Abstract: A method for extracting rare earth elements (REEs) from a REE hyperaccumulator, including: subjecting the REE hyperaccumulator to microwave-assisted digestion to obtain a REE extract; subjecting the REE extract to absorption with a chelating resin and elution to obtain a purified REE solution; and subjecting the purified REE solution to precipitation and calcination to obtain high-purity rare earth compound.

Abstract: A method for extracting rare earth elements (REEs) from a REE hyperaccumulator, including: subjecting the REE hyperaccumulator to microwave-assisted digestion to obtain a REE extract; subjecting the REE extract to absorption with a chelating resin and elution to obtain a purified REE solution; and subjecting the purified REE solution to precipitation and calcination to obtain high-purity rare earth compound.

Abstract: A foldable scooter is disclosed with two rotational connections to the steering column, and a fixing structure that maintains the frame elements fixed relative to each other and stable when riding. Once the fixing structure is disengaged, the frame elements are free to rotate relative to each other such that the scooter can be folded into a more compact dimension.

Abstract: A foldable scooter is disclosed with two rotational connections to the steering column, and a fixing structure that maintains the frame elements fixed relative to each other and stable when riding. Once the fixing structure is disengaged, the frame elements are free to rotate relative to each other such that the scooter can be folded into a more compact dimension.

Abstract: Method for CVT and powertrain control in a kinetic hybrid that integrates two constituent control strategies at the same time, one for the kinetic energy exchange between a vehicle and a flywheel to recover the vehicle's kinetic energy and to cancel the effect of the vehicle's inertia on changes in speed, and one for operating the kinetic hybrid's prime mover on its ideal operation line to optimize efficiency. Two different rates of change in the CVT ratio are computed in real time and are superimposed to realize both strategies. Using the combined rate of change in the CVT ratio derived by the present invention to control the powertrain, the primary power source need not expend a significant portion of its power to overcome the vehicle's inertia, and performance is not compromised.

Abstract: Method for CVT and powertrain control in a kinetic hybrid that integrates two constituent control strategies at the same time, one for the kinetic energy exchange between a vehicle and a flywheel to recover the vehicle's kinetic energy and to cancel the effect of the vehicle's inertia on changes in speed, and one for operating the kinetic hybrid's prime mover on its ideal operation line to optimize efficiency. Two different rates of change in the CVT ratio are computed in real time and are superimposed to realize both strategies. Using the combined rate of change in the CVT ratio derived by the present invention to control the powertrain, the primary power source need not expend a significant portion of its power to overcome the vehicle's inertia, and performance is not compromised.

Abstract: A kinetic hybrid device and method for a vehicle may include a planetary gear system configured as a continuously variable transmission comprised of three or four ports. The kinetic hybrid device and method may include a flywheel connected to a first port of the system, a final drive connected to a second port of the system, and the variator for the flywheel connected to a third or fourth port of the system. The prime mover and/or other power sources may share a port with the flywheel, but do not share a port with the final drive.

Abstract: Magnetic powertrains for vehicles comprised of magnetically integrated transmission systems and components built from a plurality of magnetic gears are provided. Embodiments provide magnetic clutches, magnetic differentials, and assemblies of kinetic-electric CVTs integrating one or more motors with a flywheel by the use of magnetic gears.

Abstract: A method to utilize a chemical genus of chromen-4-one derivatives as non-toxic, environment friendly antifouling agent, a coating material for objects submerged under the water and subject to biofouling based on the chromen-4-one compounds, as well as a method of obtaining one of such chromen-4-one antifouling compounds, 4?,5,7-trihydroxy-isoflavone, from a natural source. Particularly exemplary of such substituted chromen-4-one antifouling compounds are provided and they are 4?,5,7 -trihydroxy-isoflavone, 4?,5-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8 tetramethoxy-flavone, 3?,5-dihydroxy-3,4?,6,8 tetramethoxy-flavone, 4?,5-dihydroxy-3,6,7-trimethoxy-flavone, 4?,5,7-trihydroxy-flavone, 3?,4?,6,7-tetrahydroxy-flavone, and 5-monohydroxy-flavone.

Abstract: A system and method for maximizing a vehicle's fuel efficiency preferably without inconveniencing the driver, includes maximizing a ratio of a real-time parameter proportional to engine load or engine power to fuel flow or air flow rate referred to herein as the P/F ratio. This ratio is calculated to evaluate engine fuel efficiency. With the system and method, the throttle is operated incrementally to increase or decrease the throttle in a manner to maximize the P/F ratio, thus maximizing fuel efficiency, in a pulse phase. The system and method implement an on and off pulse width modulation (“PWM”) style of control to modulate engine power and acceleration to achieve the speed that the driver desires, based on the position of the accelerator pedal. When the desired speed is achieved, the throttle is released and when the speed drops a sufficient amount, the throttle is re-engaged to reach the desired speed again.

Abstract: A kinetic hybrid device and method for a vehicle may include a planetary gear system configured as a continuously variable transmission comprised of three or four ports. The kinetic hybrid device and method may include a flywheel connected to a first port of the system, a final drive connected to a second port of the system, and the variator for the flywheel connected to a third or fourth port of the system. The prime mover and/or other power sources may share a port with the flywheel, but do not share a port with the final drive.

Abstract: A kinetic hybrid device and method for a vehicle may include a planetary gear system configured as a continuously variable transmission comprised of three or four ports. The kinetic hybrid device and method may include a flywheel connected to a first port of the system, a final drive connected to a second port of the system, and the variator for the flywheel connected to a third or fourth port of the system. The prime mover and/or other power sources may share a port with the flywheel, but do not share a port with the final drive.

Abstract: A kinetic hybrid device and method for a vehicle may include a planetary gear system configured as a continuously variable transmission comprised of three or four ports. The kinetic hybrid device and method may include a flywheel connected to a first port of the system, a final drive connected to a second port of the system, and the variator for the flywheel connected to a third or fourth port of the system. The prime mover and/or other power sources may share a port with the flywheel, but do not share a port with the final drive.

Abstract: System and method for the combination of a flywheel and motor/generator inside a wheel hub for hybrid vehicle propulsion. The flywheel and motor/generator are connected by a planetary gear system, in which a first port is connected to the flywheel, a second port is connected to the wheel hub, and a third port is connected to a motor/generator. An additional motor/generator may be used at one of the first port and second port. The system may be used in an electric-kinetic hybrid mode, or in a fuel-kinetic hybrid mode, when used in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine as the prime mover. Efficiency of energy storage and release is significantly improved in comparison to prior art.

Abstract: A novel chemical genus of furan-2-one antifouling compound as non-toxic, environment friendly antifouling agent, a coating material for objects submerged under the water based on the furan-2-one compounds. The substituted furan-2-one antifouling compounds have a furan-2-one ring and an alkyl side chain thereto and are of the formula: where n=6-14, representing the number of carbon atoms in said side chain.

Abstract: A novel chemical genus of furan-2-one antifouling compound as non-toxic, environment friendly antifouling agent, a coating material for objects submerged under the water based on the furan-2-one compounds. The substituted furan-2-one antifouling compounds have a furan-2-one ring and an alkyl side chain thereto and are of the formula: where n=6-14, representing the number of carbon atoms in said side chain.

Abstract: A method to utilize a chemical genus of chromen-4-one derivatives as non-toxic, environment friendly antifouling agent, a coating material for objects submerged under the water and subject to biofouling based on the chromen-4-one compounds, as well as a method of obtaining one of such chromen-4-one antifouling compounds, 4?,5,7-trihydroxy-isoflavone, from a natural source. Particularly exemplary of such substituted chromen-4-one antifouling compounds are provided and they are 4?,5,7-trihydroxy-isoflavone, 4?,5-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8 tetramethoxy-flavone, 3?,5-dihydroxy-3,4?,6,8 tetramethoxy-flavone, 4?,5-dihydroxy-3,6,7-trimethoxy-flavone, 4?,5,7-trihydroxy-flavone, 3?,4?,6,7-tetrahydroxy-flavone, and 5-monohydroxy-flavone.

Abstract: A magnetic actuation urethral valve is adapted for inserting into the urethra of a patient who suffering from urinary incontinence in order to recover control of urine flow. The valve member is driven by a magnet rotor which is magnetically actuated by a rotating magnetic field generated from a controller outside the body. There is also an actuation device for the user to discharge by inserting an indwelling catheter into the valve in case the valve does not work for any reason.