BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150355639 | REAL TIME EXPLOSIVE HAZARD INFORMATION SENSING, PROCESSING, AND COMMUNICATION FOR AUTONOMOUS OPERATION - Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses provide robotic explosive hazard detection. A robot intelligence kernel (RIK) includes a dynamic autonomy structure with two or more autonomy levels between operator intervention and robot initiative A mine sensor and processing module (ESPM) operating separately from the RIK perceives environmental variables indicative of a mine using subsurface perceptors. The ESPM processes mine information to determine a likelihood of a presence of a mine. A robot can autonomously modify behavior responsive to an indication of a detected mine. The behavior is modified between detection of mines, detailed scanning and characterization of the mine, developing mine indication parameters, and resuming detection. Real time messages are passed between the RIK and the ESPM. A combination of ESPM bound messages and RIK bound messages cause the robot platform to switch between modes including a calibration mode, the mine detection mode, and the mine characterization mode. | 12-10-2015 |
20150328561 | METHODS FOR SEPARATING BIO-OILS - Methods of separating a bio-oil are disclosed. The method comprises contacting a bio-oil with a supercritical alkane to dissolve non-polar compounds of the bio-oil in the supercritical alkane. The bio-oil is produced from a biomass by a thermochemical process. The non-polar compounds are removed from the bio-oil to produce a fractionated bio-oil comprising polar compounds. | 11-19-2015 |
20150309185 | EXTREMITY RADIATION MONITORING SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS - Systems and methods of monitoring radiation include a radiation monitoring glove. The glove is to be worn by a person that may be exposed to the radiation and includes at least one fiber sleeve attached to at least one finger of the glove. The glove also includes at least one scintillating fiber disposed in the at least one fiber sleeve. The scintillating fiber is configured for generating photons responsive to exposure to radiation in proximity thereto. The glove also includes a photon-sensing device disposed in a collector pocket on the glove. The photon-sensing device is operably coupled to a distal end of the one or more scintillating fibers. | 10-29-2015 |
20150303335 | ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS - Energy harvesting devices include a substrate and a plurality of resonance elements coupled to the substrate. Each resonance element is configured to collect energy in the visible and infrared light spectra and to reradiate energy having a wavelength in the range of about 0.8 μm to about 0.9 μm. The resonance elements are arranged in groups of two or more resonance elements. Systems for harvesting electromagnetic radiation include a substrate, a plurality of resonance elements including a conductive material carried by the substrate, and a photovoltaic material coupled to the substrate and to at least one resonance element. The resonance elements are arranged in groups, such as in a dipole, a tripole, or a bowtie configuration. Methods for forming an energy harvesting device include forming groups of two or more discrete resonance elements in a substrate and coupling a photovoltaic material to the groups of discrete resonance elements. | 10-22-2015 |
20150275337 | COMPOSITIONS OF PARTICLES COMPRISING RARE-EARTH OXIDES IN A METAL ALLOY MATRIX AND RELATED METHODS - A composition includes a metal alloy matrix comprising iron and a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed within the metal alloy matrix. Each nanoparticle of the plurality comprises an oxide of a rare-earth metal and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of tantalum, niobium, vanadium, and titanium. Some compositions include a metal alloy matrix comprising iron and a plurality of nanoparticles comprising at least two different oxides of rare-earth metals dispersed within the metal alloy matrix. Some methods include mixing an oxide of a rare-earth metal with a first metal and a second metal. Other methods include mixing a plurality of particles comprising at least one oxide of a rare-earth metal with a molten metal comprising iron. Each particle of the plurality may exhibit a density between about 6.9 g/cm | 10-01-2015 |
20150252303 | METHODS OF DECONTAMINATING SURFACES AND RELATED COMPOSITIONS - A composition of matter includes water, at least one acid, at least one surfactant, at least one fluoride salt, and ammonium nitrate. A method of decontaminating a surface includes exposing a surface to such a composition and removing the composition from the surface. Other compositions of matter include water, a fatty alcohol ether sulfate, nitrilotriacetic acid, at least one of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, ammonium nitrate, and gelatin. | 09-10-2015 |
20150225765 | METHODS FOR DETERMINING ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY - Methods for determining thermophilic enzymatic activity include heating a substrate solution in a plurality of closed volumes to a predetermined reaction temperature. Without opening the closed volumes, at least one enzyme is added, substantially simultaneously, to the closed volumes. At the predetermined reaction temperature, the closed volumes are agitated and then the activity of the at least one enzyme is determined. The methods are conducive for characterizing enzymes of high-temperature reactions, with insoluble substrates, with substrates and enzymes that do not readily intermix, and with low volumes of substrate and enzyme. Systems for characterizing the enzymes are also disclosed. | 08-13-2015 |
20150225706 | ALTERATION AND MODULATION OF PROTEIN ACTIVITY BY VARYING POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATION - Embodiments of the invention include methods of altering the enzymatic activity or solubility of an extremophilic enzyme or post-translationally modifying a protein of interest via using isolated or partially purified glycosyltransferases and/or post-translational modification proteins, extracts of cells comprising glycosyltransferases and/or post-translational modification proteins, and/or in cells comprising one or more glycosyltransferases and/or post-translational modification proteins. | 08-13-2015 |
20150215776 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR SELF-GENERATING FAULT-TOLERANT KEYS IN SPREAD-SPECTRUM SYSTEMS - Self-generating fault-tolerant keys for use in spread-spectrum systems are disclosed. At a communication device, beacon signals are received from another communication device and impulse responses are determined from the beacon signals. The impulse responses are circularly shifted to place a largest sample at a predefined position. The impulse responses are converted to a set of frequency responses in a frequency domain. The frequency responses are shuffled with a predetermined shuffle scheme to develop a set of shuffled frequency responses. A set of phase differences is determined as a difference between an angle of the frequency response and an angle of the shuffled frequency response at each element of the corresponding sets. Each phase difference is quantized to develop a set of secret-key quantized phases and a set of spreading codes is developed wherein each spreading code includes a corresponding phase of the set of secret-key quantized phases. | 07-30-2015 |
20150130948 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTION OF RADIATION WITH SEMICONDUCTOR IMAGE SENSORS - A semiconductor image sensor is repeatedly exposed to high-energy photons while a visible light obstructer is in place to block visible light from impinging on the sensor to generate a set of images from the exposures. A composite image is generated from the set of images with common noise substantially removed so the composite image includes image information corresponding to radiated pixels that absorbed at least some energy from the high-energy photons. The composite image is processed to determine a set of bright points in the composite image, each bright point being above a first threshold. The set of bright points is processed to identify lines with two or more bright points that include pixels therebetween that are above a second threshold and identify a presence of the high-energy particles responsive to a number of lines. | 05-14-2015 |
20150107478 | METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING A COUNTDOWN ROUTINE OF A TIMER KEY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed. | 04-23-2015 |
20150101719 | ENERGETIC MATERIALS AND METHODS OF TAILORING ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVITY OF ENERGETIC MATERIALS - An energetic material comprising an elemental fuel, an oxidizer or other element, and a carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods, where the carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the energetic material. Methods of tailoring the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of an energetic material are also disclosed. | 04-16-2015 |
20150023568 | COMPUTING SYSTEMS, COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA AND METHODS OF ANTIBODY PROFILING - Computing systems, computer-readable media and methods are disclosed. In the computing system, an image capture device captures an image of a protein array including spots of predetermined proteins, wherein some of the spots have bound to a biological material having individual-specific antibodies to form immune complexes and some of the immune complexes have interacted with a detection agent to generate a visible image therefrom. The computing system may be operably coupled to the image capture device and processes the captured image of the protein array to determine control locations of a plurality of control spots in known locations on the protein array. The computing system also extrapolates expected locations of all other spots on the protein array from the control locations. | 01-22-2015 |
20140321733 | METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR PROJECTIONAL MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF N-DIMENSIONAL SIGNALS - Embodiments discussed herein in the form of methods, systems, and computer-readable media deal with the application of advanced “projectional” morphological algorithms for solving a broad range of problems. In a method of performing projectional morphological analysis, an N-dimensional input signal is supplied. At least one N-dimensional form indicative of at least one feature in the N-dimensional input signal is identified. The N-dimensional input signal is filtered relative to the at least one N-dimensional form and an N-dimensional output signal is generated indicating results of the filtering at least as differences in the N-dimensional input signal relative to the at least one N-dimensional form. | 10-30-2014 |
20140299757 | METHODS FOR RADIATION DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION USING A MULTIPLE DETECTOR PROBE - Apparatuses, methods, and systems relating to radiological characterization of environments are disclosed. Multi-detector probes with a plurality of detectors in a common housing may be used to substantially concurrently detect a plurality of different radiation activities and types. Multiple multi-detector probes may be used in a down-hole environment to substantially concurrently detect radioactive activity and contents of a buried waste container. Software may process, analyze, and integrate the data from the different multi-detector probes and the different detector types therein to provide source location and integrated analysis as to the source types and activity in the measured environment. Further, the integrated data may be used to compensate for differential density effects and the effects of radiation shielding materials within the volume being measured. | 10-09-2014 |
20140284490 | CHEMICAL DETECTION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - A chemical detection system includes a frame, an emitter coupled to the frame, and a detector coupled to the frame proximate the emitter. The system also includes a shielding system coupled to the frame and positioned at least partially between the emitter and the detector, wherein the frame positions a sensing surface of the detector in a direction substantially parallel to a plane extending along a front portion of the frame. A method of analyzing composition of a suspect object includes directing neutrons at the object, detecting gamma rays emitted from the object, and communicating spectrometer information regarding the gamma rays. The method also includes presenting a GUI to a user with a dynamic status of an ongoing neutron spectroscopy process. The dynamic status includes a present confidence for a plurality of compounds being present in the suspect object responsive to changes in the spectrometer information during the ongoing process. | 09-25-2014 |
20140273238 | TRANSCRIPTIONAL CONTROL IN ALICYCLOBACILLUS ACIDOCALDARIUS AND ASSOCIATED GENES, PROTEINS, AND METHODS - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 09-18-2014 |
20140246600 | RADIATION SENSITIVE DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTION OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND RELATED METHODS - Radiation sensitive devices include a substrate comprising a radiation sensitive material and a plurality of resonance elements coupled to the substrate. Each resonance element is configured to resonate responsive to non-ionizing incident radiation. Systems for detecting radiation from a special nuclear material include a radiation sensitive device and a sensor located remotely from the radiation sensitive device and configured to measure an output signal from the radiation sensitive device. In such systems, the radiation sensitive device includes a radiation sensitive material and a plurality of resonance elements positioned on the radiation sensitive material. Methods for detecting a presence of a special nuclear material include positioning a radiation sensitive device in a location where special nuclear materials are to be detected and remotely interrogating the radiation sensitive device with a sensor. | 09-04-2014 |
20140231648 | TERAHERTZ IMAGING DEVICES AND SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS, FOR DETECTION OF MATERIALS - Terahertz imaging devices may comprise a focal plane array including a substrate and a plurality of resonance elements. The plurality of resonance elements may comprise a conductive material coupled to the substrate. Each resonance element of the plurality of resonance elements may be configured to resonate and produce an output signal responsive to incident radiation having a frequency between about a 0.1 THz and 4 THz range. A method of detecting a hazardous material may comprise receiving incident radiation by a focal plane array having a plurality of discrete pixels including a resonance element configured to absorb the incident radiation at a resonant frequency in the THz, generating an output signal from each of the discrete pixels, and determining a presence of a hazardous material by interpreting spectral information from the output signal. | 08-21-2014 |
20140150342 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SYNGAS AND FUEL GASSES - The production of gasses and, more particularly, to systems and methods for the production of syngas and fuel gasses including the production of hydrogen are set forth. In one embodiment system and method includes a reactor having a molten pool of a material comprising sodium carbonate. A supply of conditioned water is in communication with the reactor. A supply of carbon containing material is also in communication with the reactor. In one particular embodiment, the carbon containing material may include vacuum residuum (VR). The water and VR may be kept at desired temperatures and pressures compatible with the process that is to take place in the reactor. When introduced into the reactor, the water, the VR and the molten pool may be homogenously mixed in an environment in which chemical reactions take place including the production of hydrogen and other gasses. | 06-05-2014 |
20140132220 | CIRCUITS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINATION AND CONTROL OF SIGNAL TRANSITION RATES IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - A charge/discharge input is for respectively supplying charge to, or drawing charge from, an electrochemical cell. A transition modifying circuit is coupled between the charge/discharge input and a terminal of the electrochemical cell and includes at least one of an inductive constituent, a capacitive constituent and a resistive constituent selected to generate an adjusted transition rate on the terminal sufficient to reduce degradation of a charge capacity characteristic of the electrochemical cell. A method determines characteristics of the transition modifying circuit. A degradation characteristic of the electrochemical cell is analyzed relative to a transition rate of the charge/discharge input applied to the electrochemical cell. An adjusted transition rate is determined for a signal to be applied to the electrochemical cell that will reduce the degradation characteristic. At least one of an inductance, a capacitance, and a resistance is selected for the transition modifying circuit to achieve the adjusted transition rate. | 05-15-2014 |
20140107265 | FACILITATED TRANSPORT MEMBRANE INCLUDING METAL COMPLEX - A membrane includes a metal or coordination complex that selectively interacts with one or more materials. The membrane can be used for facilitated transport separation of the materials. The metal complex can include any suitable metal center, but preferably includes a late transition metal. The metal complex can also include any suitable ligand, but preferably includes a triphosphacyclononane. The metal complex can be covalently linked to the membrane. | 04-17-2014 |
20140093936 | TYPE II RESTRICTION MODIFICATION SYSTEM METHYLATION SUBUNIT OF ALICYCLOBACILLUS ACIDOCALDARIUS - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 04-03-2014 |
20140092942 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES USING FILTER BANKS FOR MULTI-CARRIER SPREAD-SPECTRUM SIGNALS - A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to the synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit. | 04-03-2014 |
20140079955 | AN ADDITIVE-RESIN ADMIXTURE, METHODS OF TREATING A WOOD PRODUCT, A REACTION PRODUCT OF AN ADDITIVE AND A WOOD PRODUCT, AND A WOOD PRODUCT - An additive comprising a phosphazene compound that has at least two reactive functional groups and at least one capping functional group bonded to phosphorus atoms of the phosphazene compound. One of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with cellulose and the other of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with a resin, such as an amine resin or a polycarboxylic acid resin. The at least one capping functional group is selected from the group consisting of a short chain ether group, an alkoxy group, and an aryloxy group. Also disclosed are an additive-resin admixture, a method of treating a wood product, and a wood product. | 03-20-2014 |
20140001365 | APPARATUSES FOR LARGE AREA RADIATION DETECTION AND RELATED METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
20130345350 | POLYMER COMPOSITIONS, POLYMER FILMS, AND METHODS FOR FORMING SAME - Stable, high performance polymer compositions including polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a melamine-formaldehyde polymer, such as methylated, poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde), for forming structures such as films, fibers and bulky structures. The polymer compositions may be formed by combining polybenzimidazole with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form a precursor. The polybenzimidazole may be reacted and/or intertwined with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form the polymer composition. For example, a stable, free-standing film having a thickness of, for example, between about 5 μm and about 30 μm may be formed from the polymer composition. Such films may be used as gas separation membranes and may be submerged into water for extended periods without crazing and cracking. The polymer composition may also be used as a coating on substrates, such as metal and ceramics, or may be used for spinning fibers. Precursors for forming such polymer compositions are also disclosed. | 12-26-2013 |
20130341244 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR UPGRADING HYDROCARBONS - In one embodiment, a system for upgrading a hydrocarbon material may include a black wax upgrade subsystem and a molten salt gasification (MSG) subsystem. The black wax upgrade subsystem and the MSG subsystem may be located within a common pressure boundary, such as within a pressure vessel. Gaseous materials produced by the MSG subsystem may be used in the process carried out within the black wax upgrade subsystem. For example, hydrogen may pass through a gaseous transfer interface to interact with black wax feed material to hydrogenate such material during a cracking process. In one embodiment, the gaseous transfer interface may include one or more openings in a tube or conduit which is carrying the black wax material. A pressure differential may control the flow of hydrogen within the tube or conduit. Related methods are also disclosed. | 12-26-2013 |
20130340475 | NATURAL GAS LIQUEFACTION EMPLOYING INDEPENDENT REFRIGERANT PATH - A method of liquefying natural gas. The method comprises cooling a gaseous natural gas process stream with a refrigerant flowing in a path isolated from the natural gas process stream. The refrigerant may differ in composition from a composition of the natural gas process stream, and the refrigerant composition may be selected to enhance efficiency of the refrigerant path with regard to a specific composition of the natural gas process stream. The refrigeration path may be operated at pressures, temperatures and flow rates differing from those of the natural gas process stream. Other methods of liquefying natural gas are described. A natural gas liquefaction plant is also described. | 12-26-2013 |
20130316406 | THERMOPHILIC AND THERMOACIDOPHILIC BIOPOLYMER-DEGRADING GENES AND ENZYMES FROM ALICYCLOBACILLUS ACIDOCALDARIUS AND RELATED ORGANISMS, METHODS - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 11-28-2013 |
20130249771 | APPARATUSES AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION TO DIRECT CURRENT - An energy conversion device may include a first antenna and a second antenna configured to generate an AC current responsive to incident radiation, at least one stripline, and a rectifier coupled with the at least one stripline along a length of the at least one stripline. An energy conversion device may also include an array of nanoantennas configured to generate an AC current in response to receiving incident radiation. Each nanoantenna of the array includes a pair of resonant elements, and a shared rectifier operably coupled to the pair of resonant elements, the shared rectifier configured to convert the AC current to a DC current. The energy conversion device may further include a bus structure operably coupled with the array of nanoantennas and configured to receive the DC current from the array of nanoantennas and transmit the DC current away from the array of nanoantennas. | 09-26-2013 |
20130200313 | HYBRID PARTICLES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Hybrid particles that comprise a coating surrounding a chalcopyrite material, the coating comprising a metal, a semiconductive material, or a polymer; a core comprising a chalcopyrite material and a shell comprising a functionalized chalcopyrite material, the shell enveloping the core; or a reaction product of a chalcopyrite material and at least one of a reagent, heat, and radiation. Methods of forming the hybrid particles are also disclosed. | 08-08-2013 |
20130196223 | ELECTRODES INCLUDING A POLYPHOSPHAZENE CYCLOMATRIX, METHODS OF FORMING THE ELECTRODES, AND RELATED ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - An electrode comprising a polyphosphazene cyclomatrix and particles within pores of the polyphosphazene cyclomatrix. The polyphosphazene cyclomatrix comprises a plurality of phosphazene compounds and a plurality of cross-linkages. Each phosphazene compound of the plurality of phosphazene compounds comprises a plurality of phosphorus-nitrogen units, and at least one pendant group bonded to each phosphorus atom of the plurality of phosphorus-nitrogen units. Each phosphorus-nitrogen unit is bonded to an adjacent phosphorus-nitrogen unit. Each cross-linkage of the plurality of cross-linkages bonds at least one pendant group of one phosphazene compound of the plurality of phosphazene compounds with the at least one pendant group of another phosphazene compound of the plurality of phosphazene compounds. A method of forming a negative electrode and an electrochemical cell are also described. | 08-01-2013 |
20130171730 | THERMOPHILIC AND THERMOACIDOPHILIC SUGAR TRANSPORTER GENES AND ENZYMES FROM ALICYCLOBACILLUS ACIDOCALDARIUS AND RELATED ORGANISMS, METHODS - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 07-04-2013 |
20130142218 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES USING FILTER BANKS FOR MULTI-CARRIER SPREAD SPECTRUM SIGNALS - A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to the synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit. | 06-06-2013 |
20130116112 | COMPOSITE MEDIA FOR FLUID STREAM PROCESSING, A METHOD OF FORMING THE COMPOSITE MEDIA, AND A RELATED METHOD OF PROCESSING A FLUID STREAM - A composite media including at least one crystalline aluminosilicate material in polyacrylonitrile. A method of forming a composite media is also disclosed. The method comprises dissolving polyacrylonitrile in an organic solvent to form a matrix solution. At least one crystalline aluminosilicate material is combined with the matrix solution to form a composite media solution. The organic solvent present in the composite media solution is diluted. The composite media solution is solidified. In addition, a method of processing a fluid stream is disclosed. The method comprises providing a beads of a composite media comprising at least one crystalline aluminosilicate material dispersed in a polyacrylonitrile matrix. The beads of the composite media are contacted with a fluid stream comprising at least one constituent. The at least one constituent is substantially removed from the fluid stream. | 05-09-2013 |
20130090900 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM FOR DETERMINING PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN OBJECT UNDERGOING ONE OR MORE ARBITRARY AGING CONDITIONS - A method, system, and computer-readable medium are described for characterizing performance loss of an object undergoing an arbitrary aging condition. The method comprises collecting baseline aging data from the object for at least one known baseline aging condition over time, determining baseline multiple sigmoid model parameters from the baseline data, and determining performance loss data of the object over time through multiple sigmoid model parameters associated with the object undergoing the arbitrary aging condition using a differential deviation-from-baseline approach from the baseline multiple sigmoid model parameters. The system comprises an object, monitoring hardware configured to sample performance characteristics of the object, and a processor coupled to the monitoring hardware. The processor is configured to determine performance loss data for the arbitrary aging condition from a comparison of the performance characteristics of the object deviating from baseline performance characteristics associated with a baseline aging condition. | 04-11-2013 |
20130089793 | IONIC LIQUIDS, ELECTROLYTE SOLUTIONS INCLUDING THE IONIC LIQUIDS, AND ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES INCLUDING THE IONIC LIQUIDS - An ionic liquid including a phosphazene compound that has a plurality of phosphorus-nitrogen units and at least one pendant group bonded to each phosphorus atom of the plurality of phosphorus-nitrogen units. One pendant group of the at least one pendant group comprises a positively charged pendant group. Additional embodiments of ionic liquids are disclosed, as are electrolyte solutions and energy storage devices including the embodiments of the ionic liquid. | 04-11-2013 |
20130071292 | MOLTEN METAL REACTORS - A molten metal reactor for converting a carbon material and steam into a gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide is disclosed. The reactor includes an interior crucible having a portion contained within an exterior crucible. The interior crucible includes an inlet and an outlet; the outlet leads to the exterior crucible and may comprise a diffuser. The exterior crucible may contain a molten alkaline metal compound. Contained between the exterior crucible and the interior crucible is at least one baffle. | 03-21-2013 |
20130060054 | METHODS OF FORMING SINGLE SOURCE PRECURSORS, METHODS OF FORMING POLYMERIC SINGLE SOURCE PRECURSORS, AND SINGLE SOURCE PRECURSORS FORMED BY SUCH METHODS - Methods of forming single source precursors (SSPs) include forming intermediate products having the empirical formula ½{L | 03-07-2013 |
20130058448 | VIBRO-ACOUSTIC SENSORS FOR MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION AND RELATED METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A method for monitoring components in a nuclear reactor is provided along with related systems and component. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a first transducer mechanism disposed within a nuclear reactor, the first transducer being configured to emit a first wireless signal to an identified component of the nuclear reactor. A second transducer mechanism is configured to detect a response signal that is emitted by the identified component in response to the first wireless signal. In one particular embodiment, the first transducer mechanism may include one or more confocal transducers. The confocal transducer may include two or more electrodes configured to emit their respective beams coaxially with focal points that are coincidental. The system may be configured to determine a characteristic of a component being monitored. In one particular embodiment, the component may include a fuel rod. | 03-07-2013 |
20130048903 | METHODS OF PRODUCING CONTINUOUS BORON CARBIDE FIBERS, CONTINUOUS BORON CARBIDE FIBERS, CONTINUOUS FIBERS COMPRISING BORON CARBIDE, AND ARTICLES INCLUDING FIBERS COMPRISING AT LEAST A BORON CARBIDE COATING - Methods of producing continuous boron carbide fibers. The method comprises reacting a continuous carbon fiber material and a boron oxide gas within a temperature range of from approximately 1400° C. to approximately 2200° C. Continuous boron carbide fibers, continuous fibers comprising boron carbide, and articles including at least a boron carbide coating are also disclosed. | 02-28-2013 |
20130048561 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING LIQUIDS USING SWITCHABLE SOLVENTS - A method of treating a liquid. The method comprises providing a feed liquid comprising at least one solvent and at least one solute to a first side of a membrane. A single-phase draw solution comprising at least one of an aminium salt, an amidinium salt, and a guanidinium salt is provided to a second side of the membrane. The at least one solvent is osmosed across the membrane and into the single-phase draw solution to form a diluted single-phase draw solution. At least one of CO | 02-28-2013 |
20130029400 | GENETIC ELEMENTS, PROTEINS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS INCLUDING APPLICATION OF ADDIITNAL GENETIC INFORMATION TO GRAM (+) THERMOACIDOPHILES - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 01-31-2013 |
20130026535 | FORMATION OF INTEGRAL COMPOSITE PHOTON ABSORBER LAYER USEFUL FOR PHOTOACTIVE DEVICES AND SENSORS - Methods of forming photoactive devices include infiltrating pores of a solid porous ceramic material with a fluid, which may be a supercritical fluid, carrying at least one single source precursor therein. The single source precursor may be decomposed to form a plurality of particles within the pores of the solid porous ceramic material. Photoactive devices include a solid porous ceramic material exhibiting electrical conductivity, and a plurality of photoactive semiconductor particles within pores of the solid porous ceramic material. | 01-31-2013 |
20130020538 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SYNGAS AND FUEL GASSES - The production of gasses and, more particularly, to systems and methods for the production of syngas and fuel gasses including the production of hydrogen are set forth. In one embodiment system and method includes a reactor having a molten pool of a material comprising sodium carbonate. A supply of conditioned water is in communication with the reactor. A supply of carbon containing material is also in communication with the reactor. In one particular embodiment, the carbon containing material may include vacuum residuum (VR). The water and VR may be kept at desired temperatures and pressures compatible with the process that is to take place in the reactor. When introduced into the reactor, the water, the VR and the molten pool may be homogenously mixed in an environment in which chemical reactions take place including the production of hydrogen and other gasses. | 01-24-2013 |
20130020236 | BELL COLUMN DOWNTUBE, REACTORS UTILIZING SAME AND RELATED METHODS - Reactors for carrying out a chemical reaction, as well as related components, systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a reactor is provided that includes a furnace and a crucible positioned for heating by the furnace. A downtube is disposed at least partially within the interior crucible along an axis. At least one structure is coupled with the downtube and extends substantially across the cross-sectional area of the interior volume taken in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of holes is formed in the structure enabling fluid flow therethrough. The structure coupled with the downtube may include a lower body portion and an upper body portion coupled with the lower body portion, wherein the plurality of holes is formed in the lower body portion adjacent to, and radially outward from, a periphery of the upper body portion. | 01-24-2013 |
20130020232 | MOLTEN SALT ROLLING BUBBLE COLUMN, REACTORS UTILIZING SAME AND RELATED METHODS - Reactors for carrying out a chemical reaction, as well as related components, systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a reactor is provided that includes a furnace and a crucible positioned for heating by the furnace. The crucible may contain a molten salt bath. A downtube is disposed at least partially within the interior crucible along an axis. The downtube includes a conduit having a first end in communication with a carbon source and an outlet at a second end of the conduit for introducing the carbon material into the crucible. At least one opening is formed in the conduit between the first end and the second end to enable circulation of reaction components contained within the crucible through the conduit. An oxidizing material may be introduced through a bottom portion of the crucible in the form of gas bubbles to react with the other materials. | 01-24-2013 |
20130016349 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPYAANM Effenberger, JR.; Andrew J.AACI San DiegoAAST CAAACO USAAGP Effenberger, JR.; Andrew J. San Diego CA USAANM Scott; Jill R.AACI Idaho FallsAAST IDAACO USAAGP Scott; Jill R. Idaho Falls ID USAANM McJunkin; Timothy R.AACI Idaho FallsAAST IDAACO USAAGP McJunkin; Timothy R. Idaho Falls ID US - In laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), an apparatus includes a pulsed laser configured to generate a pulsed laser signal toward a sample, a constructive interference object and an optical element, each located in a path of light from the sample. The constructive interference object is configured to generate constructive interference patterns of the light. The optical element is configured to disperse the light. A LIBS system includes a first and a second optical element, and a data acquisition module. The data acquisition module is configured to determine an isotope measurement based, at least in part, on light received by an image sensor from the first and second optical elements. A method for performing LIBS includes generating a pulsed laser on a sample to generate light from a plasma, generating constructive interference patterns of the light, and dispersing the light into a plurality of wavelengths. | 01-17-2013 |
20130010915 | REACTOR FUEL ELEMENTS AND RELATED METHODS - Fuel elements for use in reactors include a cladding tube having a longitudinal axis and fuel disposed therein. At least one channel is formed in at least one of the fuel and the cladding tube and extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the cladding tube. The fuel element further includes a plenum having at least one getter material disposed therein. Methods of segregating gases in fuel elements may include forming a temperature differential in the fuel element, enabling at least one gas to travel into at least one channel formed in the fuel element, and retaining a portion of the at least one gas with at least one getter material. Methods of segregating gases in fuel elements also may include enabling at least one gas to travel through at least one channel of a plurality of channels formed in the fuel element. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010914 | COMPOSITE MATERIALS, BODIES AND NUCLEAR FUELS INCLUDING METAL OXIDE AND SILICON CARBIDE AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME - Methods of forming composite bodies and materials including a metal oxide, such as, uranium dioxide, and silicon carbide are disclosed. The composite materials may be formed from a metal oxide powder, a silicon carbide powder and, optionally, a carbon powder. For example, the metal oxide powder, the silicon carbide powder and the carbon powder, if present, may each be combined with a binder and may be deposited in succession to form a precursor structure. Segments of the precursor structure may be removed and pressed together to form a multi-matrix material that includes interlaced regions of material including at least one of the metal oxide powder, the silicon carbide powder and, optionally, the carbon powder. The segments may be extruded or coextruded with another material, such as, a silicon carbide material, to form a green body. The green body may be sintered to form the composite bodies and materials having a desired final density. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008861 | METHODS FOR RECOVERING A SOLVENT FROM A FLUID VOLUME AND METHODS OF REMOVING AT LEAST ONE COMPOUND FROM A NONPOLAR SOLVENT - A method of removing a nonpolar solvent from a fluid volume that includes at least one nonpolar compound, such as a fat, an oil or a triglyceride, is provided. The method comprises contacting a fluid volume with an expanding gas to expand the nonpolar solvent and form a gas-expanded solvent. The gas-expanded solvent may have a substantially reduced density in comparison to the at least one nonpolar compound and/or a substantially reduced capacity to solubilize the nonpolar compound, causing the nonpolar compounds to separate from the gas-expanded nonpolar solvent into a separate liquid phase. The liquid phase including the at least one nonpolar compound may be separated from the gas-expanded solvent using conventional techniques. After separation of the liquid phase, at least one of the temperature and pressure may be reduced to separate the nonpolar solvent from the expanding gas such that the nonpolar solvent may be recovered and reused. | 01-10-2013 |
20120304130 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR MONITORING COMMUNICATIONS ON A NETWORK - Network monitoring systems, computer-readable storage media, and methods monitor a network. Communication data is captured from the network in a substantially passive manner. The communication data is organized to represent a plurality of conversations between a plurality of hosts on the network. Each conversation of the plurality includes a first address of a first host of the plurality of hosts, a service port identifier on the first host, and a second address of a second host of the plurality of hosts. Information correlated to at least some of the plurality of conversations is presented on a graphical user interface. | 11-29-2012 |
20120288932 | THERMOPHILIC AND THERMOACIDOPHILIC SUGAR TRANSPORTER GENES AND ENZYMES FROM ALICYCLOBACILLUS ACIDOCALDARIUS AND RELATED ORGANISMS, METHODS - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 11-15-2012 |
20120262186 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR MEASURING IMPEDANCE OF AN ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE - Real-time battery impedance spectrum is acquired using a one-time record. Fast Summation Transformation (FST) is a parallel method of acquiring a real-time battery impedance spectrum using a one-time record that enables battery diagnostics. An excitation current to a battery is a sum of equal amplitude sine waves of frequencies that are octave harmonics spread over a range of interest. A sample frequency is also octave and harmonically related to all frequencies in the sum. A time profile of this sampled signal has a duration that is a few periods of the lowest frequency. A voltage response of the battery, average deleted, is an impedance of the battery in a time domain. Since the excitation frequencies are known and octave and harmonically related, a simple algorithm, FST, processes the time profile by rectifying relative to sine and cosine of each frequency. Another algorithm yields real and imaginary components for each frequency. | 10-18-2012 |
20120239191 | REAL TIME EXPLOSIVE HAZARD INFORMATION SENSING, PROCESSING, AND COMMUNICATION FOR AUTONOMOUS OPERATION - Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses provide robotic explosive hazard detection. A robot intelligence kernel (RIK) includes a dynamic autonomy structure with two or more autonomy levels between operator intervention and robot initiative A mine sensor and processing module (ESPM) operating separately from the RIK perceives environmental variables indicative of a mine using subsurface perceptors. The ESPM processes mine information to determine a likelihood of a presence of a mine. A robot can autonomously modify behavior responsive to an indication of a detected mine. The behavior is modified between detection of mines, detailed scanning and characterization of the mine, developing mine indication parameters, and resuming detection. Real time messages are passed between the RIK and the ESPM. A combination of ESPM bound messages and RIK bound messages cause the robot platform to switch between modes including a calibration mode, the mine detection mode, and the mine characterization mode. | 09-20-2012 |
20120231253 | POLYMER COMPOSITIONS, POLYMER FILMS AND METHODS AND PRECURSORS FOR FORMING SAME - Stable, high performance polymer compositions including polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a melamine-formaldehyde polymer, such as methylated, poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde), for forming structures such as films, fibers and bulky structures. The polymer compositions may be formed by combining polybenzimidazole with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form a precursor. The polybenzimidazole may be reacted and/or intertwined with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form the polymer composition. For example, a stable, free-standing film having a thickness of, for example, between about 5 μm and about 30 μm may be formed from the polymer composition. Such films may be used as gas separation membranes and may be submerged into water for extended periods without crazing and cracking. The polymer composition may also be used as a coating on substrates, such as metal and ceramics, or may be used for spinning fibers. Precursors for forming such polymer compositions are also disclosed. | 09-13-2012 |
20120201341 | ZIRCONIUM-BASED ALLOYS, NUCLEAR FUEL RODS AND NUCLEAR REACTORS INCLUDING SUCH ALLOYS, AND RELATED METHODS - Zirconium-based metal alloy compositions comprise zirconium, a first additive in which the permeability of hydrogen decreases with increasing temperatures at least over a temperature range extending from 350° C. to 750° C., and a second additive having a solubility in zirconium over the temperature range extending from 350° C. to 750° C. At least one of a solubility of the first additive in the second additive over the temperature range extending from 350° C. to 750° C. and a solubility of the second additive in the first additive over the temperature range extending from 350° C. to 750° C. is higher than the solubility of the second additive in zirconium over the temperature range extending from 350° C. to 750° C. Nuclear fuel rods include a cladding material comprising such metal alloy compositions, and nuclear reactors include such fuel rods. Methods are used to fabricate such zirconium-based metal alloy compositions. | 08-09-2012 |
20120192930 | METHODS FOR FORMING PARTICLES, METHODS OF FORMING SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS, METHODS OF FORMING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES, AND DEVICES FORMED USING SUCH METHODS - Single source precursors or pre-copolymers of single source precursors are subjected to microwave radiation to form particles of a I-III-VI | 08-02-2012 |
20120180630 | LAMINATE ARMOR AND RELATED METHODS - Laminate armor and methods of manufacturing laminate armor are disclosed. Specifically, laminate armor plates comprising a commercially pure titanium layer and a titanium alloy layer bonded to the commercially pure titanium outer layer are disclosed, wherein an average thickness of the titanium alloy inner layer is about four times an average thickness of the commercially pure titanium outer layer. In use, the titanium alloy layer is positioned facing an area to be protected. Additionally, roll-bonding methods for manufacturing laminate armor plates are disclosed. | 07-19-2012 |
20120174758 | COMPOSITE ARMOR, ARMOR SYSTEM AND VEHICLE INCLUDING ARMOR SYSTEM - Composite armor panels are disclosed. Each panel comprises a plurality of functional layers comprising at least an outermost layer, an intermediate layer and a base layer. An armor system incorporating armor panels is also disclosed. Armor panels are mounted on carriages movably secured to adjacent rails of a rail system. Each panel may be moved on its associated rail and into partially overlapping relationship with another panel on an adjacent rail for protection against incoming ordnance from various directions. The rail system may be configured as at least a part of a ring, and be disposed about a hatch on a vehicle. Vehicles including an armor system are also disclosed. | 07-12-2012 |
20120125726 | DISSIPATIVE STRUCTURES AND RELATED METHODS - Dissipative structures include at least one panel and a cell structure disposed adjacent to the at least one panel having interconnected cells. A deformable material, which may comprise at least one hydrogel, is disposed within at least one interconnected cell proximate to the at least one panel. Dissipative structures may also include a cell structure having interconnected cells formed by wall elements. The wall elements may include a mesh formed by overlapping fibers having apertures formed therebetween. The apertures may form passageways between the interconnected cells. Methods of dissipating a force include disposing at least one hydrogel in a cell structure proximate to at least one panel, applying a force to the at least one panel, and forcing at least a portion of the at least one hydrogel through apertures formed in the cell structure. | 05-24-2012 |
20120125218 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING A REMOVABLE TIMER KEY - A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed. | 05-24-2012 |
20120120887 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES, AND METHODS TO SUPPORT DYNAMIC SPECTRUM ACCESS IN WIRELESS NETWORKS - A system is disclosed for supporting dynamic spectrum access in wireless networks. The system includes at least one cognitive base station configured to communicate over at least one licensed carrier. The system further includes a spectrum accountability server operably coupled to the at least one cognitive base station. The spectrum accountability server is configured to manage spectrum leases to dynamic spectrum access carriers according to a set of spectrum access rules, and the spectrum accountability server may further be configured to dynamically change the spectrum access rules in response to spectrum usage policies or spectrum availability, or both. A wireless communication network and related method for providing dynamic spectrum access to secondary users of a wireless network are also disclosed herein. | 05-17-2012 |
20120103561 | HEAT EXCHANGER AND RELATED METHODS - Heat exchangers include a housing having an inlet and an outlet and forming a portion of a transition chamber. A heating member may form another portion of the transition chamber. The heating member includes a first end having a first opening and a second end having a second opening larger than the first opening. Methods of conveying a fluid include supplying a first fluid into a transition chamber of a heat exchanger, supplying a second fluid into the transition chamber, and altering a state of a portion of the first fluid with the second fluid. Methods of sublimating solid particles include conveying a first fluid comprising a material in a solid state into a transition chamber, heating the material to a gaseous state by directing a second fluid through a heating member and mixing the first fluid and the second fluid. | 05-03-2012 |
20120103428 | VAPORIZATION CHAMBERS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A vaporization chamber may include at least one conduit and a shell. The at least one conduit may have an inlet at a first end, an outlet at a second end and a flow path therebetween. The shell may surround a portion of each conduit and define a chamber surrounding the portion of each conduit. Additionally, a plurality of discrete apertures may be positioned at longitudinal intervals in a wall of each conduit, each discrete aperture of the plurality of discrete apertures sized and configured to direct a jet of fluid into each conduit from the chamber. A liquid may be vaporized by directing a first fluid comprising a liquid into the inlet at the first end of each conduit, directing jets of a second fluid into each conduit from the chamber through discrete apertures in a wall of each conduit and transferring heat from the second fluid to the first fluid. | 05-03-2012 |
20120103012 | SUBLIMATION SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A system for vaporizing and sublimating a slurry comprising a fluid including solid particles therein. The system includes a first heat exchanger configured to receive the fluid including solid particles and vaporize the fluid and a second heat exchanger configured to receive the vaporized fluid and solid particles and sublimate the solid particles. A method for vaporizing and sublimating a fluid including solid particles therein is also disclosed. The method includes feeding the fluid including solid particles to a first heat exchanger, vaporizing the fluid, feeding the vaporized fluid and solid particles to a second heat exchanger and sublimating the solid particles. In some embodiments the fluid including solid particles is liquid natural gas or methane including solid carbon dioxide particles. | 05-03-2012 |
20120091354 | CHARGED PARTICLE DETECTORS WITH ACTIVE DETECTOR SURFACE FOR PARTIAL ENERGY DEPOSITION OF THE CHARGED PARTICLES AND RELATED METHODS - A radiation detector is disclosed. The radiation detector comprises an active detector surface configured to generate charge carriers in response to charged particles associated with incident radiation. The active detector surface is further configured with a sufficient thickness for a partial energy deposition of the charged particles to occur and permit the charged particles to pass through the active detector surface. The radiation detector further comprises a plurality of voltage leads coupled to the active detector surface. The plurality of voltage leads are configured to couple to a voltage source to generate a voltage drop across the active detector surface and to separate the charge carriers into a plurality of electrons and holes for detection. The active detector surface may comprise one or more graphene layers. Timing data between active detector surfaces may be used to determine energy of the incident radiation. Other apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein. | 04-19-2012 |
20120088088 | METHODS OF PRODUCING SILICON CARBIDE FIBERS, SILICON CARBIDE FIBERS, AND ARTICLES INCLUDING SAME - Methods of producing silicon carbide fibers. The method comprises reacting a continuous carbon fiber material and a silicon-containing gas in a reaction chamber at a temperature ranging from approximately 1500° C. to approximately 2000° C. A partial pressure of oxygen in the reaction chamber is maintained at less than approximately 1.01×10 | 04-12-2012 |
20120087457 | CLADDING MATERIAL, TUBE INCLUDING SUCH CLADDING MATERIAL AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME - A multi-layered cladding material including a ceramic matrix composite and a metallic material, and a tube formed from the cladding material. The metallic material forms an inner liner of the tube and enables hermetic sealing of thereof. The metallic material at ends of the tube may be exposed and have an increased thickness enabling end cap welding. The metallic material may, optionally, be formed to infiltrate voids in the ceramic matrix composite, the ceramic matrix composite encapsulated by the metallic material. The ceramic matrix composite includes a fiber reinforcement and provides increased mechanical strength, stiffness, thermal shock resistance and high temperature load capacity to the metallic material of the inner liner. The tube may be used as a containment vessel for nuclear fuel used in a nuclear power plant or other reactor. Methods for forming the tube comprising the ceramic matrix composite and the metallic material are also disclosed. | 04-12-2012 |
20120082282 | METHODS RELATING TO PHOTONUCLEAR DETECTION - Methods relating to photonuclear detection are disclosed. A method of operating a photonuclear detection system may include transmitting photons toward a container for a duration of a first time period. The method may further include waiting for a duration of a second time period substantially equal to a detector recovery time of a radiation detector proximate the container. Additionally, the method may include measuring for induced delayed signatures for a duration of a third time period. | 04-05-2012 |
20120080073 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR HARVESTING ENERGY AND METHODS FOR FORMING SUCH DEVICES - Energy harvesting devices include a substrate coupled with a photovoltaic material and a plurality of resonance elements associated with the substrate. The resonance elements are configured to collect energy in at least visible and infrared light spectra. Each resonance element is capacitively coupled with the photovoltaic material, and may be configured to resonate at a bandgap energy of the photovoltaic material. Systems include a photovoltaic material coupled with a feedpoint of a resonance element. Methods for harvesting energy include exposing a resonance element having a resonant electromagnetic radiation having a frequency between approximately 20 THz and approximately 1,000 THz, absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation with the resonance element, and resonating the resonance element at a bandgap energy of an underlying photovoltaic material. Methods for forming an energy harvesting device include forming resonance elements on a substrate and capacitively coupling the resonance elements with a photovoltaic material. | 04-05-2012 |
20120070894 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic sugar transporter genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 03-22-2012 |
20120063976 | METHODS OF REMOVING CARBON DIOXIDE AND SORBENTS FOR SAME - Methods of removing carbon dioxide comprising contacting a gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide with a sorbent. The sorbent comprises the following chemical structure: | 03-15-2012 |
20120042957 | METHODS OF CONVEYING FLUIDS AND METHODS OF SUBLIMATING SOLID PARTICLES - A heat exchanger and associated methods for sublimating solid particles therein, for conveying fluids therethrough, or both. The heat exchanger includes a chamber, and a porous member having a porous wall having pores in communication with the chamber and an interior of the porous member. A first fluid is conveyed into the porous member while a second fluid is conveyed into the porous member through the porous wall. The second fluid may form a positive flow boundary layer along the porous wall to reduce or eliminate substantial contact between the first fluid and the interior of the porous wall. The combined first and second fluids are conveyed out of the porous member. Additionally, the first fluid and the second fluid may each be conveyed into the porous member at different temperatures and may exit the porous member at substantially the same temperature. | 02-23-2012 |
20120032688 | CROSSTALK COMPENSATION IN ANALYSIS OF ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES - Estimating impedance of energy storage devices includes generating input signals at various frequencies with a frequency step factor therebetween. An excitation time record (ETR) is generated to include a summation of the input signals and a deviation matrix of coefficients is generated relative to the excitation time record to determine crosstalk between the input signals. An energy storage device is stimulated with the ETR and simultaneously a response time record (RTR) is captured that is indicative of a response of the energy storage device to the ETR. The deviation matrix is applied to the RTR to determine an in-phase component and a quadrature component of an impedance of the energy storage device at each of the different frequencies with the crosstalk between the input signals substantially removed. This approach enables rapid impedance spectra measurements that can be completed within one period of the lowest frequency or less. | 02-09-2012 |
20120027062 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR SETTING AN ADAPTIVE FREQUENCY BAND FOR POWER LINE COMMUNCIATION - Apparatuses and methods relating to power line communication are disclosed, and in particular, to an adaptive frequency band for power line communication. A power line communication device is disclosed. The power line communication device comprises a cutoff frequency estimator configured for estimating a cutoff frequency for communication in a power line communication network, and a processor operably coupled with the cutoff frequency estimator. The processor is configured to adaptively select boundaries of a frequency band in response to the estimated cutoff frequency. Other apparatuses and methods are disclosed. | 02-02-2012 |
20120015407 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic biopolymer-degrading genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 01-19-2012 |
20120002887 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR DETERMINING BASIC PROBABILITY NUMBERS FOR DATA FUSION - Systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media relating to determining basic probability numbers for use within data fusion are disclosed. A method of defining a basic probability number may comprise measuring an intensity of a pixel of a radiograph wherein the pixel is associated with an interrogation space of an interrogation volume. The method may also include calculating an assumed intensity of the pixel for each possible configuration of a plurality of possible configurations for the interrogation space. Further, the method may include classifying each possible configuration as a possible target configuration if the measured intensity is within an error-factor of the assumed intensity. The method may further include defining a basic probability number of the pixel as a ratio of a number of possible target configurations to a number of possible configurations. | 01-05-2012 |
20110305111 | EARTH ANALYSIS METHODS, SUBSURFACE FEATURE DETECTION METHODS, EARTH ANALYSIS DEVICES, AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE - Earth analysis methods, subsurface feature detection methods, earth analysis devices, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one embodiment, an earth analysis method includes engaging a device with the earth, analyzing the earth in a single substantially lineal direction using the device during the engaging, and providing information regarding a subsurface feature of the earth using the analysis. | 12-15-2011 |
20110301931 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR MODELING CELL PERFORMANCE FADE OF RECHARGEABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICES - A system includes an electrochemical cell, monitoring hardware, and a computing system. The monitoring hardware periodically samples performance characteristics of the electrochemical cell. The computing system determines cell information from the performance characteristics of the electrochemical cell. The computing system also develops a mechanistic level model of the electrochemical cell to determine performance fade characteristics of the electrochemical cell and analyzing the mechanistic level model to estimate performance fade characteristics over aging of a similar electrochemical cell. The mechanistic level model uses first constant-current pulses applied to the electrochemical cell at a first aging period and at three or more current values bracketing a first exchange current density. The mechanistic level model also is based on second constant-current pulses applied to the electrochemical cell at a second aging period and at three or more current values bracketing the second exchange current density. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301286 | ADDITIVE, AN ADDITIVE RESIN REACTION PRODUCT, A METHOD OF TREATING A WOOD PRODUCT, AND A WOOD PRODUCT - An additive comprising a phosphazene compound that has at least two reactive functional groups and at least one capping functional group bonded to phosphorus atoms of the phosphazene compound. One of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with cellulose and the other of the at least two reactive functional groups is configured to react with a resin, such as an amine resin or a polycarboxylic acid resin. The at least one capping functional group is selected from the group consisting of a short chain ether group, an alkoxy group, and an aryloxy group. Also disclosed are an additive-resin admixture, a method of treating a wood product, and a wood product. | 12-08-2011 |
20110295537 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RADIOACTIVE WASTE SCREENING - An apparatus and method relating to screening radioactive waste are disclosed for ensuring that at least one calculated parameter for the measurement data of a sample falls within a range between an upper limit and a lower limit prior to the sample being packaged for disposal. The apparatus includes a radiation detector configured for detecting radioactivity and radionuclide content of the of the sample of radioactive waste and generating measurement data in response thereto, and a collimator including at least one aperture to direct a field of view of the radiation detector. The method includes measuring a radioactive content of a sample, and calculating one or more parameters from the radioactive content of the sample. | 12-01-2011 |
20110293955 | METHODS OF FORMING A BORON NITRIDE, A METHOD OF CONDITIONING A BALLISTIC WEAPON, AND A METAL ARTICLE COATED WITH A MONOMERIC BORON-NITROGEN COMPOUND - A method of forming a boron nitride. The method comprises contacting a metal article with a monomeric boron-nitrogen compound and converting the monomeric boron-nitrogen compound to a boron nitride. The boron nitride is formed on the same or a different metal article. The monomeric boron-nitrogen compound is borazine, cycloborazane, trimethylcycloborazane, polyborazylene, B-vinylborazine, poly(B-vinylborazine), or combinations thereof. The monomeric boron-nitrogen compound is polymerized to form the boron nitride by exposure to a temperature greater than approximately 100° C. The boron nitride is amorphous boron nitride, hexagonal boron nitride, rhombohedral boron nitride, turbostratic boron nitride, wurzite boron nitride, combinations thereof, or boron nitride and carbon. A method of conditioning a ballistic weapon and a metal article coated with the monomeric boron-nitrogen compound are also disclosed. | 12-01-2011 |
20110290101 | SEQUENTIAL INJECTION GAS GUNS FOR ACCELERATING PROJECTILES - Gas guns and methods for accelerating projectiles through such gas guns are described. More particularly, gas guns having a first injection port located proximate a breech end of a barrel and a second injection port located longitudinally between the first injection port and a muzzle end of the barrel are described. Additionally, modular gas guns that include a plurality of modules are described, wherein each module may include a barrel segment having one or more longitudinally spaced injection ports. Also, methods of accelerating a projectile through a gas gun, such as injecting a first pressurized gas into a barrel through a first injection port to accelerate the projectile and propel the projectile down the barrel past a second injection port and injecting a second pressurized gas into the barrel through the second injection port after passage of the projectile and to further accelerate the projectile are described. | 12-01-2011 |
20110281101 | COMBUSTIBLE STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES AND METHODS OF FORMING COMBUSTIBLE STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES - Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the combustible structural composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed. | 11-17-2011 |
20110277805 | DEVICES FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION - Methods, devices and systems for harvesting energy from electromagnetic radiation are provided including harvesting energy from electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, a device includes a substrate and one or more resonance elements disposed in or on the substrate. The resonance elements are configured to have a resonant frequency, for example, in at least one of the infrared, near-infrared and visible light spectra. A layer of conductive material may be disposed over a portion of the substrate to form a ground plane. An optical resonance gap or stand-off layer may be formed between the resonance elements and the ground plane. The optical resonance gap extends a distance between the resonance elements and the layer of conductive material approximately one-quarter wavelength of a wavelength of the at least one resonance element's resonant frequency. At least one energy transfer element may be associated with the at least one resonance element. | 11-17-2011 |
20110277564 | DEVICE FOR COLLECTING CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS AND RELATED METHODS - A device for sampling chemical compounds from fixed surfaces and related methods are disclosed. The device may include a vacuum source, a chamber and a sorbent material. The device may utilize vacuum extraction to volatilize the chemical compounds from the fixed surface so that they may be sorbed by the sorbent material. The sorbent material may then be analyzed using conventional thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD/GC/MS) instrumentation to determine presence of the chemical compounds. The methods may include detecting release and presence of one or more chemical compounds and determining the efficacy of decontamination. The device may be useful in collection and analysis of a variety of chemical compounds, such as residual chemical warfare agent, chemical attribution signatures and toxic industrial chemicals. | 11-17-2011 |
20110277563 | DEVICES FOR COLLECTING CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS - A device for sampling chemical compounds from fixed surfaces and related methods are disclosed. The device may include a vacuum source, a chamber and a sorbent material. The device may utilize vacuum extraction to volatilize the chemical compounds from a fixed surface so that they may be sorbed by the sorbent material. The sorbent material may then be analyzed using conventional thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD/GC/MS) instrumentation to determine presence of the chemical compounds. The methods may include detecting release and presence of one or more chemical compounds and determining the efficacy of decontamination. The device may be useful in collection and analysis of a variety of chemical compounds, such as residual chemical warfare agent, chemical attribution signatures and toxic industrial chemicals. | 11-17-2011 |
20110275135 | Genetic elements, proteins, and associated methods including application of additional genetic information to gram (+) thermoacidophiles - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 11-10-2011 |
20110270559 | IN-SITU REAL-TIME ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE IMPEDANCE IDENTIFICATION - An impedance analysis system for characterizing an energy storage device (ESD) includes a signal vector assembler to generate a signal vector from a composition of one or more waveforms and a signal generator for generating a stimulus signal responsive to the signal vector. A signal measurement device measures a response signal indicative of a response of the ESD substantially simultaneously with when the stimulus signal is applied to the energy storage device. A load variation monitor monitors load variations on the energy storage device due to operational circuitry coupled thereto. An analyzer is operably coupled to the response signal and analyzes the response signal relative to the signal vector to determine an impedance of the energy storage device. | 11-03-2011 |
20110267599 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, DEVICES, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR TERAHERTZ RADIATION DETECTION - Systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media relating to terahertz radiation detection are disclosed. A method of detecting terahertz radiation may include transmitting a reference beam and a signal beam through a common-path interferometer. The method may further include transmitting a terahertz beam through a target object. Furthermore, the method may include causing the signal beam and the terahertz beam to simultaneously propagate through an electro-optical element within the common-path interferometer after transmitting the terahertz beam through the target object to induce a phase delay between the signal beam and the reference beam. In addition, the method may include calculating the phase delay and calculating an amplitude of an electric field of the terahertz beam from the phase delay. | 11-03-2011 |
20110266436 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR FORMING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS - An electromagnetic field generator includes a semiconductive material shaped to form a complex electromagnetic field including a magnetic field and an electric field. An instrument includes a passage configured such that charged particle may travel therein, and a semiconductive material configured to form a complex electromagnetic field that is configured to control motion of the charged particles within the passage. Another instrument includes a housing defining a chamber, and an electromagnetic field generator within the chamber that comprises a material configured to form an electric field component of an electromagnetic field, and a material configured to form a magnetic field component of the electromagnetic field. A method of controlling motion of charged particles includes controlling motion of at least one charged particle by forming a complex electromagnetic field with a semiconductive material that is shaped to form the complex electromagnetic field. | 11-03-2011 |
20110266428 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC FIELDS - Apparatuses and methods relating to generating an electric field are disclosed. An electric field generator may include a semiconductive material configured in a physical shape substantially different from a shape of an electric field to be generated thereby. The electric field is generated when a voltage drop exists across the semiconductive material. A method for generating an electric field may include applying a voltage to a shaped semiconductive material to generate a complex, substantially nonlinear electric field. The shape of the complex, substantially nonlinear electric field may be configured for directing charged particles to a desired location. Other apparatuses and methods are disclosed. | 11-03-2011 |
20110265605 | METHODS OF PRODUCING AND RECOVERING PLUTONIUM-238 - Methods of producing plutonium-238 are disclosed. One method includes dissolving neptunium-237 in a nitric acid solution to produce a neptunium target solution, subjecting the neptunium target solution to neutron radiation to produce plutonium-238, and removing the plutonium-238 from the neptunium target solution. A second method includes exposing a solution of neptunium-237 to neutron radiation to produce plutonium-238, complexing the plutonium-238 with an organophosphorus compound, and separating the plutonium-238/organophosphorus compound complex from the solution of neptunium-237. A third method includes dissolving neptunium-237 to form a neptunium-237 target solution, exposing the neptunium-237 to thermal neutrons to produce plutonium-238, utilizing an organophosphorus compound to complex the plutonium-238 and the organophosphorus compound, extracting the plutonium-238/organophosphorus compound complex from the irradiated neptunium target solution, and recovering the plutonium-238. | 11-03-2011 |
20110264381 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA TO MODEL KINETIC PERFORMANCE OF RECHARGEABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICES - A system includes an electrochemical cell, monitoring hardware, and a computing system. The monitoring hardware samples performance characteristics of the electrochemical cell. The computing system determines cell information from the performance characteristics. The computing system also analyzes the cell information of the electrochemical cell with a Butler-Volmer (BV) expression modified to determine exchange current density of the electrochemical cell by including kinetic performance information related to pulse-time dependence, electrode surface availability, or a combination thereof. A set of sigmoid-based expressions may be included with the modified-BV expression to determine kinetic performance as a function of pulse time. The determined exchange current density may be used with the modified-BV expression, with or without the sigmoid expressions, to analyze other characteristics of the electrochemical cell. Model parameters can be defined in terms of cell aging, making the overall kinetics model amenable to predictive estimates of cell kinetic performance along the aging timeline. | 10-27-2011 |
20110261458 | METHODS FOR FORMING SIGHTING OPTICS INCLUDING FORMING AN OPTICAL ELEMENT HAVING A PLURALITY OF TRANSPARENT RINGS AND SIGHTING OPTICS FORMED BY SUCH METHODS - Sighting optics include a front sight and a rear sight positioned in a spaced-apart relation. The rear sight includes an optical element having a first focal length and a second focal length. The first focal length is selected so that it is about equal to a distance separating the optical element and the front sight and the second focal length is selected so that it is about equal to a target distance. The optical element thus brings into simultaneous focus for a user images of the front sight and the target. | 10-27-2011 |
20110255648 | NEUTRON ABSORBERS AND METHODS OF FORMING AT LEAST A PORTION OF A NEUTRON ABSORBER - Methods of forming at least a portion of a neutron absorber include combining a first material and a second material to form a compound, reducing the compound into a plurality of particles, mixing the plurality of particles with a third material, and pressing the mixture of the plurality of particles and the third material. One or more components of neutron absorbers may be formed by such methods. Neutron absorbers may include a composite material including an intermetallic compound comprising hafnium aluminide and a matrix material comprising pure aluminum. | 10-20-2011 |
20110250683 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic sugar transporter genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 10-13-2011 |
20110230339 | METHODS OF PRODUCING METAL OXIDES, A METHOD OF PRODUCING ADSORPTION MEDIA INCLUDING THE SAME, AND A PRECURSOR OF AN ACTIVE COMPONENT INCLUDING THE METAL OXIDE - Methods of producing a metal oxide are disclosed. The method comprises dissolving a metal salt in a reaction solvent to form a metal salt/reaction solvent solution. The metal salt is converted to a metal oxide and a caustic solution is added to the metal oxide/reaction solvent solution to adjust the pH of the metal oxide/reaction solvent solution to less than approximately 7.0. The metal oxide is precipitated and recovered. A method of producing adsorption media including the metal oxide is also disclosed, as is a precursor of an active component including particles of a metal oxide. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226694 | METHODS OF REDUCING RADIOTOXICITY IN AQUEOUS ACIDIC SOLUTIONS AND A REACTION SYSTEM FOR SAME - A method of reducing radiotoxicity in an aqueous acidic solution is disclosed. The method comprises oxidizing actinide ions in an aqueous acidic solution to hexavalent actinide ions. An organic phase comprising at least one organophosphorus extractant is added to the aqueous acidic solution. The at least one organophosphorus extractant comprises a compound having from one oxygen atom to three oxygen atoms bonded to a phosphorus atom and having one of the oxygen atoms bonded to the phosphorus atom through a phosphorus-oxygen double bond. Complexes are formed between the hexavalent actinide ions and the at least one organophosphorus extractant. The complexes are separated from the aqueous acidic solution. An additional method and a reaction system for removing actinides from an aqueous acidic solution are also disclosed. | 09-22-2011 |
20110206566 | SYNGAS PRODUCTION SYSTEMS - Syngas components hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be formed by the decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by a solid-oxide electrolysis cell to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a portion of which may be reacted with carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide. One or more of the components for the process, such as steam, energy, or electricity, may be provided using a nuclear power source. | 08-25-2011 |
20110204320 | METHODS OF FORMING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES AND DEVICES FORMED USING SUCH METHODS - Single source precursors are subjected to carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The carbon dioxide may be in a supercritical state. Single source precursors also may be subjected to supercritical fluids other than supercritical carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The methods may be used to form nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form chalcopyrite materials. Devices such as, for example, semiconductor devices may be fabricated that include such particles. Methods of forming semiconductor devices include subjecting single source precursors to carbon dioxide to form particles of semiconductor material, and establishing electrical contact between the particles and an electrode. | 08-25-2011 |
20110194667 | DOPANTS FOR HIGH BURNUP IN METALLIC NUCLEAR FUELS - A binary or ternary metallic fuel composition having a metal dopant content of about 1 at. % to 25 at. %. A metal dopant is added to the binary or ternary metallic fuel composition to extend metal fuel burnup. The metal dopant will pin the lanthanides in the fuel phases. For binary U—Zr fuels, the metal dopant is generally palladium or titanium. For ternary U—Pu—Zr fuels, the metal dopant is generally palladium or a mixture of silver and titanium. | 08-11-2011 |
20110165625 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic biopolymer-degrading genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 07-07-2011 |
20110163237 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR LOW-ENERGY BETA PARTICLE DETECTION - An apparatus, method, and system relating to radiation detection of low-energy beta particles are disclosed. An embodiment a radiation detector with a first scintillator and a second scintillator operably coupled to each other. The first scintillator and the second scintillator are each structured to generate a light pulse responsive to interaction with beta particles. The first scintillator is structured to experience full energy deposition of low-energy beta particles, and permit a higher-energy beta particle to pass therethrough and interact with the second scintillator. The radiation detector further includes a light-to-electrical converter operably coupled to the second scintillator and configured to convert light pulses generated by the first scintillator and the second scintillator into electrical signals. The first scintillator and the second scintillator have at least one mutually different characteristic to enable an electronic system to determine whether a given light pulse is generated in the first scintillator or the second scintillator. | 07-07-2011 |
20110152554 | METHODS OF FORMING SINGLE SOURCE PRECURSORS, METHODS OF FORMING POLYMERIC SINGLE SOURCE PRECURSORS, AND SINGLE SOURCE PRECURSORS AND INTERMEDIATE PRODUCTS FORMED BY SUCH METHODS - Methods of forming single source precursors (SSPs) include forming intermediate products having the empirical formula ½{L | 06-23-2011 |
20110143395 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic biopolymer-degrading genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 06-16-2011 |
20110136175 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic biopolymer-degrading genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 06-09-2011 |
20110135565 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN USING SODIUM ION SEPARATION MEMBRANES - A method of producing hydrogen from sodium hydroxide and water is disclosed. The method comprises separating sodium from a first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream in a sodium ion separator, feeding the sodium produced in the sodium ion separator to a sodium reactor, reacting the sodium in the sodium reactor with water, and producing a second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream and hydrogen. The method may also comprise reusing the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream by combining the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream with the first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream. A system of producing hydrogen is also disclosed. | 06-09-2011 |
20110131991 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN - Methods and systems are disclosed for the production of hydrogen and the use of high-temperature heat sources in energy conversion. In one embodiment, a primary loop may include a nuclear reactor utilizing a molten salt or helium as a coolant. The nuclear reactor may provide heat energy to a power generation loop for production of electrical energy. For example, a supercritical carbon dioxide fluid may be heated by the nuclear reactor via the molten salt and then expanded in a turbine to drive a generator. An intermediate heat exchange loop may also be thermally coupled with the primary loop and provide heat energy to one or more hydrogen production facilities. A portion of the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility may be diverted to a combustor to elevate the temperature of water being split into hydrogen and oxygen by the hydrogen production facility. | 06-09-2011 |
20110126637 | FORCE MEASURING VALVE ASSEMBLIES, SYSTEMS INCLUDING SUCH VALVE ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS - Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed. | 06-02-2011 |
20110100091 | TAGGANTS, METHOD FOR FORMING A TAGGANT, AND A METHOD FOR DETECTING AN OBJECT - A taggant comprising at least one perfluorocarbon compound surrounded by a polyphosphazene compound. The polyphosphazene compound has the chemical structure: | 05-05-2011 |
20110094263 | METHODS OF NATURAL GAS LIQUEFACTION AND NATURAL GAS LIQUEFACTION PLANTS UTILIZING MULTIPLE AND VARYING GAS STREAMS - A method of natural gas liquefaction may include cooling a gaseous NG process stream to form a liquid NG process stream. The method may further include directing the first tail gas stream out of a plant at a first pressure and directing a second tail gas stream out of the plant at a second pressure. An additional method of natural gas liquefaction may include separating CO | 04-28-2011 |
20110094262 | COMPLETE LIQUEFACTION METHODS AND APPARATUS - A method and apparatus are described to provide complete gas utilization in the liquefaction operation from a source of gas without return of natural gas to the source thereof from the process and apparatus. The mass flow rate of gas input into the system and apparatus may be substantially equal to the mass flow rate of liquefied product output from the system, such as for storage or use. | 04-28-2011 |
20110094261 | NATURAL GAS LIQUEFACTION CORE MODULES, PLANTS INCLUDING SAME AND RELATED METHODS - A method of natural gas liquefaction may include liquefying natural gas from a first natural gas source with a first core module, and liquefying natural gas from at least a second natural gas source having a gas property different than a gas property of the first natural gas source with at least a second core module substantially identical to the first core module. Additionally, a method of designing a natural gas liquefaction plant may include utilizing a preconfigured core module design for a core module configured to receive source gas at site-independent predetermined input conditions, expel tail gas at site-independent predetermined outlet conditions, and liquefy natural gas. Furthermore, a method of distributing liquid natural gas may include providing a plurality of natural gas liquefaction plants comprising substantially identical core modules to a plurality of gaseous natural gas source locations. Finally, a modular natural gas liquefaction plant may include a preconfigured core module, and site-specific inlet and outlet modules. | 04-28-2011 |
20110092356 | CATALYTIC STRUCTURES INCLUDING CATALYST MATERIALS IN POROUS ZEOLITE MATERIALS, AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME - Catalytic structures include a catalytic material disposed within a zeolite material. The catalytic material may be capable of catalyzing a formation of methanol from carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide, and the zeolite material may be capable of catalyzing a formation of hydrocarbon molecules from methanol. The catalytic material may include copper and zinc oxide. The zeolite material may include a first plurality of pores substantially defined by a crystal structure of the zeolite material and a second plurality of pores dispersed throughout the zeolite material. Systems for synthesizing hydrocarbon molecules also include catalytic structures. Methods for synthesizing hydrocarbon molecules include contacting hydrogen and at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with such catalytic structures. Catalytic structures are fabricated by forming a zeolite material at least partially around a template structure, removing the template structure, and introducing a catalytic material into the zeolite material. | 04-21-2011 |
20110089377 | MOLTEN METAL REACTOR AND METHOD OF FORMING HYDROGEN, CARBON MONOXIDE AND CARBON DIOXIDE USING THE MOLTEN ALKALINE METAL REACTOR - A molten metal reactor for converting a carbon material and steam into a gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide is disclosed. The reactor includes an interior crucible having a portion contained within an exterior crucible. The interior crucible includes an inlet and an outlet; the outlet leads to the exterior crucible and may comprise a diffuser. The exterior crucible may contain a molten alkaline metal compound. Contained between the exterior crucible and the interior crucible is at least one baffle. | 04-21-2011 |
20110085944 | SYSTEMS INCLUDING CATALYSTS IN POROUS ZEOLITE MATERIALS WITHIN A REACTOR FOR USE IN SYNTHESIZING HYDROCARBONS - Catalytic structures include a catalytic material disposed within a zeolite material. The catalytic material may be capable of catalyzing a formation of methanol from carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide, and the zeolite material may be capable of catalyzing a formation of hydrocarbon molecules from methanol. The catalytic material may include copper and zinc oxide. The zeolite material may include a first plurality of pores substantially defined by a crystal structure of the zeolite material and a second plurality of pores dispersed throughout the zeolite material. Systems for synthesizing hydrocarbon molecules also include catalytic structures. Methods for synthesizing hydrocarbon molecules include contacting hydrogen and at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with such catalytic structures. Catalytic structures are fabricated by forming a zeolite material at least partially around a template structure, removing the template structure, and introducing a catalytic material into the zeolite material. | 04-14-2011 |
20110081683 | Methods of combined bioprocessing and related microorganisms, thermophilic and/or acidophilic enzymes, and nucleic acids encoding said enzymes - A genetically modified organism comprising: at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid isolated from | 04-07-2011 |
20110077880 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR ESTIMATING CAPACITY LOSS IN RECHARGEABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL - A system includes an electrochemical cell, monitoring hardware, and a computing system. The monitoring hardware periodically samples charge characteristics of the electrochemical cell. The computing system periodically determines cell information from the charge characteristics of the electrochemical cell. The computing system also periodically adds a first degradation characteristic from the cell information to a first sigmoid expression, periodically adds a second degradation characteristic from the cell information to a second sigmoid expression and combines the first sigmoid expression and the second sigmoid expression to develop or augment a multiple sigmoid model (MSM) of the electrochemical cell. The MSM may be used to estimate a capacity loss of the electrochemical cell at a desired point in time and analyze other characteristics of the electrochemical cell. The first and second degradation characteristics may be loss of active host sites and loss of free lithium for Li-ion cells. | 03-31-2011 |
20110065601 | IDENTIFICATION OF DISCRIMINANT PROTEINS THROUGH ANTIBODY PROFILING, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING AN INDIVIDUAL - A method for determining a plurality of proteins for discriminating and positively identifying an individual based from a biological sample. The method may include profiling a biological sample from a plurality of individuals against a protein array including a plurality of proteins. The protein array may include proteins attached to a support in a preselected pattern such that locations of the proteins are known. The biological sample may be contacted with the protein array such that a portion of antibodies in the biological sample reacts with and binds to the proteins forming immune complexes. A statistical analysis method, such as discriminant analysis, may be performed to determine discriminating proteins for distinguishing individuals. Proteins of interest may be used to form a protein array. Such a protein array may be used, for example, to compare a forensic sample from an unknown source with a sample from a known source. | 03-17-2011 |
20110065594 | Identification of discriminant proteins through antibody profiling, methods and apparatus for identifying an individual - A method for determining a plurality of proteins for discriminating and positively identifying an individual based from a biological sample. The method may include profiling a biological sample from a plurality of individuals against a protein array including a plurality of proteins. The protein array may include proteins attached to a support in a preselected pattern such that locations of the proteins are known. The biological sample may be contacted with the protein array such that a portion of antibodies in the biological sample reacts with and binds to the proteins forming immune complexes. A statistical analysis method, such as discriminant analysis, may be performed to determine discriminating proteins for distinguishing individuals. Proteins of interest may be used to form a protein array. Such a protein array may be used, for example, to compare a forensic sample from an unknown source with a sample from a known source. | 03-17-2011 |
20110054689 | ROBOTS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR HAZARD EVALUATION AND VISUALIZATION - A robot includes a hazard sensor, a locomotor, and a system controller. The robot senses a hazard intensity at a location of the robot, moves to a new location in response to the hazard intensity, and autonomously repeats the sensing and moving to determine multiple hazard levels at multiple locations. The robot may also include a communicator to communicate the multiple hazard levels to a remote controller. The remote controller includes a communicator for sending user commands to the robot and receiving the hazard levels from the robot. A graphical user interface displays an environment map of the environment proximate the robot and a scale for indicating a hazard intensity. A hazard indicator corresponds to a robot position in the environment map and graphically indicates the hazard intensity at the robot position relative to the scale. | 03-03-2011 |
20110049198 | ROTARY FEEDERS, ROTOR ASSEMBLIES FOR ROTARY FEEDERS AND RELATED METHODS - A rotor assembly for a rotary feeder apparatus may include a hollow central shaft, a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades extending generally radially from the hollow central shaft partially forming a plurality of compartments, and at least one valve element associated with an opening formed in a wall of the central shaft. A rotary feeder apparatus may include a housing, a material inlet and outlet, and a rotor assembly. A stationary cam may be disposed within the hollow central shaft of the rotor assembly and a surface of the cam may displace a valve element. Methods of operating a rotary feeder apparatus may include loading a particulate material into a compartment of a rotary feeder, rotating the compartment, supplying a gas to the compartment through an opening in a wall of the hollow central shaft in communication with the compartment, and unloading the particulate material from the compartment. | 03-03-2011 |
20110020538 | METHODS OF COATING CORE MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF ARMOR SYSTEMS - An armor system and method involves providing a core material and a stream of atomized coating material that comprises a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. An initial layer is deposited on the core material by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is less than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. An outer layer is then deposited on the initial layer by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is greater than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. | 01-27-2011 |
20110017056 | ARMOR SYSTEMS INCLUDING COATED CORE MATERIALS - An armor system and method involves providing a core material and a stream of atomized coating material that comprises a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. An initial layer is deposited on the core material by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is less than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. An outer layer is then deposited on the initial layer by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is greater than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. | 01-27-2011 |
20110011254 | METHODS OF PRODUCING ARMOR SYSTEMS, AND ARMOR SYSTEMS PRODUCED USING SUCH METHODS - An armor system and method involves providing a core material and a stream of atomized coating material that comprises a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. An initial layer is deposited on the core material by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is less than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. An outer layer is then deposited on the initial layer by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is greater than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. | 01-20-2011 |
20100323248 | STRUCTURES HAVING ONE OR MORE SUPER-HYDROPHOBIC SURFACES AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME - Methods of forming hydrophobic surfaces or structures include spraying droplets of a material onto features on a surface of a substrate and at least partially coating the features with a material formed from the droplets. Methods of forming fuel or electrolytic cells include forming a plurality of features in a surface of a conductive plate within a channel therein, and configuring the surface of the conductive plate within the channel to be hydrophobic. Additional methods of forming fuel or electrolytic cells include forming a substrate having a surface comprising at least one channel therein, forming a plurality of features on a surface of the substrate within the at least one channel, spraying droplets of a material onto the substrate, and at least partially coating the features with a metal layer formed from the droplets. Hydrophobic structures such as, for example, conductive electrodes for fuel and electrolytic cells are fabricated using such methods. | 12-23-2010 |
20100320378 | METHOD AND APPARATUSES FOR ION CYCLOTRON SPECTROMETRY - An ion cyclotron spectrometer may include a vacuum chamber that extends at least along a z-axis and means for producing a magnetic field within the vacuum chamber so that a magnetic field vector is generally parallel to the z-axis. The ion cyclotron spectrometer may also include means for producing a trapping electric field within the vacuum chamber. The trapping electric field may comprise a field potential that, when taken in cross-section along the z-axis, includes at least one section that is concave down and at least one section that is concave up so that ions traversing the field potential experience a net magnetron effect on a cyclotron frequency of the ions that is substantially equal to zero. Other apparatuses and a method for performing ion cyclotron spectrometry are also disclosed herein. | 12-23-2010 |
20100313146 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS RELATING TO AN AUGMENTED VIRTUALITY ENVIRONMENT - Systems and methods relating to an augmented virtuality system are disclosed. A method of operating an augmented virtuality system may comprise displaying imagery of a real-world environment in an operating picture. The method may further include displaying a plurality of virtual icons in the operating picture representing at least some assets of a plurality of assets positioned in the real-world environment. Additionally, the method may include displaying at least one virtual item in the operating picture representing data sensed by one or more of the assets of the plurality of assets and remotely controlling at least one asset of the plurality of assets by interacting with a virtual icon associated with the at least one asset. | 12-09-2010 |
20100311110 | Thermal and acid tolerant beta xylosidases, arabinofuranosidases, genes encoding, related organisms, and methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 12-09-2010 |
20100307980 | HIGH CAPACITY ADSORPTION MEDIA FOR SEPARATING OR REMOVING CONSTITUTENTS AND METHODS OF PRODUCING AND USING THE ADSORPTION MEDIA - A method of producing an adsorption medium to remove at least one constituent from a feed stream. The method comprises dissolving and/or suspending at least one metal compound in a solvent to form a metal solution, dissolving polyacrylonitrile into the metal solution to form a PAN-metal solution, and depositing the PAN-metal solution into a quenching bath to produce the adsorption medium. The at least one constituent, such as arsenic, selenium, or antimony, is removed from the feed stream by passing the feed stream through the adsorption medium. An adsorption medium having an increased metal loading and increased capacity for arresting the at least one constituent to be removed is also disclosed. The adsorption medium includes a polyacrylonitrile matrix and at least one metal hydroxide incorporated into the polyacrylonitrile matrix. | 12-09-2010 |
20100296616 | METHODS OF PRODUCING CESIUM-131 - Methods of producing cesium-131. The method comprises dissolving at least one non-irradiated barium source in water or a nitric acid solution to produce a barium target solution. The barium target solution is irradiated with neutron radiation to produce cesium-131, which is removed from the barium target solution. The cesium-131 is complexed with a calixarene compound to separate the cesium-131 from the barium target solution. A liquid:liquid extraction device or extraction column is used to separate the cesium-131 from the barium target solution. | 11-25-2010 |
20100286943 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AN EXPLOSIVE - A method and system for detecting at least one explosive in a vehicle using a neutron generator and a plurality of NaI detectors. Spectra read form the detectors is calibrated by performing Gaussian peak fitting to define peak regions, locating a Na peak and an annihilation peak doublet, assigning a predetermined energy level to one peak in the doublet, and predicting a hydrogen peak location based on a location of at least one peak of the doublet. The spectra are gain shifted to a common calibration, summed for respective groups of NaI detectors, and nitrogen detection analysis performed on the summed spectra for each group. | 11-11-2010 |
20100284086 | STRUCTURES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION - Methods, devices and systems for harvesting energy from electromagnetic radiation are provided including harvesting energy from electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, a device includes a substrate and one or more resonance elements disposed in or on the substrate. The resonance elements are configured to have a resonant frequency, for example, in at least one of the infrared, near-infrared and visible light spectra. A layer of conductive material may be disposed over a portion of the substrate to form a ground plane. An optical resonance gap or stand-off layer may be formed between the resonance elements and the ground plane. The optical resonance gap extends a distance between the resonance elements and the layer of conductive material approximately one-quarter wavelength of a wavelength of the at least one resonance element's resonant frequency. At least one energy transfer element may associated with the at least one resonance element. | 11-11-2010 |
20100276599 | RADIONUCLIDE DETECTION DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Radionuclide detection devices comprise a fluid cell comprising a flow channel for a fluid stream. A radionuclide collector is positioned within the flow channel and configured to concentrate one or more radionuclides from the fluid stream onto at least a portion of the radionuclide collector. A scintillator for generating scintillation pulses responsive to an occurrence of a decay event is positioned proximate at least a portion of the radionuclide collector and adjacent to a system for detecting the pulses. Methods of selectively detecting a radionuclide are also provided. | 11-04-2010 |
20100270142 | COMBUSTION FLAME PLASMA HYBRID REACTOR SYSTEMS, CHEMICAL REACTANT SOURCES AND RELATED METHODS - Combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor systems, chemical reactant sources, and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor system comprising a reaction chamber, a combustion torch positioned to direct a flame into the reaction chamber, and one or more reactant feed assemblies configured to electrically energize at least one electrically conductive solid reactant structure to form a plasma and feed each electrically conductive solid reactant structure into the plasma to form at least one product is disclosed. In an additional embodiment, a chemical reactant source for a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor comprising an elongated electrically conductive reactant structure consisting essentially of at least one chemical reactant is disclosed. In further embodiments, methods of forming a chemical reactant source and methods of chemically converting at least one reactant into at least one product are disclosed. | 10-28-2010 |
20100254503 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING ELONGATION OF OBJECTS, METHODS OF MEASURING, AND REACTOR - Elongation measurement apparatuses and systems comprise at least two Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) with a push rod coupled to each of the at least two LVDTs at one longitudinal end thereof. At least one push rod extends to a base and is coupled thereto at an opposing longitudinal end, and at least one other push rod extends to a location spaced apart from the base and is configured to receive a sample between an opposing longitudinal end of the at least one other push rod and the base. Nuclear reactors comprising such apparatuses and systems and methods of measuring elongation of a material are also disclosed. | 10-07-2010 |
20100254431 | MONITORING DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING FREQUENCY HOPPING WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS, AND RELATED METHODS - Monitoring devices and systems comprise a plurality of data channel modules coupled to processing circuitry. Each data channel module of the plurality of data channel modules is configured to capture wireless communications for a selected frequency channel. The processing circuitry is configured to receive captured wireless communications from the plurality of data channel modules and to organize received wireless communications according to at least one parameter. Related methods of monitoring wireless communications are also disclosed. | 10-07-2010 |
20100248930 | COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND BODIES INCLUDING SILICON CARBIDE AND TITANIUM DIBORIDE AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME - Methods of forming composite materials include coating particles of titanium dioxide with a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon, and reacting the titanium dioxide with the substance including boron and the substance including carbon to form titanium diboride. The methods may be used to form ceramic composite bodies and materials, such as, for example, a ceramic composite body or material including silicon carbide and titanium diboride. Such bodies and materials may be used as armor bodies and armor materials. Such methods may include forming a green body and sintering the green body to a desirable final density. Green bodies formed in accordance with such methods may include particles comprising titanium dioxide and a coating at least partially covering exterior surfaces thereof, the coating comprising a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon. | 09-30-2010 |
20100238554 | SIGHTING OPTICS - One embodiment of sighting optics according to the teachings provided herein may comprise a front sight and a rear sight positioned in spaced-apart relation. The rear sight includes optical element having a first focal length and a second focal length. The first focal length is selected so that it is about equal to a distance separating the optical element and said front sight and the second focal length is selected so that it is about equal to a target distance. The optical element thus brings into simultaneous focus for a user images of the front sight and the target. | 09-23-2010 |
20100222120 | METHODS OF SEPARATING PARTICULATE RESIDUE STREAMS - A particulate residue separator and a method for separating a particulate residue stream may include a plenum borne by a harvesting device, and have a first, intake end and a second, exhaust end; first and second particulate residue air streams which are formed by the harvesting device and which travel, at least in part, along the plenum and in a direction of the second, exhaust end; and a baffle assembly which is located in partially occluding relation relative to the plenum, and which substantially separates the first and second particulate residue air streams. | 09-02-2010 |
20100208719 | COMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR NETWORK-HOPPING COMMUNICATIONS AND METHODS OF NETWORK-HOPPING COMMUNICATIONS - Wireless communication devices include a software-defined radio coupled to processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to execute computer programming code. Storage media is coupled to the processing circuitry and includes computer programming code configured to cause the processing circuitry to configure and reconfigure the software-defined radio to operate on each of a plurality of communication networks according to a selected sequence. Methods for communicating with a wireless device and methods of wireless network-hopping are also disclosed. | 08-19-2010 |
20100206345 | SYSTEMS AND STRIPPABLE COATINGS FOR DECONTAMINATING STRUCTURES THAT INCLUDE POROUS MATERIAL - Methods of removing contaminant matter from porous materials include applying a polymer material to a contaminated surface, irradiating the contaminated surface to cause redistribution of contaminant matter, and removing at least a portion of the polymer material from the surface. Systems for decontaminating a contaminated structure comprising porous material include a radiation device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward a surface of a structure, and at least one spray device configured to apply a capture material onto the surface of the structure. Polymer materials that can be used in such methods and systems include polyphosphazine-based polymer materials having polyphosphazine backbone segments and side chain groups that include selected functional groups. The selected functional groups may include iminos, oximes, carboxylates, sulfonates, β-diketones, phosphine sulfides, phosphates, phosphites, phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphine oxides, monothio phosphinic acids, and dithio phosphinic acids. | 08-19-2010 |
20100206326 | METHODS FOR REMOVING CONTAMINANT MATTER FROM A POROUS MATERIAL - Methods of removing contaminant matter from porous materials include applying a polymer material to a contaminated surface, irradiating the contaminated surface to cause redistribution of contaminant matter, and removing at least a portion of the polymer material from the surface. Systems for decontaminating a contaminated structure comprising porous material include a radiation device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward a surface of a structure, and at least one spray device configured to apply a capture material onto the surface of the structure. Polymer materials that can be used in such methods and systems include polyphosphazine-based polymer materials having polyphosphazine backbone segments and side chain groups that include selected functional groups. The selected functional groups may include iminos, oximes, carboxylates, sulfonates, β-diketones, phosphine sulfides, phosphates, phosphites, phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphine oxides, monothio phosphinic acids, and dithio phosphinic acids. | 08-19-2010 |
20100203583 | Alteration and modulation of protein activity by varying post-translational modification - Embodiments of the invention include methods of altering the enzymatic activity or solubility of an extremophilic enzyme or post-translationally modifying a protein of interest via using isolated or partially purified glycosyltransferases and/or post-translational modification proteins, extracts of cells comprising glycosyltransferases and/or post-translational modification proteins, and/or in cells comprising one or more glycosyltransferases and/or post-translational modification proteins. | 08-12-2010 |
20100186446 | APPARATUS FOR THE LIQUEFACTION OF A GAS AND METHODS RELATING TO SAME - Apparatuses and methods are provided for producing liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas. In one embodiment, a liquefaction plant may be coupled to a source of unpurified natural gas, such as a natural gas pipeline at a pressure letdown station. A portion of the gas is drawn off and split into a process stream and a cooling stream. The cooling stream may sequentially pass through a compressor and an expander. The process stream may also pass through a compressor. The compressed process stream is cooled, such as by the expanded cooling stream. The cooled, compressed process stream is expanded to liquefy the natural gas. A gas-liquid separator separates the vapor from the liquid natural gas. A portion of the liquid gas may be used for additional cooling. Gas produced within the system may be recompressed for reintroduction into a receiving line. | 07-29-2010 |
20100173768 | METHOD OF FORMING ALUMINUM OXYNITRIDE MATERIAL AND BODIES FORMED BY SUCH METHODS - Methods of forming aluminum oxynitride (AlON) materials include sintering green bodies comprising aluminum orthophosphate or another sacrificial material therein. Such green bodies may comprise aluminum, oxygen, and nitrogen in addition to the aluminum orthophosphate. For example, the green bodies may include a mixture of aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, and aluminum orthophosphate or another sacrificial material. Additional methods of forming aluminum oxynitride (AlON) materials include sintering a green body including a sacrificial material therein, using the sacrificial material to form pores in the green body during sintering, and infiltrating the pores formed in the green body with a liquid infiltrant during sintering. Bodies are formed using such methods. | 07-08-2010 |
20100160136 | CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATORS AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS - Centrifugal separators and related methods and devices are described. More particularly, centrifugal separators comprising a first fluid supply fitting configured to deliver fluid into a longitudinal fluid passage of a rotor shaft and a second fluid supply fitting sized and configured to sealingly couple with the first fluid supply fitting are described. Also, centrifugal separator systems comprising a manifold having a drain fitting and a cleaning fluid supply fitting are described, wherein the manifold is coupled to a movable member of a support assembly. Additionally, methods of cleaning centrifugal separators are described. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160133 | CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATOR DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS - Centrifugal separator devices, systems and to related methods are described. More particularly, fluid transfer connections for a centrifugal separator system having support assemblies with a movable member coupled to a connection tube and coupled to a fixed member, such that the movable member is constrained to movement along a fixed path relative to the fixed member are described. Also, centrifugal separator systems including such fluid transfer connections are described. Additionally, methods of installing, removing and/or replacing centrifugal separators from centrifugal separator systems are described. | 06-24-2010 |
20100091378 | RADIATION COLLIMATOR AND SYSTEMS INCORPORATING SAME - A collimator including a housing having disposed therein a shield element surrounding a converter core in which a photon beam is generated from electrons emanating from a linear accelerator. A beam channeler longitudinally adjacent the shield element has a beam aperture therethrough coaxially aligned with, and of the same diameter as, an exit bore of the converter core. A larger entry bore in the converter core is coaxial with, and longitudinally separated from, the exit bore thereof. Systems incorporating the collimator are also disclosed. | 04-15-2010 |
20100084561 | Radioisotope Detection Device and Methods of Radioisotope Collection - A device for collection of radionuclides includes a mixture of a polymer, a fluorescent organic scintillator and a chemical extractant. A radionuclide detector system includes a collection device comprising a mixture of a polymer, a fluorescent agent and a selective ligand. The system includes at least one photomultiplier tube (PMT). A method of detecting radionuclides includes providing a collector device comprising a mixture comprising a polymer, a fluorescent organic scintillator and a chemical extractant. An aqueous environment is exposed to the device and radionuclides are collected from the environment. Radionuclides can be concentrated within the device. | 04-08-2010 |
20100074112 | NETWORK TRAFFIC MONITORING DEVICES AND MONITORING SYSTEMS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Network traffic monitoring devices and monitoring systems include a communication module for capturing wireless communications of a wireless device. Processing circuitry is coupled with the communications module and configured to form a new cluster or refine an existing cluster from the captured wireless communications, in which the cluster includes wireless communications having one or more relevant parameters. The processing circuitry is also configured to generate/refine at least one rule set relating to the clusters, create an updated rule set by combining the one or more rule sets to current rule sets, and to compare the captured wireless communications to the updated rule set to determine whether the wireless communications pose a potential threat. Methods of monitoring network traffic are also provided. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072132 | METHODS FOR RECOVERING A POLAR SOLVENT FROM A FLUID STREAM CONTAMINATED WITH AT LEAST ONE POLAR IMPURITY - A method of removing a polar solvent from a fluid volume contaminated with at least one polar impurity, such as a free fatty acid, is provided. The method comprises providing a fluid volume that includes at least one polar impurity dissolved in at least one solvent. The fluid volume is contacted with an expanding gas to remove the at least one solvent. The expanding gas may be dissolved into the at least one solvent in the fluid volume to form a gas-expanded solvent. The immiscibility of the polar impurities in the gas-expanded solvent enables separation of the polar impurities from the gas-expanded solvent. After separation of the polar impurities, at least one of the temperature and pressure may be reduced to separate the solvent from the expanding gas such that the clean solvent may be reused. | 03-25-2010 |
20100071813 | COMBUSTIBLE STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES AND METHODS OF FORMING COMBUSTIBLE STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES - Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed. | 03-25-2010 |
20100071473 | INTERNAL PRESSUR SENSOR - A pressure sensor for sensing changes in pressure in an enclosed vessel may include a first chamber having at least one expandable section therein that allows that first chamber to change in length. A reference member mounted within the first chamber moves as a result of changes in length of the first chamber. A second chamber having an expandable section therein allows the second chamber to change in length in response to changes in pressure in the enclosed vessel. The second chamber is operatively associated with the first chamber so that changes in length of the second chamber result in changes in length of the first chamber. A sensor operatively associated with the reference member detects changes in position of the reference member. Changes in position of the reference member are related to changes in pressure in the enclosed vessel. | 03-25-2010 |
20100033345 | METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS - A sensing platform for monitoring a transmission system, and method therefor, may include a sensor that senses one or more conditions relating to a condition of the transmission system and/or the condition of an environment around the transmission system. A control system operatively associated with the sensor produces output data based on an output signal produced by the sensor. A transmitter operatively associated with the control system transmits the output data from the control system. | 02-11-2010 |
20100027732 | CONDUCTION COOLED NEUTRON ABSORBERS, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING FAST FLUX NEUTRON FIELDS - A conduction cooled neutron absorber may include a metal matrix composite that comprises a metal having a thermal neutron cross-section of at least about 50 barns and a metal having a thermal conductivity of at least about 1 W/cm·K. Apparatus for providing a neutron flux having a high fast-to-thermal neutron ratio may include a source of neutrons that produces fast neutrons and thermal neutrons. A neutron absorber positioned adjacent the neutron source absorbs at least some of the thermal neutrons so that a region adjacent the neutron absorber has a fast-to-thermal neutron ratio of at least about 15. A coolant in thermal contact with the neutron absorber removes heat from the neutron absorber. | 02-04-2010 |
20100012288 | Casting Devices and Methods - A casting device includes a covered crucible having a top opening and a bottom orifice, a lid covering the top opening, a stopper rod sealing the bottom orifice, and a reusable mold having at least one chamber, a top end of the chamber being open to and positioned below the bottom orifice and a vacuum tap into the chamber being below the top end of the chamber. A casting method includes charging a crucible with a solid material and covering the crucible, heating the crucible, melting the material, evacuating a chamber of a mold to less than 1 atm absolute through a vacuum tap into the chamber, draining the melted material into the evacuated chamber, solidifying the material in the chamber, and removing the solidified material from the chamber without damaging the chamber. | 01-21-2010 |
20100009842 | ENHANCEMENT OF ALKYLATION CATALYSTS FOR IMPROVED SUPERCRITICAL FLUID REGENERATION - A method of modifying an alkylation catalyst to reduce the formation of condensed hydrocarbon species thereon. The method comprises providing an alkylation catalyst comprising a plurality of active sites. The plurality of active sites on the alkylation catalyst may include a plurality of weakly acidic active sites, intermediate acidity active sites, and strongly acidic active sites. A base is adsorbed to a portion of the plurality of active sites, such as the strongly acidic active sites, selectively poisoning the strongly acidic active sites. A method of modifying the alkylation catalyst by providing an alkylation catalyst comprising a pore size distribution that sterically constrains formation of the condensed hydrocarbon species on the alkylation catalyst or by synthesizing the alkylation catalyst to comprise a decreased number of strongly acidic active sites is also disclosed, as is a method of improving a regeneration efficiency of the alkylation catalyst. | 01-14-2010 |
20090322937 | SEALED CAMERA ASSEMBLY AND HEAT REMOVAL SYSTEM THEREFOR - Sealed camera apparatus may include a generally closed chamber having at least one transparent window provided therein. A video camera mounted within the generally closed chamber receives light transmitted through the at least one transparent window. A radio transmitter mounted within the generally closed chamber is operatively associated with the video camera. A heat conduit having a first end and a second end extends through an opening provided in the generally closed chamber so that the first end of the heat conduit is located interior to the generally closed chamber and so that the second end of the heat conduit is located exterior to the generally closed chamber. The first end of said heat conduit is in thermal contact with at least a portion of the radio transmitter so that heat from the radio transmitter is transferred to the heat conduit. A heat sink mounted to the second end of the heat conduit dissipates heat from the transmitter and conducted through the heat conduit. | 12-31-2009 |
20090269827 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic metabolism genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldadarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 10-29-2009 |
20090263859 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic glycosylation genes and enzymes from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 10-22-2009 |
20090259405 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR GENERATING SEISMIC EVENT TIME HISTORIES - Methods, systems, and computer-readable media generate acceleration time histories. An initial acceleration history is applied to a response model with natural frequencies across a spectrum of interest to develop a displacement response. Low-frequency enhancement signals are determined by comparing the displacement response to a standard displacement response. The enhancement signals are combined with the initial acceleration history to develop a second acceleration history, which is applied to the response model to develop an acceleration response. High-frequency enhancement signals are determined by comparing the acceleration response to a standard acceleration response. The enhancement signals are combined with the second acceleration history to develop a desired acceleration history. Acceleration histories also may be created by adding random phase angles at various frequencies to an initial acceleration history in the frequency domain, which is then converted to the time domain and scaled to generate a low-correlation history. | 10-15-2009 |
20090253205 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic sugar transporter genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 10-08-2009 |
20090249900 | GIMBAL - A gimbal is described and which includes a fixed base member defining an axis of rotation; a second member concentrically oriented relative to the axis of rotation; a linear actuator oriented in immediate, adjoining force transmitting relation relative to the base member or to the second member, and which applies force along a linear axis which is tangential to the axis of rotation so as to cause the second member to rotate coaxially relative to the fixed base member; and an object of interest mounted to the second member such that the object of interest is selectively moved relative to the base member about the axis of rotation. | 10-08-2009 |
20090235587 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING SYNGAS - Methods and systems are provided for producing syngas utilizing heat from thermochemical conversion of a carbonaceous fuel to support decomposition of at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells. Simultaneous decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells may be employed to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A portion of oxygen produced from at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells is fed as a controlled flow rate in a gasifier or combustor to oxidize the carbonaceous fuel to control the carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide ratio produced. | 09-24-2009 |
20090233398 | METHODS FOR FORMING PARTICLES FROM SINGLE SOURCE PRECURSORS, METHODS OF FORMING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES, AND DEVICES FORMED USING SUCH METHODS - Single source precursors are subjected to carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The carbon dioxide may be in a supercritical state. Single source precursors also may be subjected to supercritical fluids other than supercritical carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The methods may be used to form nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form chalcopyrite materials. Devices such as, for example, semiconductor devices may be fabricated that include such particles. Methods of forming semiconductor devices include subjecting single source precursors to carbon dioxide to form particles of semiconductor material, and establishing electrical contact between the particles and an electrode. | 09-17-2009 |
20090216681 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING WIRELESS FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - A secure computing module (SCM) is configured for connection with a host device. The SCM includes a processor for performing secure processing operations, a host interface for coupling the processor to the host device, and a memory connected to the processor wherein the processor logically isolates at least some of the memory from access by the host device. The SCM also includes a proximate-field wireless communicator connected to the processor to communicate with another SCM associated with another host device. The SCM generates a secure digital signature for a financial transaction package and communicates the package and the signature to the other SCM using the proximate-field wireless communicator. Financial transactions are performed from person to person using the secure digital signature of each person's SCM and possibly message encryption. The digital signatures and transaction details are communicated to appropriate financial organizations to authenticate the transaction parties and complete the transaction. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216680 | Systems and Methods for Performing File Distribution and Purchase - A secure computing module (SCM) is configured for connection with a host device. The SCM includes a processor for performing secure processing operations, a host interface for coupling the processor to the host device, and a memory connected to the processor wherein the processor logically isolates at least some of the memory from access by the host device. The SCM generates a secure digital signature for a financial transaction and enables controlled content received through the host device. File distribution is performed from a content provider to a buyer or from a reseller to a buyer. The file distribution includes a financial transaction using secure digital signatures and possibly message encryption. The digital signatures and transaction details are communicated to appropriate financial organizations to authenticate the transaction parties and complete the transaction. The controlled content is transferred to the buyer from either the content provider or the reseller. | 08-27-2009 |
20090215168 | Transcriptional control in alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and associated genes, proteins, and methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 08-27-2009 |
20090203107 | Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic biopolymer-degrading genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods - Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from | 08-13-2009 |
20090188898 | Electrode Assemblies, Plasma Apparatuses and Systems Including Electrode Assemblies, and Methods for Generating Plasma - Electrode assemblies for plasma reactors include a structure or device for constraining an arc endpoint to a selected area or region on an electrode. In some embodiments, the structure or device may comprise one or more insulating members covering a portion of an electrode. In additional embodiments, the structure or device may provide a magnetic field configured to control a location of an arc endpoint on the electrode. Plasma generating modules, apparatus, and systems include such electrode assemblies. Methods for generating a plasma include covering at least a portion of a surface of an electrode with an electrically insulating member to constrain a location of an arc endpoint on the electrode. Additional methods for generating a plasma include generating a magnetic field to constrain a location of an arc endpoint on an electrode. | 07-30-2009 |
20090150105 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CALIBRATING ACQUIRED SPECTRA FOR USE IN SPECTRAL ANALYSIS - A method for calibrating acquired spectra for use in spectral analysis includes performing Gaussian peak fitting to spectra acquired by a plurality of NaI detectors to define peak regions. A Na and annihilation doublet may be located among the peak regions. A predetermined energy level may be applied to one of the peaks in the doublet and a location of a hydrogen peak may be predicted based on the location of at least one of the peaks of the doublet. Control systems for calibrating spectra are also disclosed. | 06-11-2009 |
20090145167 | METHODS, APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING FLUID STREAMS HAVING MULTIPLE CONSTITUENTS - Methods, apparatuses and systems for processing fluid streams having multiple constituents are provided including embodiments utilizing ascending temperature separation processes as well as combined ascending and descending temperature separation processes. For example, in one embodiment, a mixed gas stream may be processed by flowing the stream through multiple heat exchangers, expanding the stream, and then separating the stream into a liquid portion and a vapor portion. The vapor portion, having an increased or decreased concentration of an identified constituent may then pass through the heat exchangers again in reverse order and collected. The liquid portion may then be subjected to further, sequential separation acts which each take place at increasing temperatures. In another embodiment, numerous, sequential separation acts take place in, for example, at decreasing temperatures and, subsequently, at increasing temperatures. Such a mixed fluid stream, for example, may include constituents such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane. | 06-11-2009 |
20090125254 | METHODS, COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA, AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES FOR ANALYSIS OF FREQUENCY SELECTIVE SURFACES - A frequency selective surface (FSS) and associated methods for modeling, analyzing and designing the FSS are disclosed. The FSS includes a pattern of conductive material formed on a substrate to form an array of resonance elements. At least one aspect of the frequency selective surface is determined by defining a frequency range including multiple frequency values, determining a frequency dependent permittivity across the frequency range for the substrate, determining a frequency dependent conductivity across the frequency range for the conductive material, and analyzing the frequency selective surface using a method of moments analysis at each of the multiple frequency values for an incident electromagnetic energy impinging on the frequency selective surface. The frequency dependent permittivity and the frequency dependent conductivity are included in the method of moments analysis. | 05-14-2009 |
20090120995 | FRICTION STIR WELD TOOLS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SUCH TOOLS, AND METHODS OF THIN SHEET BONDING USING SUCH TOOLS - Friction stir weld tools configured to bond or laminate thin sheets. Friction stir weld tools have a first shoulder, a pin extending from a friction surface of the first shoulder, and a second shoulder. In some embodiments, the second shoulder is secured at least partially around the first shoulder and includes an engagement surface longitudinally recessed with respect to the friction surface of the first shoulder. In additional embodiments, the second shoulder is proximate the first shoulder and rotationally fixed. In yet additional embodiments, the pin has a diameter that is greater than the height of the pin and the second shoulder is secured at least partially around the first shoulder. Methods include manufacturing such friction stir weld tools. Methods include friction stir welding using such tools. | 05-14-2009 |
20090071872 | CONVERSION OF CROP SEED OIL TO JET FUEL AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Aspects of the invention include methods to produce jet-fuel from biological oil sources. The method may be comprised of two steps: a hydrocracking and a reforming. The process may be self sufficient in heat and hydrogen. | 03-19-2009 |
20090071634 | HEAT EXCHANGER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A heat exchanger and associated methods for sublimating solid particles therein, for conveying fluids therethrough, or both. The heat exchanger includes a chamber, and a porous member having a porous wall having pores in communication with the chamber and an interior of the porous member. A first fluid is conveyed into the porous member while a second fluid is conveyed into the porous member through the porous wall. The second fluid may form a positive flow boundary layer along the porous wall to reduce or eliminate substantial contact between the first fluid and the interior of the porous wall. The combined first and second fluids are conveyed out of the porous member. Additionally, the first fluid and the second fluid may each be conveyed into the porous member at different temperatures and may exit the porous member at substantially the same temperature. | 03-19-2009 |
20090068090 | METHODS FOR REACTING AND SEPARATING COMPONENTS OF A GAS-PHASE EQUILIBRIUM REACTION AND A CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATION DEVICE FOR SAME - A method of separating gaseous components. An equilibrium-limited, gas phase reaction is conducted in a centrifugal separation device and at least a portion of a first product of the reaction is separated from a reaction mixture comprising at least one reactant and at least one product in the centrifugal separation device. In another embodiment, the equilibrium-limited, gas phase reaction is conducted in a reactor and a reaction mixture is transferred from the reactor to the centrifugal separation device for separation of at least a portion of the first product. A gas centrifuge comprising at least one rotor and a catalyst is disclosed, as is a gas cyclone comprising the catalyst. The catalyst is formulated to increase a rate of the equilibrium-limited, gas phase reaction. | 03-12-2009 |
20080311022 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR AMMONIA PRODUCTION - Processes for the production of ammonia may include the production of nitrogen from the combustion of a stream or slipstream of hydrogen mixed with air. Hydrogen used to produce the nitrogen for an ammonia combustion process may be generated from the electrolysis of water. Hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water may also be combined with nitrogen to produce ammonia. Apparatuses for the production of ammonia and constituents used to produce ammonia are also disclosed. | 12-18-2008 |
20080291013 | WIRELESS DEVICE MONITORING SYSTEMS AND MONITORING DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Wireless device monitoring systems and monitoring devices include a communications module for receiving wireless communications of a wireless device. Processing circuitry is coupled with the communications module and configured to process the wireless communications to determine whether the wireless device is authorized or unauthorized to be present at the monitored area based on identification information of the wireless device. Methods of monitoring for the presence and identity of wireless devices are also provided. | 11-27-2008 |
20080282889 | OIL SHALE BASED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMISSION REDUCTION IN GAS STREAMS - Pollution reduction processes may be incorporated with, or retrofit to fit with, existing combustion processes to assist with the reduction of pollutants produced in the combustion process. The thermal treatment of oil shale in the pollution reduction process produces kerogen, shale sorbent particles, or mixtures thereof, which may be reacted with a pollutant-containing gas or pollutant-containing gas having particulate matter entrained therein to reduce the pollutants in the gas. Apparatuses employing the processes are also disclosed. | 11-20-2008 |
20080267835 | SYSTEM FOR REACTIVATING CATALYSTS - A method of reactivating a catalyst, such as a solid catalyst or a liquid catalyst is provided. The method comprises providing a catalyst that is at least partially deactivated by fouling agents. The catalyst is contacted with a fluid reactivating agent that is at or above a critical point of the fluid reactivating agent and is of sufficient density to dissolve impurities. The fluid reactivating agent reacts with at least one fouling agent, releasing the at least one fouling agent from the catalyst. The at least one fouling agent becomes dissolved in the fluid reactivating agent and is subsequently separated or removed from the fluid reactivating agent so that the fluid reactivating agent may be reused. A system for reactivating a catalyst is also disclosed. | 10-30-2008 |
20080237142 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONCENTRATING SUBSTANCES IN FLUID SAMPLES - Concentrator systems include a circulating fluid pathway passing through a pump, a filter, and a retentate container. An effluent outlet line communicates with the circulating fluid pathway through a filtering element within a body of the filter. The systems further include a control system. In some embodiments, the pump, filter, and retentate container may be secured within a portable container. Methods for concentrating a foreign substance within a fluid sample include establishing circulation of fluid through a fluid circulation path passing through a fluid pump, a filter body, and a retentate container. Fluid is caused to exit the fluid circulation path through a filtering element within the filter body, and at least one foreign substance is prevented from passing through the filtering element. A control system may be used to control at least one of a speed of the pump and a quantity of retentate within the retentate container. | 10-02-2008 |
20080236715 | Tire Deflation Device - A tire deflation device includes (1) a component having a plurality of bores, (2) a plurality of spikes removably insertable into the plurality of bores and (3) a keeper within each among the plurality of bores, the keeper being configured to contact a sidewall surface of a spike among the plurality of spikes and to exert force upon the sidewall surface. In an embodiment, the tire deflation device includes (a) a component including a bore in a material, the bore including a receiving region, a sidewall surface and a base surface, (b) a channel extending from the sidewall surface into the material, (c) a keeper having a first section housed within the channel and a second section which extends past the sidewall surface into the receiving region, and (d) a spike removably insertable into the bore. | 10-02-2008 |
20080216478 | INTEGRATION OF A WATER-SPLITTING PROCESS WITH PRODUCTION OF FERTILIZER PRECURSORS - Methods and apparatus for the integration of a water splitting process with the production of fertilizer precursors such as ammonia, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid are provided. At least one of heat and electricity from a power plant are used to split water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Nitrogen gas is provided by air separation. The hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas are used to produce ammonia. The ammonia and oxygen gas are used to produce nitric acid. The oxygen gas, water, and sulfur are used to produce sulfuric acid. Further disclosed is an apparatus for the production of nitric acid comprising a power plant and an apparatus for the production of nitric acid. Also disclosed is an apparatus for the production of sulfuric acid comprising a power plant and an apparatus for the production of sulfuric acid. | 09-11-2008 |