Abstract: The present invention is an anaerobic reactor and preferably a vertically oriented plug flow anaerobic reactor for producing methane from various organic materials. The organic materials preferably have a high organic content. The reactor includes cutting members for cutting bridged or agglomerated material within the reactor. The present invention also includes a process for producing methane from an organic feed stock by continuously charging an organic material into the top portion of a vertically oriented vessel and rotating one or more cutting members at a sufficiently slow rate so that the cutting members cut through bridged or agglomerated material but do not substantially mix contents within the reactor, anaerobically digesting the organic material under mesophilic or thermophilic conditions to produce methane while allowing the organic material to propagate downward through the vessel in a plug flow-like manner and collecting methane gas produced from the anaerobic digestion of the organic material.

Abstract: The present invention is an anaerobic reactor and preferably a vertically oriented plug flow anaerobic reactor for producing methane from various organic materials. The organic materials preferably have a high organic content. The reactor includes cutting members for cutting bridged or agglomerated material within the reactor. The present invention also includes a process for producing methane from an organic feed stock by continuously charging an organic material into the top portion of a vertically oriented vessel and rotating one or more cutting members at a sufficiently slow rate so that the cutting members cut through bridged or agglomerated material but do not substantially mix contents within the reactor, anaerobically digesting the organic material under mesophilic or thermophilic conditions to produce methane while allowing the organic material to propagate downward through the vessel in a plug flow-like manner and collecting methane gas produced from the anaerobic digestion of the organic material.

Abstract: A method for supplying digital files to a customer via a data communications network (22), wherein a recordable medium (21, 27) is provided to the customer, the method including the steps of (a) registering details of the customer and the recordable medium (21, 27) in a data bank (7), (b) receiving a customer request to supply one or more digital files, (c) authenticating the recordable medium (21, 27) and the identity of the customer, and (d) if authentication is successful, supplying the requested one or more digital files from the data bank (7) to a client terminal (20) via the data communications network (22) for recordal on the recordable medium (21, 27).

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for obtaining and distributing live and real-time video imagery of the Earth, Earth's local space environment, the Moon, celestial bodies and any events or objects that are visible to a Low Earth Orbiting space based video imaging system that is interactively controlled by any operator using an internet connected computer. A LEO spacecraft serves as the platform for the suite of multiaxis controlled video image sensors. The spacecraft's communication system provides the high data rate downlink (and lower rate uplink) through one or several or multiplexed S- or X-band transceivers. The tranceiver(s) broadcast the video stream down to one or more remote transceiving stations sited around the world. The tranceiving stations are directly connected to the internet and provide live real-time streaming of the downlinked imagery data.

Abstract: Synthetic-based platelet storage media are provided along with methods of using the media for the storage of platelets for an extended period of time. The synthetic-based media contain phosphate and a substrate for oxidative phosphorylation and for providing buffering in the media upon oxidation selected from the group including pyruvate, butyrate, C.sub.3-8 fatty acid anions, acetate, acetoacetate, acetone, and beta-hydroxybutyrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for improving the storage of platelets and optimizing the viability of stored platelets. The present invention allows platelets to be stored in plasma for extended periods, without the addition of buffer, by adding storage extension additives, which include acetate, pyruvate, acetoacetate, .beta.-hydroxybutyrate, acetone, .alpha.-ketoglutarate, succinate, fumarate, malate, oxaloacetate, C.sub.3-8 fatty acid anions, triose phosphates and mixtures thereof, to a platelet concentrate.

Abstract: The invention is an improved platelet storage method and composition. Medium for the storage of platelets for transfusion comprising acetate or an acetate-like compound and phosphate is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is an improved platelet storage method and composition. Medium for the storage of platelets for transfusion comprising acetate or an acetate-like compound and phosphate is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for improving the storage of platelets and optimizing the viability of stored platelets. The present invention allows platelets to be stored in plasma for extended periods, without the addition of buffer, by adding storage extension additives to a platelet concentrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for improving the storage of platelets and optimizing the viability of stored platelets. The present invention allows platelets to be stored in plasma for extended periods, without the addition of buffer, by adding acetate to a platelet concentrate.

Abstract: Novel methods and storage media for storing platelets in a viable condition for at least five days are disclosed. The disclosed methods comprise the steps of providing a platelet rich suspension of platelets and blood plasma; extracting supernatant plasma from that suspension to leave between about 1 to 15 mls of plasma per unit of blood platelets with those platelets to produce a concentrated platelet button; adding 40 to 70 ml/unit of a glucose free aqueous solution to said concentrated platelet button; agitating the resultant solution to resuspend the platelets to provide a synthetic suspension of those platelets; and storing that synthetic suspension in an oxygen permeable container at about 22.degree. C. until needed for use. Two preferred glucose free aqueous platelet storage media are disclosed which generally comprise sodium citrate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and either sodium phosphate or calcium chloride, but not both. The subject media also optionally comprise magnesium sulfate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel primary citrate anticoagulant which is essentially free of glucose and its use to optimize the viability of stored platelets. The present invention allows platelets to be stored in plasma or synthetic media without the addition of buffer. Specifically the anticoagulant consists essentially of sodium citrate and citric acid.

Abstract: Novel methods and storage media for storing platelets in a viable condition for at least five days are disclosed. The disclosed methods comprise the steps of providing a platelet rich suspension of platelets and blood plasma; extracting supernatant plasma from that suspension to leave between about 1 to 15 mls of plasma per unit of blood platelets with those platelets to produce a concentrated platelet button; adding 40 to 70 ml/unit of a glucose free aqueous solution to said concentrated platelet button; agitating the resultant solution to resuspend the platelets to provide a synthetic suspension of those platelets; and storing that synthetic suspension in an oxygen permeable container at about 22.degree. C., until needed for use. Two preferred glucose free aqueous platelet storage media are disclosed which generally comprise sodium citrate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and either sodium phosphate or calcium chloride, but not both. The subject media also optionally comprise magnesium sulfate.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes a generating circuit for providing power to a work function. A driving apparatus operates the generating circuit. A control circuit is connected to the generating circuit and the driving apparatus for permitting delivery of power to the work function when the driving apparatus is operating up to a predetermined speed. The control circuit also stops delivery of power to the work function when the driving apparatus runs above the predetermined speed.