Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for algae cultivation including the integration of electrochemical carbonate production for enhancing algae growth. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for producing a sodium hydroxide from brine using an electrochemical cell, contacting the sodium hydroxide stream with a CO2 gas sweep and producing a carbonate stream, and cultivating an algae slurry in a cultivation vessel comprising at least a portion of the carbonate stream.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: A polymeric sheet having excellent cut-resistance contains: (A) a polymeric material, and (B) a hard filler distributed in the polymeric material, the hard filler having a Mohs hardness value of at least about 3.0, the hard filler being in the form of particles having an average diameter sufficient to provide cut-resistance properties to the polymeric material but which is no more than about 5 microns. The cut-resistant sheet may be in the form of a conventional sheet, a film, a coating, a composite and the like, and may be used to form cut-resistance articles such as, e.g., protective garments and tires. The cut-resistant sheet may also be laminated onto a textile fabric to form a composite from which articles, e.g., garments, can be formed.

Abstract: A polymeric article having improved cut-resistance is composed of (A) an initial polymeric article having cut-resistant properties; and (B) a cut-resistant elastomeric coating disposed on an outer surface of the initial polymeric article, wherein the elastomeric coating is composed of an elastomer and a hard filler distributed in the elastomer. The hard filler has a Mohs Hardness value of at least about 3. The final polymeric article has improved cut-resistance, improved flexibility, and improved comfort and will retain its properties when routinely laundered. The article is preferably in the form of a polymeric textile article, more preferably in the form of an elastomeric protective garment, and most preferably in the form of gloves, e.g., surgical gloves.

Abstract: A driver override of a cruise control system is detected and employed to suitably alter the powertrain controls. A driver override of the cruise control system is detected by a lack of correspondence between the engine throttle position and the cruise control servo position, taking into account any hysteresis and lash which may occur in the linkage coupling the servo to the throttle. The lash is determined by storing the measured servo position whenever the measured throttle position is equal to a predefined value, and the controller responds during a detected driver override by instituting normal or noncruise related control parameters. This control permits the cruise control parameters to yield smooth control without unnecessary shifting while retaining a more responsive control during driver override conditions.

Abstract: A masonry grout bag having an integral semi-rigid tip formed by immersing the tip in a liquid rubber-like coating compound. The liquid rubber-like coatings cure to form a semi-rigid layer upon the internal and external surfaces of the tip. The grout bag is used for applying grout to masonry structures, such as tile floors, during athe installation process.

Abstract: A roll stabilizing system for vehicle wheel spring suspension includes piston and cylinder units mounted between the chassis and respective suspension control arms at opposite sides of the vehicle to counteract roll of the vehicle sprung mass during cornering maneuvers. A single ended piston rod in each cylinder unit defines pressure chambers of unequal cross-sectional area and adverse affects of such inequality on the suspension system are prevented by a force compensating hydraulic circuit including additional piston and cylinder combinations responsive to hydraulic pressures sustained in the suspension control arm hydraulic units.

Abstract: A brake lining wear sensor includes a metal contact secured to a grounded brake lining support plate through a semiconductor ceramic bushing containing silicon carbide and silicon nitride which establishes an electrical resistance between the contact and the support plate so that the contact has a resistance to ground when the brake lining is not worn, but when the brake lining is worn and the contact touches a grounded brake rotor or drum, a short to ground occurs. The sensor is coupled by a lead wire to an indicator circuit which tests for the resistance value in the circuit path to ground to determine whether the contact is connected to the indicator circuit and whether it is electrically grounded to the rotor. An indicator lamp comprises a tri-color LED to emit different colors signifying a normal condition, an open circuit or a worn brake lining condition.

Abstract: A brake lining wear sensor includes a metal contact secured to a grounded brake lining support plate through a semiconductive ceramic bushing containing silicon carbide and silicon nitride which establishes an electrical resistance between the contact and the support plate so that the contact has a resistance to ground when the brake lining is not worn, but when the brake lining is worn and the contact touches a grounded brake rotor or drum, a short to ground occurs. The sensor is coupled by a lead wire to an indicator circuit which senses the resistance value in the circuit path to ground to determine whether the contact is connected to the indicator circuit and whether it is electrically grounded to the rotor. An indicator lamp comprises a tri-color LED to emit different colors signifying a normal condition, an open circuit, or a worn brake lining condition.