Abstract: In some implementations a system can be configured to reduce the burden of pairing user devices with playback devices. For example, all users (or user devices) who commonly operate within a particular environment (e.g., a home) can be configured as authorized users of playback devices within the particular environment. When one of the authorized users pairs a user device with a playback device, all of the user devices for all authorized users can be automatically paired with the playback device as a result of the single pairing. Thus, only a single authorized user is burdened with the pairing process in order to pair all authorized users with the playback device.

Abstract: Aspects provide for methods that successfully evaluates multiple compressional and shear arrival events received by a sonic logging tool to evaluate the presence of structures, such as shoulder beds, in downhole environments. In particular, the methods described herein enable automated determination of properties of laminated reservoir formations by, for example, enabling the automated determination of arrival times and slownesses of multiple compressional and shear arrival events received by a sonic logging tool.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that perform sonic measurements in a high-angle wellbore or horizontal wellbore or vertical wellbore penetrating highly dipped formation layers where the formation layers can have a high degree of dip relative to the wellbore. Sonic data can be generated from the sonic measurements and processed using multiple arrival event processing to determine formation porosity, elastic rock properties and geometric information for a tool layer and nearby shoulder bed. Such information can be integrated into a 2D or 3D layered model of the formation. The elastic rock properties of the tool layer and shoulder bed derived from the multiple arrival event processing can provide more representative elastic property values, which can account for heterogeneity along the wellbore.

Abstract: A modular wave energy converter includes: a forward attachment frame; forward guide rails coupled to the forward attachment frame; a forward paddle coupled to the forward guide rails; and one or more forward tethers coupled to the forward paddle and the shaft. A combination of heave and surge forces from waves of water causes the forward paddle moves up and down the forward guide rails. The movement of the forward paddle moves the one or more forward tethers. The movement of the one or more forward tethers causes the shaft to rotate via the rotation of winches. The winches are configured with a one-way clutch, which allows the shaft to rotate in a first direction but not a second. The converter has the same structure on the aft side, including an aft paddle. The forward and aft paddles are positioned vertically or inclined.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer peripheral mounting device for connecting a peripheral device to a support, wherein the support defines a thickness, comprises a fixed tubing extending in a longitudinal direction; a clamp coupled to a first end of the fixed tubing; an adjustment mechanism positioned at a second end of the fixed tubing, opposite the first end, and a shaft positioned within the fixed tubing and coupled between the adjustment mechanism and the clamp, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate around the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed tubing in order to rotate the shaft within the fixed tubing and without the adjustment mechanism nor the shaft translating along the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed tubing, and wherein rotation of the shaft is configured to cause the distance between the first surface and the second surface to change.

Abstract: A modular wave energy converter includes: a forward attachment frame; forward guide rails coupled to the forward attachment frame; a forward paddle coupled to the forward guide rails; and one or more forward tethers coupled to the forward paddle and the shaft. A combination of heave and surge forces from waves of water causes the forward paddle moves up and down the forward guide rails. The movement of the forward paddle moves the one or more forward tethers. The movement of the one or more forward tethers causes the shaft to rotate via the rotation of winches. The winches are configured with a one-way clutch, which allows the shaft to rotate in a first direction but not a second. The converter has the same structure on the aft side, including an aft paddle. The forward and aft paddles are positioned vertically or inclined.

Abstract: A modular wave energy converter includes: a forward attachment frame; forward guide rails coupled to the forward attachment frame; a forward paddle coupled to the forward guide rails; and one or more forward tethers coupled to the forward paddle and the shaft. A combination of heave and surge forces from waves of water causes the forward paddle moves up and down the forward guide rails. The movement of the forward paddle moves the one or more forward tethers. The movement of the one or more forward tethers causes the shaft to rotate via the rotation of winches. The winches are configured with a one-way clutch, which allows the shaft to rotate in a first direction but not a second. The converter has the same structure on the aft side, including an aft paddle. The forward and aft paddles are positioned vertically or inclined.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer peripheral mounting device for connecting a peripheral device to a support, wherein the support defines a thickness, comprises a fixed tubing extending in a longitudinal direction; a clamp coupled to a first end of the fixed tubing; an adjustment mechanism positioned at a second end of the fixed tubing, opposite the first end, and a shaft positioned within the fixed tubing and coupled between the adjustment mechanism and the clamp, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate around the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed tubing in order to rotate the shaft within the fixed tubing and without the adjustment mechanism nor the shaft translating along the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed tubing, and wherein rotation of the shaft is configured to cause the distance between the first surface and the second surface to change.

Abstract: A method and system for permitting data traffic over a network comprises receiving a transport layer security handshake data packet from a client over a network; extracting data from the packet; hashing/fingerprinting the extracted data; comparing the hashed data to a list of hashes of applications that are authorised and/or not authorised on the network. In one embodiment the list is determined according to an identity of the client.

Abstract: Automatically determining pricing for at least one unit of content that can be selected and licensed or purchased over a network. Pricing is determined based on an initial price, and at least one of the following: a reviewer rating, content activity, or a customer offer price. Each of these factors may be weighted. The initial price may be a minimum price, a maximum price, a suggested price from a content owner, a pre-calculated market price, or other initial price. Content activity generally reflects user behaviors related to a content item, such as selecting a content item from a search results list, saving it as a favorite, returning to view it, placing it in a virtual shopping cart, or licensing it. Content activity combined with reviewer rating and/or offer price, indicates a “snappyness” score. A new price is dynamically calculated based on the initial price and snappyness score.

Abstract: Distributing review of content or other items for conformance with quality requirements or other criteria. Embodiments include distributing media assets over an electronic network to a number of reviewers. Each reviewer uses an interface to review a media asset and corresponding metadata submitted by a content provider. The interface guides the reviewers through a consistent and easily understood review of the assets, such that reviews need not be domain experts. The reviewer enters pass/fail decisions, comments, additional metadata, one or more ratings on aspects of the asset, or other reviewer information regarding the asset. A media review manager receives the reviewer information regarding each asset and determines whether each asset satisfies overall acceptance criteria. Accepted assets are made accessible to other users such as customers for searching, licensing, or other uses.

Abstract: Automatically determining pricing for at least one unit of content that can be selected and licensed or purchased over a network. Pricing is determined based on an initial price, and at least one of the following: a reviewer rating, content activity, or a customer offer price. Each of these factors may be weighted. The initial price may be a minimum price, a maximum price, a suggested price from a content owner, a pre-calculated market price, or other initial price. Content activity generally reflects user behaviors related to a content item, such as selecting a content item from a search results list, saving it as a favorite, returning to view it, placing it in a virtual shopping cart, or licensing it. Content activity combined with reviewer rating and/or offer price, indicates a “snappyness” score. A new price is dynamically calculated based on the initial price and snappyness score.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying search results and identifying licensing status for each item in the search result. The invention includes a user menu interface for performing a query on selected criteria and listing results of the query in a specified format. A determination is made as to licensing status for each of the results in the listing an indication is provided with respect to the licensing status for each result in the listing.

Abstract: A method for providing an active engine stop of the engine of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method utilizes the electric machine to oppose the and rapidly stop the rotation of the engine at a controlled rate. The method includes the calculation of an input speed reduction trajectory using the engine speed when the active engine stop request is made and a predetermined speed reduction interval. The predetermined speed reduction interval is preferably less than a time from the active stop request to the shutoff command to the electric machine. The method provides rapid deceleration of the engine, particularly through the powertrain resonance speed, thereby reducing the amount of vibration energy dissipated through the powertrain and vehicle chassis. The method also removes the electric machine torques from the engine prior to achieving zero engine speed in order to avoid imparting a negative engine speed or counter-rotation of the engine.

Abstract: A vehicular powertrain has output torque established in accordance with various torque contributions in including throttle and brake torques. Throttle torque contribution is reduced proportionally to the amount of brake torque requested. Furthermore, such torque reductions are less aggressively applied with increasing throttle torques requested.

Abstract: This novel silent operating mode for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) reduces noise and emissions compared to traditional HEV operating modes. It is a complementary series of software control functions that allows the vehicle to operate with reduced noise and emissions where specifically needed, while phasing-in engine power where allowed. The method utilizes an energy storage system budget associated with a modal quantity of energy allocated for the mode, and is adapted to automatically adjust the operation of the vehicle to accommodate deviations from the budgeted energy amount. The mode also adjusts the vehicle operation in conjunction with changes in the parametric conditions of the ESS.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved mixing arrangement for, primarily, moving bitumen in steam from sources of such bitumen and steam to a reactor or coker for further processing of the bitumen into petroleum products. The invention provides a main conduit connected to an atomizing nozzle mounted in a wall of the reactor and first and second conduits for flowing bitumen and steam respectively into the main conduit. The first conduit is angled relative to the main conduit at an acute angle of about 45° and the second conduit is angled relative to the main conduit at an acute angle of about 30°. The second conduit is positioned downstream of the first conduit by a short distance of about 23 mm and may be angled radially relative to the first conduit by any angle, although a 90° angle is preferred. A flow accelerating nozzle is located in the second conduit adjacent the entrance therefrom into the main conduit.

Abstract: A stacked permeable membrane envelope assembly comprises two clamping plates with spaced, permeable membrane envelope assemblies clamped between them on frames. Each membrane envelope comprises two membrane covered, perforated plates clamped together to provide inner permeate chambers and outer feed fluid passages. Fluid distributing and permeable membrane sealing collars are provided comprising two annular plates with a radially scalloped, stiff-spring-like, channel separator ring located between them. The annular plates seal the membranes against the dished plates around feed fluid passages through the envelope assemblies while the radial scallops form passages for fluid to flow between adjacent membrane envelopes.