Abstract: A process for preparing activated carbon includes combining crushed petroleum coke (petcoke) with non-aqueous potassium hydroxide. The petcoke and the potassium hydroxide are then heated to a sub-activation temperature to yield a pre-activated blend. Under substantially inert conditions, the preactivated blend is then heated to at least the activation temperature of the petcoke to yield a first-stage activated blend. The first-stage activated blend includes activated carbon of a first microporosity percentage. The first-stage activated blend is then cooled to below the activation temperature of the petcoke. Under substantially inert conditions, the first-stage activated blend is then re-heated to at least the activation temperature of the petcoke to yield a second-stage activated blend. The second-stage activated blend includes activated carbon of a second microporosity percentage that is less than the first microporosity percentage.

Abstract: A system and method for the dynamic, run-time configuration of logic core register files, and the provision of an associated execution context. The dynamic register files as well as the associated execution context information are software-defined so as to be virtually configured in random-access memory. This virtualization of both the processor execution context and register files enables the size, structure and performance to be specified at run-time and tailored to the specific processing, instructions and data associated with a given processor state or thread, thereby minimizing both the aggregate memory required and the context switching time. In addition, the disclosed system and method provides for processor virtualization which further enhances the flexibility and efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for the storage, within one or more virtual execution context registers, tracing information indicative of process/code flow within a processor system. This stored information can include a time stamp, information indicative of where the instruction pointer of the system was pointing prior to any process discontinuity, information indicative of where the instruction pointer of the system was pointing after any process discontinuity, and the number of times a specific instruction or sub-process is executed during a particular process. The data collected and stored can be utilized within such a system for the identification and analysis of processing hot-spots.

Abstract: A spark detector indicates the presence of a spark by analyzing sound waves generated when an electrical spark is produced from an electrical spark generator located on an igniter rod. The spark detector includes an acoustic sensor that is in communication with the igniter rod to determine the time for the spark sound wave to travel through the igniter rod to the acoustic sensor. If a spark is not detected, the spark detector may output a signal indicating at least one of (i) the spark was not detected, (ii) to replace the electrical spark generator immediately, or (iii) replace the electrical spark generator soon such as at the next scheduled maintenance. Furthermore, the spark detector may be calibrated based on current temperature of the igniter rod based upon time of propagation of a pulse sound wave, generated by a pulse-echo generator, to reflect off an end of the igniter rod.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic regimens for treating or ameliorating a visual disorder associate with an endogenous retinoid deficiency in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a synthetic retinal derivative according to the therapeutic regimen which leads to local recovery of visual functions such as visual fields, visual acuity and retinal sensitivity, among others.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic regimens for treating or ameliorating a visual disorder associate with an endogenous retinoid deficiency in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a synthetic retinal derivative according to the therapeutic regimen which leads to local recovery of visual functions such as visual fields, visual acuity and retinal sensitivity, among others.

Abstract: A spark detector indicates the presence of a spark by analyzing sound waves generated when an electrical spark is produced from an electrical spark generator located on an igniter rod. The spark detector includes an acoustic sensor that is in communication with the igniter rod to determine the time for the spark sound wave to travel through the igniter rod to the acoustic sensor. If a spark is not detected, the spark detector may output a signal indicating at least one of (i) the spark was not detected, (ii) to replace the electrical spark generator immediately, or (iii) replace the electrical spark generator soon such as at the next scheduled maintenance. Furthermore, the spark detector may be calibrated based on current temperature of the igniter rod based upon time of propagation of a pulse sound wave, generated by a pulse-echo generator, to reflect off an end of the igniter rod.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and measuring the quantity of leakage from a conduit used in the conveyance of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon fluid, for example oil, or a gas, such as natural gas. The system includes a measurement device configured to measure a distributed temperature along a length of the conduit. The system further includes a processor configured to calculate a change in volume of the fluid in the conduit for each of a plurality of sections of the length of the conduit based on the distributed temperature. The processor is further configured to calculate a correction factor based on the change in volume of the fluid. The processor is also configured to calculate a corrected mass-balance differential using the correction factor, and compare the corrected mass-balance differential to a predetermined leakage threshold to identify whether a leak exists in the conduit.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensor system and method for monitoring a condition of a linear structure such as a pipeline is provided which is capable of providing continuous monitoring in the event of a break in the sensing optical fiber or fibers. The system includes at least one sensing fiber provided along the length of the linear structure, and first and second interrogation and laser pumping sub-systems disposed at opposite ends of the sensing fiber, each of which includes a reflectometer. The reflectometer of the first interrogation and laser pumping sub-system is connected to one end of the sensing fiber. The reflectometer of the second interrogation and laser pumping sub-system is coupled to either (i) an end of a second sensing fiber provided along the length of the linear structure which is opposite from the one end of the first sensing fiber, or (ii) the opposite end of the first sensing fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring of a pipe inspection tool in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor carrier apparatus being locatable along and in close proximity to a pipeline, a plurality of acoustic sensors being locatable on the sensor carrier apparatus, a pipeline inspection tool which is moveable through the pipeline being detectable by means of the acoustic sensors, and the location of the pipeline inspection tool being able to be determined by means of the acoustic sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic regimens for treating or ameliorating a visual disorder associate with an endogenous retinoid deficiency in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a synthetic retinal derivative according to the therapeutic regimen which leads to local recovery of visual functions such as visual fields, visual acuity and retinal sensitivity, among others.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring of a pipe inspection tool in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor carrier apparatus being locatable along and in close proximity to a pipeline, a plurality of acoustic sensors being locatable on the sensor carrier apparatus, a pipeline inspection tool which is moveable through the pipeline being detectable by means of the acoustic sensors, and the location of the pipeline inspection tool being able to be determined by means of the acoustic sensors.

Abstract: A cable for monitoring a tubular structure. The cable comprising a fiber optic bundle arranged for simultaneously sensing a plurality of parameters along a length of the tubular structure that the cable is interfaced with.

Abstract: The use of a combination of photodynamic therapy and an anti-VEGF agent in the treatment of conditions characterized by unwanted choroidal neovasculature is described. These conditions include wet age-related macular degeneration Preferred anti-VEGF agents are antibodies such as bevacizumab or ranibizumab Photosensitizers may be selected from green porphyrins such as BPD-MA (verteporfin) and the photodynamic activation of the photo sensitizer may be accomplished using a reduced fluence rate. The use may further comprises an anti-inflammatory agent such as dexamethasone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic regimens for treating or ameliorating a visual disorder associate with an endogenous retinoid deficiency in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a synthetic retinal derivative according to the therapeutic regimen which leads to local recovery of visual functions such as visual fields, visual acuity and retinal sensitivity, among others.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system for monitoring a premises includes at least one optical cable that houses at least one optical fiber and extends about the premises. Optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) means is operably coupled to opposite first and second ends of the at least one optical fiber. The OTDR means includes first signal processing circuitry that analyzes the backscatter signal received via the first end of the at least one optical fiber in order to detect an intrusion of the premises, and second signal processing circuitry that analyzes the backscatter signal received via the second end of the at least one optical fiber in order to detect an intrusion of the premises. The redundancy of intrusions decisions made by the first and second signal processing circuitry can be verified.

Abstract: A cable for monitoring a tubular structure. The cable comprising a fiber optic bundle arranged for simultaneously sensing a plurality of parameters along a length of the tubular structure that the cable is interfaced with.

Abstract: A leak detection system and method is provided for a structure having a first barrier to a first fluid and a second barrier to a second fluid, the first barrier and the second barrier defining a space therebetween. The system includes at least one sensor, such as a fiber optic sensor, placed in the space and configured to detect presence of the first fluid or the second fluid in the space due to a fluid leak in the first barrier or the second barrier. The fiber optic sensor may further be configured to measure one or more characteristics of an acoustic emission caused by the leak, and the system and method may be able to estimate the orifice diameter of the fluid leak based on the measured one or more characteristics, and to calculate a leak rate based on the estimated orifice diameter.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and measuring the quantity of leakage from a conduit used in the conveyance of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon fluid, for example oil, or a gas, such as natural gas. The system includes a measurement device configured to measure a distributed temperature along a length of the conduit. The system further includes a processor configured to calculate a change in volume of the fluid in the conduit for each of a plurality of sections of the length of the conduit based on the distributed temperature. The processor is further configured to calculate a correction factor based on the change in volume of the fluid. The processor is also configured to calculate a corrected mass-balance differential using the correction factor, and compare the corrected mass-balance differential to a predetermined leakage threshold to identify whether a leak exists in the conduit.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye, especially those conditions characterized by unwanted neovasculature, such as age-related macular degeneration, results in enhanced visual acuity for treated subjects.