Abstract: Enriched metal concentrates and metal products are produced at standard temperature and pressure via sequential treatment of metal concentrates with chemical reducers such as vanadium (V(II)) and chromium (Cr(II)) and chemical oxidizers (Ce(IV)). Naturally occurring ores such as pentlandite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, etc. include concentrations of iron and sulfur that are preferentially leached via reaction with the chemical reducers. The resulting products are enriched for target metals, such as nickel, and can be further reacted with chemical oxidizers to recover metal leachates. Additional ferric iron ion leaching can isolate high concentrations of copper metal products as well. Lower-quality minerals can be converted to higher-quality concentrates as demand for higher-quality feedstocks increases yet the available of those feedstocks decreases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a packer and/or gripper element (10), beneficially for use offshore and/or underwater, the packer and/or gripper (10) comprising an inflatable element or cushion (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), wherein a periphery of the/each inflatable element or cushion (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) comprises at least one corner, the at least one corner comprising a concave portion (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d). The disclosed packer and/or gripper element (10) comprises a plurality of inflatable elements (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), each inflatable element (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) being communicably coupled to an adjacent inflatable element (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) by a port (155a, 155b) disposed between the inflatable elements (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d).

Abstract: A notification system and method that allows a user to be placed on a waiting list, disclosing only the personal information the user chooses to disclose, and receive updates or other information relating to his status on the waiting list through a personal communication device. A timekeeping system and method generates time in and time out record entries based upon a display code presented the personal communication device. A form data aggregation system and method consolidates inputted information from multiple applications on the personal communication device.

Abstract: A copper concentrate such as chalcopyrite is contacted with an aqueous solution includes acids and a reducing agent, such as vanadium (II) ions, chromium (II) ions, or tungstozincic acid (H6ZnW12O40). The aqueous solution reduces the copper in the copper concentrate, which can then dissolve into the solution for recovery therefrom, or precipitate out of solution as copper compounds or elemental copper for recovery in as a solid phase product. The solid phase product can then be isolated, dissolved, and further electrowinned to recover a copper product from the copper concentrate. Oxidized reducing agent can be recovered in an electrochemical device with ferrous iron reactants. Hydrometallurgical routes to convert copper concentrates to copper are potentially less expensive and less polluting than current pyrometallurgical processing and an advantageous response to environmental and economic pressures for increased copper production.

Abstract: An energy storage system comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cells include a pair of electrodes including an anode and a cathode. An electrolyte in communication with the pair of electrodes. A flow shaping baffle is situated between the pair of electrodes. The flow shaping baffle includes a plurality of channels extending from a first end proximate the cathode to a second end proximate the anode along an axis substantially perpendicular to the electrodes. The first end has a first diameter and the second end has a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The disclosed energy storage system does not require expensive pumps or ion exchange membranes and can operate efficiently over a long service life.

Abstract: A method of assembling a structure, such as a wind turbine, is disclosed. The method comprises a step of providing a lifting arrangement comprising a gantry disposed over and/or directly above a rail, and lifting means coupled to the gantry. The method further comprises stacking portions of the structure by: conveyably disposing a first portion of the structure relative to the rail; lifting a second portion of the structure using the lifting means; disposing the first portion underneath the second portion by conveying the first portion along the rail; and lowering the second portion onto the first portion. Also disclosed is a corresponding system for assembling a structure, such as a wind turbine, and corresponding clamping and/or gripping system.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for delivery of therapeutic agents across membranes such as to the inner ear. The system includes a plurality of microneedles that can be delivered to the round window membrane by a delivery device, e.g. catheter, and is capable of controlled penetration of the round window membrane to create temporary and self-closing perforations.

Abstract: An electrochemical system and process are provided to convert an amount of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) to a product including copper ions. In an electrochemical reactor, a potential is applied across an anode and a cathode to convert the chalcopyrite to an intermediate, chalcocite (Cu2S). The anode is covered to prevent contact with the intermediate, thus limiting subsequent conversion of the intermediate to covellite (CuS) in favor of conversion to a material more suited to chemical oxidation, cuprite (Cu2O). For example, the anode can be covered with one or more layers of filter paper. Upon application of an oxidizing agent, the cuprite is oxidized to produce a product including copper ions. The cathode and covered anode allow for efficient and inexpensive processing. The cost of this technique is comparable to industry standards, and moreover, has a much smaller environmental footprint than heat-based copper extraction.

Abstract: A method of assembling a structure, such as a wind turbine, is disclosed. The method comprises a step of providing a lifting arrangement comprising a gantry disposed over and/or directly above a rail, and lifting means coupled to the gantry. The method further comprises stacking portions of the structure by: conveyably disposing a first portion of the structure relative to the rail; lifting a second portion of the structure using the lifting means; disposing the first portion underneath the second portion by conveying the first portion along the rail; and lowering the second portion onto the first portion. Also disclosed is a corresponding system for assembling a structure, such as a wind turbine, and corresponding clamping and/or gripping system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a packer and/or gripper element (10), beneficially for use offshore and/or underwater, the packer and/or gripper (10) comprising an inflatable element or cushion (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), wherein a periphery of the/each inflatable element or cushion (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) comprises at least one corner, the at least one corner comprising a concave portion (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d). The disclosed packer and/or gripper element (10) comprises a plurality of inflatable elements (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), each inflatable element (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) being communicably coupled to an adjacent inflatable element (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) by a port (155a, 155b) disposed between the inflatable elements (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d).

Abstract: A notification system and method that allows a user to be placed on a waiting list, disclosing only the personal information the user chooses to disclose, and receive updates or other information relating to his status on the waiting list through a personal communication device. A timekeeping system and method generates time in and time out record entries based upon a display code presented the personal communication device. A form data aggregation system and method consolidates inputted information from multiple applications on the personal communication device.

Abstract: A notification system and method that allows a user to be placed on a waiting list, disclosing only the personal information the user chooses to disclose, and receive updates or other information relating to his status on the waiting list through a personal communication device. A timekeeping system and method generates time in and time out record entries based upon a display code presented the personal communication device. A form data aggregation system and method consolidates inputted information from multiple applications on the personal communication device.

Abstract: A notification system and method that allows a user to be placed on a waiting list, disclosing only the personal information the user chooses to disclose, and receive updates or other information relating to his status on the waiting list through a personal communication device. A timekeeping system and method generates time in and time out record entries based upon a display code presented the personal communication device. A form data aggregation system and method consolidates inputted information from multiple applications on the personal communication device.

Abstract: A dynamic packing system places one or more perishable items into a shipping container and dispenses thermal control components therein. There is a data processor and a database including one or more order data set each defined at least by an itemized list of purchased perishable items and an order shipment destination address. A network interface is connected to the data processor, and weather data is retrieved over the network interface from a remote source. A dispenser controlled by the data processor positions a specific amount of a thermal control component in the shipping container. The specific amount is based upon an evaluation of one or more temperature values corresponding to the weather data along a transport route of the shipping container.

Abstract: A notification system and method that allows a user to be placed on a waiting list, disclosing only the personal information the user chooses to disclose, and receive updates or other information relating to his status on the waiting list through a personal communication device. A timekeeping system and method generates time in and time out record entries based upon a display code presented the personal communication device. A form data aggregation system and method consolidates inputted information from multiple applications on the personal communication device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crane, such as a hoisting crane (3000) having a hoisting boom (3010) having a lifting region (3020), configured to lift a load (3050) and an actuatable restraint device (3040), the device extending from the crane. The actuatable restraint device is configured to engage with a load being lifted, so as to control movement of that load with respect to the lifting region in at least one direction. The actuatable restraint device may be configured to control movement in as much as inhibiting, or mitigating, certain movement.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a biofuel using genetically modified sulfur-oxidizing and iron-reducing bacteria (SOIRB) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: providing a SOIRB that have been genetically modified to include a particular metabolic pathway to enable them to generate a biofuel; feeding a first source of ferric iron to the SOIRB; feeding sulfur, water, and carbon dioxide to the SOIRB; producing at least the first particular biofuel, a first source of ferrous iron, sulfate, excess ferric iron, and an SOIRB biomass; electrochemically reducing the excess ferric iron to a second source of ferrous iron; providing an iron-oxidizing bacteria that have been genetically modified to include a particular metabolic pathway to enable them to generate a second biofuel; producing at least the second biofuel, a second source of ferric iron, and an IOB biomass; and feeding the second source of ferric iron to the SOIRB.

Abstract: A dynamic packing system places one or more perishable items into a shipping container and dispenses thermal control components therein. There is a data processor and a database including one or more order data set each defined at least by an itemized list of purchased perishable items and an order shipment destination address. A network interface is connected to the data processor, and weather data is retrieved over the network interface from a remote source. A dispenser controlled by the data processor positions a specific amount of a thermal control component in the shipping container. The specific amount is based upon an evaluation of one or more temperature values corresponding to the weather data along a transport route of the shipping container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a biofuel using genetically modified sulfur-oxidizing and iron-reducing bacteria (SOIRB) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: providing a SOIRB that have been genetically modified to include a particular metabolic pathway to enable them to generate a biofuel; feeding a first source of ferric iron to the SOIRB; feeding sulfur, water, and carbon dioxide to the SOIRB; producing at least the first particular biofuel, a first source of ferrous iron, sulfate, excess ferric iron, and an SOIRB biomass; electrochemically reducing the excess ferric iron to a second source of ferrous iron; providing an iron-oxidizing bacteria that have been genetically modified to include a particular metabolic pathway to enable them to generate a second biofuel; producing at least the second biofuel, a second source of ferric iron, and an IOB biomass; and feeding the second source of ferric iron to the SOIRB.

Abstract: A notification system and method that allows a user to be placed on a waiting list, disclosing only the personal information the user chooses to disclose, and receive updates or other information relating to his status on the waiting list through a personal communication device. A timekeeping system and method generates time in and time out record entries based upon a display code presented the personal communication device. A form data aggregation system and method consolidates inputted information from multiple applications on the personal communication device.