Abstract: Methods for gripping an oilfield tubular include engaging a band with a ring member to form a load ring. The band has an arcuate component with a gap separating first and second ends, an interior surface, and an inclined exterior surface. The ring member has an interior surface with a groove therein. The inclined exterior surface of the band is associated with the groove of the interior surface to form the load ring. The load ring can be engaged with an oilfield tubular, and a force can be applied such that the groove of the ring member engages the inclined exterior surface of the band for securing the load ring to the oilfield tubular.

Abstract: An International Standards Organization (“OSI”) Layer-2 (“Ethernet”) Pseudo-wire (“OSI Layer-1 type service”) appliance, method, system and hub service is disclosed. The method and system facilitate the rapid deployment of Layer-2 Pseudo-wires over unknown and untrusted Internet Protocol (“IP”) networks. The method and system facilitate the fluid edge of corporate networks and any situation where the Layer-3 network addresses cannot be changed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapting a commonly used lighting fixture that is generally specified as the primary lighting source for illuminating a particular area as the apparatus for enclosing an additional UV lighting mechanism. Further, the disclosure relates to a device that can be integrated into a light fixture used with a suspended grid ceiling or a solid ceiling. Also, the present disclosure relates to a germicidal fixture used in association with a light fixture, and to an apparatus for a new germicidal light fixture and for replacing or converting an existing light fixture for efficient germicidal use.

Abstract: A flash apparatus and related systems and methods of use are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a housing having a generally concave reflector, and a light source disposed within the reflector. A handle can be engaged with the housing and/or the light source to facilitate manual positioning and repositioning of the light source relative to a photographic apparatus remote from the housing and/or an object to be photographed. A synchronization device is in communication with the light source and the photographic apparatus for causing the light source to emit a flash of light when the photographic device is actuated. A modifier can also be engaged with the reflector for modifying the emitted flash of light. In a portable system, various interchangeable reflectors, modifiers, and light sources can be provided. Power sources for the light sources and a stand engageable with the handle can also be included.

Abstract: Methods for severing a tubular string having a cable in association therewith can include lowering a cutting apparatus into the tubular string and actuating the cutting apparatus to form a cut in the tubular string and sever the cable. Severing the cable in this manner can be performed through a single actuation of a single cutting apparatus, enabling at least a portion of the tubular string to be subsequently severed and retrieved, unimpeded by the cable.

Abstract: A method for providing a torch apparatus into a well bore for providing heat to a material that includes the step of inserting the torch apparatus into the well bore, such that a plurality of slots along the torch apparatus are oriented to provide the heat and a source of oxygen to the material. The method further includes igniting a fuel load of the torch apparatus to provide the heat and the source of oxygen through the plurality of slots to the material so that the portion of the material is at least partially consumed. The interstitial spaces between the plurality of slots allow longitudinal flow of heat and the source of oxygen along the torch apparatus without interfering with the flow of heat and the source of oxygen through the slots.

Abstract: A drill bit is described herein, having a first bit face with a first plurality of cutters oriented to bore in a first direction, and a second bit face with a second plurality of cutters oriented to bore in one or more second directions. The pluralities of cutters enable functional articulation of the drill bit, such that the drill bit can change direction within a borehole without requiring removal of the drill bit. The drill bit can thereby drill in a downhole direction and lateral directions, can back ream through the borehole, and can provide the borehole with one or more oversized regions, as desired.

Abstract: An improved semiautomatic firearm is provided comprising as assembly which reduces the effort of cocking the firearm or loading a first cartridge. A spring tube contains an inner recoil spring which is employed only during cycling of the firearm when firing. For initial cocking purposes, the inner recoil spring is bypassed in favor of a lighter outer spring which is selectively engaged by the user. When the inner recoil spring is engaged, both inner and outer springs are employed without adversely affecting the recoil dynamics of the firearm.

Abstract: A torch apparatus for consuming a material having a fuel load that produces heat and a source of oxygen when burned, and a plurality of slots having interstitial spaces therebetween for allowing longitudinal flow of fluid along the torch apparatus without interfering with the flow of fluid through the slots. The slots are oriented such that the heat and source of oxygen are provided to a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and oxygen, to thereby cause destruction of an object containing the material or disengagement of the object such that it falls into the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for tracking prescriptive medications is provided whereby a complete prescriptive medication history including active and inactive prescriptive medications is stored for a plurality of patients utilizing a plurality of pharmacies wherein the pharmacies may be affiliated or unaffiliated. The information may be selectively retrieved through a secure computer connection by entities such as hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, insurance companies, government agencies and the like. The information may be utilized to benefit the patient whereby a doctor is able to obtain an accurate view of the complete prescriptive medication history of the patient including prescriptive medications by other doctors. Hospitals will be able to obtain, in accord with the invention, a prescriptive medication history prior to treatment such as emergency treatment where such information is not normally available.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing slippage and rotation of components installed along a rotatable tubular shaft and/or in a tubular housing member during drilling operations are disclosed herein. The housing and/or rotatable shaft include a shoulder disposed proximate to one end. An adjustable member is secured proximate to the opposite end. One or more components are installed, covering a first portion of the surface between the adjustable member and shoulder. One or more spacing members are installed to cover substantially all of the remaining surface. The adjustable member is tightened such that the adjustable member and the shoulder apply a compressive axial load to the components and spacing members, causing frictional forces between adjacent objects greater than the torque acting on the housing and/or tubular shaft, causing each component to remain stationary with respect to the surface to which it is secured.

Abstract: Methods for implementing a structured clinical reporting system employing a DICOM Structured Reporting (SR) software database engine that maps clinical report data into a clinical structured reporting data format are disclosed. A workstation is used to create, sign, render, or transmit a structured clinical report. A conversion engine performs image recognition on the structured clinical report, which includes identifying data therein, segmenting the report, using a library to perform value object extraction on the segments, and converting the value objects to a DICOM format. A PACS server is usable to communicate with the conversion engine, workstation, and database. Various software plug-ins are usable, such that different methods of acquiring user input may be implemented.

Abstract: A power source for actuating a subsurface tool is described herein, the power source comprising thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a polymer disposed in association with the thermite. The polymer produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs, the gas slowing the thermite reaction. The slowed thermite reaction enables a continuous pressure to be provided to the subsurface tool over a period of time, providing superior actuation over a conventional explosive power charge, through a non-explosive reaction.

Abstract: Methods for pre-registering a participant in a program database using a participant smart card and biometric data in a verification process to manage fraud and enhance security and privacy protection are disclosed. The methods include pre-registering, or alternatively registering, individual information including biometric data in the program database, forming a secured registered account for the participant, and assigning the participant smart card to the participant with the secured registered account. The methods continue by determining risk factors for the participant, assigning at least one program with program risk factors to the participant, authenticating identity of the participant at a program access point, receiving eligibility verification or denial of the participant to access and use assigned programs, and updating the database data for exit verification.

Abstract: The invention provides, in the treatment of malignant tumors, antisense DNA oligonucleotides which are effective in inhibiting the expression of a wild type COL1A1 gene, in combination with a chemotherapy drug, typically bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, or methotrexate, which otherwise is known to cause lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly composition and related methods of use and production of an asphalt prime coat, suitable for application to a base road structure, are described herein. The composition includes an asphaltine, and an emulsion of a natural hydrocarbon resin mixed with a penetrating component, which can include a very limited quantity an organic solvent, or can omit organic solvents. If organic solvents are omitted, a hydrophobic wax can be added for moisture retention and water impermeability. Dispersion agents can be used to facilitate penetration into the base road. Rheology modifying agents and/or alcohols can be used to add flexibility, decrease curing time, and improve thickness and viscosity. The prime coat contains a lower quantity of volatile organic compounds than conventional prime coats, reducing environmental impact. The drying time of the composition is less than alternative compositions.

Abstract: A polymerization reactor for creating drag-reducing polymer having a reservoir and at least one heat exchanger plate in fluid communication with a coolant source, wherein each heat exchanger plate may be disposed on a lid. The heat exchanger plates are treated and/or covered to provide that the exchanger plates can be readily disengaged from the drag-reducing polymer. The polymerization reactors of the present invention permit large amounts of polymer to be formed in each reactor batch. Preferably, polymers are formed in the polymerization reactor by bulk polymerization. Methods for forming drag-reducing polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymerization reactor having at least three side wall surfaces and a bottom wall surface forming a reservoir and at least one heat exchanger plate in fluid communication with a coolant source, wherein each of the at least one heat exchanger plate is disposed on a lid. The polymerization reactors of the present invention permit large amounts of polymer to be formed in each reactor batch. Preferably, polymers are formed in the polymerization reactor by bulk polymerization. Methods for forming polymers is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drag reducing agent, composition, compound, product, process and method of use for use in petroleum pipelines and the like. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a cryogenically-ground polyalphaolefin polymer at 15-25 wt. % of the commercial product formulation. The bulking agents comprise ethylene bis-stearamide alone or in combination with other polyethylene and/or polypropylene polymers at 2.0-5.0 wt. % of the commercial product formulation. In addition, diisobutyl ketone 20-60 wt. % of the commercial product formulation and propylene carbonate 2.8-8.4 wt. % of the commercial product formulation are used.

Abstract: Systems for controlling deviations during drilling operations, including a transmission housing and a bearing assembly secured between a stator housing and a drill bit. Two stabilizers are secured to the transmission housing, and one stabilizer is secured to the bearing assembly to provide enhanced stability to the lower portion of the drill string. The stabilizers can have a triangular shaped body for increasing flow area, reducing annular velocity, and increasing stiffness of the system. The stabilizers can be rotationally offset from one another to facilitate maintaining the gauge of the borehole. The transmission housing can be a one-piece construction to minimize connections within the system and improve reliability. The stabilizers can include laser clad metal surfaces and diamond dome inserts to prevent wear and erosion. A triangular reamer can be included beneath the stabilizers to further prevent wear to the stabilizers and to add stability to the drill bit.