Abstract: This disclosure provides a method and system for desulfurizing fuel produced from pyrolysis of waste tires including adsorbing one or more polar sulfur molecules from the tire pyrolysis oil with a regenerable adsorbent, distilling the tire pyrolysis oil to separate the tire pyrolysis oil into at least two fuel products and regenerating and reusing the regenerable adsorbent material. By combining adsorption with distillation, and advantageously recycling byproducts, the methods of this disclosure allow for conversion of waste tires into fuel in a manner that is commercially viable and sustainable.

Abstract: A method and system desulfurizes fuel produced from pyrolysis of waste tires and includes hydroprocessing tire pyrolysis oil to desulfurize the tire pyrolysis oil and obtain a hydroprocessed pyrolysis oil. The hydroprocessed oil is distilled into at least two environmentally fuel products selected from the group consisting of kerosene, naphtha, fuel oil, fuel and diesel. By combining hydroprocessing with distillation, and advantageously recycling byproducts, the methods of this disclosure allow for conversion of waste tires into fuel in a manner that is commercially viable and sustainable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising RNA, preferably messenger RNA (mRNA), more preferably self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), and polymers, in particular cationic polymers, such as polyethylenimine (PEI), poly-L-Lysin (PEL), polyvinylamine (PVA) or polyallylamine (PAA), where individual RNA molecules are present in solution. In the formulations, the RNA is preferentially present in the form of monomers, dimers, timers or oligomers, but not as aggregates comprising a large number of RNA molecules per aggregate, in particular large polyplex nanoparticles. The formulations display improved transfection efficacy and they can be used for delivery of RNA to a subject, where they have an improved dose response relationship in comparison to formulations where large aggregates in the form of polyplex nanoparticles are present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising polyplex formulations for delivery of RNA to a target organ or a target cell after parenteral administration, in particular after intramuscular administration. More precisely, the present invention relates to formulations for administration of RNA such as self-replicating RNA, in particular by intramuscular injection. In more detail, the formulations comprise polyplex particles from single stranded RNA and a polyalkyleneimine. The RNA may encode a protein of interest, such as a pharmaceutically active protein. Furthermore, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical products, comprising said RNA polyplex formulations for parenteral application to humans or to animals. The present invention relates as well to manufacturing of such pharmaceutical products, comprising, optionally, steps of sterile filtration, freezing and dehydration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising polyplex formulations for delivery of RNA to a target organ or a target cell after parenteral administration, in particular after intramuscular administration. More precisely, the present invention relates to formulations for administration of RNA such as self-replicating RNA, in particular by intramuscular injection. In more detail, the formulations comprise polyplex particles from single stranded RNA and a polyalkyleneimine. The RNA may encode a protein of interest, such as a pharmaceutically active protein. Furthermore, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical products, comprising said RNA polyplex formulations for parenteral application to humans or to animals. The present invention relates as well to manufacturing of such pharmaceutical products, comprising, optionally, steps of sterile filtration, freezing and dehydration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising polyplex formulations for delivery of RNA to a target organ or a target cell after parenteral administration, in particular after intramuscular administration. More precisely, the present invention relates to formulations for administration of RNA such as self-replicating RNA, in particular by intramuscular injection. In more detail, the formulations comprise polyplex particles from single stranded RNA and a polyalkyleneimine. The RNA may encode a protein of interest, such as a pharmaceutically active protein. Furthermore, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical products, comprising said RNA polyplex formulations for parenteral application to humans or to animals. The present invention relates as well to manufacturing of such pharmaceutical products, comprising, optionally, steps of sterile filtration, freezing and dehydration.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for determining light source characteristics from an image. An image having pixels is received that is affected by a light source. A silhouette boundary is received. The image may be filtered to decrease diffuse reflectivity. The presence of light sources is estimated by identifying a local maxima pixel around the silhouette boundary. The local maxima pixel may be associated with the light source. A slant angle that is associated with the light source is estimated using the silhouette boundary. A tilt angle associated with the light source is estimated using the slant angle and local maxima pixel intensity. The relative intensity of each light source may be determined. The ambient light intensity of the image may be determined. The characteristics, such as the slant angle and tilt angle, may be provided to a user.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for determining light source characteristics from an image. An image having pixels is received that is affected by a light source. A silhouette boundary is received. The image may be filtered to decrease diffuse reflectivity. The presence of light sources is estimated by identifying a local maxima pixel around the silhouette boundary. The local maxima pixel may be associated with the light source. A slant angle that is associated with the light source is estimated using the silhouette boundary. A tilt angle associated with the light source is estimated using the slant angle and local maxima pixel intensity. The relative intensity of each light source may be determined. The ambient light intensity of the image may be determined. The characteristics, such as the slant angle and tilt angle, may be provided to a user.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for determining light source characteristics from an image. An image having pixels is received that is affected by a light source. A silhouette boundary is received. The image may be filtered to decrease diffuse reflectivity. The presence of light sources is estimated by identifying a local maxima pixel around the silhouette boundary. The local maxima pixel may be associated with the light source. A slant angle that is associated with the light source is estimated using the silhouette boundary. A tilt angle associated with the light source is estimated using the slant angle and local maxima pixel intensity. The relative intensity of each light source may be determined. The ambient light intensity of the image may be determined. The characteristics, such as the slant angle and tilt angle, may be provided to a user.

Abstract: A downhole waterflood regulator installs in a side pocket mandrel to regulate fluid flow in a waterflood completion. The regulator has an internal piston and can have a check dart. The piston and check dart regulate fluid flow within the regulator's housing. Packings on the regulator's housing packoff the mandrel's ports that communicate with a surrounding annulus. When initially installed in the mandrel, a blanking plug on the regulator's latch prevents fluid flow through the regulator so that the regulator acts as a dummy valve and allows operators to set and test packers or perform other operations. To begin the waterflood operation, operators use a slickline to remove the blanking plug disposed in the latch. With the plug removed, fluid communicated from the tubing string can pass through the ported latch and into the regulator where the piston and check dart regulate the fluid flow out to the annulus.

Abstract: A downhole waterflood regulator installs in a side pocket mandrel to regulate fluid flow in a waterflood completion. The regulator has an internal piston and can have a check dart. The piston and check dart regulate fluid flow within the regulator's housing. Packings on the regulator's housing packoff the mandrel's ports that communicate with a surrounding annulus. When initially installed in the mandrel, a blanking plug on the regulator's latch prevents fluid flow through the regulator so that the regulator acts as a dummy valve and allows operators to set and test packers or perform other operations. To begin the waterflood operation, operators use a slickline to remove the blanking plug disposed in the latch. With the plug removed, fluid communicated from the tubing string can pass through the ported latch and into the regulator where the piston and check dart regulate the fluid flow out to the annulus.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for determining light source characteristics from an image. An image having pixels is received that is affected by a light source. A silhouette boundary is received. The image may be filtered to decrease diffuse reflectivity. The presence of light sources is estimated by identifying a local maxima pixel around the silhouette boundary. The local maxima pixel may be associated with the light source. A slant angle that is associated with the light source is estimated using the silhouette boundary. A tilt angle associated with the light source is estimated using the slant angle and local maxima pixel intensity. The relative intensity of each light source may be determined. The ambient light intensity of the image may be determined. The characteristics, such as the slant angle and tilt angle, may be provided to a user.

Abstract: A group of phytochemical compounds extracted from whole germinated or not germinated black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) and/or their dry milled fractions such as seed coats or hulls and cotyledons is described. These phytochemicals are classified as phenolics, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, and tannins, triterpenes such as saponins, phytosterols and other antioxidant compounds that proved to be effective to decrease cancer proliferation of hormone dependent mammary (MCF-7), hormone independent hepatic (HepG2) and colon (Caco2) cancer cells. They also effectively protect against chemical damage induced with DMBA and furthermore prevented cancer induced by this chemical in Wistar rats and also reduced tumor size when consumed after tumor detection. Methanol, acetone, ethanol, water and mixtures of these solvents were used to obtain the extracts from raw, cooked, and germinated black beans of different varieties, both from the whole grain and the hulls.

Abstract: A manifold has a supply inlet communicating with a plurality of spaced supply ports; and, has associated with each supply port a separate control pressure passage. A gasket has a plurality of spaced bosses, each with a valving cavity with an electrically operated valve received and ported in the cavity. Each valving cavity has a supply port communicating with one of the supply ports on the manifold and a control pressure outlet port communicating with one of the control pressure passages on the manifold. A plurality of electrically conductive strips are embedded in the gasket and each is connected to a terminal pin in a receptacle shell formed on the gasket. The remote end of each of the conductor strips is exposed adjacent a valve and makes contact with a terminal on the valve when the valve is received in the respective valving cavity. A common retaining bracket is attached to the manifold and retains the valves and gasket as an assembly on the manifold.

Abstract: A load bearing valve body has an annular collector groove supplied by radial ports connected to an inlet in the end of the valve body. An annular sleeve type armature has a plurality of arcuate slots located thereon to axially valve the collector groove upon solenoid energization.

Abstract: A load bearing valve body has an annular collector groove supplied by radial ports connected to an inlet in the end of the valve body. An annular sleeve type armature has a plurality of arcuate slots located thereon to axially valve the collector groove upon solenoid energization.

Abstract: A one-piece filter cartridge is formed by inserting an open ended cylindrical screen and an end screen for the cylindrical screen in a mold and overmolding with engineered resinous material to form spaced annular and axial support ribs for the screen material. The cartridge is suitable for use in an hydraulic circuit for filtering bi-directional and radial flow without backwashing trapped particles from flow in one axial direction. One of the ribs has an annular groove for a seal ring for sealing about the cartridge upon insertion in a flow passage.

Abstract: A one-piece filter cartridge is formed by inserting an open ended cylindrical screen and an end screen for the cylindrical screen in a mold and overmolding with engineered resinous material to form spaced annular and axial support ribs for the screen material. The cartridge is suitable for use in an hydraulic circuit for filtering bi-directional and radial flow without backwashing trapped particles from flow in one axial direction. One of the ribs has an annular groove for a seal ring for sealing about the cartridge upon insertion in a flow passage.

Abstract: A solenoid valve and manifold assembly for installation on an engine and connecting with hydraulic circuits in the engine for de-actuating the combustion chamber valves of selected cylinders of the engine. A manifold deck is formed with the valving channels and ports therein for connecting to the hydraulic circuits. A gasket is formed with solenoid valve mounting bosses and valving passages as a unitary member and is retained on the manifold deck by a retaining plate preferably stamped from sheet stock with clearance holes received over the valve mounting bosses and secured to the manifold deck over the gasket for sealing the gasket thereon. The valves are inserted in the bosses and retained by a preferably stamped bracket and the bracket, retaining plate and gasket secured to the manifold deck by common fasteners. A common electrical lead frame is received over the valve terminals for making electrical connection to the valves.

Abstract: A solenoid valve and manifold assembly for installation on an engine and connecting with hydraulic circuits in the engine for de-actuating the combustion chamber valves of selected cylinders of the engine. A manifold deck is formed with the valving channels and ports therein for connecting to the hydraulic circuits. A gasket is formed with solenoid valve mounting bosses and valving passages as a unitary member and is retained on the manifold deck by a retaining plate preferably stamped from sheet stock with clearance holes received over the valve mounting bosses and secured to the manifold deck over the gasket for sealing the gasket thereon. The valves are inserted in the bosses and retained by a preferably stamped bracket and the bracket, retaining plate and gasket secured to the manifold deck by common fasteners. A common electrical lead frame is received over the valve terminals for making electrical connection to the valves.