Abstract: A fuel formulation having a derived cetane number of at least 35 includes a petroleum fraction and a polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (OMEx) oligomer mix. The petroleum fraction includes a naphtha fraction with a boiling point in the range from 30° C. to 178° C. The polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether oligomer mix has the general formula H3CO—(CH2O)n—CH3 in which n is between 2 and 7, inclusive. A related method for reducing emissions in a compression-ignited engine includes preparing the fuel formulation having a derived cetane number of at least 35 and combusting the fuel formulation in the compression-ignited engine in place of a diesel fuel, thereby reducing emission of at least one of NOx, CO2, or particulates from the compression-ignited engine.

Abstract: A fuel formulation having a derived cetane number of at least 35 includes a petroleum fraction and a polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (OMEx) oligomer mix. The petroleum fraction includes a naphtha fraction with a boiling point in the range from 30° C. to 178° C. The polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether oligomer mix has the general formula H3CO—(CH2O)n—CH3 in which n is between 2 and 7, inclusive. A related method for reducing emissions in a compression-ignited engine includes preparing the fuel formulation having a derived cetane number of at least 35 and combusting the fuel formulation in the compression-ignited engine in place of a diesel fuel, thereby reducing emission of at least one of NOx, CO2, or particulates from the compression-ignited engine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a high voltage capacitor having a plurality of capacitor units connected in electrical series in a stacked configuration. An insulator element can be positioned between two adjacent capacitor units of the high voltage capacitor for providing separation between the adjacent capacitor units, where the insulator element has a first thickness at a first end of the insulator element and a second smaller thickness at a second end of the insulator element. The insulator element can have a wedge-shaped cross section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a high voltage capacitor having a plurality of capacitor units connected in electrical series in a stacked configuration. An insulator element can be positioned between two adjacent capacitor units of the high voltage capacitor for providing separation between the adjacent capacitor units, where the insulator element has a first thickness at a first end of the insulator element and a second smaller thickness at a second end of the insulator element. The insulator element can have a wedge-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A piston coupling for a micro-liter range liquid dispensing system for connecting a piston to a piston drive shaft generally includes a U-shaped body portion having a U-shaped arm and an annular barrel-shaped bearing seated in the U-shaped body portion and retained by the U-shaped arm. The bearing includes an axial bore for receiving the piston, wherein the annular barrel-shaped bearing is designed for balancing the forces applied to the piston by the piston drive shaft symmetrically about the centerline of the piston.

Abstract: A piston coupling for a micro-liter range liquid dispensing system for connecting a piston to a piston drive shaft generally includes a U-shaped body portion having a U-shaped arm and an annular barrel-shaped bearing seated in the U-shaped body portion and retained by the U-shaped arm. The bearing includes an axial bore for receiving the piston, wherein the annular barrel-shaped bearing is designed for balancing the forces applied to the piston by the piston drive shaft symmetrically about the centerline of the piston.

Abstract: A combination end seal and cotyledon restraint (20) for an artificial seed (22) is provided. The combination end seal and cotyledon restraint includes a cap portion (30) sized to substantially seal one end of an artificial seed and a cotyledon restraint (32) unitarily formed with the cap portion.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring micro-amounts of liquids at accurately controlled rates and volume through the use of independent precision rotary and linear motion mechanisms. The system generally includes a pump module, an indexing module for incrementally translating at least one nozzle mounted thereto and a programmable controller for controlling the pump module and the indexing module. The pump module generally includes a chambered block, a piston drive assembly having a piston, a first motor mechanically coupled to the piston drive assembly for rotating the piston and a second motor mechanically coupled to the piston drive assembly for axially translating the piston. The chambered block has a liquid chamber, an inlet port in fluid communication with the liquid chamber and a discharge port in fluid communication with the liquid chamber. The inlet port of the chambered block is radially spaced from the discharge port.

Abstract: A combination end seal and cotyledon restraint (20) for an artificial seed (22) is provided. The combination end seal and cotyledon restraint includes a cap portion (30) sized to substantially seal one end of an artificial seed and a cotyledon restraint (32) unitarily formed with the cap portion.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring micro-amounts of liquids at accurately controlled rates and volume through the use of independent precision rotary and linear motion mechanisms. The system generally includes a pump module, an indexing module for incrementally translating at least one nozzle mounted thereto and a programmable controller for controlling the pump module and the indexing module. The pump module generally includes a chambered block, a piston drive assembly having a piston, a first motor mechanically coupled to the piston drive assembly for rotating the piston and a second motor mechanically coupled to the piston drive assembly for axially translating the piston. The chambered block has a liquid chamber, an inlet port in fluid communication with the liquid chamber and a discharge port in fluid communication with the liquid chamber. The inlet port of the chambered block is radially spaced from the discharge port.

Abstract: A micro-well test unit and a micro-well strip which comprises a plurality of wells arranged along an axis and print tabs provided for use in marking individual wells with desired indicia. One embodiment comprises the use of different tabs in a single micro-well strip or in a single micro-well test unit.