Abstract: A communication system is configurable to operate in either a transparent mode or a data streaming mode. In the transparent mode data is transferred to a data requesting component from a data source using a request-response protocol. In the data streaming mode a second data transfer component is configured to obtain data from the data source component via a third data link, and to transfer the data to a first data transfer component via a second data link, which has a relatively higher latency, without using the request-response protocol. The first data transfer component is configured to store the transferred data and to transfer the stored data to the data requesting component via the first data link upon receiving a request for the stored data from the data requesting component.

Abstract: A pan oiler for depositing cooking oil into product molds of a baking pan includes a conveyor assembly configured to carry the baking pan through the pan oiler and an electrostatic oiler assembly. The electrostatic oiler assembly includes at least one injector assembly, a charge assembly and an oil delivery assembly. The injector assembly may include a valve body, an oil reservoir within the valve body, a valve seat within the valve body in fluid communication with the oil reservoir, a plunger extending into the valve body and an actuator operably connected to the plunger to lift the plunger off the valve seat when the actuator is energized. The plunger is retractable and conductive and in electrical contact with the charge assembly.

Abstract: A method for wastewater treatment which comprises (a) separating and/or collecting urine from the wastewater for pretreatment, (b) removing phosphorus from urine using seawater, (c) optionally oxidizing nitrogen from urine, and (d) discharging the phosphorus-removed and/or nitrogen-oxidized urine to a sewer.

Abstract: A particulate dispenser configured to deposit particulate material onto food products includes a hopper and a brush assembly inside the hopper. The hopper has a front panel that has a lower extent and a hinge connected to the lower extent. The hopper also includes an access panel connected to the hinge on the lower extent of the front panel. The access panel is configured to be moved about the hinge between open and closed positions. The brush assembly is removable from the hopper when the access panel is in the open position.

Abstract: A communication system 100 is configurable to operate in either a transparent mode or a data streaming mode. In the transparent mode data is transferred to a data requesting component 112 from a data source 102 using a request-response protocol. In the data streaming mode a second data transfer component 106 is configured to obtain 606 data from the data source component via a third data link 104, and to transfer 608 the data to a first data transfer component 110 via a second data link 106, which has a relatively higher latency, without using the request-response protocol. The first data transfer component is configured to store 610 the transferred data and to transfer 614 the stored data to the data requesting component via the first data link upon receiving a request for the stored data from the data requesting component.

Abstract: A method for wastewater treatment which comprises (a) separating and/or collecting urine from the wastewater for pretreatment, (b) removing phosphorus from urine using seawater, (c) optionally oxidizing nitrogen from urine, and (d) discharging the phosphorus-removed and/or nitrogen-oxidized urine to a sewer.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing durable-surface multi-layer system has a shock-absorbing layer and a wear-layer. Each layer is comprised of a polyurethane binder combined with a rubbery aggregate. An acrylic polymer coating is overlaid on and percolates into the wear-layer, providing UV protection for the polyurethane binder used in the wear-layer. The aggregate in each of the two layers comprises elongated rubber pieces, with the length and width of the shock-absorber layer pieces being sized larger than the length and width of the wear-layer pieces. As an additional feature, a layer of rubber gravel is laid underneath the system. In an alternative embodiment, the coating placed on top of the wear layer may be polyurethane.