Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for forming one or more holes in a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising a deflector assembly and a drive assembly to drive said deflector assembly, wherein the deflector assembly may be optionally assembled at a surface of the wellbore prior to casing hole formation, and to methods employing the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a security screening operation on receptacles to detect presence of one or more prohibited objects in the receptacles. The apparatus may comprise an input for receiving image data conveying an image of contents of a receptacle, the image data being derived from a device that scans the receptacle with penetrating radiation. The apparatus may also comprise a processing unit for determining whether the image depicts at least one prohibited object. The apparatus may also comprise a graphical user interface (GUI) for displaying a representation of the contents of the receptacle on a basis of the image data. The GUI may also display a representation of the contents of each of one or more receptacles previously screened by the apparatus. When a detection of depiction of at least one prohibited object is made, the GUI may display information conveying a level of confidence in the detection.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of proximity detection based on transmitting at random intervals burst of a RF signal at a power level, and receiving, while not transmitting, a received RF signal. When detecting said received RF signal emitted by a target in range; an alarm signal is provided to warn of the proximity of the target. Another broad aspect of the invention is to deploy the above method among members of a territory and provide a monitoring patrol to verify if the proximity of those members can be detected from their RF signal. Another broad aspect of the invention is to provide to those members a plurality of status from which each member selects one corresponding to its current status and to transmit that status in the RF signal he is transmitting, thereby informing other members in range of his current status and enabling them to evaluate the potential danger associated with him.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of proximity detection based on transmitting at random intervals burst of a RF signal at a power level, and receiving, while not transmitting, a received RF signal. When detecting said received RF signal emitted by a target in range; an alarm signal is provided to warn of the proximity of the target. Another broad aspect of the invention is to deploy the above method among members of a territory and provide a monitoring patrol to verify if the proximity of those members can be detected from their RF signal. Another broad aspect of the invention is to provide to those members a plurality of status from which each member selects one corresponding to its current status and to transmit that status in the RF signal he is transmitting, thereby informing other members in range of his current status and enabling them to evaluate the potential danger associated with him.

Abstract: An artificial masonry unit suitable for use with a panel made of a compressible material having masonry unit receiving depressions in a front face thereof and protruding ribs defining and bordering the depressions. The depressions are sized to receive respective artificial masonry units in a close-fitting relationship. The artificial masonry unit comprises a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face providing a thickness to the unit, and a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face. A tooth projection is projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge for thrusting into the protruding rib when the masonry unit is inserted in a respective depression. Thanks to the tooth projection that is thrusting into the rib of a respective depression and that helps retaining the masonry unit within the depression prior to mortaring the wall, there is no need for using a mixture of cement to temporarily retain the masonry units within the depression.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implementing a user interface module for use in screening a receptacle to detect therein the presence of one or more prohibited objects is provided. An image signal associated with the receptacle conveying information related to the receptacle's contents and a detection signal conveying a presence of at least one prohibited object in the receptacle are received. A user interface module is adapted for displaying first information conveying an image associated with the receptacle on the basis of the image signal. The user interface module is also adapted for displaying, simultaneously with the first information, second information conveying the presence of the prohibited object in the receptacle. The second information is derived at least in part on the basis of the detection signal. As a variant, the user interface module is adapted for providing a control allowing a user to cause third information to be displayed.

Abstract: A database of target objects suitable for use in detecting the presence of one or more target objects in a receptacle is provided. The database of target objects comprises a plurality of entries, each entry being associated to a respective target object whose presence in a receptacle it is desirable to detect during security screening. An entry for a given target object comprises a group of sub-entries, each sub-entry being associated to the given target object in a respective orientation. At least part of each sub-entry is suitable for being processed by a processing unit implementing an optical correlation operation to attempt to detect a representation of the given target object in an image of the receptacle. A method, an apparatus and a system for generating entries for the database of target objects are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for screening a receptacle. The apparatus comprises an input for receiving an image signal, the image signal conveying an input image related to contents of the receptacle, the image signal having been produced by a device that is characterized by introducing distortion into the input image. The apparatus also comprises a processing unit operative for: applying a distortion correction process to the image signal to remove at least part of the distortion from the input image, thereby to generate a corrected image signal conveying at least one corrected image; processing the corrected image signal in combination with a plurality of data elements associated with a plurality of target objects in an attempt to detect a presence of at least one of said target objects in the receptacle; and generating a detection signal in response to detection of the presence of at least one of said target objects in the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling and/or powering downhole components without the need for control and/or power lines extending from the components to the surface of the well and without the need for power or control lines to be inserted into the wellbore along with the components. In one aspect of the invention, a borehole is lined with a casing, the casing having at least one aperture disposed. Adjacent the aperture, on the outer surface of the casing, is a docking station, which is permanently attached to the casing and includes a socket. After the casing is installed in the borehole, a downhole component can be lowered into the wellbore. The downhole component is equipped with a connector extending from an outer surface thereof. The connector assembly is disposable through the aperture in the casing and, the connector assembly can be connected to the socket of docking station.

Abstract: A panel for forming a masonry wall on a building surface, comprising a back face for covering the building surface, opposite edges and a front face with a predetermined pattern of first and second depressions. The first depressions are shaped and sized for receiving masonry pieces as a whole whereas the second depressions, which intersect the opposite edges, are shaped and sized for receiving parts of masonry pieces, so that, when the panel is mounted side by side with a complementary panel, some masonry pieces bridge both panels by means of the second depressions. The panel makes it possible for an unskilled worker to build relatively rapidly a masonry work having a complex predetermined pattern of masonry pieces. Thanks to the second depressions that make it possible for some pieces of masonry to bridge panels mounted side by side, the general arrangement of pieces, when completed does not look like a series of individual panels but rather look continuous.

Abstract: An artificial masonry unit suitable for use with a panel made of a compressible material having masonry unit receiving depressions in a front face thereof and protruding ribs defining and bordering the depressions. The depressions are sized to receive respective artificial masonry units in a close-fitting relationship. The artificial masonry unit comprises a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face providing a thickness to the unit, and a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face. A tooth projection is projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge for thrusting into the protruding rib when the masonry unit is inserted in a respective depression. Thanks to the tooth projection that is thrusting into the rib of a respective depression and that helps retaining the masonry unit within the depression prior to mortaring the wall, there is no need for using a mixture of cement to temporarily retain the masonry units within the depression.

Abstract: A method for estimating the quality of wood chips for use in a pulp and paper production process includes estimating a plurality of wood chip quality-related properties characterizing the wood chips, and associating with these properties a plurality of corresponding wood chip property-related quality indexes. A wood chip quality model combining the wood chip property-related quality indexes is used to generate a resulting chip quality index. The properties may include wood species composition, size distribution, impurities content, moisture content and freshness characterizing the wood chips.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a lateral well bore to a vertical well bore using a tieback liner while providing full bore access in the vertical well bore casing. The tieback liner is rotationally aligned with respect to a window of the casing by locating a key slot formed above the window and longitudinally aligned by using a no-go device to locate the bottom edge of the window. The tieback liner includes a snap sleeve that extends into a window of the main well bore casing and connects the tieback liner to the casing. The section of the casing receiving the snap sleeve is of a larger inner diameter than the other sections of casing. The connection between the tieback liner and casing prevents the tieback liner from rotating, tilting, or moving laterally with respect to the casing. The connection imparts significant resistance to formation loading applied at the junction.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of proximity detection based on transmitting at random intervals burst of a RF signal at a power level, and receiving, while not transmitting, a received RF signal. When detecting said received RF signal emitted by a target in range; an alarm signal is provided to warn of the proximity of the target. Another broad aspect of the invention is to deploy the above method among members of a territory and provide a monitoring patrol to verify if the proximity of those members can be detected from their RF signal. Another broad aspect of the invention is to provide to those members a plurality of status from which each member selects one corresponding to its current status and to transmit that status in the RF signal he is transmitting, thereby informing other members in range of his current status and enabling them to evaluate the potential danger associated with him.

Abstract: A multi-functional vehicle for being used selectively on land or in a body of water, the vehicle includes a vehicle frame mounted on two grouped pairs of frame wheels. A passenger cabin is releasably attached to the vehicle frame. A pair of floatation pontoons is releasably attached to the passenger cabin. The vehicle frame is convertible between a cabin receiving configuration and a load receiving configuration. The vehicle can be used to carry additional passengers or load while being attached to conventional vehicles such as conventional ATV vehicles. The trailer can be specifically designed so as to be able to follow the often rugged off-road terrain on which some vehicles such as ATV vehicles are commonly used. The passenger cabin can be readily converted into a water craft through a set a quick and ergonomical steps. The vehicle may also be used on a gliding surface such as snow and converted into a gliding vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling and/or powering downhole components without the need for control and/or power lines extending from the components to the surface of the well and without the need for power or control lines to be inserted into the wellbore along with the components. In one aspect of the invention, a borehole is lined with a casing, the casing having at least one aperture disposed. Adjacent the aperture, on the outer surface of the casing, is a docking station, which is permanently attached to the casing and includes a socket. After the casing is installed in the borehole, a downhole component can be lowered into the wellbore. The downhole component is equipped with a connector extending from an outer surface thereof. The connector assembly is disposable through the aperture in the casing and, the connector assembly can be connected to the socket of docking station.

Abstract: A multi-functional vehicle for being used selectively on land or in a body of water, the vehicle includes a vehicle frame mounted on two grouped pairs of frame wheels. A passenger cabin is releasably attached to the vehicle frame. A pair of floatation pontoons is releasably attached to the passenger cabin. The vehicle frame is convertible between a cabin receiving configuration and a load receiving configuration. The vehicle can be used to carry additional passengers or load while being attached to conventional vehicles such as conventional ATV vehicles. The trailer can be specifically designed so as to be able to follow the often rugged off-road terrain on which some vehicles such as ATV vehicles are commonly used. The passenger cabin can be readily converted into a water craft through a set a quick and ergonomical steps. The vehicle may also be used on a gliding surface such as snow and converted into a gliding vehicle.

Abstract: A panel for forming a masonry wall on a building surface, comprising a back face for covering the building surface, opposite edges and a front face with a predetermined pattern of first and second depressions. The first depressions are shaped and sized for receiving masonry pieces as a whole whereas the second depressions, which intersect the opposite edges, are shaped and sized for receiving parts of masonry pieces, so that, when the panel is mounted side by side with a complementary panel, some masonry pieces bridge both panels by means of the second depressions. The panel makes it possible for an unskilled worker to build relatively rapidly a masonry work having a complex predetermined pattern of masonry pieces. Thanks to the second depressions that make it possible for some pieces of masonry to bridge panels mounted side by side, the general arrangement of pieces, when completed does not look like a series of individual panels but rather look continuous.

Abstract: A mortarless wall of a building structure has a plurality of blocks arranged in successive overlapping courses. Each of the blocks has a top, bottom, front and rear face disposed between opposed side ends. The blocks are able to interlock in the manner of shingles in a mortarless fashion.