Abstract: A decorative cover positionable about a flower pot is formed of a polymeric material or a laminated polymeric material. The decorative cover has a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof while exhibiting improved durability and decreased sensitivity to water, humidity and pressure when compared to a decorative cover formed of paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stiffening component (2) for monitoring the functionality of a structural adhesive layer (6) to be fabricated between the latter and another component (4). According to the invention, the area of the structural adhesive layer (6) incorporates a plurality of air openings and vacuum openings that intersperse the stiffening component (2) and structural adhesive layer (6), as well as a sensor block (28), and the air openings are interconnected by at least one air channel (32), and the vacuum openings by at least one vacuum channel (34), wherein the channels (32, 34) run in the sensor block (28), and at least one of the channels (32, 34) can be connected to an evaluator unit (38) to detect a failure of the structural adhesive layer (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing adhesive tape for sheathing of extended products, having two tape plies, having a carrier material with an adhesive coating. The carrier material being unwound from a feeding roll, the one tape ply with its adhesive coating being laminated against the other tape ply with a lateral projection (Ü1, Ü2) on at least one side. The carrier material is unwound from a feeding roll, which is configured as a wide roll, on which the carrier material has a greater width than its width required for laminating, and the carrier material is cut into two strips extending in along the tape which have the width required for laminating, the strips being separated and laminated such that each strip forms a tape ply in at least one adhesive tap.

Abstract: A tape dispenser includes a first arm, a second arm, a holder, a roller, a retaining device, a blade, spring(s) and one or more guides. The tape dispenser is positioned on a tape roll by positioning the holder on the inside of the tape roll and positioning the roller and retaining device on the outside of the tape roll. Tape is able to be pulled through the tape dispenser and then cut using the blade. After the tape is cut, the tape on the roll remains on the retaining device for easy access. The tape dispenser is also removable for use with many tape rolls.

Abstract: A medium support member includes a table having a top surface; an overlay placed on the top surface of the table, the overlay having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of through-holes; a spacer array provided between the top surface of the table and the bottom surface of the overlay to define a gap between the table and the overlay, and at least one vacuum passage communicating with said gap for creating an underpressure in the gap, wherein at least portions of the overlay and corresponding portions of the table are held together by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A method for bonding conductive materials by using composite adhesive made of carbon nanotubes and epoxy resin. Firstly, this composite adhesive is placed between the joining surfaces of the two conductive plates; thereafter an electric current enters from one conductive plate and passes through this composite adhesive, to the other conductive plate. As the electric current passes through the carbon nanotubes, Joule heating results in the overall temperature of the carbon nanotubes-epoxy composite adhesive increasing, leading to speedily joining and patching of the composite adhesive. This method reduces the electrical resistance of the adhesive material by providing a large area and shortening the path of the electric current, also, improving the homogeneity of the temperature of the adhesive and avoiding the positive feedback effect. The simple equipment of this method is not affected by the environment, and effectively reduces the resources and time needed to harden the epoxy resin.

Abstract: The using of carbon nanotubes to produce a thin film or buckypaper, hereafter referred to as carbon nanotube membrane, which is soaked with epoxy resin or a carbon nanotube-epoxy resin composite adhesive, and then placed between the joining edges of components, where after an electric current is passed through to heat up the carbon nanotube membrane. This leads to the curing temperature of the epoxy resin or carbon nanotube-epoxy resin composite adhesive, thereby hardening the epoxy resin or carbon nanotube-epoxy resin composite adhesive to achieve bonding. This invention utilizes simple equipment, and the method of an electric current passing through for heating, which can rapidly and uniformly heat the epoxy resin or carbon nanotube-epoxy resin composite adhesive, resulting in hardening and bonding. This method is not affected by the environment, and greatly reduces the time and resources required to harden the epoxy resin, and achieves a stronger effect additionally.

Abstract: A filter element, a particle filter, a method for marking a filter element, a method for producing a particle filter and the use of a filter element are described. With such methods and filter elements, individual filter elements can be securely adhered in a simple manner to form a filter. An identification means is applied to the end surfaces of each filter element for producing a particle filter, thus enabling the defined orientation of the filter elements for the adhesive process and preventing erroneous adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell electrode, and a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) using the same. The fuel cell electrode is formed by adding carbon nanotubes to reinforce the mechanical strength of the electrode, cerium-zirconium oxide particles to prevent corrosion of a polymer electrolyte membrane, and an alloy catalyst prepared by alloying a second metal (such as Ir, Pd, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni, Mn, Mo, Au, Ag, V, etc.) with platinum to prevent the dissolution, migration, and agglomeration of platinum.

Abstract: In an indirect process, acrylic adhesive is coated on a silicone liner. A soft rubber roller is employed between a reverse anilox cylinder and an anvil cylinder in a flexo print station to reduce shear hardening in the coating process and prevent or reduce shear hardening on the print rollers. Once the coated silicone liner passes the rollers, air knives are used to speed up the drying of the adhesive on the silicone liner before the coated liner is laminated to a face stock.

Abstract: A low-expanding adhesive composition comprising: a diisocyanate, a surfactant and an activator is provided. The provided adhesive composition cures upon exposure to water. The adhesive composition can be used to bond wood, metal, glass, ceramic, leather, acrylic, PVC and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a plasma processing device may include a dielectric window, a vacuum chamber, an energy source, and at least one air amplifier. The dielectric window may include a plasma exposed surface and an air exposed surface. The vacuum chamber and the plasma exposed surface of the dielectric window can cooperate to enclose a plasma processing gas. The energy source can transmit electromagnetic energy through the dielectric window and form an elevated temperature region in the dielectric window. The at least one air amplifier can be in fluid communication with the dielectric window. The at least one air amplifier can operate at a back pressure of at least about 1 in-H2O and can provide at least about 30 cfm of air.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing very low frequency line width roughness (LWR) is provided. A plasma processing chamber is provided, comprising a chamber wall, a substrate support, a pressure regulator, at least one antenna, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet. A gas source comprises an etchant gas source and a H2 treatment gas source. A controller comprises at least one processor and computer readable media, comprising computer readable code for treating a patterned organic mask, comprising computer readable code for flowing a treatment gas comprising H2, wherein the treatment gas has a flow rate and H2 has a flow rate that is at least 50% of the flow rate of the treatment gas, computer readable code for forming a plasma, and computer readable code for stopping the flow of the treatment gas, and computer readable code for etching the etch layer through the treated patterned organic mask.

Abstract: A plasma etching apparatus of an electrodeless system can uniformize a radical density, and improve the uniformity of etching. The plasma etching apparatus of the electrodeless system includes a decompression chamber, a gas supply mechanism, a dielectric window, a plasma generation unit, a stage on which a sample is placed, and a first RF power supply connected to the stage. The plasma etching apparatus further includes a gas introduction mechanism for supplying a second gas, and a second RF power supply for inputting a RF power that allows radicals to be generated in an outer periphery of the sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a plasma chamber design that allows extremely symmetrical electrical, thermal, and gas flow conductance through the chamber. By providing such symmetry, plasma formed within the chamber naturally has improved uniformity across the surface of a substrate disposed in a processing region of the chamber. Further, other chamber additions, such as providing the ability to manipulate the gap between upper and lower electrodes as well as between a gas inlet and a substrate being processed, allows better control of plasma processing and uniformity as compared to conventional systems.

Abstract: Provided is a plasma reactor for removal of contaminants, which is installed between a process chamber and a vacuum pump and removes contaminants emitted from a process chamber. The plasma reactor includes: at least one dielectric body that forms a plasma generation space therein; a ground electrode connected to at least one end of the dielectric body; and at least one driving electrode fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the dielectric body, and connected to an AC power supply unit to receive an AC driving voltage. The ground electrode has a non-uniform diameter along the lengthwise direction of the plasma reactor.

Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus that can adjust an induction magnetic field distribution of power feeding sections of an induction coil, correct a plasma distribution on a specimen, and apply uniform plasma processing to the specimen, the specimen is subjected to plasma processing, a dielectric window that forms the upper surface of the vacuum processing chamber, a gas lead-in section that leads gas into the vacuum processing chamber, a specimen table that is arranged in the vacuum processing chamber and on which the specimen is placed, an induction coil provided above the dielectric window, and a radio-frequency power supply that supplies radio-frequency power to the induction coil. The plasma processing apparatus includes a flat conductor arranged below the induction coil. The induction coil includes crossing power feeding sections. The conductor is arranged below the power feeding sections.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an absorbent body used for an absorbent article, includes molding the absorbent body by sucking in a gas, mixed with a liquid absorbent fiber and a superabsorbent polymer, using a suction hole at a bottom portion of a mold, and laminating the liquid absorbent fiber and the superabsorbent polymer on the bottom portion, and making a lamination thickness of the absorbent body thin by sucking out gas in the absorbent body placed on a placement surface on which the absorbent body is placed by, after the molding, in a state in which the gas is not supplied, sucking air through the suction hole on the placement surface, and creating an air pressure, in a space in between fibers in the absorbent body while sucking out the air, lower than that in a space in between fibers in the absorbent body while laminating in molding.

Abstract: A film storage unit is disposed vertically above a film transfer cylinder, and an unwinder device and a rewinder device are disposed vertically above the film storage unit. The unwinder device and rewinder device are vertically aligned with each other. With this arrangement, a large-diameter unwinding reel and a rewinding reel can be mounted in the unwinder device and rewinder device, respectively, from above a foil transfer unit. Also, given operation spaces can be ensured on the front and rear sides of the unwinder device and rewinder device.

Abstract: A cooling tower that concentrates solids is described, wherein the cooling tower employs a fill material and a set of louvers that are positioned adjacent to the fill material. The cooling tower also employs a buildup prevention system that is permanently affixed to the cooling tower. The build-up prevention system is positioned adjacent to the fill material and configured to reduce solid buildup on the fill material louvers in the set of louvers.

Abstract: A welding curtain comprises a substrate comprising a fire-resistant material and a number of magnets coupled to a portion of the substrate. A welding curtain comprises a substrate, a number of sliding mechanisms attached to at least a portion of an edge of the substrate, a track defining a groove within a front surface and comprising a back surface, and a number of magnets attached to the back surface of the track, in which the grooved front surface receives the sliding mechanisms, and in which the sliding devices, upon placement within the grooved front surface, slide along the length of the track.

Abstract: A mechanism for operating a dual shade covering a window with a single handle. The mechanism provides a first glide attached by a pulley system to the first shade of the dual shade, and a second glide attached by a pulley system to the second shade of the dual shade. The first glide and the second glide are slibably disposed within a track assembly, and a master glide is disposed in the track assembly between the first glide and the second glide. The master glide engages the first glide to lower the first shade, and is detached from the first glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate. The master glide engages the second glide to lower the second shade, and is detached from the second glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate.

Abstract: An energy-saving vertical or horizontal window blind offers two levels of light for any slat angle. Additionally, the blind cools the room when closed without creating glare when open. The blind slats rotate 360 degrees, and flip and rotate 180 degrees from any angle. The slats have two sides that are optically different. They are more reflective on one side, and less reflective on the other side. The 180 degree or 360 degree rotation takes place despite the blind slats overlapping each other. The overcoming of overlap is achieved by use of slats that are made of bendable and flexible material at the longitudinal edge, where they overlap. One side of the slats could have grooves running longitudinally along the axis of slats. These grooves can either have a reflective surface or be non-reflective.

Abstract: A blind slat controller with braking function for rotating and locating blind slats at a certain light obstruction angle. The blind slat controller includes and a base seat and a cord reel having a protruding push body. The push body serves to push a coiled spring to unbind or bind a hub section of the base seat, whereby the cord reel is permitted to rotate or is braked and prevented from rotating. When unbound, a slat control rod can be driven and rotated to control the rotational angle of the blind slats. After the blind slats are rotated to a predetermined light obstruction angle, the cord reel stops rotating. At this time, due to the coiled spring's own elasticity, the coiled spring is restored to again bind the hub section. Accordingly, the cord reel is prevented from rotating to locate the blind slats at the predetermined light obstruction angle.

Abstract: An automatic releasable top down shade system includes a header. A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to connect with the header. A shade with an upper section and a lower section is provided where the upper section of the shade is connected with both the header and the release mechanism and where the lower section is connected with the release mechanism. A lift cord supports the shade and the lift cord is also connected with the release mechanism such that the lift cord activates the release mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that selectively retains a chosen number of vertical blind slats. It comprises an elongated two-arm apparatus holding and conforming to common slat designs. Objectives and advantages include: user friendly, inexpensive to manufacture, convenient, comfortable to hold, beautifies blinds, allows for chosen amounts of light let in, and substantially reduces the rattling blind slat noise made when a window or door is open. The description herein provides preferred embodiments of the invention but should not be construed as limiting its scope. For example, variation in the size, length, height, and width of the apparatus as long as it remains easy and convenient to use by an adult; the material used; colors; and textures. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than being limited to the examples given.

Abstract: A sensor wipe, made in part by a hydroentangling or conforming process, includes fibers onto which an indicator dye is immobilized. The substrate may be used to make sensor wipes for testing surface conditions, including but not limited to pH or the presence of certain microbes. The indicator dye does not leach from the sensor wipe. The indicator dye may be reversible so that the sensor wipe can be reused prior to disposal.

Abstract: Methods of casting improved scroll compressor components having high quality involute portions are provided. The casting method comprises gating molten metal through a patterned region of a core or mold defining the involute vanes. In certain aspects, during casting, molten metal passes through one or more gates that extend through a core in a central patterned region that forms the involute portion of the scroll component. In certain variations, the metal comprises a gray cast iron, so the cast part comprises an involute having a matrix of pearlite and Type A graphite that is substantially free of undercooling defects. Further, in certain variations, the involute portion is substantially free of Types B-E graphite. Thus, high-quality low-defect cast scroll components are formed having good machinability and superior fatigue strength.

Abstract: Described herein is a twin roll caster including a pair of casting rolls arranged parallel to one another with a gap between the casting rolls and side dams parallel to one another forming a pool between the casting rolls and side dams. A side dam support is provided that applies a compression force on at least one of the side dams at a compression angle relative to the axis of the casting rolls.

Abstract: A thermoelectric energy storage system includes an intercooler for intercooling a working fluid between two compression stages. The intercooling may be carried out by flashing a portion of the working fluid taken from the output of an expander in a flash intercooler and/or by heating a secondary thermal storage with a further heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heating ventilation and cooling system includes an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). The ERV is configured to produce an inlet airstream and an exhaust airstream. An enthalpy wheel within the energy recovery ventilator is operable to transport heat between the inlet and exhaust airstreams. A pressure transducer is configured to determine a backpressure across the enthalpy wheel. A controller is configured to determine, in response to the backpressure, an operational characteristic of the enthalpy wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and apparatus for cooling high voltage parts of a vehicle without reducing the size or comfort of the rear seat of the vehicle. In particular, a rear seat conduit having an inlet and an outlet and a high voltage parts (HVP) conduit having a first end and a second end is provided. The rear seat conduit is disposed within a rear seat of the vehicle, and is configured to receive cooling air from an interior of the vehicle into the inlet, route the cooling air through the rear seat conduit, and out the outlet. The second end of the high voltage part conduit is configured to receive cooling air from the rear seat conduit outlet, and the first end is configured to discharge cooling air onto the HVP.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine, an exhaust system including an exhaust passageway in fluid communication with the engine, an exhaust gas heat exchanger, a transmission having a transmission cooling system, a transmission heat exchanger, a heater core, a pump, and an engine coolant circuit. The engine coolant circuit provides fluid communication between the engine, the exhaust gas heat exchanger, the transmission heat exchanger, the heater core, and the pump. The exhaust gas heat exchanger is operatively connected to the exhaust system and configured to transfer heat between the engine coolant circuit and the exhaust system. The transmission heat exchanger is operatively connected to the transmission cooling system and configured to transfer heat between the engine coolant circuit and the transmission cooling system.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a fuel cell for generating electricity by a chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen, a cathode exhaust passage through which outside air introduced and supplied to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell so as to be used for the power generation reaction is discharged from the fuel cell, and an anode exhaust passage through which the hydrogen is discharged from the fuel cell. The heating apparatus further includes a branch passage which is branched from a branch point of the cathode exhaust passage and supplies the air discharged from the fuel cell to the vehicle compartment, and the anode exhaust passage is joined to the cathode exhaust passage on the downstream side of the branch point.

Abstract: This invention consists of a novel heat exchanger design and a novel means of its installation for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems' ground heat gain/rejection loops. This improvement reduces the installation cost of such systems by method of placement and exchanger design. The Heat exchanger is a metal pipe, 20 to 40 feet long, approximately 1.25 to 2 inch diameter, containing an internal polymeric tube, installed in the pipe concentrically to carry the heat exchange medium from or to the bottom of the pipe; the pipe being inserted into the ground by means of a ballistic launcher or direct-push machine or by manual means. This system reduces the installation costs. The current art calls for extensive trenching or drilling, and yields high costs and detrimental impacts on property. This invention reduces surface impact areas. The only trenching connects the building to the tops of the Heat exchangers.

Abstract: An assembly for liquid cooling electronics by direct submersion into circulated engine coolant that includes an epoxy material dispensed around leads of electronics devices in a manner effective to mechanically secure the electronics devices to the assembly and prevent engine coolant leakage around the leads, and a Parylene™ coating layer deposited in a manner effective to protect the electronic device from electrically conductive engine coolant such as ethylene glycol. Such an assembly is useful in hybrid electric vehicles that have engine coolant available from the vehicle's internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A heat management system of a gas turbine engine for cooling oil and heating fuel, includes an oil circuit having parallel connected first and second branches. The first branch includes a fuel/oil heat exchanger and a first fixed restrictor in series and the second branch includes an air cooled oil cooler and a second fixed restrictor. The first and second fixed restrictors limit respective oil flows through the first and second branch differently, in response to viscosity changes of the oil caused by temperature changes of the oil during engine operation to modify oil distribution between the first and second branches.

Abstract: Embodiments of substrate supports with temperature control are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate support includes a first member to distribute heat to a substrate when present above a first surface of the first member; a heater coupled to the first member and having one or more heating zones to provide heat to the first member; a second member disposed beneath the first member in a spaced apart relation to the first member to at least partially define a gap between the first member and the second member, the second member fixed relative to the first member; and a plate movably disposed in the gap such that a distance between the plate and the first and second members can be selectively controlled. In some embodiments, the position of plate in the gap controls the rate of heat transfer from the first member to the plate.

Abstract: A mounting device for fixing a fan includes a board, a frame, and two shockproof members. The board defines a vent. Two blocking pieces perpendicularly extend from the board at opposite sides of the vent. The frame is sandwiched between the blocking pieces. Two tabs extend from opposite sides of the frame. Each shockproof member is mounted between one of the blocking pieces and a corresponding one of the tabs.

Abstract: A thermal module adapted for dissipating heat of an electronic component includes a heat pipe; and two mounting flakes mounted on the heat pipe. The mounting flakes are configured for mounting the thermal module on a circuit board on which the electronic component is mounted. Each of the mounting flakes is formed integrally as a single piece. The mounting flake includes a fixing body and two mounting arms formed at two opposite ends of the fixing body. The fixing body is directly bonded on the heat pipe. The mounting arms extend beyond the heat pipe and define through holes therein for extension of fasteners.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a plurality of light guide plates includes a plurality of positioning members stacked together, a support frame supporting the plurality of positioning members, and a cooling fan positioned in the support frame. Each positioning member includes a bottom plate and a side frame extending from an edge of the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the side frame cooperatively define a receiving groove for receiving the light guide plate. A plurality of support portions are formed on the bottom plate for supporting the light guide plate, and the bottom plate defines a plurality of penetrating holes around the support portions. The cooling device cools all the light guide plates evenly and quickly.

Abstract: A fluid cooling module includes tubing and a turbulence structure. The tubing is configured to contain a flowing fluid. The turbulence structure disposed inside the tubing and configured to increase fluid movement within the tubing as the flowing fluid flows over the turbulence structure to thereby generate turbulence in the flowing fluid.

Abstract: A heat exchanger unit includes at least two heat exchangers of the plate fin type that are substantially identical cuboids offset from each other. The heat exchangers are linked to at least one single distribution conduit and at least one single collection conduit. At least one first heat exchanger is situated on one side relative to the axis of the single distribution conduit and at least one second heat exchanger is situated on the other side relative to the axis of the single distribution conduit. A first face of the first heat exchanger is parallel to the nearest face of the second heat exchanger, but offset in the direction of the axis of the single distribution conduit. Each heat exchanger is fluidly connected to the face proximate to the distribution conduit, the offset being such that the each fluid connection does not contact one another.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (1) is provided with header pipes (2, 3), a plurality of flat tubes (4) disposed between the header pipes, and corrugated fins (6) disposed between the flat tubes (4). The end of the corrugated fin at the surface on the side, on which condensed water gathers, of the heat exchanger protrudes from an end of the flat tube (4), and a linear water-conducting member (10) is inserted between a gap (G) formed between the protruding portions of the corrugated fins. The interval between the water-conducting member and the protruding end of the corrugated fin located thereon is a distance at which the surface tension of water can act therebetween. A V-shaped cut (6a or 6b) is formed at the edge of the protruding end of the corrugated fin.

Abstract: A thermal energy exchanger for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system of the present invention includes a plurality of first tubes, a plurality of second tubes disposed downstream of the first tubes, and a plurality of third tubes disposed downstream of the second tubes. At least a portion of at least one of the second tubes includes a phase change material disposed therein and at least a portion of at least one of the third tubes includes a phase change material disposed therein.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of first plate assemblies interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies in stacked relation. Each of the plate assemblies includes a flow path for receiving a working fluid therein. Ports formed in each of the plate assemblies are aligned to form an external inlet manifold and an external outlet manifold in fluid communication with the flow paths. Leakage and contamination of the working fluids are minimized by separating the flow paths of the respective working fluids with adjoining double walls and by providing separate external working fluid manifolds.

Abstract: In a heat exchanger in which a number of V-shaped convex portions are arranged in parallel at a surface of a fin, one of a pair of inclined convex portions forming a V-shape is arranged to be inclined to a plus side by an angle a relative to a circulation direction of a gas at a first plane of a fin, the other is arranged to be inclined to a minus side by an angle b, and both of them are arranged by asymmetric angles in a left and right direction, and at a second plane opposed to the first plane, the angles which are asymmetric in the left and right direction are made to be reverse to those of the first plane relative to the circulation direction of the gas.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a blower motor and a variable speed motor drive. The variable speed motor drive is configured to receive line power and provide modulated power to the motor. The blower motor is configured to produce airflow in response to the modulated power. A unit controller is configured to bypass the variable speed motor drive to provide the line power directly to the blower motor in the event that a measured airflow is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An equipment enclosure includes an air exhaust opening and an air intake opening at respective upper and lower regions of the enclosure, and an interior equipment chamber configured to house controlled temperature equipment at a controlled temperature equipment area. A temperature diverter system includes a warm air exhaust subsystem and a warm air circulation subsystem. The warm air exhaust subsystem is operable to vent warm air in the enclosure through the air exhaust opening in order to cool the controlled temperature equipment area. The warm air circulation subsystem is operable to circulate warm air in the enclosure to the controlled temperature equipment area in order to warm that area. The equipment enclosure further includes one or more temperature sensors and a temperature controller for controlling operations of the warm air exhaust subsystem and the warm air circulation system based on input from the temperature sensor(s).

Abstract: Systems for determining hydraulic fracture geometry and/or areal extent of an area of interest in a reservoir, are provided. An exemplary system includes downhole acoustic receiver equipment isolated from fracturing operations in a lower portion of a first wellbore, and fracturing equipment located in a second wellbore connected to the first wellbore. Communications between surface equipment in the downhole acoustic receiver equipment is provided through a communications conduit bypass that permits well operations in the second wellbore without interfering with communications between the surface equipment and the downhole acoustic receiver equipment.