Abstract: Modular environmental control systems and methods for enclosed structures are described. In an embodiment, a first air chamber having one or more first openings receives air from an enclosed structure. The first air chamber includes one or more second openings configured to receive ambient air. The one or more second openings are selectively closable. A first duct delivers air from the enclosed structure to the first chamber via the one or more first openings in the first air chamber. A second air chamber receives air from the first air chamber and has one or more openings configured to deliver air to the enclosed structure. A plurality of air conditioning modules are removably mounted to a divider positioned between the first air chamber and second air chamber. Air from the first chamber is selectively received into the second chamber by passing through the air conditioning modules. A second duct is configured to deliver air from the one or more openings of the second chamber to the enclosed structure.

Abstract: A kit from which a thermally insulated shipping container may be assembled and a thermally insulated shipping container assembled from such a kit. The kit includes an outer shell and four flat stock vacuum insulated panels, each with three articulating sections foldable to form 3-dimensional C-shaped units. The panels are nestable pairs effective for lining a lower portion of the outer shell with a first nested pair and lining an upper portion of the outer shell with a second nested pair so as to form a fully enclosed insulated payload chamber within the outer shell.

Abstract: A device for infusing gas into a liquid includes a housing and a tube having a width that is smaller than that of the housing and which is positioned within the housing such that the longitudinal axis of the tube is approximately parallel to that of the housing. The device further includes potting compound interposed between an outside surface of the tube and an inside surface of the housing at both ends of the tube. Microporous hollow fibers extend from the potting compound at the first end of the tube and through the potting compound at the second end of the tube. Openings in the device allow for the introduction of gas and liquid into the device. Gas enters the device and into the microporous hollow fibers. Liquid enters the device and is exposed to the outer surfaces of the microporous hollow fibers. Gas passes from the microporous hollow fibers to the liquid and is dissolved into the liquid. Liquid infused with gas exits the device.

Abstract: A protectively enclosed panel of frangible thermal insulation having a panel of frangible thermal insulation with C-channel binding bars fitted over each edge of the panel and wear protective cover sheets covering the first and second major surface of the panel with the peripheral margin of the cover sheets adhered to the C-channel binding bars.

Abstract: A device for infusing gas into a liquid comprises a housing and a tube having a width that is smaller than that of the housing and which is positioned within the housing such that the longitudinal axis of the tube is approximately parallel to that of the housing. The device further comprises potting compound interposed between an outside surface of the tube and an inside surface of the housing at both ends of the tube. Microporous hollow fibers extend from the potting compound at the first end of the tube and through the potting compound at the second end of the tube. Openings in the device allow for the introduction of gas and liquid into the device. Gas enters the device and into the microporous hollow fibers. Liquid enters the device and is exposed to the outer surfaces of the microporous hollow fibers. Gas passes from the microporous hollow fibers to the liquid and is dissolved into the liquid. Liquid infused with gas exits the device.

Abstract: A thermal conditioning wall panel (10) for use in a thermally insulating container comprises a panel body (22) having a channel (26) formed therein along one face thereof for receiving one or more thermal conditioning elements (12). At least one foot (32) is formed at the lower end of the body (22) for engagement within a socket provided on the thermally insulating container. The panel further comprises thermal conditioning element retaining elements (40) provided adjacent the longitudinal edges (29) of the channel (26), the retaining elements (40) projecting over a peripheral portion of the channel (26) for retaining the thermal conditioning elements (12) within the channel (26).

Abstract: A thermally insulating package comprises an outer shell (6) formed from a foam insulating material, a plurality of vacuum insulated panels (12) removably received on the walls of the outer shell (6) and a plurality of phase change material panels (18) arranged within the vacuum insulated panels (12) to define a payload space.

Abstract: A thermally insulating package comprises an outer shell (6) formed from a foam insulating material, a plurality of vacuum insulated panels (12) removably received on the walls of the outer shell (6) and a plurality of phase change material panels (18) arranged within the vacuum insulated panels (12) to define a payload space.

Abstract: A kit including a plurality of separate and distinct identically sized phase change material-containing panels shaped as a frustum of a right pyramid, a method of assembling a thermal insulating enclosure from such panels and the resultant assembled thermal insulting enclosure.

Abstract: A thermally insulating package comprises an outer shell (6) formed from a foam insulating material, a plurality of vacuum insulated panels (12) removably received on the walls of the outer shell (6) and a plurality of phase change material panels (18) arranged within the vacuum insulated panels (12) to define a payload space.

Abstract: A thermally insulating package comprises an outer shell (6) formed from a foam insulating material, a plurality of vacuum insulated panels (12) removably received on the walls of the outer shell (6) and a plurality of phase change material panels (18) arranged within the vacuum insulated panels (12) to define a payload space.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to automatically monitor and control a perfusion hyperthermia treatment using a system including one or more programmed computers, and mechanical and sensor subsystems. The system includes a fluid path between a patient and an external fluid-treatment subsystem, wherein control of the external fluid-treatment subsystem includes feedback from sensors coupled to the patient. The resulting integrated system provides automated monitoring and control of the patient, the external fluid-treatment subsystem, and the treatment. In one embodiment, the fluid passing between the patient and the external fluid-treatment subsystem is blood. In one embodiment, an apparatus and method are provided for using a computerized system for a perfusion hyper/hypothermia treatment of a patient which obtains a body fluid having a temperature. A plurality of temperature signals representative of temperatures at each of a plurality of patient locations on or within the patient are coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: A subsurface hydronic heat-exchanging apparatus and method are provided for controlling the temperature of a turf field. A temperature-controlling fluid is circulated from a temperature-controlled fluid source through a supply header laterally disposed to the field and coupled to an array of hollow tubular heat-exchanging elements underlying the field. Fluid is recirculated to the fluid source from the tubes through a return header laterally disposed to the field and coupled to the tubes. Temperature sensors are disposed adjacent the turf field which detect the temperature of the field and a temperature control device is provided which is responsive to the detected temperature.

Abstract: A bottom-feed, biomass material gasification system feeds fuel such as green and wet woodchips from below up through a central opening in a stationary, perforate fire table which supports the mound-like fuel bed which is formed. A plurality of ring-like air manifolds contiguously below the fire table, and surrounding the fuel supply tube are separately provided with air in a controlled manner according to the demand for the combustible gas produced, and a greater volume of air is supplied to the centralmost manifold, than to the outer manifold, or manifolds. The system includes, in addition to a primary heating chamber, a secondary heating chamber which receives the hot gases generated in the primary chamber and, via a centrifugal cyclonic action, combusts fly ash particles which may remain entrained in the gas, before passing the hot gases to the boiler burner for cumbustion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic digestion of fish wastes and production of useful by-products including fertilizer and biogas. The method includes grinding up the fish wastes and adding liquid to create a suspension of up to 25% solids; optionally adding lipase to break down the fish oil; and anaerobically digesting the fish suspension over a period of approximately 20 days at a temperature in the range of 35.degree.-55.degree. C. with mixing provided by recirculation or other means. After digestion, the suspension is pumped to a secondary chamber for storage, further breakdown by mechanical means such as agitation or recirculation, centrifugation to remove suspended solids, production of an enhanced fertilizer by the addition of seaweed, urea, nitrogen, potash and chelated micronutrients, deodorization, by the addition of potassium permanganate, treatment to reduce the B.O.D. or evaporation to reduce liquid.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for application to the skin, having slenderizing and anti-cellulitis activity contains (i) an effective amount of a plant extract containing saponins, said extract being selected from the group consisting of Hedera haelix L extract, Ruscus aculeatus L extract and Aesculus hipocastanus L extract, said extract containing 30 to 100 percent saponins, (ii) an effective amount of an extract of Arnica Montana L, said extract being provided in the form of a tincture or a glycol extract, and (iii) an effective amount of kola nut extract, said extract containing caffeine in an amount ranging from 1.25 to 10 weight percent.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for the skin comprises in an appropriate cosmetic vehicle or base at least one non-hormonal iodinated organic compound, at least one diffusion enzyme and at least one anti-inflammatory or anti-edematous acting agent.