Abstract: The present invention features compounds having the Formula (Ia) and (Ib) (e.g., a compound of any of Formulas ((Ia-2)-(Ia-21)), including other tautomers, stereoisomers, E/Z stereoisomers, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and compositions thereof. The invention also features methods for treating or preventing pain (e.g., neuropathic pain), inflammation, or epilepsy in a patient by administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia) or (Ib). The invention also features a method for treating or preventing pain (e.g., neuropathic pain), inflammation, or epilepsy in a patient that includes administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (IIa) or (IIb) (e.g., a compound of any of Formulas ((IIa-2)-(IIa-6)). The compounds described herein (e.g., a compound of Formulas (Ia), (Ib), (IIa), or (IIb)) can also be used as anticonvulsants.

Abstract: The present invention features compounds having the Formula (Ia) and (Ib) (e.g., a compound of any of Formulas ((Ia-2)-(Ia-21)), including other tautomers, stereoisomers, E/Z stereoisomers, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and compositions thereof. The invention also features methods for treating or preventing pain (e.g., neuropathic pain), inflammation, or epilepsy in a patient by administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia) or (Ib). The invention also features a method for treating or preventing pain (e.g., neuropathic pain), inflammation, or epilepsy in a patient that includes administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (IIa) or (IIb) (e.g., a compound of any of Formulas ((IIa-2)-(IIa-6)). The compounds described herein (e.g., a compound of Formulas (Ia), (Ib), (IIa), or (IIb)) can also be used as anticonvulsants.

Abstract: A machine for popping corn out of corn kernel and for delivering the popcorn to a container, the machine includes a body having a popcorn popper; and a popcorn receptacle disposed adjacent to the popcorn popper. When the popcorn popper is in operation, popcorn expelled by the popcorn popper falls into the popcorn receptacle. The popcorn receptacle has at least one inclined wall. A valve is disposed in the popcorn receptacle at a bottom end of the at least one inclined wall. The valve selectively releases the popcorn from the popcorn receptacle to the container. A method of making and delivering popcorn in a popcorn machine to a container is also presented.

Abstract: A transportable telecommunication interconnection device for interconnecting a plurality of communication devices to a telecommunication network, comprising: a transportable enclosure comprising an end wall and a peripheral wall extending along an axis from the end portion and defining a chamber, the transportable enclosure further comprising a separation wall positioned within the chamber at a given position along the axis to define an enclosed compartment and an open compartment within the chamber; a chamber cover for removably closing the open compartment; input and output port connectors extending through at least one wall defining the enclosed compartment, the input port connectors for connection to the communication network and the output port connectors for connection to the plurality of communication devices; and a processing device positioned within the enclosed compartment, connected to the input and output ports, and configured for interconnecting the input port connectors to the output port connec

Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas, or syngas, from biomass. The process comprises contacting biomass with oxygen, or oxygen and steam, in an amount effective to oxidize the biomass and to heat the biomass to a temperature to no greater than 750° C. At least one combustible material also is contacted with oxygen and steam to heat the at least one combustible material to a temperature of at least 1,100° C., to provide a hot gas derived from the oxidized combustible material. The latter maybe residual products derived from the process itself as char, tar, or hydrocarbons. The oxidized biomass then is contacted with the hot flue gas to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 900° C., thereby producing synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is recovered. Such process provides a method of providing heat for producing synthesis gas without consuming a portion of the synthesis gas to provide such heat, thereby providing an increased yield of synthesis gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a vacuum system including a housing and at least one filter disposed within the housing. A valve assembly can be at least partially disposed within the housing and can be in fluid communication with the filter. The valve assembly can include a manifold and a support member coupled to a plurality of dampers. The plurality of dampers can include a first damper and a second damper that include unequal sizes. The support member and the dampers can be configured and arranged to move between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas, or syngas, from biomass. The process comprises contacting biomass with oxygen, or oxygen and steam, in an amount effective to oxidize the biomass and to heat the biomass to a temperature to no greater than 750° C. At least one combustible material also is contacted with oxygen and steam to heat the at least one combustible material to a temperature of at least 1,100° C., to provide a hot gas derived from the oxidized combustible material. The latter maybe residual products derived from the process itself as char, tar, or hydrocarbons. The oxidized biomass then is contacted with the hot flue gas to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 900° C., thereby producing synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is recovered. Such process provides a method of providing heat for producing synthesis gas without consuming a portion of the synthesis gas to provide such heat, thereby providing an increased yield of synthesis gas.

Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas from biomass in which biomass is contacted with oxygen and steam, wherein the oxygen is present in an amount effective to oxidize the biomass partially and to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 500° C. and no greater than 750° C. At least a portion of the partially oxidized biomass then is treated with oxygen and steam to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 800° C., thereby producing a synthesis gas, which then is recovered.

Abstract: A method of producing and treating synthesis gas in which a biomass-rich material is gasified in a gasifier containing a fluidized bed at a temperature that does not exceed 750° C. to produce a crude synthesis gas product. The crude synthesis gas then is quenched, scrubbed, and then subjected to at least one adsorption step to provide a clean synthesis gas. The clean synthesis gas then may be reformed catalytically to provide a synthesis gas with a desired H2:CO ratio, and/or may be employed in the synthesis of desired chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention features compounds having the Formula (Ia) and (Ib) (e.g., a compound of any of Formulas ((Ia-2)-(Ia-21)), including other tautomers, stereoisomers, E/Z stereoisomers, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and compositions thereof. The invention also features methods for treating or preventing pain (e.g., neuropathic pain), inflammation, or epilepsy in a patient by administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia) or (Ib). The invention also features a method for treating or preventing pain (e.g., neuropathic pain), inflammation, or epilepsy in a patient that includes administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (IIa) or (IIb) (e.g., a compound of any of Formulas ((IIa-2)-(IIa-6)). The compounds described herein (e.g., a compound of Formulas (Ia), (Ib), (IIa), or (IIb)) can also be used as anticonvulsants.