Abstract: A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container.

Abstract: A multi-way poppet valve and methods for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, the poppet valve includes a manifold and a poppet assembly including an inner poppet and an outer poppet defining one or more lands. The poppet assembly can dimensioned for receipt within a bore of the manifold and configured to move longitudinally within the manifold. The inner poppet and the outer poppet can also be formed in two separate pieces that are capable of moving with respect to one another. This design can allow the lands of the poppet assembly to form fluid-tight seals (e.g., metal-metal, metal-gasket, etc.) with the manifold. In this manner, the poppet valve can move longitudinally between open and closed positions where the fluid-tight seals respectively allow or inhibit fluid flow between selected ports of the valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing solid wastes from oil field operations including removal of wastes from oil tanks by a washout and vacuum conveyance system to form a slurry containing solid particles, solid particle size reduction by one or more grinders and, optionally, high velocity transport through recirculation circuits and disposal by injection into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container.

Abstract: A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container.

Abstract: A multi-way poppet valve and methods for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, the poppet valve includes a manifold and a poppet assembly including an inner poppet and an outer poppet defining one or more lands. The poppet assembly can dimensioned for receipt within a bore of the manifold and configured to move longitudinally within the manifold. The inner poppet and the outer poppet can also be formed in two separate pieces that are capable of moving with respect to one another. This design can allow the lands of the poppet assembly to form fluid-tight seals (e.g., metal-metal, metal-gasket, etc.) with the manifold. In this manner, the poppet valve can move longitudinally between open and closed positions where the fluid-tight seals respectively allow or inhibit fluid flow between selected ports of the valve.

Abstract: Provided are washout devices for cleaning the interior of a frac tank. In embodiments, the devices may comprise (i) a wand comprising a first pipe and a second pipe; wherein the second pipe is positioned in parallel below the first pipe; wherein one or more trusses connect the first pipe and the second pipe; (ii) a support member in communication with a proximal end of the wand such that the wand is suspended above and at a desired angle relative to the ground; (iii) one or more washout nozzles disposed along the length of the first pipe. Embodiments may also include a system and a process for cleaning the interior of a frac tank.

Abstract: A system and process for cleaning a vessel is described. In embodiments, the system has one or more manway adapters configured to fit one or more manways of the vessel and deliver a cleaning solution through them. Further, in embodiments the system includes one or more actuators which are configured to position the one or more manway adapters horizontally or vertically to allow for optimal alignment and positioning of the manway adapters within the manways. Movement of the manway adapters may be facilitated by way of a frame assembly mounted on one or more horizontal rails. The system may be used to clean tanks and other vessels such as those that are on tanker trucks, tanker cars, or frac tanks.

Abstract: A system and process for cleaning a vessel is described. In embodiments, the system has one or more manway adapters configured to fit one or more manways of the vessel and deliver a cleaning solution through them. Further, in embodiments the system includes one or more actuators which are configured to position the one or more manway adapters horizontally or vertically to allow for optimal alignment and positioning of the manway adapters within the manways. Movement of the manway adapters may be facilitated by way of a frame assembly mounted on one or more horizontal rails. The system may be used to clean tanks and other vessels such as those that are on tanker trucks, tanker cars, or frac tanks.

Abstract: A system and process for cleaning a vessel is described. In embodiments, the system has one or more manway adapters configured to fit one or more manways of the vessel and deliver a cleaning solution through them. Further, in embodiments the system includes one or more actuators which are configured to position the one or more manway adapters horizontally or vertically to allow for optimal alignment and positioning of the manway adapters within the manways. Movement of the manway adapters may be facilitated by way of a frame assembly mounted on one or more horizontal rails. The system may be used to clean tanks and other vessels such as those that are on tanker trucks, tanker cars, or frac tanks.

Abstract: A system and process for cleaning a vessel is described. In embodiments, the system has one or more manway adapters configured to fit one or more manways of the vessel and deliver a cleaning solution through them. Further, in embodiments the system includes one or more actuators which are configured to position the one or more manway adapters horizontally or vertically to allow for optimal alignment and positioning of the manway adapters within the manways. Movement of the manway adapters may be facilitated by way of a frame assembly mounted on one or more horizontal rails. The system may be used to clean tanks and other vessels such as those that are on tanker trucks, tanker cars, or frac tanks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing solid wastes from oil field operations are described, which may include or encompass removal of wastes from oil tanks, solid particle size reduction and recovery, and disposal by injection into a subterranean formation. Removal of liquefied solid wastes from oil tanks may be achieved by a washout and vacuum conveyance system. Solid wastes may be processed through a particle size reduction system. The particle size reduction system may include one or more separators each having an appropriate particle size threshold, one or more slurry tanks, an apparatus such as a grinder configured for reducing particle size, and one or more slurry pumps that transfer the slurry through one or more recirculation circuits or transfer conduits. Particle size may be further reduced by high velocity transport through the recirculation circuits. The processed slurry may be disposed of by re-injection into a subterranean injection zone.

Abstract: Provided are washout devices for cleaning the interior of a frac tank. In embodiments, the devices may comprise (i) a wand comprising a first pipe and a second pipe; wherein the second pipe is positioned in parallel below the first pipe; wherein one or more trusses connect the first pipe and the second pipe; (ii) a support member in communication with a proximal end of the wand such that the wand is suspended above and at a desired angle relative to the ground; (iii) one or more washout nozzles disposed along the length of the first pipe. Embodiments may also include a system and a process for cleaning the interior of a frac tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a closed loop pointing system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. In one aspect the present invention relates to a method of redirecting incident light, comprising the steps of: using at least one light redirecting element to redirect the incident light; providing a plurality of optical proxies that are associated with the reflecting element in a manner such that at least two of the optical proxies distribute a portion of the incident light uniquely relative to each other, wherein optical information encoded in the light distributed by the optical proxies cumulatively correlates to the aim of the light redirecting element; observing the optical information distributed by the optical proxies; and using the optical information to controllably actuate the light redirecting element in a manner that aims the redirected light onto a target.

Abstract: A device for upper body support of a recumbent person is provided, which comprises a first support portion, a second support portion, each of which is wedge-shaped. Each portion is, in vertical cross-section, substantially a right triangle. The longest surface of each portion forms a support surface and the thin end of the wedge of the first portion is hingedly connected to the support surface of the second portion at a position spaced from the thick end of the support surface of that portion. The portions are formed of a solid, yielding support material, such as polyurethane foam. Preferably the support portions have a water proof outer surface.

Abstract: A low cost waveguide tunable Bragg grating provides a flat passband and minimal crosstalk. A compliant material forms a waveguide that is imprinted with a Bragg grating and mounted on a MEMS actuator. Entropic materials such as elastomers, aerogels or other long-chain polymers may provide the necessary compliance. The application of a drive signal to the actuator deforms (squeezes or stretches) the compliant material thereby changing the Bragg spacing and shifting the resonant wavelength. The MEMS actuator can be an electrostatically or electromagnetically actuated comb-drive.

Abstract: A low cost waveguide tunable Bragg grating provides a flat passband and minimal crosstalk. A compliant material forms a waveguide that is imprinted with a Bragg grating and mounted on a MEMS actuator. Entropic materials such as elastomers, aerogels or other long-chain polymers may provide the necessary compliance. The application of a drive signal to the actuator deforms (squeezes or stretches) the compliant material thereby changing the Bragg spacing and shifting the resonant wavelength. The MEMS actuator can be an electrostatically or electromagnetically actuated comb-drive.

Abstract: A method of making a retroreflective article comprising on the top surface thereof a retroreflective sheet that comprises a monolayer of retroreflective elements wherein first portions of the monolayer are arranged in a contoured profile and second portions of the monolayer are arranged a substantially planar position.