Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for processing an optical fiber includes: drawing an optical fiber through a draw furnace, conveying the optical fiber through a flame reheating device downstream from the draw furnace, wherein the flame reheating device comprises one or more burners each comprising: a body having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface, an opening within the body extending from the top surface through the body to the bottom surface, wherein the optical fiber passes through the opening, and one or more gas outlets within the body; and igniting a flammable gas provided by the one or more gas outlets to form a flame encircling the optical fiber passing through the opening, wherein the flame heats the optical fiber by at least 100 degrees Celsius at a heating rate exceeding 10,000 degrees Celsius/second.

Abstract: A mask system for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a nares portion and a mouth portion and an inlet conduit connected to at least one of the nares portion and the mouth portion to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas. The mask system is adapted to selectively utilize the nares portion and/or the mouth portion in a first mode utilizing both the nares portion and the mouth portion, and in a second mode utilizing the nares portion and not utilizing the mouth portion.

Abstract: A speaker can have a main body with a generally spheroidal shape, which can be supported standing on its end. The speaker can include a subwoofer that faces forward. A plurality of mid-range drivers can be distributed around the sub-woofer, facing generally forward and radially outward. A plurality of tweeters can be distributed around the sub-woofer, facing generally forward and generally outward. The outer housing portion of the speaker can be covered with a fabric material. A user interface ring 162 can be touch sensitive to receive input, and can have a plurality of lights that can be illuminated separately to convey information to the user.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a liquid hydrocarbon material suitable for use as a fuel or as a blending component in a fuel. The process includes co-processing a pyrolysis oil derived from a waste plastic raw material and a biorenewable feedstock comprising triglycerides in a catalytic cracking process in a presence of a solid catalyst at catalytic cracking conditions to provide a cracking product. The cracking product may be fractionated to provide at least one of a gasoline fraction and a middle distillate fraction.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly includes an elastomeric piece configured to receive a flow of pressurized respiratory gas and sealingly engage the patient's face. The elastomeric piece forms a plenum and includes a mouth sealing portion, a nasal sealing portion, and an anterior surface with an air inlet opening configured to be coupled to a connector and/or an air delivery tube. The patient interface assembly also includes a stiffening structure that is attached to the anterior surface of the elastomeric piece. The stiffening structure comprises a central aperture that is sized so that the air inlet opening and a portion of the anterior surface surrounding the air inlet opening remain exposed through the central aperture. The stiffening structure is configured so that the entirety of the stiffening structure is inferior to the patient's nose in use.

Abstract: A mask system including a headgear and cushion module and a seal and frame module provided to the headgear and cushion module. The seal and frame module includes a sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the patient's face and a frame portion adapted to form a breathing chamber. The headgear and cushion module includes a cushion region adapted to support and shape the sealing portion and a headgear region adapted to support and stabilize the mask system on the patient's face.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly includes an elastomeric piece configured to receive a flow of pressurized respiratory gas and sealingly engage the patient’s face. The elastomeric piece forms a plenum and includes a mouth sealing portion, a nasal sealing portion, and an anterior surface with an air inlet opening configured to be coupled to a connector and/or an air delivery tube. The patient interface assembly also includes a stiffening structure that is attached to the anterior surface of the elastomeric piece. The stiffening structure comprises a central aperture that is sized so that the air inlet opening and a portion of the anterior surface surrounding the air inlet opening remain exposed through the central aperture. The stiffening structure is configured so that the entirety of the stiffening structure is inferior to the patient’s nose in use.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.

Abstract: A mask system for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a nares portion and a mouth portion and an inlet conduit connected to at least one of the nares portion and the mouth portion to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas. The mask system is adapted to selectively utilize the nares portion and/or the mouth portion in a first mode utilizing both the nares portion and the mouth portion, and in a second mode utilizing the nares portion and not utilizing the mouth portion.

Abstract: A process is provided for the catalytic cracking of a glyceride oil feedstock with a catalyst composition containing a deactivated phosphorus-containing ZSM-5 light olefins selective additive.

Abstract: A children's toilet training chair includes a seat platform having a waste opening, and a platform base wherein a waste receptacle may be placed beneath the waste opening. A child seated on the seat platform can therefore urinate and/or defecate into the waste receptacle. The waste receptacle has an inclined bottom whereby waste deposited in the receptacle collects toward one side of the receptacle, with at least this side of the receptacle being transparent. A viewport defined in the support base allows viewing of this side of the receptacle so an observer can determine when the child deposits waste in the receptacle. The observer can therefore leave the child seated on the chair's seat platform until waste is visibly apparent, avoiding the resistance the child may exhibit when attempting to replace the child on the seat platform after being removed too early.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.

Abstract: A process is provided for the catalytic cracking of a glyceride oil feedstock with a catalyst composition containing a deactivated phosphorus-containing ZSM-5 light olefins selective additive.

Abstract: A method is disclosed making a molecular of TON framework type having unique properties. The method uses 1,3,4-trimethylimidazolium cations as a structure directing agent and a combined source of silicon and aluminum selected from alumina-coated silica and aluminosilicate zeolites. The obtained molecular sieve can be used in processes for dewaxing paraffinic hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: Search-result explanation systems, methods, and computer-program products receive a user search query, expand the search query into a plurality of sub-queries, perform a database search using the expanded user search query, and determine which sub-queries of the plurality of sub-queries matched with a particular search result. Results from the database search are re-indexed in an index generated on-the-fly and in-memory, within which the results are searched using the sub-queries to determine matching fields and match types. A score is determined based on the type of match(es) with a particular search result based on one or more predefined weights and normalized using a denominator comprising a fictitious, on-the-fly record configured to receive a perfect score according to the received user search query. A user interface showing ranked results and explanations for the ranking, including a score for the result based on the expanded user search query.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a liquid hydrocarbon material suitable for use as a fuel or as a blending component in a fuel. The process includes co-processing a pyrolysis oil derived from a waste plastic raw material and a biorenewable feedstock comprising triglycerides in a catalytic cracking process in a presence of a solid catalyst at catalytic cracking conditions to provide a cracking product. The cracking product may be fractionated to provide at least one of a gasoline fraction and a middle distillate fraction.

Abstract: An organotemplate-free synthetic process for the production of a zeolite of TON framework type structure is provided. The process includes the steps of: (1) preparing a mixture comprising: (a) an alumina-coated silica; (b) a source of an alkali metal; (c) an alcohol; (d) a source of hydroxide ions; (e) seed crystals comprising a zeolitic material having a TON framework type structure; and (f) water; and (2) crystallizing the mixture obtained in step (1).

Abstract: A method is disclosed making a molecular of TON framework type having unique properties. The method uses 1,3,4-trimethylimidazolium cations as a structure directing agent and a combined source of silicon and aluminum selected from alumina-coated silica and aluminosilicate zeolites. The obtained molecular sieve can be used in processes for dewaxing paraffinic hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus having a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system is provided with a housing including an upright body and a base coupled with the upright body. Cleaning fluid and electrical wiring can be routed between the upright body and the base via a yoked spine section of the upright body.