Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocarbon conversion processes, to equipment useful in such processes, to the products of such hydrocarbon conversion processes and the use thereof, and to the use of energy derived from such processes.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for regenerating an exhaust gas recirculation cooler. One example method includes, initiating an EGR cooler regeneration mode, wherein the EGR cooler regeneration mode comprises changing a fuel distribution of a donor cylinder group relative to a non-donor cylinder group of an engine, and increasing at least one of engine speed or load of the engine.

Abstract: An encapsulant composition has a silica containing inorganic-organic nano-hybrid matrix, particles of refractory ceramics suspended in the inorganic-organic nano-hybrid matrix, and, optionally, glass or ceramic fibres. The encapsulant may also contain ceramic coated metallic particles, and in some embodiments, a solvent or binder.

Abstract: A turbine unit (11) adapted to be placed in a flowing fluid. The turbine unit (11) comprises a first turbine set (13) and a second turbine set (15) mounted within a passage (21) of a housing (19). The first turbine blade set (13) and a second turbine blade set (15) are set in opposed relation such that in operation a region between the two turbine blade sets (13, 15) has a lower pressure than the fluid pressure at an opening of the passage (21). The turbine unit (11) being used to generate power. The turbine units (FIGS. 8 to 11) can be abutted with each other such that they define a passage and each turbine unit comprises a driving turbine blade set before fluid passes to a pumping turbine blade set.

Abstract: This invention relates to a current limiter comprising a first circuit portion arranged in parallel with a second circuit portion, the first circuit portion comprising a superconductor element arranged in series with a switching arrangement, the second circuit portion comprising a load element, the superconductor element being disposed within a cooling chamber, and the cooling chamber and the switch being disposed within a vacuum chamber, wherein the switching arrangement comprises: a mechanical actuator which is operable between a closed condition in which current is conducted through the first circuit portion and an open condition in which current is diverted from the first circuit portion through the second circuit portion and a controller for monitoring and operating the switch.

Abstract: Flavored dairy beverages having stabilizing systems and methods of making the flavored dairy beverages are disclosed herein. The flavored dairy beverages can have a reduced amount of sugar and be shelf-stable and aseptic. In a general embodiment, the dairy beverages comprise milk, a flavoring component, and a stabilizing system comprising a cellulose and carrageenan. The weight ratio of the cellulose to the carrageenan ranges from about 17:1 to about 1.5:1.

Abstract: A buffing apparatus has a shaft assembly connectable to a drill or other stationary motorized buffer/polisher. A stator is fixedly mounted on the shaft and a rotor is rotatably mounted on the shaft, and each of the stator and rotor includes a respective hub and two or more arms extending radially from the respective hub, and each of the two or more arms defines a hole. A pad having first and second holes is mounted on the shaft with an arm of the stator extending through a first hole of the pad and an arm of the rotor extending through a second hole of the pad. The pads are secured in place with a connector extending through the hole of an arm of the stator and through a hole of an arm of the rotor so that the pads are sandwiched between the shaft assembly and the connectors.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for enhanced ringing features on communications terminals. Flexible user-established rules, customized in a subscriber profile database, enable the ring-tone to vary based on caller-id, caller priority, call-urgency (as determined by caller), call context and so forth. Call set-up logic applies the profile rules prior to completing the call set-up. “Buzz-tones” extend the basic distinctive ringing feature to the “silent” mode that is currently available on cell-phones, which is of particular utility to subscribers with hearing disabilities. Other kinds of alerts (audio/motion/visual) like flashing colors on a display, moving pictures and the like, and any combination of notification modes, are contemplated by alternative embodiments.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method and system for monetizing energy. More specifically, the invention is directed to the economically efficient utilization of remote or stranded natural gas resources. The invention includes importing a high energy density material into an energy market and distributing the high energy density material (HEDM) therein. The HEDM is produced from reduction of a material oxide such as boria into the HEDM, which may be boron. The reduction utilizes remote hydrocarbon resources such as stranded natural gas resources.

Abstract: A method of generating a cut-out from an image of a scene which has been captured by a camera is described.

Abstract: A method of controlling the movement of a virtual camera whose image plane provides a cut-out from a captured image of a scene is disclosed. The method comprises: defining a set of first pixel positions forming the boundary of the cut-out of the captured image; defining a set of second pixel positions for the boundary of the captured image; calculating a virtual camera rotation matrix to be applied to the first pixel positions, the virtual camera rotation matrix representative of the difference in at least one of the yaw and pitch of the image plane of the virtual camera and the image plane of the captured image of the scene, wherein the virtual camera rotation matrix is limited such that when one of the set of first pixel positions is transformed using the virtual camera rotation matrix, the transformed first pixel position is located within the boundary of the captured image.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing the retention of a scale inhibitor within a hydrocarbon producing system, including the steps of: (i) pre-flushing said system with a liquid; (ii) treating said system with a scale inhibitor; and (iii) over-flushing said system with a composition comprising an ionic polymer and a liquid carrier, wherein the concentration of said ionic polymer in said composition is 5 to 50% wt.

Abstract: A recoil mechanism for an auto-loading firearm, having a gas-operated action bar assembly. One or more compression springs are used, mounted on associated retaining rods contained in a stationary orientation on the firearm. The springs are linked to the firearm's gas system at one end, and bear against stops affixed to ends of the spring retaining rods. The entire mechanism is contained within a forward grip mounted on the firearm, the grip optionally being provided with mounting rails.

Abstract: A connectorized wireless node used to distribute power and control devices in a system. The connectorized wireless node includes a housing, power control circuitry and wireless control circuitry. The power control circuitry is provided in the housing and distributes power to the devices. The wireless control circuitry is provided in the housing and receives wireless signals which contain control information. The wireless control circuitry cooperates with the power control circuitry to control the devices within a system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to processes for upgrading heavy hydrocarbon oils such as heavy crude oils, atmospheric residuum, vacuum residuum, heavy oils from catalytic treatment, heavy cycle oils from fluid catalytic cracking, thermal tars, as oils from visbreaking, oils from oil sands, bitumen, deasphlter rock, and heavy oils derived from coal. The process utilizes a utility fluid including recycled liquid hydroprocessed product containing a significant amount of single or multi-ring aromatics. Unlike conventional fixed bed resid hydroprocessing, the process can be operated at temperatures pressures and reactor conditions that favor the desired hydrocracking reactions over aromatics hydrogenation reduce the coking tendencies of heavy hydrocarbon oils.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of compensating for crystal frequency variation over temperature. An example method includes obtaining an indication of temperature, computing a temperature compensation value based on the indication of temperature and a piecewise linear temperature compensation approximation, and compensating for a temperature offset in a crystal reference signal by adjusting a division ratio of a fractional divider in a phase-locked loop. The piecewise linear temperature compensation approximation can represent an approximation of frequency error in a crystal reference signal originating from a crystal over temperature. The piecewise linear temperature compensation approximation can be, for example, a linear approximation, a quadratic approximation, or a cubic approximation.

Abstract: Various methods for and embodiments of an aftertreatment system which includes a catalyst disposed upstream of a particulate filter are provided. In one example, the method includes, conducting soot regeneration of the particulate filter under a selected operating condition, and determining whether a soot regeneration frequency of the particulate filter is greater than a threshold frequency. The method further includes initiating a sulfur regeneration of the aftertreatment system based on the soot regeneration frequency of the particulate filter being greater than the threshold frequency, determining whether the soot regeneration frequency of the particulate filter is less than the threshold frequency after the sulfur regeneration, and conducting non-regeneration operation of the aftertreatment system based on the soot regeneration frequency of the particulate filter being less than the threshold frequency after the sulfur regeneration of the aftertreatment system.

Abstract: A containment system to safely store a waste scoop includes: an outer receptacle including a bottom surface, at least one side wall, an opening and a first coupling element; an inner receptacle including a bottom surface and at least one side wall housed within the outer receptacle and including an opening, wherein the inner receptacle is removable from the outer receptacle via the opening of the outer receptacle; a scoop assembly including a scoop, a handle, and a lid, wherein the scoop is housed within the inner receptacle and is removable from the inner receptacle via the opening of the inner receptacle; a compartment including a second coupling element for connecting the compartment to the outer receptacle via the first and second coupling elements; and a third and fourth coupling element to secure a planar surface of the lid to cover the opening of the outer receptacle.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrocarbon tar. The tar has 75 wt % or more of aromatics of 10 carbons to 75 carbons based on the total weight of the tar. The aromatics exhibit 40% to 80% aromaticity. The tar has a boiling point of from 300° F. to 1350° F. There is also a fuel oil composition having the tar therein. There are also processes for making the hydrocarbon tar.

Abstract: A reverse flow regenerative reactor having first and second zones, each having first and second ends, the first zone having a plurality of channels capable of separately conveying at least two components of a combustible gas mixture, a gas distributor configured for injecting the components of the combustible gas mixture into first zone, a combustion zone including a selective combustion catalyst disposed at or downstream of the second end of said channels for catalyzing combustion, wherein the second zone is positioned and situated to receive a combusted gas mixture. Processes usefully conducted in the reactor are also disclosed.