Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for use with a near-end telephone. The near-end telephone is operable to generate an outgoing signal directed to a far-end telephone and to receive an incoming signal generated at least in part by the far-end telephone. A first signal processor is operable to dynamically adjust a first signal level associated with the outgoing signal with reference to the first signal level. A second signal processor is operable to dynamically adjust a second signal level associated with the incoming signal with reference to the second signal level. The first and second signal processors are further operable to control a loop gain to inhibit loop instability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for performing a variable sample rate conversion. A difference between a first sample rate associated with a first signal and a second sample rate associated with a second signal is tracked. A sample rate conversion ratio is adjusted in response to the difference. One of the first and second sample rates is converted using the conversion ratio.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for enabling a computer to manipulate programming breaks in an original digital content stream. One of a plurality of substitute durations is selected with reference to a first duration of a first programming break. The selected substitute duration is substituted for the first duration, thereby generating a modified digital content stream having a modified programming break.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for effecting multi-band processing and automatic gain control of an original sampled signal. According to various implementations, attack and release multipliers are applied to signal samples in a variety of ways to achieve a variety of effects.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are described for implementing effective echo suppression in a wide variety of telephony system architectures. These methods and apparatus include broadband and multi-band techniques for speech detection, estimation of near-end transmission path attenuation, and estimation of far-end transmission path attenuation and delay.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for effecting multi-band processing of an original sampled signal. The original sampled signal is separated into a plurality of signal components each corresponding to one of a plurality of frequency bands. A dynamic range associated with each one of the plurality of signal components is independently and dynamically controlled. At least one signal level associated with the plurality of signal components is modified. The signal components are combined into a processed sampled signal.

Abstract: A composition and method for use in freeing differentially stuck pipes is presented, comprising a hydrocarbon, acetic acid and a surfactant. The composition frees stock pipes quickly, thus reducing down-time during the process of drilling a subterranean well.

Abstract: A high internal phase ratio water-in-oil emulsion containing an emulsifier comprising a block or graft copolymer the general formula (A-COO).sub.mB or a reaction product of a polyalk(en)yl succinic anhydride and a polar compound having at least one hydroxyl or amino group demonstrates surprisingly low pumping friction pressure losses, high temperature stability and excellent proppant carrying capacity for use as a fracturing fluid in the hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formation.