Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting apparatus, in particular a modular lifting apparatus that can be assembled about an item to be lifted. The lifting apparatus has at least two elongate bars connected and spaced apart by at least two spacers; and at least four end plates that are fitted to ends of the elongate bars using a locking mechanism. Each elongate bar passes through or under an item to be lifted and projects from each end of the item to be lifted; each spacer is shaped and dimensioned to have a portion that extends to abut the item to be lifted and prevent the spacer moving along the elongate bars, and the spacer has a pair of eyes, each eye receives an end of an elongate bar. Each end plate is locked to the elongate bar by the locking mechanism thereby fixing the spacer in position; and each end plate includes a means for engaging with a lifting device.

Abstract: A vehicle cover includes an elongated elastic body having a plurality of tubular channels extending parallel to each other and in gaseous communication with each other; a plurality of horizontal straps extending parallel to each other and running perpendicular to the plurality of tubular channels; a first strap and a second strap secured to the body and configured to intersect with each other at a center of the body; a hole extending through a thickness of the body and configured to receive an antenna of the vehicle therethrough; and a pump secured to the body and configured to drive air into the plurality of horizontal straps.

Abstract: A method of operating a device includes sending to a server system a request for data relating to a particular number of elements in the vicinity of a location of the device, receiving a response with data relating to a set of elements, the data including data specifying a location associated with each of the elements, causing a user interface to provide an output representing data related to one or more of the elements, wherein the configuration of the output is dependent upon the location of the elements relative to the location of the device, and in response to a change in the location of the device, updating the output using the data in the response. A device is shown carrying out the method as well as a system including the device and a server.

Abstract: A system (1) includes a plurality of mobile devices (21 . . . 2N) connectable to a server system (3) via a network system (4), one or more computing devices (5) connectable to the server system (3). The system (1) also includes a global navigation satellite system (36) and a plurality of transmitters (371 . . . 37N?). For example, the system can be for providing location-based and/or social networking services to users of the mobile devices (21 . . . 2N). Improvements in aspects of the underlying technology are described.

Abstract: A system (1) includes a plurality of mobile devices (21 . . . 2N) connectable to a server system (3) via a network system (4), one or more computing devices (5) connectable to the server system (3). The system (1) also includes a global navigation satellite system (36) and a plurality of transmitters (371 . . . 37N?). For example, the system can be for providing location-based and/or social networking services to users of the mobile devices (21 . . . 2N). Improvements in aspects of the underlying technology are described.

Abstract: An integrated data management system, method, and computer program for querying, collecting, tracking, comparing, and displaying floating production system daily operations data, market data, and technical data to one or more users is disclosed. The data management system includes one or more processors with memory carrying one or more sequences of computer instructions for receiving floating production system data from floating production systems (FPS), receiving search criteria from the users, and comparing the floating production system data to the search criteria to determine matches between the FPS data and the search criteria. The floating production system data includes fleet and vessel data, upcoming tenders, latest project sanctions, technical specifications, status criteria, and market news.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that flashes updated boot code onto a redundant boot device. The updated boot sequence is then initiated. A determination is then made as to whether the boot sequence fails or properly terminates. In the event the boot sequence fails, then the system re-initiates booting using the old boot code. The determination may include starting a timer upon executing the initiating step, and stopping the timer when the boot sequence ends. If the timer times out before the timer is stopped, then the system considers the boot sequence to have failed, and then executes the re-initiation step.