NDSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160074169 | IMPROVED ANKLE REPLACEMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - In some exemplary embodiments, an ankle replacement prosthesis includes a tibial component which provides a convex bearing surface, and a talar component which provides a concave bearing surface configured to interface with the convex bearing surface of the tibial component to provide a joint of the ankle replacement prosthesis. The tibial component is configured to be attached to a patient's tibia and the talar component is configured to be attached to the patient's talus. | 03-17-2016 |
20160068954 | SYNTHESIS OF SILICON CONTAINING MATERIALS USING LIQUID HYDROSILANE COMPOSITIONS THROUGH DIRECT INJECTION - An apparatus and a non-vapor-pressure dependent method of chemical vapor deposition of Si based materials using direct injection of liquid hydrosilane(s) are presented. Liquid silane precursor solutions may also include metal, non-metal or metalloid dopants, nanomaterials and solvents. An illustrative apparatus has a precursor solution and carrier gas system, atomizer and deposit head with interior chamber and a hot plate supporting the substrate. Atomized liquid silane precursor solutions and carrier gas moves through a confined reaction zone that may be heated and the aerosol and vapor are deposited on a substrate to form a thin film. The substrate may be heated prior to deposition. The deposited film may be processed further with thermal or laser processing. | 03-10-2016 |
20160068691 | SILICON MATERIALS FROM THE PROCESSING OF LIQUID SILANES AND HETEROATOM ADDITIVES - Methods for forming silicon thin films and structures with incorporated metals, non-metals, and combinations thereof, liquid precursor compositions useful in such methods, and silicon thin films and structures with embedded heteroatom(s) are described. The compositions are generally liquid at ambient temperature and are comprised of liquid silane(s) and have metal and/or non-metal additives. Metal and non-metal sources include organometallic and organic compounds, respectively. The compositions may also contain a solvent. The compositions may be processed by printing, coating, or spraying onto a substrate and subjected to UV, thermal, IR, and/or laser treatment to form silicon films or structures with embedded heteroatom(s). | 03-10-2016 |
20160031766 | CALCIUM-ALGINATE ENTRAPPED NANOSCALE ZERO-VALENT IRON (NZVI) - Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) particles or Ca-alginate-entrapped NZVI, are provided for use in environmental remediation, decontamination, and pollution control. When charged with a sorbed nutrient such as phosphate or selenium, they can be used as fertilizer. | 02-04-2016 |
20160024230 | IRON-FUNCTIONALIZED ALGINATE FOR PHOSPHATE AND OTHER CONTAMINANT REMOVAL AND RECOVERY FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS - A biodegradable iron-cross-linked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023980 | MONOMERS AND POLYMERS DERIVED FROM NATURAL PHENOLS - Monomers, polymers and copolymers are provided that incorporate at least one naturally occurring phenolic compound, such as a plant phenol, as well as methods for producing the monomers and polymers. Plant phenols possessing a reactive group in addition to the phenolic group, such as a double bond, aldehyde, ester, alcohol or carboxylic acid, are particularly useful. Plant phenols can be isolated from a plant material, or chemically or enzymatically synthesized. | 01-28-2016 |
20150368378 | PLANT OIL-BASED MATERIALS - Plant oil-based compounds are provided which possess both low viscosity and high reactive functionality. These compounds are useful in coating and composite applications, as well as related methods. Exemplary compounds can be produced by transesterification of a plant oil triglyceride with a nucleophile reactant, such as a vinyl-functional alcohol, to yield reactive fatty acid-containing monomers. | 12-24-2015 |
20150307739 | MODIFIED GLYCIDYL CARBAMATE RESINS - The invention relates to alcohol-modified glycidyl carbamate resins wherein at least some of the glycidol groups in the resin have been replaced with an alcohol. The invention also relates to coating compositions containing the resins. | 10-29-2015 |
20150273510 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AEROSOL DIRECT WRITE PRINTING - An aerosol deposition system that uses a liquid ink, fed directly to an ultrasonic source at or near a nozzle to form an aerosolized ink, which may be transported via a carrier gas to a sheath gas insertion location is presented. The sheath gas may direct or focus the atomized ink through a nozzle. Alternatively, a deposition head may be adapted to the ultrasonic source so that aerosolization of the ink occurs inside the deposition head, where the sheath gas flows around the ultrasonic source, transporting the aerosolized ink through a nozzle and toward a substrate ˜2 mm distant. The substrate may be translated to form features of controlled shape such as lines with widths from ≦30 μm to 100 μm. Variations of this system may yield systems where a carrier gas is unnecessary, and all aerosolized ink is transported via the sheath gas. | 10-01-2015 |
20150249362 | CONFORMAL BODY CAPACITORS SUITABLE FOR VEHICLES - A vehicle system includes a plurality of capacitors each forming a portion of a vehicle structure, and a parallel electrical link between a pair of the plurality of capacitors, such that the pair of capacitors act as an aggregate capacitor. | 09-03-2015 |
20140370203 | MICRO COLD SPRAY DIRECT WRITE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRINTED MICRO ELECTRONICS - A system and method for depositing an aerosolized powder of solid particles on a substrate for printed circuit applications is disclosed and comprises cold spraying the aerosolized powder onto the substrate to form a finite feature, wherein at least one of the dimensions of length and width of the finite feature measures 500 microns or less. | 12-18-2014 |
20140296444 | MONOMERS AND POLYMERS DERIVED FROM NATURAL PHENOLS - Monomers, polymers and copolymers are provided that incorporate at least one naturally occurring phenolic compound, such as a plant phenol. | 10-02-2014 |
20140260468 | Iron-Functionalized Alginate for Phosphate and Other Contaminant Removal and Recovery from Aqueous Solutions - A biodegradable iron-crosslinked alginate is useful as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants such as phosphate. When charged with phosphate, or other nutrients, the iron-functionalized alginate can be used as an agricultural fertilizer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140238592 | SELECTIVE LASER-ASSISTED TRANSFER OF DISCRETE COMPONENTS - Electronic components are often assembled using robotic equipment, such as pick-and-place machines, that is not optimized for components such as ultra-thin semiconductor bare dice. Selective laser-assisted die transfer is described based on the unique blistering behavior of a multilayer dynamic release layer when irradiated by low energy focused laser pulse(s) in which the blister creates translation of the article being placed. Accurate placement results are provided with negligible lateral and angular displacement. | 08-28-2014 |
20140221549 | FUNCTIONALIZED SILICONES WITH POLYALKYLENE OXIDE SIDE CHAINS - Novel silicone polymers are provided which possess grafted pendant hydrophilic polyalkylene oxide side chains and, optionally, reactive functional end groups. These features make them well suited for use in chemical, marine, biomedical and industrial applications, particularly those involving surface modifications. | 08-07-2014 |
20140191163 | METHOD OF APPLYING A MAGNESIUM-CONTAINING POWDER TO THE SURFACE OF AN ALUMINUM OR ALUMINUM ALLOY SUBSTRATE - Disclosed are methods of treating a metal to improve the metal's corrosion resistance. The method includes applying, to the surface of the metal, a coating which comprises magnesium powder and a binder. The present invention also relates to a coating composition that includes magnesium powder and a silane modified epoxy isocyanate hybrid polymer or prepolymer. The inventors have found that corrosion resistance (as determined by Prohesion™ exposure in accordance with ASTM D5894-96, which is hereby incorporated by reference) in excess of 3,000 hours on 2024 T-3 aluminum alloy can be achieved with the methods and coating compositions of the present invention. | 07-10-2014 |
20140128932 | INTELLIGENT SELF-ORGANIZING ELECTRODE STIMULATION DELIVERY SYSTEM - An electrode stimulation delivery system is described having a unit and a network of wireless remote electrodes configured for implantation within a plurality of spaced apart locations in the tissue, e.g. myocardium, of a patient. The control unit is configured to be positioned at or subcutaneous to the patient's skin, and includes a processor, an antenna configured for delivering RF energy in proximity to the plurality of wireless remote electrodes, and programming executable on the processor for wirelessly communicating to the network of wireless remote electrodes via the delivered RF energy to individually control pacing of the plurality of wireless remote electrodes. Each of the plurality of wireless remote electrodes comprises a metamaterial-based biomimetic harvesting antenna comprising a Van Atta array zero-phase transmission lines to receive the RF energy to power activation of the plurality of wireless remote electrodes. | 05-08-2014 |
20140110636 | TEMPLATE-FREE AQUEOUS SYNTHESIS OF CONDUCTIVE POLYMER NANOPARTICLES - A method of synthesizing conductive polymer nanoparticles is provided. In addition, stabilized conductive polymer nanoparticles are provided as are stabilized nanoparticles. | 04-24-2014 |
20140061905 | Polyol Photosensitizers, Carrier Gas UV Laser Ablation Sensitizers, and Other Additives and Methods For Making and Using Same - Disclosed are photo sensitizers that include a polyol moiety covalently bonded to a fused aromatic moiety. Also disclosed is a method for improving UV laser ablation performance of a coating, such as a cationic UV curable coating, by incorporating an oxalyl-containing additive into the cationic UV curable or other coating. Oxalyl-containing sensitizers having the formula Q-O—C(O)—C(O)—O—R | 03-06-2014 |
20130345383 | BIO-BASED BRANCHED AND HYPERBRANCHED POLYMERS AND OLIGOMERS - Branched and hyperbranched oligomers and polymers that contain a cashew nutshell oil or liquid component are provided. The novel oligomers and polymers are suitable for use as an oil, lubricant, coating, adhesive, resin or composite. | 12-26-2013 |
20130328244 | POLYAMIDES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME - Polyamides, and methods of making and using polyamides, that have a difference between melting temperature (T | 12-12-2013 |
20130320255 | VEGETABLE OIL-BASED POLYMERS FOR NANOPARTICLE SURFACE MODIFCATION - Amphiphilic copolymers formed from plant oil-derived vinyl ether monomers and polyethylene glycol alkyl vinyl ethers are provided. Nanoparticles coated with these amphiphilic polymers are well-suited for water remediation applications. | 12-05-2013 |
20130302628 | PROTECTIVE COATING - A protective coating including a crosslinked polyester that is removable with a basic composition, as well as coated articles, methods of preparing a protective coating, and methods of using a protective coating. | 11-14-2013 |
20130261251 | MONOMER-GRAFTED ALKYD ESTER RESINS - Alkyd resin compositions which comprise the monomer-grafting polymerization of a) an alkyd, which is an ester of a polyol having 4 or more hydroxyl groups and an unsaturated fatty acid, and b) an unsaturated monomer having a carbon-carbon double bond are disclosed. The alkyd may be a partially esterified polyol. Coating compositions of containing the alkyd resin compositions of the invention are also disclosed. | 10-03-2013 |
20130181331 | ATMOSPHERIC-PRESSURE PLASMA-ENHANCED CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION - Provided are silicon-containing films with a refractive index suitable for antireflection, articles having a surface comprising the films, and atmospheric-pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (AE-PECVD) processes for the formation of surface films and coatings. The processes generally include providing a substrate, providing a precursor comprising silicon, and reacting the precursor with a gas comprising nitrogen (N2) in a low-temperature plasma at atmospheric pressure, wherein the products of the reacting form a film on the substrate. An antireflection coating made by the process can have a refractive index of about 1.5 to about 2.2. Articles are provided having a surface that includes the antireflection coating. | 07-18-2013 |
20130093122 | LIQUID SILANE-BASED COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING SILICON-BASED MATERIALS - Described herein are synthesis schemes and methods for producing silicon based nanostructures and materials, including compositions and methods for synthesis of silicon-based nanowires and composites from three-component and four-component liquid silane/polymer inks. Materials and methods for producing silicon based micro and nanofibers that can be used in a variety of applications including material composites, electronic devices, sensors, photodetectors, batteries, ultracapacitors, and photosensitive substrates, and the like. | 04-18-2013 |
20130041099 | ANCHORED POLYSILOXANE-MODIFIED POLYURETHANE COATINGS AND USES THEREOF - A polymeric material, prepared by reacting a mixture comprising a polyorganosiloxane having one or more isocyanate-reactive functional groups, polyisocyanate, and polyol, is provided. The isocyanate-reactive functional groups, typically one or two, are attached to only a single end of the polyorganosiloxane chains. The polymeric material may be used to form coatings on a substrate and to inhibit fouling on surfaces exposed to aqueous conditions. | 02-14-2013 |
20120316309 | Polymers Derived From Plant Oil - Polymers and copolymers are formed from vinylether monomers having fatty acid ester pendent groups derived from plant oils, such as soybean oil. | 12-13-2012 |
20120255480 | AMPHIPHILIC FOULING RELEASE COATINGS - The present invention provides an amphiphilic polymeric material well-suited as a coating for marine applications, such as use as a fouling-release coating on the external surfaces of ships, particularly ship hulls. Also provided are methods of making the polymeric material and methods for using the polymeric material, as well as articles and surfaces that are coated with the polymeric material. | 10-11-2012 |
20120202909 | PLANT OIL-BASED UV-CURABLE COATING - A novel UV-curable coating includes acrylated soybean oil, a hyperbranched acrylate, an optional adhesion promoter, and an optional renewable reactive diluent. | 08-09-2012 |
20120196948 | POLYOL PHOTOSENSITIZERS, CARRIER GAS UV LASER ABLATION SENSITIZERS, AND OTHER ADDITIVES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - Disclosed are photo sensitizers that include a polyol moiety covalently bonded to a fused aromatic moiety. Also disclosed is a method for improving UV laser ablation performance of a coating, such as a cationic UV curable coating, by incorporating an oxalyl-containing additive into the cationic UV curable or other coating. Oxalyl-containing sensitizers having the formula Q-O—C(O)—C(O)—O—R | 08-02-2012 |
20120115939 | METHODS FOR USING LIPOIC ACID - The present provides methods for using lipoic acid. In one embodiment, the methods include administering lipoic acid to a female subject in need thereof, wherein at least 10 milligrams lipoic acid per kilogram of body weight is administered. In another embodiment, the methods include administering to a female subject in need thereof an effective amount of lipoic acid, wherein concentration of progesterone in the blood of the subject is increased compared to the subject prior to administration of the lipoic acid. The subject may be pregnant. | 05-10-2012 |
20120100628 | EMISSIVE AND BROADBAND NONLINEAR ABSORBING METAL COMPLEXES AND LIGANDS AS OLED, OPTICAL SWITCHING OR OPTICAL SENSING MATERIALS - Platinum (II) terdentate or bidentate complexes with non-linear optical properties are provided. The complexes have a broadband spectral and temporal response, and strong reverse saturable absorption and two-photon absorption in the visible and the near-IR region. As such, the complexes are useful for organic light-emitting diodes and optical-switching or sensing devices. | 04-26-2012 |
20120071664 | BETA-AMINO ACIDS AND METHODS AND INTERMEDIATES FOR MAKING SAME - Disclosed are β-amino acids that are unsubstituted in the β position; that are substituted in the β position with an aryl group; that are substituted in the α position with an aryl group; that bear two substituents in the α position; and/or that are substituted in the α and β positions with groups which, together with the carbon atoms at the α and β positions, form a ring. Also disclosed are methods for making the above-mentioned β-amino acids and other β-amino acids which involve providing an α,β-unsaturated imide; converting the α,β-unsaturated imide to a 2-substituted-isoxazolidin-5-one; and converting the 2-substituted-isoxazolidin-5-one to a β-amino acid. | 03-22-2012 |
20120045840 | CHROMOPHORE AND POLYMER CAPABLE OF DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF VARIOUS NEUROTOXINS AND METHOD OF USE - Applicants have produced a chromophore and a polymer that are highly sensitive to the presence of various agents, including organophosphates, pesticides, neurotoxins, metal ions, some explosives, and biological toxins. The detection is accomplished by detecting a change in the fluorescence characteristics of the chromophore or polymer when in the presence of the agent to be detected. The chromophore and polymer may be incorporated into sensors of various types, and they are adaptable for potential field use in areas where detection of these types of agents is desired. | 02-23-2012 |
20120007898 | INFRA-EXTENSIBLE LED ARRAY CONTROLLER FOR LIGHT EMISSION AND/OR LIGHT SENSING - An apparatus for controlling light emission and/or sensing in an array of optical elements. An infra-extensible array having a plurality of subarray display circuits interconnected with neighboring subarray display circuits. Each subarray display circuit is configured with a processor and a plurality of output and/or input elements. Messages and instructions can be propagated from one subarray display circuit to another to provide local processing relating to input and output elements, such as changing the pixels in the display from a subarray display circuit in response to locally sensed conditions or those communicated from neighboring subarray display circuits. Apparatus is infra-extensible as both the number of processors for executing display/sensor programming, and the number of communication channels available through which instructions can be received, increases automatically in response to increasing the number of subarray display circuits within the apparatus. | 01-12-2012 |
20110218290 | ZWITTERIONIC/AMPHIPHILIC PENTABLOCK COPOLYMERS AND COATINGS THEREFROM - A zwitterionic/amphiphilic pentablock copolymer was prepared using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The pentablock copolymer is prepared for the atom transfer radical polymerization of a PDMS-PEO-Br macroinitiator and SBMA. The pentablock copolymer is incorporated into a polyurethane coating composition which is useful for antifouling and/or fouling release applications. | 09-08-2011 |
20110195041 | ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOSITIONS - Provided are antimicrobial compositions including at least one biocide covalently bound to a polyurethane. The biocide moiety may comprise triclosan, a triclosan derivative, or a quaternary ammonium salt. Further provided are methods of reducing biofilm formation or microbial growth on a surface, the method including applying to the surface an antimicrobial composition including at least one biocide covalently attached to a polyurethane. | 08-11-2011 |
20110171279 | POLYETHYLENIMINE BIOCIDES - A family of polyethylenimine biocides of formula (I): | 07-14-2011 |
20110049429 | GLYCIDYL CARBAMATE COATINGS HAVING IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE - This invention relates to coating compositions comprising a glycidyl carbamate functional resin, an epoxy resin, and an amine curing agent. The coating compositions have improved corrosion resistance, particularly on untreated steel substrates. | 03-03-2011 |
20110042325 | POLYMERIC DELIVERY VEHICLE FOR NANOPARTICLES - Efficient, targeted delivery of polymer entrapped nanoparticles, nutrients and microorganisms is provided by amphiphilic polysiloxane graft copolymers (APGC) based metal nanoparticle delivery vehicles configured to increase colloidal stability, reduce oxidation by non-target compounds, and have affinity towards water/contaminant interfaces. | 02-24-2011 |
20110028721 | Chromophore and Polymer Capable of Detecting the Presence of Various Neurotoxins and Method of Use - Applicants have produced a chromophore and a polymer that are highly sensitive to the presence of various agents, including organophosphates, pesticides, neurotoxins, metal ions, some explosives, and biological toxins. The detection is accomplished by detecting a change in the fluorescence characteristics of the chromophore or polymer when in the presence of the agent to be detected. The chromophore and polymer may be incorporated into sensors of various types, and they are adaptable for potential field use in areas where detection of these types of agents is desired. | 02-03-2011 |
20110027896 | CHROMOPHORE AND POLYMER CAPABLE OF DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF VARIOUS NEUROTOXINS AND METHOD OF USE - Applicants have produced a chromophore and a polymer that are highly sensitive to the presence of various agents, including organophosphates, pesticides, neurotoxins, metal ions, some explosives, and biological toxins. The detection is accomplished by detecting a change in the fluorescence characteristics of the chromophore or polymer when in the presence of the agent to be detected. The chromophore and polymer may be incorporated into sensors of various types, and they are adaptable for potential field use in areas where detection of these types of agents is desired. | 02-03-2011 |
20110001512 | INTELLIGENT CELLULAR ELECTRONIC STRUCTURES - An apparatus and method controlling cellular automata containing a plurality of cascaded circuit cells having logic units. The cells are interleaved in groups toward supporting multiple directions, for example quad cells in which each cells of the quad is directed in a different directions separated by a fixed angle, such as 90 degrees (i.e., north, east, south, and west). These cells are triggered asynchronously as each cell is stabilized in preparation for receiving the trigger. The cells process data selectively based on the configuration of the cell and in response to receipt of data and trigger (or combined data and trigger) conditions from neighboring cells. The array can be utilized within a wide range of digital logic. As there is no need for distributing a global clock across the array of cells, the size of the array can be extended to any desired dimension. | 01-06-2011 |
20100216951 | HYBRID COATINGS PREPARED FROM GLYCIDYL CARBAMATE RESINS - The invention relates to solvent-containing two-component polyurethane moisture cured hybrid sol-gel coating formulation comprising 1) an epoxy-functional binder with carbamate functionality and 2) a blended curing component comprising at least one sol gel precursor and an amine crosslinker. | 08-26-2010 |
20100204399 | ANTIFOULING MATERIALS CONTAINING CATIONIC POLYSILOXANES - Polyamine cross-linked polysiloxanes, such as functionalized polysiloxane cross-linked with a polyalkylenepolyamine are described herein. The polyamine cross-linked polysiloxanes may be used in an antifouling composition to prevent biological fouling in marine environments. | 08-12-2010 |
20090155598 | Coatings and Coating Systems for Metal Substrates - Disclosed are methods of treating a metal to improve the metal's corrosion resistance. In one such method, the method is carried out by applying, to the surface of the metal, a coating which includes magnesium powder and a UV-curable or other radiation-curable binder. In another such method, the method is carried out by applying, to the surface of the metal, a coating which includes magnesium powder and an inorganic binder. In another such method, a coating that includes a magnesium alloy powder and a binder is applied to the surface of the metal. The magnesium alloy powder is selected such that it has a corrosion potential that is from about 0.01 volt to about 1.5 volt more negative than the metal's corrosion potential. Also disclosed are methods of treating a ferrous metals and magnesium alloys to improve the corrosion resistance of these materials. | 06-18-2009 |
20090065059 | LOW BAND GAP SEMICONDUCTING POLYMERS - The invention provides a polymer of formula I: | 03-12-2009 |
20090053507 | CONVERGENT-DIVERGENT-CONVERGENT NOZZLE FOCUSING OF AEROSOL PARTICLES FOR MICRON-SCALE DIRECT WRITING - A Convergent-Divergent-Convergent nozzle apparatus for direct-write applications is described. The tip apparatus includes at least three nozzles concentrically positioned in series. In a non-limiting embodiment, a first nozzle has a converging taper, a second nozzle extends from the first nozzle with a diverging taper, and a third nozzle extends from the second nozzle and has a converging taper. The nozzles are positioned in series and are coaxial, and can be formed from either separate components or a monolithic structure. Such an arrangement has permitted direct writing of aerosolized particle streams in line widths from 3.7-8 μm in width prior to sintering. Further refinements to the apparatus and processing parameters may result in line widths of 1 μm or less. Aerosolized particles may comprise conductor or semiconductor precursors that may be processed into microelectronic conductors or semiconductors, respectively. The particles may also comprise nanostructures or nanoparticles. | 02-26-2009 |
20090027070 | ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY METHOD AND SYSTEM - A dual cell Electrochemical Impedance System (EIS) testing apparatus and method for measuring coating integrity on various substrates. The counter reference electrode is in a first cell in electrical contact with the coating. The working electrode is in a second cell in electrical contact with the coating instead of the substrate material acting as the working electrode. Voltage is applied at the working electrode at varying frequencies and current is measured at the combined reference/counter electrode. From the known voltage and the measured current, the impedance of the coating is calculated. Coatings on non-metallic substrates can be measured with this apparatus. In one embodiment, the EIS cells are in the form of vacuum cups containing an electrolyte gel for testing non-horizontal coatings in the field. Also, known current can be applied to the working electrode and voltage measured at the counter reference electrode can be used to calculate coating impedance. | 01-29-2009 |
20080231294 | STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING CIRCUIT - A structural health monitoring circuit apparatus and method are based on electrical impedance variations of a piezoelectric patch, which is attached to a structure to be monitored. The circuit compares a known good sweep of frequency-impedance pairs with a contemporaneous sweep to generate an alarm when an error bound is exceeded. The impedance of the piezoelectric patch is determined though adjustment of a variable reactance in a bridge configuration. By suitable design of the bridge elements, the electrical impedance of the piezoelectric patch may be directly measured. A microprocessor controlled version of this device consumes less than 2 W of power, which may be further reduced by further large scale integration or reduction to a state machine on a programmable gate array. Ultimately, this device may give personnel warnings to aircraft, automobiles, bridges, elevated roads, buildings, or home structural failures. | 09-25-2008 |