Abstract: This invention comprises a device for measuring root pulling force (RPF) in a plant. The RPF device comprises a plant grasping mechanism, as well as a force measurement sensor. In certain embodiments, the device is automatic, so that the “hand of man” is not required to exert force on the plant while the root pulling force of the plant is being measured. Also disclosed is a root pulling force motion mechanism, which brings the RPF device into proximity of a plant to be measured. Further disclosed is a method for measuring root pulling force of a plant.

Abstract: The present application discloses plasticizer compositions comprising: (I) a compound of formula I: wherein R1, R2, and n are defined herein. The application also discloses resin compositions comprising the compound of formula I.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve and an actuator. The valve has a portion movably disposed within a valve pocket defined by a cylinder head of an engine. The valve is configured to move relative to the cylinder head a distance between a closed position and an opened position. The portion of the valve defines a flow opening that is in fluid communication with a cylinder of an engine when the valve is in the opened position. The actuator is configured to selectively vary the distance between the closed position and the opened position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for measuring root pulling force (RPF) in a plant. The RPF device can comprise a plant grasping mechanism, as well as a force measurement sensor. The device can be automatic, so that the “hand of man” is not required to exert force on the plant while the root pulling force of the plant is being measured. Also disclosed is a root pulling force motion mechanism, which brings the RPF device into proximity of a plant to be measured. Further disclosed is a method for measuring root pulling force of a plant.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve and an actuator. The valve has a portion movably disposed within a valve pocket defined by a cylinder head of an engine. The valve is configured to move relative to the cylinder head a distance between a closed position and an opened position. The portion of the valve defines a flow opening that is in fluid communication with a cylinder of an engine when the valve is in the opened position. The actuator is configured to selectively vary the distance between the closed position and the opened position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve and an actuator. The valve has a portion movably disposed within a valve pocket defined by a cylinder head of an engine. The valve is configured to move relative to the cylinder head a distance between a closed position and an opened position. The portion of the valve defines a flow opening that is in fluid communication with a cylinder of an engine when the valve is in the opened position. The actuator is configured to selectively vary the distance between the closed position and the opened position.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing one or more clinical protocols across multiple locations, including identify a clinical research location; capture a plurality of types of content from the administrator mobile device; analyze the captured content to determine one or more associated clinical protocols for the clinical research location; automatically select a workflow algorithm for each determined clinical protocol, the workflow algorithm configured to obtain stage based information and workflow items from the data store; and enable a mobile control interface for each determined clinical protocol, wherein the mobile control interface comprises monitoring of the stage based information and management of the workflow items associated with the clinical research location.

Abstract: A hard disk drive desledder comprises a support and a cutting member. The support is configured to receive and to support a hard disk drive assembly that includes a hard disk drive and a sled. The cutting member has at least two cutting edges corresponding to respective portions of the sled. The cutting member is movable from a first position spaced apart from the support and a second position adjacent the support to cause the at least two cutting edges to cut portions of the sled to allow the hard disk drive to be removed from the hard disk drive assembly. Related desledding methods are also described.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing one or more clinical protocols across multiple locations, including identify a clinical research location; capture a plurality of types of content from the administrator mobile device; analyze the captured content to determine one or more associated clinical protocols for the clinical research location; automatically select a workflow algorithm for each determined clinical protocol, the workflow algorithm configured to obtain stage based information and workflow items from the data store; and enable a mobile control interface for each determined clinical protocol, wherein the mobile control interface comprises monitoring of the stage based information and management of the workflow items associated with the clinical research location.

Abstract: Photobioreactors according to embodiments of the present invention deliver nutrient gas intermittently to the photobioreactor media. In some embodiments, one or more gases are delivered according to a duty cycle or timing pattern. According to some embodiments, algae is grown in a photobioreactor using intermittent introduction of carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, carbon dioxide is supplied to algae grown in a photobioreactor in whole or in part from a head space above the media of the photobioreactor.

Abstract: A secured storage container for transporting storage devices from a data center to a destruction center for degaussing or other destruction techniques. The secured storage container can include a scanner for reading a barcode on the storage devices for inventory tracking. The container can also include a lid that is opened via a security badge for removing the storage devices from the container. A GPS-based tracking module can be used to ensure the container's location is aligned with a route to the destruction center. Finally, the container can have a moveable floor that moves upward as storage devices are removed so that a technician can easily remove all of the storage devices in the container.

Abstract: A rack-handling system includes a rack-handling device having a rack-coupling portion and one or more handles. The rack-coupling portion can be coupled with a rack. The handles can be gripped by a user to move the rack from one location to another when the rack-coupling portion is coupled to the rack.

Abstract: A top reference photobioreactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible floating photobioreactor having a buoyancy tube filled with a gas that is less dense, and a ballast tube filled with a substance, such as saltwater, that is more dense, than the liquid in which the photobioreactor floats. A top reference photobioreactor method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes controlling a depth of the top reference photobioreactor by controlling a volume and/or density of ballast in the ballast tube and/or by controlling a volume and/or density of gas in the buoyancy tube.

Abstract: A top reference photobioreactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible floating photobioreactor having a buoyancy tube filled with a gas that is less dense, and a ballast tube filled with a substance, such as saltwater, that is more dense, than the liquid in which the photobioreactor floats. A top reference photobioreactor method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes controlling a depth of the top reference photobioreactor by controlling a volume and/or density of ballast in the ballast tube and/or by controlling a volume and/or density of gas in the buoyancy tube.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a terephthalic acid di-ester. The process includes contacting terephthalic acid with a C6-C10 alcohol in the presence of an organo-titanium catalyst and an alcohol-amine promoter under conditions effective to form a corresponding terephthalic acid di-ester. The promoter can improve the reaction time by as much as 50%.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a terephthalic acid di-ester. The process includes contacting terephthalic acid with a C6-C10 alcohol in the presence of an organo-titanium catalyst and an alcohol-amine promoter under conditions effective to form a corresponding terephthalic acid di-ester. The promoter can improve the reaction time by as much as 50%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol from isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is esterified with (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the isophthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: A system for obtaining insight information for a plurality of client applications and a plurality of mobile users, comprises a content management system module configured to distribute a plurality of types of content to the plurality of mobile users, wherein at least one of the content and types of content differs for each of the plurality of client applications; an insights module configured to allow a client associated with a specific client application to define one or more locations and select a target vertical, select an insights algorithm based in the target vertical, identify the status of the plurality of users relative to the defined locations, and cause the content management system module to distribute certain types of content to the plurality of users based on the status; and a data warehouse configured to store the status information for each of the plurality of client applications and associated users.

Abstract: A system for obtaining insight information for a plurality of client applications and a plurality of mobile users, comprises a content management system module configured to distribute a plurality of types of content to the plurality of mobile users, wherein at least one of the content and types of content differs for each of the plurality of client applications; an insights module configured to allow a client associated with a specific client application to define one or more locations and select a target vertical, select an insights algorithm based in the target vertical, identify the status of the plurality of users relative to the defined locations, and cause the content management system module to distribute certain types of content to the plurality of users based on the status; and a data warehouse configured to store the status information for each of the plurality of client applications and associated users.