Abstract: A rotating detonation engine (RDE) injector and method of creating the same. In some embodiments, the RDE injector is configured such that the fuel to oxidizer pressure ratio is in a range of 0.8775 to 1.4917. In some embodiments of the method of creating a RDE a particular combination of propellants is identified, and their gas specific constant and specific heat ratio are recorded. A plurality of initial flow conditions is established, and the compressible mass flow equation is used to determine an appropriate cross-sectional area of each injector to produce a fuel to oxidizer pressure ratio is in a range of 0.8775 to 1.4917.

Abstract: A method of seal condition monitoring may determine the state of the annular seal, the state of one or more sealing elements, take actions to maintain the annular seal as one or more sealing elements transition from new to worn, and provide advance notice of the impending failure of one or more sealing elements so as to avoid a catastrophic annular seal failure while the marine riser is pressurized. Advantageously, operations may be conducted proactively rather than reactively, and one or more sealing elements may be replaced well in advance of failure, but potentially later than a conventional maintenance schedule would dictate. The one or more failing sealing elements may be proactively replaced without depressurizing the marine riser, prior to seal failure or replacement may be planned well in advance and coordinated with other rig operations to improve efficiency and maintain the safety of the drilling rig and personnel.

Abstract: A method of seal condition monitoring may determine the state of the annular seal, the state of one or more sealing elements, take actions to maintain the annular seal as one or more sealing elements transition from new to worn, and provide advance notice of the impending failure of one or more sealing elements so as to avoid a catastrophic annular seal failure while the marine riser is pressurized. Advantageously, operations may be conducted proactively rather than reactively, and one or more sealing elements may be replaced well in advance of failure, but potentially later than a conventional maintenance schedule would dictate. The one or more failing sealing elements may be proactively replaced without depressurizing the marine riser, prior to seal failure or replacement may be planned well in advance and coordinated with other rig operations to improve efficiency and maintain the safety of the drilling rig and personnel.

Abstract: Airborne transmitted pathogens, including severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and similar infectious diseases, often spread through close contact between humans. One common form of transmission is that of saliva droplets that suspend in the air and are subsequently inhaled by another human, leading to pathogen transmission. The application is based on formulated confections (such as lozenges, cough drops, gum, candy, buccal films, and other consumable products) and/or medicinal drugs that alter fluid properties and/or reduce quantity of the saliva. As a result, the modified fluid properties of the saliva mitigates droplet breakup, resulting in larger droplets that travel shorter distances before quickly falling to a ground surface. The saliva reduction reduces the amount of saliva. As a result, the formulated confections reduce the prevalence of airborne transmitted pathogens (such as SARS-CoV-2) with a lesser/thickening saliva.

Abstract: A method of seal condition monitoring may determine the state of the annular seal, the state of one or more sealing elements, take actions to maintain the annular seal as one or more sealing elements transition from new to worn, and provide advance notice of the impending failure of one or more sealing elements so as to avoid a catastrophic annular seal failure while the marine riser is pressurized. Advantageously, operations may be conducted proactively rather than reactively, and one or more sealing elements may be replaced well in advance of failure, but potentially later than a conventional maintenance schedule would dictate. The one or more failing sealing elements may be proactively replaced without depressurizing the marine riser, prior to seal failure or replacement may be planned well in advance and coordinated with other rig operations to improve efficiency and maintain the safety of the drilling rig and personnel.

Abstract: A method of seal condition monitoring may determine the state of the annular seal, the state of one or more sealing elements, take actions to maintain the annular seal as one or more sealing elements transition from new to worn, and provide advance notice of the impending failure of one or more sealing elements so as to avoid a catastrophic annular seal failure while the marine riser is pressurized. Advantageously, operations may be conducted proactively rather than reactively, and one or more sealing elements may be replaced well in advance of failure, but potentially later than a conventional maintenance schedule would dictate. The one or more failing sealing elements may be proactively replaced without depressurizing the marine riser, prior to seal failure or replacement may be planned well in advance and coordinated with other rig operations to improve efficiency and maintain the safety of the drilling rig and personnel.

Abstract: Methods for leveraging a user's social network connections to search files stored on client devices are provided. Upon receipt of a search query, it is determined that the searching user is a social network connection of at least one user of a social networking application having files on their client device designated for sharing. Those designated files are searched to determine if any of them match the received search query. Client device files associated with users of the social networking application that have been designated for public sharing also are searched. Any files shared publicly or with social network connections of the sharing user that are stored on a client device and determined to match the received query may be presented to the searching user independent of the algorithmic search results or may be integrated into the algorithmic search results, as desired.

Abstract: A shear stress sensor for use within a substrate exposed to a fluid flow. The sensor comprising a cavity defined within the substrate; electrolyte fluid within the cavity; and an amperometric system further comprising oppositely disposed first and second electrodes within the cavity for measuring current flow between the first and second electrodes, wherein fluid motion within the cavity is responsive to shear stress and measured current flow is responsive to the fluid motion.

Abstract: Methods for leveraging a user's social network connections to search files stored on client devices are provided. Upon receipt of a search query, it is determined that the searching user is a social network connection of at least one user of a social networking application having files on their client device designated for sharing. Those designated files are searched to determine if any of them match the received search query. Client device files associated with users of the social networking application that have been designated for public sharing also are searched. Any files shared publicly or with social network connections of the sharing user that are stored on a client device and determined to match the received query may be presented to the searching user independent of the algorithmic search results or may be integrated into the algorithmic search results, as desired.