Abstract: A multi-blender system for blending liquid and solid particulates together to prepare a fracturing fluid, the blender system can include a plurality of independently operable blender units each having components that can operate with either blender unit. Each component may be a modular blender component mounted to respective independent frames. The independent frames are configured to be independently removable, replaceable and movable to multiple positions in the blender system. In some aspects the multi-blender system can operate at different sand concentrations, instantaneously adjust flow rate to one or more of the components in either blender unit, provide control redundancy, and may continue to operate despite a failure of one of the major components.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus wearable by a user. The apparatus can comprise a biometric sensor constructed to generate signals based upon measurements of the user. The apparatus can comprise a processor constructed to determine a significant detrimental change in the user via an algorithm based upon the signals.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for improving the quality of subsequent searches. A request is received from a user to perform a search using the term(s) provided by the user. A search is then performed using the provided term(s). A representation of the search result is depicted as an area (e.g., bubble) with terms of interest displayed outside the area. The area represents a set of documents that were found in the performed search and the terms of interest represent terms that may be of interest to the user based on this set of documents. These terms of interest may be selected by the user to adjust the search result. In this manner, the user is presented with an intuitive view as to how different terms or different searches will have an impact on the search results thereby improving the quality of subsequent searches.

Abstract: A system for managing the performance of services. A schedule includes slots for performing services. A referral profile database contains historical data for referral sources of the services. An incoming request module receives on an inquiry date an inquiry from a client to reserve one of the slots in the schedule for performing a requested service, and also receives one of the referral sources referring the client. A scheduling module reserves a scheduled slot among the slots for performing the requested service for the client. An analysis module determines whether the requested service has been performed and, when performed, stores a completion date corresponding thereto. The analysis module calculates a delay between the inquiry date and the completion date. An action module updates the historical data for the one of the referral sources based upon whether the requested services were performed, and based on the delay calculated.

Abstract: A sprinkler configured for engagement with a coupling, the sprinkler includes a raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a raised lip at the raised lip end; and a deflector end disposed opposite from the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a groove between the raised lip and the deflector end.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an acidic ferrate composition and methods of making ferrate. A method of forming ferrate includes treating an iron source with an oxidizer in an aqueous solution having a pH of less than 7 under conditions sufficient to form ferrate.

Abstract: An implant driver for engaging an orthopedic implant for selective advancement and retraction of the implant. The implant driver includes a first jaw assembly comprising a helical cam surface corresponding with a first direction of rotation. The first jaw assembly is operative to engage, in response to rotation in the first direction, the implant using spherical jaw members disposed in constrictive helical channels. The implant driver includes a second jaw assembly comprising a helical cam surface corresponding with a second direction of rotation. The second jaw assembly is operative to engage, in response to rotation in the second direction, the implant using spherical jaw members disposed in constrictive helical channels. Absent rotation of the first and second jaw assemblies, the spherical jaws may not restrict relative axial movement between the implant and the implant driver to allow for advancement and/or retraction of the instrument relative to the implant.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed provide a hydraulic fracturing unit that includes a reciprocating plunger pump configured to pump a fracturing fluid and a powertrain configured to power the reciprocating plunger pump. The powertrain includes a prime mover and a drivetrain, the prime mover including a gas turbine engine. The hydraulic fracturing unit also includes auxiliary equipment configured to support operation of the hydraulic fracturing unit including the reciprocating plunger pump and the powertrain. A power system is configured to power the auxiliary equipment. The power system includes a power source and a power network. The power source is configured to generate power for the auxiliary equipment. The power network is coupled to the power source and the auxiliary equipment, and configured to deliver the power generated by the power source to the auxiliary equipment. Associated systems including a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling a composition of M1/M2 macrophages in a wound of a subject. The method can include applying an electrospun structure to the wound, wherein the electrospun structure comprises a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises an alpha-hydroxy acid, and keeping the electrospun structure on the wound for a time period. The presence of the electrospun structure on the wound causes an increase in presence of M2 macrophages relative to M1 macrophages, which can, in turn, promote healing of the wound.

Abstract: A mechanical branch outlet includes: a housing defining: an outer surface; an inner surface; and an outlet bore extending between the outer surface and the inner surface; an insert defining: a wall; an axis; a rim extending radially outward from the wall with respect to the axis, the rim being a flange; a first end extending from the rim in a first axial direction aligned with the axis; and a second end extending from the rim in a second axial direction opposite from the first axial direction; the first end received fully within the outlet bore of the housing; the outlet bore of the housing configured to slidably receive the second end and retain the first end, an outer diameter of the rim being greater than an outer diameter of the second end.

Abstract: Provided in this disclosure is a selectively replaceable spindle for a banister. A generally longitudinal spindle body has a first end for engaging a first attachment portion on a surface of a handrail of a banister, and a second end for engaging a second attachment portion on an opposite surface from the handrail. A securement member is releasably secured with one or both of the first and second ends of the generally longitudinal spindle body. The securement member is urged into one of the first or second attachment portions to retain the spindle therein. One or more pins extend transversely from a side surface of the securement member, for engaging a cooperative structure on the spindle body to retain the securement member in a locked position.

Abstract: Tapered, stepped, or non-tapered router guide templates, optionally combined template holder system, and optional tapered or non-tapered guide bearing on a readily-locatable and lockable shaft, each template comprising: a base portion, a top portion, at least one of an exterior surface interconnecting the base portion and the top portion along an outer periphery of the template and an interior surface interconnecting the base portion and the top portion along an inner periphery of the template, wherein optionally one of the exterior surface and the interior surface may be continuously tapered between the base portion and the top portion, or stepped, and wherein the base portion is adapted for removable and adjustable interconnection with the template holder system.

Abstract: Tapered, stepped, or non-tapered router guide templates, and optionally combined template holder system, each template comprising: a base portion, a top portion, at least one of an exterior surface interconnecting the base portion and the top portion along an outer periphery of the template and an interior surface interconnecting the base portion and the top portion along an inner periphery of the template, wherein optionally one of the exterior surface and the interior surface may be continuously tapered between the base portion and the top portion, or stepped, and wherein the base portion is adapted for removable and adjustable interconnection with the template holder system.

Abstract: A system for establishing a bypass flow path includes a plug assembly having bypass ports extending from the exterior to the interior; a wiper dart to engage and seal the first flow path and bypass flow path, and initiate release of the plug assembly from a first position, the plug assembly having a dart nose attached to the dart body; once the plug has moved to a second position, pressure applied through the bypass ports communicates to the dart nose to cause detachment of the dart nose from the dart body; a first flow path extends through the central bore of the plug assembly when the wiper dart is not present; and a second flow path extends through the bypass ports on the plug assembly below the dart body to the detachable dart nose, once detached, the bypass flow path is established thru the bore below the dart body.

Abstract: Systems and methods to maintain inventory location data in an enterprise inventory management system, wherein the system includes a global inventory database subsystem for cataloging a plurality of inventory items, each of the inventory items identified in the database by at least a unique identification code and a physical location. The system, and related method, detects, using a motion detection subsystem, movement within a region between a first physical zone and a second physical zone; enables, in response to detecting movement, an RFID interrogator subsystem; identifies, utilizing the RF interrogator subsystem, any inventory items moving from the first physical zone to the second physical zone; and, reports, to the global inventory database subsystem, the identity of each identified inventory item, whereby the global inventory database system can update the physical location of each item from the first physical zone to the second physical zone.

Abstract: Methods and devices and clamps for separating a hub from a rotor of a rotor/hub assembly, including a platform having a top portion to receive the rotor and an opening to allow a pusher from a jack or press to pass through the opening, and a set of clamps configured to hold the rotor in a fixed position with respect to the platform while the pusher pushes through the opening to contact the hub to separate the hub from the rotor. The clamps are generally C-shaped and devoid of moving parts and slip inwardly upon the platform to hold the rotor while the pusher pushes upward to release the hub from the rotor, and the clamps have a slot to allow the clamps to rotate and store out of position in a non-use mode.

Abstract: A harvester travels along a route within a field and selectively harvests edible crowns ready for harvesting. As the harvester travels along the route, a position of the harvester and/or the edible crowns may be determined using an encoder, imaging device(s), and/or navigational system(s). For example, image(s) captured by the imaging device(s) may be used to determine a location of the edible crowns and/or global positioning satellite (GPS) coordinates may indicate a location of the harvester within the field. These locations may be used for instructing harvesting components to harvest the edible crowns. For example, the harvester may include robotic arms having end effectors that harvest the edible crowns. Knowing the location of the edible crowns and/or the harvester therefore allows for the accurate placement of the end effectors for harvesting the edible crowns.

Abstract: A system and method of securing a computer system by controlling write access to a storage medium by monitoring an application; detecting an attempt by the application to write data to said storage medium; interrogating a rules database in response to said detection; and permitting or denying write access to the storage medium by the application in dependence on said interrogation.

Abstract: A power generation assembly and related methods to enhance power efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with a power-dependent operation, may include a gas turbine engine. The power generation assembly also may include a heat exchanger positioned to receive exhaust gas from the gas turbine engine during operation. The heat exchanger may include an exhaust gas inlet positioned to receive exhaust gas and a liquid inlet positioned to receive liquid. The heat exchanger may be positioned to convert liquid into steam via heat from the exhaust gas. The power generation assembly further may include a steam turbine positioned to receive steam from the heat exchanger and convert energy from the steam into mechanical power. The power generation assembly still further may include an electric power generation device connected to the steam turbine and positioned to convert the mechanical power from the steam turbine into electrical power.

Abstract: A pig cleaning and transportation system is disclosed. Exemplary implementations include a platform with a plurality of apertures; a plurality of securing mechanisms, each mechanism within each aperture and configured to hold a pig and allow it to rotate around its longitudinal axis; a base underneath the platform; and a cleaning element connected to the base and positioned on each longitudinal side of the platform in pressure contact with the pigs on the plurality of securing mechanisms, each cleaning element including at least one cleaning material surface.