Abstract: A system includes a schedule generator having one or more processors configured to obtain resource extraction parameters for extracting a resource from a reservoir. The resource extraction parameters include well creation parameters associated with drilling wellbores, well stimulation parameters associated with introducing fracturing fluid into the wellbores, and production parameters associated with extracting the resource through the wellbores. The schedule generator selects initial trial schedules having different values of the resource extraction parameters and receives initial resource output data generated by execution of the initial trial schedules with a designated reservoir model. The schedule generator generates a surrogate model based on the initial resource output data and the initial trial schedules and uses the surrogate model to perform iterations of selecting modified trial schedules until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A system includes a schedule generator having one or more processors configured to obtain resource extraction parameters for extracting a resource from a reservoir. The resource extraction parameters include well creation parameters associated with drilling wellbores, well stimulation parameters associated with introducing fracturing fluid into the wellbores, and production parameters associated with extracting the resource through the wellbores. The schedule generator selects initial trial schedules having different values of the resource extraction parameters and receives initial resource output data generated by execution of the initial trial schedules with a designated reservoir model. The schedule generator generates a surrogate model based on the initial resource output data and the initial trial schedules and uses the surrogate model to perform iterations of selecting modified trial schedules until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Methods for creating a customized document using a downloadable product design tolls executing in the user's browser. A template for a partially completed product design is selected by the user and downloaded to the user's computer for editing by the user at the user's computer using the downloadable design tools. While viewing the product design template, the user can enter text or other content into the template elements. The completed product design can be uploaded to the server for production of the corresponding printed product.

Abstract: Methods for creating a customized document using a downloadable product design tolls executing in the user's browser. A template for a partially completed product design is selected by the user and downloaded to the user's computer for editing by the user at the user's computer using the downloadable design tools. While viewing the product design template, the user can enter text or other content into the template elements. The completed product design can be uploaded to the server for production of the corresponding printed product.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment a substrate with an activated reactive gas which includes a processing chamber, an exhaust manifold, a conveyor adapted to sequentially introduce into the processing chamber untreated portions of the substrate for said treatment and to sequentially remove from the processing chamber treated portions of the substrate, wherein the length of the substrate exceeds a dimension of the inner volume of the processing chamber, a distribution conduit disposed in the processing chamber, wherein the length of the distribution conduit is approximately equal to the width of the substrate, and wherein the distribution conduit has a number (N) of openings, each opening has a cross sectional area (Ao), a cross sectional area of the distribution conduit (Ac), and wherein a maximum cross-sectional area (N*Ao) of the openings can be determined by the following expression: 1.0*Ac>N*Ao?0.1*Ac.

Abstract: A method of optically determining a change in magnitude of at least one dimensional characteristic of a sample in response to a selected chamber environment. A magnitude of at least one dimension of the at least one sample may be optically determined subsequent to altering the at least one environmental condition within the chamber. A maximum change in dimension of the at least one sample may be predicted. A dimensional measurement apparatus for indicating a change in at least one dimension of at least one sample. The dimensional measurement apparatus may include a housing with a chamber configured for accommodating pressure changes and an optical perception device for measuring a dimension of at least one sample disposed in the chamber. Methods of simulating injection of a gas into a subterranean formation, injecting gas into a subterranean formation, and producing methane from a coal bed are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of optically determining a change in magnitude of at least one dimensional characteristic of a sample in response to a selected chamber environment. A magnitude of at least one dimension of the at least one sample may be optically determined subsequent to altering the at least one environmental condition within the chamber. A maximum change in dimension of the at least one sample may be predicted. A dimensional measurement apparatus for indicating a change in at least one dimension of at least one sample. The dimensional measurement apparatus may include a housing with a chamber configured for accommodating pressure changes and an optical perception device for measuring a dimension of at least one sample disposed in the chamber. Methods of simulating injection of a gas into a subterranean formation, injecting gas into a subterranean formation, and producing methane from a coal bed are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas flow rate meter includes an upstream line and two chambers having substantially equal, fixed volumes. An adjustable valve may direct the gas flow through the upstream line to either of the two chambers. A pressure monitoring device may be configured to prompt valve adjustments, directing the gas flow to an alternate chamber each time a pre-set pressure in the upstream line is reached. A method of measuring the gas flow rate measures the time required for the pressure in the upstream line to reach the pre-set pressure. The volume of the chamber and upstream line are known and fixed, thus the time required for the increase in pressure may be used to determine the flow rate of the gas. Another method of measuring the gas flow rate uses two pressure measurements of a fixed volume, taken at different times, to determine the flow rate of the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for treating at least a portion of the surface of a substrate is described herein. In one aspect, the apparatus a processing chamber comprising an inner volume, the substrate, and an exhaust manifold; an activated reactive gas supply source wherein a process gas comprising one or more reactive gases and optionally an additive gas is activated by one or more energy sources to provide the activated reactive gas; and a distribution conduit, which is in fluid communication with the inner volume and the supply source, comprising: a plurality of openings that direct the activated reactive gas into the inner volume, wherein the activated reactive gas contacts the surface and provides a spent activated reactive gas and/or volatile products that are withdrawn from the inner volume through the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting a first communications network to a second communications network. The coupler implements its functionality in software.