Abstract: Methods of modeling methods of producing biocrude oil and other products from biomass using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) performed in a well reactor or producing hydrochar from biomass using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) performed in a well reactor. Casing and tubing positioned in the well reactor form an annulus. The casing and tubing define an HTL or HTC reaction zone in a bottom portion of the well and a heat transfer and separation zone above the reaction zone. The well includes a cable having an electric heating element positioned in the tubing in the reaction zone. The well depth and the electrical heating element are sized to produce temperature and pressure in the reaction zone sufficient to form sub-critical water and produce a product fluid comprising the biocrude oil via HTL or hydrochar via HTC. Computer-readable media encoding the methods of modeling.

Abstract: A poultry house sprinkler system comprises a temperature sensor for obtaining a temperature value based on a temperature of a poultry house, a controller in communication with the temperature sensor, an input/output module in communication with the controller, a valve in communication with the input/output module and connected to the fluid source for receiving a fluid, and at least one sprinkler nozzle connected to the valve for receiving the fluid from the valve and distributing the fluid in the poultry house when the valve is in an open position. The controller is configured to receive the temperature value from the temperature sensor, compare the temperature value to a threshold value, and instruct the input/out module to set the valve in the open position when the temperature value is above the threshold value, maintain the valve in the open position for a cooling interval duration, and subsequently set the valve in a closed position at the end of the cooling interval duration.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for networked data management using pedestrian traffic patterns. Data is collected from a plurality of mobile devices by one or more immobile devices. A traffic pattern is determined for a subset of the plurality of mobile devices. Interest level management and cluster analysis can be performed using the traffic pattern. Pausing by a mobile device, within the subset of the plurality of mobile devices, can be sensed. Direction of a gaze by an individual associated with the mobile device can be evaluated. A plurality of content messages is ranked, and one message is selected from the plurality of content messages as the content for pushing to the display. The content that is pushed can be defined using environmental information. Content is pushed to a display associated with the one or more immobile devices.

Abstract: A sprinkler controller in a poultry house having a processor, a data storage device operatively connected to the processor, the data storage device having instructions for programming the processor, and an input/output module operatively connected to the processor. The input/output module is configured to communicate with at least one valve for controlling a flow of fluid between a fluid source and at least one sprinkler nozzle. The at least one valve has an open position permitting the flow of fluid, and a closed position inhibiting the flow of fluid, and the position of the valve being determined by the processor. The processor is programmed to set the valve in the open position at a start of an activity promotion interval, and to set the valve in the closed position at the end of the activity promotion interval. The duration of the activity promotion interval is selected such that a sufficient amount of fluid is dispersed through the sprinkler nozzle to promote physical activity in the poultry.

Abstract: An upright reactor body with a perforated interior tube member which extends for the length of the reactor body. A water inlet permits water to be treated into the perforated tube member. A fibrous metal anode surrounds the perforated tube member followed by a surrounding layer of dielectric and then a surrounding metal cathode layer, wherein water from the inlet passes radially through the perforations in the tube member, through the anode, dielectric and cathode members, emerging from the reactor body through an outlet. A DC voltage is imposed on the cathode and anode.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for networked data management using pedestrian traffic patterns. Data is collected from a plurality of mobile devices by one or more immobile devices. A traffic pattern is determined for a subset of the plurality of mobile devices. Interest level management and cluster analysis can be performed using the traffic pattern. Pausing by a mobile device, within the subset of the plurality of mobile devices, can be sensed. Direction of a gaze by an individual associated with the mobile device can be evaluated. A plurality of content messages is ranked, and one message is selected from the plurality of content messages as the content for pushing to the display. The content that is pushed can be defined using environmental information. Content is pushed to a display associated with the one or more immobile devices.

Abstract: Trigger groups for semi-automatic firearms have a frame, a hammer connected to the frame and movable between a cocked position and a striking position, the hammer being biased toward the striking position, a trigger element connected to the frame and movable by a user between a forward position and a rearward position, a selector connected to the frame and movable between at least a first position and a second position, a disconnector having a hammer engagement facility adapted to selectably engage the hammer, a disconnector control element movable between a first control position and a second control position, the disconnector being operably engaged to the disconnector control element, the disconnector operable to move in a first range of motion when the disconnector control element is in the first control position, and in a second range of motion when the disconnector control element is in the second control position.

Abstract: Trigger groups for semi-automatic firearms have a frame, a hammer connected to the frame and movable between a cocked position and a striking position, the hammer being biased toward the striking position, a trigger element connected to the frame and movable by a user between a forward position and a rearward position, a selector connected to the frame and movable between at least a first position and a second position, a plurality of retention facilities each operable to selectively restrain the hammer in the cocked position, and when the selector is in the first position to enable discharge of the firearm in response to movement of the trigger to the rearward position, and when the selector is in the second position to enable discharge of the firearm in response to movement of the trigger to the forward position after movement to the rearward position.

Abstract: Semi-automatic rimfire rifles have a frame, a bolt operable to reciprocate within the frame, the bolt defining a bolt axis, the bolt defining a firing pin passage, a first firing pin portion received within at least a first portion of the firing pin passage, a second firing pin portion separate from the first firing pin portion received within at least a second portion of the firing pin passage, and the first firing pin portion being operable to contact the second firing pin portion such that the second firing pin portion discharges a cartridge in response to the first firing pin portion being struck by a hammer. The first firing pin portion may define a first firing pin axis aligned with the bolt axis. The second firing pin portion may have a nose portion that is offset from the bolt axis extending away from the first firing pin portion.

Abstract: Trigger groups for semi-automatic firearms have a frame, a hammer connected to the frame and movable between a cocked position and a striking position, the hammer being biased toward the striking position, a trigger element connected to the frame and movable by a user between a forward position and a rearward position, a selector connected to the frame and movable between at least a first position and a second position, and a plurality of retention facilities each operable to selectively restrain the hammer in the cocked position, and when the selector is in the second position to enable discharge of the firearm in response to movement of the trigger to the forward position after movement to the rearward position and to enable an additional discharge of the firearm upon release of the trigger to the forward position.

Abstract: Semi-automatic rimfire rifles have a frame, a bolt operable to reciprocate within the frame, the bolt defining a bolt axis, the bolt defining a firing pin passage, a first firing pin portion received within at least a first portion of the firing pin passage, a second firing pin portion separate from the first firing pin portion received within at least a second portion of the firing pin passage, and the first firing pin portion being operable to contact the second firing pin portion such that the second firing pin portion discharges a cartridge in response to the first firing pin portion being struck by a hammer. The first firing pin portion may define a first firing pin axis aligned with the bolt axis. The second firing pin portion may have a nose portion that is offset from the bolt axis extending away from the first firing pin portion.

Abstract: Drop-in fixed magazines have a tubular body defining an elongated passage and having a lower end and an upper end, the body having an exterior surface that closely fits the profile of the magazine well, and the body including protrusions of the upper end extending laterally beyond the profile. The protrusions may engage a surface of the rifle to limit downward movement of the body within the magazine well. The rifle may have to be operationally disabled to enable the magazine to be installed into or removed from the magazine well. The rifle may include an upper receiver and a lower receiver, the lower receiver may have a top, and the upper receiver may have to be removed from lower receiver, thereby exposing the top of the lower receiver, in order to enable the magazine to be installed into or removed from the magazine well.

Abstract: Trigger groups for semi-automatic firearms have a hammer, a trigger element, a sear, a selector, and a disconnector assembly, the disconnector assembly operable when the selector is in a first position to retain the hammer in the cocked position in response to release of the trigger element to the rest position subsequent to discharge of the firearm by pulling the trigger element, and the disconnector assembly operable when the selector is in a second position to release the hammer to the striking position in response to release of the trigger element to the rest position subsequent to discharge of the firearm by pulling the trigger element, such that the firearm discharges once per cycle of the trigger element when the selector is in the first position, and fires once for each forward or rearward motion of the trigger element when the selector is in the second position.

Abstract: Semi-automatic rimfire rifles have a frame, a bolt operable to reciprocate within the frame, the bolt defining a bolt axis, the bolt defining a firing pin passage, a first firing pin portion received within at least a first portion of the firing pin passage, a second firing pin portion separate from the first firing pin portion received within at least a second portion of the firing pin passage, and the first firing pin portion being operable to contact the second firing pin portion such that the second firing pin portion discharges a cartridge in response to the first firing pin portion being struck by a hammer. The first firing pin portion may define a first firing pin axis aligned with the bolt axis. The second firing pin portion may have a nose portion that is offset from the bolt axis extending away from the first firing pin portion.

Abstract: The waste water/storm water treatment system includes a plurality of treatment modules, each of which includes upper and lower tank members. Each tank includes an inlet with a spray bar at the upper end thereof, and a drainage member at the lower end thereof. Treated water moves from the drainage member in the upper tank through an inlet at the top of the lower tank. The outlet member of the lower tank is connected to a pump which is controlled by a switch, to move water to the next module in the system or to the drainage system. The tanks have metal-adsorbing inorganic media or agricultural media positioned therein, such as activated rice hulls, corn cobs and the like for adsorbing metals in the storm water/waste water.

Abstract: An upright reactor body with a perforated interior tube member which extends for the length of the reactor body. A water inlet permits water to be treated into the perforated tube member. A fibrous metal anode surrounds the perforated tube member followed by a surrounding layer of dielectric and then a surrounding metal cathode layer, wherein water from the inlet passes radially through the perforations in the tube member, through the anode, dielectric and cathode members, emerging from the reactor body through an outlet. A DC voltage is imposed on the cathode and anode.

Abstract: Drop-in fixed magazines have a tubular body defining an elongated passage and having a lower end and an upper end, the body having an exterior surface that closely fits the profile of the magazine well, and the body including protrusions of the upper end extending laterally beyond the profile. The protrusions may engage a surface of the rifle to limit downward movement of the body within the magazine well. The rifle may have to be operationally disabled to enable the magazine to be installed into or removed from the magazine well. The rifle may include an upper receiver and a lower receiver, the lower receiver may have a top, and the upper receiver may have to be removed from lower receiver, thereby exposing the top of the lower receiver, in order to enable the magazine to be installed into or removed from the magazine well.

Abstract: A computer based system for managing vehicles, including: a memory unit for at least one specially programmed computer, for storing a request from a first user regarding a trip including a starting point, destination, and schedule. The system includes a processor for the computer for receiving a request from a second user regarding a trip including a starting point, a destination, and a schedule. The processor calculates whether the requests are compatible by calculating whether the following are true: the starting points are within a range of each other; the destinations are within a range of each other; and the schedules are within a range of each other. If the requests are compatible, the processor is for: assigning a vehicle from a plurality of vehicles to the requests; and displaying a notification regarding the assignment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sprinkler controller in a poultry house having a processor, a data storage device operatively connected to the processor, the data storage device having instructions for programming the processor, and an input/output module operatively connected to the processor. The input/output module is configured to communicate with at least one valve for controlling a flow of fluid between a fluid source and at least one sprinkler nozzle. The at least one valve has an open position permitting the flow of fluid, and a closed position inhibiting the flow of fluid, and the position of the valve being determined by the processor. The processor is programmed to set the valve in the open position at a start of an activity promotion interval, and to set the valve in the closed position at the end of the activity promotion interval. The duration of the activity promotion interval is selected such that a sufficient amount of fluid is dispersed through the sprinkler nozzle to promote physical activity in the poultry.

Abstract: A computer based method for managing special needs transportation, including receiving, using a processor for at least one specially programmed computer, data from a plurality of agencies having at least one vehicle available for providing transportation for clients with special needs. The data includes manifests for the at least one vehicle. The method uses the processor to: receive a request for transportation for a client; generate a visual representation of how the request affects the scheduling and capacity for agency vehicles; enable access by the agencies to the data, the request, and the visual representations; receive an offer from a respective computer system for an agency from the plurality of agencies to provide a vehicle to provide the transportation requested in the request; modify the data to incorporate changes to the data for the agency due to providing the vehicle; and transmit information regarding the request to the vehicle.