Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved metering hoppers for dispensing solid materials, particularly in the context of metered dispensation of solid pellets to feed reactors, in addition to associated methods, systems, and apparatuses. The disclosure relates, in various embodiments, to shielded metering hoppers configured to control the flow of solid material to a feed slot. In some cases, the disclosure relates to pressurized metering hoppers suitable for dispensing solid fuel into gas-generating reactors. Accordingly, the disclosure also relates to pressurized metering hoppers for solid materials, according to some embodiments.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a reactor and/or related may generate pressurized hydrogen within an internal volume by combining water and a water reactive material. In some embodiments, the reactor may include a flexible porous membrane configured to contain water reactive material disposed in an internal volume. In some embodiments, the reactor may include a support configured to support a water reactive material in an internal volume.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a reactor and/or related methods may produce pressurized hydrogen gas by combining a reactant and water within a reactor chamber. The hydrogen gas may be siphoned from the reactor and used in associated systems.

Abstract: Oxygen generators and methods related to the generation of oxygen using activated aluminum alloys and inorganic acids such as nitric acid are generally described. In some embodiments, aluminum nitrate is thermally decomposed to produce oxygen and nitrogen dioxide. The nitrogen dioxide may also optionally be used to produce oxygen gas. In some embodiments, a reaction between nitric acid and an activated aluminum alloy may be used to produce the aluminum nitrate. In other embodiments, a reaction between nitric acid and aluminum hydroxide may be used to produce the aluminum nitrate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions related to the recycling and/or recovery of activating materials from activated aluminum are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aqueous solution's composition may be controlled to maintain aluminum ions dissolved in solution during reaction of an activated aluminum. In another embodiment, aluminum hydroxide containing the activating materials may be dissolved into an aqueous solution to isolate the activating materials.

Abstract: Reactors and related methods directed to the production of hydrogen gas and/or other appropriate gases are described. In some embodiments, a reactor may include a housing, a support configured to maintain a reactant at a predetermined location within an internal volume of the housing, and a pressure source configured to maintain a level and pressure of a liquid within the internal volume to selectively isolate and expose the reactant relative to the liquid.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions related to the recycling and/or recovery of activating materials from activated aluminum are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aqueous solution's composition may be controlled to maintain aluminum ions dissolved in solution during reaction of an activated aluminum. In another embodiment, aluminum hydroxide containing the activating materials may be dissolved into an aqueous solution to isolate the activating materials.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions related to the recycling and/or recovery of activating materials from activated aluminum are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aqueous solution's composition may be controlled to maintain aluminum ions dissolved in solution during reaction of an activated aluminum. In another embodiment, aluminum hydroxide containing the activating materials may be dissolved into an aqueous solution to isolate the activating materials.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions related to the recycling and/or recovery of activating materials from activated aluminum are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aqueous solution's composition may be controlled to maintain aluminum ions dissolved in solution during reaction of an activated aluminum. In another embodiment, aluminum hydroxide containing the activating materials may be dissolved into an aqueous solution to isolate the activating materials.

Abstract: Flow through reactors and related methods for use with slurries including water reactive particles are generally described.

Abstract: A stable aluminum slurry fuel and related systems and methods of use are provided herein. Certain embodiments of the disclosure are related to an aluminum slurry fuel comprising a plurality of aluminum particles dispersed in a carrier fluid. In some embodiments, the aluminum particles comprise an activating composition comprising gallium and/or indium. Additionally, methods of making and using the aluminum slurry fuel are presented herein. For instance, the resultant aluminum slurry fuel may react exothermically with water over a wide range of temperatures to produce hydrogen. The resulting slurry fuel may be used as an energy source for various applications and/or for generating hydrogen for other applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to deployable hydrogen reactors are described. In some embodiments, a system (e.g., a balloon system) may include a reaction chamber immersed in a body of water. By permitting a flow of water from the body of water into the reaction chamber, a reaction between a reactant and the water may be carried out to produce one or more lifting gases (e.g., hydrogen gas), which can be employed to subsequently inflate and launch the system in an automated fashion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions related to the recycling and/or recovery of activating materials from activated aluminum are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aqueous solution's composition may be controlled to maintain aluminum ions dissolved in solution during reaction of an activated aluminum. In another embodiment, aluminum hydroxide containing the activating materials may be dissolved into an aqueous solution to isolate the activating materials.

Abstract: The reaction between aluminum metal and water holds promise for producing hydrogen; however, solid aluminum metal is difficult to manage and use, and the reactivity between aluminum and water is often difficult to control. Certain embodiments of the disclosure are related to a water-stable aluminum slurry comprising a plurality of activated aluminum particles dispersed in a fluid carrier. In some embodiments, the reactivity of the aluminum slurry in the presence of water may be easily controlled with the addition of various additives (e.g., surfactants). Additionally, methods of making and using the water-stable aluminum slurry to controllable manage the reactivity between aluminum and water are presented herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing mixed lifting gases (e.g., hydrogen gas and steam) for filling balloons are described. In some embodiments, controlling an altitude of a balloon includes combining a reactant and water to produce hydrogen gas and steam, and flowing the hydrogen gas and steam into the balloon to increase a buoyancy of the balloon.

Abstract: A stable aluminum slurry fuel and related systems and methods of use are provided herein. Certain embodiments of the disclosure are related to an aluminum slurry fuel comprising a plurality of aluminum particles dispersed in a carrier fluid. In some embodiments, the aluminum particles comprise an activating composition comprising gallium and/or indium. Additionally, methods of making and using the aluminum slurry fuel are presented herein. For instance, the resultant aluminum slurry fuel may react exothermically with water over a wide range of temperatures to produce hydrogen. The resulting slurry fuel may be used as an energy source for various applications and/or for generating hydrogen for other applications.

Abstract: Flow through reactors and related methods for use with slurries including water reactive particles are generally described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transitioning and updating machine instructions from a first system with an older/initial component(s) to a second system or platform with one or more different components and new or modified operations or functions are provided. Embodiments enable improved obsolescence/configuration management and customization of the older/initial system's machine instructions (MI) to a target application/platform with new or modified capabilities. One exemplary system enables processing binary tape tracks for linear flash media over a universal serial bus (USB) to a personal computer (PC) card interface. User interfaces are provided for editing MIs to insert/modify functions or capabilities of obsolete MIs, e.g. binary tape tracks that are customized for a system with obsolete component(s) (e.g. tape drive), transferring data to/from a newer component (e.g. a linear flash media).

Abstract: Systems and methods for transitioning and updating machine instructions from a first system with an older/initial component(s) to a second system or platform with one or more different components and new or modified operations or functions are provided. Embodiments enable improved obsolescence/configuration management and customization of the older/initial system's machine instructions (MI) to a target application/platform with new or modified capabilities. One exemplary system enables processing binary tape tracks for linear flash media over a universal serial bus (USB) to a personal computer (PC) card interface. User interfaces are provided for editing MIs to insert/modify functions or capabilities of obsolete MIs, e.g. binary tape tracks that are customized for a system with obsolete component(s) (e.g. tape drive), transferring data to/from a newer component (e.g. a linear flash media).

Abstract: A solar tracker assembly for mounting one or more solar tracking units, which can be adapted for use with various solar energy modules such as photovoltaic modules and heliostat mirrors, is provided. Each assembly comprises a frame of four sides connected at leg assemblies, each leg assembly being adapted for mounting a solar tracking unit. The frame may be configured as an oblique-angled, rhombus or diamond frame with a cross member extending between the closer-spaced leg assemblies. A set of frames may be arranged in the field with adjacent sides of adjacent frames being parallel, with spacing arms of predefined lengths interconnecting adjacent pairs of frames, to provide a desired staggered spacing.