Abstract: An apparatus includes an engine output module that determines an engine output power parameter for an engine. The apparatus includes an output power threshold module that determines if the engine output power parameter is below an output power threshold. The apparatus includes a NOx module that determines a nitrogen oxide (“NOx”) efficiency of a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) system in response to the output power threshold module determining that the determined engine output power parameter is below the output power threshold. The SCR system is in exhaust receiving communication with the engine. The apparatus includes a NOx threshold module that determines if the NOx efficiency is below a NOx efficiency threshold, and a NOx warning module that sends a NOx alarm signal in response to the NOx threshold module determining that the NOx efficiency is below the NOx efficiency threshold.

Abstract: A device and method introduces the use of conventional ammunitions to the archery/bow hunting industry. The device achieves stealthy delivery of firearm munitions and increases the firepower of standard arrows resulting in deeper penetration into a target. The device consists generally of a cylindrical housing threaded internally on one end for attachment to a firing pin. A cartridge is loaded into the housing until the flange on the cartridge casing abuts an interior shoulder. In an alternate embodiment, the interior of the housing further includes an annular retaining tab. The retaining tab separates the cartridge from the firing pin to prevent inadvertent discharge. A cap or nosecone may be included to further protect the device from accidental discharge of the cartridge and to provide aerodynamic advantages. The housing may further include a set of stabilizing vanes.

Abstract: An archery bow holding device that is preferably mounted to a ball joint assembly for attachment to a table top, bench or like surface, and provides a movable mount for the archery bow holding device that holds an archery bow for performing work thereon. The preferred ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing that is slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that mounts a stem that the archery bow holding device is secured to, with the stem fitted through a slot through the housing top, to tilt between the slots and pivot when the ball in unlocked and, with the ball locked, provides a rigid mount to the archery bow holding device that includes a main beam that is bent to provide a rest for an archery bow limb positioned and clamped there against for an operator to work on.

Abstract: A device and method introduces the use of conventional ammunitions to the archery/bow hunting industry. The device achieves stealthy delivery of firearm munitions and increases the firepower of standard arrows resulting in deeper penetration into a target. The device consists generally of a cylindrical housing threaded internally on one end for attachment to a firing pin assembly. A firing pin is slideably attached to the firing pin assembly. A cartridge is loaded into the housing until the flange on the cartridge casing abuts an interior shoulder. In an alternate embodiment, the interior of the housing further includes an annular retaining tab. The retaining tab separates the cartridge from the firing pin to prevent inadvertent discharge. A cap or nosepiece may be included to further protect the device from accidental discharge of the cartridge and to provide aerodynamic advantages. The housing further includes a set of stabilizing vanes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an engine output module that determines an engine output power parameter for an engine. The apparatus includes an output power threshold module that determines if the engine output power parameter is below an output power threshold. The apparatus includes a NOx module that determines a nitrogen oxide (“NOx”) efficiency of a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) system in response to the output power threshold module determining that the determined engine output power parameter is below the output power threshold. The SCR system is in exhaust receiving communication with the engine. The apparatus includes a NOx threshold module that determines if the NOx efficiency is below a NOx efficiency threshold, and a NOx warning module that sends a NOx alarm signal in response to the NOx threshold module determining that the NOx efficiency is below the NOx efficiency threshold.

Abstract: In one aspect, a process for treating woody plant material is provided, the process involving contacting the plant material with a continuous flow of an aqueous ethanol solution at elevated temperature and pressure under conditions that promote extraction of ethanol-soluble lignin from the plant material and retention of hemicellulose sugars, xylose and cellulose in the treated plant material solids. In another aspect, a process for extracting hemicellulose sugars from lignin-depleted plant material solids is provided, the process involving contacting lignin-depleted plant material with water at elevated temperature and pressure under conditions that promote extraction of hemicellulose sugars from the plant material; and recovering hemicellulose sugars from the liquid mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glucose sensor having a glucose receptor containing a binding site of formula (I): wherein X, n, m and R1 are defined herein. Also provided is a glucose sensor molecule for use in such a glucose sensor, the glucose sensor molecule containing the binding site of formula (I). The binding site has been found to have particularly good selectivity for glucose.

Abstract: An archery bow holding device that is preferably mounted to a ball joint assembly for attachment to a table top, bench or like surface, and provides a movable mount for the archery bow holding device that holds an archery bow for performing work thereon. The preferred ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing that is slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that mounts a stem that the archery bow holding device is secured to, with the stem fitted through a slot through the housing top, to tilt between the slots and pivot when the ball in unlocked and, with the ball locked, provides a rigid mount to the archery bow holding device that includes a main beam that is bent to provide a rest for an archery bow limb positioned and clamped there against for an operator to work on.

Abstract: A payload delivery apparatus comprised of a frangible hollow body for delivering a variety of payloads. The body is attached to a base having a threaded section for removable engagement with an arrow shaft. A plurality of equidistant spaced impact stanchions are attached around the perimeter of the body. A cap is fitted to an open end of the hollow body. Each impact stanchion is connected to the hollow body in such a way as to fracture upon impact with a target thus delivering the payload. In an alternate embodiment, a set of aerodynamic linear channels and annular indentions is included in the body so as to aid to fracturing upon impact.

Abstract: An animal attractant, such as a liquid scent can be dispersed from a frangible housing by attaching the housing to an arrow and firing an arrow in a designated area frequented by animals. The housing has large fins secured about outer periphery of the housing, enlarging the impact surface of the housing and preventing the housing from being embedded in the soil. As a result, the animal attractant is dispersed above the ground and is not lost in the soil.

Abstract: An animal attractant, such as a liquid scent can be dispersed from a soft-shelled frangible capsule by positioning the capsule in an enclosure and then attaching the enclosure to an arrow. A plunger secured to the enclosure slidably moves inside the enclosure and causes rapture of the capsule upon impact of the plunger with a solid surface. The liquid animal attractant is dispersed through cutouts formed in the enclosure in a fan-like fashion.

Abstract: A payload delivery apparatus comprised of a frangible hollow body for delivering a variety of payloads. The body is attached to a base having a threaded section for removable engagement with an arrow shaft. A plurality of equidistant spaced impact stanchions are attached around the perimeter of the body. A cap is fitted to an open end of the hollow body. Each impact stanchion is connected to the hollow body in such a way as to fracture upon impact with a target thus delivering the payload. In an alternate embodiment, a set of aerodynamic linear channels and annular indentions is included in the body so as to aid to fracturing upon impact.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical sensor, e.g a fibre optic sensor, for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a medium, the sensor having an indicator provided in the form of a fluid. In one aspect, the sensor contains either a solution of the indicator itself, or a solution of a support material which is bonded to the indicator. Dendrimers are examples of suitable support materials.

Abstract: Lignin polymers having distinctive properties, including a generally high molecular weight and generally homogeneous size distribution, as well as preservation of native reactive side groups, are isolated by solvent extraction of plant materials. Methods for isolation of lignin polymers, and for use of the isolated lignin polymers are disclosed. Compositions containing lignin isolated from plant materials, such as carbon fiber composites, resins, adhesive binders and coatings, polyurethane-based foams, rubbers and elastomers, plastics, films, paints, nutritional supplements, food and beverage additives are disclosed. Xylose and xylose derivatives, furfural, fermentable sugars, cellulose and hemi-cellulose products may be used directly or further processed. The lignin polymers and other plant-derived products disclosed herein may be produced in abundance at low cost, and may be used as substitutes for feedstocks originating from fossil fuel or petrochemical sources in the manufacture of various products.

Abstract: In one aspect, a process for treating woody plant material is provided, the process involving contacting the plant material with a continuous flow of an aqueous ethanol solution at elevated temperature and pressure under conditions that promote extraction of ethanol-soluble lignin from the plant material and retention of hemicellulose sugars, xylose and cellulose in the treated plant material solids. In another aspect, a process for extracting hemicellulose sugars from lignin-depleted plant material solids is provided, the process involving contacting lignin-depleted plant material with water at elevated temperature and pressure under conditions that promote extraction of hemicellulose sugars from the plant material; and recovering hemicellulose sugars from the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly that is a movable mount for a work holding device for holding an item, such as a rifle or pistol, where the ball joint assembly is for seating on, or mounting onto, a table top, bench, or like surface. The ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that rests on a plunger top end of a jacking screw that is turned in a round nut by a lever arm, and the ball joint assembly is fitted into the housing. Turning of the lever arm that is fitted through a housing lateral slot extends the plunger top into the ball, lifting the ball to lock it against a housing top concave surface, and which ball includes a stem extending through the housing top to tilt between the slots and pivot when the ball in unlocked, and the ball stem end includes a tool mounting for connection to the work holding devices.

Abstract: An animal attractant, such as a liquid scent can be dispersed from a frangible housing by attaching the housing to an arrow and firing an arrow in a designated area frequented by animals. The housing has large fins secured about outer periphery of the housing, enlarging the impact surface of the housing and preventing the housing from being embedded in the soil. As a result, the animal attractant is dispersed above the ground and is not lost in the soil.

Abstract: An animal attractant, such as a liquid scent can be dispersed from a soft-shelled frangible capsule by positioning the capsule in an enclosure and then attaching the enclosure to an arrow. A plunger secured to the enclosure slidably moves inside the enclosure and causes rapture of the capsule upon impact of the plunger with a solid surface. The liquid animal attractant is dispersed through cutouts formed in the enclosure in a fan-like fashion.

Abstract: Lignin polymers having distinctive properties, including a generally high molecular weight and generally homogeneous size distribution, as well as preservation of native reactive side groups, are isolated by solvent extraction of plant materials. Methods for isolation of lignin polymers, and for use of the isolated lignin polymers are disclosed. Compositions containing lignin isolated from plant materials, such as carbon fiber composites, resins, adhesive binders and coatings, polyurethane-based foams, rubbers and elastomers, plastics, films, paints, nutritional supplements, food and beverage additives are disclosed. Xylose and xylose derivatives, furfural, fermentable sugars, cellulose and hemi-cellulose products may be used directly or further processed. The lignin polymers and other plant-derived products disclosed herein may be produced in abundance at low cost, and may be used as substitutes for feedstocks originating from fossil fuel or petrochemical sources in the manufacture of various products.