Abstract: A method for performing a downhole perforating and fracturing operation from a wellbore (12) positioned within a subterranean formation (18). The method includes locating a perforating gun string (24) within the wellbore (12), detonating a first perforating gun (28) to create a first discrete fracture initiation site (42) in the formation (18), repositioning the perforating gun string (24) within the wellbore (12) and detonating a second perforating gun (30) to create a second discrete fracture initiation site (44) in the formation (18). Thereafter, the method also includes pumping a fracture fluid into the wellbore (12) and propagating a single dominant planar fracture (56, 58) from each of the discrete fracture initiation sites (42, 44).

Abstract: The invention concerns an automated task classification system that operates on a task objective of a user. The system may include a meaningful phrase generator that generates a plurality of meaningful phrases from a set of verbal and non-verbal speech. Each of the meaningful phrases may be generated based on one of a predetermined set of the task objectives. A recognizer may recognize at least one of the generated meaningful phrases in an input communication of the user and a task classifier may make a classification decision in response to the recognized meaningful phrases relating to one of the set of predetermined task objectives.

Abstract: A system, method or computer simulates a transport environment by providing a plurality of transport routes within a transport environment. Each transport route has a set of parameters providing a plurality of itineraries, each having one or more transport routes selected from the plurality of transport routes and itinerary properties including the parameters of the one or more transport routes within the itinerary. A plurality of software agents corresponding to passengers is provided. The software agents include an itinerary selector configured to select one of the plurality of itineraries based on a comparison of the itinerary properties and a set of passenger requirements. Information describing the simulated transport environment, following selection of itineraries by the software agents, forms an output.

Abstract: Providing a product-based coupon account. Specifically, the invention provides systems and methods for providing consumers with a coupon account for receiving an incentive or discount for purchasing a particular product. The consumer is issued a coupon account or coupon card that can be used at a merchant to receive the incentive at the time of purchase of the particular product. The coupon card is scanned at the merchant point of sale and information associated with the transaction including product-level information (e.g., SKU or UPC) and information associated with the coupon card is communicated to a authorization computing system for approval based on this information. The coupon card can be issued for one-time use or can receive updated incentives periodically.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automated task classification system that operates on a task objective of a user. The system may include a meaningful phrase generator that generates a plurality of meaningful phrases from a set of verbal and non-verbal speech. Each of the meaningful phrases may be generated based on one of a predetermined set of the task objectives. A recognizer may recognize at least one of the generated meaningful phrases in an input communication of the user and a task classifier may make a classification decision in response to the recognized meaningful phrases relating to one of the set of predetermined task objectives.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automated task classification system that operates on a task objective of a user. The system may include a meaningful phrase generator that generates a plurality of meaningful phrases from a set of verbal and non-verbal speech. Each of the meaningful phrases may be generated based on one of a predetermined set of the task objectives. A recognizer may recognize at least one of the generated meaningful phrases in an input communication of the user and a task classifier may make a classification decision in response to the recognized meaningful phrases relating to one of the set of predetermined task objectives.

Abstract: The invention relates to aquarium filters providing improved water filtration without accelerated clogging. The present invention also relates to methods of using such filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to aquarium filters providing improved water filtration without accelerated clogging. The present invention also relates to methods of using such filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to aquarium filters providing improved water filtration without accelerated clogging. The present invention also relates to methods of using such filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to aquarium filters providing improved water filtration without accelerated clogging. The present invention also relates to methods of using such filters.

Abstract: Using service provider selection methodologies and protocols developed for each specific communication mode, a configurable overlay can be created that can maximize the usability or availability of a multi-mode terminal or other communication device. A service provider can be selected for a primary communication mode using mode-specific provider can be selected for a primary communication mode using a mode-specific methodology or protocol to make the selection. The selection service provider is classified in accordance with a service provider selection model that defines a continuum of common service provider preference levels. The common service provider preference levels may includes a first category or reference levels that represent suitable or desirable communication service from which service may be required.

Abstract: The invention relates to aquarium filters providing improved water filtration without accelerated clogging. The present invention also relates to methods of using such filters.

Abstract: An RF three-way combiner/splitter is disclosed that can be fabricated in a single signal layer on a PCB and which has better separation of the outputs and improved location of ballast resistors. The combiner/splitter includes seven one-quarter wave-length trace segments joined to form a structure in a general shape of a figure eight. The seven one-quarter wave-length trace segments connect to form six connection ports, wherein a first and second connection port is above and below a central input port and three output ports are disposed on the opposite side of the structure. A first ballast resistor is coupled to the first connection port and a second ballast resistor is coupled to the second connection port. The trace segments may be straight or some of the trace segments may be folded to decrease the physical length of the combiner/splitter.

Abstract: For use with a central database associated with a server of a network, the central database having distributed counterparts stored in volatile memories of clients of the network to allow operations to be performed locally thereon, the central database further having multiple checkpoints and a stable log stored in the server for tracking operations on the central database to allow corresponding operations to be made to the multiple checkpoints, the stable log having tails stored in the volatile memories to track operations on corresponding ones of the distributed counterparts, the distributed counterparts to corruption, a system for, and method of, restoring a distributed counterpart stored in one of the volatile memories.

Abstract: An automated call routing system and method which operates on a call-routing objective of a calling party expressed in natural speech of the calling party. The system incorporates a speech recognition function, as to which a calling party's natural-speech call routing objective provides an input, and which is trained to recognize a plurality of meaningful phrases, each such phrase being related to a specific call routing objective. Upon recognition of one or more of such meaningful phrases in a calling party's input speech, an interpretation function then acts on such calling party's routing objective request to either implement the calling party's requested routing objective or to enter into a dialog with the calling party to obtain additional information from which a sufficient confidence level can be attained to implement that routing objective.