Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes an activation member that is operable to move in a first direction to select a mode of operation. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade that is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The activation member is operable to move in a second direction to activate the end effector in a mode of operation selected by movement of the activation member in the first direction.

Abstract: A fuel for an internal combustion engine includes a C5 to C30 dialkoxyalkanoate corresponding to formula (I): wherein the R1 group is —H or a —CH3 group, the R2 and R2? groups are alkyl groups independently selected to have 1 to 9 carbon atoms; and the R3 group is selected to have 1 to 9 carbon atoms. The compounds described herein may be used as neat fuels or mixed fuels (with diesel, biodiesel, jet fuel, marine fuel or other fuel compounds) in autoignition or spark ignition engines, such as diesel engines, gasoline (spark ignition) engines, MCCI, Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines, or more generally in Low-Temperature Gasoline Combustion (LTGC) engines (using gasoline-like fuels), that have the high-efficiency advantages of HCCI but can operate with some level of charge inhomogeneities. Methods of making these compounds are environmentally friendly and can be done in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A chemical upgrading of two high-yield fermentation products to produce a novel biofuel with properties desirable for use in internal combustion engines produces a C7 to C22 alkoxyalkanoate corresponding to formula (I): wherein R2 and R1 are alkyl groups independently selected to have 2 to 18 carbon atoms; wherein the R3 group is a C1 to C5 group divalent alkyl group. The alkoxyalkanoate can be used as a neat fuel or blend with biodiesel, diesel, gasoline, ethanol or other fuels. The alkoxyalkanoates have improved cloud point properties over diesel fuels. A method for making the alkoxyalkanoate from a biomass source is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel for an internal combustion engine includes a C5 to C30 dialkoxyalkanoate corresponding to formula (I): wherein the R1 group is —H or a —CH3 group, the R2 and R2? groups are alkyl groups independently selected to have 1 to 9 carbon atoms; and the R3 group is selected to have 1 to 9 carbon atoms. The compounds described herein may be used as neat fuels or mixed fuels (with diesel, biodiesel, jet fuel, marine fuel or other fuel compounds) in autoignition or spark ignition engines, such as diesel engines, gasoline (spark ignition) engines, MCCI, Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines, or more generally in Low-Temperature Gasoline Combustion (LTGC) engines (using gasoline-like fuels), that have the high-efficiency advantages of HCCI but can operate with some level of charge inhomogeneities. Methods of making these compounds are environmentally friendly and can be done in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A fuel for an internal combustion engine includes a C5 to C30 dialkoxyalkanoate corresponding to formula (I): wherein the R1 group is —H or a —CH3 group, the R2 and R2? groups are alkyl groups independently selected to have 1 to 9 carbon atoms; and the R3 group is selected to have 1 to 9 carbon atoms. The compounds described herein may be used as neat fuels or mixed fuels (with diesel, biodiesel, jet fuel, marine fuel or other fuel compounds) in autoignition or spark ignition engines, such as diesel engines, gasoline (spark ignition) engines, MCCI, Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines, or more generally in Low-Temperature Gasoline Combustion (LTGC) engines (using gasoline-like fuels), that have the high-efficiency advantages of HCCI but can operate with some level of charge inhomogeneities. Methods of making these compounds are environmentally friendly and can be done in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A fuel mixture includes a fuel and an octane overboosting additive. Methods of preparing and using such mixtures are disclosed. In particular, the mixture includes an additive that provides octane boosting that produces peak octane at or before a 40% blend and produces at least a 1 octane boost at 10% volume of additive to fuel mixture.

Abstract: A fuel for an internal combustion engine includes a fatty alkyl ether having a formula corresponding to formula (II): wherein x is 1-8, and y is 0 to 3; and the alkyl is an alkyl group having a number of carbon atoms that is less than the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain on the opposite side of the oxygen atom. The fatty alky ether can be used as a neat fuel or blend with biodiesel, diesel, ethanol or other fuels. The fatty alkyl ethers are improved in cetane number and cold flow properties over a biodiesel with fatty acid methyl acid methyl ester compounds. This is particularly valuable for compression ignition engines. A method of combustion in several types of engines is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for algae-based water filtration and algae harvesting are described herein. A flow-way comprises a channel and a divider positioned within the channel that separates the channel into sub-channels. The flow-way further includes an algal growth that grows on a sidewall of the channel and/or the divider. The algal growth can be established in the flow-way by positioning a pre-seeded mesh element within the channel, the pre-seeded mesh element having an algae culture growing thereon prior to positioning the pre-seeded mesh within the channel. A harvesting system comprises a hinged container that includes a straining screen. The hinged container is positioned downstream from a flow-way and receives water from the flow-way. Biomass in the water is strained by and accumulates on the screen. Weight of the accumulated biomass causes the hinged container to tip and deposit the accumulated biomass in a second container.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to fuel mixtures and methods of preparing such mixtures. In particular, the mixture includes an alkenol additive that provides octane boosting.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system includes a cloud-based encrypted database; a web portal for a placement entity configured to enable creation of a profile containing data for each youth in a foster care program, and storing the youth profile data and role-based data access permissions in the encrypted database; a web portal for a recruitment entity to identify, communicate with, and start the licensing process for a prospective foster parent family; a web portal for a licensing entity configured to enable creation of a profile containing data for each foster family, and storing the foster family profile data and role-based data access permissions in the encrypted database; a matching engine configured to access the cloud-based encrypted database to search the youth and foster family profiles, the matching engine further configured to identify best matches between foster families and youths, and generating a referral match; and a web portal for each foster family configured to enable updating of foster family pro

Abstract: Methods and systems for coordinating the referrals of youth and family services are provided. The methods and systems include a repository of community service organizations that are matched with an at-risk youth, parent, or other individual based on the risk factors associated with the subject and the interests of the subject. A mentor may be assigned to the subject to facilitate participation with the service organization. Follow-up is conducted by the method and system to increase the effectiveness of the treatment programs referred thereby.