Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and/or collapsing apparatus (10) and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements (12) assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure, in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: A method and system for restraining the top plate of ballistic cover systems used during a supercharged engine explosion is provided. The restraining system embodies bushing-pin attachment points along the periphery of the top plate for attaching the restraint straps. The attachment points may be set at an angle of incidence relative to the top plate. Each bushing-pin attachment point includes spaced apart bushings for retaining a retention pin. The retention pin is made of a material more malleable than that of the top plate and the bushings so as to absorb a predominance of the stress through the restraint straps during an explosion. Moreover, the retention pins are easily detachable from the bushings for installation and repair purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing ring apparatus (171) and method of use. The expanding and collapsing ring comprises a plurality of elements (177) assembled together to form a ring structure (172, 173a, 173b) oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements on actuation by an axial force. The apparatus further comprises a secondary expanding and collapsing mechanism operable to move the ring structure between its collapsed condition or its first expanded conditions to a second expanded condition on actuation by an axial force. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: Methods for correcting temperatures measured in producing wells are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving formation fluid within a completion string in a well, wherein the formation fluid passes from a formation and radially into the completion string through at least one opening in the completion string. The method also includes measuring temperatures outside the completion string at multiple depths in the well at which the formation fluid passes from the formation and radially into the completion string. The temperatures measured outside the completion string at the multiple depths in the well are converted into axial temperatures inside the completion string at the multiple depths. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel method and system for liquefying and distilling raw natural gas into NGL and liquid methane (LNG) product streams, with at least one novel feature including the use of a mixed refrigerant comprising naturally occurring natural gas liquids that were recovered from the inlet gas stream being processed. Heat exchangers and distillation towers are configured to produce high purity liquefied natural gas (LNG) and NGL product streams, utilizing liquid NGL as the process refrigerant for both systems.

Abstract: A first water injection into an injection well is carried out followed by a first shut-in of the injection well. A second water injection is carried out, a volume of the injected water exceeds several times a volume of water in the well in an intake interval. Then there is a second shut-in of the injection well, and during the second shut-in transient temperature profiles are registered within the intake interval by temperature sensors. Then a third water injection step is carried out and at an initial stage of the third injection transient temperature profiles in the intake interval are registered using the temperature sensors. The transient temperature profiles registered during the second shut-in period are analyzed and intake zone boundaries are determined. The transient temperature profiles registered at the initial stage of the third water injection are analyzed and a water intake profile is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a positioning assembly configured to spatially position the food item relative to the memory assembly. A receiver assembly is configured to be positioned relative to the positioning assembly and the food item to be spatially positioned by the positioning assembly. An inscribing assembly is configured to be positioned relative to the positioning assembly and the food item to be spatially positioned the positioning assembly. A control assembly is configured to urge the inscribing assembly to inscribe the perceptible pattern on the food item in accordance with an image data unit corresponding to a perceptible pattern to be inscribed, at least in part, on a food item.

Abstract: A ballistic cover system that embodies a novel ballistic blanket and method for containing energy and fragmentation projected during a supercharged engine explosion is provided. The ballistic cover system enables the ballistic blanket to react to the engine explosion, positioning itself from a racing configuration to a ballistic configuration. A plurality of restraint straps are attached to the supercharger, keeping it along a controlled path during the explosion. Moreover, two of the restraint straps act as mounting rails that the ballistic blanket rides along when reactively moving from the racing configuration to the ballistic configuration.

Abstract: A ballistic cover system that embodies a novel ballistic blanket and method for containing energy and fragmentation projected during a supercharged engine explosion is provided. The ballistic cover system enables the ballistic blanket to react to the engine explosion, positioning itself from a racing configuration to a ballistic configuration. A plurality of restraint straps are attached to the supercharger, keeping it along a controlled path during the explosion. Moreover, two of the restraint straps act as mounting rails that the ballistic blanket rides along when reactively moving from the racing configuration to the ballistic configuration.

Abstract: System and method for producing fluids from a hydrocarbon reservoir where an injector well segment and parallel underlying producer well segment are both completed with slotted liners. The injector and producer segments are logically partitioned into corresponding sections to define a plurality of injector-producer section pairs. Injection tubing strings supply stimulating fluid (e.g., saturated steam) to associated sections of the injector segment for injection into the hydrocarbon reservoir. Surface-located control devices control the pressure of the stimulating fluid flowing through the respective injection tubing strings. Production tubing strings (with the aid of artificial lift) carry fluids produced from associated sections of the producer segment. A plurality of controllers is provided for the injector-producer section pairs to control at least one process variable (e.g.

Abstract: A first water injection into an injection well is carried out followed by a first shut-in of the injection well. A second water injection is carried out, a volume of the injected water exceeds several times a volume of water in the well in an intake interval. Then there is a second shut-in of the injection well, and during the second shut-in transient temperature profiles are registered within the intake interval by temperature sensors. Then a third water injection step is carried out and at an initial stage of the third injection transient temperature profiles in the intake interval are registered using the temperature sensors. The transient temperature profiles registered during the second shut-in period are analyzed and intake zone boundaries are determined.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with vaccines and their preparation. An effective long-term immune response, especially in mammals, can be produced using a vaccine comprising an antigen encapsulated in liposomes, a suitable adjuvant and a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance. The vaccine is particularly effective in eliciting the production of antibodies that recognize epitopes of native proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices such as endoscopes that may be used to visualize biological material during a medical procedure, such as surgery. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for an endoscope comprising one or more electronic-cameras arranged to create one or more stereo picture pairs to permit quantitative 3-dimensional (3D) imaging and analysis. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of imaging comprising using a 3D endoscope with one or more electronic cameras to create one or more stereo picture pairs.

Abstract: An example apparatus provides access to electronic health information for a first patient and one or more patients connected by relationship to the first patient. A first patient indicator represents a first patient and provides a link to electronic health information for the first patient. A second patient indicator represents a second patient and provides a link to electronic health information for the second patient. A connection provides a graphical indication of a relationship between the first patient and the second patient and connects electronic health information for the second patient for access in connection with electronic health information for the first patient. The connection is to provide a graphical indication of a priority of the relationship between the first patient and the second patient based on a defined relationship hierarchy. A graphical indication of a type of relationship between the first patient and the second patient is provided.

Abstract: System and method for producing fluids from a hydrocarbon reservoir where an injector well segment and parallel underlying producer well segment are both completed with slotted liners. The injector and producer segments are logically partitioned into corresponding sections to define a plurality of injector-producer section pairs. Injection tubing strings supply stimulating fluid (e.g., saturated steam) to associated sections of the injector segment for injection into the hydrocarbon reservoir. Surface-located control devices control the pressure of the stimulating fluid flowing through the respective injection tubing strings. Production tubing strings (with the aid of artificial lift) carry fluids produced from associated sections of the producer segment. A plurality of controllers is provided for the injector-producer section pairs to control at least one process variable (e.g.

Abstract: A novel method and system for liquefying and distilling natural gas into high purity liquid methane (LNG) and NGL product streams. Heat exchangers and distillation towers are configured to produce high purity liquefied natural gas (LNG) and NGL product streams, while also rejecting excess nitrogen contained in the inlet gas stream, utilizing liquid nitrogen as the process refrigerant.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for implementing inventory pooling for multiple merchants. A first inventory of an item held at a first fulfillment center on behalf of a first merchant is contributed to a common pool of inventory. A second inventory of the item held at a second fulfillment center on behalf of a second merchant is contributed to the common pool of inventory. Fulfillment of an order placed by a customer of the first merchant is initiated from the second inventory of the item that was contributed by the second merchant to the common pool of inventory.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with vaccines and their preparation. An effective long-term immune response, especially in mammals, can be produced using a vaccine comprising an antigen encapsulated in liposomes, a suitable adjuvant and a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance. The vaccine is particularly effective in eliciting the production of antibodies that recognize epitopes of native proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with vaccines and their preparation. An effective long-term immune response, especially in mammals, can be produced using a vaccine comprising an antigen encapsulated in liposomes, a suitable adjuvant and a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance. The vaccine is particularly effective in eliciting the production of antibodies that recognize epitopes of native proteins.