Abstract: Novel synthetic methods to produce layers or films and flakes of pristine graphene, heteroatom-doped graphene, nanoporous graphene or heteroatom-doped nanoporous graphene using specially designed molecular precursors at temperatures as low as 160° C. using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. The methods enable the realization of graphene-based electronics and technologies due to the low-temperature synthesis, large-area coverage, and scalability of the CVD method by taking advantage of the precursors tendency to polymerize and fuse once on the catalytic metal substrates.

Abstract: A clip for holding a structural member in position relative to a member as part of a form for receiving concrete includes a main body portion, a hook portion extending from the body portion for receiving at least a portion of the structural member, and a first breakaway section between the main body portion and the hook portion. A form incorporates such clip.

Abstract: A fluid extraction apparatus includes a first chamber within which waste material is configured to be disposed and a second chamber having a vacuum source interface. The first chamber may be in selective fluid communication with the second chamber. In various embodiments, the fluid extraction apparatus further includes an intermediate valve disposed on a conduit extending between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the intermediate valve is selectively actuatable to control the selective fluid communication. In various embodiments, the selective fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber is exclusively via the intermediate valve and the conduit.

Abstract: A rotary separator includes a drum configured to rotate, and a pickup member extending into the drum. The pickup member includes a pickup channel having a first inlet for receiving a liquid, and a pitot channel having a second inlet for receiving the liquid. The liquid exits the drum through the pickup channel in response to a pressure of the liquid being measured through the pitot channel. A valve may be coupled to the pickup channel. A pressure sensor may be coupled to the pitot channel.

Abstract: A method of treating fecal waste according to an example of the present disclosure includes bringing a reactor containing fecal matter to a first temperature and a first pressure, exposing the reactor to an environment with a second temperature and a second pressure such that the water in the fecal waste undergoes flash evaporation, and pyrolizing the fecal waste. A fecal waste processing unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid extraction apparatus includes a first chamber within which waste material is configured to be disposed and a second chamber having a vacuum source interface. The first chamber may be in selective fluid communication with the second chamber. In various embodiments, the fluid extraction apparatus further includes an intermediate valve disposed on a conduit extending between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the intermediate valve is selectively actuatable to control the selective fluid communication. In various embodiments, the selective fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber is exclusively via the intermediate valve and the conduit.

Abstract: A rotary separator may comprise a drum configured to rotate, a pickup member extending into the drum, comprising a pickup channel having a first inlet for receiving a liquid, and a pitot channel having a second inlet for receiving the liquid. The liquid exits the drum through the pickup channel in response to a pressure of the liquid being measured through the pitot channel. A valve may be coupled to the pickup channel. A pressure sensor may be coupled to the pitot channel.

Abstract: A method of treating fecal waste according to an example of the present disclosure includes bringing a reactor containing fecal matter to a first temperature and a first pressure, exposing the reactor to an environment with a second temperature and a second pressure such that the water in the fecal waste undergoes flash evaporation, and pyrolizing the fecal waste. A fecal waste processing unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: To regulate the electrical output of a generator, a signal is received indicative of at least one characteristic of the electrical output. A first, relatively fast-response sub-controller is configured to provide a first control signal on the basis of the at least one characteristic and a second, relatively slow-response sub-controller is configured to provide a second control signal on the basis of the at least one characteristic. An output provides a combined control signal to adjust the electrical output based on the first and second control signals.

Abstract: A structural state of at least one component of a mechanically loaded target unit, in particular a target unit of a rail vehicle, can be determined by introducing, in an actual excitation step of an evaluation cycle, a defined actual mechanical input signal into the target unit, capturing, in an actual capturing step of the evaluation cycle, an actual mechanical response signal of the target unit to the mechanical input signal, and comparing, in an actual evaluation step of the evaluation cycle, the actual mechanical response signal to a previously recorded baseline signal to establish an actual differential feature and using the actual differential feature to determine the structural state. The baseline signal is representative of a previous mechanical response signal of the target unit to a previous mechanical input signal.

Abstract: To regulate the electrical output of a generator, a signal is received indicative of at least one characteristic of the electrical output. A first, relatively fast-response sub-controller is configured to provide a first control signal on the basis of the at least one characteristic and a second, relatively slow-response sub-controller is configured to provide a second control signal on the basis of the at least one characteristic. An output provides a combined control signal to adjust the electrical output based on the first and second control signals.

Abstract: A specially designed hatch apparatus and method for entry to a water treatment chamber containing media for water treatment. The hatch's shape, specially embodied hatch/media gap seal and position allows normal chamber operation and access to the lower chamber cavity for cleaning and maintenance time through treatment media.

Abstract: A water purifying apparatus and system capable of sedimenting particulates in the fluid over time, and allowing for the quick flushing of sedimented particulates. Top and bottom baffles act as barriers for the sediments, with the bottom barriers having a removable barrier.

Abstract: A water purifying apparatus and system capable of sedimenting particulates in the fluid over time, and allowing for the quick flushing of sedimented particulates. Top and bottom baffles act as barriers for the sediments, with the bottom barriers having a removable barrier.

Abstract: A floating strainer is constructed having a rectangular frame. A cylindrical drum is attached to each corner of the rectangular frame. Below the rectangular frame, a box-strainer is fixed. The distance between the box-strainer and the rectangular frame is adjustable so that the level at which water is drawn can be raised or lowered. The bottom of the box-strainer includes hose connections. These are positioned so that the hoses connect at the bottom of the floating strainer and extend vertically down from the bottom. This configuration operates to distribute the weight of the hose and reduce stress and strain on the hose.