A suite of reagents has been developed for three-dimensional crystallization of integral membranes present in solution as protein-detergent complexes (PDCs). The compositions of these reagents have been determined in part by proximity to the phase boundaries (lower consolute boundaries) of...

A report describes an interface for utilizing some of the mobility features of a mobile robot for general-purpose manipulation of tools and other objects. The robot in question, now undergoing conceptual development for use on the Moon, is the All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer (ATHLETE) rover, which is...

A report discusses the second generation of the JPL Electronic Nose (ENose), an array of 32 semi-specific chemical sensors used as an event monitor to identify and quantify contaminants released into breathing air by leaks or spills. It is designed to monitor the environment for changes in air quality, and is...

A modification of the basic design of cobra probes provides for relatively easy replacement of broken thermocouples. [Cobra probes are standard tube-type pressure probes that may also contain thermocouples and that are routinely used in wind tunnels and aeronautical hardware. They are so named...

A high-birefringence optical material suitable for implementation in optical systems is sought. This material has several qualities of interest beyond high birefringence: high hardness, making it amenable to standard polishing and manufacturing processes; low CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion); low CTRI...

A technology is sought that indicates that a product packed into a rigid metal container has not been tampered with and/or degraded over time. The solution must incorporate a method of communicating this information to the packager, retailer, or consumer. After packaging, and depending on the product, the...

Bioactive Hybrid Materials for Photonic Microsystems It allows samples to be analyzed on site within a few minutes by integrating biotechnology, information technology, electronics, physics, and chemistry to realize small and cost-effective bio-photonic microsystems.

The new single crystals offered here possess exceptional properties and are poised to revolutionize piezoelectric materials applications. In addition to strain levels exceeding 1% (usable strain: 0.5% at 35 kV/cm), these crystals exhibit five times the strain energy density of conventional...

Lightweight carbon-carbon (C/C) composites produced by pressure-assisted co- polymerization of carbon fibers, hydrocarbons and fullerenes have excellent mechanical properties and high thermal stability that make them ideal for thermal protection applications.

Qbit’s proprietary line of data compression software offers 100% mathematically lossless data reconstruction that ensures that every bit is reconstructed. It allows for an increase in digital throughput, workflow speed, and acts as an enabling technology for applications that...

This patented surface contamination detection system enables accurate, automated, in-line inspection of metallic and composite panels prior to bonding, coating, painting, or welding operations. This technology is currently used for realtime, in-process panel inspection at a...

If you have a unique design idea or invention, you could win $20,000 in the 2007 Create the Future Design Contest, presented by SolidWorks Corp. and NASA Tech Briefs. The contest is open for entries in these categories: Machinery, Equipment, and Component Technology; Consumer Products; Medical; Safety and Security; Transportation;...