Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ferrule boot for mounting in a multi-fiber ferrule. The ferrule boot may include a body member that has a distal end and a proximal end. The body member may define a plurality of openings that extend lengthwise therethrough with each opening being configured for receiving a respective one of a plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: There is provided a process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, wherein the reaction zone includes a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. The process includes supplying at least a fraction of gaseous exhaust material, being discharged from an industrial process, to the reaction zone, exposing the reaction mixture to photosynthetically active light radiation and effecting growth of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone, wherein the effected growth includes growth effected by photosynthesis, and modulating distribution of a molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide, being exhausted from the reaction zone, as between a smokestack and at least another point of discharge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a splice arrangement. The splice arrangement may include an elongate splice protection housing that defines a channel that extends lengthwise through the elongate splice protection housing from a first end of the splice protection housing to an opposite second end of the splice protection housing. The splice arrangement may also include a first fiber optic cable and a second fiber optic cable. First optical fibers of the first fiber optic cable and second optical fibers of the second fiber optic cable may be coupled together at a splice location positioned within the channel of the elongate splice protection housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fan-out arrangement. The fan-out arrangement may include a main cable that includes a jacket containing a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of breakout cables that receive the optical fibers of the main cable. The fan-out arrangement may include a fan-out device for transitioning the optical fibers from the main cable to the breakout cable. The fan-out device may include a fan-out housing that includes oppositely positioned first and second housing ends. The fan-out device may also include a fiber transition insert that mounts within the fan-out housing.

Abstract: A method of customizing an ice blade to a user having the steps of measuring ice blade with, for example, a 3D scanner, to establish an initial calibration measurement set for the blade, and having the user use the blade on an ice surface. The blade may then be re-measured to detect wear patterns. The blade may then be customized in shape or sharpening based on the measured wear. In another embodiment the wear is used to provide function feedback to the user. In another embodiment, the user is biometrically evaluated, a preferred blade shape is determined based on the biometric evaluation and the fit of the preferred shape may be evaluated based on wear created of said blade when in use.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically decoupling a security device associated with a product comprising a security device arranged to be coupled to a product comprising a passive RFID element arranged to emit a unique identifier (ID1), passively, and at least one passive communication element arranged to passively communicate another unique identifier (ID2) to a wireless device, a wireless device that scans said identifier communicating said passive element, a central database accessible by said wireless device through a central server including information on the products available to the user and at least the association of the product with said identifiers (ID1, ID2) when said product is coupled to said security device, a means of payment service accessible by said wireless device through the central server and at least one security tower with at least one microprocessor, an RFID antenna and means of communication, arranged for scanning passive RFID elements, wherein said association between said product a

Abstract: An example method for segmenting an object contained in an image includes receiving an image including a plurality of pixels, transforming a plurality of characteristics of a pixel into respective neutrosophic set domains, calculating a neutrosophic similarity score for the pixel based on the respective neutrosophic set domains for the characteristics of the pixel, segmenting an object from background of the image using a region growing algorithm based on the neutrosophic similarity score for the pixel, and receiving a margin adjustment related to the object segmented from the background of the image.

Abstract: An automated biomass distribution system employs an air-sweeping nozzle for evenly distributing biomass on a grate of an existing stoker boiler. Such an automated biomass distribution system includes a valve-controlled air pressure source that generates an air jet upstream of the existing stoker boiler and having a first travel path extended downstream towards the existing stoker boiler; an expansion duct in fluid communication with the valve-controlled air pressure source and disposed downstream therefrom; an air-sweeping nozzle in communication with the expansion duct and having a second travel path extended downstream from the expansion duct; and a biomass distributor having a passageway disposed at the second travel path. Advantageously, the air-sweeping nozzle is disposed at the passageway and downstream of the expansion duct. In this manner, the second travel path is disposed downstream from the first travel path.

Abstract: An automated biomass distribution system employs an air-sweeping nozzle for evenly distributing biomass on a grate of an existing stoker boiler. Such an automated biomass distribution system includes a valve-controlled air pressure source that generates an air jet upstream of the existing stoker boiler and having a first travel path extended downstream towards the existing stoker boiler; an expansion duct in fluid communication with the valve-controlled air pressure source and disposed downstream therefrom; an air-sweeping nozzle in communication with the expansion duct and having a second travel path extended downstream from the expansion duct; and a biomass distributor having a passageway disposed at the second travel path. Advantageously, the air-sweeping nozzle is disposed at the passageway and downstream of the expansion duct. In this manner, the second travel path is disposed downstream from the first travel path.

Abstract: A biomass energy system utilizes an automated biomass distribution system for evenly distributing biomass within a furnace of the biomass energy system. The even distribution of biomass dramatically increases efficiency of the biomass energy system. The automated biomass distribution system includes a control unit, a set of I/P control boxes, and a set of valve assemblies. Each valve assembly includes a pneumatic actuator, a plug and a discharge duct matching the shape of the plug.

Abstract: There is provided a process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, wherein the reaction zone includes a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. The process includes supplying at least a fraction of gaseous exhaust material, being discharged from an industrial process, to the reaction zone, exposing the reaction mixture to photosynthetically active light radiation and effecting growth of the phototrophic biomass in the reaction zone, wherein the effected growth includes growth effected by photosynthesis, and modulating distribution of a molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide, being exhausted from the reaction zone, as between a smokestack and at least another point of discharge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cable sleeving tool for applying a split-sleeve over a cable structure. The cable sleeving tool includes an inner guide member defining an inner passage for receiving a cable structure desired to be sleeved. The inner passage extends along a passage axis between an upstream end of the inner guide member and a downstream end of the inner guide member. The inner guide member also includes an inner surface defining the inner passage and an outer sleeve expansion surface for expanding the split sleeve. The cable sleeving tool also includes an outer guide member that surrounds at least a portion of the inner guide member. The outer guide member includes a sleeve containment surface that opposes the outer sleeve expansion surface. The outer sleeve expansion surface and the sleeve containment surface cooperate to define a sleeve passage having a transverse cross-sectional shape that curves generally about the passage axis.

Abstract: A process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, including a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, is provided. The reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. In one aspect, the carbon dioxide supply is modulated in response to detected process parameters. In another aspect, inputs to the reaction zone are modulated based on changes to the carbon dioxide supply. In another aspect, dilution of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is effected. In another aspect, pressure of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is increased. In another aspect, water is condensed from the carbon dioxide-comprising supply and recovered for re-use. In another aspect, the produced phototrophic biomass is harvested at a rate which approximates a predetermined mass growth rate of the phototrophic biomass.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a system and computer programs products for assessing the credit worthiness of a user, the method comprising: collecting, by a data collector, information about communications conducted by users' of a communication network, the collected information at least comprising Call Detail Records including calls; analyzing, by a computing system, during a specific time frame, the collected information regarding a particular user including communications' started by the particular user and/or communications' received by the user, and determining, data variables from the analyzed information, the data variables including at least communication patterns; and computing, by the computing system, both a default risk score and a fraud risk score of the user by using the determined data variables.

Abstract: There is provided a process for effecting growth of phototrophic biomass within the reaction zone of a photobioreactor, comprising, after effecting at least a reduction in the molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide to the reaction zone of the photobioreactor, supplying a gaseous photobioreactor exhaust, that includes diatomic (or molecular) oxygen being generated by photosynthesis effected within the reaction zone by the supplied carbon dioxide, to a combustion zone of a combustor.

Abstract: An example method for segmenting an object contained in an image includes receiving an image including a plurality of pixels, transforming a plurality of characteristics of a pixel into respective neutrosophic set domains, calculating a neutrosophic similarity score for the pixel based on the respective neutrosophic set domains for the characteristics of the pixel, segmenting an object from background of the image using a region growing algorithm based on the neutrosophic similarity score for the pixel, and receiving a margin adjustment related to the object segmented from the background of the image.

Abstract: A process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, including a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, is provided. The reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. In one aspect, the carbon dioxide supply is modulated in response to detected process parameters. In another aspect, inputs to the reaction zone are modulated based on changes to the carbon dioxide supply. In another aspect, dilution of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is effected. In another aspect, pressure of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is increased. In another aspect, water is condensed from the carbon dioxide-comprising supply and recovered for re-use. In another aspect, the produced phototrophic biomass is harvested at a rate which approximates a predetermined growth rate of the phototrophic biomass.

Abstract: There is provided a process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The process includes treating an operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed so as to effect production of a carbon dioxide-rich product material. The carbon dioxide concentration of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is greater than the carbon dioxide concentration of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed. Production of at least a fraction of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is effected by a gaseous exhaust material producing process.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a photobioreactor system including a supply material processing sub-system, a reactor sub-system, a product material processing sub-system, and a solar energy supply sub-system. The reactor sub-system includes a photobioreactor configured for containing a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, wherein the reaction mixture includes photosynthesis reaction reagents. The supply material processing sub-system is configured for supplying the reactor with supply material, wherein the supply material includes at least one of the photosynthesis reaction reagents. The product material processing sub-system is configured for receiving reaction zone product discharged from the reactor and effecting separation of a liquid component from the received reaction zone product.

Abstract: A biomass energy system utilizes an automated biomass distribution system for evenly distributing biomass within a furnace of the biomass energy system. The even distribution of biomass dramatically increases efficiency of the biomass energy system. The automated biomass distribution system includes a control unit, a set of UP control boxes, and a set of valve assemblies. Each valve assembly includes a pneumatic actuator, a plug and a discharge duct matching the shape of the plug.