Abstract: Microorganisms and bioprocesses are provided that convert gaseous substrates, such as renewable H2 and waste CO2 producer gas, or syngas into high-protein biomass that may be used directly for human nutrition, or as a nutrient for plants, fungi, or other microorganisms, or as a source of soil carbon, nitrogen, and other mineral nutrients. Renewable H2 used in the processes described herein may be generated by electrolysis using solar or wind power. Producer gas used in the processes described herein may be derived from sources that include gasification of waste feedstock and/or biomass residue, waste gas from industrial processes, or natural gas, biogas, or landfill gas.

Abstract: Techniques for extensible message indexing are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a client front-end component of a messaging system operative to receive an incoming message from a client device; identify a sending client service for the incoming message at the client front-end component; determine a service identifier index value for the sending client service at the client front-end component; and store the incoming message in a message queue using the service identifier index value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Techniques for message indexing are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a client front-end component operative to receive an incoming message from a client device at a client front-end component for a messaging system; and extract a message identifier for the incoming message from the incoming message, wherein the message identifier uniquely identifies the incoming message; and a message queue operative to store the incoming message in a message storage system based on indexing the incoming message based on the message identifier. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Techniques for message deduplication are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a client front-end component operative to receive an incoming message at a messaging system from a messaging client on a client device; extract a deduplication token from the incoming message; store the incoming message in a message queue where examining the deduplication token determines that the incoming message does not duplicate any existing message of the messaging system; and discard the incoming message where examining the deduplication token determines that the incoming message does duplicate an existing message; and a message deduplication component operative to examine the deduplication token to determine whether the incoming message duplicates any existing message of the messaging system. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods of positioning a protective sheet over a stack of goods comprise: engaging a lifting device to lift a first elongate member adjacent to a first side of the stack; projecting a positioning strap from a positioning strap projector, such that the positioning strap passes over a top of the stack and down a second side of the stack; securing the positioning strap and disengaging the first elongate member so that the sheet is free of the lifting device; applying tension to the positioning strap to pull the first elongate member across the top of the stack towards the second side of the stack whilst also lifting a second elongate member up the first side of the stack; and once the sheet is in place over the stack, securing the securing strap to a respective location at or near a base of the first and second sides of the stack.

Abstract: Embodiments involve using smart contracts in a decentralized network as a framework for a smart city commodity exchange. In at least one embodiment, consumers and service providers negotiate terms and conditions of a smart contract for providing goods or services to the consumer. The service provider may provide all requested goods and services or bundle goods and services provided from multiple vendors. Verification of smart contract fulfillment may be assisted by information from sensors or other independent data collection. The service provider may provide discounted services in exchange for information to provide to a third party. Resources of both the consumer and service provide are committed during smart contract negotiations until completion of the smart contract, or rejection of the offered terms. Resource commitments, smart contract generation, performance of the smart contract and intermediate transactions are recorded in public ledgers according to Blockchain protocols.

Abstract: A drying apparatus promotes drying of a wet item while protecting a surrounding environment from moisture escaping the wet item as it dries. The apparatus includes a waterproof casing comprising one or more waterproof materials and constructed (a) to receive a wet item and (b) prevent the moisture in the wet item from contacting items in the surrounding environment. The waterproof casing also includes a drain structure at one end having an opening through which moisture from the wet item escapes the drying apparatus and one or more rigid structures extending from within the waterproof casing through the opening to create a pathway for the escaping moisture. The drying apparatus also has an intake vent positioned to draw air into the drying apparatus and direct the air over the wet item within the apparatus and through the opening in the drain structure.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of lithium from a brine, wherein a solution of the brine is contacted with a titanate adsorbent such that lithium ions are adsorbed thereon whilst rejecting substantially all other cations. The adsorbent is provided in the form of either a hydrated titanium dioxide or a sodium titanate.

Abstract: A portable device and method of supplying power to the portable device may provide a sterile environment that may protect the health and safety of patients on whom the device is employed. The portable device may be charged inside of the sterile environment. The portable device may be charged using at least one chargeable battery that may be arranged internal and/or external to a portion of the portable device, or internal and/or external to the portable device. A power supply may be connected to the at least one chargeable battery and power the portable device for use. The portable device may be charged up to 100% and/or or fully charged prior to opening the sterile environment.

Abstract: A method of making synthetic polymer pellet feedstock having a high concentration of an anti-microbial agent includes the steps of: introducing a polymer into a mixing vessel; introducing a polysiloxane dispersant into the mixing vessel; introducing an anti-microbial agent comprised of a powdered metal material into the mixing vessel; heating and mixing the polymer, the polysiloxane dispersant and the anti-microbial agent to form a molten blend that exhibits a generally homogenous dispersal of the anti-microbial agent; extruding the molten blend to form filaments; and cutting the filaments to form metalized synthetic polymer pellet feedstock. The powdered metal material includes particles of silver in metallic or salt form measuring between about 2 micrometers and about 12 micrometers and particles of copper in metallic or salt form measuring between about 2 micrometers and about 12 micrometers.

Abstract: A valve assembly, that may be used on and/or retrofitted to various float valves, comprising: a relief valve configured to be movable between a closed position and an open position allowing pressure from a container to be relieved through at least one relief hole; a breather float configured to be movable between an open position allowing gas to pass through at least one breather hole and a closed position that substantially prevents liquid from passing through the at least one breather hole; and at least one of: a check valve that is movable between a closed position and an open position allowing gas to be relieved from the container when the container is being filled with liquid; and a breather check valve that is movable between a closed position and an open position allowing filter gas to enter the container when liquid is being removed from the container.

Abstract: A portable device and method of supplying power to the portable device may provide a sterile environment that may protect the health and safety of patients on whom the device is employed. The portable device may be charged inside of the sterile environment. The portable device may be charged using at least one chargeable battery that may be arranged internal and/or external to a portion of the portable device, or internal and/or external to the portable device. A power supply may be connected to the at least one chargeable battery and power the portable device for use. The portable device may be charged up to 100% and/or or fully charged prior to opening the sterile environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pinion assembly preloading systems and methods of operation. Disclosed are systems including a press actuator that applies an axial force against a pinion assembly; a force sensor that measures a reaction force at the pinion assembly; and a method of controlling the press actuator according to a change in the reaction force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying relative spending pattern data includes a process for displaying relative spending pattern data and/or an application for displaying relative spending pattern reports whereby, data representing various financial transactions is obtained and categorized by a computing system implemented financial management system. The financial transaction data is then stored. A user is then provided with a user interface including a capability to activate a selected item in order to generate a relative spending pattern data report for the selected item. Once an item is selected and/or activated, relative spending pattern report parameters are automatically selected based on historical transaction data and/or input by customers/users. A relative spending pattern report is then prepared using data from the computing system implemented financial management system and the relative spending pattern report parameters provided.

Abstract: A valve assembly that may be used on and/or retrofitted to various float valves. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly comprises or includes: a relief valve configured to be movable between a closed position and an open position to allow pressure from a container to be relieved through at least one relief hole; a breather float configured to be movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through at least one breather hole and a closed position that substantially prevents liquid from passing through the at least one breather hole; and at least one or more of the following: a check valve that is movable between a closed position and an open position to allow gas to be relieved from the container when the container is being filled with liquid; and a breather check valve that is movable between a closed position and an open position to allow filter gas to enter the container when liquid is being removed from the container.

Abstract: A portable device and method of supplying power to the portable device may provide a sterile environment that may protect the health and safety of patients on whom the device is employed. The portable device may be charged inside of the sterile environment. The portable device may be charged using at least one chargeable battery that may be arranged internal and/or external to a portion of the portable device, or internal and/or external to the portable device. A power supply may be connected to the at least one chargeable battery and power the portable device for use. The portable device may be charged up to 100% and/or or fully charged prior to opening the sterile environment.

Abstract: Techniques for hot snapshotting for message syncing are described. An apparatus may comprise a network component and a snapshot component. The network component may be operative to receiving an incoming update. The snapshot component may be operative to retrieve a messaging snapshot for a user associated with the incoming update; identify a messaging thread corresponding to the incoming update; apply the incoming update to the messaging thread; determining that a number of messaging threads stored in the messaging snapshot is greater than a thread storage limit for the messaging snapshot; identify a least-recently-updated messaging thread currently stored in the messaging snapshot; and remove the least-recently updated messaging thread from the messaging snapshot.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pinion assembly preloading systems and methods of operation. Disclosed are systems including a press actuator that applies an axial force against a pinion assembly; a force sensor that measures a reaction force at the pinion assembly; and a method of controlling the press actuator according to a change in the reaction force.