Abstract: Systems and methods provide real-time shipping optimization recommendations for reducing the cost of shipping freight units in a shipment. System comprises a measurement system in communication with a computer system that comprises a client computer device in communication with a host computer system. The measurement system comprises multiple sensing devices to determine weight, dimensions, and other shipping parameters of the freight units in the shipment. The computer system computes a current shipping cost and density based on the shipping parameters. The computer system determines shipping recommendations including recommended adjustments to the shipping parameters that reduce the current shipping cost. The shipping recommendations are transmitted to the client computer device prior to loading the shipment onto a carrier vehicle for the shipment.

Abstract: Liquid applicators and methods. The liquid applicators include a frame and an applicator head operably coupled to the frame and configured to support a section of an applicator fabric for operable application of a liquid to a substrate. The liquid applicators further include a fabric conveyance system that is operably coupled to the frame and includes a fabric pay-out assembly configured to supply the applicator fabric to the applicator head and a fabric take-up assembly configured to receive the applicator fabric from the applicator head. The liquid applicators further include a liquid delivery system configured to deliver the liquid to the section of the applicator fabric. The methods include delivering the liquid to the section of applicator fabric, engaging the section of applicator fabric with the substrate, and moving the section of the applicator fabric across the substrate to apply the liquid thereto.

Abstract: Liquid applicators and methods. The liquid applicators include a frame and an applicator head operably coupled to the frame and configured to support a section of an applicator fabric for operable application of a liquid to a substrate. The liquid applicators further include a fabric conveyance system that is operably coupled to the frame and includes a fabric pay-out assembly configured to supply the applicator fabric to the applicator head and a fabric take-up assembly configured to receive the applicator fabric from the applicator head. The liquid applicators further include a liquid delivery system configured to deliver the liquid to the section of the applicator fabric. The methods include delivering the liquid to the section of applicator fabric, engaging the section of applicator fabric with the substrate, and moving the section of the applicator fabric across the substrate to apply the liquid thereto.

Abstract: Provided is a printing device comprising a hot roller having an inside surface and an outside surface. A heating element is present within the hot roller. The inside surface has a first region, wherein the first region is coated with a first type of material. The inside surface has a second region, wherein the second region is coated with the first type of material, and wherein second region is of a different dimension than the first region. The inside surface has a third region, wherein the third region is coated with a second type of material.

Abstract: A machine and a method for forming composite materials are provided. The machine includes a frame and at least one forming beam attached to the frame, the at least one beam being arranged to align with a mandrel. The forming beam is pivotally segmented into at least two segments to conform to the shape of the mandrel, or alternately is bendable to conform to the shape of the mandrel. The mandrel is receivable within the frame in alignment with the forming beam. An apparatus is also provided to position a composite charge over the mandrel, and to position the mandrel within the frame. A further apparatus is provided to transport the mandrel, and to urge the mandrel toward the forming beam, forming a composite charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing detonative cleaning through a vessel wall has a first conduit extending through the wall. A first valve has an open condition permitting communication through the first conduit and a closed condition. A second conduit has an insertion portion dimensioned to be received within a receiving portion of the first conduit. A second valve has an open condition permitting communication through the second conduit and a closed condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface within a vessel has an elongate combustion conduit extending from an upstream end to a downstream end. The downstream end is associated with an aperture in the wall of the vessel and is positioned to direct a shockwave toward the surface. At least one hanger supports the combustion conduit at at least one location along a length of the combustion conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. An elongate combustion conduit extends from an upstream end to a downstream end associated with an aperture in a wall of the vessel and positioned to direct a shockwave toward the surface. A resilient member resiliently restrains the combustion conduit against recoil forces.

Abstract: An apparatus has a body with first and second faces, an inboard surface bounding a central aperture, an outboard perimeter, and an array of bolt holes between the first and second faces. A channel is inboard of the bolt holes and first and second ports communicate with the channel. The apparatus may be used as a cooling flange in a detonative cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A method of protein removal is provided, which utilizes a protein digesting enzyme and a detergent that is compatible with ultrafiltration. The method is particularly suited for isolating trace amounts of nucleic acid from a solution that has high protein concentration. The recovered nucleic acid is free of protein that may interfere with downstream application such as nucleic acid quantification or diagnostic use. A kit suitable for use in the protein removal method is also provided.