Abstract: The present invention is related to a network-based system and method for real-time online human or human-equivalent assistance that allows a user to connect with an online helper in real-time, wherein the online helper assists the user in doing things, both on or offline, including using apps of a personal digital device with or without the click of a button, searching, getting information, transacting, communicating, emoting, connecting with others, getting expertise, learning, multi-tasking, navigating the digital world, and much more. The network-based system comprising a mobile/web-based application for the personal digital device having a program and circuitry, is installed by the user and online helper in their respective personal digital devices for the real-time online interaction, creating a peer-to-peer connection therebetween via a server and the Internet. This provides new hope for many to be able to do a wide range of things, both on and offline, more easily.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a hydrocarbon feedstock are provided. The method can include removing a portion of one or more impurities from a non-phenolic sour water to produce a treated sour water and a waste byproduct. The non-phenolic sour water can have a total concentration of impurities ranging from about 100 ppmw to about 125,000 ppmw. The treated sour water can have a total concentration of impurities ranging from about 1 ppmw to about 4,000 ppmw. The treated sour water can be heated to produce steam. A hydrocarbon feedstock can be contacted with the steam at conditions sufficient to separate the hydrocarbon feedstock into at least a first hydrocarbon product and a second hydrocarbon product.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling and sealing tubes, comprising a flexible duct having a first and second end portions, each portion having an outwardly extending seal portion connected to a flat portion, which in turn is connected to an angled portion which connects to a flat portion having expanded diameter. The apparatus also comprises a sealing assembly comprising a split ring, a compression ring and an end cap subassembly which fits over the compression and split rings. The end cap subassembly comprises a pair of half-rings which are hinged together at one end and latched together using a closure mechanism at the other end. The split ring is mounted over the duct end seal after a tube with a bead is inserted inside the duct. A compression ring is fit over the split ring and the end cap subassembly is latched in place over the compression and split rings, thereby placing the duct seal portion under compressive pressure against the tube and maintaining it in place in a sealed relationship.

Abstract: A treatment solution for contacting a metal surface comprises:from about 0.001% to about 1.0% of a metal ion selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium and hafnium and mixtures thereof; andan effective amount of a soluble or dispersible treatment compound selected from the group consisting of a polymer having the following general formula, acid salts thereof, and mixtures thereof: ##STR1## where: R.sub.1 through R.sub.3 are hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 5 carbon atoms;each Y is hydrogen, Z, CR.sub.4 R.sub.5 OR.sub.6, CH.sub.2 Cl, or an alkyl or aryl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms;Z is ##STR2## R.sub.4 through R.sub.10 are hydrogen, or an alkyl, aryl, hydroxy-alkyl, amino-alkyl, mercapto-alkyl or phospho-alkyl moiety, said R.sub.4 through R.sub.10 being of carbon chain lengths up to a length at which the compound is not soluble or dispersible; andn is from 2 up to a number at which the polymer is not soluble or dispersible.