Abstract: A method for accessing cloud resources via a local application development environment on a computing device. The method includes invoking an access management client at the computing device; obtaining an account identifier associated with a user account and communicating the account identifier to an identity platform; receiving an authentication message from the identity platform in response to the identity platform validating the account identifier, the authentication message comprising a role identifier; communicating the authentication message to the cloud platform; receiving security credentials associated with the role identifier from the cloud platform in response to the cloud platform validating the authentication message and the associated role identifier; setting a variable in the local development environment based on the received security credentials for use by the local development environment to request access to one or more resources maintained by the cloud platform.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a plurality of processing chains (2061, . . . , 206K) for a plurality of transducer element channels (1081, . . . , 108K). A processing chain of the plurality of processing chains, includes: a phase rotation processor (1141, . . . , 114K) that focuses an N-bit digital representation, of an analog RF signal received on the corresponding transducer element channel, through phase rotation through phase additions or subtractions, and outputs a focused N-bit quantized value, where N is a predetermined positive integer.

Abstract: A comfort system for Cowboy and work boots, including an insole chassis, an insole chassis backing board, and cushioning pads for absorbing and attenuating shocks encountered by a wearer of the boots. Cushioning pads are secured to a surface of the insole chassis backing board, and apertures in the insole chassis allow the cushions to pass through. Additional cushioning pads are retained in recesses in the midsole. Pads on insole chassis backing board and midsole are vertically aligned. A steel toe inset is utilized in conjunction with the comfort system for work boots. A rim may depend below the midsole to receive a foamed plastic pad.

Abstract: A comfort system for Cowboy and work boots, including an insole chassis, an insole chassis backing board, and cushioning pads for absorbing and attenuating shocks encountered by a wearer of the boots. Cushioning pads are secured to a surface of the insole chassis backing board, and apertures in the insole chassis allow the cushions to pass through. Additional cushioning pads are retained in recesses in the midsole. Pads on insole chassis backing board and midsole are vertically aligned. A steel toe inset is utilized in conjunction with the comfort system for work boots. A rim may depend below the midsole to receive a foamed plastic pad.

Abstract: A comfort system for Cowboy and work boots, including an insole chassis, an insole chassis backing board, and cushioning pads for absorbing and attenuating shocks encountered by a wearer of the boots. Cushioning pads are secured to a surface of the insole chassis backing board, and apertures in the insole chassis allow the cushions to pass through. Additional cushioning pads are retained in recesses in the midsole. Pads on insole chassis backing board and midsole are vertically aligned. A steel toe inset is utilized in conjunction with the comfort system for work boots. A rim may depend below the midsole to receive a foamed plastic pad.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a plurality of processing chains (2061, . . . , 206K) for a plurality of transducer element channels (1081, . . . , 108K). A processing chain of the plurality of processing chains, includes: a phase rotation processor (1141, . . . , 114K) that focuses an N-bit digital representation, of an analog RF signal received on the corresponding transducer element channel, through phase rotation through phase additions or subtractions, and outputs a focused N-bit quantized value, where N is a predetermined positive integer.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprises an aqueous carrier liquid, hydrophobic particulate material suspended therein and a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The hydrophobic particulate material has a specified maximum particle size and/or minimum surface area: namely a volume median particle size d50 of not more than 200 micron, determined as median diameter of spheres of equivalent volume and/or a surface area of at least 30 m2 per litre (0.03 m2 per milliliter), determined as surface area of smooth spheres of equivalent volume. The agglomeration of the particles by gas leads to the formation of agglomerates which contain gas and so have a bulk density lower than the density of the particles. This reduces the rate of settling. The fluid is particularly envisaged as a slickwater fracturing fluid in which the suspended particles are proppant.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprises an aqueous carrier liquid, hydrophobic particulate material suspended therein and a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The hydrophobic particulate material has a specified maximum volume median particle size d50 of not more than 200 micron, and/or a minimum surface area of at least 30 m2 per liter. Agglomerates of the particles contain gas and so have a bulk density lower than the density of the particles. This reduces the rate of settling. The fluid is particularly envisaged as a slickwater fracturing fluid in which the suspended particles are proppant. The small particle size and/or substantial surface area increases the amount of gas which can be retained within agglomerates and so enhances the buoyancy of the agglomerates. The end result is that a greater proportion of a hydraulic fracture is propped open.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound imaging system includes a mobile computing device; a detachable front end component configured for attachment to and communication with the mobile computing device, and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals; and programming, when installed on the mobile computing device, being executable by the mobile computing device to cause the mobile computing device to send signals to the front end component causing the front end component to transmit the ultrasound signals, and to receive signals from the front end component resulting from the front end component receiving the receive ultrasound signals, and process the receive signal and display an ultrasound image resulting from the processing. The front end component is configured to be directly joined with the mobile computing device and directly connected, without the use of an external wire or cable.

Abstract: An engineering lifecycle cost estimation system, or EDGE System. The engineering lifecycle cost estimation system allows users to make engineering decisions based on graded evaluations of lifecycle costs (“EDGE”). Embodiments of the EDGE System allow users to analyze major design options during initial system development, optimize system details during final system development and construction, and manage system operation and maintenance over the life of the system. Embodiments of the EDGE System allow users to define a system in terms of the components included in the system, define alternative systems, calculate lifecycle costs for a system or component, and visualize the lifecycle costs, timelines, and other information for systems and components. The visualizations allow users to easily analyze and compare alternative systems or components and make informed decisions.

Abstract: A PCD cutting element for use in earth boring drill bits where die interstices remote from the working surface are filled with a catalyzing material and the interstices adjacent to the working surface are substantially free of the catalyzing material is described. An intermediate region between the substantially free portion and filled portion has a plurality of generally conically sectioned catalyst-free projections which taper down, extending to a second depth from the planar working surface, preferably about 0.5 times or more of the first depth.

Abstract: Gravel packing a region of a wellbore is carried out using one or more hydrophobically-surfaced particulate materials as the gravel. Placing the gravel pack is carried out using an aqueous carrier liquid, with hydrophobic particulate material suspended in the liquid and a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The presence of gas lowers the density of the agglomerates relative to the particulate material in them, so that transport of the particulates is improved. The invention enables the placing of longer, uniformly packed, gravel packs, especially in horizontal and near horizontal wellbores.

Abstract: An effects pedal including a first stage configured to asymmetrically limit an input signal, and a second stage configured to symmetrically clip the asymmetrically limited signal.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid is an aqueous carrier liquid with first and second hydrophobic particulate materials suspended therein. The first hydrophobic particles have a higher specific gravity than the second hydrophobic particles and the fluid also comprises a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The fluid may be a fracturing fluid or gravel packing fluid and the first particulate material may be proppant or gravel. The lighter second particulate material and the gas both reduce the density of the agglomerates which form so that they settle more slowly from the fluid, or are buoyant and do not settle. This facilitates transport and placement in a hydraulic fracture or gravel pack. One application of this is when fracturing a gas-shale with slickwater. The benefit of reduced settling is better placement of proppant so that a greater amount of the fracture is propped open.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprises an aqueous carrier liquid, hydrophobic fibers suspended therein, hydrophobic particulate material also suspended in the carrier liquid, and a gas to wet the surfaces of the particles and fibers and bind them together as agglomerates. The wellbore fluid may be a slickwater fracturing fluid and may be used for fracturing a tight gas reservoir. Using a combination of hydrophobic particulate material, hydrophobic fibers and gas inhibits settling out of the particulate material from an aqueous liquid. Because the gas acts to wet the surfaces of both materials and agglomerates them, the particulate material is made to adhere to the fibers; the fibers form a network which hinders settling of the particulate material adhering to them, and the agglomerates contain gas and so have a bulk density which is less than the specific gravity of the solids contained in the agglomerates.

Abstract: An effects pedal including a first stage configured to asymmetrically limit an input signal, and a second stage configured to symmetrically clip the asymmetrically limited signal.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprises an aqueous carrier liquid, hydrophobic particulate material suspended therein and a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The hydrophobic particulate material has a specified maximum particle size and/or minimum surface area: namely a volume median particle size d50 of not more than 200 micron, determined as median diameter of spheres of equivalent volume and/or a surface area of at least 30 m2 per liter (0.03 m2 per milliliter), determined as surface area of smooth spheres of equivalent volume. The agglomeration of the particles by gas leads to the formation of agglomerates which contain gas and so have a bulk density lower than the density of the particles. This reduces the rate of settling. The fluid is particularly envisaged as a slickwater fracturing fluid in which the suspended particles are proppant.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid is an aqueous carrier liquid with first and second hydrophobic particulate materials suspended therein. The first hydrophobic particles have a higher specific gravity than the second hydrophobic particles and the fluid also comprises a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The fluid may be a fracturing fluid or gravel packing fluid and the first particulate material may be proppant or gravel. The lighter second particulate material and the gas both reduce the density of the agglomerates which form so that they settle more slowly from the fluid, or are buoyant and do not settle. This facilitates transport and placement in a hydraulic fracture or gravel pack. One application of this is when fracturing a gas-shale with slickwater. The benefit of reduced settling is better placement of proppant so that a greater amount of the fracture is propped open.

Abstract: Gravel packing a region of a wellbore is carried out using one or more hydrophobically-surfaced particulate materials as the gravel. Placing the gravel pack is carried out using an aqueous carrier liquid, with hydrophobic particulate material suspended in the liquid and a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The presence of gas lowers the density of the agglomerates relative to the particulate material in them, so that transport of the particulates is improved. The invention enables the placing of longer, uniformly packed, gravel packs, especially in horizontal and near horizontal wellbores.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprising an aqueous carrier liquid, hydrophobic fibers suspended therein, hydrophobic particulate material also suspended in the carrier liquid, and a gas to wet the surfaces of the particles and fibers and bind them together as agglomerates. The wellbore fluid may be a slickwater fracturing fluid and may be used for fracturing a tight gas reservoir. Using a combination of hydrophobic particulate material, hydrophobic fibers and gas inhibits settling out of the particulate material from an aqueous liquid. Because the gas acts to wet the surfaces of both materials and agglomerates them, the particulate material is made to adhere to the fibers; the fibers form a network which hinders settling of the particulate material adhering to them, and the agglomerates contain gas and so have a bulk density which is less than the specific gravity of the solids contained in the agglomerates.