Abstract: Methods of assessing asphaltene inhibitor/dispersant efficiency are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assessing solvent/dispersant/cleaner efficacy for remediating asphlatene deposition. The methods are useful in facilitating the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas, and more particularly, for preventing the undesired deposition of asphaltene from crude oil.

Abstract: A multiple-input multiple-output antenna is provided. The antenna may include, but is not limited to, at least one first dipole antenna including a first dipole arm, a second dipole arm, and a balun, the balun including a first bent conductive and a second bent conductive, and at least one second dipole antenna, the at least one second dipole antenna including a third dipole arm, a fourth dipole arm, a u-shaped balun galvantically coupled to the third dipole arm and the fourth dipole arm, a first conductive element galvanically isolated from the third dipole arm, the fourth dipole arm and the u-shaped balun, the first conductive element configured to capacitively couple to the third and fourth dipole arms, and a second conductive element galvanically connected to the u-shaped balun, the second conductive element configured to capacitively couple to the third dipole arm.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to anti-agglomerant low dosage hydrate inhibitors that can inhibit the formation of hydrate agglomerants and/or plugs. The anti-agglomerant low dosage hydrate inhibitors can be surfactants. The hydrate inhibitors can be used for inhibiting, retarding, mitigating, reducing, controlling and/or delaying formation of hydrocarbon hydrates, agglomerants of hydrates, and/or plugs. The hydrate inhibitors can be applied to prevent, reduce, and/or mitigate plugging of conduits, pipes, transfer lines, valves, and other places or equipment where hydrocarbon hydrate solids can form. The hydrate inhibitors can be zwitterionic or cationic ammonium surfactants.

Abstract: Fan-Out Wafer Level Packages (FO-WLPs) having Embedded Ground Plane (EGP) connections are provided. In one embodiment, the FO-WLP includes a molded package body having a frontside and an opposing backside. An EGP and a first preformed EGP connection are contained within the molded package body. The first preformed EGP connection is bonded to the EGP and extends therefrom to the backside of the molded package body. The FO-WLP further includes an electrically-conductive structure, such as an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shield, provided on the backside of the molded package body. The electrically-conductive structure is electrically coupled to the EGP through the first preformed EGP connection.

Abstract: Additives including sulfur-containing compounds are used in methods of treating synthetic gypsum. The additives can thermally stabilize heavy metals, such as mercury. This thermal stabilization reduces mercury release from the synthetic gypsum. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of sulfur-containing compounds include inorganic sulfides, organic sulfides, organic compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur, organic compounds containing oxygen and sulfur, and polymers containing sulfur.

Abstract: A reclosable container for consumer items includes a box, a lid hingedly connected to the box, an inner liner wrapped around the consumer items, the inner liner including a section defining an opening for allowing access to the consumer items, means to open and reclose the opening, and an inner frame attached to the box. The inner frame includes a free inner frame portion protruding from the box towards the opening in the inner liner. The free inner frame portion includes a cut out and the inner frame is attached to the inner liner proximate to the cut out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of propagating wireless signals through an impairment medium using a penetrator device within a wireless communication network is discussed herein. The apparatus and method includes transmitting a first radio frequency (RF) signal from a first point within the wireless communication network and receiving the first RF signal at a first unit of the penetrator device. The method further includes converting, by the first unit of the penetrator device, the RF signal into an optical signal and transmitting the optical signal from the first unit of the penetrator device to a second unit of the penetrator device through the impairment medium. The method also includes converting, by the second unit of the penetrator device, the optical signal into a second RF signal and transmitting, by the second unit of the penetrator device, the second RF signal to a second point within the wireless communication network.

Abstract: Frequency is swept in acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) scanning. Different frequencies are used at different times during the ARFI. For example, different frequencies are focused to different depths in the ARFI transmit beam. Since the frequency sweep is used for the ARFI pushing pulse rather than a transmit pulse for which echoes are received, the rate of change of the frequency is not dictated by the speed of sound. The rate of change of the frequency may be adjustable or set based on other factors, such as the type of tissue. In combination with a time varying focal position, the frequency sweep may better compensate for loss as compared to a focus sweep alone. The frequency sweep may better compensate for loss as compared to a single point focus ARFI.

Abstract: A method of enhancing paper strength properties is provided. The method comprises treating a paper sheet precursor with a polyaluminum salt, and a strengthening agent, wherein the strengthening agent comprises a dialdehyde-modified polyacrylamide copolymer and a polyacrylamide copolymer. The polyaluminum salt may be polyaluminum chloride. The methods have been demonstrated to provide, among other things, improvements in retention, strength, and dewatering.

Abstract: A self-dilating cannula for introduction into a patient's vasculature includes an elongate body and an atraumatic tip. The elongate body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a fluid-flow lumen extending therebetween. The atraumatic tip is positioned at the elongate body's distal end and has a blunted end and a conical shape. The atraumatic tip includes a plurality of fluid-flow openings proximal to the blunted nose that are configured to disperse fluid from the fluid-flow lumen in a plurality of directions with respect to the atraumatic tip. The atraumatic tip also includes an opening in the blunted nose that is sized to a guidewire.

Abstract: Embodiments of circuits for use with an amplifier that includes multiple amplifier paths include a first circuit and a second circuit in parallel with the first circuit. The first circuit includes a first input coupled to a first power divider output, a first output coupled to a first amplifier path of the multiple amplifier paths, and a first adjustable phase shifter and a first attenuator series coupled between the first input and the first output. The second circuit includes a second input coupled to a second power divider output, a second output coupled to a second amplifier path of the multiple amplifier paths, and a second adjustable phase shifter coupled between the second input and the second output.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, method, and manufacture for generating backup power in a wireless communications system such as a wireless communications service base station. The system includes a communications interface, a primary power interface, a generator, rectifiers, and a battery circuit. During normal operation, the communications interface is powered from the primary power interface. During a power outage, the communications interface is powered from either the generator or the battery circuit. The generator is cycled on and off during power outages to charge the battery circuit while conserving fuel. To decrease rectification loss, rectifiers are run near full load while rectifying the generator output.

Abstract: Methods and systems for colorimetrically analyzing a liquid medium by analyzing chemical test strip images are provided. The liquid medium can be industrial water in an industrial water system. Image analyzing software carries out the analysis. The results of the analysis can be used to diagnosing a chemical treatment regimen of the industrial water system. A chemical test strip holder can be used to enhance reliability and repeatability of the imaging process and/or subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems of a sensor surface object detection system are provided. Output from sensors of a vehicle may be used to describe an environment around the vehicle. In the event that a sensor is obstructed by dirt, debris, or detritus the sensor may not sufficiently describe the environment for autonomous control operations. The sensor surface object detection system may receive output from the sensors of the vehicle to determine whether any of the sensors are obstructed. The determination may be made by comparing the output of one sensor to another, determining whether the output of a sensor is within a predetermined threshold, or comparing characteristics of multiple sensor outputs to one another. When a sensor is determined to be obstructed, the system may send a command to a cleaning system to automatically remove the obstruction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A computer-implemented control system is operated to automatically identify a neural fulcrum zone based on a monitored patient physiological response. Ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and computer-readable media for triggering an identification signal broadcast of a first navigational aid equipment using a tone in the voice band transmitted by a second navigational aid equipment. Aspects include receiving, at the first navigational aid equipment, a tone in a voice band of second navigational aid equipment. Aspects also include transmitting, by the first navigational aid equipment, the identification associated with the first navigational aid equipment identification when the tone is received.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for mounting electrical components in electrical systems. In one example, there is provided a heat-generating electrical component and base assembly configured to be secured to a component wall. The assembly comprises a base including an upper portion having a recess and a lower portion having a floating electrical connector, a heat-generating electrical component secured in the recess of the base and including an electrical lead in electrical communication with the floating electrical connector, and a gasket circumscribing a perimeter of the lower portion.