Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the fraudulent sending of data from a computer application to a malicious third party are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for preventing a computer application from sending data to an unauthorized website may include: (1) receiving, at a computer application executed by an electronic device and from a first website, an identification of a second website for receiving data from the computer application; (2) providing, by the computer application and to a certificate authority, the identification of the second website, wherein the certificate authority validates that the second website is on a list of allowed websites for the first website; (3) receiving, by the computer application and from the certificate authority, validation; and (4) communicating, by the computer application, the data to the second website.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the fraudulent sending of data from a computer application to a malicious third party are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for preventing a computer application from sending data to an unauthorized website may include: (1) receiving, at a computer application executed by an electronic device and from a first website, an identification of a second website for receiving data from the computer application; (2) providing, by the computer application and to a certificate authority, the identification of the second website, wherein the certificate authority validates that the second website is on a list of allowed websites for the first website; (3) receiving, by the computer application and from the certificate authority, validation; and (4) communicating, by the computer application, the data to the second website.

Abstract: A method of testing a downhole formation using a formation tester on a drill string. The formation tester is disposed downhole on a drill string and a formation test is performed by forming a seal between a formation probe assembly and the formation. A drawdown piston then creates a volume within a cylinder to draw formation fluid into the volume through the probe assembly. The pressure of the fluid within the cylinder is monitored. The formation test procedure may then be adjusted. The test procedure may be adjusted to account for the bubble point pressure of the fluid being monitored. The pressure may monitored to verify a proper seal is formed or is being maintained. The test procedure may also be performed by maintaining a substantially constant drawdown rate using a hydraulic threshold or a variable restrictor.

Abstract: A downhole, extendable apparatus and methods of use are described and claimed herein. In one embodiment, the extendable apparatus includes a piston that extends toward a borehole wall, the piston having an inner sampling member that is also extendable. The sampling member may be further extended to engage the borehole wall and penetrate the formation. The sampling member may also include a screen and an inner scraper or wiper that frictionally engages the screen and reciprocates to remove debris from the screen. The piston may comprise a seal pad having an internal cavity for receiving a volume of fluid. In another embodiment, the extendable apparatus comprises multiple, concentric pistons for extending the sampling member further toward the borehole wall than is possible with a single piston. The extendable apparatus may also include a retraction contact switch and position indicator.

Abstract: This application relates to various methods and apparatus for rapidly obtaining accurate formation property data from a drilled earthen borehole. Once obtained, the formation property data, including formation fluid pressure, may be corrected, calibrated and supplemented using various other data and techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the formation property data may be used for numerous other purposes. For example, the data may be used to correct or supplement other information gathered from the borehole; it may be used to supplement formation images or models; or, it may be used to adjust a drilling or producing parameter. Various other uses of accurately and quickly obtained formation property data are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining the supercharge pressure in a formation intersected by a borehole having a wall, the method comprising disposing a formation pressure test tool into the borehole having a probe for isolating a portion of the borehole. The method further comprises extending the probe into sealing contact with the borehole wall. The method further comprises performing at least one drawdown test with the formation pressure test tool. The method further comprises modeling the supercharge pressure of the formation using the dynamic properties of the mudcake. The method further comprises determining the supercharge pressure of the formation using the supercharge pressure model. The formation pressure test tool may be conveyed into the borehole using wireline technology or on a drill string. Using the supercharge pressure, the drawdown test may be optimized, the characteristics of the drilling fluid altered, or the measurements of other sensors adjusted.

Abstract: The force sensing device of the present invention provides an elastomeric spacer coupled between a base member and platform structure. The characteristics of the spacer material allow the spacer to be linearly deformable upon application of force, and this deformation region is known as the linear travel distance of the spacer. The remaining region has substantially no additional deformation with respect to force applied, and is known as the non-deformable distance of the spacer. A sensing mechanism built directly into the device provides a means for sensing the linear travel distance upon various applications of force. More specifically, the sensory mechanism includes a movable and fixed portion respectively, separated by a distance equal to the aforementioned linear travel distance.

Abstract: A container inspection system for inspecting a moving container includes a radiation source positioned to direct radiation at the moving container. A radiation detector is positioned to receive a portion of the radiation from the radiation source that is not absorbed or blocked by the moving container and to generate electrical signals in response thereto. Processing circuitry produces multi-dimensional image data for the moving container based on the electrical signals generated by the radiation detector, and compares at least a first portion of the multi-dimensional image data to a corresponding portion of the multi-dimensional image data for a standard container.

Abstract: A container inspection system for inspecting a moving container includes a radiation source positioned to direct radiation at the moving container. A radiation detector is positioned to receive a portion of the radiation from the radiation source that is not absorbed or blocked by the moving container and to generate electrical signals in response thereto. Processing circuitry produces multi-dimensional image data for the moving container based on the electrical signals generated by the radiation detector, and compares at least a first portion of the multi-dimensional image data to a corresponding portion of the multi-dimensional image data for a standard container.

Abstract: To detect an unpressurized moving container, a fluid such as air is directed at the moving container. Thereafter, a level of deflection of the moving container resulting from the directed fluid is detected. An unpressurized container is indicated when the detected level of deflection exceeds a threshold level. Deflection may be detected by directing a pulse of air or a continuous stream of air against the container. The system is particularly useful in detecting unpressurized, thin-walled aluminum cans.