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 hygienic article having a first member (12) connected to a second member (18) to form a tooth brush. A protective cover member (52) is attached to the second member (18) to allow storage within a pocket or purse.

Abstract: A spinner apparatus for the adornment of a wheel on a roller skate. The spinner apparatus includes a cone, a first disc and a second disc. The cone is connected to the wheel and connected to the first disc by locating a lip on its periphery in groove on the periphery of the first disc. Radial openings that extend from an axial opening in the first disc to define a first plurality of spokes while radial openings extend from an axial projection in the second disc define a corresponding second plurality of spokes therein. The axial opening receives the axial projection to position the second disc adjacent the first disc. The first disc rotates with the wheel while the second disc independently rotates such that the first and second spokes interrupt the transmission of light to provide an illusion that the wheel is rotating faster than is actually occurring.

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.

Abstract: An irrigation system for selectively providing water to various plants in a relative same area with different rates of application of water. The system has a first valve for connecting a water supply with a tube in a edging. The edging has vertical web with a flange for locating the tube in a fixed position within the area with respect to various plants. A plurality of second control valves are located on the tube in a plane tangent to the web such that a first end cap on each of the control valves is below an apex of the tube. Each second valve is characterized by a body having a first projection that extends into the tube. The body has a stepped axial bore that extends into the first projection to meet a cross bore for communicating water presented to the tube into the stepped axial bore. The stepped axial bore is connected to an outlet port in a first end cap by an internal port.