Abstract:
In one embodiment, a sedimentation-control system is provided, comprising a housing and an inlet in the housing, through which fluid may flow into the housing. This embodiment also comprises an outlet, through which fluid may flow out of the housing and a plurality of inclined plates in the housing. This embodiment also comprises a collection auger near the bottom of the housing, wherein the collection auger may transport material that drops out of fluid within the housing, and a drying auger, wherein the drying auger couples to the housing near a terminus of the collection auger, and wherein the drying auger transports material collected by the collection auger away from the housing.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a cache comprises a tag memory and a comparator. The tag memory is configured to store tags of cache blocks stored in the cache, and is configured to output at least one tag responsive to an index corresponding to an input address. The comparator is coupled to receive the tag and a tag portion of the input address, and is configured to compare the tag to the tag portion to generate a hit/miss indication. The comparator comprises dynamic circuitry, and is coupled to receive a control signal which, when asserted, is defined to force a first result on the hit/miss indication independent of whether or not the tag portion matches the tag. The comparator also comprises circuitry coupled to receive the control signal and configured to inhibit a state change on an output of the dynamic circuitry during an evaluate phase of the dynamic circuitry to produce the first result responsive to an assertion of the control signal.
Abstract:
An improved method for removing proppant from fluid used in an oil and gas well for reuse in future operations. The proppant is separated from the well fluid and transported to a materials collection tank. A crane then transports the materials collection tank onto a processing boat. On the processing boat, the proppant is vacuumed from the materials collection tank to a hopper. The proppant is then discharged from the hopper into a holding tank for treatment and reuse. In a first alternative embodiment, two hoppers are positioned above each other so that the proppant can be added to the upper hopper and then fed by gravity to the lower hopper. A valving arrangement maintains vacuum within the interior of at least one hopper at all times to provide a continuous vacuum operation. A conduit discharges from the lower hopper into the holding tank.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a method of synchronizing data transmission through optical links between first and second communications components. Each of the first and second communications components include an optical laser for transmitting and receiving laser signals to and from each other through the optical links. In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (a) initializing each of the first and second communications components; (b) enabling the optical lasers and optical sensors; (c) exchanging idle packets between the first and second communications components to establish a datapath across the optical links; (d) exchanging test data packets across the datapath established in step (c) to verify connection of the optical links; and (e) upon verification of connection of said optical links in step (d), enabling data flow between said first and second communications components. In particular, this method is applicable to synchronizing data transmission across a parallel optical link comprising a plurality of parallel links.
Abstract:
Phenyl compounds substituted with a fused-heterobicyclo moiety, are mGluR5 modulators useful in the treatment of psychiatric and mood disorders such as, for example, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and panic, as well as in the treatment of pain and other diseases.
Abstract:
A scan interface for an integrated circuit includes a scan clock and a scan mode signal. The scan mode signal is indicative of whether or not scan is active, and may be used by dedicated scan circuitry in integrated circuit. Such circuitry may be inactive if the scan mode indicates that scan is inactive, and active if the scan mode indicates that scan is active. For example, the scan circuitry may not toggle is scan is inactive. The scan circuitry may present a reduced load to functional circuitry if scan is inactive. In some embodiments, static and dynamic scan circuits are included for use with static and dynamic logic circuits, respectively.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method of reminding a person that routine pet care has been completed or need needs to be completed. More particularly the invention relates to a manner in which to provide a reminder to someone that pet care has been accomplished or needs to be accomplished more effectively and efficiently than in the past. The apparatus includes among its essential elements a slender display board having a front face and a rear face; a display graphic being permanently affixed to at least the front face of the display board; a hanger being at least attached to the rear face of the display board wherein the hanger can be used to attach the display board to a substantially vertical surface; a graphic instrument used to deposit erasable marks to at least the front face of the display board; a graphic instrument receptacle attached to the display board wherein the graphic instrument can be removably attached; an eraser element wherein the eraser eradicates the erasable marks deposited by the graphic instrument; and, a plurality of shaped display members having at least a first side and a second side wherein the second side is adapted to be removably affixed to the display board's front face, wherein the shaped members are removably affixed in a position on the display board, each shaped display member able to be removably affixed in any position on the board a plurality of times.
Abstract:
A DC power supply for producing plasma for a DC arc torch. The DC power supply includes a controlled switch for coupling and decoupling a direct current source from the DC arc torch. The DC power supply also includes an inductance for supplying current to the DC arc torch when the direct current source is decoupled from the DC arc torch. A freewheeling diode is used to provide a current path from the inductance to the DC arc torch. A switch driver drives the coupling and decoupling of the controlled switch at a particular frequency and at a variable duty cycle. A feedback circuit varies a variable duty cycle of the switch driver in response to the amount of current detected flowing to the DC arc torch.
Abstract:
A burner which is suitable for use in combusting pulverized coal and which can be used as an igniter for igniting the main burners in steam raising plant. The burner has an electrically powered torch which generates a continuous plasma which extends into a devolatilization zone of the burner, and primary conduits are provided for directing a primary supply of dense phase pulverized coal into the devolatilization zone. The burner is constructed also to include a combustion zone which surrounds the devolatilization zone. The burner is constructed also to include a comubstion zone which surrounds the devolatilization zone, and secondary conduits are provided for directing a secondary supply of pulverized coal into the combustion zone along with a supply of combustion supporting air. In operation of the burner the secondary supply of pulverized coal is entrained in the air and is carried into the combustion zone by way of a swirl device and, once in the combustion zone, the coal-air mixture is contacted by partially combusted volatiles and carbon particles that move radially outward from the devolatilization zone.