Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a variable pressure vessel. The vessel includes a liquid chamber and a gas chamber and a moveable barrier therebetween. The vessel has a volume, a first stroke, and a second stroke. The liquid chamber and the gas chamber each have a variable volume that changes responsive to the first stroke and the second stroke. The gas chamber has an outer wall wherein at least a portion of the outer wall is thermally conductive and allows heat to transfer therethrough. Movement of the moveable barrier between the liquid chamber and the gas chamber causes the volume in the liquid chamber and the volume in the gas chamber to displace each other. The volume in the gas chamber plus the volume in the liquid chamber is generally constant and generally equals the volume in the variable pressure vessel.

Abstract: Described herein are gummy compositions and products. In one aspect the gummy compositions include: (I) one or more gelating agents; (II) at least one fruit juice and/or fruit extract; and (III) 0.15-2 wt % caffeine. In a further aspect the invention provides a gummy composition comprising: (I) one or more gelating agents; (II) at least one fruit juice and/or fruit extract; (III) at least one vitamin; and (IV) 0.15-2 wt % caffeine. Also described herein are gummy products composed of the gummy compositions as well as methods of making and using the gummy compositions.

Abstract: Described herein are gummy compositions and products. In one aspect the gummy compositions include: (I) one or more gelating agents; (II) at least one fruit juice and/or fruit extract; and (III) 0.15-2 wt % caffeine. In a further aspect the invention provides a gummy composition comprising: (I) one or more gelating agents; (II) at least one fruit juice and/or fruit extract; (III) at least one vitamin; and (IV) 0.15-2 wt % caffeine. Also described herein are gummy products composed of the gummy compositions as well as methods of making and using the gummy compositions.

Abstract: A circuit that includes a battery monitoring circuit structured to monitor at least one from among power grid current, battery output current, and time and to determine at least one of a battery charging profile and a battery type, and to output a digital communication data stream; and a controller coupled to the power grid and to the battery monitoring circuit to receive the data stream and to output a control signal to direct all or a proportion of the power grid current to a diversion load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring energy storage devices is disclosed. A monitoring system that monitors an energy storage device collects and stores operating data from the device and relays that data through a communications system to one or more servers. The servers can store the operating data from each of the monitored energy storage devices.

Abstract: A quencher for a flow cell battery is described. The quencher utilizes a quench solution formed from FeCl2 in a dilute HCl solution in order to quench chlorine emissions from the flow cell battery. A quench sensor is further described. The quench sensor monitors the concentration level of FeCl2 in the quench solution and may also monitor the level of the quench solution in the quencher.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a level of a conductive liquid, is provided. The sensor includes at least two electrodes that can be positioned in a holding tank so as to be partially submerged in the conductive liquid, sensor leads coupled to the at least two electrodes, and circuitry and a controller for determining the properties of the electrolyte, the circuitry being coupled to the at least two electrodes via the sensor leads, and the controller being coupled to the circuitry. The sensor may be used as an electrolyte level sensor in a flow battery system.

Abstract: A front-surface-illuminated photovoltaic device, having a first semiconductor layer (180) with a back surface, a second semiconductor layer (130) with a front surface, the second layer (130) having the opposite doping type to the first layer (180) and deposited on the first layer (180); and at least one ohmic contact (160, 230) to each of the first (180) and second (130) semiconductor layers; and a process for making the photovoltaic device. The device may also have a barrier layer (190) for reducing diffusion of impurities from the first semiconductor layer (180) into the second semiconductor layer (130), a blocking layer (120), and a reflector layer (200). The device may have an array of first regions (115) in which the second layer (130) is of opposite doping type to that of the first layer (180) and forms p-n junctions (240) in these first regions (115), and second regions (300), each second region (300) containing the barrier layer (190) and the reflector layer (200).

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having a front and back orientation and comprising: a crystalline substrate having a resistivity greater than about 0.01 ohm-cm; and an epitaxy thin-film layer in front of said substrate, said thin-film layer contacting said substrate in at least one region to define a p-n junction.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having a front and back orientation and comprising: a crystalline substrate having a resistivity greater than about 0.01 ohm-cm; and an epitaxy thin-film layer in front of said substrate, said thin-film layer contacting said substrate in at least one region to define a p-n junction.

Abstract: A wildlife guard for electrical power distribution equipment has two hingedly mounted sections which close together to form a protective cover at the top of an insulator bushing on electrical equipment. The wildlife guard is adapted by its structure to fit a range of bushing sizes and yet provide structural integrity and reliable protection once in place. The wildlife guard also accommodates passage of conductive members such as electrical conductors and sparkgap bars through the cover at locations governed by actual field conditions. The wildlife guard has a cover locking mechanism allowing its easy removal when desired.

Abstract: Lignite is treated with ligninase source to enhance its reactivity. In one embodiment, lignite is gasified in a subterranean reactor by simultaneous digestion by anaerobic ligninase producers, such as termite microflora, and acid formers and methanogens. In another embodiment, the lignite is treated with ligninase prior to digestion by the acid formers and methanogens. If desired, the lignite may be pretreated by alkaline hydrolysis.

Abstract: A pole setting guide device is provided for receiving and supporting a utility pole during its upright installation into a hole in the ground. The pole setting guide device includes a yoke assembly secured to a support column. The yoke assembly includes a shaft mounted transversely between side beams and a roller member rotatably mounted on the shaft. A hitch arm is transversely attached to the support column and connects the pole setting device to the vehicle's receiver hitch. The hitch arm includes a hole for receiving a pin for securing the pole setting device within the receiver hitch.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fluidized bed incineration of waste containing phosphorus wherein the bed comprises lime or limestone which negates heretofore existing problems incident to the presence of phosphorus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fluidized bed incineration of waste containing phosphorus wherein the bed comprises lime or limestone which negates heretofore existing problems incident to the presence of phosphorus.

Abstract: An underwater shock control system, including apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising one or more large underwater cylinder shock or dynamic load dampeners especially adapted to protect against seismic loads (particularly in a high gamma radiation environment) while allowing movement due to temperature. Each underwater cylinder is mounted between underwater equipment to be stabilized and underwater support structure. Each underwater cylinder uses the surrounding water as the working hydraulic fluid which water is drawn in and expelled through various orifices in the cylinder by relative movement between the equipment and support structure.