Abstract: A temperature measurement system is provided for a light emitting diode (LED) assembly that includes an LED having two semiconductors joined together at an LED junction. The system includes a temperature sensor operatively connected to the LED assembly at a remote location that is remote from the LED junction. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the LED assembly at the remote location. A temperature calculation module is operatively connected to the temperature sensor for receiving the measured temperature at the remote location from the temperature sensor. The temperature calculation module is configured to determine a junction temperature at the LED junction based on the measured temperature a the remote location.

Abstract: A shifting tool and method of shifting a downhole device that requires only a minimal profile or no profile to engage and move the movable portion of the tool. The invention comprises a ported housing assembly and at least one friction pad alignable with said at least one port and radially movable through the port between a first pad position and a second pad position. In the second pad position, the friction pad extends outside said outer diameter of said housing assembly to engage the targeted downhole device. A mandrel positioned through the ported housing has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section with a second outer diameter, said second outer diameter being greater than said first outer diameter. The mandrel is movable between a first mandrel position and a second mandrel position. In the second mandrel position, the second outer diameter supports the friction pads in the second pad position.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprising a housing having at least one flow port disposed providing a communication path between the interior and exterior of the sleeve. A sleeve assembly has an expandable seat and an inner sleeve, and is moveable within the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the sleeve assembly is radially positioned between the flow ports and the flowpath to substantially prevent fluid communication. Shearable port inserts are positioned within the flow ports, with each port insert having a shearable portion extending into the interior of the housing and engaging the sleeve assembly when the inner sleeve is in said first position.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated propellant stimulation downhole tool for hydrocarbon wells. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises a first section having an internal sidewall defining at least a portion of a flowpath, and a ported outer sidewall. A propellant volume having at least a portion within said first section. An annular portion has at least one pressure chamber having an end positioned adjacent to the propellant volume and an inlet providing a communication path to said flowpath. A detonator assembly is located within each pressure chamber proximal to the propellant volume such that detonation of the assembly causes detonation of the propellant volume. A firing pin is propelled toward the detonation assembly by providing communication between the pressure chamber and the flow path, causing a pressure differential between the pressure isolated ends of the firing pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for portable cushions for head and neck support of a passenger in a vehicle includes a rear rod for joining the apparatus to a seat headrest of the vehicle. Side rods are joined to the rear rod and extend out from the rear rod for extending beyond the seat headrest. Arms extend generally downward from ends of the side rods for positioning lengths of the arms on either side of the passenger's head and neck. Cushions are joined to the lengths to be positioned on either side of the passenger's head and neck for supporting the passenger's head and neck while the passenger is seated in the vehicle.

Abstract: A system is provided for settling cash letters containing check images that are exchanged by banks connected to an image exchange system (IEX). Settlement amounts are computed and sent to the Federal Reserve Banks' National Settlement Service (FRBNSS) for settlement based upon business rules. Further, a method is provided for processing a financial check transaction between a plurality of financial institutions, including at least first and second institutions, the method including providing electronic check data, relating to at least one check to be paid by the second institution, from the first institution to the second institution to effect an automatic check presentment; and automatically performing an electronic settlement determination for the at least one check, based on the electronic check data and predetermined business rules.

Abstract: A method and system integrates the monitoring of system components and detecting errors or potential problems (or both) in components of bulk fuel distribution facilities. Generally, the method and system includes a diagnostic support module for identifying what stand alone software modules, what fuel hardware, and what software interfaces/drivers associated with the fuel hardware are present in a bulk fuel distribution facility. After the diagnostic support module identifies the unique system components of a particular bulk fuel facility that can comprise software and fuel hardware, the diagnostic support module can perform system checks of the system components to determine if any system components are missing or if errors or potential problems (or any combination thereof) may exist in a particular bulk fuel distribution facility.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method are provided. The system includes a plurality of first entities (such as banks), each first entity communicatively connected to at least one distributed traffic agent (DTA), a second entity (such as a central facility) communicatively connected to a DTA, and a communication network communicatively connecting the DTAs. A payload containing a data file (such as electronic check presentment data, electronic payment data, or any other data type) is communicated from one first entity to another through their respective DTAs via the communication network. In addition, a transmittal containing control information corresponding to the payload is communicated from the one first entity to the second entity through their respective DTAs via the communication network.

Abstract: A system for scanning paper media includes a scanner in which stacked printed media can be placed. The paper media is scanned and a three dimensional data set representing the printed media is output to a microprocessor. An electronic representation of the printed media is created from the three dimensional data set.

Abstract: A first tube has an end portion with a socket that is tapered by, a frustoconical wall that ends with a radially extending land. A copper brazing ring is disposed on the land. An end portion of a second tube having a knurled surface is press fitted into the socket to provide a coupling assembly. Upon heating the coupling assembly, the copper brazing ring melts and flows through the grooves in the knurled surface to weld the second tube to first tube and to seal the interface therebetween.