Abstract: Droplet interfaces are formed between droplets in an electro-wetting device comprising an array of actuation electrodes. Actuation signals are applied to selected actuation electrodes to place the droplets into an energised state in which the shape of the droplets is modified compared to a shape of the droplets in a lower energy state and to bring the two droplets into proximity. The actuation signals are then changed to lower the energy of the droplets into the lower energy state so that the droplets relax into the gap and the two droplets contact each other thereby forming a droplet interface. The use of sensing electrodes in the device permit electrical current measurements across the droplet interface. The sensing electrodes can be used for either (i) applying a reference signal during droplet actuation or (ii) recording electrical current measurements.

Abstract: A computer implemented method that enables artificial intelligence based demulsifier control for AC or modulated AC/DC electrostatic coalescers is described. The method includes monitoring parameters associated with the GOSP facility and inputting the parameters to a trained machine learning model that outputs a minimum HPPT separation efficiency. The method includes determining a target HPPT separation efficiency based on the minimum HPPT separation efficiency. Additionally, the method includes adjusting a demulsifier dosage being injected into the HPPT apparatus to separate dry oil at the target HPPT separation efficiency.

Abstract: A filter for filter air for an internal combustion engine and methods of operation are described herein. The air precleaner is configured to use electrostatic attraction or repulsion to move ionized particles towards an inner wall of the air precleaner, where the particles eventually exit the air precleaner through a particle exhaust. The particles are ionized using a positive charge plate and a negative charge plate. The positive charge plate creates a positive charge field, creating positive ions that ionize particles in the air with a positive charge. The negative charge plate creates a negative charge field, creating negative ions that ionize particles in the air with a negative charge. The air precleaner can also include a cyclonic section that causes the air to rotate about a central axis of the air precleaner, imparting a centripetal force on the particles. The centripetal force and the electrostatic force act together to filter the air.

Abstract: In some examples, an exhaust system of a fuel cell system includes a flow device configured to discharge a first portion of a fuel cell exhaust as an exhaust flow and a second portion of the fuel cell exhaust as a second flow. A turbine of the exhaust system is configured to receive at least a portion of the exhaust flow and discharge a turbine exhaust. An ejector configured to receive the turbine exhaust at a first inlet and receive the second flow from the flow device. The ejector is configured to provide a suction on the turbine exhaust using the second flow. The exhaust system includes control circuitry configured to cause the flow device to alter the second flow.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices, systems and methods for measuring the dose remaining in a drug delivery device that is used for delivering a dose to a patient. In some embodiments, a dose measurement system for measuring the liquid volume in a container includes a plurality of light sources which are disposed and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the container. A plurality of sensors are located in the apparatus that are optically coupleable to the plurality of light sources and are disposed and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least a portion of the light sources. The apparatus also includes a processing unit configured to receive data representing the portion of the detected electromagnetic radiation from each of the plurality of sensors. The processing unit is further operable to convert the received data into a signature representative of the electromagnetic radiation detected by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of characterising a target polynucleotide. The method uses a pore and a Dda helicase. The helicase controls the movement of the target polynucleotide through the pore. The invention also relates to modified Dda helicases which can be used to control the movement of polynucleotides and are particularly useful for sequencing polynucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of characterising a target RNA polynucleotide by taking one or more measurements as the target RNA polynucleotide moves with respect to a transmembrane pore. The movement is controlled by a DNA helicase. The invention also relates to a modified RNA construct wherein the RNA polynucleotide has been modified to increase DNA helicase binding thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of characterising a target polynucleotide using a pore. The method involves controlling the formation of secondary structure by the target polynucleotide after the polynucleotide has moved through the pore.

Abstract: A beverage system and methods for preparing flavored beverages are provided. In one embodiment, the beverage system includes a housing, a flavorant system, and a processor. The housing includes a mixing chamber configured to operably couple to a fluid reservoir and pressurized gas source. The processor is disposed in the housing and can be configured to cause, in response to at least one input, the separate dispensing of a fluid and a flavorant into a receptacle. The processor can also cause the delivery of gas from the pressurized gas source to the mixing chamber, where it can be used to form a carbonated fluid.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a treadmill may comprise one or more lifting mechanisms configured to lift and lower a treadmill belt (e.g., adjust an angle of the treadmill belt relative to a support surface) by adjusting a height of the front and rear of the treadmill about a pivot point. In particular embodiments, the pivot point may be positioned somewhat centered along a length of the belt. In particular embodiments, a seesaw arrangement may provide a central pivot point, providing a moment arm to the motor while decreasing a moment arm caused by the load (e.g., a runner). In this way, an apparent load on a motor providing incline and decline to the running surface may be reduced.

Abstract: A method for automatically and autonomously comparing and updating the equipment and structure of a facility and one or more drawings representing the facility. The method includes obtaining a drawing from a drawing management system representing, at least, a portion of a facility and dispatching an autonomous vehicle (AV) to a location of the facility corresponding to the drawing. The method further includes collecting one or more visual images of the facility using the AV once it has reached the location and identifying discrepancies between the facility and the drawing using the one or more visual images and the drawing. The method further includes generating an updated drawing that corrects the identified discrepancies and accurately represents the facility and replacing the drawing with the updated drawing in the drawing management system upon review and approval by a user.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods of detecting liquid temperature for a beverage carbonation system are provided. A carbonation system is one example of a treatment system to which the systems, devices, and methods described herein apply. In general, a carbonation system is configured to form a carbonated fluid by mixing a liquid and a gas and dispensing the carbonated fluid into a container. A temperature of the liquid can be detected, e.g., using a temperature sensor, before the liquid and the gas are mixed together to form the carbonated fluid. A user of the carbonation system can be informed of the liquid's temperature before the mixing begins.

Abstract: A multi-stage process for the production of a Product Heavy Marine Fuel Oil compliant with ISO 8217:2017 as a Table 2 residual marine fuel from a high sulfur Feedstock Heavy Marine Fuel Oil compliant with ISO 8217:2017 as a Table 2 residual marine fuel except for the sulfur level, involving hydrotreating under reactive distillation conditions in a Reaction System composed of one or more reaction vessels. The reactive distillation conditions allow more than 75% by mass of the Process Mixture to exit the bottom of the reaction vessel as Product Heavy Marine Fuel Oil. The Product Heavy Marine Fuel Oil has a maximum sulfur content (ISO 14596 or ISO 8754) less than 0.5 mass %. A process plant for conducting the process for conducting the process is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of sequencing a double stranded target polynucleotide. The two strands of the double stranded target polynucleotide are linked by a bridging moiety. The two strands of the target polynucleotide are separated using a polynucleotide binding protein and the target polynucleotide is sequenced using a transmembrane pore.

Abstract: A dialysis fluid production system includes a water purification unit, at least one concentrate, a dialysis machine, a product container, and a recirculation container. The dialysis machine is configured to receive purified water from the water purification unit and to mix the purified water with the at least one concentrate to form dialysis fluid. The product container is positioned and arranged to receive the dialysis fluid from the dialysis machine, and the recirculation container is configured to receive an end of the drain line and an end of the dialysis fluid return line. Further, the recirculation container enables dialysis fluid to be recirculated from the drain line, through the dialysis fluid return line, back to the dialysis machine and is configured to be positioned adjacent to a facility drain such that overflow dialysis fluid flows from the recirculation container into the facility drain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of determining the presence, absence or characteristics of an analyte. The analyte is coupled to a membrane. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: A method for issuing a personalized financial transaction card is disclosed. The method includes receiving via a processor at a printing location a request to generate a personalized financial transaction card from a customer at the printing location, transmitting via the processor personally identifying information of the customer and card information to a card services provider, receiving at the printing location a card file from the card services provider wherein the card file comprises personalization data specific to the customer, generating via the processor the personalized financial transaction card based on the card file, and printing at the printing location the personalized financial transaction card.

Abstract: A multi-stage process for the production of an ISO 8217 compliant Product Heavy Marine Fuel Oil from ISO 8217 compliant Feedstock Heavy Marine Fuel Oil involving a Reaction System composed of one or more reactor vessels selected from a group reactor wherein said one or more reactor vessels contains one or more reaction sections configured to promote the transformation of the Feedstock Heavy Marine Fuel Oil to the Product Heavy Marine Fuel Oil. The Product Heavy Marine Fuel Oil has a Environmental Contaminate level has a maximum sulfur content (ISO 14596 or ISO 8754) between the range of 0.05 mass % to 1.0 mass. A process plant for conducting the process for conducting the process is disclosed that can utilize a modular reactor vessel.

Abstract: There is provided a reflector sight for a firearm. The sight comprises a base, a housing arranged on the base together defining an inner chamber, and a light source, wherein the base comprises a bridge defining a tunnel therethrough, and wherein the light source is arranged with respect to the base to emit light through the tunnel and into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of characterising a target RNA polynucleotide by taking one or more measurements as the target RNA polynucleotide moves with respect to a transmembrane pore. The movement is controlled by a DNA helicase. The invention also relates to a modified RNA construct wherein the RNA polynucleotide has been modified to increase DNA helicase binding thereto.