Abstract: A multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules each module being in fluid communication with adjacent modules. The modules may be arranged axially along a common axis of flow or alternatively the modules are arranged along a common axis so that they are nested one within the other. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in the reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. the multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in a common reaction chamber. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel to the fuel processor so that as the fuel reacts and forms the hydrogen rich gas, the intermediate gas products pass through each reaction zone as arranged in the reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.

Abstract: A lubricating oil tank for an engine unit arranged in a motor vehicle engine compartment, open from below, including a flat-shaped tank arranged in the compartment lower part, beneath the engine unit, and connected to the engine unit by an oil outlet conduit and by an oil inlet conduit connected to the engine oil pump. The tank includes a part connected to the oil outlet conduit and a lower part connected to the oil inlet conduit.

Abstract: An eddy current separator apparatus for separating non-ferrous metals from other materials. The apparatus includes a support frame and a table cantileverly suspended from the frame. An expansion and contraction mechanism is incorporated that is adapted to accept a continuous conveyor belt thereabout. The expansion and contraction mechanism is capable of being configured between an operating configuration and maintenance configuration. A continuous conveyor belt is constructed to be able to be looped about the expansion and contraction mechanism and the table such that the conveyor belt is drawn tight in the operating configuration and slackened in the maintenance configuration. In this manner, the continuous conveyor belt is easily removable from, and installable onto the table in the maintenance configuration.

Abstract: Method for calibrating and synchronizing sensed operating torques of an engine and a generator in a planetary gear based hybrid electric vehicle is disclosed. The method includes providing a sensor that detects the operational torque of an engine of a hybrid electric vehicle at the engine's interface with a planetary gear system of the hybrid electric vehicle. A sensor is provided that detects the operational torque of a generator of a hybrid electric vehicle at the motor's interface with the planetary gear system of the hybrid electric vehicle. The planetary gear system of the hybrid electric vehicle is operated in a split mode so that the generator is directly linked to the engine and a reading of the sensor that detects the operational torque of the generator may be used to compute the operating torque of the engine. Paired values of sensed operational torques of the engine and the generator at like times are recorded.

Abstract: A controller for a switched reluctance machine utilizing a feedforward neural network in combination with either a fuzzy logic controller or a proportional-integral controller to provide output control signals (e.g., turn-ON angle, turn-OFF angle and peak current) for controlling the energization of a switched reluctance machine. In an alternate embodiment, a fuzzy logic controller is utilized by itself to control a switched reluctance machine.

Abstract: A reversible soft cover for trucks or other vehicles. The cover contains a central upper portion, and front, rear, and side portions extending from the central portion to completely enclose a bed or cargo area. Each of the front, rear, and side portions may be individually opened, and the rear section may be rolled-up from either inside or outside the vehicle using a lanyard. Flap covers prevent the hemmed side edges of the front, rear, and side portions from exposure, regardless of which surface is exposed, and provide a substantially weatherproof seal between panels.

Abstract: A process and device for rehabilitating old pipelines laid in the ground is described. The extent of above-ground prefabrication of a hose-shaped lining for the old pipeline is increased and a closed system for guiding a heatable pressure medium is described. Above-ground, a calibration hose (4) is inverted into the flat-lying lining hose (6) or a lining hose (6) is inverted into a tubular film using compressed air. The lining hose (6), which is provided with the calibration hose (4) and with the tubular foil, is drawn through a shaft into the old pipeline and by means of a heatable pressure medium, which circulates in a closed system, is pressed against the interior wall of the old pipeline and is kept in this position until the resin of the lining hose has hardened. With the process, underground sewer pipes are rehabilitated.

Abstract: Genes encoding Class II EPSPS enzymes are disclosed. The genes are useful in producing transformed bacteria and plants which are tolerant to glyphosate herbicide. Class II EPSPS genes share little homology with known, Class I EPSPS genes, and do not hybridize to probes from Class I EPSPS's. The Class II EPSPS enzymes are characterized by being more kinetically efficient than Class I EPSPS's in the presence of glyphosate. Plants transformed with Class II EPSPS genes are also disclosed as well as a method for selectively controlling weeds in a planted transgenic crop field.

Abstract: A pipeline pigging device including a vehicle movable within a pipeline having shape deformations is provided. The vehicle provides a predetermined axial length and outside diameter to define an exterior surface. A plurality of floating backing bar systems are circumferentially mounted on the external surface along the axial length of the vehicle. The floating backing bar system radially extends by a compression force away from the vehicle to contact and introduce a consistent force on the inside pipeline wall as the device moves through the pipeline.

Abstract: A composition for expression of a protein-encoding gene in a host cell is described, making use of an heterologous regulon. This composition provides a protein-encoding gene under control of a promoter heterologous to the host cell, and a gene for an RNA polymerase, preferably a single-subunit RNA polymerase that recognizes the promoter heterologous to the host cell. The gene for the RNA polymerase is under control of an inducible promoter recognized by the host cell. Also disclosed is a method for expressing the protein-encoding gene using the composition described.

Abstract: A plate stacker is described for use in the field of sample analysis. The plate stacker increases the rate and ease with which sample carriers such as microwell plates may be interfaced with an automated system and includes a removable rack attached to a base to allow plates to be transported to and from an automated system. The stacker rack includes a door which allows for a compact stacker thus allowing manipulation of the microwell plates in a compact area. Generally, the plate stacker provides a means to allow a user to interface with an automated system. The rack portion of the stacker allows the user to load and unload microwell plates into the system in batches by loading or unloading multiple individual plates into or out of the rack. The base portion allows the automated system to load and unload individual microwell plates from the stacker.