Abstract: A method and device for transferring a multiphase flow to a predetermined location through a pipe. The multiphase flow is comprised of at least a liquid phase and a gas phase. The multiphase flow is provided to a flow divider that diverts a gas portion from the multiphase flow. A compressor and a pump are in fluid communication with the flow divider. The main gas portion is boosted by the compressor, and the residual liquid/gas portion is boosted by the pump. A recombination manifold then recombines the gas portion and the residual liquid portion. A single pipe receives the recombined multiphase flow and transfers it to a predetermined location.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall and roof unit for easy and cost efficient home construction. The wall unit of the present invention is formed of a steel frame, a molded external panel formed into the shape of traditional building materials and features, and a layer of insulation material. The wall unit may be assembled in a quality controlled off-site factory.

Abstract: A fire retarding polypropylene composition comprising a copolymer of polypropylene and an ethylene/propylene rubber, and at least about 50% by weight but not greater than 60% by weight of a magnesium hydroxide coated with an anionic surface active agent, the magnesium hydroxide having (i) a strain in the <101> direction of not more than 3.0×10−3, (ii) a crystallite size in the <101> direction of more than 800 Å, and (iii) a specific surface area, determined by the BET method, of less than 20 mg2/g. The composition can be used in a fire retarding semiconductor apparatus which passes the FMRC Clean Room Materials Flammability Test Protocol.

Abstract: Corner members, such as posts useful in construction of buildings and the like are described. The invention relates more specifically to recessed and protruding corner posts for building construction, the posts being formed from a polymer based cellulose reinforced composite. The posts provide sturdy, durable corner connections, for exterior building materials, that are easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A method and system for learning a foreign language by first switching-off subconscious translation into a native language with the help of special drills consisting of simultaneous: reading of a lesson in a foreign language; listening to the recording of the same lesson; and repeating said lesson. The simultaneous reading, listening and repetition results in the formation of a new link image—word block in a foreign language, that after multiple repetition becomes engrained in the new language speech center in the brain so that the next time an adult encounters a similar situation, the corresponding word block in a foreign language is pronounced by the learner automatically in the same way that it occurs in the native language. The method and system is further comprised of the step of simultaneously listening to a lesson, repeating the lesson aloud and writing any words that a learner recognizes and can write down.

Abstract: The present invention allows subscribers to an online information service to participate in real-time conferencing or chat sessions in which a message originating from a subscriber in accordance with a first language is translated to one or more languages before it is broadcast to the other conference areas. Messages in a first language are translated automatically to one or more other languages through language translation capabilities resident at online information service host computers. Access software that subscribers use for participating in conference is integrated with speech recognition and speech generation software such that a subscriber may speak the message he or she would like to share with other participants and may hear the messages from the other participants in the conference. Speech-to-speech translation may be accomplished as a message spoken into a computer microphone in accordance with a first language may be recited by a remote computer in accordance with a second language.

Abstract: The present invention includes rolled edge compact range reflectors and reflector systems. This invention also includes machines or electronic apparatus using these aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods and processes for making and using these devices and systems. In a preferred embodiment, lightweight foam panels are added to the periphery of a sharp edge terminated compact range reflector. These foam panels may be shaped using simple two-dimensional cutting apparatus. The foam panels are then preferably positioned around the edge of the reflector with the planar edges of the foam pieces abutting one another so as to form a substantially continuous rounded edge to the reflector. The edge may then be shaped, filled, sanded, or coated to improve performance of the resultant reflector.

Abstract: The present invention is a cellulosic, inorganic-filled plastic composite. The composite includes about 30% to about 70% by weight of the composite of cellulosic material, about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composite of talc, and about 25% to about 40% by weight of the composite of polyethylene. An extruded article and a method of making the cellulosic, inorganic-filled plastic composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a siding unit which is adapted for installation. The siding unit has at least two courses of vinyl siding. The courses of vinyl siding are preferably formed by one or more facing panels which are made of polyvinyl chloride. A reinforcing panel is glued or otherwise laminated to the inside of each course of vinyl siding. The reinforcing panel is preferably made of expanded or extruded polystyrene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for displaying correlations between structural Features of a molecule and the biological or physical properties of the molecule. A unique feature of the present invention is that the user has a convenient way to select and explore a succession of interesting subsets and to interactively control the contents of each subset using filters. The medicinal chemist can thereby use his or her intuition and experience to guide the process of drug selection. In a preferred embodiment, the method and system of the invention uses at least four coordinating panels which comprise: 1) one or more first panels containing a series of molecular structural Feature or ranges of properties, such as molecular weight; 2) a second panel showing a graph (e. g.

Abstract: An in situ method and system for reductive dechlorination, the precipitation of chromium, the precipitation of heavy metals, and microbial denitrification. The invention comprises the formation of in situ anaerobic reactive zones to precipitate and filter out dissolved heavy metals as metallic sulfides, to degrade nitrate to nitrogen gas, to reduce chlorinated hydrocarbons to ethene, and to precipitate and filter out chromium. The invention is comprised of an injection well or wells that extend into a contaminated groundwater. A conduit located within the injection well conveys carbohydrates and sulfates to the contaminated groundwater. Microbes digest the carbohydrates to produce sulfate reducing and methanogenic conditions within the reactive zone that include a dissolved oxygen level less than about 0.5 mg/l, a redox potential less than about −250 mv, and a dissolved organic carbon to contaminant ratio of greater than about 50:1.

Abstract: The present invention includes antenna connectors, antenna connecting devices, and antenna connecting systems. This invention also includes machines or electronic devices using these aspects of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a linear array of electromagnetic radiation emitting devices are arranged in association with a moving workpiece. Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the array is received by two or more receivers. Several non-contact measurements may be obtained on a workpiece using the present apparatus and methods.

Abstract: A novel process has been developed for reactivation of partially utilized calcium-based sorbents for increased SO2 removal and sorbent utilization from coal-fired boilers/combustors. Spent sorbent and combustor ash samples are treated under specific conditions to modify their internal structure and expose the under utilized calcium for further SO2 capture. The reactivated sorbent shows significant improvement in utilization, increasing from less than 45% to nearly 100% utilization. Application of novel reactivation process to ash samples obtained from a circulating fluidized bed combustor also show marked improvement in utilization of available calcium, nearly doubling the amount of sulfur captured. The reactivation process involves carbonation of the unsulfated calcium. Better redistribution and exposure of the available calcium by the carbonation reactivation process, as compared to reactivation via hydration, is proposed as the main factor in increasing the sorbent utilization.

Abstract: An arcade-style racing game is described. The game preferably includes a gaming surface, an actuator, a first feedback device, a game piece, a steering mechanism, a second feedback device, and a processor. A racing track may be depicted on the gaming surface. An actuator is preferably adapted to rotate the surface about an axis on command. The game piece is preferably positioned substantially adjacent to the surface. The steering mechanism is preferably indirectly connected to the game piece, and it may be adapted to move or rotate the game piece over a predetermined range. With use of the steering mechanism, a game player may position the game piece near the center of the racing track as the surface rotates about the central axis. A player's performance may be determined fractionally by continually determining the rotational position of the track and the lateral position of the game piece.

Abstract: A modular wall structure comprised of a plurality of horizontally-oriented wall panels which are extruded components that are connected together in a stack. A plurality of modular wall structures of the present invention may be connected by fastening panels. The fastening panels may also be extruded components. In addition, preferred embodiments of the present invention may include a foundation, a roof, and an interior wall section. The roof may be comprised of a roofing panel which is an extruded component. Similarly, the interior wall section may be comprised of a plurality of horizontally-oriented interior wall panels which are extruded components that are connected together in a stack.