Gorham Lamp provides cool, fully adjustable light for magnification and photography
Gorham Lamp with specimen
This multi-purpose studio and microscope light adds flexible functionality far superior to the standard ring light. The unique design provides adjustable annular and semi-annular illumination for bright-field, dark-field, transmitted, and other oblique lighting applications.
The combination of lighting options possible with this product is particularly useful for observation of small objects where fine control of light direction, intensity, and distribution directly impacts observable surface features and object translucence.
This technology is available for licensing and a limited production run of commercial units is underway. Contact us if you are a microscopist, entomologist, archeologist, curator, or photographer interested in participating in testing this new product in your laboratory.
Contact: Joe Staples at [email protected]
US Patent 14/335,730 pending
Wave Rider – a low-maintanence off-shore wind resource assessment buoy
This buoy system has the capability of conducting long-term offshore wind resource assessment campaigns with limited maintenance. Read More…
Then only paint matching phone app calibrated to ambient light
There are a number of smartphone apps that are designed to help consumers match colors of existing paint or furnishings to paint swatches. However, none of the existing tools take into account the differences in lighting between the home and the store. Colors can look quite different under different lighting, resulting in a surprise for painters and product returns to the paint counter.
To use the app, the user calibrates a digital phone camera against a gray control card provided at the paint counter. The user then takes a photo, in their home, of the paint or furnishings to match. The calibration accounts for the variation in lighting between home and the store, allowing an exact match of paint or fabric to be selected according to the way it will appear in the home.
The app was first developed as a tool to measure reflectivity of snow or water for scientists studying climate. Some minor modifications are required for use in paint matching. The code will be made available to a developer with the resources to commercialize.
Related App: Hydrocolor
Analyze Samples in the Classroom, Lab or Field with this Portable Fluorescence Spectrometer
Custom software and the patented curved reflective surface in this spectrometer reduce instrument size and focus light so well that inexpensive LEDs replace expensive light sources.
This portable, durable, inexpensive florescence spectrometer has a variety of potential applications, including the following:
- Secondary education, where important STEM topics may not be adequately addressed because spectroscopy instruments are too expensive to purchase and maintain.
- Field research in which technicians are required to transport water or soil samples to a lab for spectroscopy analysis, adding time and complication .
- Remote sensor applications where data collection may be limited due to spectrometer power and durability limitations.
Real-time nanoparticle particle size monitoring device
Performance quality of many industrial materials depends on consistent distribution of particle sizes within the material. The ability to quantify other parameters such as surface roughness, surface area, and particle shape is also desirable. Current methods provide a static, batched measurement of limited utility. This new method and device provides real-time measurements directly from the manufacturing line flow.
This device has demonstrated performance on paper additive products with aspect ratios ranging from 2 to 8 and short axis diameters between 100 and 500 nm. Applications are in quality control.
Composite Panels for Blast and Ballistic Protection
The Modular Ballistic Protection System (MBPS) provides soldiers with enhanced ballistic protection where it never existed before – in their tents where they work, eat, and sleep. The system consists of composite ballistic panels that are mounted to the inside of the tent frame using an energy-absorbing connection system. Requiring no tools, the MBPS can be used to up-armor a 20ft x 32ft tent in less than 30 minutes with 4 soldiers.
US Patent 7,68,5921
Fire Resistant Cellulose Insulation
End users and installers of insulation want a product that is affordable, efficient and safe. Cellulose insulation, generally produced from recycled wood fiber, is affordable and outperforms fiberglass in extreme weather. But cellulose has poor insect resistance and fire retardant qualities without the addition of toxic chemicals. Additionally, the cellulose insulation manufacturing process currently used creates a product prone to settling, which is bad for the homeowner, and dust, which is bad for the installer. ProCell Insulation solves all of these problems, making it a very attractive choice compared to fiberglass and other cellulose insulation brands.
The technology was developed at UMaine in collaboration with the company founders. Company is currently developing manufacturing and distribution networks. Learn more at procellinsulation.com
UMaine Tech ID 2009-34
US Patent Number 8,043,384
Analyze Samples in the Lab or Field with this New Portable Fluorescence Spectrometer
PROBLEM: 1.) Important science topics are sometimes not addressed in high schools because spectroscopy instruments are too expensive to purchase and maintain 2.) Field technicians have to take water and soil samples to a lab for spectroscopy analysis, adding time and complication 3.) Valuable data is not available from remote sensors due to spectrometer power and durability limitations.
SOLUTION: A portable, durable florescence spectrometer that costs 50% less than comparable instruments in most applications due to its novel design and simple components.
Netforms Pre-Fab Roofing Panels Reduce Construction and Heating Costs
PROBLEM: Insulated, ventilated roofs, particularly those covering open floor plans and cathedral ceilings, are difficult and expensive to build.
SOLUTION: These economical prefabricated panels incorporate wood I-joist framing, OSB sheathing, insulation and ventilation into a single product to be used in light-frame construction applications.
TECH ID: 2008-34
PATENT: US 8,046,969; US 8,141,313
LINK:
DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Undetermined. Has been successfully demonstrated, but on hold given the current downturn in construction.
New Composites Made from up to 60% Inexpensive, Raw Plant Material
PROBLEM: Composite manufacturers need ways to improve extruded thermoplastics using inexpensive, environmentally friendly ingredients and without slowing process time.
