Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of processing data obtained from distributed optical fiber sensors to detect acoustic energy generated by a poroelastic effect of fractures in a structure, such as a rock formation. The sensing fiber of an optical fiber distributed sensing system may be deployed in the vicinity of the region where fracturing is occurring, for example, along a well that is offset from a treatment well undergoing hydraulic fracturing. The DAS data obtained from along the sensing fiber is processed to measure changes in the low-frequency strain caused by the poroelastic effects in the rock as the fractures open and close. This measured strain rate data is iteratively processed at each instant time to identify fracture opening features (characterised as compression-tension-compression) that are correlated with fracture closing features (characterised as tension-compression-tension) as a function of depth, to thereby identify and locate fracture hits in the vicinity of the sensing fiber.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of purifying a solvent, such as an alcohol including n-propanol. The purified solvent can be used, e.g., as a pre-wet liquid, solution developer, and cleaner in a multistep semiconductor manufacturing process.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus comprises an oral appliance, wherein the oral appliance has at least an uppermost splint adapted to engage with a set of maxillary teeth. The apparatus also comprises a strapless positive airway pressure nasal mask and a plurality of ferromagnetic members provided on the oral appliance and nasal mask. The ferromagnetic members comprise one or more magnets such that the nasal mask and oral appliance are attracted to each other when the apparatus is being worn by a user.

Abstract: A mobile communication device for receiving an ad hoc temporary upgrade in quality of service (QoS). The mobile communication device comprises a processor, at least one cellular radio transceiver, a non-transitory memory, and an ad hoc service upgrade application. When executed by the processor, the application monitors wireless cellular communication on a network via the at least one cellular radio transceiver, detects a significant delay in the communication, generates a prompt on a GUI, the prompt comprising a plurality of options for an ad hoc temporary upgraded QoS, where each option is associated with a time period. The application further, based on a user input, requests a preferred roaming list (PRL) associated with the temporary upgraded QoS, receives the PRL, wherein the PRL is associated with providing the upgraded QoS on an allocated spectrum, activates the received PRL, and upon expiration of the time period, deactivates the received PRL.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of processing data obtained from distributed optical fiber sensors to detect acoustic energy generated by a poroelastic effect of fractures in a structure, such as a rock formation. The sensing fiber of an optical fiber distributed sensing system may be deployed in the vicinity of the region where fracturing is occurring, for example, along a well that is offset from a treatment well undergoing hydraulic fracturing. The DAS data obtained from along the sensing fiber is processed to measure changes in the low-frequency strain caused by the poroelastic effects in the rock as the fractures open and close. This measured strain rate data is iteratively processed at each instant time to identify fracture opening features (characterised as compression-tension-compression) that are correlated with fracture closing features (characterised as tension-compression-tension) as a function of depth, to thereby identify and locate fracture hits in the vicinity of the sensing fiber.

Abstract: A mobile communication device for receiving an ad hoc temporary upgrade in quality of service (QoS). The mobile communication device comprises a processor, at least one cellular radio transceiver, a non-transitory memory, and an ad hoc service upgrade application. When executed by the processor, the application monitors wireless cellular communication on a network via the at least one cellular radio transceiver, detects a significant delay in the communication, generates a prompt on a GUI, the prompt comprising a plurality of options for an ad hoc temporary upgraded QoS, where each option is associated with a time period. The application further, based on a user input, requests a preferred roaming list (PRL) associated with the temporary upgraded QoS, receives the PRL, wherein the PRL is associated with providing the upgraded QoS on an allocated spectrum, activates the received PRL, and upon expiration of the time period, deactivates the received PRL.

Abstract: A mobile communication device for receiving an ad hoc temporary upgrade in quality of service (QoS). The mobile communication device comprises a processor, at least one cellular radio transceiver, a non-transitory memory, and an ad hoc service upgrade application. When executed by the processor, the application monitors wireless cellular communication on a network via the at least one cellular radio transceiver, detects a significant delay in the communication, generates a prompt on a GUI, the prompt comprising a plurality of options for an ad hoc temporary upgraded QoS, where each option is associated with a time period. The application further, based on a user input, requests a preferred roaming list (PRL) associated with the temporary upgraded QoS, receives the PRL, wherein the PRL is associated with providing the upgraded QoS on an allocated spectrum, activates the received PRL, and upon expiration of the time period, deactivates the received PRL.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat exchanger apparatus, comprising flat heat exchange plates positioned parallel to each other, and adjustable spacers provided near each vertical edge of the flat heat exchange plates to form a material flow channel. In an embodiment, each adjustable spacer is configured to be adjustable via one or more angular adjustment mechanisms to form a material flow channel with one of a consistent volume channel, a reducing volume channel, and an increasing volume channel. The adjustable spacers are configured to receive spacer extensions to adjust the width of the spacers. The spacer extensions form extend the face of the spacers with a flat or profiled material contact face.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat exchanger apparatus, comprising flat heat exchange plates positioned parallel to each other, and adjustable spacers provided near each vertical edge of the flat heat exchange plates to form a material flow channel. In an embodiment, each adjustable spacer is configured to be adjustable via one or more angular adjustment mechanisms to form a material flow channel with one of a consistent volume channel, a reducing volume channel, and an increasing volume channel. The adjustable spacers are configured to receive spacer extensions to adjust the width of the spacers. The spacer extensions form extend the face of the spacers with a flat or profiled material contact face.

Abstract: A flat heat exchanger plate typically used in a bulk material heat exchanger having an improved construction which increases heat transfer and service period by reducing bulk material accumulation. The flat heat exchanger plate is designed to operate under a negative internal pressure to eliminate depressions or dimples that are typically formed into the sides of these types of heat exchanger coils during the manufacture process. The dimples are created to reinforce the heat exchanger plate from positive internal pressures that other wise would cause the heat exchanger plate to bow due to internal positive pressures. With the removal of the depressions or dimples the tendency for bulk material to accumulate to the exterior surface of the plate is reduced, thereby increasing the service period of the plate and heat transfer. The flat heat exchanger plate tapers from wide to narrow along the direction of flow of bulk material across the plate to further reduce accumulation of bulk material.

Abstract: An apparatus removing material accumulated on the exterior surfaces of adjacent heat exchanger plates arranged side-by-side in a spaced relationship in a bulk material heat exchanger and a bulk material heat exchanger incorporating the apparatus is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus develops vibratory shock waves through each coil to dislodge material that has accumulated on the surfaces of the heat exchanger plates. In another aspect, the apparatus translates each heat exchanger plate in a sequential back-and-forth motion to create a shearing effect in material that has accumulated between the adjacent surfaces of heat exchanger plates. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a driven cam and a cam follower, where the cam or cam follower includes a profile to achieve the desired motion of each heat exchanger plate.

Abstract: A security slider for a zip fastener which prevents or severely restricts unauthorised access to the contents of an item which is closed by the zip fastener. This is achieved by a lateral blocking member attached to the slider. A zip fastener incorporating the slider and a suitcase or bag incorporating the zip fastener are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus removing material accumulated on the exterior surfaces of adjacent heat exchanger plates arranged side-by-side in a spaced relationship in a bulk material heat exchanger and a bulk material heat exchanger incorporating the apparatus is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus develops vibratory shock waves through each coil to dislodge material that has accumulated on the surfaces of the heat exchanger plates. In another aspect, the apparatus translates each heat exchanger plate in a sequential back-and-forth motion to create a shearing effect in material that has accumulated between the adjacent surfaces of heat exchanger plates. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a driven cam and a cam follower, where the cam or cam follower includes a profile to achieve the desired motion of each heat exchanger plate.

Abstract: A flat heat exchanger plate typically used in a bulk material heat exchanger having an improved construction which increases heat transfer and service period by reducing bulk material accumulation. The flat heat exchanger plate is designed to operate under a negative internal pressure to eliminate depressions or dimples that are typically formed into the sides of these types of heat exchanger coils during the manufacture process. The dimples are created to reinforce the heat exchanger plate from positive internal pressures that other wise would cause the heat exchanger plate to bow due to internal positive pressures. With the removal of the depressions or dimples the tendency for bulk material to accumulate to the exterior surface of the plate is reduced, thereby increasing the service period of the plate and heat transfer. The flat heat exchanger plate tapers from wide to narrow along the direction of flow of bulk material across the plate to further reduce accumulation of bulk material.

Abstract: A flat heat exchanger plate typically used in a bulk material heat exchanger is provided. The flat heat exchanger plate is designed to operate under a negative internal pressure to eliminate depressions or dimples that are typically formed into the sides of these types of heat exchanger coils during the manufacture process. With the removal of the depressions or dimples the tendency for bulk material to accumulate to the exterior surface of the plate is reduced, thereby increasing the service period of the plate.

Abstract: Streaming media network parameters are measured using an electronic system and displayed directly to a user or transmitted via an electronic interface such as an existing system network conduit, either in or out-of-band. A scalable hardware and/or software compute engine filters and reduces network parameters to simplify tracking the instantaneous and long term streaming media performance of the network. Hence, the entire set of active media streams is continuously monitored concurrently, thereby providing the ability to detect impairments as well as predict impending impairments. In one example, an existing packetized network conduit containing streaming media is tapped to concurrently and objectively analyze the streaming media streams, producing statistics (such as delay factor and media loss rate) and alarm-type events according to predetermined rules. Tapping the existing packetized network in multiple points provides comparison points and assists in pinpointing the source(s) of the impairment(s).

Abstract: Streaming media network transportation streams are created using an electronic system and transmitted via an electronic interface such as an existing system network conduit (i.e. Ethernet, USB, or other packet-based architectures). A scalable hardware and/or software compute engine modifies an initial stream's identifier(s) while replicating the stream content to economically create streams. Hence, an entire network's capacity of active streams may be created from a single initial stream. In one example, an initial stream is stored in advance of transmission for such use. In other examples, an initial stream is received and processed to dynamically create streams from the initial stream as the initial stream is being received.

Abstract: Streaming media network streams are modified using a sequence field with the IP layer 3 protocol compatible with already deployed IP switching systems except as noted for device and system testing and operational monitoring which can be used to detect the loss or out of order delivery of packets belonging to a stream. This approach can also provide the ability to numerically characterize the loss in terms of total loss, loss burst size, and loss frequency. By utilizing the bit locations of the IP-defined datagram Identification (ID) field and a unique numerical sequence, loss and out of order delivery may be tracked while avoiding the overhead and complexity associated with added upper layer protocols while gaining other key advantages such as in-situ marking of stream attributes.

Abstract: A flat plat plate heat exchanger coil typically used in a bulk material heat exchanger is provided. The flat plate heat exchanger coil is designed to operate under a negative internal pressure to eliminate depressions or dimples that are typically formed into the sides of these types of heat exchanger coils during the manufacture process. With the removal of the depressions or dimples the tendency for bulk material to accumulate to the exterior surface of the coil is reduced, thereby increasing the service period of the coil. The flat plate is also provided with methods of automated cleaning of the plate coil, such as applying a low positive internal pressure in a cyclic manner to dislodge material accumulated on the coil, bumping the coil to causing a shock wave through the coil or providing means to create a shearing effect between adjacent coils to dislodge material accumulated on the exterior of the coil.

Abstract: In order to measure, for example, the radius of curvature of a soft contact lens, the lens is mounted in a bath of the electrolyte and supported at its periphery on a tubular support. A probe movable along an axis has two electrodes mounted on it and the resistance or impedance between those electrodes and the mount is monitored; when the difference in these resistances or impedances equals a predetermined value, the probe is taken as being a predetermined distance from the lens and the position of the probe relative to the mount is measured by a transducer arrangement. The output from the transducer is converted to digital form and used to address a read-only-memory in which are stored values correlating the position of the probe along the axis with the radius of curvature of the lens.