Abstract: Apparatus and methods for amplification of DNA are provided that use sonic energy in place of conventional thermocyclers. In one embodiment, sonic energy is applied to a PCR cocktail to effect dissociation of double stranded DNA into single strands of DNA. A quiescence stage, where no sonic energy is applied, results in amplification of DNA. Repetition of the cycles of application of sonic energy and cessation of application of sonic energy results in DNA amplification.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation pick comprises a bolster disposed intermediate a shank and an impact tip. The shank comprises an outer diameter and first and second ends. The shank is coupled to the bolster through the first end and the second end is adapted for insertion into a central bore of a holder attached to a driving mechanism. The shank comprises a hollow portion disposed within the outer diameter and between the first and second ends. The hollow portion may comprise an opening that is disposed in the second end. In some embodiments the hollow portion may comprise a length that is at least as great as the outer diameter.

Abstract: A degradation assembly comprises a rotary portion and a stationary portion. The rotary portion includes a cemented metal bolster bonded to a tip. The tip comprises a asymmetric, substantially conically shaped tip formed of diamond and a cemented metal carbide substrate. The stationary portion comprises a holder configured to be coupled to a block mounted to a driving mechanism. A compressible element is disposed between and in mechanical contact with both the rotary portion and the stationary portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing head for nano patterning including a manifold for accommodating a liquid printing material, a cartridge with an injection chamber communicating with the manifold, and a sample holder for patterning installed outside the injection chamber of the cartridge.

Abstract: A low-profile surgical implant assembly is provided that includes a connector device that is an integral part of a rod, the connector device allowing the rod to be attached directly to a bone screw, such as a pedicle screw. Another aspect of the invention is a clamp device that allows the length of a rod spanning to attachment devices to be adjusted at the time of implantation, and further allows the clamp device to be secured by tightening a securing end of the clamp at the attachment device. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism. A method for implanting the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for use in gripping an object. The clamping assembly includes a pair of opposed jaws, with each jaw having a pivot end pivotally attached to a frame structure, a clamp end opposite the pivot end, and a socket located between the clamp end and the pivot end. The clamping assembly further includes first and second balls rotatably mounted in the sockets of the opposed jaws, and a gear assembly connected to both of the first and second balls that includes a primary gear mechanically associated with a power source. Rotation of the primary gear by the power source results in actuation of the clamping assembly.

Abstract: A drill string having a drill bit with a bit body located between a shank and a working face. The working face has at least one cutting element and a jack element disposed partially within the drill bit body and partially protruding from the working face. The jack element is adapted to be rotated with respect to the bit body by a driving mechanism disposed within a bore of the drill string. A generator or motor with a rotor is incorporated into a torque transmitting mechanism that links the driving mechanism to the jack element, and configured so that at least one waveform is produced in the generator or motor when the jack element is rotated. The waveform is processed by an electronic processing device to determine the rotational position of the jack element.

Abstract: A method for taking seismic measurements that includes a downhole sensor positionable within a tool string located within the bore of a well, the tool string having a network which effects communication with a downhole sensor. The downhole sensor includes a downhole clock that may be placed in communication over the network with the top-hole clock for synchronization. A seismic source is positioned within a transmitting distance of the downhole sensor and activated at a time when the network is disconnected. The downhole sensor records signals from the seismic source at along with a downhole timestamp from the downhole clock. When the network is reconnected, the downhole clock and the top-hole clock are re-synchronized and any downhole clock drift is calculated. The recorded downhole timestamp may then be adjusted to reflect what it would have been if the downhole clock had been synchronized with the top-hole clock.

Abstract: A tubular downhole tool string component having a sidewall with a fluid passageway formed therein between a first end and second end, and a valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway adapted to substantially cyclically build-up and release pressure within the fluid passageway such that a pressure build-up results in radial expansion of at least a portion of the sidewall and wherein a pressure release results in a radial contraction of the portion of the sidewall. The valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway comprises a spring. Radial expansion and contraction of the portion of the sidewall varies a weight loaded to a drill bit disposed at a drilling end of the drill string.

Abstract: A degradation assembly for use with a driving mechanism includes a working portion coupled to a shank assembly. The working portion has an impact tip brazed to a working end of a carbide extension. The carbide extension has a cavity formed in a base end that is adapted to engage with a shank and a locking mechanism of the shank assembly. The shank has an outer surface proximate a first end which is receivable within the cavity of the carbide extension. The locking mechanism has a radially extending catch configured to engage with the cavity and couple the shank assembly to the working portion. The shank has an outer surface proximate a second end which is adapted to be press-fitted within a recess of a driving mechanism.

Abstract: To avoid traditional muscle dissection required in the placement of a surgical implant during arthrodesis, a pedicle seeker and retractor are provided. The pedicle seeker includes a distal end that approximates the size, shape and length of a surgical implant and is of sufficient length to extend beyond the face of the retractor, allowing the pedicle seeker to be removed from the surgical site once the retractor has been placed. The pedicle seeker is used to palpate the bony surface of the patient's spine in order to locate the proper place to place an implant. After the desired location has been located, the retractor is placed into the surgical site and held in place in order to maintain the desired location for placement of the surgical implant, and the seeker is removed. The retractor includes surficial features that approximate the size of the pedicle seeker and the surgical implant, to allow the implant to be moved down the length of the face of the retractor to the desired location.

Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating or training individuals while doing exercises permits a large range of motion while at the same time providing resistance. A hollow spherical housing having a spool and a cord inside is mounted within a support frame which permits the housing to rotate 360 degrees about a central z-axis and further about 120 degrees about the x-axis and the y-axis when the cord contacts the frame. A tension dial permits adjusting the tension applied to the spool to provide resistance as a user pulls the cord from the housing. When the user releases the force on the cord the cord is retracted onto the spool. The base of the support frame has opposing locking lugs which engage keyways in a co-operating socket which can be mounted on a variety of surfaces such as walls, doors and straps for attachment to a wrist or ankle or other body part.

Abstract: A method of assembling a drill bit with a jack element that includes obtaining a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face, with the working face including a plurality of blades having of at least one cutting element and a receptacle formed proximate a center of the working face. The method further includes attaching a pocket having a central hollow within the receptacle, and securing the jack element within the central hollow with a press fit such that the centerline of the jack element is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation of the drill bit.

Abstract: An attack tool for degrading materials is disclosed which comprises a base segment comprising an attachment to a driving mechanism, a first wear-resistant segment bonded to the base segment, a second wear-resistant segment bonded to the first wear-resistant segment at a brazed joint opposite the base segment, and at least a portion of exterior surfaces of both the wear-resistant segments proximate the joint, the portion of exterior surfaces comprising a finish ground surface.

Abstract: A retention assembly, comprises a carbide bolster comprising a cavity formed in its base end. A shaft comprises an inserted end disposed within the cavity. The shaft is disposed within a hollow shank which comprises a first end contacting the bolster and a loaded end in mechanical communication with the shaft. Wherein, the inserted end is brazed to an inner surface of the cavity.

Abstract: A degradation assembly for attachment to a driving mechanism used for degrading a formation. The degradation assembly includes both a cutting structure and a tensioning element adapted to connect the cutting structure to the driving mechanism. The tensioning element includes a body having a engaging structure adapted to engage with the cutting structure on a first end, a thread adapted to engage with the driving mechanism proximate a second end, a necked region between the engaging structure and the thread which is operable to break when acted upon by a predetermined tensile force, and a torque member extending from the engaging structure that engages with the cutting structure to transfer torque between the cutting structure and the body, and which torque member is operable to break when acted upon by a predetermined torque.

Abstract: An overspeed prevention structure is disclosed herein. The overspeed prevention structure according to the present invention comprises a structural body having a curved convex upper surface; an external light source; and a plastic optical fiber embedded in the structural body and connected electrically to the external light source so as to emit the light outside the structural body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Bouteloua grass plant named ‘Blonde Ambition’, which is primarily characterized by flower heads that emerge with a distinctive chartreuse color and age to a blonde color as the spikelets mature and a tall plant habit at maturity, is disclosed.