Abstract: Refinery sludge, including centrifuge filter cake and/or thermal desorption unit powder and glycerin byproduct, including glycerin byproduct from a biodiesel process are blended together. Moisture together with any methanol and any light hydrocarbons are removed and the resulting blend is burnt in a cement kiln.

Abstract: Embodiments of a gimbaled system with an optical coudé path and method for transferring data are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the gimbaled system includes optical coudé path to provide a data communication path with a gimbaled payload, an on-gimbal communication laser to transmit modulated camera data via the coudé path, and an off-gimbal communication detector to detect the camera data received via the coudé path. In some embodiments, the optical coudé path may include at least two mirrors to provide a bi-directional communication path through an azimuth axis and an elevation axis of the gimbaled payload.

Abstract: Embodiments of a gimbaled system with an optical coudé path and method for transferring data are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the gimbaled system includes optical coudé path to provide a data communication path with a gimbaled payload, an on-gimbal communication laser to transmit modulated camera data via the coudé path, and an off-gimbal communication detector to detect the camera data received via the coudé path. In some embodiments, the optical coudé path may include at least two mirrors to provide a bi-directional communication path through an azimuth axis and an elevation axis of the gimbaled payload.

Abstract: An emergency patient support and transport apparatus that is designed to be used in emergency response situations to treat patients that have been exposed to hazardous biological, chemical or radioactive materials. The patient support and transport apparatus is in the form of a rail system that allows a patient and the patient's support bed to be transported across the rails to a medical treatment zone, such as a decontamination zone, where decontamination of the patient and support bed occurs. The support and transport apparatus is formed of a patient support track formed of individual track sections that are collapsible for ease of transport and storage. The individual track sections are adapted to be interconnected to form at least two continuous rail surfaces. The patient support track is used in combination with a patient gurney having a base portion and a removable stretcher portion for supporting the patient.

Abstract: A system for enclosing an article includes a packaging apparatus for enclosing an article in a pouch configured as part of a packaging structure having first and second ends and an opening for the pouch. The packaging apparatus includes a platform with front and rear sides and a support surface therebetween, a heat sealer and a framework for positioning the sealer forward of the platform with an open space therebetween and with an open area under the platform. In use, a bundle of packaging structures, joined at the first ends, is coupled with the platform rear side, and then extended under the support surface, around the rear side through the open space and onto the support surface with the pouch openings supported above the surface. An article is inserted in the topmost pouch through the opening which is then sealed by the sealer. Filled structures are suspended below the platform rear side until all of the pouches have been filled.

Abstract: An antenna for transmitting and/or receiving circularly polarized (CP) electromagnetic radiation throughout a substantial portion of a sphere. A cylindrical waveguide (3,5) is associated with a transmit portion and a receive portion of the antenna, respectively. The outer surface of each waveguide (3,5) is covered with several conductive radiating patches (30,50) equidistant axially and circumferentially arranged. The patches (30,50) may be fed by elongated apertures (51,52) or by coaxial transmission line (41,42). In the former embodiment, CP is present within the waveguide (3,5), while in the latter embodiment, linear polarization is present within the coaxial transmission line (41,42). The individual patches (30,50) radiate CP in a direction normal to the patch (30,50) to produce CP in the broadside direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for dividing and combining electromagnetic energy, particularly at microwave frequencies. An input port (4) is positioned generally equidistant from each of n output ports (5,6;31,32,33 . . . ), where n is a finite integer greater than 1. n quarter-wavelength impedance transforming conductors (20;41,42,43 . . . ) couple the input port (4) to the n output ports (5,6;31,32,33 . . . ), respectively. Positioned between each pair of adjacent output ports (5,6;31,32,33) is an isolation resistor (7). A pair of half-wavelength unity impedance transformers (21) couples each isolation resistor (7) to its two associated output ports (5,6;31,32,33 . . . ), respectively. The invention allows greater geometrical freedom than prior art splitters, and offers a lower loss for a given frequency.

Abstract: A generally planar antenna for generating circularly polarized electromagnetic signals, particularly useful at microwave frequencies. Each antenna element comprises a single excitation aperture (7) cut in a planar conductive ground plane (9). Spaced apart from the ground plane (9) by means of a dielectric layer (11) and covering the excitation aperture (7) is a planar conductive radiating patch (5) having slightly different dimensions along each of two orthogonal axes. The radiating patch (5) may have the shape of a near square or an ellipse. Exciting the aperture (7) with linearly polarized electromagnetic energy causes the radiating patch (5) to generate a circularly polarized electromagnetic signal consisting of two orthogonal components that have substantially the same amplitude and are 90.degree. offset in phase from each other. Several antenna elements can be combined to form a large aperture array.

Abstract: A stick inserter for inserting flat sticks into partially frozen confections in the molds of a confection machine forms a packed column of sticks in face to face engagement above a row of molds, a row of spaced thin blades is lowered and each blade forces a stick out of the column and into a confection. Upon retraction of the blades, pivotally mounted lower guide rails for the column, which have been lowered to accommodate stick insertion, are raised to restore displaced sticks back to their original positions in the column. In order to insure stick singulation, a jogging mechanism partially lowers the blades ad then retracts them slightly and a blade deflection plate releases previously deflected blades so that they spring against the faces of sticks adjacent to those to be inserted.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus for architectural usage wherein the lighting structure can be permanently placed in predetermined disposition to render relatively trouble-free and long service life. The apparatus consists of a tubular lighting element, which can be fabricated in any desired length of whatever the selected wattage rating, that is utilized in combination with a seating structure that may be permanently secured in or about the architectural structure utilizing such lighting design. The lighting element consists of a clear tube containing a selected plurality of low wattage light bulbs as used in combination with a retaining structure which is adapted for captive retention within a molded cementitious structure of the like, while defining a groove or insert portion for selective retention of the lighting element thereby to focus or direct light at selected angles to illuminate the desired surface or area.