Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for making and using sediment barrier. More specifically the present application relates to systems and methods for using sediment barriers to reduce pollution of rivers and streams from sediment resulting from soil erosion at, for example, a construction site or other area of potential soil erosion. The sediment barrier typically includes at least one apron that serves to provide filtering, water velocity reduction and/or anchoring. The sediment barrier further includes a body portion that provides substantial filtering of sediment from water passing therethrough. The apron and/or body portions of the barrier are preferably composed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for managing content across one or more storage device systems. A typical system according to the present invention includes one or more indexing systems and a set of storage device systems. Each indexing system monitors usage of content stored on the storage systems. Based upon usage of particular content, an indexing system may issue requests such as move, delete or copy to more efficiently utilize the overall storage capacity of the storage system. All indexing systems monitor the servicing of such requests and update stored data concerning the file subject to the request accordingly.

Abstract: Air conditioning chiller operating efficiency is evaluated in response to chiller operating parameters input to a computing device which calculates separately the efficiencies of the condenser and evaporator components of the chiller. Additional efficiency calculations are performed to identify specific causes of inefficiency in the condenser and evaporator. The computing device also adjusts the efficiency calculations as appropriate to account for actual compressor current load conditions. The device determines whether chiller efficiency is being compromised by poor performance of one or more chiller components, calculates inefficiency values, estimates the cost of the inefficiency, identifies specific causes of the inefficiency, and suggests appropriate remedial actions to restore maximum efficiency of the chiller.

Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag includes two panels sealed to form a container having a bottom and an openable top. The plastic bag further includes lips that are adjacent to the openable top and which are initially joined to one another by a removable element. The removable element when attached indicates that the bag has not yet been used. When the removable element is no longer attached this indicates that the bag may have been used (contaminated). The reclosable plastic bag also includes a closure element for sealing and unsealing the openable top of the bag.

Abstract: A fiber block segment suitable for controlling erosion and stabilizing soil is described that comprises an elongated fiber block formed of a densely packed elongated thick fibrous material. The fiber block is wrapped with a fabric around three sides so that the fabric defines a top anchor portion and a bottom anchor portions extending from the block. The fiber block is securely attached to the wrapped fabric by another fabric or twine spanning the fourth side of the block. Additionally, the fabric is wrapped only up to the edges defining one end (a male end) and beyond the edges defining the opposite end (the female end) to define a pouch-like structure at the female end. The fiber block is made of coconut fibers (coir). The fabric is woven from coir twine, and coir twine secures the fabric to the fiber block.