Abstract:
Methods of treatment of cyanide-containing waste are provided. In particular, methods for treatment of spent potliner prior to landfill disposal are provided. These methods, which involve treatment of the waste with a mixture containing an aqueous oxidizing solution and an agent, such as magnesium chloride, that increases the oxidation potential of the solution, can be performed at ambient temperature and pressure.
Abstract:
A two-stage safety arrangement for a cigarette lighter of the piezoelectric type having a case that houses a flammable liquid container, gas release mechanism, and piezoelectric ignition element. The safety arrangement includes an ignition cover that covers the gas release mechanism, a striking lever, and a release button. To operate the lighter, a user must first depress the release button and use an upward movement to release the ignition cover and reveal the gas release mechanism. Next, the user must simultaneously depress the release button and push the striking lever rotatably downwards and away from the gas release mechanism in order to actuate the piezoelectric ignition element. Use of both hands to depress the release button and pry back the striking lever from above, near the gas release mechanism, is further prevented by providing a raised safety ridge to prevent a user from gripping the edge of the striking lever near the outlet of the gas release mechanism. The safety arrangement can be combined with a utility tool, e.g., a knife, screwdriver, nail file, etc. disposed between two lateral plates, wherein the body of the lighter serves as one lateral plate, and with the two inner faces substantially flat and parallel.
Abstract:
A method for producing designs involves receiving a request to create a design on the surface of an extraterrestrial body, transmitting a control signal to a device on a vehicle on the extraterrestrial body, the control signal causing the device to create the design, and receiving an image signal providing an image of the design created on the surface. A device for producing the designs includes a surface altering tool configured to rearrange material on the surface. The tool may be provided as a configurable-tread rover wheel that includes a wheel hub having radially-extending channels, and tread elements supported in the channels that are selectively articulatable under the control of a control module to form a tread pattern corresponding to a design intended to be produced. The tread elements may be selectively extended or retracted by operation of an array of solenoids controlled by the control module.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.
Abstract:
A disappearing interface system for a device, such as an appliance (e.g., a cooking range) having an interactive user interface, a light-emitting device (e.g., a LED), a microprocessor based LED fader electronic control system that uses a PWM signal to drive an A/D circuit to control the intensity (e.g., fade in/out) of the light-emitting device.
Abstract:
Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion. Diminishing the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes in the acne lesion reduces imperfect repair of the skin and thus decreases scarring in acne-affected skin.
Abstract:
An appliance includes a cavity having one or more rack structures therein. One or more rack sensors are operatively coupled to the appliance cavity to sense a presence or absence of the one or more rack structures within the cavity.
Abstract:
A cooking device includes a main oven, a controller for controlling the main oven, a mini-oven, and a control for controlling the mini-oven, wherein the control is in communication with the controller.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.
Abstract:
A lighter includes (1) a housing; (2) a rechargeable electric power source contained in the housing; (3) a heating element operatively connected to the power source; (4) an actuator for selectively connecting the heating element to the power source resulting in electricity being delivered to the heating element to cause heating thereof; and (5) a first feature for indicating a charge level of the power source and for indicating when the heating element is at an optimal temperature for igniting an object. The first feature can also indicate the charge level when the device is being charged.