Abstract: The present invention relates to an ostomy bag cleaning apparatus. The apparatus comprises support structure. The support structure comprises a support bar; a plurality of legs configured at one end of the support bar for supporting the support bar; and a mounting bracket fitted at an operative top end of the support bar. The apparatus further comprises a funnel supported at an operative top end of the support structure, wherein a user evacuates an ostomy bag, the funnel being mounted on the mounting bracket; a first conduit extending from the funnel, wherein the first conduit is a drain conduit for draining out the contents of ostomy bag; a second conduit routed into the funnel for allowing a user to wash the ostomy bag in the funnel; and a valve for regulating a supply of water to the second conduit.

Abstract: A wire twisting device for use with a typical power driver, in the shape of a plate whereby the wires can be engaged by the device by sliding the wires through cut-outs in the outer edge of the plate to a respective port appropriately sized to accept the wire and hold in place until driver can be engaged to twist the wire into the desired braided position, connecting the wires and allowing a junction to be completed by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of identifying electrical sources of audible acoustic noise may involve identifying first frequency content of a circuit board, wherein the first frequency content is associated with at least one of acoustic noise and a vibration of the circuit board. Second frequency content of an electrical signal associated with the circuit board may also be identified. In addition, a coherence between the first frequency content and the second frequency content may be determined.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, which includes an emulsion of an aqueous phase in an oil phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution containing a group 6 metal and a group 8, 9 or 10 metal. The metals can be provided in two separate emulsions, and these emulsions are well suited for treating hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, which includes an emulsion of an aqueous phase in an oil phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution containing a group 6 metal and a group 8, 9 or 10 metal. The metals can be provided in two separate emulsions, and these emulsions are well suited for treating hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: Systems and methods of identifying electrical sources of audible acoustic noise may involve identifying first frequency content of a circuit board, wherein the first frequency content is associated with at least one of acoustic noise and a vibration of the circuit board. Second frequency content of an electrical signal associated with the circuit board may also be identified. In addition, a coherence between the first frequency content and the second frequency content may be determined.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, which includes an emulsion of an aqueous phase in an oil phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution containing a group 6 metal and a group 8, 9 or 10 metal. The metals can be provided in two separate emulsions, and these emulsions are well suited for treating hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, which includes an emulsion of an aqueous phase in an oil phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution containing a group 6 metal and a group 8, 9 or 10 metal. The metals can be provided in two separate emulsions, and these emulsions are well suited for treating hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an amplification spectrum for an electronic device enclosure is identified and/or determined to improve a user's audio environment, e.g., by reducing unwanted noise such as fan noise and/or by processing audio signals that have been or will be distorted by the enclosure acoustics.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, which includes an emulsion of an aqueous phase in an oil phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution containing a group 6 metal and a group 8, 9 or 10 metal. The metals can be provided in two separate emulsions, and these emulsions are well suited for treating hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: A process for the upgrading of heavy crude oil, extra-heavy crude oil or bitumens through the addition of a biocatalyst in the hydrocarbon flow, that includes the steps of: i) selecting the biological material for the preparation of the biocatalyst; ii) dispersing the biocatalyst in the flow of heavy crude, extra-heavy crude or bitumen; and iii) subjecting the crude oil mixture and biocatalyst to a process of bioconversion, separation, recovery and subsequent thermal process of the biotreated crude oil. The bioactive material and process to prepare the biocatalyst are moreover provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fluid dynamic bearing system is provided. The system may include a first member and a second member disposed for relative rotation about an axis of rotation and having opposing substantially planar surfaces defining an axial gap. A bearing region is disposed circumferentially around the axis of rotation and a relatively large gap region is disposed circumferentially around the bearing region, the large gap region having an average gap distance greater than the bearing region. The large gap region further includes at least one support pad forming a localized narrow gap distance in the axial gap to provide support between the opposed surfaces at a radial distance greater than the bearing region. For example, the support pad may support the surfaces against an externally applied force or moment that may tilt one member relative to the other.

Abstract: A method for making an oil soluble coking process additive, includes the steps of: providing mixture of a metal salt in water wherein the metal salt contains a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof; providing a heavy hydrocarbon; forming an emulsion of the mixture and the heavy hydrocarbon; heating the emulsion so as to react the metal salt with components of the heavy hydrocarbon so as to provide a treated hydrocarbon containing oil soluble organometallic compound, wherein the organometallic compound includes the metal and is stable at a temperature of at least about 300° C. The oil soluble additive and a process using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making an oil soluble coking process additive, includes the steps of: providing mixture of a metal salt in water wherein the metal salt contains a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof; providing a heavy hydrocarbon; forming an emulsion of the mixture and the heavy hydrocarbon; heating the emulsion so as to react the metal salt with components of the heavy hydrocarbon so as to provide a treated hydrocarbon containing oil soluble organometallic compound, wherein the organometallic compound includes the metal and is stable at a temperature of at least about 300° C. The oil soluble additive and a process using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making an oil soluble coking process additive, includes the steps of: providing mixture of a metal salt in water wherein the metal salt contains a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof; providing a heavy hydrocarbon; forming an emulsion of the mixture and the heavy hydrocarbon; heating the emulsion so as to react the metal salt with components of the heavy hydrocarbon so as to provide a treated hydrocarbon containing oil soluble organometallic compound, wherein the organometallic compound includes the metal and is stable at a temperature of at least about 300° C. The oil soluble additive and a process using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making an oil soluble coking process additive, includes the steps of: providing mixture of a metal salt in water wherein the metal salt contains a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof; providing a heavy hydrocarbon; forming an emulsion of the mixture and the heavy hydrocarbon; heating the emulsion so as to react the metal salt with components of the heavy hydrocarbon so as to provide a treated hydrocarbon containing oil soluble organometallic compound, wherein the organometallic compound includes the metal and is stable at a temperature of at least about 300° C. The oil soluble additive and a process using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making an oil soluble coking process additive, includes the steps of: providing mixture of a metal salt in water wherein the metal salt contains a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof; providing a heavy hydrocarbon; forming an emulsion of the mixture and the heavy hydrocarbon; heating the emulsion so as to react the metal salt with components of the heavy hydrocarbon so as to provide a treated hydrocarbon containing oil soluble organometallic compound, wherein the organometallic compound includes the metal and is stable at a temperature of at least about 300° C. The oil soluble additive and a process using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing an oil soluble catalytic precursor includes the steps of: providing a mixture of a catalytic metal salt in water, wherein the catalytic metal salt contains a catalytic metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and mixtures thereof; providing a heavy hydrocarbon phase; forming a water in oil emulsion of the mixture in the heavy hydrocarbon phase; and heating the emulsion at a temperature sufficient to dehydrate the emulsion so as to provide a hydrocarbon containing an oil soluble compound containing the catalytic metal.

Abstract: A process for steam conversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock in the presence of a catalyst includes the steps of (a) providing a catalytic emulsion comprising a water in oil emulsion containing a first alkali metal and a second metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIII non-noble metals, alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof; (b) mixing the catalytic emulsion with a hydrocarbon feedstock to provide a reaction mixture; and (c) subjecting the reaction mixture to steam conversion conditions so as to provide an upgraded hydrocarbon product. A catalytic emulsion and process for preparing same are also provided.