Abstract: A gas-solids reaction system with termination devices to connect a riser with one or more separation devices. The termination devices have a radius of curvature that is at least 1.0 times as great as the diameter of the conduit forming the termination device. The termination devices can be openly or closely coupled to the separation devices.

Abstract: A method for targeted market testing and promotion of a media recording for an media recording distribution entity is provided using a computer program plug-in and collecting information related to a playing media recording. Based upon the collected information, playing media recording preferences are stored and cross-referencing the in a user preference database. Computer users having a preference associated with the media recording are identified by analyzing the user preference database. Selected media recording are distributed to the identified users for playing. User reactions to the selected media recording are gathered, both actively and passively. The gathered user reaction information is analyzed and reported on.

Abstract: Collecting user preference information related to a playing media recording is accomplished by gathering descriptive information related to the playing media recording from a media player program presenting the playing media recording and determining if tags are embedded in the media recording and gathering descriptive information related to the playing media recording from the tags embedded in the playing media recording, if the tags exist. Further, determining if a table of contents exists on the media recording and gathering a table of contents for a collection containing the playing media recording by identifying the collection using a concatenation of track lengths identifier generation technique, the table of contents exists. Then assembling the descriptive information into a media recording information packet and sending the media recording information packet to a server computer, resulting in a collection of user preference information related to the playing media recording.

Abstract: A method of measuring a load on a surface produced by a contact force. An elastic film or coating is located on a supporting surface to provide an indication of normal and tangential or shear forces applied to the surface. A thickness measurement, corresponding to a normal displacement, and a tangential displacement of the film, corresponding to a shear displacement, is obtained and input to a response function to reconstruct the normal and shear load components of the contact force on the surface. A differential thickness measurement of the film is detected by an optical method in which a luminescent output from a luminophore in the film is measured. A luminescent output from a reference luminophore located below the film is also measured to provide a measurement system independent of the illumination source used to produce the luminescent output.

Abstract: A chemical distribution control and guidance system operates for controlling the distribution of airborne product via an aircraft passing over a target. A weather station is positioned at various altitudes for use in determining an appropriate aircraft altitude for distributing the chemical to the target. A second weather station positioned near the target transmits weather data in real time to a central communications station and the aircraft for providing guidance in accurately, safely and effectively distributing chemicals onto the target.