Abstract: An automated global weather notification system is provided. The automated global weather notification system is capable of obtaining observational weather data, including data form of forecast grids, and applying business rules and conditional variables to that data. Based on the business rules and conditional variables, notifications are generated. Relevant users are identified in particular geographic areas and notifications are delivered to those users via, for example, SMS, MMS, email, or other methods of electronic information delivery.

Abstract: An automated global weather notification system is provided. The automated global weather notification system is capable of obtaining observational weather data, including data form of forecast grids, and applying business rules and conditional variables to that data. Based on the business rules and conditional variables, notifications are generated. Relevant users are identified in particular geographic areas and notifications are delivered to those users via, for example, SMS, MMS, email, or other methods of electronic information delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to methods of production of graphite from biomass, char or tar. The invention also provides novel apparatus and catalysts for the production of graphite from carbon-containing materials. In particular embodiments, the invention relates to the production of graphite by hydrothermal treatment of biomass to produce tar or hydrochar and graphitisation to produce graphite.

Abstract: An automated global weather notification system is provided. The automated global weather notification system is capable of obtaining observational weather data, including data form of forecast grids, and applying business rules and conditional variables to that data. Based on the business rules and conditional variables, notifications are generated. Relevant users are identified in particular geographic areas and notifications are delivered to those users via, for example, SMS, MMS, email, or other methods of electronic information delivery.

Abstract: A method for processing biomass comprising heating an aqueous slurry comprising biomass, water and a phosphate catalyst in a pressure vessel at a temperature of about 150° C. to about 500° C. to produce a mixture comprising a dispersion of an organic phase and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: A method for processing biomass comprising heating an aqueous slurry comprising biomass, water and a phosphate catalyst in a pressure vessel at a temperature of about 150° C. to about 500° C. to produce a mixture comprising a dispersion of an organic phase and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: A method for producing an algal biomass that readily separable from water, and preferably sterile, the method comprising heating an aqueous slurry of algae comprising a mixture of an algal biomass, optionally together with a suitable separation agent, and water in a pressure vessel at a temperature of about 140° C. to about 300° C. and a pressure sufficient to maintain the liquid phase. The method produces an algal biomass that is more readily separable from water and an aqueous phase containing organic chemicals.

Abstract: A method of collecting weather data includes determining probable occurrences of weather events. Contact information corresponding to a plurality of users is maintained. Weather collection devices are sent to the plurality of users prior to the occurrence of the probable weather event. Data is collected by the weather collection devices upon the actual occurrence of the probable weather event.

Abstract: A method of collecting weather data includes determining probable occurrences of weather events. Contact information corresponding to a plurality of users is maintained. Weather collection devices are sent to the plurality of users prior to the occurrence of the probable weather event. Data is collected by the weather collection devices upon the actual occurrence of the probable weather event.

Abstract: Weather forecasting systems and methods for deriving and producing very short-term weather forecasts. Weather data and forecast information maybe input to derive very short-term weather forecasts in the 0-6 hour time frame. The system and methods include an expert system employing a hybrid or blending of forecasting approaches, with dynamic or intelligent arbitration of the different numerical, statistical, and human-driven techniques to produce more accurate weather forecasts for very short-term time periods. A calibration or internal verification against ground truth may be run independently with a time lag to produce more accurate future predictions of atmospheric state. The systems and methods may run in modes that produce either high resolution weather forecasts in the short-term period of 0-6 hours or a combination of synthetic, real-time weather observations/conditions and high resolution, short-term weather forecasts.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture for estimating or deriving weather observations/conditions for any given location using observed weather conditions from neighboring locations, radar data, lightning data, satellite imagery, etc. An initial estimate of weather conditions for a location is made based on a downscaling process using the current conditions the neighboring locations. A measure of corroboration between the radar data and surface weather conditions at official observing stations may be established. Through the results of the downscaling process, radar calibration statistics and estimates of ground-based precipitation, the corroboration can be iteratively tuned, resulting in a weather conditions vector containing associated meteorological fields for locations that lie between or near the sparse network of official observing sites from which an estimate of the weather conditions may be made.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture for estimating or deriving weather observations/conditions for any given location using observed weather conditions from neighboring locations, radar data, lightning data, satellite imagery, etc. An initial estimate of weather conditions for a location is made based on a downscaling process using the current conditions the neighboring locations. A measure of corroboration between the radar data and surface weather conditions at official observing stations may be established. Through the results of the downscaling process, radar calibration statistics and estimates of ground-based precipitation, the corroboration can be iteratively tuned, resulting in a weather conditions vector containing associated meteorological fields for locations that lie between or near the sparse network of official observing sites from which an estimate of the weather conditions may be made.

Abstract: A method and of determining scanner coordinates to accurately position a focused laser beam. The focused laser beam is scanned over a region of interest (e.g. an aperture) on a work-surface by a laser scanner. The position of the focused laser beam is detected by a photodetector either at predetermined intervals of time or space or as the focused laser beam appears through an aperture in the work surface. The detected position of the focused laser beam is used to generate scanner position versus beam position data based on the position of the laser scanner at the time the focused laser beam is detected. The scanner position versus beam position data can be used to determine the center of the aperture or the scanner position coordinates that correspond with a desired position of the focused laser beam.

Abstract: A material machining system for machining a workpiece (PCB, PWB etc.) for drilling blind vias. The system includes a laser supply system (20, 26, 30) for supplying discrete machining beams (22a, 22b) that are separate from each other. A deflecting devices (28, 32) is provided for deflecting each of the discrete machining beams to generate multiple independent beams at a plurality of positions within a field of operation on the workpiece. A scan lens (34) having an entrance pupil configured to receive the multiple independent beams from the deflecting devices is provided proximate to the entrance pupil of the scan lens. A computer is used for controlling the deflecting devices to change the respective positions of the multiple independent beams in at least one co-ordinate direction within the field of operation. The deflecting devices include galvo/mirror pairs at the entrance pupil of the scan lens. This is accomplished since the scan lens has a relatively large entrance pupil and the mirror parts are small.

Abstract: A process is claimed whereby an aqueous solution of agar, in which most (ideally all) 4-linked residues consist of 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose, is subjected to partial acid hydolysis and upon neutralization following the time appropriate for the chosen conditions, a low strength gel is obtained, from which, contrary to expectations, a polyagarobiose can be obtained by freeze-thawing and straining, thereby eliminating undesirable agaroid materials without the appropriate 3,6-anhydrogalactosyl content. The appropriate time of hydrolysis depends on initial gel strength, pH, counterion concentration and temperature. As an example, agar (gel strength 700 g/cm2, made to 1.86% solution) pH 3.25, counterion citrate (360 mg/L) at 96° C. requires 25 minutes to yield a material with an eventual gel stregth (1.5% solution) of 40 g/cm2. A stabilized product can be prepared by reducing terminal anhydrogalactosyl residues with sodium borohydride.