Abstract: An ion exchange system includes an ion exchange column filled with ion exchange media and a passive cooling system. The passive cooling system includes a working fluid that transfers heat away from the ion exchange column. In one embodiment, the working fluid is in a closed system. In another embodiment, the passive cooling system includes a heat pipe. In yet another embodiment, the ion exchange system is used to separate radionuclides, such as Cs-137 from a liquid waste stream.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a retaining assembly for an animal trap. The retaining assembly includes a housing configured to be mounted to a base of the animal trap. A drawer is slidably coupled to the housing between a first position and a second position. A retaining feature is coupled to the drawer. The retaining feature is configured to engage with a retaining arm of the animal trap in the first position and disengage from the retaining arm in the second position.

Abstract: An example disposable food service tray that can withstand high heat is disclosed. The disposable food tray includes a first layer comprising paper board, and a second layer comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) affixed to the first layer, wherein an adhesion between the first layer and the second layer is configured to withstand a temperature of up to 525 degrees Fahrenheit for up to six minutes without blistering.

Abstract: Disclosed are blockchain-based systems and methods for analyzing and tracking work performance. An example method may commence with detecting a plurality of actions performed by one or more users with regard to one or more digital files. The method may continue with creating a timestamp for each of the plurality of actions. The method may further include generating a hash value for each of the plurality of actions. The method may continue with storing the hash value and the timestamp associated with each of the plurality of actions to a record on a blockchain. The method may further include analyzing the hash value and the timestamp associated with the plurality of actions of the one or more users to evaluate the work performance of the one or more users.

Abstract: An example disposable food service tray that can withstand high heat is disclosed. The disposable food tray includes a first layer comprising paper board, and a second layer comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) affixed to the first layer, wherein an adhesion between the first layer and the second layer is configured to withstand a temperature of up to 525 degrees Fahrenheit for up to six minutes without blistering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch (also called a flexible container) for holding fluid, the pouch including: (a) a first polymeric sheet including a first inner body and a first outer surface, the first inner body including a first inner surface and inner microstructure extending from the first inner surface, the first inner body defining an aerial microstructure surface area density (AMSAD) between 5% and 15%; (b) a second polymeric sheet including a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second polymeric sheet may be joined with the first polymeric sheet such that the first inner body and the second inner surface form an air-tight fluid chamber therebetween. The second polymeric sheet may lack microstructure extending from the second inner surface. The first inner surface, the first outer surface, the second inner surface, and the second outer surface may be smooth and non-recessed.

Abstract: A label with improved physical properties comprising: a base layer having a microstructured area; a composite microstructure having a first, second and third set of microstructures disposed on the microstructured area; a dry lift force attributable to the composite microstructure greater than 7 pounds according to lift testing; a wet lift force attributable to the composite microstructure greater than 7 pounds according to lift testing; an adhesive layer affixed to the base layer for affixing the label to a container; and, thereby providing a microstructured label having improved gripping physical properties that can be affixed to a container.

Abstract: A label with improved physical properties comprising: a base layer having a microstructured area; a composite microstructure having a first, second and third set of microstructures disposed on the microstructured area; a dry lift force attributable to the composite microstructure greater than 7 pounds according to lift testing; a wet lift force attributable to the composite microstructure greater than 7 pounds according to lift testing; an adhesive layer affixed to the base layer for affixing the label to a container; and, thereby providing a microstructured label having improved gripping physical properties that can be affixed to a container.

Abstract: A method for vitrifying waste to prevent the formation of molybdate secondary phases includes forming a feed mixture that includes the waste, a source of vanadium, and at least one of glass frit or glass forming chemicals and vitrifying the feed mixture in a melter to produce a glass product that includes the waste.

Abstract: A stump pulling apparatus comprises a frame, a pair of arms, a pair of stump-engaging wheels, and a drawbar. The pair of arms are pivotally mounted to the frame. The pair of stump-engaging wheels are each rotatably mounted on the pair of arms at a rear end of the corresponding one of the pair of arms. The drawbar includes a front segment, configured to engage the vehicle for towing the stump pulling apparatus and slidably coupled to the rear segment, a rear segment coupled to each of the pair of arms, and a displacement cylinder coupled to and intermediately disposed between the front segment and the rear segment. When the front segment of the drawbar is pulled forward, the displacement cylinder provides a forwardly-acting force on the rear segment, which pivots the pair of arms toward each other, thereby forcibly bringing the stump-engaging wheels together.

Abstract: An ion exchange system includes one or more strategies to reduce the amount of hydrogen gas inside an ion exchange column when the column is offline or disposed of. The ion exchange system comprises an ion exchange column including a housing and ion exchange media positioned in the housing. The ion exchange column can include one or more of the following: (1) an oxide material that limits the production of hydrogen gas from radiolysis, (2) a hydrogen scavenging material that removes or scavenges hydrogen gas inside the column, and (3) a hydrogen catalytic material that catalyzes the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen inside the column.

Abstract: This invention is a micro-featured surface with improved insulation and condensation resistance comprising: a micro-structure included with the substrate having an arrangement of a first set of micro-features and a second set of micro-features; a first micro-feature horizontal cross section taken from the group consisting of a circle, oval, polygon, and concave portion; a condensation rate less than 0.15 grams when measure by an ambient test method; and an improved hold time of 23.00% or greater as shown by hold testing wherein a micro-feature density is in a range of 5.00% to 25.00%.

Abstract: Treatment of a radioactive waste stream is provided by adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and/or potassium hydroxide (KOH) together with a rapidly dissolving form of silica, e.g., fumed silica or fly ash. Alternatively, the fumed silica can be first dissolved in a NaOH/KOH solution, which is then combined with the waste solution. Adding a binder that can be a mixture of metakaolin (Al2O3.2SiO2), ground blast furnace slag, fly ash, or other additives. Adding an “enhancer” that can be composed of a group of additives that are used to further enhance the immobilization of heavy metals and key radionuclides such as 99Tc and 129I. An additional step can involve simple mixing of the binder with the activator and enhancer, which can occur in the final waste form container, or in a mixing vessel prior to pumping into the final waste form container, depending on the particular application.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatuses and methods for the underwater removal and insertion of thrusters using a transfer system. Embodiments include a transfer system having a deck fitting assembly configured to be mounted to a hull of a marine vessel, a tension rod assembly secured to the deck fitting assembly, a track system secured to the tension rod assembly, a transfer frame movably secured to the track system via a hoist system, and a cradle removably secured to the transfer frame. Cradle and transfer frame are vertically movable and horizontally traversable along a portion of the hull via the hoist system.

Abstract: A food holder for retaining a food product is provided. The food holder is formed from a continuous blank of the sheet material. The food holder includes a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The food holder further includes a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The bottom tray is rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line. The top tray is rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position. The food holder further includes a moveable section including a portion of at lest one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel. The moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are described that provides fully automated network access to remote networked devices. The device and system permits the remote access of a local network without any pre-configuration or administrative burden at the local network. Embodiments as described herein provide a “plug and play” option to insert a device into the local network and provide access to select target devices on the network, even non-routable devices, without first requiring dedicated host software or other administrative privileges or configurations be set at the local network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for the underwater or dry dock repair of damaged articles, including structural steel members and associated appendages, as well as propellers of vessels. The disclosed embodiments include a pressing apparatus including a structural body, a ram, a first fixture plate, a ballast tank having variable buoyancy control, and a working envelope. The ram is secured to the structural body and has a pressing surface. The first fixture plate is secured to the structural body at a location opposite the ram and has a first working surface. The ballast tank is formed within the structural body. The working envelope is located between the pressing surface and the first working surface. The ram is adjustable in a plane parallel or perpendicular to the first working surface. The first fixture plate is adjustable in a plane parallel to the pressing surface.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are described that provides fully automated network access to remote networked devices. The device and system permits the remote access of a local network without any pre-configuration or administrative burden at the local network. Embodiments as described herein provide a “plug and play” option to insert a device into the local network and provide access to select target devices on the network, even non-routable devices, without first requiring dedicated host software or other administrative privileges or configurations be set at the local network.

Abstract: A satellite communication network includes one or more satellites and multiple ground stations, or ground stations. An originating ground station receives an Internet communication, determines when a satellite will be within range, and transmits a stream of data packets including part or all of the communication to the satellite when in communication range. The satellite either forwards the data packets to another satellite, or determines when a destination ground station will be in sight and transmits the data packets to the destination ground station when in range.

Abstract: A modular structure includes a first container and a second container. The modular structure also includes at least two locking devices, wherein the at least two locking devices couple the first container to the second container. The first and second containers have a compact configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration the first and second containers are separated by a distance that is greater than distance of separation in the compact configuration.