Abstract: Polar modifier systems based on a blend of DTHFP, ETE, TMEDA, DMTHFMA and/or functionally similar compounds with BDMAEE and SMT are used to make block copolymers having high levels of pendant vinyl double bond repeat units, which is through highly selective 1,2-bond butadiene addition, low vinylcyclopentane formation, unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution, and a low level of randomized co-monomer repeat units. The block copolymers have very high levels of 1,2-vinyl content and high 3,4-vinyl bond addition of the conjugated diene monomer and low vinylcyclopentane content. The polar modifier systems provide a fast polymerization rate, with a unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution. The polar modifier systems allow operation at a higher temperature than in prior art systems, which reduces cooling requirements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified diene copolymer composition having a modified A-B-C or C-B-A copolymer comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and at least one unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one substituted vinyl aromatic monomer, wherein each block or segment in the modified A-B-C or C-B-A copolymer is either a homopolymer or a copolymer comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and/or at least one unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomer and/or at least one substituted vinyl aromatic monomer, wherein any of the copolymers have a distribution configuration that is tapered, counter tapered, random or controlled, and wherein any of the homopolymers or the copolymers comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and/or at least one unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomer may be in-chain and/or chain-end modified with at least one unit of at least one substituted vinyl aromatic monomer; optionally having a block copolymer made from the modified A-B-C or C-B-A copolymer, w

Abstract: There is described a snubber circuit comprising an electronic switch. The circuit includes an impedance network comprising reactive circuit elements to smooth energy transients if the electronic switch is turned off and if the switch is turned on. A resistive element dissipates energy released by at least one of the reactive circuit elements. The resistive element is of a load to be driven using the electronic switch. A power supply unit may include the described snubber circuit.

Abstract: Method for characterizing subterranean formation is described. One method includes inducing one or more fractures in a portion of the subterranean formation. Determining a poroelastic pressure response due to the inducing of the one or more fractures. The poroelastic pressure response is measured by a sensor that is in at least partial hydraulic isolation with the portion of the subterranean formation. Monitoring closure of the one or more fractures via the poroelastic pressure response.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for implementing reciprocal data sharing in a data exchange system. Limitations may be placed on the amount of data an exchange member may access based on the amount of data contributed. The system may include determining a data contribution associated with a first member of the data exchange, determining a data access limit for the first member based on the data contribution, and providing data to the first member when the first member has not exceeded the data access limit. In some embodiments, there may be separate data access limits for each member of the data exchange, so that a first member may have different access limits when accessing data from a second member, data from a third member, and data from a fourth member. Further, the system may limit a requester to a type of data that corresponds to the type of data contributed.

Abstract: In example implementations, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of power outputs, a logic controller and a single switch. Each one of the plurality of power outputs is communicatively coupled to a respective current/power sensor. The logic controller is communicatively coupled to the respective current/power sensor of each one of the plurality of power outputs. The single switch is communicatively coupled to the logic controller and the respective current/power sensor of each one of the plurality of power outputs. Power to each one of the plurality of power outputs is controlled by the logic controller via the single switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for implementing reciprocal data sharing in a data exchange system. Limitations may be placed on the amount of data an exchange member may access based on the amount of data that exchange member has contributed. The system may include determining a data contribution associated with a first member of the data exchange, determining a data access limit for the first member based on the data contribution, and providing data to the first member when the first member has not exceeded the data access limit. In some embodiments, there may be separate data access limits for each member of the data exchange, so that a first member may have different access limits when accessing data from a second member, data from a third member, and data from a fourth member. Further, the system may limit a requester to a type of data that corresponds to the type of data contributed.

Abstract: Method for characterizing subterranean formation is described. One method includes inducing one or more fractures in a portion of the subterranean formation. Determining a poroelastic pressure response due to the inducing of the one or more fractures. The poroelastic pressure response is measured by a sensor that is in at least partial hydraulic isolation with the portion of the subterranean formation. Monitoring closure of the one or more fractures via the poroelastic pressure response.

Abstract: A badge and credit card holder that is used to place a plurality of credit cards. The badge and credit card holder defines a badge that is permanently affixed to the badge and credit card holder. The badge and credit card holder defines an open top wherein credit cards can be dispensed from. The bottom of the credit card holder defines a linear slide spring mechanism that swivels an inner L-shaped lever. The L-shaped lever is designed to dispense credit cards in a staggered manner when the linear slide spring mechanism is used to push a lower end of the L-shaped lever. When the linear slide spring mechanism is pushed, the L-shaped lever pushes the plurality of credit cards upwards. The linear slide spring mechanism returns to a rest position after the user eliminates the force used to push the lower end of the L-shaped lever.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, compositions and articles comprising olfactory-active compositions. An article of the present invention comprises a structural component and an olfactory-active composition. The article may control the release, release rate or absorption of the olfactory-active composition. The article may be of various shapes and sizes. A method of use of an article comprises providing fragrance to an environment.

Abstract: In an example, a surface marking robot comprises a body, a print apparatus comprising a plurality of print nozzles mounted on the body, a position detection apparatus to determine a position of the robot, and a motion control system, to cause the robot to travel along the surface with an intended path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, compositions and articles comprising olfactory-active compositions. An article of the present invention comprises a structural component and an olfactory-active composition. The article may control the release, release rate or absorption of the olfactory-active composition. The article may be of various shapes and sizes. A method of use of an article comprises providing fragrance to an environment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for detecting cylinder leaks in an individual cylinder of an internal combustion engine having the cylinder head disassembled and wherein the piston in the tested cylinder is positioned at the bottom dead center and wherein a dual gauge leak-down tester is coupled to the herein disclosed device. The device has an internal airtight channel that allows pressurized air to enter from a pressurized air source to the device via a dual gauge leak-down tester and a set of clamps that acting as a security system, allows the user to firmly secure the device on the engine block. Once the device is assembled and secured above the cylinder and pressurized air is allowed to enter the cylinder through the device, leaks in the cylinder or its internal components are detected by comparing the percentage of air pressure indicated by each one of the gauges of the tester in a conventional manner.

Abstract: Method for characterizing subterranean formation is described. One method includes inducing one or more fractures in a portion of the subterranean formation. Determining a poroelastic pressure response due to the inducing of the one or more fractures. The poroelastic pressure response is measured by a sensor that is in at least partial hydraulic isolation with the portion of the subterranean formation. Monitoring closure of the one or more fractures via the poroelastic pressure response.

Abstract: A laser system and method for inspecting a substrate and/or a laser score formed in a moving web of material during laser processing of the material with a laser processing system having a laser source for generating a laser beam and a lens for focusing the laser beam and reflecting the laser beam onto the advancing web of material where the focal point is directed a selected location on the web to produce the score in the advancing web of material, the score having a depth less than the thickness of the material and measuring the depth at one or more locations on the advancing web of material concurrent with producing the score line and where the material may be a packaging material and the score provided for easy opening of the packaging.