Award Data

This project creates a wireless solution for interconnecting hearing aids with consumerelectronic devices based on a new, ultra-low-power radio specifically developed by project partnerIntriCon Corporation (St. Paul, MN), for use in micro-behind-the-ear (Micro-BTE) hearing aids. Thesmall consumer electronics add-on module, with greater than 100-hour battery life from a standardzinc-air hearing aid ...

This project develops a wireless system to alert individuals who are deaf to critical soundsand events in their environment. This efficient, wearable system utilizes existing and developingtechnology, improving the ability of a person who is deaf to function more naturally in a work orschool environment. The system uses a consumer product called a Bluetooth wristwatch, which isessentially a wirele ...

In Phase II, a powered mounting and positioning system is developed and provides independent access to communication devices, work surfaces, books, cell phones, PDAs, food, drinks, and more for individuals with significant limitations. Device positioning is controlled through switches, voice, or joystick control. Programming is accomplished with a single switch. A person may move the mount to o ...

Two thirds of American adults and 16% of children are either overweight or obese. Overweight children are at greatest risk of remaining overweight and suffering negative health impacts into adulthood. Most efforts to control weight have been unsuccessful, despite increasing awareness and individual efforts to lose weight. Obesity is known to be a cause or risk for multiple forms of morbidity and m ...

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to adapt a Giant MagnetoResistive (GMR) sensor device into a "spintronic" multianalyte biosensor. The potential value of biosensor technology is being recognized for a wide range of applications, from medical diagnostics to countering bio-terrorism. Magnetic nano/microparticles present advantages as labels for biomolecule b ...

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop super hydrophobic coatings for endotracheal tubes that can deliver antimicrobial drugs as well. The coatings and the process to coat the surfaces are proprietary, but the technology, if successful, may provide a method for minimizing infections that are associated with long term placement of the tubes. Vent ...

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a low cost educational particle image velocimetry (PIV) suite including both hardware and software for fluid science and engineering education at high-school, undergraduate and graduate school levels. PIV technology is fluid flow research that enables visual and quantitative analysis of the flow field. Industrial/research ...

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will address the challenges caused by rising fuel prices, environmental concerns, and international market pressures which are driving the urgent need to seek innovative ways to conserve energy by improving fuel efficiency in vehicular transportation. Substantial gains in fuel economy may be made by reducing vehicle weight through nove ...

The project develops and evaluates a prototype navigation device that attaches to a wheelchair and wirelessly communicates to a web-based navigation application. The navigation aid includes a small portable tablet PC that connects to the Internet using a wireless modem. The system allows a wheelchair user to plan and navigate a route with respect to safety and shortest travel path while collecting ...

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops cell membrane mimetic-microarrays for high-throughput screening and analysis of multivalent drug candidates, particularly nanomedicine. Traditional drugs based on mono-valent and high-affinity interactions can lead to non-specific side effects and toxicity. Advances in synthetic and processing techniques for nanoparticles (inorganic, ...