Abstract: Methods for the conversion of lignites, subbituminous coals and other carbonaceous feedstocks into synthetic oils, including oils with properties similar to light weight sweet crude oil using a solvent derived from hydrogenating oil produced by pyrolyzing lignite are set forth herein. Such methods may be conducted, for example, under mild operating conditions with a low cost stoichiometric co-reagent and/or a disposable conversion agent.

Abstract: Methods for the conversion of lignites, subbituminous coals and other carbonaceous feedstocks into synthetic oils, including oils with properties similar to light weight sweet crude oil using a solvent derived from hydrogenating oil produced by pyrolyzing lignite are set forth herein. Such methods may be conducted, for example, under mild operating conditions with a low cost stoichiometric co-reagent and/or a disposable conversion agent.

Abstract: In a method and system to produce biodiesel using an improved catalytic transesterification process, a first reactant and a second reactant are dispersed to form a laminar slug flow pattern within a microchannel of a microreactor, the first reactant and the second reactant being immiscible. The first reactant and the second reactant are mixed, thereby triggering a reaction between them to produce the biodiesel and glycerol, the mixing being convection-enhanced by shear stress induced circulation occurring within each slug of the reactants. The reaction takes place under a pressure that is less than 5 psi and under a temperature that is less than 70 degrees Celsius. Separation of the glycerol from the biodiesel occurs simultaneously with the mixing. Several microreactors are coupled in parallel to improve throughput of the biodiesel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a CPR sensor that includes a thin and substantially flat flexible substrate having one or more sensor arrays, a power source, an output interface and a processor or analog circuit, all of which are disposed on the substantially flat flexible substrate. The substrate can be any shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, a polygon, an irregular shape that is decorative) and made from a polymer, metal film or other suitable material. Note that the substrate can be rigid or semi-flexible instead of flexible. A protective layer may cover the sensor array, the power source, and the processor or analog circuit. Alternatively, a protective covering can be used to encapsulate the device. The one or more sensor arrays measure one or more of the following compressions characteristics: compression depth, compression force, compression frequency and compression acceleration.

Abstract: In a method and system to produce biodiesel using an improved catalytic transesterification process, a first reactant and a second reactant are dispersed to form a laminar slug flow pattern within a microchannel of a microreactor, the first reactant and the second reactant being immiscible. The first reactant and the second reactant are mixed, thereby triggering a reaction between them to produce the biodiesel and glycerol, the mixing being convection-enhanced by shear stress induced circulation occurring within each slug of the reactants. The reaction takes place under a pressure that is less than 5 psi and under a temperature that is less than 70 degrees Celsius. Separation of the glycerol from the biodiesel occurs simultaneously with the mixing. Several microreactors are coupled in parallel to improve throughput of the biodiesel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a CPR sensor that includes a thin and substantially flat flexible substrate having one or more sensor arrays, a power source, an output interface and a processor or analog circuit, all of which are disposed on the substantially flat flexible substrate. The substrate can be any shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, a polygon, an irregular shape that is decorative) and made from a polymer, metal film or other suitable material. Note that the substrate can be rigid or semi-flexible instead of flexible. A protective layer may cover the sensor array, the power source, and the processor or analog circuit. Alternatively, a protective covering can be used to encapsulate the device. The one or more sensor arrays measure one or more of the following compressions characteristics: compression depth, compression force, compression frequency and compression acceleration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making uniformly-sized and predictably-spaced droplets from high-temperature liquids. Liquid droplet generators having electromechanical driving elements are coupled to a power supply to apply pulsed excitation forces through a wall of a delivery tube to a high-temperature liquid, e.g., a liquid metal, epoxy, or polymer. The excitation forces generated by the driver induce capillary vibrations in the liquid within the delivery tube. Liquid jet streams having capillary vibrations when exiting an orifice break up into groups of substantially uniformly-sized liquid droplets shortly after leaving the orifice. Droplets may be produced in a uniformly-spaced series, or individually on demand in response to a single burst of force from the driving element. A heat source is also thermally coupled to the delivery tube to maintain the liquid in a high-temperature state.