Abstract: A system and method for using silicon as an energy carrier as an alternative to hydrocarbon fuel. The method may include using energy to purify and refine silicon, and converting it into useful feedstock to be fed into a reactor system. The reactor system provides an environment in which silicon may be abraded or chemically treated and may then be reacted with water to form hydrogen gas. This hydrogen gas may then be directly used or stored, and the silicon used in the reaction may be recycled as desired.

Abstract: A system and method for using silicon as an energy carrier as an alternative to hydrocarbon fuel. The method may include using energy to purify and refine silicon, and converting it into useful feedstock to be fed into a reactor system. The reactor system provides an environment in which silicon may be abraded or chemically treated and may then be reacted with water to form hydrogen gas. This hydrogen gas may then be directly used or stored, and the silicon used in the reaction may be recycled as desired.

Abstract: A method of separating an aqueous portion from a heterogeneous sample containing said aqueous portion and a non-aqueous (lipid) portion, teaches passing a sample through glass wool, thus trapping the aqueous layer in the glass wool and eluting the lipid layer from the glass wool.

Abstract: A high-temperature furnace for melting materials, e.g. silicon, wherein the furnace comprises a vessel having a wall which defines an inner chamber. A crucible containing the material to be melted is positioned inside of the chamber and heating means is arranged around the crucible. An insulation package is provided in the chamber for protecting the vessel wall from the heat generated by said heating means. Specifically, the package comprises a support ring of insulation mounted in the chamber, a sleeve of insulation supported on the ring and extending upward between the heating means and the vessel wall, a catch tray adapted to receive any material which may leak from the crucible during heating mounted through the support ring, and a top and a lower layer of insulation to thermally seal the crucible within the package during heating.

Abstract: A distributed wireless sensor network node is disclosed. The wireless sensor network node includes a plurality of sensor modules coupled to a system bus and configured to sense a parameter. The parameter may be an object, an event or any other parameter. The node collects data representative of the parameter. The node also includes a communication module coupled to the system bus and configured to allow the node to communicate with other nodes. The node also includes a processing module coupled to the system bus and adapted to receive the data from the sensor module and operable to analyze the data. The node also includes a power module connected to the system bus and operable to generate a regulated voltage.

Abstract: A software application enables communication among a plurality of modules in a modular sensor network node. The modular sensor node senses a parameter from the surrounding environment and generates data representative of the sensed parameter. The software application resides in each of the plurality of modules and includes program codes for transmission and reception of messages among the modules. The software application includes program codes that process the data to generate outgoing messages, transmit the outgoing messages over a communication bus coupled to the plurality of modules, and receive and process incoming messages.