Abstract: A satellite recovery apparatus having a base configured to be attached to a satellite and having a pressurized gas chamber and a valve assembly. A plurality of walls are hingedly attached to the base and movable between a closed position, wherein the walls define a volume above the base, and an open position, wherein the walls are disposed spaced away from the base. A heat shield is attached to the base. A deployable decelerator is attached to the heat shield and has an outer perimeter with an expandable torus that is operably connected to the valve assembly such that the expandable torus can be pressurized from the chamber. Pressurization of the expandable torus deploys the decelerator assembly from a non-deployed position within the volume to a deployed high-drag position.

Abstract: A media game that employs a method for randomly shuffling through a large set of video and/or audio clips stored on readable media using a media player, such as a DVD player, is disclosed. In addition to the readable media, the game also includes a game board, moveable play pieces, trivia question cards, random name cards, a numbered die, and a challenge die. The game board can be converted from long play to short play by lifting the endmost sections of the game board and placing them next to each other on top of intermediate sections of the game board. A path circumnavigates the game board and appears to be continuous in both long and short play modes. The begin and end regions reside at least partially on the endmost sections and appear as unbroken shapes when configured for both long and short play.

Abstract: In a microwave module with at least one semiconductor chip, which provides on its upper side a connecting-line structure formed in particular as a coplanar line, which is connected to at least one adjacent incoming and/or outgoing line structure formed on the upper side of the substrate, the chip is glued with its underside and all lateral surfaces, on which no high-frequency connecting lines lead to the chip, within a recess of a metal part with good thermal conduction.

Abstract: A method of hydrogenation of heavy oil. A first step involves providing a continuous pipe reactor defining a serpentine flow path. A second step involves heating heavy oil to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil. A third step involves pumping a turbulent flow of heavy oil and hydrogen through the continuous pipe reactor to promote addition of hydrogen into the heavy oil. The method has improved mass transfer due to the continuous turbulent flow through the continuous pipe reactor.

Abstract: A micro-controller to perform the FSK (HART) modem functions as well as communications and control functions in an isolated channel implementation is described. In one embodiment, the micro-controller comprises: a processor, an analog-to-digital converter configured to transform received analog signals into digital values at a predetermined digital sample rate; and a memory unit containing a set of computer-executable instructions that, when executed on the processor, provide a built-in FSK bi-directional modem function that converts the received digital values into binary signals. The FSK (HART) demodulation function is performed by the micro-controller with the built-in FSK modem function in three sequential phases implemented in computer code: (1) zero crossing and amplitude detection; (2) bit stream and timing generation, and (3) character generation and bit synchronization.

Abstract: A vertical lift platform assembly 100 has a lift platform 140, which is translatable in a vertical direction between at least a raised position and a lowered position by at least one actuator 200. The lift platform 140 may be surrounded on all sides by vertically extending walls 112 and one or more doors 110 to provide access to the lift platform 140. A control panel 113 enables an operator to control the vertical travel of the lift platform 140.

Abstract: A power generating system includes a main engine operated over a range of speeds, an electric generator, and a hydrostatic transmission drivably connecting the engine with the generator to drive the generator at a desired speed. The hydrostatic transmission includes one or more variable pumps. A controller monitors the pump pressure and the generator frequency. The pressure set point is used with the monitored pressure to control the pump output. The pressure set point varies with the generator load, and is adjusted based on the deviation of the generator frequency from a predetermined desired electric power frequency. When multiple pumps are used to drive the motor, the pumps are operated sequentially such that all except one pump is either off or at maximum output.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the growth and biomass of algae and algae lipids by growing the algae in the presence of a polycationic substance such as soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of harvesting algae from an aqueous environment by growing the algae in aggregated clumps and/or mats (formed by the inclusion of soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin or other polycationic or cationic substances) that can be easily removed from the aqueous environment either by filtration, surface skimming, and/or growing in a porous containment device, such as a natural or synthetic fabric, and removing the fabric from the aqueous environment containing the aggregated algae. The methods disclosed have direct applications in biofuel and energy production, agricultural feedstock production, nutrient production, greenhouse gas reduction, removal of microconstituents from water, and water reclamation.

Abstract: Generally described, the present invention is directed to a network operating system that provides more effective ways of leveraging the connectivity of computer networks. In one embodiment, an XML virtual machine is implemented that accepts high-level application code written in an XML programming language as input. Functionality is provided to interpret or translate the application code written in an XML programming language into code that is suitable for execution across computer platforms. Moreover, the XML virtual machine supports the Model View Controller (MVC) design paradigm that facilitates true data abstraction from applications to a common data model. Multi-instance applications, with each instance potentially supporting multiple views, may be created and executed.