Abstract: The intention of this invention, a nasal dilator, is disclosed for internal positioning within each single nostril, providing an unobstructed through air passage, between the Maxilla and the exterior septal cartilage. An open framework is disclosed for positioning internally within and dilating both nostrils together, and is constructed as two connected elongated loops, having two posterior ends extending beyond the bone structure, or, Maxilla, and two anterior ends, connected by the convex handle. Since every nostril is sensitive, and has unique dimensions, even on the same person, and the septum can be wider or narrower, the device material is flexible, but upon squeezing or expanding the posterior ends of the elongated loop ends or of the connecting member-convex handle, by finger pressure, the device will retain an altered flexible shape, to increase or decrease the nasal openings for comfort, as desired.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for degrading polymer systems. These compositions and methods can be used to effectively degrade a range of polymers commonly used in oil and gas operations, including polymers with carbon-carbon backbones such as polyacrylamides. Further, these compositions and methods can simultaneously degrade other organic molecules and pollutants associated with oil and gas operations. The compositions and methods described herein employ reactants that are more environmentally-friendly than conventional methods and components used in, for example, polymer breaking processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for degrading polymer systems. These compositions and methods can be used to effectively degrade a range of polymers commonly used in oil and gas operations, including polymers with carbon-carbon backbones such as polyacrylamides. Further, these compositions and methods can simultaneously degrade other organic molecules and pollutants associated with oil and gas operations. The compositions and methods described herein employ reactants that are more environmentally-friendly than conventional methods and components used in, for example, polymer breaking processes.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for treating and/or monitoring a patient with a prematurely dilated cervix during pregnancy or a patient with a history of a prematurely dilated cervix in a previous pregnancy. The systems, devices, and methods described herein further provide monitoring of the status of a cervix by, for example, sensing a change associated with the cervix of a patient. The systems, devices, and methods described herein are configured to either partially or completely encircle the cervix of a patient and constrict the encircled cervix. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein comprise a first and a second coupler that reversibly couple together so that these embodiments are configured to be manually placed (i.e. the couplers are coupled together) and then either removed or adjusted by a healthcare provider (i.e. the couplers are decoupled from each other).

Abstract: A directionally adjustable mounting device is disclosed for use with a small electronic device such as a wireless camera. Also disclosed is a method of using the mounting device. The mounting device has a mounting rod extending from a rotatable bearing. The hearing is biased into frictional contact with a socket by a spring to inhibit movement of the camera relative to the mount housing. The mount is configured to receive an opposing force on the bearing to overcome the spring force and allow the electronic device to be repositioned.

Abstract: A directionally adjustable mounting device is disclosed for use with a small electronic device such as a wireless camera. Also disclosed is a method of using the mounting device. The mounting device has a mounting rod extending from a rotatable bearing. The hearing is biased into frictional contact with a socket by a spring to inhibit movement of the camera relative to the mount housing. The mount is configured to receive an opposing force on the bearing to overcome the spring force and allow the electronic device to be repositioned.

Abstract: A system for the removal of material from a roadbed includes a movable vehicle equipped with a cutting plate having a cutting edge for scraping material from the roadbed to thereby form debris material. A first conveyor system for conveying the debris material away from the cutting edge is placed above the cutting plate and delivers the debris material to a second conveyor system which deposits the debris material laterally from a distal end of the second conveyor to a location remote from the movable vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle tire cleaning system comprises a support grate, configured to enable positioning of a tire of a vehicle thereupon. The support grate is capable of supporting a load of the tire thereupon while the tire is mounted to the vehicle. A plurality of openings is formed in the support grate. A carrier is moveable with respect to the support grate. A plurality of abrading elements is coupled to the carrier and each is extendable through the openings. The abrading elements are operable to abrade the tire supported by the support grate as the tire and the abrading elements move relative to each another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the effective of advertising resource in a particular media channel such that one can determine where best to advertise their individual products for their business.

Abstract: A pressure differential-driven engine comprises an outer pressurizable enclosure and an actuator enclosure, disposed within the outer enclosure. An actuator is disposed within the actuator enclosure and a portion of the actuator and the actuator enclosure cooperatively define a pressurizable cavity cyclable between a first, high pressure state, and a second, low pressure state. The actuator and actuator enclosure are collectively restrained by at least one rail to linear, slidable motion within the outer enclosure. The engine is operable to output usable energy as the pressurizable cavity cycles between the first and second pressure states.

Abstract: A pressure differential-driven engine comprises an outer pressurizable enclosure and an actuator enclosure, disposed within the outer enclosure. An actuator is disposed within the actuator enclosure and a portion of the actuator and the actuator enclosure cooperatively define a pressurizable cavity cyclable between a first, high pressure state, and a second, low pressure state. The actuator and actuator enclosure are collectively restrained by at least one rail to linear, slidable motion within the outer enclosure. The engine is operable to output usable energy as the pressurizable cavity cycles between the first and second pressure states.

Abstract: A pressure differential-driven engine (10) includes an outer pressurizable enclosure (12). A pressure barrier plate (14) is disposed within the outer pressurizable enclosure and an actuator enclosure (16) is disposed adjacent the pressure barrier plate and has an actuator (17) disposed therein. The actuator has a high pressure exposure surface (30) forming an oblique angle with respect to the pressure barrier plate. The pressure barrier plate, a bottom of the actuator, and the actuator enclosure cooperatively define a pressurizable cavity (34) cyclable between a first, high pressure state, and a second, low pressure state. The actuator and actuator enclosure are collectively slidable relative to the barrier plate in reaction to cycling of the pressurizable cavity between the first and second pressure states to produce usable translational energy.

Abstract: Zonal isolation of well bores is often desirable for performing downhole operations such as stimulation operations. In certain embodiments, diverter plugs for achieving zonal isolation in a casing string in a well bore may comprise a mandrel having a first end and a second end; a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel; and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel. In certain embodiments, systems for achieving zonal isolation of a casing string in a well bore may comprise a diverter plug comprising a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel, and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel; and a landing collar sized to mate with a portion of the sealing nose of the diverter plug. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A pressure differential-driven engine (10) includes an outer pressurizable enclosure (12). A pressure barrier plate (14) is disposed within the outer pressurizable enclosure and an actuator enclosure (16) is disposed adjacent the pressure barrier plate and has an actuator (17) disposed therein. The actuator has a high pressure exposure surface (30) forming an oblique angle with respect to the pressure barrier plate. The pressure barrier plate, a bottom of the actuator, and the actuator enclosure cooperatively define a pressurizable cavity (34) cyclable between a first, high pressure state, and a second, low pressure state. The actuator and actuator enclosure are collectively slidable relative to the barrier plate in reaction to cycling of the pressurizable cavity between the first and second pressure states to produce usable translational energy.

Abstract: A process for reduction of sulfur content in a hydrocarbon mixture, without considerable increase in gas production, comprising the introduction of a fraction of products obtained by the FCC process in a reaction zone of said unit. The cut must be introduced into the unit riser, in an area below the feed line of the heavy hydrocarbon streams to be cracked. Preferably, through one or more injection lines (5) placed near the point of gas injection line (3) entraining the catalyst in the riser (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the effective of advertising resource in a particular media channel such that one can determine where best to advertise their individual products for their business.

Abstract: A shelf stable dough or batter having a water activity no greater than about 0.85, a pH less than or equal to about 4.5 and the shelf-stable for at least three, preferably six months at ambient conditions. The shelf stability of the dough or batter is achieved without the use of special packaging, modified headspaces, and/or microbiologically effective amount of alcohols or polyols.