Abstract: A system for treating a material includes first and second screw conveyors each having a rotary shaft and a helical flight extending radially outward therefrom, the flighting of the screw conveyors overlapping with each other, and first and second actuators operably coupled to the first and second screw conveyors in a one-to-one dedicated relationship to rotationally drive the screw conveyors independently of each other. In typical embodiments, also included is a system for varying the clocking position of the screw conveyors relative to each other, wherein the screw conveyor flights are axially adjusted with respect to each other between a normal position and an advanced and/or retarded position. Also disclosed are methods of varying the axial position of the screw conveyor flights with respect to each other between the normal and advanced and/or retarded positions.

Abstract: A system for treating a material includes first and second screw conveyors each having a rotary shaft and a helical flight extending radially outward therefrom, the flighting of the screw conveyors overlapping with each other, and first and second actuators operably coupled to the first and second screw conveyors in a one-to-one dedicated relationship to rotationally drive the screw conveyors independently of each other. In typical embodiments, also included is a system for varying the clocking position of the screw conveyors relative to each other, wherein the screw conveyor flights are axially adjusted with respect to each other between a normal position and an advanced and/or retarded position. Also disclosed are methods of varying the axial position of the screw conveyor flights with respect to each other between the normal and advanced and/or retarded positions.

Abstract: A method for configuring a data analyzer is provided. The method comprises displaying to a user, on a presentation interface coupled to a processor, a graphical representation of at least a portion of the data analyzer. A data analyzer configuration for the data analyzer is then generated using a user input interface, which is coupled to the presentation interface and the processor. The presentation interface then displays to the user a plurality of selectable machine train components. The method also comprises generating, using the user input interface, an interactive graphical representation of a machine train including at least one of the selectable machine train components. Using the processor, a configuration file is generated based on the data analyzer configuration and the graphical representation of the machine train. The configuration file facilitates diagnosing operation of the machine train using the data analyzer.

Abstract: A system for treating a material includes first and second screw conveyors each having a rotary shaft and a helical flight extending radially outward therefrom, the flighting of the screw conveyors overlapping with each other, and first and second actuators operably coupled to the first and second screw conveyors in a one-to-one dedicated relationship to rotationally drive the screw conveyors independently of each other. In typical embodiments, also included is a system for varying the clocking position of the screw conveyors relative to each other, wherein the screw conveyor flights are axially adjusted with respect to each other between a normal position and an advanced and/or retarded position. Also disclosed are methods of varying the axial position of the screw conveyor flights with respect to each other between the normal and advanced and/or retarded positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating materials is described. The apparatus is a furnace that includes multiple gravity-feed trays and a heat transfer fluid that heats material by the heat evolved during phase change. The apparatus also includes moving paddles that urge the material through each tray. The method provides for the torrefying of the material using a phase-change heat-transfer fluid by providing the material sequentially to at least two trays, where the at least two trays are substantially horizontal and disposed at different vertical heights; condensing the vapor phase at a temperature; and providing heat from the condensing the vapor phase to the material, where the temperature is sufficient to torrefy the material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating carbon-containing waste materials include a gasifying system, a drier system for pre-drying the material, and an energy-recovery system for recovering waste heat and/or producer gas from the gasifying system/method for use in pre-drying the material. The energy-recovery system can include a recirculation system for recovering the waste heat and/or a thermal oxidizer or other combustion device for burning the producer gas, along with a heat-transfer-loop for transferring the recovered heat energy to the drier for pre-drying the material. In another aspect of the invention, the gasifying systems and methods use a thermal-screw conveyor with a product chamber and rotary thermal screws, and an oxygen-delivery system configured for delivering oxygen into the product chamber for immediate absorption into the material, with or without the dryer system and/or the energy-recovery system.

Abstract: A system for treating a material includes first and second screw conveyors each having a rotary shaft and a helical flight extending radially outward therefrom, the flighting of the screw conveyors overlapping with each other, and first and second actuators operably coupled to the first and second screw conveyors in a one-to-one dedicated relationship to rotationally drive the screw conveyors independently of each other. In typical embodiments, also included is a system for varying the clocking position of the screw conveyors relative to each other, wherein the screw conveyor flights are axially adjusted with respect to each other between a normal position and an advanced and/or retarded position. Also disclosed are methods of varying the axial position of the screw conveyor flights with respect to each other between the normal and advanced and/or retarded positions.

Abstract: A tissue removal system includes an inner tubular member configured to rotate and oscillate axially relative to an outer tubular member, and a reversible motor comprising a rotatable output shaft operatively coupled to the inner tubular member. A proximal end of the inner tubular member is disposed within, and configured to rotate and oscillate axially relative to, a housing. A first control switch disposed within the housing is actuated when the inner tubular member is in a distal position relative to the housing, and a second control switch disposed external to the housing is actuated by a user. The system further includes motor control circuitry configured such that when the second control switch is actuated, actuation of the first control switch causes the motor output shaft to change direction, and when the second control switch is not actuated, actuation of the first control switch causes the motor to turn off.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for counting and/or keeping track of one's repetitive practices. For music students, instructed to play a piece of music several times for practice/learning, the Music Stand Practice Bar (invention) helps keep count of the number of times played/practiced. The apparatus can be manufactured in several different configurations. The current configuration shows a solid bar can attach to the front edge tray of a music stand.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyimide resins comprises stirring a diamine and a dianhydride in a solvent to form a slurry; heating the slurry to a temperature sufficient for the diamine and dianhydride to react wherein the temperature is below the melting point of the dianhydride, below the melting point of the diamine, or below the melting points of the dianhydride and diamine; and reacting the diamine and dianhydride to form a polyimide having sufficient molecular weight to precipitate from the solvent.

Abstract: A method of preparing a purified dianhydride is provided where said method comprises the steps of preparing a first mixture comprising water, at least one inorganic acid, and at least one dianhydride, said dianhydride comprising at least one impurity which is soluble in aqueous acid heating said first mixture until substantially all of said dianhydride is converted to a tetraacid comprised in a second mixture; filtering at least a portion of said second mixture to provide a solid tetraacid and a filtrate, said filtrate comprising at least a portion of said impurity; and heating the tetraacid provided in a solvent with concurrent distillation of water to provide a third mixture comprising a purified dianhydride and a solvent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing waste material are presented. For some embodiments, the system comprises a chamber, an inlet, a fluid outlet, a metal outlet, and a magnet. The inlet is configured to selectively open and close. The inlet injects waste material into the chamber when the inlet is open. The waste material is suspended in a fluid medium, and comprises both ferromagnetic substances and non-ferromagnetic substances. The magnet is a selectively activated magnet coupled to the chamber. The magnet is configured to activate when the inlet is open, and deactivate when the inlet is closed. The magnet attracts the ferromagnetic substances from the waste material when the magnet is activated. The attracted ferromagnetic substances are released from the magnet when the magnet is deactivated. The metal outlet configured to selectively open and close. The metal outlet opens and expels the released ferromagnetic material from the magnet when the magnet is deactivated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for disposing of waste materials. For some embodiments, the system includes a vibrating screen that operates at above approximately 750 vibrations per minute. The vibrations cause separation of particles, similar to a sifting mechanism. Some of the separated particles are then removed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing of waste material are disclosed, in which a cross-belt magnet configuration is employed to separate ferromagnetic substances from waste material. For some embodiments, the system includes a first conveyor belt, a magnet, and a second conveyor belt. The first conveyor belt is configured to carry waste materials in a first direction. The magnet is located in proximity to the first conveyor belt such that the first conveyor belt is within range of the attractive force of the magnet. The magnet attracts the ferromagnetic substances. The second conveyor belt is interposed between the magnet and the first conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt is positioned non-parallel to the first conveyor belt, and is configured to carry the attracted ferromagnetic substances in a second direction, which is non-parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: A multi-step process is provided in which waste material is processed in two or more steps. Specifically, an earlier step of the process heats the waste material at a first temperature. This results in a release of vapors for materials having a boiling point that is lower than the first temperature. A subsequent step of the process heats some or all of the remaining waste material at a second temperature, which is preferably higher than the first temperature. The subsequent heating results in a release of additional vapors for those materials having a boiling point that is lower than the second temperature. A system configured to carry out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A card guide is used in guiding a circuit board with respect to a chassis. The card guide includes a guide rail extending along the card guide in a first direction, an end portion configured for removably attaching the card guide to the chassis, and a finger extending in a second direction. The finger has a shape and size to allow interconnection with an adjacent card guide. The finger defines an endpoint of a space allowing airflow in a third direction past the card guide.

Abstract: A process to produce a flowable fuel or fuel supplement from solid and/or liquid waste, such as industrial waste. A system to carry out the process includes producing from the solid and/or liquid industrial waste a solid char and vaporize liquids, recombining the char and the liquids, recovered from the wastes feed, to form a feed slurry containing solids, combining the feed slurry with additional combustible waste liquids which are added at a rate and amount to obtain a fuel slurry of specified properties, particularly specified viscosity and BTU content, subjecting the feed slurry and additional wastes to conditions of attrition in at least one attrition zone to produce a product slurry containing solids of fuel size, recovering the fuel slurry which be used as fuel in partial oxidation processes. The liquid waste may be collected as a product, particularly if they are high in organic compounds.

Abstract: A sprinkler system for a building includes an internal combustion engine which operates a water pump. The water pump in turn forces water through pipes to sprinkler heads. The engine is at least in part controlled by a throttle control mechanism which includes a spring biased piston which is moved in response to the output pressure of the pump. This prevents the pump from exceeding the rated capacity of the system components.