Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the redox condition of cementitious materials. The methods are leaching methods that utilize a redox active transition metal indicator that is present in the cementitious material and exhibits variable solubility depending upon the oxidation state of the indicator. When the leaching process is carried out under anaerobic conditions, the presence or absence of the indicator in the leachate can be utilized to determine the redox condition of and location of the oxidation front in the material that has been subjected to the leaching process.

Abstract: A portable storage unit for a fuel additive such as DEF comprising: a housing including a tray support and a cover; a container disposed in the lower area for containing a fluid; a first heating element disposed between an inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the container; a fluid pump removable attached to the tray for pumping fluid from the container to a nozzle and for being removed from the tray to pump fluid from an external fluid source into the container; an intake hose connected to a coupler providing fluid communications between the container and the fluid pump.

Abstract: A metering device may be configured to communicate with other devices on a plurality of metering communication networks. To enable such communications across various networks, the metering communication device may use an active utility identifier corresponding to the metering network in which it is actively communicating. The active utility identifier may be changed to a valid utility identifier corresponding to another metering network and which may be associated with the metering communication device itself. The metering communication device may use the changed active utility identifier to communicate with other devices on the other metering network having the valid utility identifier. For example, the metering communication device may change the active utility identifier to enable communication a test network from a production network, a production network to a test network, or a first test network to a second test network.

Abstract: A storage battery arrangement includes a plurality of battery cells each having a cell housing having at least one cell terminal protruding from an end of the cell housing. The storage battery arrangement also includes a plurality of control units each having a control unit housing and electronic circuitry provided inside the control unit housing for monitoring and controlling at least one of the plurality of battery cells. The control units each include at least one control terminal extending to the outside of the control unit housing, the control terminal being electrically connected to the electronic circuitry. The size and shape of each of the control unit housings are substantially similar to the size and shape of the cell housings so that the control units can be arranged side-by-side among the battery cells and electrically connected the same way to the battery cells.

Abstract: The invention provides antimicrobial compositions comprising one or more acid and one or more organic diol. In one embodiment, the invention's compositions have an acidic pH. The compositions may optionally further contain one or more oxidizing agent (including stabilized oxidizing agent and/or unstabilized oxidizing agent), and/or one or more surfactant. In particular embodiments, the acid lacks one or both of —NH group and —NH2 group. The invention's compositions are useful in all stages of handling agricultural products, in hospitals, and in commercial and household applications.

Abstract: A system and a related method are disclosed for matching space launch vehicle, satellite, and mission hosted payload opportunities utilizing multi-level, priority algorithms. The potential matches include numerous mission-matching scenarios, e.g., 1) matching hosted payload and host spacecraft, and 2) matching spacecraft(s) and launch opportunities, to include rideshare opportunities. The matching opportunities can be pursued by any interested project team, e.g., hosted payload, spacecraft, and space launch vehicle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request to search for other users who are associated with at least a threshold level of similarity to the requesting user; accessing information indicative of a patient profile of the requesting user; determining one or more attributes of the requesting user; searching a data repository for information indicative of a user associated with one or more attributes corresponding to at least one of the one or more attributes of the requesting user; identifying, based on searching, a user associated with one or more attributes corresponding to at least one of the one or more attributes of the requesting user; determining that the one or more corresponding attributes of the identified user satisfy the threshold level of similarity; and transmitting information indicative of the identified user, with the transmitted information specifying the identified user as being a peer of the requesting user.

Abstract: A method for recovering a sour natural gas liquids stream is provided. In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide, natural gas liquids, and acid gas is received. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids and the acid gas. In another embodiment, a system comprises piping and a separator. The piping is configured to receive a recycle stream that comprises an injection gas, natural gas liquids, and acid gas. The separator is configured to separate the recycle stream into a purified recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified recycle stream comprises the injection gas, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids and the acid gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the sulfation from the plates of the battery and driving the sulfate crystals back into the electrolyte solution without overheating the battery is presented. The present invention includes a rotary magnetic hub and coil assembly to produces a unique output not found in other charging systems on the market. The battery desulfation method and apparatus of the present invention is self-adjusting to the battery, regardless of voltage and works by removing the sulfate crystals from the plates of lead acid batteries. As a result, the normal life of the average battery may be greatly extended. Heavily sulfated batteries may be brought back to working condition. When used for short durations for healthy batteries, the present invention keeps the sulfate crystals off the plates and in solution to extend the working life of the battery.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for advanced wagering. Some embodiments may include determining a desired wagering event for placing a wager, providing a user interface that includes a wager field for a user to indicate a wager and a payout field for the user to enter a desired payout that is based on the wager, calculating a wager amount to achieve the desired payout, and providing the wager amount to the user.

Abstract: An adjustable equipment mount assembly is configured to be adjustably secured within an overhead support module that is configured to be secured to a structure, such as a ceiling of an enclosed room. The overhead support module is configured to deliver air to the structure. The assembly may include an equipment mounting plate configured to connect to equipment, one or more first adjustable support members configured to allow the equipment mounting plate to be adjusted between different positions with respect to the overhead support module in a first direction, and one or more second adjustable support members configured to allow the equipment mounting plate to be adjusted between different positions with respect to the overhead support module in a second direction that differs from the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and methods for notifying first responders of a security crisis or threat. The alarm system can be scaled to allow the alarm system to be used effectively in facilities of differing sizes and layouts. The system is also flexible, enabling the system to integrate with currently existing systems or to operate with new devices.

Abstract: A radiation shielding block for constructing structural walls having flat opposed front and rear surfaces defining a thickness of the block, continuously curved, sinusoidal opposed left and right surfaces and top and bottom surfaces. The continuously curved, sinusoidal surfaces have a regular repeating wavelength pattern having a wave direction that is perpendicular to the flat front and rear surfaces, and a length that is two complete wavelengths of a sinusoidal wave. A plurality of the radiation shielding blocks are stackable in a staggered wythe construction having a plurality of wythes and at least one successive course of blocks set atop a previous course of blocks such that the continuously curved, sinusoidal surfaces of the successive course of blocks engage complementary continuously curved, sinusoidal surfaces of the previous course of blocks, and the successive course of blocks is offset by one wavelength from the previous course in a front-rear direction.

Abstract: Methods of providing payment for use of a medical device on a per-treatment session basis are disclosed. The methods include downloading treatment credits to the device linked to a customer account and activating the medical device when the number of available treatment credits is greater the one. The number of treatment credits downloaded to the device is based on at least one of a credit limit provided to the customer account and a number of prepaid treatment credits purchased by the customer. In other embodiments, the medical device monitors the number of treatment sessions performed and activates the device only when a customer's account is current.

Abstract: An extended school stop sign, which may but need not be retrofitable, and barrier is mounted on a conventional school bus stop sign and extends further into the adjacent lane to reduce instances in which motorists pass a stopped school bus. A first frame is permanently secured to conventional stop sign mechanism. A second breakaway frame or arm is attachable to and detachable from the first frame, and extends beyond the conventional stop sign. If a vehicle strikes the second frame, it separates without significantly damaging the conventional stop sign mechanism. The extension arm can be moved between a retracted and extended position by the same mechanism that opens and closes the conventional stop sign, or with a new mechanism entirely.

Abstract: A composite for use in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused fiber material disposed in at least a portion of a matrix material. The composite is capable of absorbing or reflecting EM radiation, or combinations thereof in a frequency range from between about 0.01 MHz to about 18 GHz. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE), is in a range from between about 40 decibels (dB) to about 130 dB. A method of manufacturing the composite includes disposing a CNT-infused fiber material in a portion of a matrix material with a controlled orientation of the CNT-infused fiber material within the matrix material, and curing the matrix material. A panel includes the composite and is adaptable to interface with a device for use in EMI shielding applications. The panel is further equipped with an electrical ground.

Abstract: A DC superconducting coaxial transmission system provides electrical transmission of 5,000 megawatts of energy while simultaneously delivering liquid hydrogen. The transmission system includes a coaxial transmission segment including an inner superconductor, an outer superconductor disposed in surrounding relation to the inner conductor, and a dielectric insulator disposed between the inner superconductor and the outer superconductor. Liquid hydrogen surrounds the superconductors. Three phase transformers and poly phase rectifier/inverters provide a DC voltage source to the superconductors from the electrical grid. In one embodiment, a switching circuit connected between the voltage source and the superconductor injects a cancellation current component into the direct current flow.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for repeating and semi-automatic cone-breech firearm systems are provided. A semi-automatic cone-breech firearm system may, for example, comprise a tapered semi-automatic seven (7) or eight (8) lug bolt having a cartridge channel that facilitates engagement of an ammunition cartridge with a cartridge seat and/or a plunger-style ejector.