Abstract: There is provided a process for the production of anisotropic coke, the process comprising providing a purified coal product (PCP), wherein the PCP is in particulate form, and wherein at least about 90% by volume (% v) of the particles are no greater than about 100 ?m in diameter; wherein the PCP has an ash content of less than about 10% m and a water content of less than around 5% m. The PCP is combined with a feedstock oil, such as a decant oil, in order to create a combined solid-liquid blend, wherein the solid-liquid blend comprises at least around 0.1% m and at most around 50% m PCP. The solid-liquid blend is subjected to a temperature in excess of 400° C., typically as part of a delayed coker process, for a time period sufficient to induce formation of mesophase, and production of anisotropic coke. Improved yields of valuable needle coke can be obtained via the processes described.

Abstract: A sorbent composition comprises activated carbon with at least most of the particulates of the sorbent composition have a sphericity in the range of about 0.75 to about 1.0 and/or an aspect ratio greater than about 0.71.

Abstract: An example ion mobility spectrometry system includes a drift chamber, an ion detector, a thermal sensor, and processing circuitry. The drift chamber is configured to receive an ionized sample and an ionized calibrant. The ion detector is configured to generate a drift signal in response to detecting drifted ions at a predetermined position along the drift chamber. The thermal sensor is configured to generate a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the drift chamber. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the temperature signal, a mobility relation for a target species; determine, based on the drift signal, calibrant and sample drift times; determine, based on the mobility relation and the calibrant drift time, a target drift time; and detect the target species in the ionized sample by comparing the sample drift time with the target drift time.

Abstract: An example system includes a conductive sampling swab and a thermal desorber comprising an induction coil. The thermal desorber defines an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the conductive sampling swab within an internal volume defined by the induction coil, and the thermal desorber is configured to inductively heat the sampling swab to a temperature sufficient to vaporize a sample material disposed on the sampling swab.

Abstract: A DC electrical meter (62) includes or is connected to a current sensor (1). The current sensor includes a busbar connector (2) including a first part (3) connected to a third part (4) via a second part (5). The second part (5) includes a main body (6) integrally formed with first (7a) and second (7b) connecting members, each having a proximal end (8a, 8b) where it meets the main body (6) and a distal end (9a, 9b) electrically coupled to a respective conductive element (10a, 10b) supported on a substrate (11) and coupled to circuitry (12) configured to measure a voltage therebetween. When a first temperature difference (?T1) exists between the respective proximal ends (8a, 8b) of the first (7a) and second (7b) connecting members, a second temperature difference (?T2) between the respective distal ends (9a, 9b) is less than or equal to 50% of the first temperature difference (?T1).

Abstract: A system includes a conductive sampling swab including a non-mesh substrate and a thermal desorber including a clamping assembly configured to releasably hold the conductive sampling swab. The clamping assembly is configured to be electrically connected to a voltage or current source, and the thermal desorber is configured to resistively heat the conductive sampling swab to a temperature sufficient to vaporize a sample material disposed on the conductive sampling swab.

Abstract: A pallet top deck, a bottom deck, and spaced apart support blocks coupled between the top and bottom decks. Each support block includes an inner wall surrounding an interior opening, an outer wall surrounding the inner wall, and a plurality of ribs extending between the inner and outer walls. First and second upper tabs extend outwards from upper surfaces of the inner wall, with each upper tab comprising an angled contact surface for engaging the top deck. The angled contact surfaces of the first and second upper tabs are oriented in a first direction. First and second lower tabs extend outwards from lower surfaces of the ribs, with each tab comprising an angled contact surface for engaging the bottom deck. The angled contact surfaces of the first and second lower tabs are oriented in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visual navigation are provided. An example method includes receiving a plurality of video frames from an image sensor disposed on an aircraft, and generating an image-based transform based on the plurality of video frames. In some examples, the image-based transform is associated with a movement of one or more image features and a movement of the image sensor.

Abstract: In some examples, systems and methods for multiple-sensor object tracking are provided. For example, a method includes: receiving a first sensor feed and a second sensor feed from a plurality of sensors respectively. The first sensor feed includes a set of first images. The second sensor feed includes a set of second images. In some examples, the method further includes generating an image transformation based on at least one first image in the set of first images and at least one second image in the set of second images, applying the image transformation to the set of second images, aggregating the set of first images and the set of transformed second images to generate a set of aggregated images, and applying a multiple object tracking model to the set of aggregated images to identify a plurality of objects.

Abstract: A work machine having a belt tensioning system is described. A belt is engaged with an engine drive sheave and a driven sheave of a rotor having a plurality of cutting tools configured for reducing wood infeed material. An idler pulley is mounted to an idler arm that is hinged to the machine frame. An actuator is hinged to the idler arm and the frame. The actuator may be extended and retracted in order to press the idler pulley into stronger and weaker engagement with the belt in order to set the desired amount of tension in the belt. One or more sensors may be used to sense the amount of tension in the belt, and the one or more sensors may be in communication with a control system that controls the actuator to monitor and adjust the belt tension so that it is maintained within desired limits.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises a base, a patient support deck, a wheel assembly, and a braking system. The wheel assembly includes a wheel and a braking mechanism. The braking system includes a linkage assembly, a manual actuator, and an electrical braking assembly. The linkage assembly is arranged to place the braking mechanism in a braked state and a released state. The manual actuator moves the linkage assembly manually to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The electrical braking assembly includes a driving assembly that moves to a first position and to a second positing that causes the linkage assembly to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The linkage assembly is movable relative to the driving assembly to enable the braking mechanism to be manually actuated with the manual actuator.

Abstract: An electricity meter (17) is described which includes a conductor (19) for transferring energy from a supply (20) to a load (21). The electricity meter (17) also includes a multi-layer printed circuit board (18) mechanically attached to the conductor (19). The multi-layer printed circuit board (18) includes two or more insulating layers (26, 27, 33, 34). The two or more insulating layers (26, 27, 33, 34) include a first insulating layer (26, 27) having an attachment surface (28) facing the conductor (19). The multi-layer printed circuit board (18) also includes a first conductive layer (29) including a first planar sensor coil (30). The first insulating layer (26, 27) is between the first conductive layer (29) and the conductor (19). The multi-layer printed circuit board (18) also includes a second conductive layer (31) including a second planar sensor coil (32).

Abstract: Methods for of processing an oxygen containing feedstock to an amine reacted liquid or solid phase with a different solubility, polarity and/or functionality may, in various embodiments, comprise steps of contacting the amine with an oxygen containing hydrocarbon with temperature to facilitate reactions to reduce the oxygen content and modulate the solubility, polarity and/or functionality of the products.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises a base, a patient support deck, a wheel assembly, and a braking system. The wheel assembly includes a wheel and a braking mechanism. The braking system includes a linkage assembly, a manual actuator, and an electrical braking assembly. The linkage assembly is arranged to place the braking mechanism in a braked state and a released state. The manual actuator moves the linkage assembly manually to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The electrical braking assembly includes a driving assembly that moves to a first position and to a second positing that causes the linkage assembly to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The linkage assembly is movable relative to the driving assembly to enable the braking mechanism to be manually actuated with the manual actuator.

Abstract: A capacitively or inductively driven spiral antenna creates an electric current distribution of a dipole, which generates a sensible magnetic field for various military applications including detecting and pre-detonating improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The antenna includes a dielectric substrate, a spiral antenna, driving elements such as tuning forks or loop, and a coaxial cable that connects to a source terminal. The substrate is a low dielectric loss insulating material to provide support for the antenna. The spiral antenna is tuned to a natural frequency is disposed on the substrate. The coaxial cable extends from the substrate to the source terminal.

Abstract: Chromogenic compositions and devices are described herein which, in some embodiments, permit facile and environmentally friendly production while exhibiting efficient and reversible electrochromic activity. In some embodiments, a composite composition comprises one or more chromogenic thiazolothiazoles contained in an aqueous-based polyelectrolyte matrix. The one or more chromogenic thiazolothiazoles can be soluble in the aqueous-based polyelectrolyte matrix, in some embodiments. Moreover, the chromogenic thiazolothiazoles can comprise at least two pyridinium moieties. In some embodiments, the chromogenic thiazolothiazoles undergo a first color change in response to a first electron reduction, and a second color change in response to a second electron reduction.

Abstract: Mutual inductance-type current sensing apparatus (1) is described which includes a mutual inductance current sensor (11) having a first transfer function. The apparatus (1) also includes a low-pass filter (12) which receives a signal from the current sensor (11). The low-pass filter (12) has a second transfer function configured to attenuate one or more harmonic components of the signal. The apparatus (1) also includes an analogue-to-digital converter (13) which receives and digitises a filtered signal output from the low-pass filter. The apparatus (1) also includes a controller (8) configured to process a digitised signal from the analogue-to-digital converter (13) using a digital processing chain configured to compensate for the frequency and phase responses of the first transfer function and the second transfer function.

Abstract: A pallet top deck, a bottom deck, and spaced apart support blocks coupled between the top and bottom decks. Each support block includes an inner wall surrounding an interior opening, an outer wall surrounding the inner wall, and a plurality of ribs extending between the inner and outer walls. First and second upper tabs extend outwards from upper surfaces of the inner wall, with each upper tab comprising an angled contact surface for engaging the top deck. The angled contact surfaces of the first and second upper tabs are oriented in a first direction. First and second lower tabs extend outwards from lower surfaces of the ribs, with each tab comprising an angled contact surface for engaging the bottom deck. The angled contact surfaces of the first and second lower tabs are oriented in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a stationary member mounted relative to the frame, a movable member having a pivot member rotatably mounting the movable member about the stationary member, and a fastener securing the pivot member to the stationary member. The patient support apparatus also includes a joint between the pivot member and the stationary member, which is configured to apply a tension force on the fastener.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the production of anisotropic coke, the process comprising providing a purified coal product (PCP), wherein the PCP is in particulate form, and wherein at least about 90% by volume (% v) of the particles are no greater than about 100 ?m in diameter; wherein the PCP has an ash content of less than about 10% m and a water content of less than around 5% m. The PCP is combined with a feedstock oil, such as a decant oil, in order to create a combined solid-liquid blend, wherein the solid-liquid blend comprises at least around 0.1% m and at most around 50% m PCP. The solid-liquid blend is subjected to a temperature in excess of 400° C., typically as part of a delayed coker process, for a time period sufficient to induce formation of mesophase, and production of anisotropic coke. Improved yields of valuable needle coke can be obtained via the processes described.