Abstract: An animal protectant power line electrical insulator to be placed on structures such as electrical apparatus to protect birds, wildlife and other animals. Specifically the insulator may include, a snap-fit insulating cover configured to fit over an energized part of an electrical structure of a power line, a resiliently flexible separable juncture for application onto the power line and secure closure; and perhaps even at least one formed eye on the cover. A cover may hold itself in place and may be made from plastic, fiberglass, PVC, or other semi-rigid, non-conductive material; molded, formed, or fabricated to fit a desired application.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology relate to a device for connecting the ends of two concrete reinforcing bars in which a metal sleeve has chambers at each end to accommodate the end of one reinforcing bar. Forces may be transferred from one bar to the other through, the use of, inter alia, an adhesive established within the space between the outside of the reinforcing bars and the deformed inner surface of the sleeve. The chambers are, preferably, separated by a fluid impervious barrier. One port associated with each chamber may be established to allow fluid such as air to escape, preventing air voids in the adhesive. Another configuration of the inventive device would be intended for the retention (under load, of course) of only one reinforcing bar, with an enlarged flange for anchoring the end of one reinforcing bar, perhaps at and outer surface of, e.g., a concrete slab.

Abstract: Drainage systems for plant gardening in flowerpots, specifically a shaped porous rock or perhaps even an enclosed pouch having soil preservation capability and filling inside the enclosed pouch. Embodiments may include a pot hole locator which may place an enclosed pouch in a bottom of a pot prior to adding soil and planting a plant in a flowerpot. Other embodiments may include the addition of soil amendments, water retention elements, drying elements and the like. Filling may include plastic, various rocks, various stones, pebbles, synthetic materials and the like.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the inventive technology relates to in-vessel generation of a material from a solution of interest as part of a processing and/or analysis operation. Preferred embodiments of the in-vessel material generation (e.g., in-vessel solid material generation) include precipitation; in certain embodiments, analysis and/or processing of the solution of interest may include dissolution of the material, perhaps as part of a successive dissolution protocol using solvents of increasing ability to dissolve. Applications include, but are by no means limited to estimation of a coking onset and solution (e.g., oil) fractionating.

Abstract: Embodiments may include efficient fuel cell systems including an anode, a cathode, a lead-containing cathode catalyst, at least one proton exchange connector, and perhaps even an external circuit between the anode and the cathode. Other embodiments may include enhanced degradation of contaminants in environmental media such as perhaps petroleum hydrocarbon in groundwater with microbial fuel cells and the like.

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: Different systems to achieve solar power conversion are provided in at least three different general aspects, with circuitry that can be used to harvest maximum power from a solar source (1) or strings of panels (11) for DC or AC use, perhaps for transfer to a power grid (10) three aspects can exist perhaps independently and relate to: 1) electrical power conversion in a multimodal manner, 2) alternating between differing processes such as by an alternative mode photovoltaic power converter functionality control (27), and 3) systems that 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 99.2% efficiency or even only wire transmission losses. Switchmode impedance conversion circuits may have pairs of photovoltaic power series switch elements (24) and pairs of photovoltaic power shunt switch elements (25).

Abstract: A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve automatic withdrawal of a substance at the end of appropriate processing sequences such as histochemical processing may involve a plurality of samples for which substances removed by moving a wicking cartridge that may have sequentially advanced absorbsant material on rolls that are advanced an appropriate amount based upon usage in sequences such as repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Snap in wicking cassettes and perhaps antibody and other substances may be included to ease operator actions and to permit location specific substance applications perhaps by including single container multiple chamber multiple fluidic substance magazines, linearly disposed multiple substance source, and primary antibody cartridges.

Abstract: Systems for enhanced in-situ or perhaps even ex-situ biogenic methane production from hydrocarbon-bearing formations (1) including coal seam, oil shale, coal, coal derivates and the like are presented in embodiments such as but not limited to: increasing and perhaps even selection of microbial populations (2), amending CBM water and other microbe-containing media, diminishing sulfate reduction competition, enhancing organic matter concentrations and generation of biogenic methane (10), universally treating hydrocarbon-bearing formations, and introducing amendments (3) to hydrocarbon-bearing formations.

Abstract: A surfacing system including both methods and apparatus may in some embodiments comprise a single width relationally sized surfacing system and associated design patterns that involve discrete stone surface units in several embodiments. In at least one embodiment, surfacing units are stone. A multi-width surfacing unit system is also included as part of the invention, as are associated design patterns. Other embodiments include surface unit packaging apparatus and methods that reduce surface unit transport costs and breakage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the formation of structures utilizing fill materials capable of hardening, such as concrete. The methods and apparatus may include the employment of enhanced load-bearing capabilities, which may yield substantial efficiencies in time, labor, materials and costs attendant to fill material formation. The methods and apparatus may be particularly suited for use with manufacturing and prefabrication processes.

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: Generally, this invention relates to the development of field monitoring methodology for new substances and sensing chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and terrorist substances. It also relates to a portable test kit which may be utilized to measure concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the field. Specifically it relates to systems for reliably field sensing the potential presence of such items while also distinguishing them from other elements potentially present. It also relates to overall systems and processes for sensing, reacting, and responding to an indicated presence of such substance, including modifications of existing halogenated sensors and arrayed sensing systems and methods.