Abstract: Methods for manufacturing well treatment fluid including delivering to a blending unit a desired rate of proppant by weighing a proppant storage and metering unit storing the proppant; and adjusting the size of a calibrated aperture on the proppant storage and metering unit. Methods also include delivering chemicals from a chemical storage and metering unit to the blending unit; combining the proppant and chemicals in the blending unit; and allowing the well treatment fluid to flow from the blending unit to a well location.

Abstract: A game that teaches principles of dynamic business management by advancing tokens (20) along a work flow path (22) on a playing surface (24) to simulate multiple processes of a fictitious business enterprise over time. The work flow path (22) includes at least three distinct and progressive processing areas (30, 32, 34, 36), each representing a different value-added function of the fictitious business. A constraint zone (38) having a specified token (20) capacity is established in each processing area (30, 32, 34, 36), and all tokens (20) must pass through each constraint zone (38) during the play of the game. The token (20) capacity of at least one of the constraint zones (38) may be changed by the players by adding or subtracting work capacity squares (50, 52) during a round to provoke variations in the rate of token (20) advance along the work flow path (22) to thereby simulate a management decision on a dynamic system over time so that its effects can be observed.

Abstract: A building element (10) comprises a substantially metallic, substantially planar core member (20) and a thermally insulating and water resistant sheathing member (30) either side of the core member. The core member is continuous along a substantial length of the building element and a void (40) is created between the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. At least one bridging member (50) is provided in the void and couples the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. A building system and method of construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor comprises two independent fibers having Bragg gratings which are coupled to commutating broadband optical sources through splitters and wavelength discriminators. The ratio of detected optical energy in each of two detectors examining the wave intensity returned to a wavelength discriminator coupled with the characteristic of the wavelength discriminator determines the wavelength returned by the grating. In another embodiment, tunable filters are utilized to detect minimum returned wave energy to extract a sensor wavelength Reference to the original grating wavelength indicates the application of either temperature or strain to the grating. In another embodiment, a plurality of Bragg grating sensor elements is coupled to sources and controllers wherein a dimensional change in a fiber having a Bragg grating is detected using a measurement system comprising broad-band sources, optical power splitters, a high-sensitivity wavelength discriminator, optical detectors, and a controller.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor comprises two independent fibers having Bragg gratings which are coupled to commutating broadband optical sources through splitters and wavelength discriminators. The ratio of detected optical energy in each of two detectors examining the wave intensity returned to a wavelength discriminator coupled with the characteristic of the wavelength discriminator determines the wavelength returned by the grating. In another embodiment, tunable filters are utilized to detect minimum returned wave energy to extract a sensor wavelength Reference to the original grating wavelength indicates the application of either temperature or strain to the grating. In another embodiment, a plurality of Bragg grating sensor elements is coupled to sources and controllers wherein a dimensional change in a fiber having a Bragg grating is detected using a measurement system comprising broad-band sources, optical power splitters, a high-sensitivity wavelength discriminator, optical detectors, and a controller.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor comprises two independent fibers having Bragg gratings which are coupled to commutating broadband optical sources through splitters and wavelength discriminators. The ratio of detected optical energy in each of two detectors examining the wave intensity returned to a wavelength discriminator coupled with the characteristic of the wavelength discriminator determines the wavelength returned by the grating. In another embodiment, tunable filters are utilized to detect minimum returned wave energy to extract a sensor wavelength Reference to the original grating wavelength indicates the application of either temperature or strain to the grating. In another embodiment, a plurality of Bragg grating sensor elements is coupled to sources and controllers wherein a dimensional change in a fiber having a Bragg grating is detected using a measurement system comprising broad-band sources, optical power splitters, a high-sensitivity wavelength discriminator, optical detectors, and a controller.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor comprises two independent fibers having Bragg gratings which are coupled to commutating broadband optical sources through splitters and wavelength discriminators. The ratio of detected optical energy in each of two detectors examining the wave intensity returned to a wavelength discriminator coupled with the characteristic of the wavelength discriminator determines the wavelength returned by the grating. In another embodiment, tunable filters are utilized to detect minimum returned wave energy to extract a sensor wavelength Reference to the original grating wavelength indicates the application of either temperature or strain to the grating. In another embodiment, a plurality of Bragg grating sensor elements is coupled to sources and controllers wherein a dimensional change in a fiber having a Bragg grating is detected using a measurement system comprising broad-band sources, optical power splitters, a high-sensitivity wavelength discriminator, optical detectors, and a controller.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor comprises two independent fibers having Bragg gratings which are coupled to commutating broadband optical sources through splitters and wavelength discriminators. The ratio of detected optical energy in each of two detectors examining the wave intensity returned to a wavelength discriminator coupled with the characteristic of the wavelength discriminator determines the wavelength returned by the grating. In another embodiment, tunable filters are utilized to detect minimum returned wave energy to extract a sensor wavelength. Reference to the original grating wavelength indicates the application of either temperature or strain to the grating. In another embodiment, a plurality of Bragg grating sensor elements is coupled to sources and controllers wherein a dimensional change in a fiber having a Bragg grating is detected using a measurement system comprising broad-band sources, optical power splitters, a high-sensitivity wavelength discriminator, optical detectors, and a controller.

Abstract: Methods of treating the surface of metals, such as aluminum, so that they can withstand the corrosive conditions in polymer electrolyte membrane, including those types known as proton exchange membrane, (PEM), fuel cells and similar electrochemical environments and still maintain a high level of electrical and thermal conductivity over extended periods of time, are disclosed. A conductive polymer outer layer used in combination with an intermediate layer between the conductive polymer and a core metal, that comprises a thin layer of silver, or other noble metal, at the interface between the conductive polymer and an underlying metal layer, are compatible with the requirements of PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: A printed display sign particularly for use with a light box reverse printed on its rear face with information, typically a menu for a fast food outlet. The information includes product names and aligned with each product name is a rectangular transparent window area where the sign is not printed. The rear of the sign is painted with a white diffusing layer which covers the entire rear surface of the sign apart from the windows and the areas bordering the windows which are not coated with the diffusing layer so as to leave a rectangular dark border or frame around each window. Labels having a size larger than that of the window but preferably smaller than that of the outer edge of the border can then be located essentially within the window using the outer edge of the border as a guide. The front of the label is printed with price indicia and if the label is correctly applied to the window, which can be checked by reference to the border, the price indicia should align correctly with the product name indicia.

Abstract: A soybean variety designated 92B23, the plants and seeds of soybean variety 92B23, methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the variety 92B23 with itself or with another soybean plant, and hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety 92B23 with another soybean line or plant.

Abstract: New elements mode-converting two-mode grating and mode-filtering two-mode coupler are disclosed and used as elements in a system for communications, add-drop filtering, and strain sensing. Methods of fabrication for these new two-mode gratings and mode-filtering two-mode couplers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tunable filter comprises either an internal or an external grating proximal to a variable index of refraction material. This variable index of refraction material may vary upon the application of an external electrical potential or the application of a change in temperature of the polymer. Additionally, the grating may comprise a periodic modulation of the index of refraction, this periodic modulation comprising an isoplanar modulation of the index of refraction at an angle to the central axis of the waveguide, thereby causing conversion of fundamental mode waves to second mode waves, and by reciprocity, conversion of second mode waves to fundamental mode waves.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel-well skirt system for fitting within wheel-well openings of a vehicle and covering the wheel-well openings and wheel-well cavities which are defined by the wheel-well openings. The wheel-well skirt system comprises a number of adjustable wheel-well skirts corresponding in number to the number of wheel-well openings of the vehicle. Each adjustable wheel-well skirt is sized and shaped substantially similar to the size and shape of the respective wheel-well opening it will engage. When secured to the vehicle, each adjustable wheel-well skirt fills the wheel-well opening, giving the vehicle a smooth, continuous appearance. A track extends from each adjustable wheel-well skirt and slideably engages a bracket which is mounted to the vehicle behind the wheel-well opening.

Abstract: New elements mode-converting two-mode grating and mode-filtering two-mode coupler are disclosed and used as elements in a system for communications, add-drop filtering, and strain sensing. Methods of fabrication for these new two-mode gratings and mode-filtering two-mode couplers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a concept for a series of forwardly tilting truck cabs which may be readily adapted to different sizes of trucks. The basic structure of the cab comprises a front wall, a back wall, a roof assembly and a floor assembly. A plurality of standard functional modules may be fitted to the basic cab. The complete access step unit is separate from the cab and is directly secured to the vehicle chassis. Exposed parts of the cab are provided with stiffening members of which at least some are adapted to perform additional functions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disc wheel which is of generally Y-shape in cross sections radial of the rotary axis of the wheel, the stem of the Y providing the central disc of the wheel and having holes for the normal wheel bolts or studs, and the bifurcations of the Y providing the wheel rim. The wheel has an annular metal reinforcement having parts located in the stem and in one of the bifurcations of the Y, the reinforcement including holes corresponding to the holes in the finished wheel for the bolts or studs. A covering of plastics material is moulded over the reinforcement, the covering having an integral extension which provides the other bifurcation of the Y. The plastics covering is moulded onto the reinforcement in a mould cavity defined between first and second mould portions which are movable towards and away from one another in directions parallel to the rotary axis of the wheel between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Compounds having the generic structure, ##STR1## and their nontoxic, pharmacologically acceptable salts are useful in the chemotherapy of arrhythmias in individuals for whom such therapy is indicated. In the preceding structural formula: R.sup.1 is a 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, or 4-pyridyl radical; n is an integer of the set 1-3; and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl, or an equivalent alkoxyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A construction element which consists of a length of tube, rod or other rolled or extruded section which has two seatings on its periphery. The seatings are each adapted to hold at a predetermined angle to one another and a predetermined angle to the continuous length of the ends of two strips and to also hold between the strips a screwably connected wedge. The two strips are thereby firmly held into the seatings.