain and a procedure of its manufacture. Alumina porcelain according to the invention belongs to the group of alkali alumosilicate porcelains with low thermal dilatation coefficient and contains from 58 to 62 wt.% aluminium oxide, from 0.1 to 0.3 wt.% sodium oxide, from 1.5 to 2.5 wt.% potassium oxide and from 1.0 to 1.4 wt.% lithium oxide. The iron oxide content in the material is less than 0.5 wt.%. After sintering in the temperature range from 1290 to 1330 degrees Celsius, ceramic material is thermally treated at a temperature between 900 and 1050 degrees Celsius in the period of 10 to 240 minutes. Ceramic material with the said composition and sintered and thermally treated according to the procedure described shows a thermal dilatation coefficient from 4.6 to 5.2 x 10 exp6/K within the temperature range from 20 to 600 degrees Celsius, a flexural strength higher than 160 MPa and contains minerals such as corundum, mullite and lithium alumosilicate.

The invention relates to suspensions of ceramic and/or metal powders which are characterized by their liquid phase based on paraffin oil, which is defined as a mixture of aliphatic non-branched hydrocarbons with 9-18 carbon atoms in the chain and dry substance content between 35 and 65 % by vol. The following advantages can be obtained with the solution proposed by the invention: the suspension prepared in accordance with the procedure described can be plastic-formed at a room temperature and the resulting shape of products retained by cooling down or immersion in water. Next, the suspension according to the invention can be used for shaping products with greater volume. Finally, suspensions according to the invention can be used for preparation of cellular composites by stacking layers of various composition one upon another and rolling them. The process of preparation of suspensions is not expensive or technically demanding and even does not require some special equipment.

The subject of invention is the composition and procedure of preparation of a stable water suspension – mixture of metal oxides – for the manufacture of multilayer ZnO varistors according to the slip casting method. The procedure of preparation of a stable suspension – mixture of powdered oxides ZnO, Bi2O3, Mn3O4, Co3O4 and TiO2 – is indicated by dispersing 1 up to 80 weight % of solid substance with the average particle size of 1,0 to 5,0 micrometers in water containing 0,08 to 0,3 weight % of dispersant, by adding at the same time to the suspension after dispersing 5 to 15 weight % of binder and plasticizer in relative proportions of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100, and by casting the suspension of oxide powders after dispersing and addition of binder and plasticizer on a movable surface at the distance between the slip casting blade and the movable substrate of 100 up to 260 micrometers. The slip-cast and dried ceramic layer is then used for the manufacture of multilayer ZnO varistors.

The subject of the invention are thick-layer structures on a silicon base, which feature good ferroelectric properties and simple application. The invention profits from the excellent adhesion between aluminium oxide and the silicon base as well as aluminium oxide and precious metals. According to the invention the task is solved by applying an intermediate layer (2) of aluminium oxide between the silicon base (1) and the electrode (3) made of precious metals. The layer of aluminium oxide features a dopant, which allows heating up to 950 degrees Celsius.

The invention deals with the manufacture and application of electronic material based on single-layer nanotubes of dichalcogenides of transient metals and electronic conductor for lithium-ion batteries and accumulators. The material based on single-layer nanotubes of dichalcogenide transient metals and electronic conductor provide the integration of lithium into lithium-diaphragm batteries and the integration of lithium to lithium-ion batteries. The quantity of the integrated lithium in the material based on single-layer nanotube bundles of transient metals dichalcogenides and electronic conductor depends on the share of the active material and on the preparation of these, amounting to 3.2 mol (average value 2.3 mol) lithium per mol of transient metal chalcogenides. The average voltage of making lithium from active material based on single-layer MoS2 nanotube bundles and electronic conductor, is 1.1 V measured against the semi-element Li/Li+.

The invention refers to the use of quasionedimensional ternary compounds of transition metals MxHyHaz (M is a transition metal Mo, W, Ta, Nb; H is sulfur (S), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te); Ha is iodine (J)) and doped quasionedimensional ternary compounds of transition metals MxHyHaz (M is Ta, Ti, Nb; H is sulfur (S), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te); Ha is iodine (J)) with elements of the group 1b (silver (Ag), gold (Au) or copper (Cu)) as electron emitters under the effect of electric field. The proportion of quasionedimensional ternary compounds of transition metals or/and doped quasionedimensional ternary compounds of transition metals doped with elements of the group 1b in active material is between 0.1-99.9 %, and the remaining proportion may be additives in the form of conductive, nonconductive or semiconductive compounds or composites. Electron emission is taking place at a pressure less than 1 mbar.

A method for topographically controlled aggregation, wherein cells of the same type or different type, such as different strains of bacterial cells, are layered in a way that controls the size, structure and number of aggregates as well as the potential spatial distribution of the different species of cells within the aggregates. The method includes a step of surface modifying cells with a polyelectrolyte.

This invention relates to a device and process for the remediation of wa- ter from small biological treatment plants. The invention envisages a re- mediation device for water remediation, which is connected to the outflow pipe of a small biological treatment plant (SBWTP), and connected to a water supply system for the consumers, consisting of a nano-remediation unit, oxidation units, and ion-exchange and filtration units. The process of water remediation is also envisaged, which leads to the purification of water to the quality of drinking water, the process comprising the steps of nano-remediation with zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI), purification with oxidizing agents, ion-exchange purification and filtration on granular activated carbon. Finally, remediated water is suitable for all secondary human needs and for use in industry, for example concrete making.
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The invention concerns the determination and evaluation of the crystal structure of autolysin E (AtlE) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), or a crystallizable fragment of AtlE, a method for producing a crystal of AtlE and the respective crystallization kit, and its use in a method for screen- ing an inhibitor of the N-acetylglucosaminidase activity of AtlE, for obtain- ing atomic spatial relationship data, and for identifying a binding com- pound of AtlE, e.g. by in silico screening.

The present invention relates to methods for producing oxide ferrimagnetics with spinel structure and iron oxide nanoparticles by soft mechano-chemical synthesis using inorganic salt hydrates, oxide ferrimagnetics with spinel structure and iron oxide nanoparticles of ultra-small size and high specific surface area obtainable by the methods, biocompatible aqueous colloidal systems comprising oxide ferrimagnetics with spinel structure and iron oxide nanoparticles, carriers comprising oxide ferrimagnetics with spinel structure and iron oxide nanoparticles, and uses thereof in medicine.

The invention refers to the chemical-pharmaceutical industry and medicine and represents a contrast agent for T and/or T magnetic resonant scanning consisting of a nano-sized superparamagnetic powder of cubic cobalt ferrite spinel CoFeO.

The invention relates to Cathepsin-binding compounds bound to a nanodevice comprising a therapeutic and/or diagnostic moiety, for use in the diagnosis and/or treatment of inflammatory diseases, and/or for use in the diagnosis and/or treatment of neoplastic diseases, wherein the Cathepsin-binding compound binds to inflammatory cells of the tumour stroma. The invention also relates to Cathepsin B-targeting compounds and Cathepsin B-binding and liposome-binding compounds.

The present invention relates to genetically modified microorganisms that express TNF± binding polypeptide on their surface. Peptides expressed on the surface of microorganism are more resistant to chemical and enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Such microorganisms are capable of binding TNF± and therefore reducing the content of free TNF± and alleviating its pro-inflammatory effects in the gut. Such microorganisms can be used as medicament in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

The present invention relates to methods for destroying aflatoxins by irradiating the contaminated material with the VUV photons in the range of wavelengths from 100 to 170 nm. The irradiation is preferably performed upon vacuum conditions to enable rapid desorption of the low-weight residues formed upon bond scission in aflatoxins by VUV radiation. The methods of the invention are useful for the detoxification of food or feedstock.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments relates to methods for optimization of the sliding properties of urinary catheters. The urinary catheters are first treated with a non-equilibrium gaseous plasma sustained in reactive gases or a mixture of a reactive gas with a noble gas. The first treatment enables a hydrophilic surface finish when oxygen is a reactive gas and an almost super-hydrophilic finish when the catheter is treated with hydrogen plasma followed by oxygen plasma. The hydrophilicity of the surface finish obtained upon the first plasma treatment is beneficial for adhering a layer of water solution of chitosan, which spreads uniformly on the entire outer surface of the catheter. The catheter with a layer of water solution of chitosan is dried and then treated with plasma containing an oxidative gas for better absorption of water by the dried chitosan film.

The proposed invention relates to a method and device for the rapid degradation of toxins that can be synthesized by molds during the improper storage of various agricultural products, such as grains, seeds, kernels, nuts, or legumes. The products are detoxified through a short exposure to a gas plasma generated in an atmosphere containing hydrogen, at low pressure.

Methods for the treatment of textiles used for facial masks assure for the inactivation of viruses captured by the textile. The aerosol droplets are absorbed by the textile, and any viruses in the water droplets react with a virucidal substance. The surface of textile fibers is first exposed to gaseous plasma to assure appropriate wettability. The textile is then soaked in a diluted water solution of a virucidal substance. The excessive water solution is optionally removed by draining, and the drained textile is then dried. The methods enable uniform coating of the textile fibers with an extremely thin film of virucidal substance. A typical concentration of the virucidal substance in the textiles treated according to the methods of the aspects of disclosed embodiments is about 10 g/kg. Such a small concentration is benign to humans but effectively inactivates the viruses that might be captured by the textile.

A resonance spectrometer for determining characteristics of a device under test, DUT (5) based on a bias voltage (15) from a direct current, DC, source (10) and an alternating current, AC, signal (25) from an AC-source (20) is disclosed. The spectrometer comprises: a DC output stage (110) for the DC-source (10) configured to provide a high-voltage DC-signal (115); an AC output stage (120) for the AC-source (20) configured to provide a low-voltage AC-signal (125); and a mixing stage (130) configured to combine the high-voltage DC-signal (115) with the low-voltage AC-signal (125) and to provide a combined signal (135) for a resonance measurement to determine the characteristic of the DUT (5).

The process for applying nitrogen-doped nanocarbon involves introducing molten polymer and heated substrate into a plasma reactor; providing a dense plasma containing nitrogen in the plasma reactor in the space between the molten polymer and the heated substrate; and allowing the dense nitrogen-containing plasma to interact with the molten polymer and the heated substrate to form a nitrogen-containing nanocarbon film on the heated substrate.

The aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for energy-efficient destruction of organic toxins on the surface of any material, in particular on the surface of organic material. The material contaminated with toxins is exposed to NH2 and H radicals. Said radicals react chemically with toxins causing their transformation to less poisonous or less carcinogenic substances, or destruction to hydrocarbons and nitrogen-containing benign molecules. Exemplary usage for treatment of seeds, grains, beans, food, feedstock.

An apparatus and method for igniting and sustaining inductively coupled gaseous plasma in the H-mode with the induction coil placed inside the metallic vacuum chamber is disclosed. The coil is mounted into a double-cup shape housing, preferably constructed from dielectric tubes of co-cylindrical geometry, sealed vacuum-tightly at the side stretching into the metallic vacuum chamber. The outer cylinder of the double-cup shape housing separates vacuum in the metallic chamber from the atmosphere between the two dielectric cylindrical tubes, and the inner cylinder separates inductively coupled plasma in the H-mode inside the vacuum chamber from the atmosphere between the two dielectric cylindrical tubes. The atmosphere between the two cylindrical tubes is typically air at the pressure of about 1 bar.

The invention concerns methods for manufacturing hybrid binder-free electrodes for electrochemical energy storage devices, preferably for electrochemical supercapacitors, said hybrid binder-free electrodes consisting of a conductive metal substrate and carbon nanotubes produced directly on the conductive metal substrate, wherein each carbon nanotube has only one single-crystal metal nanoparticle positioned at its tip with a metal nitride layer, and optionally a metal sulphide layer on top. The invention further relates to the use of the hybrid binder-free electrodes produce by the methods as or in an electrode for an electrochemical supercapacitor for energy storage devices or as or in an electrode for an electrochemical supercapacitor for high-frequency line filtering applications.

The present invention concerns a method for the in-situ synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, such as vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles, from metal oxide macropowder using atmospheric pressure plasma, followed by the direct deposition of said metal oxide nanoparticles onto the surface of materials of interest.

The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a hybrid binder-free electrode for electrochemical energy storage devices, said hybrid binder-free electrode comprising, preferably consisting of, a conductive metal substrate and carbon nanotubes attached to the conductive metal substrate, wherein each carbon nanotube has only one single-crystal metal nanoparticle positioned at its tip with a metal sulphide top layer. The invention further relates to said hybrid binder-free electrodes and their use as or in a negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries or as or in an electrode for a supercapacitor.

The proposed invention relates to a method for modifying the surface wettability of fluorine-containing polymers through sequential treatments – first with gas plasma rich in ultraviolet radiation, and then with oxidation using neutral reactive oxidative particles. The method is fast and allows for the treatment of fluorine-containing polymers of any shape and size, including ‘infinite’ materials such as films. The surface layer of an item made from a fluorine-containing polymer is depleted of fluorine upon interaction with gas plasma rich in ultraviolet radiation. This depleted surface layer is then exposed to reactive oxygen particles, such as neutral oxygen atoms. The wettability of objects made from or containing fluorine-containing polymers, treated by the methods of this invention, is close to the theoretical limit for smooth polymers that are well functionalized with polar functional groups. Unlike the usual treatment of fluorine-containing polymers with oxygen plasma, the processes of this invention do not produce hazardous gases such as oxy or peroxy fluorinated carbon compounds.

The invention reveals a process for treating products made from polyolefins, especially products made from polyethylene and polypropylene. The polyolefin product is exposed to the action of N and NH radicals, which chemically react with the surface of the polyolefin at room temperature. At the same time, the polyolefin product is exposed to OH radicals, which are preferably prepared in such a way that nitrogen molecules in a metastable excited state react with water vapor molecules in the gas phase. The result of the treatment by the method that is the subject of the invention is the saturation of the surface of polyolefins with a combination of oxygen and nitrogen functional groups, which enables optimal wettability of the product and thus a suitable surface condition for bonding moderately polar organic molecules to the surface of the polyolefin product.

The object of the invention is a device, a lab-on-a-chip, comprising a biochemical testing apparatus (fig 2;202) and an electrically conducting element 105 wherein in use the disc is rotated relative to one or more magnets, so as to induce an electrical current in the electrically conducting element, thereby heating the biochemical testing apparatus. A system comprising the lab on a disc, a motor 103 to which the disc is releasably attached such that the disc is rotatable, and one or more magnets 108a, 108e located proximate to the disc such that when the motor rotates the lab on a disc, an electrical current is induced in the electrically conducting element. The temperature of the disc is controlled by controlling the rotational frequency of the disc or the distance between the one or more magnets and the electrically conducting element. The electrically conducting element may be a plate or foil formed of copper. The lab on a disc may further comprise a temperature sensor 106 and a transmitter 102 to transmit the sensed temperature. Ideally, the transmitter comprises one or more light emitting diodes which turn on and off at a frequency dependent upon the sensed temperature.

The subject of the invention is a handheld device for the location and identification of a radiation source, including: a radiation transparent housing; a radiation locator device disposed within the radiation transparent housing operable for determining the location of the radiation source, wherein the radiation locator device includes a plurality of gamma detection crystals arranged in a geometric pattern and separated by a gamma shielding material, a plurality of detectors coupled to the plurality of gamma detection crystals, and a processor module coupled to the plurality of detectors; one or more of a neutron detection crystal and a gamma spectroscopy crystal disposed within the radiation transparent housing adjacent to the radiation locator device; and one or more detectors coupled to the one or more of the neutron detection crystal and the gamma spectroscopy crystal and the processor module; wherein the one or more of the neutron detection crystal and the gamma spectroscopy crystal, the one or more detectors, and the processor module are collectively operable for identifying the radiation source.

The subject of the invention is a device for sensing, locating, and characterizing a radiation emitting source, including: a detection crystal having dimensions great enough such that regional differences in radiation response are generated in the detection crystal by radiation impinging on one or more surfaces of the detection crystal; and a plurality of detectors one or more of coupled to and disposed on a plurality of surfaces of the detection crystal operable for detecting the regional differences in radiation response generated in the detection crystal by the radiation impinging on the one or more surfaces of the detection crystal.

This invention relates to a radiation area monitor device/method, utilizing: a radiation sensor having a directional radiation sensing capability; a rotation mechanism operable for selectively rotating the radiation sensor such that the directional radiation sensing capability selectively sweeps an area of interest; and a processor operable for analysing and storing a radiation fingerprint acquired by the radiation sensor as the directional radiation sensing capability selectively sweeps the area of interest. Optionally, the radiation sensor includes a gamma and/or neutron radiation sensor. The device/method selectively operates in: a first supervised mode during which a baseline radiation fingerprint is acquired by the radiation sensor; and a second unsupervised mode during which a subsequent radiation fingerprint is acquired by the radiation sensor, wherein the subsequent radiation fingerprint is compared to the baseline radiation fingerprint and, if a predetermined difference threshold is exceeded, an alert is issued.

This invention presents a method of producing liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) based components comprises the steps of (i) providing or creating micro-sized or nano-sized LCE particles, (ii) dispersing the particles in an uncured liquid polymer, (iii) aligning the nematic directors of the particles and, (iv) shaping and curing the matrix/particles mixture. The composite material formed by this method is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal elastomer (PDLCE) with custom-tailored properties which can be shaped into arbitrary forms. Also shown is liquid crystal elastomer based component.

A method is described whereby titanium or titanium alloys are coloured in different colours. A processing chamber, such as a quartz tube 1, may be used which is sealed with two gate valves 2,3. The work pieces are arranged in the processing chamber on a sample holder 4. A vacuum is then applied to the chamber 1. Oxygen is then passed into the processing chamber and a magnetic field applied. The method utilises an oscillating magnetic field in a low pressure oxygen-containing atmosphere to initiate titanium oxidation. The oxide layer so produced is thick enough to obtain chosen colour through interferometric effects. Colours range from yellow with the thinnest oxide layer, through to purple, blue, gold, violet, green to grey. No deposition of coatings or anodic oxidation occurs. This can be used for various applications, including: decorative purposes, labelling, protecting the surfaces made of titanium or titanium alloys, and increasing the biocompatibility.

The present invention provides an angle-sensitive camera for detecting radiation, including a stationary detector (1) and a set of simultaneously rotating gamma-ray absorbent obstructions or windows in a cylindrical obstruction element (3), rotating about an axis passing through the detector. Detection of the radiation incident from a given direction is hindered twice per device revolution. There are at least two obstructions in fixed positions at angles between 40 and 50 degrees sweeping through a spherical or cylindrical surface surrounding the detector. The azimuthal and elevation angle of the radiation direction translate uniquely into the exact times of detection hindrance during each revolution.

The present invention increases comparative tracking index (CTI) of electrical devices comprising of at least two electrodes electrically insulated with composite material containing glass particles, preferably glass fibres and metallic fillers embedded in polymer matrix, comprises e.g. (a) inserting the electrical devices into a processing chamber, (b) evacuating the processing chamber down to the pressure of 100, preferably 1 Pa, and (c) exposing the electrical devices in the processing chamber to oxygen ions of kinetic energy of 5-80 eV, preferably 10-30 eV. Use: The method is useful for: increasing CTI of electrical devices; modifying an electronic device, where the electronic device comprises a product that comprises insulators, rotors or commutators (all claimed); and improving the CTI performances of the polymer matrix composites by surface modification by means of oxygen plasma treatment. Advantage: The method: provides the CTI without requiring the need of ad- ditional polymer (halogenated polymers, phosphorus or nitrogen containing polymers), hence eco-friendly; utilizes the glass fibers embedded in polymer matrix without significant distortion of the bulk properties of insulating material; and utilizes the oxygen ions that do not only cause preferential heating of the surface of composite material containing glass particles, preferably glass fibres, embedded in polymer matrix, but interacts chemically with hydrogenated carbon material from which the polymer is obtained.

The electrical switching between macroscopic quantum states in 1T-TaS2 is presented according to the principle observed at fast laser switches in the same material. It is based on the findings that switching between macroscopic quantum states with sufficient differences in electrical resistance is surprisingly possible with the introduction of electric current. Switching devices based on macroscopic quantum states have a first and a second electrode and an active material, the active material has an optional and stable first and second macroscopic quantum state with a first and a second value of electrical resistance at the same temperature. Below a temperature of 180 K, the active material is in a commensurable (C) insulator state, from which it passes into a hidden quantum state (H – hidden) with the supplied electric current (writing W – write), which leads to a change of states and electrical resistance. The conditional reading step (R – read) can determine the resistance of the active material, and the erasing step (E – erase) returns the active material back to the first or second quantum state with a higher resistance with a longer current shock.

This invention presents a method for detecting neutral hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen atoms in an unbalanced gas state, as well as for determining the densities of said neutral atoms in said gas state. The method takes advantage of measuring the power of a remote heating source, often an infrared laser, which is needed to maintain a constant temperature of the catalyst, which is placed in an unbalanced state of the gas. Non-equilibrium gas states include non-equilibrium gas plasma and early and late electrification.

This invention relates to a method and device for indirect characterization of damage to the spent nuclear fuel pool envelope enables, on the basis of monitoring measurements of coolant leakage from the system, the performance of indirect characterization of damage to the envelope and prediction of the development of an emergency event; thus, a forecast of the development of the coolant level in the spent fuel pool and a forecast of the development of the dose rate in the vicinity of said pool. Additional parameters such as inflow and temperature of fresh coolant, coolant temperature in the pool, dose rate near said pool and some others are also taken into account in the calculation of damage characterization and emergency development forecast including evacuation extreme weather forecast.

This disclosure provides a system for assessing a state of a pool 12 for storing spent nuclear fuel rods or assemblies 14. The system allows a forecast to be made regarding the future development of the coolant (water) level elevation h(t) within the pond based on a measured leakage 22 of coolant 16 therefrom. A flow meter 26 measures the outflow of coolant from a dyke 24 arranged to collect coolant leaking from a rupture 22 in the spent-fuel facility 10. Additional parameters such as the coolant inflow rate, the temperature of the coolant inflow, the temperature of the bulk coolant, a radiation dose rate in the vicinity of the spent-fuel facility etc, may also be taken into account for assessing the location and size of the rupture, as well as for course prediction of the event.

The invention refers to an ultrafast quench based nonvolatile bistable device which consists of an active material on a passive or active substrate which changes its physical properties, after exposure to a sufficiently temporally short external perturbation causing an ultrafast quench. The perturbation can be from an external ultrashort laser pulse or ultrafast electrical pulse from an electrooptic device or any other generator of ultrashort pulses. This change of the materials properties can be detected as a change of optical properties or electrical resistance. The dielectric properties can be reverted back to their original state by the application of a heat pulse applied by an electrical heater within the device or an external laser.

The subject invention is a device for high-frequency excitation of gas plasma, which is to optimize the transmission of electromagnetic power radiofrequency generator (8) in a gas plasma. Power transmission is optimized by using two or more parallel overlapping excitation and indented coils (11, 12), which are connected in series within the generator (8), high cable (9), the conciliation Art (10), the excitation coil (11, 12). Measurement of voltage at the terminal of the excitation coil (11, 12) prove that the same power transfer to a lower voltage dual exciter coil (11, 12), which is composed of parallel overlapping excitation coils (11, 12) as normal exciter coil (11). At the same voltage coil terminals (11, 12), the plasma also much more intense, if it is generated in two parallel overlapping excitation coil (11, 12).

The subject invention is a method for dynamically controlling the density neutral atoms with an active element in a plasma vacuum chamber (4) and a device for treatment of solid materials by using the present method. Control system through measurement and record ingdensity of neutral atoms of oxygen, nitrogen or hydrogen admission input data (17 and 18), under which generates control signals for adjusting and controlling the position of the active element (20), with a high coefficient of a heterogeneous surface recombination of oxygen atoms, nitrogen or hydrogen, with the corresponding engine (21). The system includes the density of neutral oxygen atoms, nitrogen or hydrogen through various methods such as catalytic probe (22), optical emission spectroscopy (23 and 24), optical absorption spectroscopy and titration. This kind of control enables dynamic control of the density of neutral atoms in around the treated sample, which is independent of the workpiece other discharge parameters, and are actively changing the density neutral atoms in the presence or absence of a workpiece independently of the other discharge parameters.

The subject of the invention is hard protective coatings with the possibility to change their color. A hard coating with a thickness of a few micrometers is deposited on the working surface of the base material which is usually tool steel or cemented carbide. The coatings based on this invention are composed of the following layers: the bottom protective layer of a hard coating which protects the substrate against wear and corrosion; the intermediate reflective layer which reflects light in the visible part of the spectrum and protects the substrate against wear and corrosion; and the semitransparent top layer which protects the substrate against wear and corrosion and in combination with the reflection layer determines the coating color. The top layer is made of a material which partially transmits visible light and is composed of nitrides, carbides, carbonitrides or borides.

The invention relates to one or more drops of chiral liquid crystal, which serve as a point source of laser light sources. Origin is in the shape of the teardrop-shaped chiral liquid crystal, and active medium, which is dispersible in liquid crystals. The source is in the spherical shape and size of a few nanometers and 100 micrometers. Drop consists of a chiral liquid crystal, which has selective reflection of light emission in the range of the active medium and can be cholesteric liquid crystal, mixture of nematic liquid crystal and chiral dopant or as other chiral liquid phase, priority blue phase, ferroelectric phase or other chiral phases of soft matter.

The object of this invention is an array smell sensor based on the measurement of the junction resistance of nanowires (6) with different metals. The invention describes a multi-element array recognitive sensor, i.e. e-nose, based on the detection of analytes (1) within nanowire/metal junctions. The contact impedance between a nanowire (6) and a metal electrode (4) changes when different molecules are adsorbed in the region of contact between the metal electrodes (4) and the nanowire (6). The impedance change of each element is different when different metal electrodes (9-12) are used, which forms the basis for a multi-element sensor made with different materials, each of which giving a different response. The recognitive sensing properties are obtained by analyzing using appropriate software the response of the entire array and comparing it with the reference response for different analytes (1).

The subject of the invention is a method of treatment of biomedical prostheses for improvement of their antithrombogenous properties. The mentioned biomedical prostheses are the cardiovascular ones, particularly artificial veins and stents made of polyethyleneterephtalate (PET) polymer. The method is based on treatment of cardiovascular prosthesis surface with a suitable combination of dose of neutral oxygen atoms and positively charged molecular and atomic oxygen ions. After the dose of said atoms and ions has been received, the surface of cardiovascular prostheses becomes less sus- ceptible to bonding of thrombocytes. The method is characterised in that the exposedness to the mixture of neutral oxygen atoms and positively charged molecular and atomic oxygen ions in pulses is such that in an individual pulse, the achieved dose of neutral oxygen atoms amounts to between 10exp20/ m2 and 10exp26/m2 and the dose of charged molecular and atomic oxy- gen ions to between 10exp16/m2 and 10exp23/m2 with time intervals be- tween individual pulses lasting between 10 s and 300 s, and that the stream of neutral oxygen atoms and positively charged molecular and atomic oxygen ions onto the surface of the prosthesis is approximately uniform.

The subject of the invention is a method and a device for instantaneous determination of moisture content in wood by means of nuclear magnetic resonance and weighing. The invention is a method and device based on the method of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for the determination of relative moisture content of wood from the ratio between the mass of water in wood as determined from the free-precession signal (FID) within 25 to 35 us after the excitation and the mass of moist wood as determined by weighing, from which the previously calculated mass of water contained in wood has been subtracted. The device for instantaneous determination of moisture in wood comprises a permanent magnet with an RF coil into which a specimen is inserted, a spectrometer (1), an RF transmitter (3) for carrying out NMR measurements and a scales (4), where all are controlled by a computer which automatically determines the moisture content of wood from the measured out mass of the speci- men and the intensity of the FID signal.

The subject of the invention is a method involving cooling of a storage medium in a monotonic manner in the non-ergodic phase. The cooling rate is modulated for storing a logic 1. The cooling is interrupted for one second for storing the logic 1. A magnetically dissatisfied system or an electrically dissatisfied dielectric is selected as the storage medium. An independent claim is also included for a device with a storage medium for storing digital information in the storage medium.

Subject of the invention are metamaterials and/or resonance materials based on composites of liquid crystal colloids and nano particles as well as the procedure of their manufacture. According to the invention the nano particles (11) are segregated in the area of topological defects (13) created by colloid parts (12) integrated in the liquid crystal layer (14). The nano particles (11) are localised in the vicinity of topological defects (13) which are either localised or delocalised where the size of the nano particles (11) is smaller from the size of colloid particles (12) preferably in the size of the topological defect (13).

The subject of the invention is a class of metamaterials and/or resonant materials and the method of their production, whereby nanoparticles (11) are segregated in the regions of topological defects (13), which are formed by inclusion of colloidal particles (12) in a layer of a nematic liquid crystal (14). The nanoparticles (11) are localized in the vicinity of topological defects (13), which can themselves be localized or delocalized, whereas the size of the nanoparticles (11) is smaller than the size of the colloidal particles (12), preferably of the size of the diameter of the defect (13).

The subject of invention is a method and device for treatment of the interior surface of a tube made of a polyethyleneterephtalate (PET) polymer which is used for implants into live organisms, e.g. artificial veins. The procedure comprises laying the polymer implant or artificial vein into a vacuum chamber, evacuation of the system and treatment with neutral oxygen atoms. A dose of atoms received by the artificial vein amounts to between 10 exp 18 m exp (-2) and 10 exp 26 m exp (-2), yet preferentially between 10 exp 20 m exp (-2) and 10 exp 22 m exp (-2). This kind of treatment enables saturation of the artificial vein with polar functional groups, which leads to the increase of the surface energy of PET material and, consequently, to the improvement of adhesion of biocompatible coatings. The subject of the invention is also a device which enables such kind of treatment.

The subject of invention is a method for surface treatment of composite materials having a polymer matrix and a device with which selective etching of a composite surface is carried out. The method is based on surface treatment of a composite with a jet of energetic particles, first of all a bundle of laser rays, i.e. with laser ablation. Polymer is selectively partly or completely removed from the surface and fillers are left almost intact. Such changes of surface lead to the essential change of surface properties, first of all adhesion and porosity of various coatings on a composite.

The novelty of this invention is the installation of additional observation windows into a flow rate meter of type „Float Type Flowmeter“. The device according to the invention can be executed as a „Float Type Flowmeter“ from optional, measure and- and environment-friendly materials without contacts of control elements with the observed substance, yet contrary to other flow rate meters, also quite different flow rate ranges can be measured as well as valve tightness controlled. The submitted invention enables a long-term undisturbed direct measurement of flow rate, and indirectly, also of speed or power of quite different magnitudes. Te device according to the invention can be executed from optional, measurand- and environment-friendly materials and, if needed, without contacts of control elements with the observed substance.

Subject of the invention is a field microscope for the examination of emission areas on the surface of cold flat cathodes. This is a new instrument which enables magnitude measurements of the emitted electric current originating from the individual emission spot on the surface of a cold cathode and at the same time its monitoring regarding emission current at the level of atomic resolution. The microscope according to the invention is characterised in that the examined flat cold cathode (6) at zero potential is located across the hand of the manipulating device (7) which enables XYZ shifting of the cathode within the container, where prior to the measurement an ultra-high vacuum has been generated, transmitting electrons from individual emitters in the direction of the hollow metal cone (8) which is terminated on top by a shutter inside a ball-shaped cap (9) on the positive potential being by an electric field focused on a flat luminescent screen (10) featuring an equal or higher positive potential where these electrons are monitored or captured by a CCD camera (11) as an emission sample. The advantage of the microscope according to the invention is that it creates a uniform electronic field only in the very proximity of the screen which is located on top of the ball-shaped cap where the electrons are directed inside a weak electric field towards the screen. The electric field with a radial distance from the screen decreases which contributes to a favourable ratio between the emitted and screen- focused current. By moving the sample on a selected distance Z, an XY display of the distribution of the emission locations across an extensive cathode can be created.

The invention describes a new concept of TK switchable light filters which generate high level blanking, which is continuously adjustable under the control of an electric field (up to at least 100.000), optimised/symmetrically balanced for the incidence of light along the perpendicular of the TK switcher level. The new TK switchable light filter also features little dependence from the incidence of light under angles smaller than 90 degrees within the 15 degrees cone as stipulated by the EN 379 international safety standard for personal protection equipment. According to the invention the problem is solved by a modification of the general TN principle of TK displays with a high rotation angle of the TK structure, which enables not only the adjustment of the curve featuring the dependence of light permeability from the control voltage to the specific requirements of the control electronics but also symmetrical balance of the double-refraction properties and thus a high level of angle compensation of the switchable light filter.

The invention relates to a method and a device for measuring ultrahigh vacuum and, more particularly, to a method for measuring ultrahigh vacuum with an ultrahigh vacuum cold cathode pressure gauge, and to an ultrahigh vacuum cold cathode pressure gauge. The pressure gauge according to the invention operates at a voltage that varies with pressure in such a way that the ion current is maintained at its maximum value at all times. The method for measuring ultrahigh vacuum by means of an ultrahigh vacuum cold cathode pressure gauge is characterized in that the voltage-controlled source (3) preliminarily scans the entire voltage range, preferably between 1 kV and 12 kV, in a short time, and subsequently sets the source to the voltage, at which the current was at its maximum value, or that, alternatively, the voltage-controlled source (3), based on the calibration of the gauge, sets the voltage, for a given pressure, to the value that has been previously stored as optimal. The device for measuring ultrahigh vacuum, is characterized in that the anode (1) of the pressure gauge cell is connected to a voltage-controlled source (3) providing a varying voltage.

The subject of invention is a new method for detection primarily of trinitro-toluene (TNT) and other explosives which contain NO2 groups as well as narcotics and other substances. The method according to the invention is a polarization-amplified nuclear quadrupole resonance of 14N nuclei. The method according to the invention improves the signal-to-noise ratio for several times and reduces the time required for measurement by the order of magnitude. It is based upon transfer of polarization from the 17O quadrupole system of spins, which exhibits relatively high NQR resonance frequencies, to the 14N quadrupole system with low NQR resonance frequencies by using a quadrupole-quadrupole „solid“ interaction between quadrupole nuclei 17O (l=5/2) and 14 N(l=1) in the zero external field. The method can be used also for detection of explosives in luggage and mail deliveries. Widening of this method is also possible on other quadrupole nuclei – sources of amplified polarization, such as 35Cl – so that the method is not limited only to 17O containing systems.

The submitted invention represents a new considerably improved integrated position resolver for hybrid synchronous power drives, where the magnetic assembly of the electric drive represents the actual magnetic resolver. The solution is achieved by the application of an additional measurement coil (1) inside the drive and by a small modification of the control electronics. The measurement coil (1) measures the variation of the magnetic flux through the permanent magnet (4), while the control electronics also takes care for a mutual phase lagging of PWR pulses in the subsequent drive phases.

The invention deals with the use of a permanent magnet with the maximum possible energy density e.g. Nd-Fe-B magnet in combination with an optimised magnetic mirror, and is attached to a preferably rotating support with counterweight. The large energy density of Nd-Fe-B of the permanent magnet (2), which spreads the lines of force of its magnetic field only to half of the space, which is achieved by using a magnetic mirror (3), provides the possibility of achieving a large density of the magnetic field at a distance of approximately 15 cm from the magnetic pole. Such a field is required for selective detection of landmines, containing TNT with the help of polarisation amplified 14N nuclear quadruple resonance detection of TNT. Because the magnetic system is attached to a rotating support (1), this allows repeating measurements and thus an additional improvement of the signal-noise ratio.

The invention includes a method and system for storing data in the form of non-overlapping volumetric holograms. The storage media is a light sensitive material in the shape of a disk with thickness D, while the individual holograms inside it are approximately cylinder-shaped with the minimum possible diameter. The signal light beam is modulated by data and focused by a lens or appropriate optical system to the storage surface, where it illuminates a minimum surface of material compared to the quantity of data. For the recording of a hologram a reference light beam can be used, which can come to the storage surface from the same side as the signal beam or the opposite one. The invention differs from the currently known applications by the fact that the reference light beam is used for recording, which in the optimum case illuminates only the smallest possible volume of storage material. The hologram is recorded only in areas where the signal and the reference light beam overlap therefore its volume is equal to the volume, illuminated by the reference beam. Any following holograms containing data are recorded to adjacent parts of the surface, so that they do not overlap. The density of the light flux inside the panel is in the reference beam usually greater than in the signal, therefore the erasing of adjacent holograms is almost negligible. Even the reading of a hologram is non-destructive and kept to a minimum. The described invention provides the maximum possible theoretical record density.

The invention refers to the process of synthesis of dichalkogenide compounds of transition metals with built-in fullerene molecules according to the method of chemical transport. This method yields compounds with fullerene molecules built-in between chalkogenide layers. The compounds are in the form of layered crystals and tubes. The process comprises the method of chemical transport where in addition to the halogens iodine and/or bromine fullerenes are used under conditions allowing them to be in the vapour phase.

The invention deals with a part of an electronic circuit for controlling LCD fibre optics switching elements by way of alternating, rectangular power signals, with an amplitude changing between several power levels depending on the current status, so that an optimum dynamics of the fibre-optics response can be provided. The integration of power control signals for the LCD fibre optics switching device is made in such a way that the charge, which corresponds to the power control voltage for the LCD optic coupler is occasionally, but still often enough, transmitted to the integration condenser (110) with the help of a transmission condenser (101) and analogue switchers (102) and (103). The complete transmission of the charge from the transmission condenser (101) into to the integration condenser (110) is provided by two transistors (115, 116) of different polarity, where the emitter and both base junctions are connected together. The comparison of the electric power signal integral for LCD fibre optics switching elements with the reference value of Vc as well as the discharge of the integration condenser (110) is performed by two transistors (117, 118) of different polarity, where the base junction of one transistor is connected to the collector junction of the other one. The free emitter junctions are connected in parallel to the integration condenser (110), and the output signal is provided by an additional NPN transistor (119).