Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one neutral metalloprotease enzyme that has improved storage stability. In some embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease finds use in cleaning and other applications. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising neutral metalloprotease(s) obtained from Bacillus sp. In some more particularly preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is obtained from B. amyloliquefaciens. In still further preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a variant of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. In yet additional embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a homolog of the the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. The present invention finds particular use in applications including, but not limited to cleaning, bleaching and disinfecting.

Abstract: A precision volumetric pump with a bellows hermetic seal provides compliance time performance comparable to a conventional pump having a dynamic seal. However, the precision volumetric pump with a bellows hermetic seal is enabled to operate over a very long service life with minimal or no maintenance without a propensity to develop leaks over the long service life.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and apparatus for cracking ammonia gas at super-atmospheric pressure in catalyst-filled reactor tubes in a furnace. The tubes each have an upstream layer of a first catalyst and a downstream layer of a second catalyst, the first catalyst being more active than the second catalyst. Having the more active catalyst upstream reduces the temperature of the outer walls of the tubes in the region of the burner flames and the temperature of the inner walls of the tubes in the region with the highest mole fraction of ammonia. Nitriding of the metal of the tubes in this region is thereby reduced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for cracking ammonia comprising providing an ammonia-containing feed gas at a temperature of over 600° C. and a pressure in a range from about 5 bar to about 50 bar; combusting a fuel with an oxidant gas in a furnace to heat reactor tubes to achieve a maximum inner wall temperature of over 700° C. and produce a flue gas, each reactor tube comprising a catalyst bed comprising a first row transition metal-based catalyst; and feeding the ammonia-containing feed gas to the reactor tubes to produce a cracked gas at a temperature of over 600° C. on exit from the reactor tubes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus for cracking ammonia in which heated ammonia gas at super-atmospheric pressure is partially cracked catalytically in an adiabatic reaction unit to produce partially cracked ammonia gas which is heated and fed to catalyst-containing reactor tubes in a furnace to cause cracking of further ammonia and produce a cracked gas comprising hydrogen gas, nitrogen gas and residual ammonia gas. At least some, preferably all, of the duty required to heat the partially cracked ammonia gas is provided by heat exchange with the cracked gas, enabling more efficient heat integration within the process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus for cracking ammonia in which heated ammonia gas at super-atmospheric pressure is partially cracked in at least two adiabatic reactors in series with interstage heating in which the feed temperature to a first reactor is higher than the feed temperature to a further reactor to produce a partially cracked ammonia gas which is then fed to catalyst-containing reactor tubes in a furnace to produce a cracked gas comprising hydrogen gas, nitrogen gas and residual ammonia gas. The use of the adiabatic reactors enables more efficient heat integration within the process and the higher temperature in the first reactor enables the use of a nickel-based catalyst in that reactor as an alternative solution to the potential problem of the presence of oil in the ammonia.

Abstract: An enterprise inventory management system, and methods of use thereof, utilizing novel functionalities. The system includes a centralized global inventory database subsystem for cataloging a plurality of inventory items from a plurality of remote physical locations, each of the items identified by at least a unique identification code; and, a plurality of localized radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator subsystems associated with a corresponding plurality of remote physical locations, wherein each of the localized RF interrogator subsystems is operative to read RFID tags associated with ones of the plurality of inventory items located at its associated physical location, wherein each of the RFID tags is programmed with at least a unique identification code for its associated item.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing a device comprising two semiconductor dice. The device is formed by a first die and a second die. The first die is of semiconductor material and integrates electronic components. The second die has a main surface, forms patterned structures, and is bonded to the first die. Internal electrical coupling structures electrically couple the main surface of the first die to the second die. External connection regions extend on the main surface of the first die. A package packages the first die, the second die and the internal electrical coupling structures and partially surrounds the external connection regions, the external connection regions partially protruding from the package.

Abstract: A music generation system is provided comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor and storing a rhythm template database comprising a plurality of rhythm templates, and a music generation program stored in the memory and executed by the processor to be configured to receive a user input of lyrics, identify a plurality of syllables in the lyrics, determine a syllable pattern in the identified plurality of syllables, match the syllable pattern to a selected rhythm template of the plurality of rhythm templates, generate a melody based on the selected rhythm template, generate a music file encoding the melody and the lyrics, and output the music file encoding the melody and the lyrics.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device includes an optical integrated circuit having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The optical integrated circuit has an optical zone of the first surface of the optical integrated circuit. The device includes an electrically insulating material disposed over the optical integrated circuit, where the electrically insulating material partially covers the first surface so as to expose the optical zone.

Abstract: In examples, a method for converting audio samples to full song arrangements is provided. The method includes receiving audio sample data, determining a melodic transcription, based on the audio sample data, and determining a sequence of music chords, based on the melodic transcription. The method further includes generating a full song arrangement, based on the sequence of music chords, and the audio sample data.

Abstract: Some embodiments process facial images to ensure the inmate present for release is the actual inmate to be released. One embodiment includes receiving a facial image and a data identifier of a person. This embodiment further includes processing the facial image of the person in view of facial image data of the person to determine whether the received facial image matches the retrieved facial image data. The facial image data may be retrieved based on the data identifier of the person, facial landmark data extracted from the facial image, or otherwise. When the received facial image and the retrieved facial image data of the person match, an indicator of a match and a successful release identity verification is output. When there is not a match, an indicator of a failed release identity verification is output.

Abstract: Various embodiments monitor compliance with standards for conducting rounds within corrections facilities and assist in maintaining safe corrections facilities by identifying predictable rounds patterns and encouraging inmate monitoring through unpredictable rounds timing. Some embodiments generate scores indicative of randomness in conducting rounds by individuals, groups, and even an entire staff of corrections officers.

Abstract: Recovery of hydrogen from an ammonia cracking process in which the cracked gas is purified in a PSA device is improved by using a membrane separator on the PSA tail gas.

Abstract: The methods and systems provide remote device recovery using a sideband communication path in response to an error occurring in the device. A management entity sends a sideband communication using the sideband communication path to a logic circuit in communication with the device. The logic circuit initiates the recovery of the device.

Abstract: Oral solid pharmaceutical compositions containing meloxicam co-crystals described herein allow for the use of meloxicam for the treatment of acute pain. In particular, the improved dissolution and bioavailability of the meloxicam co-crystal compositions provide more rapid uptake of meloxicam in vivo as evidenced by increase blood plasma concentrations in a decreased amount of time following administration. A correlation between improved plasma concentrations and in vivo analgesic action are provided for the first time.

Abstract: Genetically engineered hosts and methods for their production and use in synthesizing hydrocarbons are provided.

Abstract: A method for facilitating gesture recognition via a wearable device is disclosed. The method includes receiving sensor data from a sensor device that is incorporated into the wearable device; identifying an orientation based on the sensor data, the orientation relating to a relative position of the wearable device; determining, via an application programming interface, a gesture based on the orientation; mapping the gesture to a predetermined action; and initiating, via a communication interface, the predetermined action in an associated computing device based on a result of the mapping.

Abstract: A housing is provided for mounting within an enclosure, for example a module for cooling electronic devices, that is arranged to contain a liquid coolant. The housing comprises: a wall structure, arranged to define a plurality of mounting chambers, each mounting chamber being configured to hold at least one respective electronic device and having a respective chamber coolant inlet for receiving liquid coolant, such that liquid coolant received through each chamber coolant inlet accumulates in the respective mounting chamber around the respective electronic device; a housing coolant inlet, for receiving liquid coolant from outside the housing; and a liquid coolant manifold, arranged to receive liquid coolant from the housing coolant inlet and provide the received liquid coolant to each of the chamber coolant inlets.

Abstract: An embodiment apparatus comprises an optically transparent substrate having first and second surfaces; a piezoelectric membrane, arranged at the first surface, that oscillates in response to a light beam propagated through the substrate; at least one reflective facet facing the substrate and arranged at the piezoelectric membrane; and an optical element receiving the light beam at an input end and guiding the light beam towards an output end coupled to the second surface. The optical element incorporates a light focusing path focusing the light beam at a focal point at the piezoelectric membrane, and at least one light collimating path collimating the light beam onto the at least one reflective facet. The optical element guides light reflected from the at least one reflective facet to the input end, the reflected light indicating a position of the optical element with respect to the focal point.