Abstract: An electromagnetic geological metrology system comprises: (a) a transmitter arrangement for generating outbound radiation towards a geological formation; (b) a receiver arrangement for receiving reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected from the geological formation and generating corresponding one or more received signals; and (c) a data processing arrangement for processing the one or more received signals, The system is distinguished in that: (d) the transmitter arrangement includes an antenna arrangement coupled via a switching arrangement to an energy storage arrangement; and (e) the switching arrangement is operable to discharge energy stored in the energy storage arrangement for generating the outbound radiation.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for isolating faults in a software program by providing at least two code paths that are capable of performing the same operation. When a fault occurs while the one of the code paths is being used to perform an operation, data that indicates the circumstances under which the fault occurred is stored. For example, a fault-recording mechanism may store data that indicates the entities that were involved in the failed operation. Because they were involved in an operation that experienced a fault, one or more of those entities may be “quarantined”. When subsequent requests arrive to perform the operation, a check may be performed to determine whether the requested operation involves any of the quarantined entities. If the requested operation involves a quarantined entity, a different code path is used to perform the operation, rather than the code path from which the entity is quarantined.

Abstract: A system and method is described that accesses a network persistent memory unit (nPMU). One embodiment comprises a primary region corresponding to a predefined portion of a primary network persistent memory unit (nPMU) communicatively coupled to at least one client processor node via a communication system, wherein the primary region is assigned to a client process running on the client processor node and is configured to store information received from the client process; and a mirror region corresponding to a predefined portion of a mirror nPMU communicatively coupled to the client processor node via the communication system, wherein the mirror region is assigned to the client process and is configured to store the information received from the client process.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for using an intermediate cache between the shared cache of a database server and the non-volatile storage of a storage system. The intermediate cache may be local to the machine upon which the database server is executing, or may be implemented within the storage system. In one embodiment, the database system includes both a DB server-side intermediate cache, and a storage-side intermediate cache. The caching policies used to populate the intermediate cache are intelligent, taking into account factors that may include which database object an item belongs to, the item type of the item, a characteristic of the item; or the database operation in which the item is involved.

Abstract: An improved approach is described for implementing transformations of data records in high concurrency environments. Each transformation is performed in parallel at the source when the data record is first generated. According to one approach for data integrity validation, record generators compute an integrity checksum for a newly generated record before copying into a data unit in shared memory. Subsequent generators may aggregate integrity checksums for data records into checksums for data units incrementally. This approach achieves end-to-end protection of data records against corruption using an efficient method of maintaining verifiable data integrity. In another approach, compression and encryption data transformations may be performed by themselves, or in combination with an integrity checksum transformation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic geological metrology system comprises: (a) a transmitter arrangement for generating outbound radiation towards a geological formation; (b) a receiver arrangement for receiving reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected from the geological formation and generating corresponding one or more received signals; and (c) a data processing arrangement for processing the one or more received signals, The system is distinguished in that: (d) the transmitter arrangement includes an antenna arrangement coupled via a switching arrangement to an energy storage arrangement; and (e) the switching arrangement is operable to discharge energy stored in the energy storage arrangement for generating the outbound radiation.

Abstract: A decal organization tool for products needing large numbers of decals utilizes a single large sheet on which all product decals for a specific product or product model are carried. The invention includes a means by which the previously unavoidable irregular margins surrounding the decals are effectively hidden from the eye and allows large sheet printing of decals with an aesthetically satisfactory overall appearance. An irregularly zone is added to the edge of each decal, and along with an ultraviolet responsive additive placed in the decal adhesive, allows the decal to form an indelible footprint on the product to which it is applied. The footprint, invisible to the eye, becomes visible under ultraviolet light, allowing identification of a specific decal and proof of its application to a product, even when the decal is no longer on the product.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring an electric overhead line, which device is constituted by an independently operating real time multisensor for mounting in a position on a span of the overhead line. The device has a built-in transmitter for transmitting sensor signals to a remote central, and comprises a laser range finder for measuring distance to the ground beneath the overhead line, as well as a camera for visual inspection of the line and its surroundings.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring an electric overhead line, which device is constituted by an independently operating real time multisensor for mounting in a position on a span of the overhead line. The device has a built-in transmitter for transmitting sensor signals to a remote central, and comprises a laser range finder for measuring distance to the ground beneath the overhead line, as well as a camera for visual inspection of the line and its surroundings. Further, there is provided a system for maintaining the operation of a power line network, based on remote-controlled shut-off of switches installed in special appliances, particularly electric hot water tanks, at the premises of small consumers/private households.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production in an existing process plant for converting natural gas into a product, where the natural gas is first converted to a synthesis gas in a synthesis gas section, the synthesis gas is brought to reaction in a reactor for synthesis of the product, where non-converted synthesis gas and product are separated into two streams, where a product-rich stream is taken off the process, while a product-poor stream is re-circulated back as feed to the reactor together with fresh synthesis gas, and where part of the re-circulating stream is taken off the re-circulation loop as a purge gas, where the purge gas is separated into hydrogen-rich and hydrogen-poor streams, where hydrogen-rich streams are introduced in stages of the process where addition of hydrogen is desirable, and where the residual thermal value of the hydrogen-poor stream may be used for heating prior to the stream being discharged, wherein the synthesis gas from the synthesis gas section receives a hydrogen-rich stream f

Abstract: A system and method is described that accesses a network persistent memory unit (nPMU). One embodiment comprises a primary region corresponding to a predefined portion of a primary network persistent memory unit (nPMU) communicatively coupled to at least one client processor node via a communication system, wherein the primary region is assigned to a client process running on the client processor node and is configured to store information received from the client process; and a mirror region corresponding to a predefined portion of a mirror nPMU communicatively coupled to the client processor node via the communication system, wherein the mirror region is assigned to the client process and is configured to store the information received from the client process.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, transaction processing systems comprise non-disk persistent memory that is utilized to checkpoint during transaction commitment.

Abstract: A composite package structure having a paperboard cover and thermoformable inner tray is provided with a cut-out in the cover that exposes the transparent tray underneath, making the article inside and any graphics on it visible from the exterior. The package includes a spine so that it can fold like a book. The tray is provided with a pair of notches that provide relief from the stretching of the paperboard at the ends of the spine when the package is closed. The polymeric tray is preferably not glued or attached to the paperboard cover in the location of the spine so that the spine may buckle.

Abstract: A system is described that includes a network interface attached to a persistent memory unit. The persistent memory unit is configured to receive checkpoint data from a primary process, and to provide access to the checkpoint data for use in a backup process, which provides recovery capability in the event of a failure of the primary process. The network interface is configured to provide address translation information between virtual and physical addresses in the persistent memory unit. In other embodiments, the persistent memory unit is capable of storing multiple updates to the checkpoint state. The checkpoint state and the updates to the checkpoint state, if any, can be retrieved by the backup process periodically, or all at once upon failure of the primary process.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for production of a CO2-rich gas stream and a H2-rich gas stream, the method comprising the following steps: a) natural gas and water are fed to a reforming reactor and are converted to synthesis gas under supply of a O2-containing gas: b) the gas stream from a) is shifted, whereby the content of CO is reduced and the amounts of CO2 and H2 are increased by reaction of H2O; c) the gas stream from b) is separated in a separation unit into a CO2-rich and a H2-rich gas stream, respectively. The invention also concerns the use of a CO2-rich gas stream for injection into marine formations, and the use of a H2-rich gas stream for hydrogenation, as a source of energy/fuel in fuel cells or for production of electricity.

Abstract: A decal organization tool for products needing large numbers of decals utilizes a single large sheet on which all product decals for a specific product or product model are carried. The invention includes a means by which the previously unavoidable irregular margins surrounding the decals are effectively hidden from the eye and allows large sheet printing of decals with an aesthetically satisfactory overall appearance. An irregularly zone is added to the edge of each decal, and along with an ultraviolet responsive additive placed in the decal adhesive, allows the decal to form an indelible footprint on the product to which it is applied. The footprint, invisible to the eye, becomes visible under ultraviolet light, allowing identification of a specific decal and proof of its application to a product, even when the decal is no longer on the product.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production in an existing process plant for converting natural gas into a product, where the natural gas is first converted to a synthesis gas in a synthesis gas section, the synthesis gas is brought to reaction in a reactor for synthesis of the product, where non-converted synthesis gas and product are separated into two streams, where a product-rich stream is taken off the process, while a product-poor stream is re-circulated back as feed to the reactor together with fresh synthesis gas, and where part of the re-circulating stream is taken off the re-circulation loop as a purge gas, where the purge gas is separated into hydrogen-rich and hydrogen-poor streams, where hydrogen-rich streams are introduced in stages of the process where addition of hydrogen is desirable, and where the residual thermal value of the hydrogen-poor stream may be used for heating prior to the stream being discharged, wherein the synthesis gas from the synthesis gas section receives a hydrogen-rich stream f

Abstract: In order to remove snow and ice from an overhead line (1), an operatively controllable electromechanical vibrator (5) is attached semi-permanently on a line section between pylons. Preferably, a snow/ice sensor (8) is arranged close by the vibrator (5), and the vibrator is preferably driven from a current transformer (4) mounted close by for inductive tapping of power from the line (1) itself. Preferably, the operation is controlled by means of a control unit (7).

Abstract: A method is described for conversion of natural gas or other fossil fuels to higher hydrocarbons, comprising the following steps: a) reaction of natural gas with steam and oxygenic gas in at least one reforming zone in order to produce a synthesis gas consisting primarily of hydrogen and CO, in addition to some carbon dioxide; b) passing said synthesis gas to a Fisher-Tropsch reactor in order to produce a crude synthesis stream consisting of lower hydrocarbons, water and non-converted synthesis gas; c) separation of said crude synthesis stream in a recovery zone, into a crude product stream mainly containing heavier hydrocarbons, a water stream and a tail gas stream mainly containing the remaining constituents; which is charaterized in that the method also comprises the following steps; d) stream reformation of at least part of the tail gas in a separate steam reformer; e) introduction of the reformed tail gas into the gas stream before this is led into the Fischer-Tropsch reactor.

Abstract: A method is described for conversion of natural gas or other fossil fuels to higher hydrocarbons, comprising the following steps: a) reaction of natural gas with steam and oxygenic gas in at least one reforming zone in order to produce a synthesis gas consisting primarily of H2 and CO, in addition to some CO2; b) passing said synthesis gas to a Fisher-Tropsch reactor in order to produce a crude synthesis stream consisting of lower hydrocarbons, water and non-converted synthesis gas; c) separation of said crude synthesis stream in a recovery zone, into a crude product stream mainly containing heavier hydrocarbons, a water stream and a tail gas stream mainly containing the remaining constituents; which is charaterised in that the method also comprises the following steps; d) stream reformation of at least part of the tail gas in a separate steam reformer. e) introduction of the reformed tail gas into the gas stream before this is led into the Fischer-Tropsch reactor.