Abstract: A reduced-cost apparatus for calibrating the sensitivity and orthogonality of a triaxial magnetometer, and a method for adjusting the distance between the two coils of a Helmholtz coil and other related parameters are described herein. A method can include positioning a calibrated magnetometer within a mounting fixture between two coils of a Helmholtz coil, the two coils arranged in mutually parallel planes and separated by the radius of the Helmholtz coil, the mounting fixture mounted such that a position of the mounting fixture is adjustable along an axis orthogonal to the mutually parallel planes; adjusting the position of the mounting fixture over at least some of the positions and measuring the magnetic field at each position to generate a set of magnetic field measurements associated with the positions; and adjusting the first distance based on the first set of magnetic field measurements. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A reduced-cost apparatus for calibrating the sensitivity and orthogonality of a triaxial magnetometer, and a method for adjusting the distance between the two coils of a Helmholtz coil and other related parameters are described herein. A method can include positioning a calibrated magnetometer within a mounting fixture between two coils of a Helmholtz coil, the two coils arranged in mutually parallel planes and separated by the radius of the Helmholtz coil, the mounting fixture mounted such that a position of the mounting fixture is adjustable along an axis orthogonal to the mutually parallel planes; adjusting the position of the mounting fixture over at least some of the positions and measuring the magnetic field at each position to generate a set of magnetic field measurements associated with the positions; and adjusting the first distance based on the first set of magnetic field measurements. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods enhance the inspection of internal areas and occupants of vehicles, and can employ one or more high-resolution cameras, one or more auxiliary illumination devices and a related computer system. According to various embodiments, an auxiliary illumination device can be synchronized to one or more cameras, and configured to supply auxiliary illumination to facilitate capture of accurate and usable images. Advanced image processing solutions assist with identifying individuals inside a vehicle, removing light glare and undesired reflections from a window surface, and capturing an image through a tinted window, among other things. Further, embodiments can compare a captured image to an authenticated image from a database, so as to confirm the identity of a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A reduced-cost apparatus for calibrating the sensitivity and orthogonality of a triaxial magnetometer, and a method for adjusting the distance between the two coils of a Helmholtz coil and other related parameters are described herein. A method can include positioning a calibrated magnetometer within a mounting fixture between two coils of a Helmholtz coil, the two coils arranged in mutually parallel planes and separated by the radius of the Helmholtz coil, the mounting fixture mounted such that a position of the mounting fixture is adjustable along an axis orthogonal to the mutually parallel planes; adjusting the position of the mounting fixture over at least some of the positions and measuring the magnetic field at each position to generate a set of magnetic field measurements associated with the positions; and adjusting the first distance based on the first set of magnetic field measurements. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus including a drill collar having an outer surface, an assembly for interaction with an earth formation coupled to the drill collar, the assembly including a first member to extend beyond the drill collar outer surface and a second member to extend beyond the first member and toward the earth formation to receive formation fluids. An apparatus including an MWD tool having an outer surface, a formation testing assembly coupled to the MWD tool, the formation testing assembly recessed beneath the outer surface in a first position and including a piston to extend beyond the outer surface to a second position and an inner sampling member to extend beyond the piston to a third position.

Abstract: A formation testing tool is described herein, including a formation probe assembly having an extendable sampling probe surrounded by a cylindrical sleeve. The sleeve is configured to engage a metal skirt having an elastomeric seal pad coupled thereto. The skirt and seal are configured to be field replaceable. The elastomeric pad has a non-planar outer surface which engages a borehole wall in preparation for formation testing. The seal pad may be donut-shaped, having an aperture through the middle of the seal pad. The seal pad and its surface may include numerous different embodiments, including having a curved profile. The seal pad may also include numerous different embodiments of means for coupling the seal pad to the metal skirt. The formation testing tool also includes formation probe assembly anti-rotation means, a deviated non-circular flowbore, and at least one closed hydraulic fluid chamber for balancing fluid pressures.