Abstract: A process comprising receiving a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising carbon dioxide, separating the hydrocarbon feed stream into a light hydrocarbon stream and a heavy hydrocarbon stream, separating the light hydrocarbon stream into a carbon dioxide-rich stream and a carbon dioxide-lean stream, and feeding the carbon dioxide-lean stream into a hydrocarbon sweetening process, thereby increasing the processing capacity of the hydrocarbon sweetening process compared to the processing capacity of the hydrocarbon sweetening process when fed the hydrocarbon feed stream.

Abstract: A safety and rescue device (1) for a mountain conveyor belt (2) includes a frontal blade (7) in the vicinity of and/or in contact with the transporting band (2d) of the conveyor belt (2). The frontal blade (7) is a pressure sensor or a pressure-sensitive blade. The frontal blade (7) is integral with a flap (4) that slides between a closed position and an open position, moved by winding or unwinding on a motorized winding tube (10).

Abstract: Modified handrails for use in escalators, moving walkways and other transportation apparatus are provided. Handrail can include a configuration for a cable array as a stretch inhibitor that reduces cable buckling under severe flexing conditions. Handrail can also include a configuration for first and second thermoplastic layers in the lip portions that reduces strain and bending stresses and increases fatigue failure life under cyclic loading conditions. Handrail can also include, for the stretch inhibitor, the use of cables comprising large outer strands and small inner strands that enable penetration and adhesion within the first layer and can reduce incidence of fretting or corrosion.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a plurality of containers through a plurality of work stations including at least two conveyor assemblies, each conveyor assembly being adapted to sequentially convey at least one group of containers therealong in a row from one work station to another. The apparatus further includes a plurality of holder assemblies for holding the containers, some of the holder assemblies being associated with one of the conveyor assemblies and some of the holder assemblies being associated with the other conveyor assembly. The holder assemblies are located on the respective conveyor assemblies such that the plurality of containers are positioned adjacent to each other as they move through the plurality of work stations. A computer control system is programmable to control the coordinated operation of the conveyor assemblies so as to move such conveyor assemblies at different cycles of movement as the containers move through the work stations.

Abstract: A conveyer apparatus for transporting and processing tablets includes a conveyer and an ejection system. Each of the tablets includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a belly band that interconnects the first and second sides. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier links to convey a plurality of tablets along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier link has a pocket to receive and transport a tablet in a vertical orientation along the predetermined conveyer path. The ejection system is structured to selectively accept or eject a tablet from the carrier link in response to a signal provided by a sensor positioned upstream of the ejection system.

Abstract: A storage device for a mail-handling machine, said storage device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck along a longitudinal edge of which a referencing wall extends, and through which a conveyor belt passes for the purpose of conveying mailpieces along said referencing wall from an inlet of the device towards a sloping surface against which said mailpieces accumulate, said storage device further comprising a pivot arm that is mounted to move both vertically about hinge pin and horizontally along a slide rail, on which arm firstly a friction roller is mounted for pressing said mailpieces against the conveyor belt, and secondly a holding roller is mounted for pressing said mailpieces against the sloping surface.

Abstract: A stripper of the invention uses flat metal springs (leaf springs) preferably made of spring steel and a flexible polymer based friction material covering the springs on one side so that the friction material contacts an incoming mail piece passing by the stripper along the friction surface presented by the outside of the friction material. A stripper according to the invention has variable stiffness, is quick responding, and is critically damped, meaning that incoming mail pieces will not bounce off it with excessive force likely to cause a misfeed or loss of control of the mail piece.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first supply wheel 11 adjacent to a receiving wheel 13, and a second supply wheel 12 provided on the upstream side in the rotating direction of the receiving wheel from the first supply wheel. Switching means 17 for switching a gripper A of the first supply wheel between a use state so as to transfer a plastic bottle 1 to a gripper C of the receiving wheel and a retracted state so as not to interfere with the plastic bottle held by the gripper of the receiving wheel is also provided. When a first carrier path is used, the switching means brings the gripper of the first supply wheel into the use state, and when a second carrier path is used, the switching means brings the gripper of the first supply wheel into the retracted state, to thereby prevent the gripper of the first supply wheel from interfering with the article held by the gripper of the receiving wheel from the second supply wheel. The carrier paths can be thereby quickly switched.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide arrangement for guiding moving containers, comprising at least one guide element (4) which extends in a predefined extension direction (E) at least in some sections along the transport path of the containers, and at least one holding device (10) which holds the guide element (4) at a predetermined position relative to the transport path.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt includes a flexible retainer for retaining a hinge rod in a bore of the module. A stopper limits the bending movement of the retainer and supports the midportion of the retainer to prevent stresses generated in the retainer from exceeding its design stress.

Abstract: The invention is an Intelligent Conveyor Adjustment System (ICAS). The ICAS gives the user a way to adjust guide rails and other devices used in a conveyor system with actuators that can receive instructions based on a specific communications interface, such an interface may consist of but is not limited to serial wired network, an 802.11 compatible network, a power line network, and as described in the examples a wireless network, in a fashion to position rails or other devices on a conveyor system or in machines associated with a conveyor system. The actuators can be but are not limited to varying types, linear, rotary, push/pull covered cable, flexible strips, lever, pivoting, scissor, or other dual actuating mechanisms. The ACMs are used to control the actuators which control the relative position and shape of guide rails on the sides of the conveyor as well as position of various other conveyor entities such as, but not limited to, timing screws, labelers, marking machines, barcode readers, and fillers.

Abstract: A rotary switch comprising a body housing inside itself a rotating shaft operatively connected to a valve or actuator. The switch further comprises a cover, associated to the body by threaded coupling means, provided with an indicator swivelling integrally with the shaft, so that it enables visual signalling of the angular position and/or operating status of the shaft. The switch comprises centering means, mechanically distinct from the threaded coupling means, which ensure the centering of the cover in relation to the body and the coaxial relation between the cover and the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A multi-position rotary switch comprises a plurality of identical switch chamber modules that are arranged one next to the other. Each switch chamber module holds a separate line switch allocated to a respective circuit. A standalone actuator housing holds a catch assembly for a switch shaft, which is coupled with a cam slide by means of a gear drive. The cam slide is located between a block like arrangement of switch chamber modules and the housing for the activation mechanism, which is designed for a standard configuration with three switch chamber modules connected to each other. The electrical terminals of the multi-position rotary switch are located on a narrow sides of the individual switch chamber modules.

Abstract: A switch unit (40) is mountable to a distal end of a handpiece of an electrically-activatable surgical tool, such as an ultrasonically-vibratable surgical tool. The switch unit (40) has a generally bullet-shaped outer form with an axial bore (42) through which a waveguide of the tool extends. A resiliently deformable band (1) extends around the switch unit (40) above a polygonal-section contact zone (2), such that fingertip pressure on the band (1) may locally depress the band (1) towards a flat area (12) of the contact zone (2). Switch contacts (11) are mounted to an inner surface of the band (1) opposite a plated circuit (10) located on each flat area (12) so as to form a plurality of switches. A switch to activate the tool is thus easily accessible to a user's fingertip in any orientation of the handpiece in the user's hand. The switch contacts (11) may each comprise a body having an electrical resistance dependent on a pressure exerted thereon.

Abstract: A spring guide is provided for a carrier assembly of an electrical switching apparatus such as, for example, a circuit breaker. The carrier assembly includes a carrier body, a plurality of movable contact arms pivotably coupled to the carrier body, and a plurality of contact springs. Each of the contact springs is disposed between a portion of the carrier body and a corresponding number of the movable contact arms. Each spring guide includes a guide member disposed between a corresponding one of the contact springs and the corresponding number of movable contact arms to maintains alignment therebetween. The guide member preferably includes a planar portion including a first side, which spans a pair of adjacent movable contact arms, and a second side, which includes a projection. The projection is disposed within the coils of the corresponding one of the contact springs.

Abstract: An adjustable carrier assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus such as, for example, a circuit breaker. The adjustable carrier assembly includes a carrier body having a first carrier member and a second carrier member pivotably coupled to the first carrier member. An adjustment mechanism is coupled to the carrier body, and a plurality of springs is disposed between the adjustment mechanism and the second carrier member. The springs apply a bias force on the second carrier member, and the adjustment mechanism is adjustable with respect to the carrier body in order to adjust the bias force.

Abstract: A modular keyboard includes an upper casing, a lower casing corresponding to the upper casing, an electric conduction element and a circuit board. The upper casing includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and a plurality of press keys disposed on the first side. The lower casing is set for sealing the second side, and an enclosure space is formed between the upper casing and the lower casing. The electric conduction element is installed on the second side in the enclosure space, and the circuit board is installed between the electric conduction element and the lower casing. With a supersonic welding technique, the upper casing and the lower casing are engaged with each other to seal the enclosure space and isolate the electric conduction element in the enclosure space and the circuit board from the exterior.

Abstract: A switch assembly having an indicator includes a case, a switch member, at least two terminals, a conductive member and an indicator. The case includes a cover and the switch member is pivotally connected to the case. The terminals are electrically connected to a circuit and the conductive member actuated by the switch member to control the circuit to be an open circuit or a closed circuit. The indicator is installed within the switch member and has two legs which are connected to the cover of the case. Two resilient members are respectively biased between the two legs and the two terminals, thereby ensuring electrically connecting the legs with the terminals.

Abstract: A light guide for an optical keypad is described. The light guide includes a light interface surface, top and bottom surfaces, a surface feature pattern, and a cut line. The light interface surface receives light into the light guide from a light source. The light received through the light interface surface reflects according to total internal reflection (TIR) within the light guide between portions of the top and bottom surfaces. The surface feature pattern disrupts the TIR and scatters at least some of the light outside of at least one surface of the top and bottom surfaces. The cut line redirects at least some of the light from a first direction to a second direction within the light guide. The first direction is a direction other than towards the surface feature pattern, while the second direction is a direction substantially towards the surface feature pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an illuminated keyboard comprising: a key module having a plurality of keycaps, scissors structures, elastic members, and a membrane circuit board; a keyboard base plate having a plurality of positioning members corresponding to the keycaps and integrally formed on the keyboard base plate for positioning the keyboard module on the keyboard base plate; a light guiding plate disposed beneath the key module and over the keyboard base plate, the light guiding plate having a light incoming surface, a bottom surface intersecting the light incoming surface, a light outgoing surface opposite to the light incoming surface, and provided with light holes corresponding to the positioning members; light sources arranged on one side of, the light incoming surface of the light guiding plate, wherein a light emitted from the light sources is transmitted into the light guiding plate from the light incoming surface and transmitted out of the light guiding plate from the outgoing surface; and a reflecting sh

Abstract: A key for electronic device includes a support body and an operating body. The support body forms a plurality of connecting pins. The support body and the operating body are integrally formed. The operating body defines a plurality of grooves in the side surface adjacent to the support body. The grooves are configured for receiving a plurality of knockout pins of a multi-shot mold in a multi-shot molding process.

Abstract: A keyswitch and a keyboard are provided. The keyboard includes the keyswitch, and the keyswitch includes a base, a position limiting component, a balance beam, and a keycap. The position limiting component is disposed on the base and has a clipping portion and a position limiting portion. The balance beam has an engaging portion which is adapted to be engaged with the position limiting portion. The keycap has a pivotal structure for pivotally connecting the balance beam. When the balance beam is assembled toward the position limiting component, the engaging portion pushes the clipping portion to leave an initial position and then be engaged to the position limiting portion, and when the clipping portion recovers to the initial position, the engaging portion is limited at the position limiting portion by the clipping portion.

Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a PCB, a light guiding board disposed on the PCB, a panel disposed on the light guiding board, a plurality of panel portions made of transparent material, set on the panel, a lighting device disposed on the PCB, and a sensing device disposed on the PCB. when an object touches or slides on/above the surface of the panel portion, the intensity of light sensed by the sensing device changes which causes the current of the four sensors to be changed, thus the sensing device generates a signal to complete a corresponding information input.

Abstract: A power seat switch includes a structure main body; switches provided in the structure main body; sliders slidably provided in the structure main body and changing over contacts of the switches; and moderation units each including a moderation adjuster fitted into the structure main body and an elastic portion provided on the slider. Each slider includes a shaft and a pair of legs provided on one end of the shaft. The elastic portion is provided to elastically protrude from the one end of the shaft in an axial direction of the shaft. The moderation adjuster includes a moderation groove arranged to be sandwiched between the legs, in contact with the elastic portion, and applying a moderation according to sliding of the slider.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a manipulating apparatus (mobile terminal) including a chassis provided with a manipulating portion (directional manipulating portion) with which an input manipulation is carried out. The manipulating portion includes: a key top exposed to an outside of the chassis through an opening portion, which the chassis has, and a key main body having a base portion on which the key top is formed within the chassis; a circuit board in which a detecting portion (switches) is disposed in a position corresponding to the key top,; and a flat plate-shaped elastic body (elastic body) interposed between the key main body and the detecting portion; in which the elastic body is provided integrally with the base portion.

Abstract: A water desalination system includes an evaporator for evaporating saline water to produce water vapor and an adsorption means in selective vapor communication with the evaporator for reversibly adsorbing the water vapor from the evaporator. The adsorption means is in selective vapor communication with a condenser, and desorbing means for desorbing the adsorbed water vapor from the adsorption means for collection by the condenser. The condenser is adapted to condense the water vapor to desalinated water.

Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses, for example reactors and distillation columns (as well as reactive distillation apparatuses), comprising a vessel with one or more vortex contacting stages, are described. The one or more stages provide high interfacial area for the effective contacting of the different phases, in addition to the effective disengagement of these phases after contacting.

Abstract: There is provided a method for reducing the content of at least one water soluble volatile organic compound in a gas. The method comprises contacting the gas with an aqueous acidic oxidizing composition comprising H2O2 and a metal catalyst, and submitting the at least one water soluble volatile organic compound and the aqueous acidic oxidizing composition to an UV radiation.

Abstract: A system uses thermal solar energy coupled with microwaves and plasma for producing carbon monoxide (CO) and dihydrogen (H2) from carbonated compounds (biomass, domestic waste, sludge from waste water, fossil coal), wherein the obtained gaseous mixture yields, amongst others, hydrocarbon fuels (olefins, paraffin), esters, and alcohols via a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. In a first step the carbonated compounds are roasted and pyrolized to produce char and dry coal, and a mixture of superheated gases containing CO2, steam, tars and non-condensable volatile materials. The method includes in a second step, and from the pyrolyis products (char or coal, gas mixture), generating a syngas substantially containing a mixture of carbon monoxide and dihydrogen, the mixture being used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis units. After the Fischer-Tropsch step, the synthesis products are separated in a distillation column after heating in solar furnaces of mixed furnaces (solar/microwave).

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus forming a film on a surface of a substrate, including: a table on which the substrate is placed; a plurality of targets disposed so that center axes thereof incline with respect to a normal line of the substrate placed on the table; and a plurality of magnetic field applying devices disposed between the targets and the substrate so as to surround the substrate, wherein the magnetic field applying devices generates a magnetic field, which has a horizontal magnetic field component parallel to the surface of the substrate, above the peripheral edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing magnetic storage media is provided. A structural substrate is coated with a magnetically susceptible material, and a patterned resist layer is formed over the magnetically susceptible material. Atom groups are directed toward the substrate, penetrating the resist and implanting into the magnetically susceptible layer. Thick portions of the resist prevent implantation in some areas to form a pattern of magnetic properties on the substrate. Energy and composition of the atom groups, thickness and hardness of the resist, and lattice energy of the magnetically susceptible material may all be adjusted to yield desired fragmentation and implantation of the atom groups, including in some embodiments mere impact on the surface without implanting. A protective layer and a lubricating layer are formed over the patterned magnetically susceptible layer.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes a substrate holder, a magnetic field applying unit, and target mounting table. The substrate holder includes a first stage which can mount a substrate and can rotate about a first rotating shaft, a second stage which can rotate about a second rotating shaft shifted from the first rotating shaft, a spinning unit which rotates the first stage about the first rotating shaft, and a revolving unit which revolves the first stage about the second rotating shaft. The magnetic field applying unit applies a magnetic field in a specific direction to the substrate. The target mounting table can mount a target configured to deposit a film on the substrate. The spinning unit rotates the first stage in a direction opposite to that of the rotation of the revolving unit, and rotates the first stage so as to maintain the specific direction of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A film forming method for a transparent electrically conductive film that forms a zinc oxide-based transparent electrically conductive film on a substrate by sputtering using a target containing a zinc oxide-based material, performing the sputtering in a reactive gas atmosphere that contains two types or three types selected from among a group consisting of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas and water vapor.

Abstract: A collector bar for electrical connection to a busbar system of an electrolytic cell, the collector bar being received within a recess in a cathode block of the cathode of the electrolytic cell; wherein the collector bar comprises a first conductor which electrically connects to the busbar system, the first conductor having an external surface or surfaces which electrically contact the cathode block and at least one second conductor having a lower electrical resistance to the first conductor, the second conductor being positioned on at least one external surface of the first conductor in electrical contact with the first conductor.

Abstract: A system to monitor, control and management of a plant where hydrometallurgical processes of electrowinning or electrorefining of non ferrous metals which enables measuring the process variables which comprises: at least one group of electrolytic cells, said cells having means for the collection and transmission of the variables of the process; a plurality of electrodes (5) installed in the interior of each electrolytic cell, making up, alternately, anodes and cathodes of basic cells; a plurality of electrode (5) hanger bars forming, alternately, hanger bars for electrical contact of anodes (20) and hanger bar for electrical contact of cathodes (18); a plurality of support electrical insulators (15) which are positioned in the upper portion of the lateral walls between two adjacent cells; a plurality of electrical bus bars (6) which are fitted on top of each support electrical insulator (15) and underneath the plurality of electrodes (5); a plurality of electrical spacer insulators (16) each spacer insulator

Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus is disclosed as including an electrolysis cell (10) accommodating therein electrolyte (70), a heating section (20) located around the electrolysis cell to heat the electrolysis cell, an electrode section (30) having an electrode unit (30a) immersed in the electrolyte and a power-conducting electrode portion (30b) supporting the electrode unit to apply the electrode unit with electric power, a lid body (45) defining a space region (40) in an area above the electrolysis cell, an exhaust section (50) located in the lid body to allow the space region to communicate with an outside for exhausting by-product gas, resulting from electrolysis of the electrolyte, from the space region to the outside, and an evaporation restraining member (60, 80, 80A, 80B, 90, 90A, 90B) floating on a liquid surface of the electrolyte so as to cover the liquid surface of the electrolyte for permitting by-product gas, resulting from electrolysis of the electrolyte, to escape to the space region while restrainin

Abstract: Provided is a reactive sputtering apparatus, and more particularly, a reactive sputtering apparatus capable of effectively ionizing a reactive gas using inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The reactive sputtering apparatus includes: a chamber having an inlet port for introducing a plasma gas thereinto and an outlet port for exhausting the gas used during reactive sputtering to the exterior; an ICP generator disposed on the chamber, ionizing a reactive gas, and injecting the ionized gas into the chamber; and at least one sputter gun located at a side surface of the chamber and supporting a target. Therefore, the reactive sputtering apparatus can improve an ionization rate of a reactive gas using inductively coupled plasma to reduce a process temperature and improve uniformity and step coverage of thin film deposition at low cost.

Abstract: In a biosensor that detects introduction of a sample liquid into a specimen supply path using a detecting electrode, a means of improving accuracy of detection is provided. The biosensor has: an electrode system including measuring electrode, counter electrode, and detecting electrode on first electrically insulating support; specimen supply path for introducing the sample liquid; and reagent layer used for quantifying a substrate contained in the sample liquid. The means is characterized in that detecting electrode is spaced from measuring electrode by a distance sufficient for the sample liquid to sufficiently cover measuring electrode before the sample liquid reaches detecting electrode.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis method for identification and analyzing collagen quantitatively, which is used to identify and quantify collagen in a sample, comprises the steps of: (a) dissolving a collagen-containing sample to form a sample solution; (b) preparing a capillary with an inner wall thereof having a positively-charged layer; (c) introducing the sample solution into the capillary filled with an analytical buffer solution; and (d) driving the sample solution to pass through the capillary. The present invention also discloses an assay kit implementing the abovementioned method. The method of the present invention does not need the purifying pre-treatment and cracking the collagen-containing sample but directly performs the capillary electrophoresis analysis of collagen. Therefore, the present invention can shorten the time for analyzing collagen quantitatively.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis analysis apparatus is provided for analyzing samples by a capillary electrophoresis method that allows for rapid and highly accurate separation and detection, wherein the apparatus may be used in the diagnosis and/or monitoring of selected diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention also provides methods for splitting droplets. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with top and bottom substrates, a plurality of magnetic fields respectively present proximate the top and bottom substrates, wherein at least one of the magnet fields is selectively alterable, and a plurality of droplet operations electrodes positioned along at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A droplet is positioned between the top and bottom surfaces and at least one of the magnetic fields is selectively altered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to An electronic osmotic dehydrator of electrophoresis style with a phase control using three-phase current, and more specifically, to An electronic osmotic dehydrator of electrophoresis style with a phase control using three-phase current, which can minimize an unnecessary loss of power consumed in the rotating drum itself by emboding the applying structure of the DC power supplied to the dehydrating domain of the electro-osmotic dehydrator so that a strength of the electric field generated between the rotating drum and the caterpillar may be variably controlled depending upon a sludge volume, and improving a structure of the rotating drum to which the DC power is applied, when forming an electronic osmotic dehydrator comprising a rotating drum in the cylindrical form, a caterpillar running on an endless track at a certain space from the rotating drum and two filter cloth belts for transferring and dehydrating the sludge as wound between the drum and the caterpillar, which is a

Abstract: A cost-effective and highly reproducible method of fabricating nanowires, and small gaps or spacings in nanowires is disclosed. The nanogaps bridge an important size regime between 1 nm and 100 nm. The nanogaps can be selectively predetermined to be as small as 1.0 nm, or larger than 1000 nm. These electrode gaps can be useful in preparing molecular electronic devices that involve making electrical contact to individual molecules, such as biomolecules, or small clusters of molecules. Microelectrodes having nanogaps for electrical and magnetic applications formed by the method, and as well as biosensors and their use in detecting a biological species, such as DNA, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to electrodeposition apparatus and methods. The invention finds particular use in fabricating thin film solar cells. Electrodeposition is improved by using a continuous thin film flow of electrodeposition solution between a substrate and a counter electrode, positioned in close proximity to each other, while the plating current is applied. Apparatus for carrying out methods described herein are highlighted particularly by flow manifolds that allow electrodeposition in the manner described.

Abstract: A method for making a porous structure, includes producing, by anodization of an aluminum substrate, an outer surface layer (3), part of the thickness of which is formed by an ordered porous structure (7), characterized in that it includes an anodization step on a smooth aluminum substrate for a duration sufficient for obtaining a thickness of ordered porous structure (7). The method further includes removing by mechanical machining a portion of the thickness of the layer (3) formed by anodization, the thickness portion extending from the outer surface of the layer (3) formed by anodization, while maintaining an ordered porous structure (7) with a non-zero thickness, so that the ordered porous structure defines the free outer surface of the residual layer.

Abstract: A system including nanostructure arrays for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound, e.g., methanol, which does so, for example, without any external electric energy. In one embodiment, the system for converting carbon dioxide to an organic compound includes an array of nanotubes, which include nanoparticles of an electron mediator, e.g. palladium, dispersed on a surface of the nanotubes, and an electrically conductive fluid. The array of nanotubes is at least partially immersed in the electrically conductive fluid. The system further includes a light source that irradiates the array of nanotubes, a source of carbon dioxide, and an inlet for delivering the carbon dioxide to the electrically conductive fluid whereat at least a portion of the carbon dioxide is converted to a different organic compound, such as methanol, via contact with an irradiated array of nanotubes. In one example, the array is an ordered array of titania nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels from biomass in which a refined biomass material is introduced into a non-Faradaic electrochemical device, preferably at a temperature greater than or equal to about 150° C., and deoxygenated and/or decarboxylated in said device to produce an increased carbon chain fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a process for removing one or more contaminants from an electrolytic solution and more particularly to a process for removing the one or more contaminants contained in an electrorefining solution using rare earth metals.

Abstract: A self-sustaining, fully automated, hydrogen generator that utilizes the ocean's currents, tides, and water to produce vast amounts of hydrogen and oxygen. Additional electricity may be supplied by locally generated means including offshore wind, offshore geothermal, as well as wave powered generation. Hydrogen is exported as well as the oxygen not consumed by the life support systems. Residue collected from the ocean water purification process is collected and exported for use elsewhere or dispersed locally around the underwater facility. Systems orchestration is achieved by control systems that operate independently of one another with no single point of failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen from salt water by electrolysis. The apparatus includes a cathode plate and an anode plate spaced apart from the cathode plate. The apparatus also includes a cathode end connector for electrically connecting the cathode plate to a negative terminal of a direct current electrical power supply, and an anode end connector for electrically connecting the anode plate to a positive terminal of the direct current electrical power supply. The cathode plate is made from aluminum, and the anode plate is made from zinc. The aluminum cathode plate may have a multiplicity of apertures therein. It has been determined that the aluminum cathode plate and the zinc anode plate tend to provide an effective combination for salt water electrolysis.