Abstract: A method of configuring a container model is described, the container model defining a relationship, for a particular type of container and/or contents, between characteristics of an acoustic response and an associated fill level. The method comprises the steps of detecting an acoustic response of a plurality of containers to an acoustic stimulus at a plurality of different times, for each container, obtaining a usage start time, determining a likely fill level for each acoustic response using the usage start time, and associating that acoustic response with the determined likely fill level, to form a set of test data, and computing a relationship between characteristics of an acoustic response and an associated fill level using the test data to generate the container model. In this way, the container model can be trained without a requirement for reference level measurements (or with a reduced need for reference level measurements).

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing light olefins are disclosed. A feedstock comprising crude oil is distilled to produce a plurality of streams including a naphtha stream and a vacuum residue stream. The naphtha is fed to a steam cracking unit to produce light olefins, C4 hydrocarbons, pyrolysis gasoline and pyrolysis oil. The vacuum residue stream is hydrocracked to produce additional naphtha and heavy unconverted oil. The heavy unconverted oil and the pyrolysis oil from steam cracking unit can be deasphalted to produce deasphalted oil and pitch product. The deasphalted oil can be further hydrocracked to produce naphtha. The pitch product can be gasified to produce synthesis gas, which is further used to produce methanol. The methanol can be used to react with isobutylene of the C4 hydrocarbon stream from steam cracker to produce methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing light olefins are disclosed. A feedstock comprising crude oil is distilled to produce a plurality of streams including a naphtha stream and a vacuum residue stream. The naphtha is fed to a steam cracking unit to produce light olefins, C4 hydrocarbons, pyrolysis gasoline and pyrolysis oil. The vacuum residue stream is hydrocracked to produce additional naphtha and heavy unconverted oil. The heavy unconverted oil and the pyrolysis oil from steam cracking unit can be deasphalted to produce deasphalted oil and pitch product. The deasphalted oil can be further hydrocracked to produce naphtha. The pitch product can be gasified to produce synthesis gas, which is further used to produce methanol. The methanol can be used to react with isobutylene of the C4 hydrocarbon stream from steam cracker to produce methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).

Abstract: In some implementations, state messages can be queued at a server device for transmission to a disconnected client device when the client device reconnects to the server device. To conserve resources, queued state messages can be consolidated, combined and/or deleted.

Abstract: In some implementations, state messages can be queued at a server device for transmission to a disconnected client device when the client device reconnects to the server device. To conserve resources, queued state messages can be consolidated, combined and/or deleted.

Abstract: A new swim flipper with a unique blade design is provided. The new swim flipper has a unique joint system portion positioned on the blade of the swim flipper. The new swim flipper will have a joint system portion that has a new combination of materials such as a solid core and a rubber covering that may flex about the joint. The swim flipper eases the pressure on bio-mechanical movement of the ankle, increases the amount of thrust produced by kicking movement of the user. The swim flipper allows the user to expend less energy in attempting to provide adequate thrust to propel the individual through water by using the joint system to adequately produce enough flexibility to propel the individual without excessive force being used.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for depositing a banding material on the interior substrate of a tubular device, and the products formed therefrom. The tubular device is, generally, of relatively small diameter and comprises at least one band deposited from a first composition on the interior substrate. When the tubular device is a tubular capacitor and the band is a plating mask, the tubular capacitor comprises at least two electrodes deposited on the substrate in the presence of a deposited plating mask and comprises at least one conductive layer, deposited from a first composition, on the substrate and separated by the plating mask.