Abstract: An integrity monitoring system for a lined pipeline is provided far monitoring the integrity of a polymer liner in a host pipe. Methods and apparatus are described by which a lined pipeline is provided with such an integrity monitoring system. Sensor cable is able to bridge a joint between sections at lined pipe, for example by routing the sensor cable across the joint via a channel in an electrofusion fitting or by connecting successive lengths of sensor cable via pass-throughs in an electrofusion fitting. Advantageously, the sensor cable is disposed within a continuous annulus between linings and host pipes, and the continuous annulus is maintained across pipe joints using electrofusion fittings.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable the integrity of a liner pipe to be quickly and effectively tested in the field, while permitting rapid removal and replacement of the liner pipe if it is compromised. The liner pipe is leak tested prior to reversion, after being pulled through a host pipe to be lined via a swaging die and while the liner pipe is still under tension. If the liner pipe exhibits a leak, it can be removed from the liner pipe immediately and, importantly, before it has expanded to contact the host pipe. Leak testing apparatus includes a packer, which seals the opposite end of the liner pipe from the end which is pulled, creating a contained fluid volume upon which the leak test is performed. The leak test may be a pressure test or a vacuum test or any other suitable test.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to electrofusion fitting methods that allow for continuity and repeatability of welds between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe). An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, however prior to the weld step taking place the electrofusion fitting is heated and expands accordingly to ensure contact with the pipe lining. Preheating the electrofusion fitting also provides a predetermined starting temperature for the fitting and the lining which results in improved fusion cycle reliability. Furthermore, the need for clamps or support frames to support the electrofusion fitting in situ is removed, with corresponding reductions in cycle times, complexity, and hence cost.

Abstract: In order to reduce or remove the potential risk of heat damage in the absence of cooling jackets when joining lined pipe sections, each lined pipe section is provided with an insulatory sleeve which is disposed between the host pipe and the respective liner. The sleeves provide discrete thermal protection to the ends of the liners and, where applicable, electrofusion welds between an electrofusion fitting and the liners. The sleeves are first located in the ends of the host pipes which are then lined by drawing the liners through the host pipes via a reduction die to reduce their external diameter. The liners are then reverted towards their original dimensions resulting in a tight fitting against the internal surface of the host pipes and of the insulatory sleeves thereby compressing the insulation material.

Abstract: A method lays lined pipeline which actively and successfully removes air pockets which night be trapped in the annulus between the liner and the host pipe by progressively flooding the lined pipeline. Further, the liner is brought into closer contact and engagement with the host pipe. The removal of air in the annulus enables the pipeline test pressure to stabilize more quickly and avoids the risk of potential collapse during operational service life in the event the pipeline pressures fluctuate or a vacuum is created during an emergency shutdown.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-layer adhesive for reducing squeeze out. The multi-layer adhesive comprises a first adhesive layer having a first adhesive property and a second adhesive layer having a second adhesive property. The second adhesive property is different from the first adhesive property. The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer form a film adhesive. In another embodiment, there is provided a structure comprising a first component and a second component bonded with the multi-layer adhesive.

Abstract: Improvements to electrofusion fittings that enable the integrity of a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe) to be tested in the field, and corresponding methods of installation and testing. An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, and a channel provides fluid access to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to allow leak testing to be performed. The channel may be provided through the fitting itself, or alternatively through the pipe lining. Methods of fabricating or laying pipeline may incorporate use of the improved fitting whether using length-by-length construction methods or joining subsequent reel-laid or towed-in pipe lengths.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to electrofusion fitting methods that allow for continuity and repeatability of welds between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe). An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, however prior to the weld step taking place the electrofusion fitting is heated and expands accordingly to ensure contact with the pipe lining. Preheating the electrofusion fitting also provides a predetermined starting temperature for the fitting and the lining which results in improved fusion cycle reliability. Furthermore, the need for clamps or support frames to support the electrofusion fitting in situ is removed, with corresponding reductions in cycle times, complexity, and hence cost.

Abstract: Sub-aperture control is provided for high intensity focused ultrasound. Test transmissions are made sequentially from different sub-apertures. The tissue response at the focal regions is determined and used to select sub-apertures. For example, one or more sub-apertures are not used where temperature does not rise above certain threshold or tissue displacement is weak, such as associated with intervening bone or attenuating tissue. Other factors may be used instead or in addition to tissue response at the focal region. Relative proximity of the sub-apertures to a lesion, angular distribution of the sub-apertures, shape or size of the sub-aperture focal regions as compared to the tissue to be treated, or combinations thereof may be used. Once selected, the relative weight for each sub-aperture may be adjusted based on measured tissue response for each sub-aperture, such as to provide more equal treatment contribution from different sub-apertures.

Abstract: Improvements to electrofusion fittings that enable the integrity of a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe) to be tested in the field, and corresponding methods of installation and testing. An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, and a channel provides fluid access to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to allow leak testing to be performed. The channel may be provided through the fitting itself, or alternatively through the pipe lining. Methods of fabricating or laying pipeline may incorporate use of the improved fitting whether using length-by-length construction methods or joining subsequent reel-laid or towed-in pipe lengths.

Abstract: Sub-aperture control is provided for high intensity focused ultrasound. Test transmissions are made sequentially from different sub-apertures. The tissue response at the focal regions is determined and used to select sub-apertures. For example, one or more sub-apertures are not used where temperature does not rise above certain threshold or tissue displacement is weak, such as associated with intervening bone or attenuating tissue. Other factors may be used instead or in addition to tissue response at the focal region. Relative proximity of the sub-apertures to a lesion, angular distribution of the sub-apertures, shape or size of the sub-aperture focal regions as compared to the tissue to be treated, or combinations thereof may be used. Once selected, the relative weight for each sub-aperture may be adjusted based on measured tissue response for each sub-aperture, such as to provide more equal treatment contribution from different sub-apertures.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and oligonucleotide primers for assaying Brassica napus plants for the presence or absence of mutations that confer resistance to imidazolinone herbicides. Specifically, the methods and primers of the invention are useful for detecting the PM1 mutation of the B. napus AHAS1 gene and the PM2 mutation of the B. napus AHAS3 gene.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments allow telephony services of different types to be provided by a telephone company at a service platform for telephone calls received at a local telephone exchange belonging to the telephone company, but which does not itself support services those different types of services. Additional embodiments allow for disabling a subscriber-configurability feature for a service of a first service type on the local exchange so as to prevent or inhibit a subscriber from configuring a setting which may interfere with services provided on the service platform.

Abstract: Sub-aperture control is provided for high intensity focused ultrasound. Test transmissions are made sequentially from different sub-apertures. The tissue response at the focal regions is determined and used to select sub-apertures. For example, one or more sub-apertures are not used where temperature does not rise above certain threshold or tissue displacement is weak, such as associated with intervening bone or attenuating tissue. Other factors may be used instead or in addition to tissue response at the focal region. Relative proximity of the sub-apertures to a lesion, angular distribution of the sub-apertures, shape or size of the sub-aperture focal regions as compared to the tissue to be treated, or combinations thereof may be used. Once selected, the relative weight for each sub-aperture may be adjusted based on measured tissue response for each sub-aperture, such as to provide more equal treatment contribution from different sub-apertures.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and oligonucleotide primers for assaying Brassica napus plants for the presence or absence of mutations that confer resistance to imidazolinone herbicides. Specifically, the methods and primers of the invention are useful for detecting the PM1 mutation of the B. napus AHAS1 gene and the PM2 mutation of the B. napus AHAS3 gene.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments allow telephony services of different types to be provided by a telephone company at a service platform for telephone calls received at a local telephone exchange belonging to the telephone company, but which does not itself support services those different types of services. Additional embodiments allow for disabling a subscriber-configurability feature for a service of a first service type on the local exchange so as to prevent or inhibit a subscriber from configuring a setting which may interfere with services provided on the service platform.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a multi-layer adhesive for reducing squeeze out. The multi-layer adhesive comprises a first adhesive layer having a first adhesive property and a second adhesive layer having a second adhesive property. The second adhesive property is different from the first adhesive property. The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer form a film adhesive. In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a structure comprising a first component and a second component bonded with the multi-layer adhesive of the disclosed embodiments.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and oligonucleotide primers for assaying Brassica napus plants for the presence or absence of mutations that confer resistance to imidazolinone herbicides. Specifically, the methods and primers of the invention are useful for detecting the PM1 mutation of the B. napus AHAS1 gene and the PM2 mutation of the B. napus AHAS3 gene.

Abstract: Endocavity and invasive catheter transducers for four-dimensional or other imaging are provided. A two-dimensional or other multi-dimensional array of elements is connected with a minimum number of conductors to an imaging system. One or more conductors are used to select an aperture, such as selecting one or more rows of elements for activation. Along a different axis, such as an orthogonal axis, elements are used to image a planar region. By electronically switching the selected aperture, different planes are rapidly imaged. A matrix configuration of electrodes, such as using column electrodes for phased array imaging and row electrodes for selecting an elevation aperture allows for rapid acquisition of ultrasound data.

Abstract: A COMM Addin for Microsoft outlook, the COMM Addin adding a plurality of menu buttons to at least one page of Microsoft outlook viewable on a users screen, the menu buttons operable by the user, such that when the user receives a mail item in the users inbox operation of one button enables the user to reply to the mail item, forward the mail item, or create a new item entry and the mail item is respectively copied to the reply, forwarded message or new item entry, and further wherein the mail item is removed from the inbox.