Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cooling system for removing heat from a Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) slurry reactor. The cooling system including at least one downcomer having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a diameter; the at least one downcomer disposed within the F-T reactor to deliver a coolant downward through the F-T reactor at a predetermined velocity, the at least one downcomer extending a length within the F-T reactor wherein the coolant is introduced into the upper portion of the at least one downcomer in a substantially liquid phase; the diameter of the at least one downcomer and the pressure of the introduced coolant cooperate to increase the coolant velocity thereby generating backpressure in the at least one downcomer to maintain the coolant in the substantially liquid phase along the length of the at least one downcomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device provided with haptic technology for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: A cyclonic combustor comprising a combustion liner forming a combustion chamber having a generally cylindrical shape, a biomass feed inlet for receiving biomass particles under pressure, wherein the biomass feed inlet is formed so that the biomass particles are introduced into the ignition zone of the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, and a plurality of air tuyeres formed through the combustion liner for receiving compressed air, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are arranged to introduce the compressed air into the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner. A direct-fired biomass-fueled pressurized gas turbine system comprising a pressurized feed system, the cyclonic combustor, and a gas turbine. Methods of operating a cyclonic combustor and methods for direct firing a gas turbine.

Abstract: Paraffin compositions including mainly even carbon number paraffins, and a method for manufacturing the same, is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method involves contacting naturally occurring fatty acid/glycerides with hydrogen in a slurry bubble column reactor containing bimetallic catalysts with equivalent particle diameters from about 10 to about 400 micron. The even carbon number compositions are particularly useful as phase change material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting byproducts of the manufacture of biodiesel into industrially useful oxygenated products of greater commercial value. The process includes a trickle bed reactor in which a glycerol-rich feedstock is reacted with hydrogen in the presence of a nickel-tungsten catalyst under typical refining condition of high temperature and pressure, yielding propane synfuel or propanediols.

Abstract: A stethoscope expander assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. Each portion is provided with at least one arm, at least one leg, and at least one attachment member. The first portion of the stethoscope expander assembly includes a male member and a cover opposite the male member. The second portion of the stethoscope expander assembly includes a female member and a channel for receiving a tubing of a stethoscope. The first and second portions provide a slit for receiving a spring of the stethoscope. The first and second portions of the stethoscope expander assembly function to move the stethoscope expander assembly into an expanded position.

Abstract: A fire pit comprising a base assembly, the base assembly supported by a suspension assembly comprising a plurality of vertical supports, and a tower assembly disposed on a top surface of the base assembly, the tower assembly comprising a plurality of longitudinal apertures and configured to contain at least one solid fuel source. The plurality of longitudinal apertures are configured to release heat generated from the at least one solid fuel source in a substantially outward direction along at least substantially the entire length of the plurality of longitudinal apertures.

Abstract: A process for producing a hydrocarbon from biomass. A feed stream having free fatty acids, fatty acid esters or combinations thereof is provided. The feed stream is heated in the presence of a first catalyst to produce a partially hydrodeoxygenated stream. The partially hydrodeoxygenated stream is heated in the presence of a second catalyst to produce an effluent stream containing the hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A harp support assembly is provided for supporting a portion of a harp. The harp support assembly includes a rod, a base assembly and a harp support member. The rod has a first and a second end. The base assembly is positioned near the first end of the rod, The base assembly has a plurality of legs spread apart and positioned on a surface. The harp support member is positioned near the second end of the rod. The harp support member has at least one support arm providing a harp receiving space to receive the harp.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor-enabled geosynthetic material for use in geosynthetic structures, a method of making the sensor-enabled geosynthetic material, and a method of measuring geometric strains of a geosynthetic product made from the sensor-enabled geosynthetic material. The sensor-enabled geosynthetic material includes a polymeric material and an electrically conductive filler. The polymeric material and an electrically conductive filler are combined to provide a sensor-enabled geosynthetic material. The sensor-enabled geosynthetic material having a predetermined concentration of the electrically conductive filler so as to provide the sensor-enabled geosynthetic material with an electrical conductivity and a strain sensitivity within the percolation region or slightly above it.

Abstract: A process for hydrocracking biomass, and the hydrocarbons produced therefrom. A feed stream having free fatty acids, fatty acid esters, or combinations thereof is contacted with a first catalyst under hydrogen pressure and heat. The hydrocarbon product stream which is comprised predominantly of n-paraffins is separated into heavy and light fractions. The heavy fraction is contacted with a second catalyst under hydrogen pressure and heat to produce an effluent stream which is combined with the light n-paraffin fraction to form a unique middle distillate product useful as a diesel or jet fuel.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a pair of end cap assemblies, a plurality of disk assemblies and a plurality of weight assemblies. The plurality of disk assemblies and the plurality of weight assemblies are preferably secured between the end cap assemblies, in an alternating fashion. Each of the end cap assemblies also includes a handle that is preferably aligned in the same plane the handle of the other end cap assembly.