Abstract: A process for quenching, separating and collecting targeted components of a hot pyrolysis product stream from the pyrolysis of biomass is provided. The process utilizes rapid quenching and electrostatic precipitation at a predetermined temperature in order to selectively collect one or more fractions of the hot mixture.

Abstract: A bio-oil formulation, useful as an asphalt binder substitute in pavement and roofing shingles, includes bio-oil and a polymer additive. The bio-oil binder can include an asphalt additive. The bio-oil binder can be emulsified with water and a surfactant for use as a weatherproofing sealant or as an adhesive. A method for making the bio-oil binder is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, phosphatidic acid phosphatases (PAP)) and/or lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: A spring-loaded clip for removably attaching a catheter hub to the skin of a patient. The clip includes first and second needle members pivotably connected on a common axis and closable with their respective arcuate needle elements interlocked within the skin of a patient. A bias spring urges the first and second needle elements into a preferred position, preferably the closed position. Each needle member includes a lever for use in opening and closing the clip and also includes a grasping element for capturing a catheter hub as the clip closes. Preferably, the needle elements are curved through about 120°, are sharpened to a point at a first end, and are joined to a pivot element at the opposite end. No separate conventional suturing of a catheter hub to a patient is required.

Abstract: Gas journal bearing systems are provided. An exemplary gas journal bearing system comprises a vortex generator, a housing and a journal. The vortex generator is operative to receive a flow of gas and to impart an angular acceleration to the gas. The housing is in fluid communication with the vortex generator, with housing having a first exhaust through which the gas is exhausted. The journal is supported within the housing by a vortex of the gas as the gas swirls along at least a portion of a length of the journal. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: An improved catheter system having a hub including a self-suturing mechanism comprising a circular needle rotatably slidable in a circular groove in the hub. The needle is sharpened to a point at an end and preferably is also formed into a tang for use as a handle. The hub is flattened on a side to be adjacent to the skin, defining a hub flat thus truncating the groove through, for example, 60° thereof. After the catheter is positioned in the blood vessel, the flat is pressed against the skin. The circular needle is rotated through an angle such that the circular needle passes through a portion of the skin, thereby “self-suturing” the hub to the skin of the patient. The hub is thus firmly attached to the patient, and no separate suturing is required. De-suturing of the catheter requires only reverse rotation of the circular needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, anchors, mesh, tools, and kits for surgical procedures. The anchors are implanted in soft-tissue. Once implanted, a surgeon can manipulate an implantable supportive mesh, particularly the tension, through the same incision that the anchors were implanted. The anchors permit micro-adjustments to the tension. The tension on the supportive mesh can be secured through the same incision.

Abstract: An asphalt binder includes asphalt and an asphalt binder modifier, which includes bio-oil. The asphalt binder can include a carboxyl additive. The asphalt can optionally include polymer-modified asphalt. An asphalt material includes mineral aggregate, an asphalt material binder including asphalt, and an asphalt binder modifier including bio-oil. A method for making the asphalt binder is disclosed. The asphalt material includes asphalt pavement and roofing shingles. The asphalt binder can be emulsified with water and a surfactant for use as a weatherproofing sealant or as an adhesive.

Abstract: An improved catheter-over-needle system having a hub including a self-suturing mechanism comprising a circular needle rotatably slidable in a circular groove in the hub. The needle is sharpened to a point at an end and preferably is also formed into a tang for use as a handle. The hub is flattened on a side to be adjacent to the skin, defining a hub flat thus truncating the groove through, for example 60° thereof. After the catheter is positioned in the blood vessel, the flat is pressed against the skin. The circular needle is rotated through an angle such that the circular needle passes through a portion of the skin, thereby “self-suturing” the hub to the skin of the patient. The hub is thus firmly attached to the patient, and no separate suturing is required. De-suturing of the catheter requires only reverse rotation of the circular needle.

Abstract: Gas journal bearing systems are provided. An exemplary gas journal bearing system comprises a vortex generator, a housing and a journal. The vortex generator is operative to receive a flow of gas and to impart an angular acceleration to the gas. The housing is in fluid communication with the vortex generator, with housing having a first exhaust through which the gas is exhausted. The journal is supported within the housing by a vortex of the gas as the gas swirls along at least a portion of a length of the journal. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A spring-loaded clip for removably attaching a catheter hub to the skin of a patient. The clip includes first and second needle members pivotably connected on a common axis and closable with their respective arcuate needle elements interlocked within the skin of a patient. A bias spring urges the first and second needle elements into a preferred position, preferably the closed position. Each needle member includes a lever for use in opening and closing the clip and also includes a grasping element for capturing a catheter hub as the clip closes. Preferably, the needle elements are curved through about 120°, are sharpened to a point at a first end, and are joined to a pivot element at the opposite end. No separate conventional suturing of a catheter hub to a patient is required.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, phosphatidic acid phosphatases (PAP)) and/or lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering gas (58) with a moving granular filter bed (48) involves moving a mass of particulate filter material (48) downwardly through a filter compartment (35); tangentially introducing gas into the compartment (54) to move in a cyclonic path downwardly around the moving filter material (48); diverting the cyclonic path (58) to a vertical path (62) to cause the gas to directly interface with the particulate filter material (48); thence causing the gas to move upwardly through the filter material (48) through a screened partition (24, 32) into a static upper compartment (22) of a filter compartment for exodus (56) of the gas which has passed through the particulate filter material (48).

Abstract: Apparatus to convert an all terrain vehicle into an amphibious off-road vehicle. A buoyant unitary structure is fitted to the all terrain vehicle with releasable fasteners. The buoyant unitary structure includes one or more internal air pockets, and a hollow compartment to accommodate the legs and feet of a user of the amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: A way of displaying information on a passive storage medium for an active storing device. The passive storage medium comprises a storage unit to store information. The passive storage medium further comprises a display to display status information relating to the information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A way of displaying information on a passive storage medium for an active storing device. The passive storage medium comprises a storage unit to store information. The passive storage medium further comprises a display to display status information relating to the information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for leak testing and adding lubricating oil to enclosed reservoirs of undercarriage components of crawler-type equipment. Barometric pressure is measured by a transducer mounted on a handle from which an elongated wand extends, the wand having a nozzle on the end opposite the handle. The wand is inserted into the reservoir and communication is successively established and terminated between the handle and a source of pressurized nitrogen, a vacuum generator and a source of lubricating oil. After raising the pressure in the reservoir by connecting it to the nitrogen source, pressure is again measured at the end of a wait period to determine if the drop is greater or less than a predetermined amount indicating seal integrity.

Abstract: An enhanced telecommunications cabinet assembly for enclosing wiring interconnections includes a chassis defining an interior cavity, a movable interconnect management adapter tray positioned in the interior cavity of the chassis, a plurality of modular interconnect panels mounted on the movable adapter tray, and front and top covers on the chassis. The chassis has a bottom wall and a pair of opposite sidewalls extending upward therefrom so as to define the interior cavity between the sidewalls and above the bottom wall. The chassis further has a pair of lower guide members positioning the movable adapter tray in the interior cavity of the chassis for movement relative thereto.