Abstract: An optical distributor (10) is formed as a reflector with one or more sloping surfaces. The sloping surfaces have varying angles of inclination from a bottom edge (20) to a top edge of the reflector. The sloping surfaces may form a substantially pyramidal or conical frustum-shaped surface. The sloping surfaces may additionally or alternatively form a band of adjacent or contiguous faceted surfaces. The reflector is configured to receive light rays through an opening (32) in a first plane (30) and reflect light rays radially outward and upward at varying angles of reflection (8B) to a bottom surface of the first plane (30) in a manner that illuminates both the bottom surface of the first plane (30) and an area (40) below the first plane (30). The reflected light may illuminate the first plane (30) and the area (40) below in a substantially uniform manner.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides for systems and/or methods for accessing and/or updating files by a first application in which the first application does not have direct accessibility to said file. In some embodiments, file host applications that are not directly accessible to said first application may be connected to through a file picker extensibility point that enable the first application to acquire files through an operating system user experience. In these various embodiments, the system may provide for one or more of the following functionalities: (1) refreshing content that is controlled by a file host application; (2) updating content that is controlled by a file host application; (3) exporting files from an application to a file host application; (4) a user interface for export operations and file host application intervention and (5) a file host extensibility point provided by the operating system.

Abstract: One embodiment of an optical device comprises a fiber cap, an optical fiber and a bond between the fiber cap and the optical fiber. The fiber cap comprises a cap body having a closed distal end and a bore having a tapered section. The optical fiber comprises cladding surrounding a core. A distal end of the cladding comprises a tapered section that engages the tapered section of the bore.

Abstract: Rotary components are described that include a housing comprising a rotor having a rotor working face and a gate having a gate working face and a pocket; at least one vane, wherein the vane is coupled to the rotor; at least one wiper coupled to the vane; a plurality of endplates coupled to the housing, wherein at least one of the endplates is a float plate; an intake chamber; and an outlet chamber. In addition, methods of aspirating a working medium by utilizing the rotary component having at least one float plate includes pulling the working medium into the intake chamber, depositing the working medium into a working chamber that is located between the intake chamber and the outlet chamber; maintaining the working medium in a stationary position until the vane sweeps around toward the outlet chamber; accumulating the working medium into the outlet channel of the outlet chamber; and centrifugally ejecting the working medium into the outlet chamber and out of the system.

Abstract: An improved process for the concurrent, low temperature cleaning and sanitation of solid surfaces is provided. This process involves introducing a cryogen and an antimicrobial liquid into a vessel, thereby creating an immersion bath. A sterilant is then introduced into this immersion bath. An object to be cleaned and sanitized is then immersed in this immersion bath for a first period of time. Mechanical energy may be introduced into this vessel for a second period of time.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to utilization of high power density microwave energy to reduce organic compounds to carbon and their constituents, primarily in a gaseous state. The process includes, but is not limited to, scrap tires, plastics, asphalt roofing shingles, computer waste, medical waste, municipal solid waste, construction waste, shale oil, and PCB/PAH/HCB-laden materials. The process includes the steps of feeding organic material into a microwave applicator and exposing the material to microwave energy fed from at least two linear polarized sources in non-parallel alignment to each other, and collecting the material. The at least two sources of microwave energy are from a bifurcated waveguide assembly, whose outputs are perpendicular to each other and fed through waveguide of proper impedance, such that the microwave sources are physically and electrically 90° out of phase to each other. The microwave frequency is between 894 and 1000 MHz, preferably approximately 915 MHz.

Abstract: An improved process for sludge treatment includes anaerobic digestion followed by post-mesophilic aerobic and/or anoxic digestion. The first anaerobic step may be performed under either mesophilic or thermophilic conditions. The subsequent aerobic/anoxic digestion may be performed using either simultaneous, sequential or pulsed aerobic and anoxic conditions. An apparatus for performing the improved sludge treatment may be one digester for performing the anaerobic followed by aerobic/anoxic digestion. Alternatively, the system for performing the improved sludge treatment techniques may be at least two digest reactors.

Abstract: A method of reducing odors from dewatered biosolids cake includes adding an aluminum-containing compound to digested wastewater sludge prior to dewatering, thereby binding odor-causing proteins with the aluminum-containing compound.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for sanitizing food contact surfaces and food processing equipment using a combination of carbon dioxide (CO2) and antimicrobial chemicals. Generally, the invention provides a method for antimicrobial sanitation, comprising placing an object in a vessel containing an antimicrobial chemical, providing CO2 into the vessel, and removing the object from the vessel after a given treatment time during which the object is exposed to the provided CO2 and the antimicrobial chemical.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inhibiting growth and quorum sensing mechanisms in food-borne microorganisms by simultaneously exposing a food product to an antimicrobial gas mixture and a treating agent adapted to inhibit signaling between the microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for increasing the speed and throughput at which the antimicrobial effects of chemical formulations can be evaluated. Generally, the invention provides a method for screening antimicrobial chemical formulations, comprising depositing microorganisms on a slide, depositing chemical formulations onto the deposited microorganisms, removing the chemical formulations from the deposited microorganisms after a given treatment time, depositing fluorescent dyes onto the deposited microorganisms after removing the chemical formulations, and scanning the slide for fluorescence to evaluate viability of the microorganisms after depositing the fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for selectively synchronizing, with a media library, media files within folders of a filing system. This system and method can preferentially synchronize certain folders rather than others based on whether or not the folders have been modified. This system and method can also maintain synchronization between a media library and a filing system by regularly checking for changes in the filing system.

Abstract: The present invention is a foamable alcohol health, beauty, skin care, nail care and/or haircare product. Alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol is combined with a fluoro-surfactant, at least one active ingredient and water. Other ingredients can be added. The fluoro-surfactant reduces the surface tension of the alcohol allowing it to be foamed without reducing the effectiveness of the alcohol as a carrier for the active ingredient or the efficacy of the active ingredient(s). The inventive mixture foams when dispensed as an aerosol or pumped through a foam pump. The pump or other dispenser doses the alcohol. The foam is easy to apply, and liquefies as a user smears it on a surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a foamable alcohol having at least one active ingredient. The active ingredient can be a prescription or non-prescription drug or medication. It either works on the skin or is absorbed transdermally and works on the body. Alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol is combined with a fluoro-surfactant, at least one active ingredient and water. Optionally, inactive ingredients can be added. The fluoro-surfactant reduces the surface tension of the alcohol allowing it to be foamed without reducing the effectiveness of the alcohol as a carrier for the active ingredient or the efficacy of the active ingredient(s). The inventive mixture foams when dispensed as an aerosol or pumped through a foam pump. The pump or other dispenser doses the alcohol. The foam is easy to apply, and liquefies as a user smears it on a surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for utilizing microwave energy to dry materials (optionally with sterilization) by the direct application of bifurcated out-of-phase microwave energy.

Abstract: Enhanced wastewater treatment utilizing directed energy to promote degradation of sludge is disclosed. The directed energy is delivered in a stream circulating to and from an anaerobic digester. The directed energy incorporates mechanical shear energy, ultrasonic energy, and/or hydraulic shear energy. Characterization of odor potential is further disclosed involving the analyzing volatilized sulfur-containing species from dewatered sludge. The odor potential can be used to control operation of the wastewater treatment by controlling the directed energy and/or polymer dose.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for selectively synchronizing, with a media library, media files within folders of a filing system. This system and method can preferentially synchronize certain folders rather than others based on whether or not the folders have been modified. This system and method can also maintain synchronization between a media library and a filing system by regularly checking for changes in the filing system.

Abstract: A method, system and kit for detecting the presence of an analyte includes placing a solution containing the analyte in a microcapillary tube and placing the microcapillary tube in contact with a layer of sorbent material so that the solution is withdrawn from the microcapillary tube by capillary action. A detector reagent which has been pre-deposited on the sorbent material indicates the presence of the analyte. The sorbent material, detector reagent, and the solvent for the analyte solution are selected so that the solvent is absorbed into the sorbent material and the analyte is adsorbed by the sorbent material and concentrated at the spot where the detector reagent has been pre-deposited and where the microcapillary tube contacts the sorbent material.

Abstract: A satellite communication system has a first deployment of a plurality of satellites deployed in a medium earth orbit and two later deployments of a plurality of satellites deployed in the medium earth orbit. The first deployment is spaced so that the second deployment may be easily deployed and interleaved into the first deployment. A ground terminal is used for communicating with the satellites in the first and second deployments.

Abstract: A drive for a carrier tape used in conjunction with a pick and place module of a machine for inspecting and handling advances the carrier tape to its desired position in two steps. Using the number of sprocket holes between compartments in the tape (n holes), the first step is n−1 sprocket holes. The second step takes the carrier tape the remaining distance to complete the advance to the distance equal to n sprocket holes. The tape is driven by friction rollers not by the use of the sprocket holes. The presence of a device in a compartment and its proper positioning in the compartment is also inspected.