Abstract: Processes for the production of ammonia may include the production of nitrogen from the combustion of a stream or slipstream of hydrogen mixed with air. Hydrogen used to produce the nitrogen for an ammonia combustion process may be generated from the electrolysis of water. Hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water may also be combined with nitrogen to produce ammonia. Apparatuses for the production of ammonia and constituents used to produce ammonia are also disclosed.

Abstract: Carbon-containing tail gases and pollutants in a coal-to-liquid hydrocarbon production process, or other liquid fuel production process, may be reacted to produce additional synthesis gas which may be used to produce liquid fuels and hydrocarbons or which may be recycled within the liquid fuel production process to improve conversion of carbon to liquid fuels or hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Oxygen and hydrogen produced in an electrolysis process are used with a carbon-to-liquid hydrocarbon production process to improve the conversion of carbon in coal to synthesis gas products subsequently converted to liquid hydrocarbons. Carbon-containing tail gases and pollutants in a coal-to-liquid hydrocarbon production process may also be recycled to a coal gasification process to improve the conversion of carbon to liquid hydrocarbons and to reduce carbon-based pollutants from the coal-to-liquid hydrocarbon production process.

Abstract: A device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance and stability of ground vehicles by reducing the mass and velocity of the flow passing under a vehicle is described. The device is particularly suited for a tractor-trailer truck system that includes a motorized lead vehicle pulling one or more non-motorized vehicles. The device is designed to control the flow from entering the undercarriage region from the side of a trailer of a tractor-trailer truck system.

Abstract: A system for increasing a warhead's chance of hitting a target comprises a system for causing the warhead to deviate from its projected trajectory so that it will have an increased chance of avoiding intercepting force such as a kill vehicle a missile, an airplane, an explosive gun, a laser gun, an electron gun, radiation gun, a particles gun, a fire gun, a jet air gun, and/or a remote control guided explosive. The warhead has one or more thrusters, which cause it to deviate from its projected trajectory. An on-board computer controls the thrusters' ignition and burning time in a closed loop with an on-board Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. The GPS data is used for predicting the warhead's trajectory and to assure that the thrusters provide motion displacements of the warhead. In the event the GPS unit fails, the warhead computer and controller can be overridden by an off-board remote control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing data. In one embodiments, a system for processing data can include a first rules engine configured to obtain the data, to obtain a first object including a rule identifier to contain the data, to generate an instance of a first rule based on the first object, and to execute the instance of the first rule passing the first object as input to the instance of the first rule, wherein the instance of the first rule configured to perform an action in order to process the data contained in the first object, and to modify the rule identifier included in the first object.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system for remotely controlling a wireless communication mobile phone device senses its space coordinates. GPS and other data is transmitted between several mobile phones to alert and/or update a user to the fact that their phone has reached a significant threshold location, and/or has reached a significant threshold speed of within a given accuracy. A SMS message, and/or voice message, and/or a phone call, and/or a special ring, and/or a special display and/or reset signal, and/or update signal, and/or hang-up signals are cross transmitted and received to alert and/or update information of the group of mobile phone users.

Abstract: Methods for pre-registering a participant in a program database using a participant smart card and biometric data in a verification process to manage fraud and enhance security and privacy protection are disclosed. The methods include pre-registering, or alternatively registering, individual information including biometric data in the program database, forming a secured registered account for the participant, and assigning the participant smart card to the participant with the secured registered account. The methods continue by determining risk factors for the participant, assigning at least one program with program risk factors to the participant, authenticating identity of the participant at a program access point, receiving eligibility verification or denial of the participant to access and use assigned programs, and updating the database data for exit verification.

Abstract: The invention relates to sulfonimide bearing phenolic compounds and the use of those compounds to produce polyphosphazenes functionalized by one or more of those compounds alone, or in combination with cosubstituents. The invention also relates to blends of sulfonimide functionalized phosphazene polymers with other polymers, membranes formed of the functionalized polymers, and the use of those membranes in devices such as fuel cells.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed towards a method and device for optimizing a light-up procedure of a gas turbine engine. An aspect of the method comprises repeating an engine start attempt with amended light-up parameter values or range of light-up parameter values, where the values are amended by a predefined scheme including recording the light-up parameter value or the range of light-up parameter values of each start attempt together with the light-up success rate achieved in the respective start attempts, and optimizing the light-up parameter value or range of parameter values by analyzing the recorded data after the start attempts have been finished. An aspect of the device is to provide a control unit that implements the inventive method.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle structure, a shaft structure coupled to the handle structure, and a spreading structure coupled to the shaft structure and movable between a compact and an expanded configuration. The apparatus includes a protective sheath of shape-recovery material. The protective sheath covers the entire spreading structure in a substantially form fitting manner in any configuration of the spreading structure including the compact configuration, the expanded configuration and any configurations therebetween.

Abstract: A vertebral body aspirator comprises an inner member including a cannula disposed therethrough, the inner member having an opening at a distal end thereof and a rotatable knob at a proximal end thereof, an outer member having a cannula disposed therethrough, the cannula of the outer member being configured and dimensioned for receiving the inner member. The outer member has an aperture located at a distal end thereof. The knob is configured to rotate inner member with respect to the outer member and expose the opening of the inner member. The outer member may include an extended tip located at the distal end thereof. A cartridge may be disposed within the inner member. The cartridge can be disposable and can have a straight-tip or bent-tip at its distal end. The vertebral body aspirator may also include a syringe connected to the proximal end of the cartridge.

Abstract: A frame extension device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of ground vehicles by increasing the pressure on the base of the vehicle by stabilizing the wake flow. The device is particularly suited for tractor-trailers utilizing a roll-up type rear door in that it does not block any part of the door opening. The device is of sufficient thickness to support the weight of an unloading device.

Abstract: A method of repairing an annulus of an intervertebral disc includes excising, with a cutting tool, a damaged area of the annulus, thereby creating a space in the annulus, the space being defined by first and second annulus ends; making a partial incision at the first annulus end generally adjacent to the excised area, creating a flap of annulus; stretching the flap across the space, and attaching the flap to the second annulus end.

Abstract: A new transparent-charge-injection-layer consisting of LiF/Al/Al-doped-SiO has been developed as (i) a cathode for top emitting organic light-emitting diodes (TOLEDs) and as (ii) a buffer layer against damages induced by energetic ions generated during deposition of other functional thin films by sputtering, or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. A luminance of 1900 cd/m2 and a current efficiency of 4 cd/A have been achieved in a simple testing device structure of ITO/TPD (60 nm)/Alq3 (40 nm)/LiF (0.5 nm)Al (3 nm)/Al-doped-SiO (30 nm). A thickness of 30 nm of Al-doped SiO is also found to protect organic layers from ITO sputtering damage.

Abstract: Provided is a novel handle device that encloses a ratcheting mechanism that a user can easily control and operate using only one hand by employing conveniently located push button ratchet controls situated at the opposing lateral surface ends of the handle.

Abstract: An improved device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of multiple component vehicles by reducing the pressure on the front face of the trailing vehicle or vehicle component by controlling the flow in the gap between the leading vehicle component and the trailing vehicle component. An improved device for generating a reduction in the drag force on a bluff face object moving through air. The device consist of the application of a plurality of forward extending surfaces that are positioned adjacent to one another on the forward facing surface of a bluff face object and are aligned parallel to the object center line and perpendicular to the local flow direction. The reduction in drag force results from the summation of a plurality of local reductions in drag force generated by the interaction of vortex structures emanating from the leading edges of the plurality of forward extending surfaces with the forward facing surface of a blunt face object.

Abstract: Provided is a system and devices for use in the treatment and repair of moveable skeletal joints in the body of a subject. In particular, the present invention relates to the complete or partial posterior modular disc replacement of damaged or diseased fibrocartilage intervertebral discs in a subject wherein the replacement disc is capable of rotation and translation articulation.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed to be coupled to a pedicle screw and then to have opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The retractor is removed by pulling it out of the wound whereby the retractor is deformed to pass over the pedicle screw head. The retractor is intended to be made of a stiff plastic material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.