Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting drill bit wearing state using drilling parameters and formation properties are disclosed. The methods include, for each of a plurality of past bit runs, obtaining a measured rock property value and a measured drilling variable value for the past bit run, and obtaining a measured dull grade for a drill bit used for the past bit run. The methods also include determining parameters of a functional relationship between the measured dull grade, the bit run time, the measured rock property value, and the measured drilling variable value, and predicting a predicted dull grade for a future bit run using a new drill bit. The methods further include replacing the new drill bit with a replacement drill bit at a time based, at least in part, on the predicted dull grade.

Abstract: Biocide can be controllably added to a feed stream for a membrane. The membrane can separate the feed stream into a purified permeate stream and a concentrate stream containing contaminants from the feed stream. In some examples, a charge neutral biocide is introduced into the feed stream at a first addition rate. The concentration of the charge neutral biocide in the permeate stream is measured to provide a measured concentration of the charge neutral biocide in the permeate stream. The addition rate of the charge neutral biocide can be adjusted based on the measured concentration of the charge neutral biocide in the permeate stream to introduce charge neutral biocide into the feed stream at a second addition rate different than the first addition rate.

Abstract: Biocide can be controllably added to a feed stream for a membrane. In some examples, the feed stream is separated into a primary feed stream and a secondary feed stream, for example, with the secondary feed stream having a lower flow rate than the primary feed stream. The secondary feed stream may be used to monitor and control the addition of the biocide, which is then diluted when the secondary feed stream is combined with the primary feed stream to form a combined stream for delivery to the membrane.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein include a method of managing virtual network functions of a network functions virtualization (NFV) network environment includes generating an integration virtual network function (integration VNF) to allow a user to perform tasks related to integration and deployment of a first virtual network function (first VNF), and generating an orchestration template for a first virtual network function (first VNF) with an NFV orchestrator of the NFV environment. The method further includes reviewing the orchestration template with the integration VNF, and orchestrating deployment of the first VNF with a virtual infrastructure manager (VIM) of the NFV environment based on the orchestration template.

Abstract: Biocide can be controllably added to a feed stream for a membrane. The membrane can separate the feed stream into a purified permeate stream and a concentrate stream containing contaminants from the feed stream. In some examples, a charge neutral biocide is introduced into the feed stream at a first addition rate. The concentration of the charge neutral biocide in the permeate stream is measured to provide a measured concentration of the charge neutral biocide in the permeate stream. The addition rate of the charge neutral biocide can be adjusted based on the measured concentration of the charge neutral biocide in the permeate stream to introduce charge neutral biocide into the feed stream at a second addition rate different than the first addition rate.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein include a method of managing virtual network functions of a network functions virtualization (NFV) network environment includes generating an integration virtual network function (integration VNF) to allow a user to perform tasks related to integration and deployment of a first virtual network function (first VNF), and generating an orchestration template for a first virtual network function (first VNF) with an NFV orchestrator of the NFV environment. The method further includes reviewing the orchestration template with the integration VNF, and orchestrating deployment of the first VNF with a virtual infrastructure manager (VIM) of the NFV environment based on the orchestration template.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein include a method of managing virtual network functions of a network functions virtualization (NFV) network environment includes generating an integration virtual network function (integration VNF) to allow a user to perform tasks related to integration and deployment of a first virtual network function (first VNF), and generating an orchestration template for a first virtual network function (first VNF) with an NFV orchestrator of the NFV environment. The method further includes reviewing the orchestration template with the integration VNF, and orchestrating deployment of the first VNF with a virtual infrastructure manager (VIM) of the NFV environment based on the orchestration template.

Abstract: Network site testing of other sites in a communication network environment may be performed with the assistance of all sites participating to identify and confirm failures. One example method of operation may include transmitting a test message from a test site to a network site, the test message solicits a feedback response from the network site, determining whether a feedback response message was received from the network site, and determining whether the network site is in an up state or a down state based on the feedback response message being received or not being received. Other sites and triangulation may be used to confirm a sub-network status.

Abstract: Biocide can be controllably added to a feed stream for a membrane. In some examples, the feed stream is separated into a primary feed stream and a secondary feed stream, for example, with the secondary feed stream having a lower flow rate than the primary feed stream. The secondary feed stream may be used to monitor and control the addition of the biocide, which is then diluted when the secondary feed stream is combined with the primary feed stream to form a combined stream for delivery to the membrane.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein include a method of managing virtual network functions of a network functions virtualization (NFV) network environment includes generating an integration virtual network function (integration VNF) to allow a user to perform tasks related to integration and deployment of a first virtual network function (first VNF), and generating an orchestration template for a first virtual network function (first VNF) with an NFV orchestrator of the NFV environment. The method further includes reviewing the orchestration template with the integration VNF, and orchestrating deployment of the first VNF with a virtual infrastructure manager (VIM) of the NFV environment based on the orchestration template.

Abstract: The disclosed system and methods enable meticulous communication between two parties initiated by an unanswered telephone call. Particularly, complex actions may be taken based on a called telephone number and calling line identification (CLI). A selected action may be any action performable by a computer, and may include multiple actions or be a sub-part of a chain of actions. Thus disclosed is a dynamic, buildable communication system to end users.

Abstract: A pulmocardiac assistance apparatus is disclosed for use in the medical technology field to provide expiratory and inspiratory functionality to patients with respiratory disorders. The pulmocardiac assistance device of the present invention functions to collect body response feedback and manages this feedback to achieve an optimum response. The device includes an integrated set of pressure cuffs for pressuring different parts of the body in accordance with a predetermined sequence to induce the patient to breathe out or expire air from the lungs or to even produce an assisted cough, as well as to promote circulation of blood from the extremities of the body to the head. The pulmocardiac assistance device further includes a programmable logic controller which accepts inputs from sensors (e.g. patient temperature, blood gas concentrations, arterial pH level) and makes calculations to control both ventilator and pressure cuffs.

Abstract: A patient support structure including a unit having at least two defined shaped zones (30, 32) inflatable from a deflated condition in order to modify the topography of the support. One of the zones (30) is larger than the other (32) so that inflation of the larger zone lifts a patient to one side (towards the smaller zone 32) and the inflated smaller zone supports the patient and prevents the patient from slipping off the support structure. In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises two units, each having at least two defined shaped inflatable zones (30, 32), the larger zone 30 of each unit being in opposed configuration and the units being inflatable independently of one another so that a patient can be lifted to one side or the other side according to which unit is inflated.

Abstract: A patient support structure including a unit having at least two defined shaped zones (30, 32) inflatable from a deflated condition in order to modify the topography of the support. One of the zones (30) is larger than the other (32) so that inflation of the larger zone lifts a patient to one side (towards the smaller zone 32) and the inflated smaller zone supports the patient and prevents the patient from slipping off the support structure. In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises two units, each having at least two defined shaped inflatable zones (30, 32), the larger zone 30 of each unit being in opposed configuration and the units being inflatable independently of one another so that a patient can be lifted to one side or the other side according to which unit is inflated.