Abstract: A laser system includes a controller, a laser source, a laser scanner, and a laser containment apparatus. The laser containment apparatus includes a mounting structure for the laser scanner, a shroud assembly coupled to the mounting structure, and a seal interface coupled to the shroud assembly at an opposite end from the laser scanner. The shroud assembly surrounds a working volume of the laser scanner and includes a vacuum port connected to a vacuum source and a purge port that guides purge gas from a purge gas source toward the laser scanner. A distal end of the seal interface is formed of a pliable material that compresses to seal the shroud assembly to a target surface of a workpiece upon establishment of a negative pressure differential between a vacuum pressure inside the shroud assembly and ambient atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on an appropriate subject. A procedure may be planned, at least in part, prior to performing the procedure. An image may illustrate at least a portion of the planned procedure for confirmation and/or alteration of the planned procedure prior to performing the procedure.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: An example system for cooling a data center includes a container enclosure for housing server racks. An air intake collects ambient air. The system includes a cooling ladder base, a cooling ladder wing, and a mixing chamber. A first conduit connects the air intake with the cooling ladder wing. A second conduit connects the cooling ladder wing with the cooling ladder base. An intake tunnel connects the cooling ladder base to the mixing chamber. Underground cooling ladders carry the ambient air downward into the earth through cooling ladder rungs in the cooling ladder wing such that the ambient air becomes geothermally cooled air. The geothermally cooled air is provided through the at least one intake tunnel to the mixing chamber for release into the container enclosure for the data center. A chimney vents hot air exhaust outside of the data center.

Abstract: A manure mixture within an anaerobic digestion tank stratifies to form a liquid effluent layer and a sludge layer. Liquid effluent from the liquid effluent layer is withdrawn from the tank through a height adjustable valve. The height adjustable valve is adapted to automatically adjust the position of its intake end within the liquid effluent layer in response to the level of the sludge layer detected by a sludge meter located within the tank. Liquid effluent withdrawn from the tank is passed through a heat exchange system including at least one heat exchanger. Heat from the heat exchanger is transferred to the liquid effluent to produce heated liquid effluent. The heated liquid effluent is reintroduced back into the digestion tank such that the temperature of the manure mixture within the tank is maintained within a suitable temperature range for anaerobic digestion of the manure mixture.

Abstract: A manure mixture within an anaerobic digestion tank stratifies to form a liquid effluent layer and a sludge layer. Liquid effluent from the liquid effluent layer is withdrawn from the tank through a height adjustable valve. The height adjustable valve is adapted to automatically adjust the position of its intake end within the liquid effluent layer in response to the level of the sludge layer detected by a sludge meter located within the tank. Liquid effluent withdrawn from the tank is passed through a heat exchange system including at least one heat exchanger. Heat from the heat exchanger is transferred to the liquid effluent to produce heated liquid effluent. The heated liquid effluent is reintroduced back into the digestion tank such that the temperature of the manure mixture within the tank is maintained within a suitable temperature range for anaerobic digestion of the manure mixture.

Abstract: A cover member adapted to confine gaseous emissions from animal waste in a waste collection area having a base for contacting and floating on at least a portion of a surface of the animal waste and a cover with at least one surface extending from the base. The cover member can include a buoyant frame to define a generally pyramid shape. The cover includes a layer of geotextile material and can include organic filter material with the internal volume of the cover member. A plurality of cover members can be closely aligned to cover a substantial portion of the surface of the animal waste.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating air from an exhaust port of a building. The apparatus includes an enclosed pathway having an inlet for communication with an exhaust port, a discharge outlet, and a non-linear pathway portion between the inlet and discharge outlet. The non-linear pathway includes air treatment material positioned in communication with a portion of the pathway to expose the air to the air treatment material as it moves through the pathway. The apparatus includes an irrigation system for maintaining the moisture content of the air treatment material.