Abstract: A portable beverage press mug is includes a vessel and a press head assembly. The press head assembly includes a screen (or filter) and a valve arrangement covering the screen. The valve arrangement is movable in response to fluid pressure to create a gap between the valve arrangement and the frame and permit fluid to pass through the screen and the gap.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable rate sulfur recovery process continuously calculates and adjusts sour gas stream operating pressure and/or flow rate to maximize sweet gas output, thereby improving efficiency. A corresponding desulfurization system may include a fixed-sized pressure vessel, a flow control valve that controls the rate of flow of a sour gas stream into the pressure vessel, a sensor that measures sulfur concentration in the sour gas stream, a reagent tank, an oxidizer tank, and a phase separator that separates sweet gas as a gaseous phase after hydrogen sulfide in the sour gas stream in the pressure vessel is converted to elemental sulfur, sulfur species, or both by contact with reagent from the reagent tank and oxidizer from the oxidizer tank. A PLC (programmable logic controller) continuously calculates updated flow rates based on sulfur concentration measurements from the sensor to achieve maximum sweet gas production.

Abstract: A portable beverage press mug is includes a vessel and a press head assembly. The press head assembly includes a screen (or filter) and a valve arrangement covering the screen. The valve arrangement is movable in response to fluid pressure to create a gap between the valve arrangement and the frame and permit fluid to pass through the screen and the gap.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for estimating state of a cardiovascular system, comprising a cardiac stroke volume analyzer, comprising: (1) a blood pressure sensor generating a time-varying pressure state waveform output from a limb of the person; (2) a system processor connected to the blood pressure sensor; and (3) a dynamic state-space model; the system processor receiving cardiovascular input data, from the blood pressure sensor, related to a transient pressure state of the cardiovascular system; at least one probabilistic model, of the dynamic state-space model, operating on the time-varying pressure state waveform output to generate a probability distribution function to a non-pressure state of the cardiovascular system; iteratively updating the probability distribution function using output from the blood pressure sensor; and processing the probability distribution function to generate a non-pressure state output related to stroke volume of a heart of the person and arterial compliance

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a toy race track. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in conjunction with a vehicle affixed to a track, wherein the track is supported in relation to at least one fixed surface via a plurality of support structures. In one embodiment, the track comprises a plurality of flexible sections, allowing a user to construct a track resembling a rollercoaster, having steep curves, upside-down portions, etc. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a plurality rollers that can be used to both affix the vehicle to the track and propel the vehicle along the track. By affixing the vehicle to the track, the vehicle is prevented from leaving the track during extreme situations (e.g., steep curves, upside-down portions, etc.).

Abstract: A probabilistic digital signal processor using data from multiple instruments is described. In one example, a digital signal processor is integrated into a biomedical device. The processor is configured to: use a dynamic state-space model configured with a physiological model of a body system to provide a prior probability distribution function; receive sensor data input from at least two data sources; and iteratively use a probabilistic updater to integrate the sensor data as a fused data set and generate a posterior probability distribution function using all of: (1) the fused data set; (2) an application of Bayesian probability; and (3) the prior probability distribution function. The processor further generates an output of a biomedical state using the posterior probability function.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser including a housing having a beverage storage space capable of storing a volume of a beverage to be dispensed and a heat exchanger sub-system operable to effect the temperature of a beverage stored in or passing through the beverage storage space. The housing is provided with at least one wall through which beverage in the beverage storage space can be visualized. The dispenser includes a coupling enabling the coupling of a valve to facilitate dispensing of beverage from the beverage storage space.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a sprinkler head is disclosed. The sprinkler head can include a spray stem comprising an upper stem rotatably coupled to a base stem; a spray nozzle coupled to a distal end of the upper stem; and a connector for removably coupling the sprinkler head to a pressurized liquid source. An interior cavity of the base stem can be in fluid communication with an interior cavity of the connector, and the upper stem can rotate between an operational position where an upper stem interior cavity is in fluid communication with the base stem interior cavity and a maintenance position where the upper stem interior cavity is not in fluid communication with the base stem interior cavity. A pop-up sprinkler head including the spray stem described herein is also described.

Abstract: A probabilistic digital signal processor using data from multiple instruments is described. In one example, an analyzer is configured to: receive discrete first and second input data, related to a first and second sub-system of the system, from a first and second instrument, respectively. A system processor is used to fuse the first and second input data into fused data. The system processor optionally includes: (1) a probabilistic processor configured to convert the fused data into at least two probability distribution functions and (2) a dynamic state-space model, the dynamic state-space model including at least one probabilistic model configured to operate on the at least two probability distribution functions. The system processor iteratively circulates the at least two probability distribution functions in the dynamic state-space model in synchronization with receipt of updated input data, processes the probability distribution functions, and generates an output related to the state of the system.

Abstract: A sampling adapter having a tubular body with a first open end and a second open end encloses an adapter volume that is accessible by a sensor probe through a septum in cap covering the first open end. The second open end is configured to be reversibly attachable to an opening in a storage container.

Abstract: A constant volume combustion chamber, combustor, and method for constant volume combustion involve combusting a fuel in a chamber sealed by a pintle having a conical portion fitted into a conical nozzle throat and pulling the pintle away from the nozzle throat to allow combustion products to exhaust through a nozzle outlet. The shapes and surfaces of the pintle and nozzle throat provide for sealing the chamber at high pressures while resisting surface wear. Operational parameters for the combustor may be computer controlled in response to measured pressures and temperatures in the combustor.

Abstract: A method and system for processing algae involves the use of an ionic liquid-containing clarified cell lysate to lyse algae cells. The resulting crude cell lysate may be clarified and subsequently used to lyse algae cells. The process may be repeated a number of times before a clarified lysate is separated into lipid and aqueous phases for further processing and/or purification of desired products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring, collecting, and processing the temperatures of a number of hot junctions in a thermocouple sensor array simultaneously comprises means for measuring the temperature of one or more reference junctions and means for collecting, processing, storing, and transmitting data collected from an array of thermocouple temperature sensors. The measured temperature(s) of the one or more reference junctions is used to correct the measured voltage in each of a plurality of thermocouple circuits to obtain accurate hot junction temperature measurements. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for collecting and processing temperature data from various locations within engines such as turbine, rocket, and internal combustion engines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser including a housing having a beverage storage space capable of storing a volume of a beverage to be dispensed and a heat exchanger sub-system operable to effect the temperature of a beverage stored in or passing through the beverage storage space. The housing is provided with at least one wall through which beverage in the beverage storage space can be visualised. The dispenser includes a coupling enabling the coupling of a valve to facilitate dispensing of beverage from the beverage storage space.

Abstract: A two-stage air source heat pump having an extended operational temperature range combines intercooling, regeneration, and inter-stage vapor recirculation. Cooling a working gas in between the lower and higher-pressure stages decreases the work required to compress the working gas. The entire system may be computer controlled using sensors to monitor flows, temperatures, and pressures in and around the system.

Abstract: A probabilistic digital signal processor using data from multiple instruments is described. Initial probability distribution functions are input to a dynamic state-space model, which operates on state and/or model probability distribution functions to generate a prior probability distribution function, which is input to a probabilistic updater. The probabilistic updater integrates sensor data from multiple instruments with the prior to generate a posterior probability distribution function passed (1) to a probabilistic sampler, which estimates one or more parameters using the posterior, which is output or re-sampled in an iterative algorithm or (2) iteratively to the dynamic state-space model. For example, the probabilistic processor operates on fused data using a physical model, where the data originates from a mechanical system or a medical meter or instrument, such as an electrocardiogram or pulse oximeter to generate new parameter information and/or enhanced parameter information.

Abstract: An energetic ionic liquid catalytic decomposition gas generator uses stoichiometric and nonstoiciometric mixtures of specific energetic ionic liquids and iridium catalyst. The catalyst temperature used and gas production versus ignition may be controlled by combining one or more cationic species with one or more anionic species of the ionic liquid(s).

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) pole system for supporting medical equipment having a mast engaged to a base, the base having legs to support the mast and a lifting mechanism engaged to the base and the mast for moving the base along the mast. Each of the legs can include at least one wheel. The lifting mechanism is constructed to position the legs in an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The lifting mechanism is further constructed to raise the legs and wheels relative to the base and relative to a surface. The lifting mechanism is configured to position the wheels proximate to the mast in the retracted configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring, collecting, and processing the temperatures of a number of hot junctions in a thermocouple sensor array simultaneously comprises means for measuring the temperature of one or more reference junctions and means for collecting, processing, storing, and transmitting data collected from an array of thermocouple temperature sensors. The measured temperature(s) of the one or more reference junctions is used to correct the measured voltage in each of a plurality of thermocouple circuits to obtain accurate hot junction temperature measurements. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for collecting and processing temperature data from various locations within engines such as turbine, rocket, and internal combustion engines.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) pole system for supporting medical equipment having a base with legs, a mast engaged to the base, and a lifting mechanism including a gas spring engaged to the base and the mast. Each of the legs includes at least one wheel. The lifting mechanism is constructed to position the legs in an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The lifting mechanism is further constructed to raise the legs and wheels relative to the base and relative to a surface. The lifting mechanism is configured to position the wheels proximate to the mast in the retracted configuration.