Abstract: The present invention is a decorative panel formed with an inlay design created by forming a number of inlay openings within a substrate for the panel by laser cutting the openings in the substrate. The openings are formed in communication with a pocket that is formed in the substrate opposite the inlay openings, such that the inlay openings and the pocket extend completely through the substrate. The pocket enables a piece of a filler material to be positioned within a pocket to form an appropriate backing for the inlay members which are positioned in the inlay openings and securely attached to the filler material.

Abstract: A device (100) for detecting a condition in a fluid system (14) and initiating a response based on the condition. The device consists of a sensor (12) that responds to a first and second condition of the fluid (13) in the system and a control means (10) that receives the responses and generates command signals in based on the received response. In a liquid chromatography system, the device is used to determine the volume of components of the fluid system. In addition, the device allow leaks to be detected and permits the fluid in the system to be transported at a optimum speed. The device is well implemented utilizing to a light emitter and light receptor that are sensitive to the fluid in either a gaseous or liquid state.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting leaks includes a sensing circuit including a first thermistor device adapted to detected a leak upon contact with a liquid, and, a second thermistor device functioning as a reference device. The first and second thermistor devices are driven with a current such that both devices operate in self-heated mode at a temperature above an ambient temperature. A control system controls a drive circuit for maintaining a constant application of power through both devices in response to a voltage monitored at a reference point in the sensing circuit including the reference thermistor. The voltage at a reference point in a portion of the sensing circuit including the first thermistor device is additionally monitored and compared with the voltage at the reference point in the sensing circuit including the second thermistor device. A leak condition is determined on the basis of a comparison result of the ambient temperature.

Abstract: An end effecter (201) is provided herein which comprises a blade (203) having a depression (213) formed in the surface (210) thereof, an elastomeric pad (209) disposed in said depression and a fastener (215) for releasably securing the pad within said depression such that a portion of the pad extends above the surface of the blade.

Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore comprises a tubing spool which is positioned over the well bore, a tubing hanger which is landed in the tubing spool, a first pressure-containing barrier which is secured to the tubing hanger and which comprises a portion that sealingly engages the tubing spool, and a second pressure-containing barrier which is secured to the tubing hanger and which comprises a portion that sealing engages the tubing spool. In addition, each of the first and second pressure-containing barriers is capable of isolating the well bore from the environment during the production mode of operation of the flow completion system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and computer program instructions for providing location-independent packet routing and secure access in a wireless networking environment (such as that encountered within a building), enabling client devices to travel seamlessly within the environment. Each client device uses a constant address. An address translation process that is transparent to the client and server is automatically performed as the device roams through the environment, enabling efficient client migration from one supporting access point to another. The secure access techniques provide user-centric authentication and allow policy-driven packet filtering, while taking advantage of encryption capabilities that are built in to the hardware at each endpoint.

Abstract: Techniques for enhancing security in networking environments, whereby a cryptographic node negotiates a set of security parameters (a “security association”) with an end node, on behalf of a routing node (an “edge router”), and then securely distributes the negotiated security parameters to the edge router and/or to other edge routers in the network. The disclosed negotiation techniques allow the end node to physically move during the negotiation, yet still establish the security association, and the secure distribution enables the end node to move seamlessly through the network yet continue communicating securely. The disclosed techniques may also be used advantageously in other environments, such as clustered server environments, and allow an end node to communicate with multiple routing or server nodes for a variety of reasons (for example, during a hot-swap to a different server during fail-over or as a result of load balancing).

Abstract: A completion system comprises a christmas tree (10) mounted on a wellhead housing (11), a tubing hanger (12) landed in the tree or wellhead housing, the wellhead housing (11) being mounted on a casing string (100) and a tubing string (14) being suspended from the tubing hanger within the casing string; wherein, in use, the annulus defined between the tubing (14) and the casing (100) serves as a production bore. A second tubing string (98) is expanded into sealing engagement with the casing string (100) over at least a portion of their lengths. The annulus normally used to provide well service functions is thus eliminated. Well servicing is instead provided via the tubing string (14), which may be coiled tubing.

Abstract: A robotic hub assembly is provided which comprises a spacer configuration (101) that includes first (103) and second (105) spacers disposed in opposing relation to each other, and a device, such as a pin (111), for restricting the relative motion of the first and second spacers in a lateral direction.

Abstract: The invention is a coating and a method for applying coatings to fiber reinforced composite materials. A first polymeric layer, free of fibers and particulate, coats a fiber reinforced polymer substrate. The first layer joins the fiber reinforced polymer substrate to a second polymeric layer. The second polymeric layer contains a polymeric matrix and a particulate within the polymeric matrix. Finally, at least one thermally sprayed material coats the second polymeric layer to form an adherent multi-layer coating attached to the fiber reinforced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new form of financial instrument for securitization of retail automotive and light truck lease assets. The instrument is supported by secured notes that are separately and independently secured by a first priority perfected lien on each related vehicle and lease (to protect the investment entity which creates securities sold to investors 27 and, thereby, the investors 27). The method of the present invention for creating the financial instrument includes creating a leasing company. The leasing company then acquires leases from dealers. In one embodiment of the present invention, termination value guarantees on the leases can be obtained. A financial asset is issued to fund the acquisition of the leases. In one embodiment of the present invention, a nominee titleholder and a registered lien are created on each leased vehicle. The financial asset is transferred to a securities-issuing entity.

Abstract: A robotic arm assembly (101) is provided which comprises a hub (103), a first arm segment (105) which is attached to the hub, and a second arm segment (107) which is attached to the first arm segment such that said second arm segment can rotate at least partially about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A wrist assembly (311) for a robotic arm or other mechanical device is provided. The wrist assembly comprises a first arm (313) which terminates in a first radius (317), a second arm (315) which terminates in a second radius (319), and a first band (331) that is devoid of weld joints and that extends around a portion of each of said first and second radii.

Abstract: A horizontal Christmas tree is adapted for ESP/HSP or downhole sensor deployment by a coiled tubing hanger 38 received in the tubing hanger 12. Coiled tubing 40 suspends downhole equipment such as ESP 60, and carries power/signal lines. These lines are connected to an external line 58 via a transition connector 46 in a tubing access plug 44 provided in an internal tree cap 32. A debris cap 50 is provided with a further connector 52. Self orientating wet mate connectors 48, 54, 56 are provided between the connectors 46, 52 and external line 58. The coiled tubing hanger and/or tubing hanger may be provided with flow by flutes or holes (78, 80 FIGS. 4 and 5) sealable by a separate adapter plug (88, FIG. 5) above the coiled tubing hanger. Flow test procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and computer program instructions for providing location-independent packet routing and secure access in a wireless networking environment (such as that encountered within a building), enabling client devices to travel seamlessly within the environment. Each client device uses a constant address. An address translation process that is transparent to the client and server is automatically performed as the device roams through the environment, enabling efficient client migration from one supporting access point to another. The secure access techniques provide user-centric authentication and allow policy-driven packet filtering, while taking advantage of encryption capabilities that are built in to the hardware at each endpoint.

Abstract: A completion system comprises a christmas tree (10) mounted on a wellhead housing (11), a tubing hanger (12) landed in the tree or wellhead housing, the wellhead housing (11) being mounted on a casing string (100) and a tubing string (14) being suspended from the tubing hanger within the casing string; wherein, in use, the annulus defined between the tubing (14) and the casing (100) serves as a production bore. A second tubing string (98) is expanded into sealing engagement with the casing string (100) over at least a portion of their lengths. The annulus normally used to provide well service functions is thus eliminated. Well servicing is instead provided via the tubing string (14), which may be coiled tubing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and computer program instructions for providing location-independent packet routing and secure access in a wireless networking environment (such as that encountered within a building), enabling client devices to travel seamlessly within the environment. Each client device uses a constant address. An address translation process that is transparent to the client and server is automatically performed as the device roams through the environment, enabling efficient client migration from one supporting access point to another. The secure access techniques provide user-centric authentication and allow policy-driven packet filtering, while taking advantage of encryption capabilities that are built in to the hardware at each endpoint.

Abstract: Techniques for enhancing security in networking environments, whereby a cryptographic node negotiates a set of security parameters (a “security association”) with an end node, on behalf of a routing node (an “edge router”), and then securely distributes the negotiated security parameters to the edge router and/or to other edge routers in the network. The disclosed negotiation techniques allow the end node to physically move during the negotiation, yet still establish the security association, and the secure distribution enables the end node to move seamlessly through the network yet continue communicating securely. The disclosed techniques may also be used advantageously in other environments, such as clustered server environments, and allow an end node to communicate with multiple routing or server nodes for a variety of reasons (for example, during a hot-swap to a different server during fail-over or as a result of load balancing).

Abstract: A horizontal Christmas tree is adapted for ESP/HSP or downhole sensor deployment by a coiled tubing hanger 38 received in the tubing hanger 12. Coiled tubing 40 suspends downhole equipment such as ESP 60, and carries power/signal lines. These lines are connected to an external line 58 via a transition connector 46 in a tubing access plug 44 provided in an internal tree cap 32. A debris cap 50 is provided with a further connector 52. Self orientating wet mate connectors 48, 54, 56 are provided between the connectors 46, 52 and external line 58. The coiled tubing hanger and/or tubing hanger may be provided with flow by flutes or holes (78, 80 FIGS. 4 and 5) sealable by a separate adapter plug (88, FIG. 5) above the coiled tubing hanger. Flow test procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A completion component such as a tubing hanger includes a lockdown mechanism with an actuating mandrel that includes a positively acting anti-backout mechanism, which can be remotely deployed. The mechanism comprises a tooth on an inwardly biased retention ring carried by the mandrel, and positively engageable with a corresponding profile on the tubing hanger. Detent pins are outwardly biased by a tubing hanger running tool latch piston to hold the tooth and profile out of engagement during installation of the tubing hanger and setting of the actuating mandrel.