Abstract: A method for verifying correct power cord usage includes detecting, with a close-range sensor, a close-range sensor tag in a power cord near a power receptacle of a power supply of a computing device and reading cord information stored on the close-range sensor tag. The method includes determining from the cord information that the power cord is of a type that is not rated for use with the power supply and disabling startup of the power supply in response to determining that the power cord is of a type that is not rated for use with the power supply.

Abstract: An application management system using Remote Procedure Call (RPC) frameworks can include enhancements. These enhancements can be used on files that are distributed to engines throughout the RPC framework. Enhancements can be stored in an enhancement server. The enhancements can include password detection, logo detection, cleartext detection, or other checks or modifications that may be useful to a variety of engines in the RPC framework. The enhancements can be used to ensure that unencrypted sensitive data, passwords, or files with confidential information (as indicated by logos or other pictorial markings) are not distributed throughout the RPC framework.

Abstract: An application management system using Remote Procedure Call (RPC) frameworks can easily consume excessive amounts of memory or other resources. As described herein, tasks are allocated and balanced amongst engines using a small or fixed size of volatile memory. The memory used in such systems can balance tasks or jobs between different engines by allocating tasks between engine task lists. The complete details of those tasks are stored in queues in non-volatile memory. Tasks are allocated among the lists using a set of rules for new work, pinned work, work from disconnected engines, and reallocated work. The quantity of volatile memory and other resources necessary to manage the RPC framework is thereby reduced, or can even be handled within a size of volatile memory fixed by the user.

Abstract: A storage fluid heater and methods of its use are disclosed for storing, heating, and/or delivering water. The storage fluid heater includes a secondary structure with a pump and heat transfer surface to pump up colder water from the bottom of the tank that has entered via the fluid inlet, heat the water, and release the water at the top of the tank to be withdrawn via the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A method for verifying correct power cord usage includes detecting, with a close-range sensor, a close-range sensor tag in a power cord near a power receptacle of a power supply of a computing device and reading cord information stored on the close-range sensor tag. The method includes determining from the cord information that the power cord is of a type that is not rated for use with the power supply and disabling startup of the power supply in response to determining that the power cord is of a type that is not rated for use with the power supply.

Abstract: An example computer system for capturing security information can include: one or more processors; and non-transitory computer-readable storage media encoding instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the computer system to create: a dashboard engine programmed to generate a dashboard with the security information thereon; a remediation engine programmed to track remediation of one or more security vulnerabilities; and a report generator engine programmed to generate a report including the security information and the one or more security vulnerabilities, wherein dissemination of the report is controlled.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus to filter radio-frequencies in a plasma-based processing device. In various embodiments, an RF filter device includes a number of substantially-planar spiral-filters electrically coupled to and substantially parallel to each other in a spaced-apart arrangement. In one embodiment, each of the planar spiral-filters is coupled to an adjacent one of the planar spiral filters as either an inside-to-inside electrical connection or an outside-to-outside electrical connection based on an arrangement of the successive spirals so as to increase a total value of inductance. Other methods, devices, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for reducing the permeability to water of a thief zone of a porous and permeable subterranean petroleum reservoir by injecting a dispersion of polymeric microparticles in an aqueous fluid down a well and into the thief zone, wherein the polymeric microparticles comprise crosslinked copolymer chains having structural units derived from (i) a water-soluble or water-dispersible monomer with a betaine group, (ii) a water-insoluble monomer, and, (iii) a cross-linking monomer having at least two sites of ethylenic unsaturation, and the polymeric microparticles have a transition temperature above the maximum temperature encountered in the well and at or below the maximum temperature encountered in the thief zone and, and the polymeric microparticles expand in size in the thief zone when they encounter a temperature at or greater than the transition temperature so as to reduce the permeability of the thief zone to water.

Abstract: Media is selected for video playback through a first device and audio playback through one or more separate devices connected through a wireless network. Different techniques for synchronizing the audio and video can be selected based on one or more factors to improve media playback. One aspect features a method and associated user interfaces for selecting to listen to audio through headphones using a user interface on a mobile device. The audio played through the headphones is synchronized to the video being displayed using techniques and systems described herein.

Abstract: A system and method for loading material from a converter bed, such as that in a converter of an acid plant, is provided. The system, may include a vacuum source; a dust collector connected to the vacuum source by a first vacuum hose; a cyclone operatively connected to the vacuum source through the dust collector, wherein the cyclone may be connected to the dust collector by a second vacuum hose; a drop-out hopper operatively attached to the cyclone by a valve, such as an air actuated valve, wherein the drop-out hopper includes a first feed hose; and one or more material storage containers operatively associated with the cyclone via a second feed hose. The method of loading material into a converter bed may include providing a system for loading the material in the converter bed; setting up the system; and loading the material into the converter bed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus to filter radio-frequencies in a plasma-based processing device. In various embodiments, an RF filter device includes a number of substantially-planar spiral-filters electrically coupled to and substantially parallel to each other in a spaced-apart arrangement. In one embodiment, each of the planar spiral-filters is coupled to an adjacent one of the planar spiral filters as either an inside-to-inside electrical connection or an outside-to-outside electrical connection based on an arrangement of the successive spirals so as to increase a total value of inductance. Other methods, devices, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for loading material from a converter bed, such as that in a converter of an acid plant, is provided. The system, may include a vacuum source; a dust collector connected to the vacuum source by a first vacuum hose; a cyclone operatively connected to the vacuum source through the dust collector, wherein the cyclone may be connected to the dust collector by a second vacuum hose; a drop-out hopper operatively attached to the cyclone by a valve, such as an air actuated valve, wherein the drop-out hopper includes a first feed hose; and one or more material storage containers operatively associated with the cyclone via a second feed hose. The method of loading material into a converter bed may include providing a system for loading the material in the converter bed; setting up the system; and loading the material into the converter bed.

Abstract: A system and method for loading material from a converter bed, such as that in a converter of an acid plant, is provided. The system, may include a vacuum source; a dust collector connected to the vacuum source by a first vacuum hose; a cyclone operatively connected to the vacuum source through the dust collector, wherein the cyclone may be connected to the dust collector by a second vacuum hose; a drop-out hopper operatively attached to the cyclone by a valve, such as an air actuated valve, wherein the drop-out hopper includes a first feed hose; and one or more material storage containers operatively associated with the cyclone via a second feed hose. The method of loading material into a converter bed may include providing a system for loading the material in the converter bed; setting up the system; and loading the material into the converter bed.