Abstract: Methods of assessing asphaltene inhibitor/dispersant efficiency are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assessing solvent/dispersant/cleaner efficacy for remediating asphaltene deposition. The methods are useful in facilitating the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas, and more particularly, for preventing the undesired deposition of asphaltene from crude oil.

Abstract: A valve for processing glue or other media, the valve having magnets, in particular permanent magnets, that are used for actuating a closure member (16). Two individual magnets (22, 23) located opposite one another are provided, at least in a region which is in contact with the medium or glue, with a protective layer or covering (34), which is preferably designed as a cap and consists of titanium, other metal or plastics material, in order to protect the magnets (22, 23) against the effects of the medium.

Abstract: A control system and a method for milking members in a milking parlor having plural milking stalls. The control system includes a local control unit in each milking stall automatically preparing the milking member for a milking operation by setting a vacuum valve in an open position when the milking member is moved from a storage position, and a control unit setting the milking stalls in the milking parlor in a pre-cleaning mode when a milking operation is still in progress in at least one other of the milking stalls. In this case, the local control units prepare the milking members for a cleaning operation instead of a milking operation by maintaining the vacuum valve in a closed position when the milking member is moved from a storage position, until the cleaning operation of the milking member is started.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods circuits, devices and systems for personality interpretation and expression. A personality interpretation and expression system may include central processing logic in addition to a personality engine. The central processing logic may be adapted to generate a data set corresponding to collected user and/or environment information. The personality engine may be adapted to evaluate a data set received from the central processing logic and generate at least one interaction instruction corresponding to the data set. Generating an interaction instruction is at least partially based on a comparison between the data set and a data set in a personality database functionally associated with or otherwise integral to the personality engine.

Abstract: An airbeam includes at least a pair of inflatable beams each having an inner sleeve, middle sleeve and outer cover. Each sleeve is stitched to form flat side seams. The sleeves are inverted so that each flat side seam is disposed cantilevered inwardly on the inside of the sleeve. A linear common seam bisects the stitched side edges of the outer cover to form a pair of outer sleeves. One middle sleeve is nested within each outer sleeve. One inner sleeve is nested within each middle sleeve. One inner tube is nested in each inner sleeve. The nesting is arranged so that the side seams of the inner and middle sleeves are adjacent one another or overlap one another along, their entire length and so that the side seams of the outer cover are adjacent or overlap the side seams of the middle sleeve.

Abstract: A control system and a method for milking members in a milking parlour having plural milking stalls. The control system includes a local control unit in each milking stall automatically preparing the milking member for a milking operation by setting a vacuum valve in an open position when the milking member is moved from a storage position, and a control unit setting the milking stalls in the milking parlour in a pre-cleaning mode when a milking operation is still in progress in at least one other of the milking stalls. In this case, the local control units prepare the milking members for a cleaning operation instead of a milking operation by maintaining the vacuum valve in a closed position when the milking member is moved from a storage position, until the cleaning operation of the milking member is started.

Abstract: The present aspects of an embodiment make more efficient use of hydrogen on-demand (hereinafter “HoD”) systems, thereby improving fossil-fuel-powered systems on the market. One main aspect uses a disposable cartridge in which the electrolytic process takes place to separate gas molecules from a solution that uses a substantially dry-cell design. Generally, the aspects include a replaceable and reusable cartridge for the flow of electrolyte solution using a pump, which may include a variety of safety features. A HoD cartridge generator has a plurality of staggered conductive material members that require electrolyte solution to flow between them, from one or more inlets to one or more outlets, using one or more specified paths. A conventional or specially-formulated electrolyte solution may be used. One or more sensors allow the generator to have a steady flow of solution in and a steady flow of liquid-gas mixture out of the system.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a network planning tool comprising one or more memory storage areas containing data related to a plurality of transportation networks, and one or more computer processors configured to: receive input data comprising one or more modifications to one or more parameters associated with the plurality of transportation networks; retrieve at least a portion of the data contained in the one or more memory storage areas; validate the input data against the portion of data retrieved from the one or more memory storage areas, the validating comprising at least calculating one or more impacts to the integrated flow model based at least in part upon the received input data; and calculate, based at least in part upon the identified one or more impacts, one or more updated flow models for the plurality of transportation networks. Associated computer program products and computer-implemented methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a service exception analysis system for identifying the existence of one or more service exceptions incurred during actual transport of one or more of a plurality of packages. The system comprises one or more computer processors configured to receive actual data related to one or more observed parameters associated with transport of at least one of the plurality of packages; retrieve at least a portion of forecast data contained in one or more memory storage areas, the forecast data being related to one or more expected parameters associated with transport; compare the actual and forecast data to identify one or more discrepancies; analyze the one or more discrepancies to verify whether one or more service exceptions exist; and in response to one or more service exceptions being identified, generate one or more service exception reports. Associated computer program products and computer-implemented methods are also provided.

Abstract: A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient's level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g.

Abstract: A valve for processing glue or other media, the valve having magnets, in particular permanent magnets, that are used for actuating a closure member (16). Two individual magnets (22, 23) located opposite one another are provided, at least in a region which is in contact with the medium or glue, with a protective layer or covering (34), which is preferably designed as a cap and consists of titanium, other metal or plastics material, in order to protect the magnets (22, 23) against the effects of the medium.

Abstract: A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient's level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g.

Abstract: The invention is a method of constructing a three-dimensional fracture density log of a porous formation traversed by fractures and a borehole. A number N of intersections between the fractures and the borehole is measured over a section of the borehole of length L located at a depth d, from observations of the wall of this section. A conditional probability law of the three-dimensional fracture density is then estimated, knowing the number N of intersections. The value of the three-dimensional fracture density at depth d is determined by calculating the mean of this conditional probability law. Finally, the three-dimensional fracture density log is constructed by repeating the previous stages for different depths. A three-dimensional fracture density uncertainty log can also be associated by calculating quantiles of the conditional probability law.

Abstract: A method for the identification of regulatory T cells based on the diminished abundance or even absence of the global gene regulator SATB1 in such regulatory T cells. In particular, the invention relates to a method utilizing ligands that specifically bind to SATB1 for identifying regulatory T cells which are cells showing a reduced binding to said ligand. Such method is suitable for quality determination of a regulatory T cell population. A kit or diagnostic composition for such method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating a gluing system (10) for gluing blanks for producing and/or packaging cigarettes or other smokable objects, in which the blanks are conveyed along glue valves (11) of the gluing system (10), in which case, in order to control and/or regulate the glue valves (11), a superordinate master controller (13) respectively transmits values of at least one control and/or regulation parameter to individual controllers (15) which are assigned to the glue valves (11), are subordinate to the master controller (13) and are each connected to the superordinate master controller (13) via a suitable data connection, the subordinate controller (15) using said values to control and/or regulate the glue valve (11) assigned to it.

Abstract: A method for mapping a complex sedimentary basin is disclosed. A grid representative of the current architecture of the basin is constructed. A mechanical structural restoration is applied in three dimensions so as to reconstruct the past architectures of the basin from the current time up to a geological time t. A simulation of the geological and geochemical processes that govern the formation of a petroleum reservoir is then carried out, directly in the grids obtained from the restoration, from the geological time t to the current one. This simulation is thereafter used for mapping the sedimentary basin so as to identify zones of the basin where hydrocarbons may have accumulated.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a set of two uni-body ceramic kitchen knives, wherein the handle of each knife is designed with a longitudinal opening in order to receive the blade of the other knife, wherein the width of the resulting groove inside the handle allow the cleaning during a dish-washing machine cycle. The resulting assembly, fitting in Head-to-tail method, protects each edge of blade, and could be carried safety after use.

Abstract: A storage assembly for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle provides power to an electronic device from a vehicle power system. The storage assembly includes a storage bin having an exterior surface, an opening, and a storage space accessible through the opening. The storage assembly also includes a door having an outer surface which is pivotally coupled to the storage bin. A retractable cord is attached to a detachable member which is releasably attached to the storage bin. The retractable cord includes a first end having a first connector which is configured to connect the vehicle power system and a second end having a second connector configured to connect to the electronic device. A notch is formed in the housing adjacent the opening. The notch allows the second connector to extend beyond the exterior surface of the housing when a door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A storage assembly for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle provides power to an electronic device from a vehicle power system. The storage assembly includes a storage bin having an exterior surface, an opening, and a storage space accessible through the opening. The storage assembly also includes a door having an outer surface which is pivotally coupled to the storage bin. A retractable cord is attached to a detachable member which is releasably attached to the storage bin. The retractable cord includes a first end having a first connector which is configured to connect the vehicle power system and a second end having a second connector configured to connect to the electronic device. A notch is formed in the housing adjacent the opening. The notch allows the second connector to extend beyond the exterior surface of the housing when a door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient's level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g.