Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing both reforming and partial oxidation as part of the reaction step of a reaction cycle in a cyclic reaction environment such as a reverse flow reaction environment, where heat is provided by direct heating during a regeneration step. In some aspects, performing a combination of reforming and partial oxidation can allow for higher conversion of hydrocarbons than reforming alone while reducing or minimizing the peak temperatures within the cyclic reaction environment. In some aspects, performing both reforming and partial oxidation can also allow for an improved molar ratio of H2 to CO in the resulting effluent from the conversion reaction (relative to partial oxidation) while still maintaining high total conversion.

Abstract: A plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers are provided. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The first fibers and the second fibers are passed through a convergence duct such that the first fibers pick up the second fibers. A false twist is imparted to the combination of the plurality of first fibers and the plurality of second fibers. The false twist is removed from the combination of the plurality of first fibers and the plurality of second fibers to form the blended yarn.

Abstract: A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.

Abstract: A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.

Abstract: A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.

Abstract: A blended yarn comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is greater than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. Abrasion resistance characteristics of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A gripping ability of the second fibers is greater than a gripping ability of the first fibers. The plurality of second fibers are combined with the plurality of first fibers such that the first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn at least a portion of the second fibers are engaged with and extend from the plurality of first fibers effectively to define surface characteristics of the blended yarn.

Abstract: A rope comprising a plurality of yarns, where at least one of the plurality of yarns is a blended yarn comprising a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. Abrasion resistance properties of the blended yarn are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A coefficient of friction of the first fibers is less than a coefficient of friction of the second fibers. The second fibers substantially define abrasion resistance and coefficient of friction characteristics of the at least one blended yarn. When the rope contacts a structural member, the first set of fibers of the at least one blended yarn substantially bear tension loads on the at least one blended yarn and at least a portion of the second fibers of the at least one blended yarn substantially lie between the set of first fibers and the structural member.

Abstract: A body harness having an adjustable waist strap; a shoulder strap having a first distal end affixed to a right side of said waist strap and a second distal end affixed to a left side of said waist strap generally opposite from said first distal end so that said shoulder strap is carried by said waist strap in a looping arrangement; a back strap affixed between said waist strap and shoulder strap, wherein said back strap extends approximately between a midpoint of said waist strap and a midpoint of said shoulder strap for supporting the back of the user when being dragged; an elongated drag strap carried by said back strap and disposed generally at the intersection of said back strap and said shoulder strap for extending to facilitate dragging of the user; and, a hand grip carried by said drag strap for increased grip.

Abstract: A rope comprising a plurality of yarns, where at least one of the plurality of yarns is a blended yarn comprising a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. Aabrasion resistance properties of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is less than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. The second fibers substantially define abrasion resistance and coefficient of friction characteristics of the at least one blended yarn. When the rope contacts a structural member, the first set of fibers of the at least one blended yarn substantially bear tension loads on the at least one blended yarn and at least a portion of the second fibers of the at least one blended yarn substantially lie between the set of first fibers and the structural member.

Abstract: A blended yarn and method of making the same. The blended yarn is formed into a rope adapted to engage structural member and comprises a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. The abrasion resistance properties of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is less than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers. The first fibers extend along the length of the blended yarn and the second fibers do not extend along the length of the blended yarn. A plurality of blended yarns are combined to form the rope such that, when the rope contacts the structural member, the second fibers of the blended yarn are primarily in contact with the structural member and the first set of fibers substantially bear tension loads on the rope.

Abstract: A body harness having an adjustable waist strap; a shoulder strap having a first distal end affixed to a right side of said waist strap and a second distal end affixed to a left side of said waist strap generally opposite from said first distal end so that said shoulder strap is carried by said waist strap in a looping arrangement; a back strap affixed between said waist strap and shoulder strap, wherein said back strap extends approximately between a midpoint of said waist strap and a midpoint of said shoulder strap for supporting the back of the user when being dragged; an elongated drag strap carried by said back strap and disposed generally at the intersection of said back strap and said shoulder strap for extending to facilitate dragging of the user; and, a hand grip carried by said drag strap for increased grip.

Abstract: A body harness comprising a waist strap for fastening around the torso of a user; a shoulder strap having a first distal end affixed to a right side of the waist strap and a second distal end affixed to a left side of the waist strap generally opposite from the first distal end; the shoulder strap extending upward from the waist strap in a looped arrangement for fastening over the front of the shoulders and behind the back of the neck of the user so that an apex of the shoulder strap is positioned generally behind the back of the neck of the user when worn; a back strap extending between the apex of the shoulder strap and the waist strap for supporting the back of the user when being dragged; and, a handle carried at the apex of the shoulder strap to facilitate dragging of the user.

Abstract: A rope and method of making the same. The rope is adapted to engage a structural member and comprises a plurality of yarns. At least one of the yarns comprises a first set of first fibers and a second set of fibers. The first and second sets of fibers are combined using a false twisting process such that the second fibers do not extend the length of the rope and the second fibers indirectly bear tension loads on the rope. The first fibers substantially determine load bearing properties of the rope. The second fibers substantially determine abrasion resistance properties and a coefficient of friction of the rope. Abrasion resistance properties of the second fibers are greater than abrasion resistance properties of the first fibers. A coefficient of friction of the second fibers is less than a coefficient of friction of the first fibers.

Abstract: A rope and method of making the same. The rope comprises a plurality of yarns. At least one of the yarns comprises first and second sets of fibers. The first fibers are formed of a first material, and the second set of second fibers at least partly surrounds the first fibers. The second fibers are formed of a second material. The first material defines a set of operating characteristics adapted to bear tension loads on the rope. The second material defines a set of operating characteristics adapted to affect at least one surface characteristic of the rope.