Abstract: A method of fabricating polymer modulators includes forming an insulating layer on a platform and depositing and patterning a ground electrode on the insulating layer. A bottom polymer cladding layer, a first blocking layer, a polymer core layer, a second blocking layer, and a top polymer cladding layer are deposited in order. A third blocking layer is deposited on the top cladding layer and patterned to define vias which are used to etch ground openings through the top polymer cladding layer, the second blocking layer, the core layer, the first blocking layer, and the bottom cladding layer to the ground electrode. The openings are filled with electrically conductive material from electrical communication with the ground electrode to a surface of the top polymer cladding layer. The third blocking layer is removed and electrical contacts are formed on the top polymer cladding layer in electrical communication with the electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating polymer modulators includes forming an insulating layer on a platform and depositing and patterning a ground electrode on the insulating layer. A bottom polymer cladding layer, a first blocking layer, a polymer core layer, a second blocking layer, and a top polymer cladding layer are deposited in order. A third blocking layer is deposited on the top cladding layer and patterned to define vias which are used to etch ground openings through the top polymer cladding layer, the second blocking layer, the core layer, the first blocking layer, and the bottom cladding layer to the ground electrode. The openings are filled with electrically conductive material from electrical communication with the ground electrode to a surface of the top polymer cladding layer. The third blocking layer is removed and electrical contacts are formed on the top polymer cladding layer in electrical communication with the electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A conduit fitting for an exhaust duct includes a conduit and a condensate trap. The conduit fitting defines an interior space partitioned into an upper conduit and a lower condensate reservoir. The condensate reservoir can be configured to contain a neutralizing agent for neutralizing acidic condensate prior to it exiting the reservoir.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater having a top water outlet includes a water tank and a top cover assembly having the top water outlet to output water from the water tank. The water heater further includes a multi-pass heat exchanger that includes flue tubes positioned in the water tank. The water heater also includes a first plenum and a second plenum at a top end portion of the water heater. The first plenum provides a first hot gas flow path from a first set of the flue tubes to a second set of the flue tubes, and the second plenum provides a second hot gas flow path from a third set of the flue tubes to a fourth set of the flue tubes.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites and methods of preparation are described herein. The methods of making the polyurethane composite can include mixing (1) at least one isocyanate selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, (2) at least one polyol, (3) an inorganic filler, and (4) an evaporative coolant in an extruder to form a mixture. The method also include extruding the mixture into a mold cavity, generating heat in the mold cavity from the reaction of the at least one isocyanate and the at least one polyol, and allowing the evaporative coolant to migrate to an interface between the mixture and the interior mold surface. The temperature of the mixture causes evaporation of the evaporative coolant at the interface thereby removing heat at the interface. Suitable evaporative coolants for use in the methods of making the polyurethane composites include hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing maintenance on grinding discs are disclosed. The apparatus can be positioned below the housing of a vertical grinding mill and attached to the housing in order to provide temporary support for grinding discs when the grinding discs are removed from the housing. The apparatus can be rotated so that it is in a longitudinal position when the grinding discs are within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing maintenance on grinding discs are disclosed. The apparatus can be positioned below the housing of a vertical grinding mill and attached to the housing in order to provide temporary support for grinding discs when the grinding discs are removed from the housing. The apparatus can be rotated so that it is in a longitudinal position when the grinding discs are within the housing.

Abstract: Therapist assisted mental health management systems, processes and methods using a therapist remote therapy management computer in communication with a therapy central system cloud for storing plural queued learning modules corresponding to each of one or more different clients. A video conference system allows for confidential video consultation between a mental health therapist and one or more different clients (patients). The client (patient) communicates with the therapy central system cloud to access queued confidential learning modules from the therapy central system cloud. The systems, processes and methods can use interactive, educational treatment modules and periodic consultations with a counselor (therapist). The processes, methods and system can be viewable on a smart phone, tablet, and a computer. The methods, processes and systems can collect analytics on the performance of materials, exercises, and user experiences to continuously improve the system over time.

Abstract: Polyurethane composites and methods of preparation are described herein. The methods of making the polyurethane composite can include mixing (1) at least one isocyanate selected from the group consisting of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, and mixtures thereof, (2) at least one polyol, (3) an inorganic filler, and (4) an evaporative coolant in an extruder to form a mixture. The method also include extruding the mixture into a mold cavity, generating heat in the mold cavity from the reaction of the at least one isocyanate and the at least one polyol, and allowing the evaporative coolant to migrate to an interface between the mixture and the interior mold surface. The temperature of the mixture causes evaporation of the evaporative coolant at the interface thereby removing heat at the interface. Suitable evaporative coolants for use in the methods of making the polyurethane composites include hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

Abstract: A method of producing cementitious mixtures containing fly ash as one of the cementitious components, under air entrainment conditions is described. The method involves forming a mixture comprising water, cement, fly ash, optionally other cementitious materials, aggregate, conventional chemical admixtures, and an air entrainment agent and agitating the mixture to entrain air therein. Additionally, at least one amine sacrificial agent is included in the mixture. The cementitious mixtures and hardened concretes resulting from the method and fly ash treated with sacrificial agent, or air entrainment agent/sacrificial agent combinations, are also described.

Abstract: A method of producing cementitious mixtures containing fly ash as one of the cementitious components, under air entrainment conditions is described. The method involves forming a mixture comprising water, cement, fly ash, optionally other cementitious materials, aggregate, conventional chemical admixtures, and an air entrainment agent and agitating the mixture to entrain air therein. Additionally, at least one amine sacrificial agent is included in the mixture. The cementitious mixtures and hardened concretes resulting from the method and fly ash treated with sacrificial agent, or air entrainment agent/sacrificial agent combinations, are also described.

Abstract: A method of producing cementitious mixtures containing fly ash as one of the cementitious components, under air entrainment conditions is described. The method involves forming a mixture comprising water, cement, fly ash, optionally other cementitious materials, aggregate, conventional chemical admixtures, and an air entrainment agent and agitating the mixture to entrain air therein. Additionally, at least one amine sacrificial agent is included in the mixture. The cementitious mixtures and hardened concretes resulting from the method and fly ash treated with sacrificial agent, or air entrainment agent/sacrificial agent combinations, are also described.

Abstract: A method of producing cementitious mixtures containing fly ash as one of the cementitious components, under air entrainment conditions is described. The method involves forming a mixture comprising water, cement, fly ash, optionally other cementitious materials, aggregate, conventional chemical admixtures, and an air entrainment agent and agitating the mixture to entrain air therein. Additionally, at least one amine sacrificial agent is included in the mixture. The cementitious mixtures and hardened concretes resulting from the method and fly ash treated with sacrificial agent, or air entrainment agent/sacrificial agent combinations, are also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for selectively closing and opening flow of production fluid (oil, gas, or water) through the flowbore of a production string by chemically altering the phase of fluid media flowing through the production tubing to form a substantially solid plug or blockage. The phase of the fluid media is altered by selectively injecting a predetermined catalyst into a portion of the flowbore wherein it is desired to create a plug or blockage. When it is desired to remove the blockage, a dissolving agent is selectively added to the flowbore via a reversing sub to reverse the phase of the blockage from solid to liquid/gas. As the blockage is dissolved, flow is reestablished within the flowbore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surface controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) that includes a moveable component of the SCSSV and a stationary component of the SCSSV. A sensor element is also included which is configured to sense position of the moveable component relative to the stationary component. Further disclosed herein is a method for sensing position of an object which includes placing a component comprising magnetostrictive material in a location calculated to be contacted by a separate component and causing a stress on the material with the separate component. The method further includes measuring a change in magnetic permeability of the material.