Abstract: A novel liquid-based system and shock absorber for reducing the forces experienced during high-energy impacts is provided. Individual shock absorbing devices can be used in parallel or in series to create a tunable network that is based on the specific energy absorption requirements for each application. Each shock absorbing device consists of a flexible, primary fluid-filled reservoir that, when impacted, ejects the liquid at high pressure through an array of orifices into a secondary flexible, low-pressure collection reservoir, where it is temporarily stored before the liquid returns to the primary reservoir where the device is ready for the next impact. Optionally, the shock absorbing device may be a single-use device, where the liquid ejects from but does not return to the reservoir.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser beam welding in a vacuum and for controlling laser beam welding processes, such as for use in manufacturing aerospace parts, are described herein. In some embodiments, a laser beam welding system can include an optical head movably positioned within a vacuum chamber. The optical head can be configured to direct a laser beam toward a part positioned within the vacuum chamber to melt and fuse the part.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems that use machine-learning techniques to facilitate the creation, timing of distribution, or follow-up actions for digital surveys. In one such implementation, the disclosed methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems use a survey-creation-machine learner to generate suggested survey questions for an administrator designing a digital survey. Additionally, in some implementations, the disclosed methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems use specialized machine learners to suggest timeframes in which to send digital surveys or to suggest action items to follow up on responses to the survey questions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for systems and methods for device agnostic user interface generation. Example methods include receiving a request for content from a device, determining first data representing a first device characteristic of the device, and determining an intended viewing distance value associated with the first data. Some methods include determining, using the intended viewing distance value, a first value for the device, the first value representing a baseline density-independent number of pixels, determining first content using the first value, and sending the first content to the device, where the first content is to be rendered at the device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for systems and methods for dynamic user interface type selection. Example methods include receiving a request for content from a first device, determining first data representing a first device input type at the first device, determining an intended viewing distance value associated with the first device input type, and determining, using the intended viewing distance value, a first value for the first device, the first value representing a baseline density-independent number of pixels. Methods may include determining first content using the first value, and sending the first content to the first device, wherein the first content is to be rendered at the first device.

Abstract: Described herein is a lifting beam system and method for using the same. The lifting beam system includes an elongate platform, a block, and a first and second cable for suspending the elongate platform from the block. The block for connecting the lifting beam system to a lifting device. The length of the second cable extending between the elongate platform and the block being adjustable by a winch. By adjusting the length of the second cable, the elongate platform may be leveled after a load is applied to one end of the elongate platform.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems that use machine-learning techniques to facilitate the creation, timing of distribution, or follow-up actions for digital surveys. In one such implementation, the disclosed methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems use a survey-creation-machine learner to generate suggested survey questions for an administrator designing a digital survey. Additionally, in some implementations, the disclosed methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems use specialized machine learners to suggest timeframes in which to send digital surveys or to suggest action items to follow up on responses to the survey questions.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, provided are systems and processes for the preparation of high-quality biodiesel and high-quality glycerol from oils: e.g., natural oils: corn oil, distillers corn, linseed, flaxseed, cottonseed, rapeseed (canola), peanut, sunflower, safflower, coconut, palm, soybean, comprising a high percentage (e.g. >10%) of organic acids, e.g. free fatty acids. In alternative embodiments, provided are systems and processes for the production of biodiesel meeting or exceeding the specifications for B100 biodiesel set forth in ASTM Specification D6751-14, as well as a glycerol co-product meeting or exceeding the standards for U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)-grade glycerol from natural oil feedstocks comprising high percentages of organic acids.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for treating a soapstock. The present invention more particularly provides systems and methods for treating a soapstock to generate free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives, e.g. fatty acid alkyl esters. The present invention more particularly provides systems and methods for realizing the full fatty acid yield of a soapstock by first converting substantially all of the saponifiable material in a soapstock to salts of fatty acids (soaps) and acidulating the soaps to generate free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives, e.g. fatty acid alkyl esters, wherein the soapstock comprises soaps and saponifiable lipids, e.g. glycerides and/or phospholipids, and the generating of free fatty acids and/or fatty acid is achieved without the use of a mineral acid.

Abstract: A training system for high jump performance that includes a landing platform with adjustable legs supporting the landing platform, where the adjustable legs are adapted to vary the height of the landing platform. A trainer places the landing platform in a high jump training environment and engages an athlete in a series of jump attempts, where the height of the landing platform is adjusted to provide for increased performance by the athlete. Preferably, the adjustable legs include a support brace and each leg rests on a footing.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the isolation of molecules exhibiting vitamin E activity, e.g. tocopherols and/or tocotrienols, from mixed lipid feedstocks. In alternative embodiments, the inventions provides methods and industrial processes for isolating vitamin E molecules, including tocopherols and/or tocotrienols, from mixed lipid feedstocks by combining the feedstock with an alcohol and reacting the mixture at or above the critical point of the alcohol, and then optionally separating the products into discreet fractions.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for treating a soapstock. The present invention more particularly provides systems and methods for treating a soapstock to generate free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives, e.g. fatty acid alkyl esters. The present invention more particularly provides systems and methods for realizing the full fatty acid yield of a soapstock by first converting substantially all of the saponifiable material in a soapstock to salts of fatty acids (soaps) and acidulating the soaps to generate free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives, e.g. fatty acid alkyl esters, wherein the soapstock comprises soaps and saponifiable lipids, e.g. glycerides and/or phospholipids, and the generating of free fatty acids and/or fatty acid is achieved without the use of a mineral acid.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for treating a soapstock. The present invention more particularly provides systems and methods for treating a soapstock to generate free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives, e.g. fatty acid alkyl esters. The present invention more particularly provides systems and methods for realizing the full fatty acid yield of a soapstock by first converting substantially all of the saponifiable material in a soapstock to salts of fatty acids (soaps) and acidulating the soaps to generate free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives, e.g. fatty acid alkyl esters, wherein the soapstock comprises soaps and saponifiable lipids, e.g. glycerides and/or phospholipids, and the generating of free fatty acids and/or fatty acid is achieved without the use of a mineral acid.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the isolation of molecules exhibiting vitamin E activity, e.g. tocopherols and/or tocotrienols, from mixed lipid feedstocks. In alternative embodiments, the inventions provides methods and industrial processes for isolating vitamin E molecules, including tocopherols and/or tocotrienols, from mixed lipid feedstocks by combining the feedstock with an alcohol and reacting the mixture at or above the critical point of the alcohol, and then optionally separating the products into discreet fractions.