Abstract: A thermostat management server may include one or more processors and one or more memory devices comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising receiving information that characterizes energy usage associated with the plurality of thermostats, receiving parameters characterizing proposed future demand-response events, selecting a combination of thermostats from the plurality of thermostats for which the energy usage can be reduced, simulating a demand response event based on the parameters and using different weather conditions for the combination of the plurality of thermostats, generating statistical probabilities of meeting a plurality of capacity reduction levels based on the different weather conditions, selecting a capacity reduction level from the plurality of capacity reduction levels based on the statistical probabilities, and sending the capacity reduction level to the utility provider computer system.

Abstract: A thermostat management server may include one or more processors and one or more memory devices comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising receiving information that characterizes energy usage associated with the plurality of thermostats, receiving parameters characterizing proposed future demand-response events, selecting a combination of thermostats from the plurality of thermostats for which the energy usage can be reduced, simulating a demand response event based on the parameters and using different weather conditions for the combination of the plurality of thermostats, generating statistical probabilities of meeting a plurality of capacity reduction levels based on the different weather conditions, selecting a capacity reduction level from the plurality of capacity reduction levels based on the statistical probabilities, and sending the capacity reduction level to the utility provider computer system.

Abstract: The near-infrared wavelengths (700 nm-900 nm) are a suitable optical window for light penetration and deep tissue imaging. The present invention provides a near-infrared fluorescent blood pool contrast agent. The agent is of use to detect and quantify pathological capillary leak in live animals, e.g., serially imaging of traumatized tissue (muscle) as well as tumors.

Abstract: The near-infrared wavelengths (700 nm-900 nm) are a suitable optical window for light penetration and deep tissue imaging. The present invention provides a near-infrared fluorescent blood pool contrast agent. The agent is of use to detect and quantify pathological capillary leak in live animals, e.g., serially imaging of traumatized tissue (muscle) as well as tumors.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises two endless conveyor belts (1, 2) arranged in parallel. The upper surface of each conveyor belt (1, 2) includes an array of belt rollers (3), each belt roller arranged to rotate with movement of the conveyor belts about an axis at an oblique angle to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belts (1, 2). The conveyor also includes a respective drive mechanism arranged to drive each conveyor belt (1, 2). Each drive mechanism is arranged to drive the associated conveyor belt (1, 2) selectively in a forward direction and a reverse direction independently of the direction of drive of the other conveyor belt (2, 1). The axes of the belt rollers (3) are aligned such that when each conveyor belt (1, 2) is driven in the forward direction, the belt rollers (3) of the conveyor belt (1, 2) rotate about their axes to urge an object on the upper surface of the conveyor belt (1, 2) towards the other conveyor belt (1, 2).

Abstract: A fuel overflow prevention device for minimizing or eliminating fuel spillage during fuel storage container filling. The device may also minimize or eliminate some types of fuel spillage after filling. The device includes an overflow prevention chamber for receiving therein fluid from a fuel storage container vent tube. The overflow prevention chamber also includes a space for removably receiving and retaining therein the spout of an automatic shutoff fuel nozzle including a sensor port. A flow restriction interface is established between an interior portion of the overflow prevention chamber and the exit port of the spout. Fluid received from the vent tube into the overflow prevention chamber fills the space until covering the sensor port to a level sufficient to trigger automatic nozzle shutoff. The device optionally includes a vent tube extension to aid in regulating the fuel level within the container at which nozzle shutoff is triggered.

Abstract: A fuel overflow prevention device for minimizing or eliminating fuel spillage during fuel storage container filling. The device may also minimize or eliminate some types of fuel spillage after filling. The device includes an overflow prevention chamber for receiving therein fluid from a fuel storage container vent tube. The overflow prevention chamber also includes a space for removably receiving and retaining therein the spout of an automatic shutoff fuel nozzle including a sensor port. A flow restriction interface is established between an interior portion of the overflow prevention chamber and the exit port of the spout. Fluid received from the vent tube into the overflow prevention chamber fills the space until covering the sensor port to a level sufficient to trigger automatic nozzle shutoff. The device optionally includes a vent tube extension to aid in regulating the fuel level within the container at which nozzle shutoff is triggered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a class of biochemically-activated MRI contrast agents. The agents include a paramagnetic chelate attached via a linker arm to a relaxivity-modulating group. When the relaxivity-modulating group is removed or otherwise interacts with a targeted substance, the agents are activated by various mechanisms. The activation is detectable by an increase or decrease in the relaxivity of the metal chelate. The agents are useful in the detection of biochemical parameters in cells, tissues and subjects. Exemplary biochemical parameters are markers that are associated with disease states.