Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are provided; the apparatus having at least a degasser, a hollow core fiber HCF, an optical mechanism, a detector, and circuitry. The degasser enables gasses to permeate out of a liquid into the degasser interior. The propagator establishes a low-pressure area that helps to pull the gas from the degasser interior into the HCF interior, where the optical mechanism delivers electromagnetic radiation EMR that interacts with the gas. The detector determines EMR absorption, producing output signals which are sent to the circuitry. Circuitry controls the optical mechanism and analyzes the output signals to quantify the concentration of gas in the HCF and in the liquid.

Abstract: Seaweed seeders that can deposit seaweed directly along a grow-line or other grow structure are disclosed herein. In a specific embodiment, the seaweed seeder includes: a bracket; at least one cap member, where the at least one cap member is connected to the bracket; at least one motor, at least one propeller, where the at least one propeller is connected to the at least one motor; at least one main housing, where the at least one main housing includes a length, an outer surface, an inner surface, and an interior space, and where the at least one main housing is connected to the at least one cap member; at least one electronic controller, where the at least one electronic controller is positioned in the interior space of the main housing, where at least one electronic controller is in electronic communication with the at least at least one motor; and an attaching member.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods of monitoring wind and water properties. For one such weather monitoring system, a weather monitoring station comprises an upper mast section having an instrumentation package, wherein the instrumentation package includes an orientation sensor, communications circuitry, a wind velocity sensor, and a control unit that is configured to at least receive sensor data and transmit communication data via the communications circuitry. The weather monitoring station further includes at least one lower mast section that is coupled to the upper mast section, and an anchoring system that is coupled to the lower mast section, wherein the anchoring system includes at least one subsurface anchor for inserting into a ground surface within a littoral zone of a coastal area. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods for large-scale processing of weather-related data. For one such system, the system comprises a database of weather-related data providing from at least one weather monitoring station and at least one processor for coordinating a data processing job for processing a set of input weather-related data from the database. Accordingly, the input data comprises sensor data from the at least one weather monitoring station positioned on an open shoreline during a hydrodynamic event, weather model data for the hydrodynamic event, and at least one of air-craft reconnaissance data or satellite reconnaissance data regarding the hydrodynamic event, wherein the at least one processor is configured to assimilate the input data and generate, using machine learning, an improved weather prediction model for the hydrodynamic event. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method of use for the calibration of a detector. The calibration device includes a first source configured to produce first electromagnetic energy EMR. A first diffuser is connected to the first source and is configured to accept the first EMR and provide a first diffused portion of the first EMR. An integrating sphere defines an interior and is optically connected to the first diffuser, and is configured to accept the first diffused portion from the first diffuser into the interior. An exit port connected to the integrating sphere is configured to pass at least a portion of electromagnetic energy. A thermal mechanism is configured to adjust and maintain the temperature of at least the first source. The integrating sphere is configured to pass only a second portion of the first diffused portion of the first EMR from the first diffuser to the exit port. In another embodiment, the calibration device has an arm, an actuator, and a module.

Abstract: A rotational feedback control system, and method of using same, including a rotating element, a sensor and a digital controller. The system capable of monitoring, setting, and adjusting the inter-rotational angular velocity within a single revolution of the rotating element. The digital controller implementing a control system with control parameters based on angular position, nominal angular velocity and steering angular velocity.

Abstract: A method comprising a series of selective extraction techniques for the parallel production of biodiesel and isolation of several valuable co-products including an alkenone hydrocarbon mixture of the kerosene/jet fuel range (primarily C10-, C12-, and C17-hydrocarbons) and fucoxanthin, a high-valued carotenoid, from the marine alkenone-producing microalgae Isochrysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods for large-scale processing of weather-related data. For one such system, the system comprises a database of weather-related data providing from a plurality of weather monitoring stations and a plurality of interconnected processors for coordinating a data processing job for processing a set of input weather-related data from the database. Accordingly, the input data comprises sensor data from an array of weather monitoring stations positioned on an open shoreline during a hydrodynamic event, weather model data for the hydrodynamic event, and at least one of air-craft reconnaissance data or satellite reconnaissance data regarding the hydrodynamic event, wherein the plurality of interconnected processors are configured to assimilate the input data and generate, using machine learning, an improved weather prediction model for the hydrodynamic event. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system for the differentiation of plastic and non-plastic particles in suspension in a liquid, and the method of use thereof. The system having a channel for constraining and presenting the liquid to a detector, the detector having at least one transmit electrode for emitting electrical current to at least one receive electrode. Circuitry provides the current input and received electrical signals measurement capacities. Particles passing the receive electrodes alter the received electrical current according to the particle's dielectric properties, the circuitry records the received signals and discerns a particle's nature, most often plastic from non-plastic, from the differential signal of these received signals as a function of frequency.

Abstract: A gradient sensing probe system, and method of using same, including a sensing segment which includes a plurality of sensors, a support structure, and an electrical interface having first and second faces. The system further includes a housing, a power source, and an electronics package including a controller and disposed within the housing. The sensing segment is configured to measure external gradients and to exchange data with the controller. The power source is connected energetically to provide power to the sensing segment and the electronics package, and is controlled by the controller.

Abstract: The use of long-chain alkenones to impart desired characteristics in personal care compositions for topical applications is described. The preparation of mixtures long-chain alkenones and synthetic derivatives thereof is presented. Examples of compositions include abrasive soaps, with alkenones serving as natural exfoliating agents. Alkenones and their derivatives can serve as emollients, occlusive agents, encapsulating agents, stabilizing agents, binding agents, thickening agents, surfactants, and antimicrobials.

Abstract: A method comprising a series of selective extraction techniques for the parallel production of biodiesel and isolation of several valuable co-products including an alkenone hydrocarbon mixture of the kerosene/jet fuel range (primarily C10-, C12-, and C17-hydrocarbons) and fucoxanthin, a high-valued carotenoid, from the marine alkenone-producing microalgae Isochrysis.

Abstract: Described herein is a system to provide continuously measurements of an analyte present in a fluid sample, particularly dissolved oxygen in wastewater. The system comprises a sample chamber absent of ambient light to contain the sample and in many embodiments employs a non-invasive method of measuring the analyte and determining the change over time in the concentration of the analyte. It is also an aspect of the invention to deliver analyte measurements in real-time and provides the operator with feedback in substantially less time after sample collection than previously accomplished in the field. It is another aspect of the invention to simultaneously or at least in a substantially short period of time thereafter measure temperature to remove initial error encountered at the start of analyte measurement at least until the sample chamber reaches thermal equilibrium.

Abstract: The use of long-chain alkenones to impart desired characteristics in personal care compositions for topical applications is described. The preparation of mixtures long-chain alkenones and synthetic derivatives thereof is presented. Examples of compositions include abrasive soaps, with alkenones serving as natural exfoliating agents. Alkenones and their derivatives can serve as emollients, occlusive agents, encapsulating agents, stabilizing agents, binding agents, thickening agents, surfactants, and antimicrobials.

Abstract: A lightweight winch has the motor assembly centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing level wind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum. And a small-footprint level wind system having elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. Also provides direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide, and a load-bearing leadscrew having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.

Abstract: A system for the differentiation of plastic and non-plastic particles in suspension in a liquid, and the method of use thereof. The system having a channel for constraining and presenting the liquid to a detector, the detector having at least one transmit electrode for emitting electrical current to at least one receive electrode. Circuitry provides the current input and received electrical signals measurement capacities. Particles passing the receive electrodes alter the received electrical current according to the particle's dielectric properties, the circuitry records the received signals and discerns a particle's nature, most often plastic from non-plastic, from the differential signal of these received signals as a function of frequency.

Abstract: A lightweight winch suitable for industrial applications has the motor assembly self-centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch drum is supported by a bearing means capable of bearing heavy loads in addition to contributing to a compact profile of the winch. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing levelwind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, and low relief profile turntable is equipped for the universal mounting of different winches and winch-type apparatus suitable for use on the deck of a ship or other surface. The turntable is capable of mounting to an increased number of potential locations on deck where it may be easily manipulated to achieve a useful direction and an optical fleet angle.

Abstract: A passive ballast device, system and method of using same, configured for use with a submersible vehicle in a liquid environment, including a chamber having at least one rigid wall to define at least a portion of a chamber volume, and a passively movable compensator having at least first and second surfaces, the first surface configured to be exposed to the liquid environment, the second surface excluded from the liquid environment, and forming, together with the at least one wall of the chamber, a fluid-tight seal to establish the remainder of the chamber volume, to exclude the liquid environment from the chamber volume and configured to adjust the chamber volume to at least a first chamber volume and a second chamber volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to profiler systems and methods for observing and sensing aspects of a body of water at a plurality of depths. A water profiler is disclosed comprising, generally, a vessel body connected to an external mooring cable via an attachment means, a drive means for maneuvering the vessel body longitudinally about the mooring cable; an articulating mechanism; and a sensor array capable of measuring a parameter for study wherein the vessel body is capable of articulating about the mooring cable. In alternate embodiments, the articulation allows the vessel body to be placed in relation with the three dimensional current such that at least one sensor is positioned into the current so as to sample or measure undisturbed water. In alternate embodiments, hydrofoils or wings are mounted to the vessel body that can be manipulated to harness the current force and maneuver the vessel body.