Abstract: A method for generating self-propped hydraulic fractures. In one embodiment, the method comprises injecting three fluid stages sequentially, each with successively higher viscosity, comprising a pad, a sealing slurry, and a displacement fluid which may be referred to as a sweep. Compositions of each of the three fluid stages are provided, each of which may be selected based upon characteristics of the formation being treated or upon one or more characteristics of the desired fracture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tube to dispense a pair of liquids, such as, for example, different colored gels or pastes that are combined to form a toothpaste to be applied to a toothbrush. First and second exit ports from which the pair of liquids are dispensed communicate with first and second fluid chambers that are created by a partition wall that extends completely across the interior of a hollow tube body. A flip-up end cap is integrally connected to the tube body by means of a thin, flexible hinge so that the end cap is rotatable from a closed position at which to cover the first and second exit ports to an open position at which the exit ports are uncovered. A pair of exit port closures project from the flip-up end cap to be received within and block respective ones of the first and second exit ports when the end cap is rotated to the closed position.

Abstract: The invention is a device used to assist in the transport of small, carry-on, wheeled luggage. The connector can be used to connect two pieces of wheeled, carry-on luggage together, allowing them to be conveyed easily at the same time by one passenger. Also, the connector can connect to one piece of wheeled carry-on luggage, with the other side connecting to the clothing of a passenger, allowing the passenger to convey the luggage with both hands free.

Abstract: Methods for processing audio data containing speech to produce a searchable index file and for subsequently searching such an index file are provided. The processing method uses a phonetic approach and models each frame of the audio data with a set of reference phones. A score for each of the reference phones, representing the difference of the audio from the phone model, is stored in the searchable data file for each of the phones in the reference set. A consequence of storing information regarding each of the reference phones is that the accuracy of searches carried out on the index file is not compromised by the rejection of information about particular phones. A subsequent search method is also provided which uses a simple and efficient dynamic programming search to locate instances of a search term in the audio. The methods of the present invention have particular application to the field of audio data mining.

Abstract: A particulate laundry detergent composition having a bulk density of 550 to 900 g/l comprises at least two different granular multiingredient components. A first granular component (preferably non-spray-dried) has a bulk density of 550 to 1000 g/l and has a weight ratio of a first ingredient type to a second ingredient type of r; a second granular component (preferably spray-dried) has a bulk density of from 300 to 550 g/l and has a weight ratio of the first ingredient type to the second ingredient type of r′, wherein the ratio of r to r′ is within the range of from 1.25:1 to 1:1.25.

Abstract: A particulate laundry detergent composition having a bulk density of 550 to 900 g/l comprises at least two different granular multiingredient components. A first granular component (preferably non-spray-dried) has a bulk density of 550 to 1000 g/l and has a weight ratio of a first ingredient type to a second ingredient type of r; a second granular component (preferably spray-dried) has a bulk density of from 300 to 550 g/l and has a weight ratio of the first ingredient type to the second ingredient type of r′, wherein the ratio of r to r′ is within the range of from 1.25:1 to 1:1.25.

Abstract: An all weather safety whistle and sound generator is provided having a mouthpiece and a sound producing opening for emitting sound when air is blown into the mouthpiece, and having a cowling structure covering over the sound producing opening protecting the opening from substances exterior to the apparatus while simultaneously enabling the opening to produce sound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cable mounting ladder including a plurality of transverse rungs which interconnect a pair of opposed side flanges or side runners, with the side flanges being severed, or partially severed, so that the ladder can be formed into an arcuate or curved shape.

Abstract: A subscriber loop test device is connected across a subscriber loop adjacent a subscriber equipment and remote an associated switching office. The subscriber loop test device includes a relaxation oscillator and a connection circuit responsive to a predetermined high voltage applied at the switching office for connecting the relaxation oscillator to the subscriber loop. The relaxation oscillator responds by drawing an energizing current which it modulates at the operating frequency of the oscillator. Detection of this frequency in the switching office verifies the DC and the AC continuity of the subscriber loop. Additional contacts in the connection circuit are used to disconnect the subscriber apparatus for the duration of the operation of the test device so that faulty subscriber apparatus will not interfere with verification of subscriber loop serviceability.