Abstract: Embodiments described herein are related to a sports training device. The sports training device may include a base structure having a supporting element and a shaft coupled to the base structure such that the shaft is selectively raised or lowered relative to the base structure. A resilient rod may be coupled to the second end of the shaft and disposed. The resilient rod may be capable of bending to absorb an impulse and returning to a first resting position along. A longitudinal rod structure may be coupled to the resilient rod. The longitudinal rod structure may be disposed along the first axis and capable of rotating with the bending of the resilient rod. A reference object may be coupled to an end of the longitudinal rod structure. The reference object may be disposed along or proximate to a target trajectory of a sports ball.

Abstract: A mountable hanging structure may be mounted between two intersecting walls forming a corner. The hanging structure may comprise a rod comprising a body with a curved section extending between first and second ends and a mounting assembly comprising two retainers. Each of the retainers may comprises (1) a base configured for mounting to one of the intersecting walls, (2) a flange extending from the base for receiving a respective end of the rod, wherein the flange comprises one or more holding elements configured to receive the ends of the rod and prevent the rod from rotating relative to the base, and (3) a shroud configured for connecting to the base and comprising a bore for receiving an end of the rod. The base and the shroud may comprise interlocking members for interlocking the shroud to the base to mount the rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing a set of objects. The apparatus includes a washing chamber and a ROX generator fluidically connected to the washing chamber via a fluid conduit having a distal end that terminates at the washing chamber. The ROX generator is configured to provide reactive oxidizers to a carrier liquid to form a cleaning liquid with ROX cleaning bubbles, wherein the cleaning liquid is transported through the fluid conduit and into the washing chamber.

Abstract: A collapsible hanger may comprise: a suspendable support base further comprising: a neck having first and second ends; and a support extending from the second end, the support having first and second pegs positioned at first and second ends of the support, respectively; a frame positionable along a length of the neck; first and second extensions operatively coupled to the frame, the first and second extensions defining, respectively, a first channel positioned along at least a portion of a length of the first extension for receiving and guiding the first peg, and a second channel positioned along at least a portion of a length of the second extension for receiving and guiding the second peg, wherein sliding the frame along the length of the neck adjusts a separation distance between the first extension and the second extension and causes movement of each peg along an associated channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing a set of objects. The apparatus includes a washing chamber and a ROX generator fluidically connected to the washing chamber via a fluid conduit having a distal end that terminates at the washing chamber. The ROX generator is configured to provide reactive oxidizers to a carrier liquid to form a cleaning liquid with ROX cleaning bubbles, wherein the cleaning liquid is transported through the fluid conduit and into the washing chamber.

Abstract: A mountable hanging structure may be mounted between two intersecting walls forming a corner. The hanging structure may comprise a rod comprising a body with a curved section extending between first and second ends and a mounting assembly comprising two retainers. Each of the retainers may comprises (1) a base configured for mounting to one of the intersecting walls, (2) a flange extending from the base for receiving a respective end of the rod, wherein the flange comprises one or more holding elements configured to receive the ends of the rod and prevent the rod from rotating relative to the base, and (3) a shroud configured for connecting to the base and comprising a bore for receiving an end of the rod. The base and the shroud may comprise interlocking members for interlocking the shroud to the base to mount the rod.

Abstract: A collapsible hanger may comprise: a suspendable support base further comprising: a neck having first and second ends; and a support extending from the second end, the support having first and second pegs positioned at first and second ends of the support, respectively; a frame positionable along a length of the neck; first and second extensions operatively coupled to the frame, the first and second extensions defining, respectively, a first channel positioned along at least a portion of a length of the first extension for receiving and guiding the first peg, and a second channel positioned along at least a portion of a length of the second extension for receiving and guiding the second peg, wherein sliding the frame along the length of the neck adjusts a separation distance between the first extension and the second extension and causes movement of each peg along an associated channel.

Abstract: An exemplary fluid containment system may include a fluid receptacle comprising a receptacle cavity and a receptacle opening. Typically, the fluid receptacle is structured for receiving fluid via the receptacle opening. The fluid containment system further comprises a fluid control component structured to be operatively coupled to the fluid receptacle for controlling fluid flow into the fluid receptacle through the receptacle opening. The fluid receptacle may further comprise a base projection extending from an end of the fluid receptacle structured for positioning and stabilizing the fluid receptacle within a drain recess. The fluid containment system further comprises a fluid container structured for receiving fluid and structured to be positioned within the receptacle cavity of the fluid receptacle.

Abstract: A transformable storage container may comprise: an end wall; a support frame operatively coupled to the end wall by a plurality of sides extending between the end wall and the support frame, the support frame defining an opening to an interior cavity defined by the end wall, the plurality of sides, and the support frame, the support frame further comprising: a first channel substantially parallel to the end wall; and a second channel substantially perpendicular and conjoined to the first channel, the first channel and the second channel forming a channel interface therebetween; and an end door movably coupled to the support frame by the first channel and the second channel, the end door comprising a protrusion proximate a perimeter of the end door, the protrusion being moveable between the first and second channels and rotatable within the channel interface.

Abstract: A cutting board includes a base tray, a cutting board top, a cutting mat and/or a cutting board, and a bin. The base tray has a first chamber and a second chamber. The cutting board top fits within a complementary shape on top of the base. The cutting mat and/or cutting board is stored in the first chamber under the cutting board top and may be later removed from this chamber and placed on the cutting board top. The bin fits within a complementary-shaped chamber in the base adjacent the cutting board top. In some configurations, the bin may include a lid.

Abstract: A cutting board includes a base tray, a cutting board top, a cutting mat and/or a cutting board, and a bin. The base tray has a first chamber and a second chamber. The cutting board top fits within a complementary shape on top of the base. The cutting mat and/or cutting board is stored in the first chamber under the cutting board top and may be later removed from this chamber and placed on the cutting board top. The bin fits within a complementary-shaped chamber in the base adjacent the cutting board top. In some configurations, the bin may include a lid.

Abstract: A method that produces coupled radical products. The method involves obtaining a sodium salt of a sulfonic acid (R—SO3—Na). The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the sulfonic acid desulfoxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material.

Abstract: A dialkyl or diaryl ether is produced by reacting carbon dioxide with a metal alcoholate having the formula, M(RO)x, where “M” is a Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 metal; “x” is the valence of the metal M; “R” is a C1 to C6 lower alkyl or aryl, wherein the reaction produces a dialkyl or diaryl ether having a formula, R—O—R, and a metal carbonate having a formula M2CO3 where M is a Group 1 metal, MCO3 where M is a Group 2 metal, and M2(CO3)3 where M is a Group 3 metal. The metal carbonate may be removed by conventional means, such as filtration. The dialkyl or diaryl ether may be recovered and used as a fuel, fuel additive, propellant, or building block for other fuels or petrochemicals. In some cases the metal alcoholate is in an alcohol solution and the alcohol and metal carbonate are recycled to regenerate the metal alcoholate. A specific example of dimethyl ether production is disclosed.

Abstract: A method that produces coupled radical products. The method involves obtaining a sodium salt of a sulfonic acid (R—SO3—Na). The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the sulfonic acid desulfoxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for the production of sodium hypochlorite is disclosed. The process may potentially be used to produce sodium hypochlorite from seawater or low purity un-softened or NaCl-based salt solutions. The process utilizes a sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane, such as membranes based on NASICON-type materials, in an electrolytic cell. In the process, water is reduced at a cathode to form hydroxyl ions and hydrogen gas. Chloride ions from a sodium chloride solution are oxidized in the anolyte compartment to produce chlorine gas which reacts with water to produce hypochlorous and hydrochloric acid. Sodium ions are transported from the anolyte compartment to the catholyte compartment across the sodium ion conductive ceramic membrane. Sodium hydroxide is transported from the catholyte compartment to the anolyte compartment to produce sodium hypochlorite within the anolyte compartment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using carbon dioxide to remove an alkali catalyst and to recover free carboxylic acids after a transesterification reaction are disclosed. Generally, the methods include first providing a mixture resulting from the transesterification of an ester, wherein the mixture includes substances selected from the alkali catalyst, an alcohol, and a transesterification reaction product such as biodiesel. Second, the methods generally include adding carbon dioxide to the mixture. In some cases, adding the carbon dioxide to the mixture causes the alkali catalyst to convert into an alkali carbonate and/or an alkali bicarbonate. In other cases, adding the carbon dioxide to the mixture causes the carboxylic acid alkali salt to convert into a free carboxylic acid. In either case, the alkali carbonate, the alkali bicarbonate, and/or the free carboxylic acid can be separated from the mixture in any suitable manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering chlorine gas or an alkali metal from an electrolytic cell having an acid-intolerant, alkali-ion-selective membrane are disclosed. In some cases, the cell has an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment with an acid-intolerant, alkali-ion selective membrane separating the two. While a cathode is disposed within a catholyte solution in the catholyte compartment, a chlorine-gas-evolving anode is typically disposed within an aqueous alkali-chloride solution in the anolyte compartment. As current passes between the anode and cathode, chlorine ions in the anolyte solution can be oxidized to form chlorine gas. In some cases, the cell is configured so the chlorine gas is rapidly removed from the cell to inhibit a chemical reaction between the chlorine gas and the anolyte solution. In some cases, a vacuum or a heating system is used to increase the rate at which chlorine gas exits the cell. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: Alkali bicarbonate is synthesized in an electrolytic cell from alkali carbonate. The electrolytic cell includes an alkali ion conductive membrane positioned between an anolyte compartment configured with an anode and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. The alkali conductive membrane selectively transports alkali ions and prevents the transport of anions produced in the catholyte compartment. An aqueous alkali carbonate solution is introduced into the anolyte compartment and electrolyzed at the anode to produce carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen ions which react with alkali carbonate to produce alkali bicarbonate. The alkali bicarbonate is recovered by filtration or other separation techniques. When the catholyte solution includes water, pure alkali hydroxide is produced. When the catholyte solution includes methanol, pure alkali methoxide is produced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using carbon dioxide to remove an alkali catalyst and to recover free carboxylic acids after a transesterification reaction are disclosed. Generally, the methods include first providing a mixture resulting from the transesterification of an ester, wherein the mixture includes substances selected from the alkali catalyst, an alcohol, and a transesterification reaction product such as biodiesel. Second, the methods generally include adding carbon dioxide to the mixture. In some cases, adding the carbon dioxide to the mixture causes the alkali catalyst to convert into an alkali carbonate and/or an alkali bicarbonate. In other cases, adding the carbon dioxide to the mixture causes the carboxylic acid alkali salt to convert into a free carboxylic acid. In either case, the alkali carbonate, the alkali bicarbonate, and/or the free carboxylic acid can be separated from the mixture in any suitable manner.

Abstract: A dialkyl or diaryl ether is produced by reacting carbon dioxide with a metal alcoholate having the formula, M(RO)x, where “M” is a Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 metal; “x” is the valence of the metal M; “R” is a C1 to C6 lower alkyl or aryl, wherein the reaction produces a dialkyl or diaryl ether having a formula, R—O—R, and a metal carbonate having a formula M2CO3 where M is a Group 1 metal, MCO3 where M is a Group 2 metal, and M2(CO3)3 where M is a Group 3 metal. The metal carbonate may be removed by conventional means, such as filtration. The dialkyl or diaryl ether may be recovered and used as a fuel, fuel additive, propellant, or building block for other fuels or petrochemicals. In some cases the metal alcoholate is in an alcohol solution and the alcohol and metal carbonate are recycled to regenerate the metal alcoholate. A specific example of dimethyl ether production is disclosed.