Abstract: A hand-held sensor and monitor system for sensing and monitoring atmospheric air quality. The system includes a plurality of sensors and a microcontroller in communication with the plurality of sensors to receive data therefrom. A mobile electronic device is in communication with the microcontroller and is capable of receiving data from the microcontroller. The plurality of sensors and the microcontroller are either integrated within the mobile electronic device or are attachable to and detachable from the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: An air quality measurement system for a plurality of adjacent ground flares. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles operating aerially above and around emissions from a plurality of adjacent ground flares. Sensors mounted on each of the plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles monitor atmospheric air properties. A data central processing unit receives, collects, and analyzes data from each of the sensors on each of the unmanned aerial vehicles regarding the atmospheric air properties.

Abstract: An air quality measurement system to monitor atmospheric properties at various locations, elevations, and times. The system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle having at least one carbon nanotube sensor for monitoring atmospheric air quality. Measurements of temperature, pressure, moisture, and gas species are obtained. A monitor mounted on the aerial vehicle is in communication with the sensor. A transmitter mounted on the aerial vehicle is in communication with the monitor for transmission of measurement data to a ground position controller.

Abstract: An exhaust flue cap and filter device for a gas fired appliance in communication with an exhaust flue opening. The device includes an inner collar to engage the exhaust flue opening. A tubular cap with a closed lower end is in communication with the inner collar. A filter tray is suspended in the tubular cap wherein the filter tray has a smaller diameter than the tubular cap so that a bypass space is formed between the filter tray and the tubular cap to permit passage of exhaust gases. A removable filter insert is receivable in the filter tray. A removable top having a body with exhaust openings is attached to and closes the open upper end of the tubular cap.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for upgrading a hydrocarbon material may include a black wax upgrade subsystem and a molten salt gasification (MSG) subsystem. The black wax upgrade subsystem and the MSG subsystem may be located within a common pressure boundary, such as within a pressure vessel. Gaseous materials produced by the MSG subsystem may be used in the process carried out within the black wax upgrade subsystem. For example, hydrogen may pass through a gaseous transfer interface to interact with black wax feed material to hydrogenate such material during a cracking process. In one embodiment, the gaseous transfer interface may include one or more openings in a tube or conduit which is carrying the black wax material. A pressure differential may control the flow of hydrogen within the tube or conduit. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for upgrading a hydrocarbon material may include a black wax upgrade subsystem and a molten salt gasification (MSG) subsystem. The black wax upgrade subsystem and the MSG subsystem may be located within a common pressure boundary, such as within a pressure vessel. Gaseous materials produced by the MSG subsystem may be used in the process carried out within the black wax upgrade subsystem. For example, hydrogen may pass through a gaseous transfer interface to interact with black wax feed material to hydrogenate such material during a cracking process. In one embodiment, the gaseous transfer interface may include one or more openings in a tube or conduit which is carrying the black wax material. A pressure differential may control the flow of hydrogen within the tube or conduit. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exhaust flue cap and filter device for a gas fired appliance in communication with an exhaust flue opening having an outer pipe and a coaxial liner. The device includes a tubular cap with an open lower end, an opposed open upper end, and a plurality of ventilation holes wherein the cap is receivable over the flue opening. A removable top is attached to and closes the open upper end of the tubular cap. A filter tray having a smaller diameter than the tubular cap includes a ledge extending radially inward from the tray. A removable catalytic converter filter insert within the tubular cap is supported on the ledge.

Abstract: The invention is related to the identification of CSA binding domains in var2CSA homologs from different parasite strains and furthermore to an isolated polypeptide comprising a CSA-binding domain sequence substantially as shown in SEQ ID NO:1, or functional equivalent thereof, or the corresponding portion of PfEMP1 from a strain of Plasmodium, substantially in isolation from sequences naturally occurring adjacent thereto in the PfEMP1 protein, and related nucleotide sequences, vectors, host cells, vaccines, and methods of use.

Abstract: An exhaust flue cap and filter device for a gas fired appliance in communication with an exhaust flue opening having an outer pipe and a coaxial liner. The device includes a tubular cap with an open lower end, an opposed open upper end, and a plurality of ventilation holes wherein the cap is receivable over the flue opening. A removable top is attached to and closes the open upper end of the tubular cap. A filter tray having a smaller diameter than the tubular cap includes a ledge extending radially inward from the tray. A removable catalytic converter filter insert within the tubular cap is supported on the ledge.

Abstract: A chimney cap device for a flue opening. The device includes a tubular housing with an open lower end and an open upper end. A plurality of louver openings in a lower portion of the tubular housing draw air into the tubular housing. A removable top is attached to the open upper end of the tubular housing wherein the top includes a plurality of exit openings. A liner is provided within and attached to the tubular housing. A removable catalytic converter insert is supported within the liner to treat emissions from a gas fired appliance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and controlling the percent stoichiometric oxidant in the pyrolyzing section of incinerators are provided. The methods and systems rely on measurements of the oxygen concentration and temperature of the gases within the pyrolysis section and mathematical relationships between these values and the percent stoichiometric oxidant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cerium oxide particulate composition and a process for preparing a cerium oxide particulate composition comprising aggregates of approximately spherical primary particles of cerium oxide. The method involves preparing a solution of a cerium oxide precursor, aerosolizing the cerium oxide precursor solution, and heating the aerosol to provide the cerium oxide particle composition.

Abstract: A logistics method is disclosed that provides logistics computer programming for controlling a plurality of transports to supply a plurality of delivery locations from one or more bases. Each of the bases and delivery locations are in communication with a central database, preferably an Internet server database, that contains updated logistics information. The central database is preferably automatically updated at selectable intervals as to transport location, destination, fuel level, speed, and heading. Manifests may be originated at the respective delivery location or at an associated base and are stored in the central database. Each material on the manifest is associated with information such as the authorized vendor, a description, storage preferences, units, hazardous designations and additional information if the material is hazardous.

Abstract: A continuously operating ultra-stable flare pilot for igniting a flammable fluid discharged from the open end of a flare stack and methods are provided. The flare pilot basically comprises a fuel-air mixture inlet conduit, a fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle attached to the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit and a wind shield having a lower end attached to the fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle or the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit. The wind shield has an open upper end which includes an upstanding wall portion facing the open end of the flare stack and the wind shield includes an outwardly extending wind capturing baffle attached to each of the opposite sides of the wind shield positioned substantially around openings in the wind shield through which captured wind can flow into the interior of the wind shield.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and controlling the percent stoichiometric oxidant in the pyrolyzing section of incinerators are provided. The methods and systems rely on measurements of the oxygen concentration and temperature of the gases within the pyrolysis section and mathematical relationships between these values and the percent stoichiometric oxidant.

Abstract: A continuously operating ultra-stable flare pilot for igniting a flammable fluid discharged from the open end of a flare stack and methods are provided. The flare pilot basically comprises a fuel-air mixture inlet conduit, a fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle attached to the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit and a wind shield having a lower end attached to the fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle or the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit. The wind shield has an open upper end which includes an upstanding wall portion facing the open end of the flare stack and the wind shield includes an outwardly extending wind capturing baffle attached to each of the opposite sides of the wind shield positioned substantially around openings in the wind shield through which captured wind can flow into the interior of the wind shield.

Abstract: A continuously operating ultra-stable flare pilot for igniting a flammable fluid discharged from the open end of a flare stack and methods are provided. The flare pilot basically comprises a fuel-air mixture inlet conduit, a fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle attached to the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit and a wind shield having a lower end attached to the fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle or the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit. The wind shield has an open upper end which includes an upstanding wall portion facing the open end of the flare stack and the wind shield includes an outwardly extending wind capturing baffle attached to each of the opposite sides of the wind shield positioned substantially around openings in the wind shield through which captured wind can flow into the interior of the wind shield.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalytic converter for treating internal combustion engine exhaust comprising a substrate, fumed metal oxide aggregates adhered to the substrate, wherein no non-fumed metal oxide is present in the intra-aggregate voids, and at least one catalyst adhered to the fumed metal oxide aggregates. The present invention also provides a method of preparing such a catalytic converter, as well as a method of treating the exhaust of an internal combustion engine comprising contacting the exhaust of an internal combustion engine with a catalytic converter of the present invention.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for monitoring, tracking, and logistics purposes that preferably includes a monitoring unit wherein data is processed using a microcontroller. The monitoring unit includes an interface with the target or asset to be tracked such that electrical signals may be sent between the target and monitoring unit to denote events from the target, e.g., air bag deployment and for activating features of the target, e.g., an alarm. The interface may be unique for each monitoring unit because unique information relating to each interface is stored in the system database, e.g., data may be related to a temperature in one unit and to a movement sensor indication in another. Therefore, the system may respond appropriately to signals having unique meanings from each different monitoring unit. A pager unit with a pager modem is controlled by the microcontroller to thereby encode the signals for transmission.