Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a fuel fired appliance that may include an optional hardware component such as a damper are disclosed. In some cases, the presence of the optional hardware component is detected, and it is determined whether the optional hardware component is required for future operation of the fuel fired appliance. The fuel fired appliance may be operated normally if the optional hardware component is present and required, or, in some cases, if the optional hardware component is determined to be not required. If the optional hardware component is absent but required, normal operation of the fuel fired appliance may be stopped.

Abstract: A method of performing a medical procedure on a living body is provided. The method comprises inserting a leading end portion of a guidewire into the living body and advancing a trailing end portion of the guidewire into a container, the container being arranged to coil the trailing end portion of the guidewire as the trailing end portion is advanced into the container. The invention extends to an advancing device operable to cause a trailing end portion of a guidewire to advance into a container. The advancing device comprises a body, an engaging mechanism on the body, the engaging mechanism being arranged releasably to engage the guidewire and to move relative to the body while engaging the guidewire thereby to cause the guidewire to advance through the body.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include: a surfactant having an HLB value from 1 to 10; and a compound of formula (I): where; x is an integer from 2 to 6, y is an integer from 0 to 5, R is a bond or (C1-C4)alkylene, R1 is a hydrogen, halo, aryl, (C1-C4)alkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycyl, R2 is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, (C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)alkoxy, (C2-C4) alkenylene. Methods forming stable aqueous and non-aqueous solutions of the same are also provided.

Abstract: A self priming pump system that includes a motor coupled to a centrifugal pump for driving the centrifugal pump. A separator having a reservoir is provided for storing a limited amount of pumped fluid in advance of the centrifugal pump. A vacuum source provides a vacuum suction to the reservoir to draw pumped fluid into the reservoir to prime the pump. To increase the reliability of the vacuum pump system, a deflector and/or extension may be provided in the reservoir to help prevent pumped fluid from entering the vacuum pump input. Also, the configuration of a tank used to store liquid for the vacuum pump system may be configured to separate and collect sediments near a drain port, which then can be easily drained. For positive head pressures, one or more valves may be used to prevent pumped fluid from escaping the reservoir, if desired.