Abstract: A tower opening apparatus is provided that is configured to simplify the opening of a multi-piece, hinged, hydroponic tower. The hydroponic tower opening apparatus utilizes a collection of static and continuously moving components (e.g., motor driven drive rollers, alignment rollers, stationary wedges, longitudinal ramps, etc.) to open a hydroponic tower as it passes through the apparatus. In particular, as the tower is driven through the opening apparatus, the fastener(s) holding the face plate(s) to the tower body is released by a wedge(s). After the fastener(s) is released, the face plate(s) is partially rotated about the tower body, thereby partially opening the tower cavity(s). Next a longitudinal ramp(s) continues to rotate the face plate(s) relative to the tower body, moving the face plate(s) to a fully open position.

Abstract: The present technology provides an ability to simulate the performance of mobile content in a more realistic testing environment than previously available. Specifically, the present technology can mimic the fluctuations in network states that mobile devices typically experience. As the mobile content is tested using the simulated network states, the present technology can record the performance of the mobile content and create a log of the performance. Further, the present technology can also analyze the mobile content performance log and recommend various optimizations to increase the performance of the content.

Abstract: The present technology provides an ability to simulate the performance of mobile content in a more realistic testing environment than previously available. Specifically, the present technology can mimic the fluctuations in network states that mobile devices typically experience. As the mobile content is tested using the simulated network states, the present technology can record the performance of the mobile content and create a log of the performance. Further, the present technology can also analyze the mobile content performance log and recommend various optimizations to increase the performance of the content.

Abstract: An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails: (i.) the density differential between the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage is greater than or equal to 0.2 g/cc; (ii.) both the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage contain a ULW proppant; (iii.) the rate of injection of the second proppant stage into the fracture is different from the rate of injection of the first proppant stage; or (iv.) the particle size of the second proppant stage is different from the particle size of the first proppant stage.

Abstract: An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails: (i.) the density differential between the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage is greater than or equal to 0.2 g/cc; (ii.) both the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage contain a ULW proppant; (iii.) the rate of injection of the second proppant stage into the fracture is different from the rate of injection of the first proppant stage; or (iv.) the particle size of the second proppant stage is different from the particle size of the first proppant stage.

Abstract: An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails: (i.) the density differential between the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage is greater than or equal to 0.2 g/cc; (ii.) both the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage contain a ULW proppant; (iii.) the rate of injection of the second proppant stage into the fracture is different from the rate of injection of the first proppant stage; or (iv.) the particle size of the second proppant stage is different from the particle size of the first proppant stage.

Abstract: An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails: (i.) the density differential between the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage is greater than or equal to 0.2 g/cc; (ii.) both the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage contain a ULW proppant; (iii.) the rate of injection of the second proppant stage into the fracture is different from the rate of injection of the first proppant stage; or (iv.) the particle size of the second proppant stage is different from the particle size of the first proppant stage.

Abstract: An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails: (i.) the density differential between the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage is greater than or equal to 0.2 g/cc; (ii.) both the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage contain a ULW proppant; (iii.) the rate of injection of the second proppant stage into the fracture is different from the rate of injection of the first proppant stage; or (iv.) the particle size of the second proppant stage is different from the particle size of the first proppant stage.

Abstract: A masonry wall system includes a plurality of blocks. Each block has two external side walls and is adapted for use adjacent to further said blocks such that the side walls form at least one wall surface of a wall structure (40) constructed from the blocks. A plurality of the blocks include a tongue (8) projecting from a sidewall thereof. The blocks can be arranged such that a plurality of the tongues (8) combine to form a plurality of furring ridges (42) on the wall structure having a required spacing therebetween. In a preferred embodiment the spacing between the furring ridges (42) is greater than the length of the longest of the blocks used. A method of assembling a masonry wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails: (i.) the density differential between the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage is greater than or equal to 0.2 g/cc; (ii.) both the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage contain a ULW proppant; (iii.) the rate of injection of the second proppant stage into the fracture is different from the rate of injection of the first proppant stage; or (iv.) the particle size of the second proppant stage is different from the particle size of the first proppant stage.

Abstract: A frozen aerated confection comprising freezing point depressants in a total amount of 26-40% weight by weight, the freezing point depressants having a mean number average molecular weight of less than or equal to 320, characterized in that the confection has an extensibility of at least 30% at ?18° C.

Abstract: An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails: (i.) the density differential between the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage is greater than or equal to 0.2 g/cc; (ii.) both the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage contain a ULW proppant; (iii.) the rate of injection of the second proppant stage into the fracture is different from the rate of injection of the first proppant stage; or (iv.) the particle size of the second proppant stage is different from the particle size of the first proppant stage.

Abstract: A frozen composition is provided which includes hydrophobin. Also provided is the use of hydrophobin in inhibiting ice crystal growth and/or modifying ice crystal habit in frozen food products.

Abstract: An aerated food product is provided which includes hydrophobin. Also provided is the use of a hydrophobin in a method of inhibiting bubble coarsening in aerated food products.

Abstract: A new and useful map structure, particularly for an activity within a special region having a geographic boundary, and a technique for creating a map structure are provided. The map and technique are particularly useful in providing a map for use by a hunter in a designated hunting region. The map structure comprises a substrate and map data produced on the substrate. The substrate is designed to withstand the conditions of the special region (e.g. an authorized hunting region), and of the type of handling it is likely to encounter in during the actively in the special region. The map data is also provided in a form that is likely to withstand the conditions of the special region, and is of a type that is particularly useful to the activity in the special region. Moreover, in producing the map structure, an electronic data file is created from which the map data can be produced on the substrate.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program products for operating a credit promotion program includes identifying a consumer who wishes to participate in the promotion, identifying a voucher associated with the credit promotion program, and identifying a purchase by the consumer, including a purchase amount and a purchase date. A credit promotion period for the consumer is then opened if the purchase amount exceeds a pre-established trigger amount. The consumer's purchases during the promotion period are then monitored for subsequent application of promotion benefits.