Abstract: Proppant compositions for use in hydraulic fracturing and methods of using same are disclosed herein. The proppant compositions include a plurality of proppant particulates and at least one particulate of the plurality of proppant particulates containing at least one tracer, wherein the at least one tracer separates from the at least one particulate located inside a fracture of a subterranean formation after a period of time.

Abstract: Hybrid thermochemical water splitting cycles are provided in which thermally reduced metal oxides particles are used to displace some but not all of the electrical requirements in a water splitting electrolytic cell. In these hybrid cycles, the thermal reduction temperature is significantly reduced compared to two-step metal-oxide thermochemical cycles in which only thermal energy is required to produce hydrogen from water. Also, unlike the conventional higher temperature cycles where the reduction step must be carried out under reduced oxygen pressure, the reduction step in the proposed hybrid cycles can be carried out in air, allowing for thermal input by a solar power tower with a windowless, cavity receiver.

Abstract: A wall mountable back brush for allowing a user to scrub the user's entire back comprising a mounting component having a front surface, a back surface, a securement means and a plurality of bristles. The bristles are on the front surface of the mounting component, which front surface has a concavity for encompassing a user's back. The edges of the concavity are formed by a pair of pillars, which pillars additionally provide structural support and are integral to the mounting component. The attachment means secures the brush to a wall and the attachment means correspond to the locations of the pillars to provide additional strength.

Abstract: A submersible suction arrangement for providing paint sludge removal from one or more contaminant tanks in an automotive paint line systems. The contaminant tank is filled with a liquid mixture and includes a horizontal plane defined by the walls of the contaminant tank. The contaminant tank also has a total vertical depth between the top opening and the bottom surface of the contaminant tank. At the bottom of the contaminant tank is a paint sludge layer formed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the contaminant tank. The submersible suction arrangement includes a submersible suction unit that removes the paint sludge layer at a location beneath the surface of the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A compact photovoltaic generation assembly exhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiency and an extended operating life as compared to conventional photovoltaic systems is described. The assembly can also include a power supply for use at times when light energy is not readily available.

Abstract: Hybrid thermochemical water splitting cycles are provided in which thermally reduced metal oxides particles are used to displace some but not all of the electrical requirements in a water splitting electrolytic cell. In these hybrid cycles, the thermal reduction temperature is significantly reduced compared to two-step metal-oxide thermochemical cycles in which only thermal energy is required to produce hydrogen from water. Also, unlike the conventional higher temperature cycles where the reduction step must be carried out under reduced oxygen pressure, the reduction step in the proposed hybrid cycles can be carried out in air, allowing for thermal input by a solar power tower with a windowless, cavity receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing metal particles on a support material, including platinum-containing nanoparticles on a carbon support. Such materials can be used as electrocatalysts, for example as improved electrocatalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and structures of metal particles on a support material, including platinum-containing nanoparticles on a carbon support. Such materials can be used as electrocatalysts, for example as improved electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs).

Abstract: A compact photovoltaic generation assembly exhibiting improved photovoltaic efficiency and an extended operating life as compared to conventional photovoltaic systems is described. The assembly can also include a power supply for use at times when light energy is not readily available.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing metal particles on a support material, including platinum-containing nanoparticles on a carbon support. Such materials can be used as electrocatalysts, for example as improved electrocatalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs).

Abstract: Durable porous metal nanostructures comprising thin metal nanosheets that are metastable under some conditions that commonly produce rapid reduction in surface area due to sintering and/or Ostwald ripening. The invention further comprises the method for making such durable porous metal nanostructures. Durable, high-surface area nanostructures result from the formation of persistent durable holes or pores in metal nanosheets formed from dendritic nanosheets.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing metal particles on a support material, including platinum-containing nanoparticles on a carbon support. Such materials can be used as electrocatalysts, for example as improved electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs).

Abstract: A truck driving simulator is provided, comprising a simulated cab with a steering wheel and dashboard layout, foot pedals (accelerator, clutch, brake), gear shifting mechanism, and a video screen. In another embodiment, a series of such simulators may be placed in a classroom together with a single large screen video monitor or television at the front of the class, so that multiple students can follow along with the video simulation under the supervision of a teacher or instructor. The video monitor(s) may be used to show video footage of the actual route that will be used to test the drivers for their trucker's license. This arrangement allows students to repeatedly practice driving the actual course used for their driver's license test, and to learn concepts like clutching, double clutching and switching gears without risking damage to an actual truck and transmission.

Abstract: A test vector decode circuit includes a lockout circuit to prevent inadvertent latching of output vectors. The test vector decode circuit is driven by an additional output vector from the test vector decode circuit. The additional output vector, as well as the other output vectors, undergo at least one latching. A signal transmitted by the additional output vector as a result of the final latching activates the lockout circuit. The test vector decode circuit also receives a supervoltage signal. Only by turning off the supervoltage signal can all of the output test vectors be reset, including the additional output vector.

Abstract: A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates the contaminate in a consolidation tank. In the consolidation tanks the contaminate is further separated and collected for disposal.

Abstract: A test vector decode circuit includes a lockout circuit to prevent inadvertent latching of output vectors. The test vector decode circuit is driven by an additional output vector from the test vector decode circuit. The additional output vector, as well as the other output vectors, undergo at least one latching. A signal transmitted by the additional output vector as a result of the final latching activates the lockout circuit. The test vector decode circuit also receives a supervoltage signal. Only by turning off the supervoltage signal can all of the output test vectors be reset, including the additional output vector.

Abstract: A truck driving simulator is provided, comprising a simulated cab with a steering wheel and dashboard layout, foot pedals (accelerator, clutch, brake), gear shifting mechanism, and a video screen. In another embodiment, a series of such simulators may be placed in a classroom together with a single large screen video monitor or television at the front of the class, so that multiple students can follow along with the video simulation under the supervision of a teacher or instructor. The video monitor(s) may be used to show video footage of the actual route that will be used to test the drivers for their trucker's license. This arrangement allows students to repeatedly practice driving the actual course used for their driver's license test, and to learn concepts like clutching, double clutching and switching gears without risking damage to an actual truck and transmission.

Abstract: A test vector decode circuit includes a lockout circuit to prevent inadvertent latching of output vectors. The test vector decode circuit is driven by an additional output vector from the test vector decode circuit. The additional output vector, as well as the other output vectors, undergo at least one latching. A signal transmitted by the additional output vector as a result of the final latching activates the lockout circuit. The test vector decode circuit also receives a supervoltage signal. Only by turning off the supervoltage signal can all of the output test vectors be reset, including the additional output vector.

Abstract: A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates the contaminate in a consolidation tank. In the consolidation tanks the contaminate is further separated and collected for disposal.