Abstract: A method of processing food waste in a food waste digester using processed tagua seeds as a support medium for micro-organism that digest food waste into a biodegradable liquid.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing waste services. The system may include first portals configured to receive waste-related asset information from customers, second portals configured to receive waste-related asset information from vendors, and a central processing unit in electronic communication with first and second portals. The central processing unit may be configured to monitor operation of customer assets based on the waste-related asset information received from the customers, and to make a determination that an operating parameter of a particular customer asset has deviated from an acceptable range based on the monitored operation. The central processing unit may be further configured to automatically complete a sales transaction with a particular one of the vendors on behalf of a particular one of the customers based on the determination and based on the waste-related asset information received from the vendors.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing waste services. The system may have a memory with computer-executable instructions stored thereon, and a processor. The processor may be configured to execute the instructions to receive, via a first portal, sensor data and location data associated with a service vehicle; to make a determination based on the location data of whether the service vehicle is stopped or moving; and based on the determination, to selectively show on a second portal, confirmation of a service activity completed by the service vehicle or an irregularity in a roadway traveled by the service vehicle corresponding to the sensor data.

Abstract: A system is provided for use in managing waste services. The system may include a first portal with a first memory, a first processor, and a first display; and a second portal with a second memory, a second processor, and a second display. The system may also include a network connecting the first and second portals. Each of the first and second processors may execute computer-executable instructions to receive information from a consumer associated with desired disposal of a bulk item, and to show on the first and second displays the information. Each of the first and second processors may also execute the computer-executable instructions to receive at least one of an acceptance or an offer from a hauler to provide the desired disposal, to receive electronic payment from the consumer for completion of the desired disposal, and to make electronic payment to the hauler after confirmation of the completion.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing waste services. The system may have a locating device configured to generate a signal indicative of a location of a service vehicle on a roadway, a communication device, and a controller in communication with the locating and communication devices. The controller may be configured to determine a side of the roadway at which a first target location is currently being serviced by the service vehicle, and to determine based on the signal from the locating device a proximity of the service vehicle to a second target location at which the waste services are to be performed. The second target location may be on the same side of the roadway as the first target location. The controller may also be configured to automatically provide via the communicating device an estimated time of arrival to a customer corresponding to the second target location, based on the proximity.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing waste services. The system may have a provider portal, a locating device configured to generate a location signal indicative of a location of a service vehicle, and a central processing unit in communication with the provider portal and the locating device. The central processing unit may be configured to determine a total amount of fuel consumed by the service vehicle and to determine, based at least in part on the location signal, a portion of the total amount of fuel consumed by the service vehicle when the service vehicle is not traveling on public roadways. The central processing unit may be further configured to cause an indication of the portion of the total amount of fuel to be displayed on the provider portal.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing waste. The system may have a customer portal, and a central processing unit in electronic communication with the customer portal. The central processing unit may be configured to receive, via the customer portal, information an amount of business conducted at a customer location. The central processing unit may also be configured to selectively determine a custom offer for recommended service based on the information, and to cause the custom offer to be displayed on the customer portal.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for use in managing waste services. The tool may have an interface configured to receive input from a user indicative of an on-demand service request. The tool may also have a communication device, and a controller in electronic communication with the interface and the communication device. The controller may be configured to transmit a waste management command to a remote service provider via the communication device based on the input.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing a waste management app. The system may have a locating device disposed onboard a service vehicle and configured to generate a first signal indicative of a location of the service vehicle, an input device, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a route assignment including waste services to be performed by the service vehicle, and to track movement of the service vehicle during performance of the waste services based on the first signal. The controller may also be configured to provide a graphical user interface for display on the input device, listing the waste services from the route assignment to be performed by the service vehicle and showing a location of the service vehicle relative to at least one location at which the waste services are to be performed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing waste services performed by a service vehicle. The system may have at least one sensor disposed onboard the service vehicle and configured to generate a first signal indicative of a waste service being completed by the service vehicle. The system may also have a computing device in communication with the at least one sensor. The computing device may be configured to determine, based on the second signal, that the waste service has been performed. The computing device may also be configured to selectively generate an electronic response based on performance of the waste service.

Abstract: A system and method for continually and automatically measuring the quality of steam includes a steam dryness/superheat meter and a non-condensable gases (NCG) meter. The steam dryness meter includes a throttling calorimeter through which a steam sample enters at atmospheric pressure, sensors for sensing the pressure and temperature of the stream before and after it enters the calorimeter, a controllable heat input for supplying any additional energy necessary to superheat the steam sample, and logic for deriving the dryness from the collected data. The NCG meter includes a cooler for condensing the steam sample reservoirs into which the liquid and non-condensable gases are entrapped and measured, and logic for continuously deriving the NCG ratio from the collected data.

Abstract: A system for moving an object in one axis that creates highly dispersed but precisely controlled mechanical force to support, manipulate, and maintain an object, tool or application in precise alignment or orientation with respect to a stationary or moving target is disclosed. The system includes one or more fluid containers within a cylindrical enclosure or drum, and a shaft running through longitudinal axis of the drum. The shaft is coupled to the drum by rotating assemblies so that the drum may rotate around the shaft or the draft may rotate inside the drum. The fluid inflatable containers are arranged in a inside the drum around the shaft so that each container exerts expansive force between a vane fixed to the drum and a vane fixed to the shaft. A volume of the fluid may be placed in the one or more fluid containers by control systems. By changing the volume of fluid in the one or more containers, forces are exerted on the vanes and the object is moved.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method for moving an object in one axis includes one or more fluid inflatable containers which are arranged to transmit fluid pressure to a plunger, such that a flexible membrane of the fluid inflatable container engages with the plunger and forms a rolling lobe in response to changes in volume. The fluid inflatable containers are enclosed within an enclosure or drum, and a shaft runs axially through the center of the enclosure. The system further includes one or more control valves operably connected to the one or more fluid inflatable containers for controlling the volume of fluid in the one or more containers. By changing the volume of fluid in the one or more containers the object is moved. In an embodiment an arced plunger is used to assist in creating the rolling lobe.

Abstract: A hooded sweatshirt that may be converted to a stuffed pillow has a sweatshirt body that is adapted to be worn by a person and a hood attached to the sweatshirt body. The hood has a stuffed-pillow surface and an opposed hood surface. The hood can be reconfigured between a sweatshirt configuration wherein the hood surface faces outward and can cover a head of the person when the person is wearing the sweatshirt body, and a pillow configuration wherein the stuffed-pillow surface faces outward and the sweatshirt body may be stuffed inside the hood so that they together form the stuffed pillow.