Abstract: An apparatus includes a finite impulse response demodulator. The finite impulse response demodulator includes least one stage. Each stage includes a cascaded pair of interferometers. The cascaded pair of interferometers includes a first interferometer and a second interferometer. Optionally, the first interferometer includes a first delay. The second interferometer includes a second delay. The first delay and the second delay are fixed or variable. Optionally, the first delay is unequal or equal to said second delay. Optionally, the first interferometer includes first internal power monitors, and the second interferometer includes second internal power monitors. The first power monitors monitor phase bias conditions within the first interferometer. The second power monitors monitor phase bias conditions within the second interferometer. Optionally, the first interferometer includes a first adjustable coupler, and the second interferometer comprises a second adjustable coupler.

Abstract: A system for use with a fired vessel of production/separators or dehydration equipment that includes a metal box, a main burner, a pilot burner, and a flame arrestor. The main burner and the pilot burner are within the metal box and the first flame arrestor is connected to the metal box.

Abstract: A system for use with a fired vessel of production/separators or dehydration equipment that includes a metal box, a main burner, a pilot burner, and a flame arrestor. The main burner and the pilot burner are within the metal box and the first flame arrestor is connected to the metal box.

Abstract: A system for use with a fired vessel of production/separators or dehydration equipment that includes a metal box, a main burner, a pilot burner, and a flame arrestor. The main burner and the pilot burner extend through the metal box and the first flame arrestor is connected to the metal box.

Abstract: A system for use with a fired vessel of production/separators or dehydration equipment that includes a metal box, a main burner, a pilot burner, and a flame arrestor. The main burner and the pilot burner are within the metal box and the first flame arrestor is connected to the metal box.

Abstract: Process and systems are provided for anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic feedstock into biogas and co-products, such as fibrous humid cake and a fine-particles slurry. The feedstock (e.g., grass straw) is typically first ground or milled. The feedstock is subjected to pelletizing or extruding to generate pellets (e.g., cubes) or extrudates. The pellets or extrudates may be fed to a hydrolysis unit or a digester, in dry form or wet form. Various chemicals may be added to improve the mechanical disintegration of the lignocellulosic structure of the feedstock, before, during, or after formation of pellets or extrudates. The biogas may be stored, sold, used, or further treated, such as via purification to produce pipeline-quality cellulosic methane. The fibrous humid cake and the fine-solids slurry have many potential uses. Other potential co-products include lignin, biochar, energy (as heat and/or electricity), fertilizers, soil or land conditioners, ammonium sulfate, ammonium hydroxide, and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Polysaccharide agents for removing solids from an aqueous suspension and methods for using the polysaccharide agents to remove solids from an aqueous suspension.

Abstract: Polysaccharide agents for removing solids from an aqueous suspension and methods for using the polysaccharide agents to remove solids from an aqueous suspension.

Abstract: Polysaccharide agents for removing solids from an aqueous suspension and methods for using the polysaccharide agents to remove solids from an aqueous suspension.

Abstract: A system for sharpening circular, knife edged blades operates to bias an infeed grinding wheel into contact with the first edge of the blade and an outfeed grinding wheel into contact with the second edge of the blade. The grinding wheels are spaced so that they contact the respective edges of the blade at a point which is spaced by no more than 1 inch from the center line of the blade. Contact between the grinding wheels and the blade is accomplished solely by pushing the wheels from their sides which are opposite the blade contacting surface. The system includes provisions for adjusting the position of the wheels relative to the blade so as to accommodate blade wear.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete wall panel may include a concrete top beam, a concrete bottom beam, studs interposed between the top and bottom beams and a concrete exterior interposed between the top and bottom beams. Water-impervious protective end caps may be placed on ends of the studs to preclude contact between the studs and the concrete of the beams.

Abstract: The disclosure provides instrumentation for the Raman spectroscopy analysis of seeds or grains, which can be used to determine the composition of the seed, such as its protein and oil content. In some examples the instrumentation includes an illumination device that emits light in the near infrared range, a sample holder to hold the seeds, and a collection device (e.g., Raman spectrograph) that captures the lights emitted by the seeds. Methods of determining the composition of seeds, such as soybeans, using Raman spectroscopy, are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating and assessing earned insurance premium for a mileage based insurance contract is disclosed. The system includes charging a customer a policy premium for a policy period of an insurance contract defined in part by coverage for a preselected number of units distance from the inception of the contract, determining the number units distance lapsed since contract inception, and assessing an earned premium against the charged policy premium based on the ratio of units distance lapsed to units distance insured under the policy.

Abstract: A method of providing vehicle insurance is disclosed. Determining a number of unexpired units distance under an existing insurance policy, the existing policy being defined in part by coverage for a predetermined number of units distance for a specified vehicle is disclosed. Assessing a premium per unit distance for a new policy, and providing coverage under the new policy for the unexpired units distance under the existing policy in exchange for receiving a payment comprising the difference between the premium per unit distance for the new policy and a premium per unit distance for the existing policy multiplied by the number of unexpired units distance is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assessing, pricing, and provisioning distance-based vehicle insurance is disclosed. The method includes receiving a vehicle identification number of a vehicle to be insured from a customer, receiving an preliminary odometer reading of the vehicle to be insured from the customer, and obtaining from the customer a legally binding declaration that the preliminary odometer reading is true and accurate. The method includes insuring the vehicle during a policy period defined by coverage for a preselected number of units distance from the preliminary odometer reading.

Abstract: A communication device (105) includes a first communication block (205) for operation within a first communication network (150); and a second communication block (210) for operation within a second communication network (160). The communication device (105) further includes an audio control (245) for at least one microphone (250). The audio control (245) is coupled to the first communication block (205) for receiving a first audio input for operation of the first communication block (205) and is coupled to the second communication block (210) for receiving a second audio input for operation of the second communication block (210). A low noise ground (315) is isolated from a common ground (320) of the communication device (105) to facilitate the sharing of the at least one microphone (250) between the two communication blocks.

Abstract: A technique for activating a transmit mode of a communication device (100) is provided encompassing the steps of generating a light signal on an outer surface of the communication device; inhibiting the light signal; and activating the transmit mode of the communication device in response to the light signal being inhibited. A communication device (100) operating in accordance with this technique includes a light transmitting device (108); and a sensor (110) for sensing light generated by the light transmitting device, the sensor disabling a transmit mode when light is detected and enabling a transmit mode when light is inhibited.

Abstract: A communication device (105) includes a first communication block (205) for operation within a first communication network (150); and a second communication block (210) for operation within a second communication network (160). The communication device (105) further includes an audio control (245) for at least one microphone (250). The audio control (245) is coupled to the first communication block (205) for receiving a first audio input for operation of the first communication block (205) and is coupled to the second communication block (210) for receiving a second audio input for operation of the second communication block (210). A low noise ground (315) is isolated from a common ground (320) of the communication device (105) to facilitate the sharing of the at least one microphone (250) between the two communication blocks.

Abstract: A load supporting waist belt comprising four separate articulated sections including front and rear belt straps and right and left hip pieces with adjustable connectors on the front and rear belt straps allowing adjustment for waist size and location of hip sections squarely on the wearer's hips. The hip pieces are stiff members capable of supporting tool hangers, pouches and the like and are provided with accompanying hip pads for contacting the wearer's hips. Brackets are used to lower the load attachment points to a position below the waist and in the area of the connection of the thigh bone to the hip of the wearer. A slide bar release mechanism is disclosed for detachably connecting loads to the support pivots. A shoulder harness is connected at pivotal anchor points on each hip section.

Abstract: A hip-level pack or pack frame for minimizing strain on a wearer's back and hips includes a belt arranged to be releasably secured about a wearer's waist. Pivotally connected to the belt at spaced-apart locations therealong is a pair of relatively large bags so that when the belt is secured about the wearer's waist, the bags are supported for free swinging movements at the wearer's hips and have essentially the same orientation when the wearer is upright or bent over. A shoulder harness for supporting some of the weights of the bags and their contents when the wearer is erect also disclosed.