Abstract: Highly efficient and universal biomass conversion methods are described. Methods utilize a base-catalyzed decarboxylation reaction in a conversion process carried out in the presence of excess base to overcome carbonate formation from CO2. Methods can efficiently convert all components of a biomass feedstock to liquid hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide byproduct. The process has several versions: hydrolysis and alcoholysis, etc. The chemical process can be carried out with nearly 100% conversion for any type of biomass feedstock and requires no expensive or complicated pretreatment. The conversion reactions can be carried out at moderate temperatures of 170-300° C. and form a product that can include a mixture of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons, including alcohols and phenol derivatives.

Abstract: Highly efficient and universal biomass conversion methods are described. Methods utilize a base-catalyzed decarboxylation reaction in a conversion process carried out in the presence of excess base to overcome carbonate formation from CO2. Methods can efficiently convert all components of a biomass feedstock to liquid hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide byproduct. The process has several versions: hydrolysis and alcoholysis, etc. The chemical process can be carried out with nearly 100% conversion for any type of biomass feedstock and requires no expensive or complicated pretreatment. The conversion reactions can be carried out at moderate temperatures of 170-300° C. and form a product that can include a mixture of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons, including alcohols and phenol derivatives.

Abstract: An arc fault current detector for an electricity supply having at least two supply conductors (P1, P2) comprises a coil (L1) disposed adjacent to but not surrounding at least one of the conductors and inductively coupled thereto. A circuit (14) is connected to the coil for detecting a signal induced in the coil having frequency characteristics corresponding to an arc fault in the supply.

Abstract: A gate-latching assembly is configured for utilization with a gate assembly. The gate assembly includes a stationary gate post configured to be mounted to, and to extend from, a working surface once the stationary gate post is mounted to the working surface, and in which the gate assembly also includes a movable gate door configured to be movable relative to the stationary gate post. There is provided a combination for utilization with the gate assembly. The combination includes any one of (A) a striker base assembly and a striker member, (B) a latch base assembly and a latch assembly, and/or (C) a striker base assembly, a striker member, a latch base assembly and a latch assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention a testing procedure, a processing procedure and a resulting product are provided whereby sewage sludge is primarily or firstly pre-hydrolyzed in whole or in part by means other than alkali. The alkali is then added to the pre-hydrolyzed product. The pre-hydrolyzed product from step one has a reduced potential for further hydrolysis and is more effectively stabilized in step 2 as a liquid biosolids-containing product or BSP. As a result, in accordance with the invention less of the alkali is used up in the step 2 further alkali-based hydrolysis of the pre-hydrolyzed product. The pH of the BSP product after the step 2 alkali treatment drops less over the period of storage and the BSP product will be better preserved against microbial regrowth.

Abstract: Methods for forming alane are described. The method drives the alane producing chemical reaction by a mechanical energy source such as a ball mill and includes stabilization of the product with solvent. At least one of the reactants is insoluble in the solvent. Thus, the product is both stabilized and phase-separated from the reactant(s) immediately upon formation. The method can be used to form ?-alane, for instance for use in hydrogen storage.

Abstract: Methods for forming alane are described. The method drives the alane producing chemical reaction by a mechanical energy source such as a ball mill and includes stabilization of the product with solvent. At least one of the reactants is insoluble in the solvent. Thus, the product is both stabilized and phase-separated from the reactant(s) immediately upon formation. The method can be used to form ?-alane, for instance for use in hydrogen storage.

Abstract: A system and method for providing updates to medical devices is disclosed. In one example, the medical devices are configured to pull update files in response to the reception of an update message from a server. Once the update files are downloaded by a medical device, the update files can be installed. While the medical device pulls the update files, the medical device can continue with its normal operation. If desired, a user can select which medical devices should be updated, based on any desired factors, such as the physical location of the device, the model of the device, the type of device, and the way the device is being used.

Abstract: A mount for mounting a drive module to a watercraft is described herein. The mount in-use with the drive module is also described. The mount in-use with the drive module and the watercraft is also described. The mount includes a frame configured to be attached to the watercraft. The mount is also configured to attach to the drive module to selectively allow the drive module to translate from a first position to a second position. When in the first position, the drive module is capable of propelling the watercraft. The frame has a retainer to fix the drive module in the first position and a first spring to assist translation of the drive module toward the second position. The second position is a relatively raised position compared to the first position.

Abstract: A mount for mounting a drive module to a watercraft is described herein. The mount in-use with the drive module is also described. The mount in-use with the drive module and the watercraft is also described. The mount includes a frame configured to be attached to the watercraft. The mount is also configured to attach to the drive module to selectively allow the drive module to translate from a first position to a second position. When in the first position, the drive module is capable of propelling the watercraft. The frame has a retainer to fix the drive module in the first position and a first spring to assist translation of the drive module toward the second position. The second position is a relatively raised position compared to the first position.

Abstract: A residual current device (RCD) comprises test circuitry which issues intermittent first test pulses each simulating a residual current fault for which a corresponding fault signal is generated. In the case of a fault in which a corresponding fault signal is not received in respect of a first pulse, the RCD attempts to force the load contacts open. The test circuitry further issues intermittent second test pulses at a frequency less than that of the first test pulses, each second test pulse simulating a residual current for which a corresponding fault signal is generated. The duration of each corresponding fault signal is greater than the response time of the load contacts to allow the load contacts to open. If the test circuitry detects that the load contacts do not open, the RCD attempts to force the load contacts open.

Abstract: A residual current device (RCD) comprises test circuitry which issues intermittent first test pulses each simulating a residual current fault for which a corresponding fault signal is generated. In the case of a fault in which a corresponding fault signal is not received in respect of a first pulse, the RCD attempts to force the load contacts open. The test circuitry further issues intermittent second test pulses at a frequency less than that of the first test pulses, each second test pulse simulating a residual current for which a corresponding fault signal is generated. The duration of each corresponding fault signal is greater than the response time of the load contacts to allow the load contacts to open. If the test circuitry detects that the load contacts do not open, the RCD attempts to force the load contacts open.

Abstract: A system and method for providing updates to medical devices is disclosed. In one example, the medical devices are configured to pull update files in response to the reception of an update message from a server. Once the update files are downloaded by a medical device, the update files can be installed. While the medical device pulls the update files, the medical device can continue with its normal operation. If desired, a user can select which medical devices should be updated, based on any desired factors, such as the physical location of the device, the model of the device, the type of device, and the way the device is being used.

Abstract: Centralized systems execute one or more applications for monitoring and operating a plurality of network enabled medical devices. An indication to start a selected application at the centralized system or at a network enabled medical device is received at the centralized system/network enabled medical device. The selected application may require a license to operate and, at the time the indication is received, may have a first license available. Instead of using the first license, the centralized system/network enabled medical device may determine to inherit at least a portion of a second license to operate the selected application. The centralized system/network enabled medical device may inherit at least the portion of the second license to form an inherited license, where the inherited license enables features of the selected application. Using the inherited license, the selected application is started with the enabled features. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for providing updates to medical devices is disclosed. In one example, the medical devices are configured to pull update files in response to the reception of an update message from a server. Once the update files are downloaded by a medical device, the update files can be installed. While the medical device pulls the update files, the medical device can continue with its normal operation. If desired, a user can select which medical devices should be updated, based on any desired factors, such as the physical location of the device, the model of the device, the type of device, and the way the device is being used.

Abstract: An elevated seat for a kayak. A floor of the kayak generally defines a reference plane. The seat may include a first support bar configured to be releasably attached to the kayak at a first location and a second support bar configured to be releasably attached to the kayak at a second location spaced along a bow-stern direction of the kayak relative to the first location. The seat may also include a seating member extending from a distal end of the first support bar to a distal end of the second support bar. The seating member may be inclined at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the floor. When in use, the first and second support bars are configured to position the seating member above the floor by a sufficient distance to support a user substantially standing on the floor.

Abstract: Centralized systems execute one or more applications for monitoring and operating a plurality of network enabled medical devices. An indication to start a selected application at the centralized system or at a network enabled medical device is received at the centralized system/network enabled medical device. The selected application may require a license to operate and, at the time the indication is received, may have a first license available. Instead of using the first license, the centralized system/network enabled medical device may determine to inherit at least a portion of a second license to operate the selected application. The centralized system/network enabled medical device may inherit at least the portion of the second license to form an inherited license, where the inherited license enables features of the selected application. Using the inherited license, the selected application is started with the enabled features. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for providing updates to medical devices is disclosed. In one example, the medical devices are configured to pull update files in response to the reception of an update message from a server. Once the update files are downloaded by a medical device, the update files can be installed. While the medical device pulls the update files, the medical device can continue with its normal operation. If desired, a user can select which medical devices should be updated, based on any desired factors, such as the physical location of the device, the model of the device, the type of device, and the way the device is being used.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention a testing procedure, a processing procedure and a resulting product are provided whereby sewage sludge is primarily or firstly pre-hydrolysed in whole or in part by means other than alkali. The alkali is then added to the pre-hydrolysed product. The pre-hydrolysed product from step one has a reduced potential for further hydrolysis and is more effectively stabilized in step 2 as a liquid biosolids-containing product or BSP. As a result, in accordance with the invention less of the alkali is used up in the step 2 further alkali-based hydrolysis of the pre-hydrolysed product. The pH of the BSP product after the step 2 alkali treatment drops less over the period of storage and the BSP product will be better preserved against microbial regrowth.

Abstract: Paunch-sludge from an abattoir is mixed with the fatty DAF-float from an abattoir, and placed in a shearing vessel. The mixture of the two material thickens the medium in which the matted strands are contained, enabling shearing to be more effective; so much so that paunch-sludge can now be sheared to a homogeneous liquid. The technique can be used with other sludges and other fatty waste materials.