Abstract: A web based collaborative music playlist application that the primary user, the Host, may use to generate a unique code to create a virtual room. This code may be shared with others who may then join the room as guests. Within the room, the guests may be able to request songs and the application may then queue the requests into a playlist, which may be edited by the host in real time. The host's device serves as the single point of communication between the room and a music service.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly, mud pulser and a method for transmitting data. The electric motor assembly includes an electric motor having a rotor and a stator that includes one or more windings; one or more sensors on the stator and configured to determine an angular position of the rotor; and a motor control circuitry configured to control a commutation of the electric motor based on signals received from the one or more sensors. The motor control circuitry is configured to determine a total angular rotation of the rotor based on a back emf voltage of the one or more windings and independent of the signals from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A lock for a cam-and-groove coupler comprises a collar member positionable around the cam-and-groove coupler. The collar member comprises at least first and second wall portions. The first wall portion is positionable adjacent the first lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the first lever arm to an unsecured position. The second wall portion is positionable adjacent a second lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the second lever arm to the unsecured position. The lock further comprises at least one projection extending inwardly from the collar member and configured to engage the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent the collar member from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler. At least one securing member is coupled to the collar member and configured to releasably secure the collar member around the cam-and-groove-coupler.

Abstract: Methods for making a preform for a large diameter optical waveguide such as a cane waveguide are disclosed. The method includes inserting a preform into a glass tube to serve as cladding that provides a thickened preform, simultaneously fusing and stretching the thickened preform, sectioning the stretched and still thickened preform and repeating the procedure if necessary to provide an even further thickened preform. The drawing apparatus can be configured to work with the preform disposed either horizontally or vertically and usually includes a graphite resistance furnace. Typically, the drawing apparatus is an upper portion of a draw tower used for drawing an optical fiber from an optical fiber preform. The draw tower includes a tractor pulling mechanism that can adjust to grip a wide range of diameters.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly, mud pulser and a method for transmitting data. The electric motor assembly includes an electric motor having a rotor and a stator that includes one or more windings; one or more sensors on the stator and configured to determine an angular position of the rotor; and a motor control circuitry configured to control a commutation of the electric motor based on signals received from the one or more sensors. The motor control circuitry is configured to determine a total angular rotation of the rotor based on a back emf voltage of the one or more windings and independent of the signals from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A lock for a cam-and-groove coupler comprises a collar member positionable around the cam-and-groove coupler. The collar member comprises at least first and second wall portions. The first wall portion is positionable adjacent the first lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the first lever arm to an unsecured position. The second wall portion is positionable adjacent a second lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the second lever arm to the unsecured position. The lock further comprises at least one projection extending inwardly from the collar member and configured to engage the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent the collar member from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler. At least one securing member is coupled to the collar member and configured to releasably secure the collar member around the cam-and-groove-coupler.

Abstract: An optical fiber unit having a sheath and a plurality of optical fiber elements loosely housed in the sheath. The sheath is coated with particles of an adherence reducing substance and has a radial thickness that is not substantially greater than 0.3 mm. The coating of adherence reducing particles is applied as a liquid coating. The liquid coating is a dispersion of the particles and heat is applied to evaporate the liquid content of the liquid coating to produce a dry coating of particles on the sheath.

Abstract: An optical fibre installation includes (i) a part defining an inlet for optical fibres that has a through-hole for the passage of optical fibres and an associated mating region for a push-fit connector, (ii) an optical fibre cable connected to an adapter that defines a connection region having a predetermined cross-section for mating with a push-fit connector and (iii) a push-fit connector having a first end, a second end, a through-passage extending between those ends and a seal associated with the first end. The second end of the push-fit connector is push-fit connected to the connection region of the adapter and the first end of the push-fit connector is push-fit connected with the mating region of the inlets in such a way that the seal sealingly engages the inlet defining part. The arrangement is such that optical fibres from the optical fibre cable can be directed through the push-fit connector and the through-hold of the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acids containing functional polynucleotide sequences from the upstream region of the RANKL gene useful in conferring transcriptional responsiveness (e.g., vitamin D3 receptor complex responsiveness) on associated promoters and methods of using same to identify chemical entities capable of affecting transcriptional activity of the RANKL gene.

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly includes: a component defining at least one inlet for optical fibers, an adapter, an optical fiber cable connected to the adapter, and a push-fit connector. The component includes a through-hole for passage of the optical fibers and an associated mating region to engage the push-fit connector. The optical fiber cable connected to the adapter defines a connection region with a predetermined cross-sectional shape for mating with the push-fit connector. The push-fit connector includes a first end, a second end, and a through-passage extending between the first and second ends. The first end is push-fit connected with the mating region. The second end is push-fit connected to the connection region. Optical fibers from the optical fiber cable can be directed through the push-fit connector and the through-hole. A method of installing optical fibers in a joint housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated system for tracking assets (tools and materials) and personnel associated with a work site. Personnel are equipped with tracking devices having at least geolocation capability. Assets are tagged with RFID tags, which are interrogated at portals, by mobile scanners, or by personnel tracking devices having RFID reading capability. The tag readers and tracking devices are all in communication with a common “information backbone” and all data is delivered to, and processed by, a common command and control subsystem.

Abstract: An instrument for testing fluid characteristics has a vial and a housing. The vial defines a chamber for receiving a sample of the fluid and has a cap for sealing the fluid therein. The housing defines a recess for receiving the vial. Multiple light emitting diodes and photovoltaic detectors are arranged on multiple meridional planes within the housing. The meridional planes each intersect approximately at a central axis of the chamber when the vial is placed within the recess. Modulation of the light emitting diodes and tuned processing electronics allow for simultaneous evaluation of sample characteristics such as spectral transmittance, turbidity and fluorescence. The user selects particular tests via a keypad and a display indicates the results of the chosen analysis.

Abstract: An optical fibre installation includes (i) a part defining an inlet for optical fibres that has a through-hole for the passage of optical fibres and an associated mating region for a push-fit connector, (ii) an optical fibre cable connected to an adapter that defines a connection region having a predetermined cross-section for mating with a push-fit connector and (iii) a push-fit connector having a first end, a second end, a through-passage extending between those ends and a seal associated with the first end. The second end of the push-fit connector is push-fit connected to the connection region of the adapter and the first end of the push-fit connector is push-fit connected with the mating region of the inlets in such a way that the seal sealingly engages the inlet defining part. The arrangement is such that optical fibres from the optical fibre cable can be directed through the push-fit connector and the through-hold of the inlet.

Abstract: Methods for making a preform for a large diameter optical waveguide such as a cane waveguide are disclosed. The method includes inserting a preform into a glass tube to serve as cladding that provides a thickened preform, simultaneously fusing and stretching the thickened preform, sectioning the stretched and still thickened preform and repeating the procedure if necessary to provide an even further thickened preform. The drawing apparatus can be configured to work with the preform disposed either horizontally or vertically and usually includes a graphite resistance furnace. Typically, the drawing apparatus is an upper portion of a draw tower used for drawing an optical fiber from an optical fiber preform. The draw tower includes a tractor pulling mechanism that can adjust to grip a wide range of diameters.