Abstract: A catalytic distillation process, which when operated under vacuum conditions, makes possible the facilitation of peroxyacid chemistry under intrinsically safe conditions with superior efficiency compared to conventional technology. In particular, the process can be used for the production of performic acid (PFA) created from the chemical reaction of formic acid and hydrogen peroxide, while contacting one or more kinds of heterogeneous catalysts, immobilized in one or more regions of the reactor (i.e. within reaction zones within the column). Aqueous hydrogen peroxide and formic acid feed streams are directed to the catalytic distillation column.

Abstract: A thick film high temperature thermoplastic insulated resistive heating element including one or more base dielectric layers screen printed on a metal substrate having a composition one or more melt-flowable thermoplastic polymers, inorganic filler particles, a transition dielectric layer on top of the uppermost based dielectric layer containing inorganic additives in addition to one or more melt-flowable thermoplastic polymers and inorganic filler particles. A heater layer is coated on top of the top dielectric layer where the topmost dielectric layer acts as a transition layer between the uppermost dielectric to protect the adjacent resistor layer from the development of hot spots and cracking arising from the propagation of microcracks due to, amongst other things, residual stresses transmitted to the resistive layer from the sub-layers due to the thermal history of the resistive heater and substrate.

Abstract: Novel technical ways of facilitating secured execution of blockchain transactions are presented.

Abstract: A high harmonic optical generator comprising a laser arrangement for emitting a beam of polarized radiation at a fundamental frequency and an optical waveguide having a hollow core for a gaseous harmonic generation medium for the generation of high harmonics of the fundamental frequency, the optical waveguide having an optical propagation axis along the hollow core, the laser arrangement is configured to couple the beam of polarized radiation along the propagation axis of the hollow core optical waveguide to provide a beam of optical driving radiation for the high harmonic generation, the optical driving radiation having a plane of polarization that rotates about the propagation axis.

Abstract: An element having an immersible portion for contact with an aqueous liquid, the immersible portion having a contact surface for contact with the aqueous liquid, the contact surface configured to have strong acidity, a radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) source assembly, a radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) source module and a fluid (e.g., water) treatment system incorporating this element applicable to any surface in contact with fluid that is susceptible to build-up of fouling materials. The embodiments obviate or mitigates the rate of accumulation of fouling on surfaces in contact with aqueous solution, such as the protective (e.g., quartz) sleeves in an ultraviolet radiation fluid treatment system, by modifying at least a portion of the surface of those sleeves in contact with fluid (e.g., water) to have an inherent strong surface acidity.

Abstract: A high harmonic optical generator comprising a laser arrangement for emitting a beam of polarized radiation at a fundamental frequency and an optical waveguide having a hollow core for a gaseous harmonic generation medium for the generation of high harmonics of the fundamental frequency, the optical waveguide having an optical propagation axis along the hollow core, the laser arrangement is configured to couple the beam of polarized radiation along the propagation axis of the hollow core optical waveguide to provide a beam of optical driving radiation for the high harmonic generation, the optical driving radiation having a plane of polarization that rotates about the propagation axis.

Abstract: An element having an immersible portion for contact with an aqueous liquid, the immersible portion having a contact surface for contact with the aqueous liquid, the contact surface configured to have strong acidity, a radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) source assembly, a radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) source module and a fluid (e.g., water) treatment system incorporating this element applicable to any surface in contact with fluid that is susceptible to build-up of fouling materials. The embodiments obviates or mitigates the rate of accumulation of fouling on surfaces in contact with aqueous solution, such as the protective (e.g., quartz) sleeves in an ultraviolet radiation fluid treatment system, by modifying at least a portion of the surface of those sleeves in contact with fluid (e.g., water) to have an inherent strong surface acidity.

Abstract: Systems for managing sessions and members. The members can include account holders, participants, instructors and session organizers. The system can include account holder data structures, participant data structures and instructor data structures. The account holder data structure can include payment plan and payment information. The account holder data structure can be manipulated to change payment plan and payment information. The participant data structure can include participant information that includes participant skills and expertise. Participant feedback information can be generated for the participant based on the performance of the participant at a session. The participant data structure can be manipulated so that the participant information includes the participant feedback.

Abstract: A surround for housing a wind turbine directs and concentrates wind from any direction toward the wind turbine. The surround can be formed from an upper apron and a lower apron, each having three or more sides, typically four sides. A fin can be disposed between the upper and lower aprons and extend from a corner thereof toward a central region. The wind turbine can be disposed in the central region. Openings formed on each side of the surround are defined by the upper and lower aprons and the two fins extending from each corner on that side. The openings can deliver wind, from any direction, toward the wind turbine. The upper and lower aprons may angle inward to further concentrate and direct wind toward the wind turbine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access to authenticated electronic documents over a network. The apparatus comprises a server computer, a user interface connected to the server via a first network interface for providing user access to the server, a computer network containing the electronic documents connected to the server via a second network interface, a database connected to the server via a third network interface, for storing data for authenticating the electronic documents. The first network interface, second network interface and the third network interface are disjunct respective to each other such that the user, the computer network and the database are not in communication therebetween. The apparatus further comprises a verification server having first and second network interfaces for connecting the computer network and the database thereto, wherein the first and second network interfaces are disjunct such that the database is not accessible to the computer network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access to authenticated electronic documents over a network. The apparatus comprises a server computer, a user interface connected to the server via a first network interface for providing user access to the server, a computer network containing the electronic documents connected to the server via a second network interface, a database connected to the server via a third network interface, for storing data for authenticating the electronic documents. The first network interface, second network interface and the third network interface are disjunct respective to each other such that the user, the computer network and the database are not in communication therebetween. The apparatus further comprises a verification server having first and second network interfaces for connecting the computer network and the database thereto, wherein the first and second network interfaces are disjunct such that the database is not accessible to the computer network.