Auburn University

Martin E Baltazar-Lopez

Bryan A Chin

Zhongyang Cheng

Shin Horikawa

Steve R Best

Howard C Wikle

Stevie R Best

Kanchana Weerakoon

Suiqiong Li

Mi-Kyung Park

Yating Chai

In at least one illustrative embodiment, a method for in-situ pathogen detection may comprise distributing one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors on a surface of a test object, wherein each of the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors includes a biorecognition element configured to bind with a pathogen to cause a shift in a characteristic frequency of the associated measurement sensor; applying a varying magnetic field, using a test coil, to the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors distributed on the surface of the test object, wherein the test object is positioned outside of an inner volume defined by the test coil; detecting a frequency response of the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors using the test coil, while applying the varying magnetic field; and determining whether the pathogen is present based on the detected frequency response of the one or more magnetoelastic measurement sensors.

In-situ pathogen detection using magnetoelastic sensors

A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a solid object having a borehole, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises a thixotropic or electro-rheological fluid. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast. The property of instantaneous high viscosity of thixotropic and electro-rheological fluids is advantageously used to seal the cavity containing the blasting probe thereby increasing the blasting pressure making the whole system more efficient.

Method of and apparatus for plasma blasting

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Auburn, AL, United States of America

Martin E Baltazar-Lopez