Abstract: The invention relates to a system for holding food item(s) and a beverage container(s) with one hand. Stable handling of an integral somewhat planar support (1) with one hand may be enabled by an elliptical negative space (26) where the operator inserts either thumb to comfortably rest the device with equal weight perhaps on the first metacarpal bone, the phalanges, and radius of the same hand. An integral somewhat planar support may include a containment structure (4) having a noncircular yawning void (5) which may allow for retention of a variety of beverage containers and perhaps even a pedestal mounted object. Regions (14) may be provided for the retention of food items on an integral somewhat planar support.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology relates to a snowboard having a lower surface that does not at any point along at least one specified portion thereof contact a horizontal surface underlying the snowboard when the snowboard is unweighted. Such portion(s) may be defined, at least in part, by one or more cambers. A rocker may be used to impart additional board performance benefits to a rider. Other embodiments may relate more specifically to the positioning of cambers relative to mount regions.

Abstract: The inventive technology relates, in various embodiments, to novel wastewater heat systems, novel wastewater dosing systems, novel gas bubbling systems, novel flow control systems, novel disinfection systems, novel wastewater conveyance systems, and novel portable wastewater treatment systems, each of which may enhance the wastewater treatment process and its applicability.

Abstract: A convertible suitcase stroller apparatus may comprise a suitcase that is openable at at least one side; a handle assembly that is reconfigurable between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration and that has a handgrip portion and two handle stems, wherein each of the two handle stems has an upper end and wherein the handgrip portion is established substantially between the upper ends; fabric seatback material that is established substantially between the two handle stems when the handle assembly is in the deployed configuration; a child seatbelt that is securable around a child seated directly on the suitcase; and at least two wheels established substantially at a lower portion of the suitcase, wherein a back of a child seated directly on the suitcase is supported against the fabric seatback material, the fabric seatback material is crumpable, and the convertible suitcase stroller apparatus is convertible between: a minimum space occupying configuration, a suitcase only toting configuration and a

Abstract: A system for determining parameters and compatibility of a substance such as an asphalt or other petroleum substance uses titration to highly accurately determine one or more flocculation occurrences and is especially applicable to the determination or use of Heithaus parameters and optimal mixing of various asphalt stocks. In a preferred embodiment, automated titration in an oxygen gas exclusive system and further using spectrophotometric analysis (2-8) of solution turbidity is presented. A reversible titration technique enabling in-situ titration measurement of various solution concentrations is also presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a garment (2) having large openings or perhaps even breast slits (14) in the garment that allow easy access to the full breast for instruction and access for nursing a newborn among other uses. Movable panels (12) may be provided on a front side (10) of a gown which can cover the openings while to nursing and can even provide privacy for the mother during nursing of their infant (1). The present invention may include a holder element (25) such as a skirt tuck element to allow the bottom of the gown to be pulled up and secured at a waistline area. Various closing elements may be located on the gown, such as but not limited to a sleeve closure element (18), a back closure element (22), and perhaps even a front closure element (16) to secure moveable panels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the generation of consistent output synthesis gas from highly variable input feedstock solids carbonaceous materials. A stoichiometric objectivistic chemic environment may be established to stoichiometrically control carbon content in a solid carbonaceous materials gasifier system. Processing of carbonaceous materials may include dominative pyrolytic decomposition and multiple coil carbonaceous reformation. Dynamically adjustable process determinative parameters may be utilized to refine processing, including process utilization of negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, process utilization of flue gas (9), and adjustment of process flow rate characteristics. Recycling may be employed for internal reuse of process materials, including recycled negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, recycled flue gas (9), and recycled contaminants.

Abstract: Generally, systems for air and water purification using unpowered charged sorbent mediums (3) which may include layered double hydroxide (LDH) (1) compositions, lignin (2), and methods of sorbing inorganic or organic material(s) onto such mediums, including anionic contaminants (10), cationic contaminants (11), non-ionic organic contaminants (20), and even biological agents (7) such as bacteria or viruses present in liquids or gases.

Abstract: Generally, systems for air and water purification using unpowered charged sorbent mediums (3) which may include layered double hydroxide (LDH) (1) compositions, lignin (2), and methods of sorbing inorganic or organic material(s) onto such mediums, including anionic contaminants (10), cationic contaminants (11), non ionic organic contaminants (20), and even biological agents (7) such as bacteria or viruses present in liquids or gases.

Abstract: A bale accumulation system for receiving, moving, and accumulating bales (3) on a bale support surface. The system may involve moving such bales (3) in linear path specific motions and transversely with respect to a bale accumulation surface (1). The system may further involve receiving such bales (3) onto a bale reception surface (11) and tilting such a bale reception surface (11) to deposit bales (3) onto the ground. Bales (3) may be aligned in various configurations on a bale support surface (1) perhaps without substantially restricting their movements on such a bale support surface (1) perhaps through the use of bale override alignment elements (16). The configuration of the bale support system also may minimize a total path distance through which bales (3) may be moved, perhaps decreasing the amount of time required to accumulate bales (3).

Abstract: The inventive technology relates to methods and apparatus for reducing protein content in sperm cell extenders and may include one or more of the following features: techniques for reducing protein content in a sperm cell extender; techniques for reducing protein content in a cryoprotectant-containing B fraction of a sperm cell extender; techniques for preparing sperm cell extenders that do not require clarification; techniques for preparing low density gradient sperm cell extenders suitable for centrifugation; techniques for reducing protein content between individual steps in preparing a sperm cell extender, and techniques for establishing novel values of reduced protein content in sperm cell extenders.

Abstract: Systems of affecting sports performance are disclosed that provide sensory stimulation and induce a response, such as a psychological or physiologic response, including performance enhancement through sports equipment configuration. Equipment configuration may include sensory stimulation configurations, such as color, image, business designation, or other indicia, provided to sports equipment, potentially through paint processes, and may utilize color psychology to make color or other customized visual, psychological, or physiological dependent choices, creating indicia to produce consistent performance, a vehicle for self-expression, or brand awareness. Marketing systems are further disclosed incorporating indicia configured to sports equipment, such as golf clubs, serving as custom expressive indicia. Further, systems are disclosed that assist consumers in making configuration determinations and purchases employing any or all of the above elements.

Abstract: A high efficiency photovoltaic DC-DC converter achieves solar power conversion from high voltage, highly varying photovoltaic power sources to harvest maximum power from a solar source or strings of panels for DC or AC use, perhaps for transfer to a power grid at high power levels with coordinated control possible for various elements. Photovoltaic DC-DC converters can achieve efficiencies in conversion that are extraordinarily high compared to traditional through substantially power isomorphic photovoltaic DC-DC power conversion capability that can achieve 97%, 98%, 99.2% efficiency, or even only wire transmission losses. Switchmode impedance or voltage conversion circuit embodiments may have pairs of photovoltaic power interrupt switch elements and pairs of photovoltaic power shunt switch elements to first increase voltage and then decrease voltage as part of the desired photovoltaic DC-DC power conversion.

Abstract: A system for refining hydrocarbon containing materials in a continuous coking mode may provide a pyrolyzer (1) which may be inclined to effect a liquid seal between a liquid conduction environment (6) and a gaseous conduction environment (7). A heat source (9) may heat the material past the coking point and the system may include a screw or auger (10) which can continuously remove the coke while simultaneously outputting refined products.

Abstract: A hitch system for interconnecting a trailer to a tow vehicle, wherein the tow vehicle includes a hitch ball centered about a medial axis. The hitch system includes an elongate extension coupling having a proximal end portion rotatably mountable to the trailer and extending toward a distal end portion that is movably mountable to the hitch ball, and an anti-yaw mounting assembly for interfacing the extension coupling to the hitch ball such that the distal end portion is restricted from rotating about the medial axis.

Abstract: Various optical apparatus, in particular embodiments, may provide a source of parallel light (7, 75). The parallel light (7, 75) may be generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face (24). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end (22). Other configurations are also disclosed. Various optical methods and methods for flow cytometry are also disclosed.