Abstract: Virtual environments are presented on displays along with multimedia programs to permit viewers to participate in a social interactive television environment. The virtual environments include avatars that are created and maintained in part using continually updated animation data that may be captured from cameras that monitor viewing areas in a plurality of sites. User input from the viewers may be processed in determining which viewers are presented in instances of the virtual environment. Continually updating the animation data results in avatars accurately depicting a viewer's facial expressions and other characteristics. Presence data may be collected and used to determine when to capture background images from a viewing area that may later be subtracted during the capture of animation data. Speech recognition technology may be employed to provide callouts within a virtual environment.

Abstract: An obturator assembly having a removable obturator tip, a first engagement device, an obturator shaft, a second engagement device, and a biased flexible member, whereby the obturator tip may be removed by flexing the flexible member against its bias, and a plurality of different obturator tips may be attached to the obturator shaft.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in surge reduction tools for running in casings or casing liners downhole with the ability to restore circulation in the event a tight hole condition is encountered. The improved tool includes among other features 1.) an axial indexing apparatus which allows the valving sleeve to be moved downward in predetermined increments to allow alternate closing and opening of the vent ports, 2.) a camming sleeve and Bellville spring washers which provide the surge reduction tool with a more predictable release pressure than has heretofore been available, 3.) a dart directing sleeve which has a smaller, smoother bore than the drill string and provides the important function of aligning the dart before it lands in the seat so that the dart resistance when passing through the seat is minimized, and 4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for use in cementing a tubular member which is run into a borehole using a drill string. A landing collar is attached to the tubular member near the bottom of the tubular member, and the landing collar has an opening at least five inches in diameter. A liner wiper assembly is releasably suspended from the drill string. The liner wiper assembly comprises a lower liner wiper plug comprising float valves and an upper liner wiper plug. With the method and apparatus of the present invention, plugging problems are minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in drill slip assemblies for use in holding a drill pipe or other tubular member in a vertical position above or within a wellbore. The invention comprises a plurality of slip segments assembled in a slip bowl, each segment containing a plurality of dies which grip the tubular member to prevent any axial displacement. The invention provides at least three improvements over prior art drill slips. First, the outer surface of the slip segment assembly, particularly the lower nose region, is fully supported by the inner surface of the slip bowl such that no portion of the slip segment assembly extends below the bowl. Second, the slip segments are fabricated from forged steel, making them more durable and able to carry higher loads. Third, each die in the lowermost set of hardened dies is fabricated having a rounded bottom end with a tapered profile to complement the rounded bottom of the axial grooves cut into each slip segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drop ball sub that may be used to drop a large ball having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of a restriction in the wellbore such as the running tool used to run a first casing string through a second casing string. A smaller ball is used to control dropping of the large ball. The smaller ball has an outer diameter smaller than the restriction. The drop ball sub of the present invention may be used to operate any downhole tool that would benefit by receipt of a large ball. By dropping a larger ball, in one use of the invention larger valves can be controlled in the float equipment that provide a larger fluid flow path. A larger fluid flow path reduces surge pressure and enables the system to handle more debris. The present invention provides a system that preferably provides for a diverter tool above the running tool and a diverter tool below the running tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a flip chip semiconductor device are disclosed herein. A substrate having at least one air hole is provided. A chip is mounted on the substrate by multiple solder balls such that the air hole is beneath the chip and surrounded by the multiple solder balls. The substrate mounted with the chip is placed in a mold apparatus which defines at least one air channel aligning with the air hole, such that air can be exhausted via the air hole and the air channel when encapsulation material is filling the mold apparatus.

Abstract: Roof shingles (14) from used tires (10) are provided as well as a method of making the same. Used tires (10) are cut along the circumference on each edge to separate a tread piece (13) from the side walls (12) and the bead steel. Tread piece (13) is then cut by dye, shear or other method into a number of shorter pieces or shingles (14). The shingles are then secured in overlapping relationship, typically tread side outward, to form a waterproof covering on a building or other structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates an electric fan. The fan has a body and a fan assembly housed in the body. The fan is able to pivot and elevate/descend with respect to the body. Furthermore, the body has a fragrance container received in a recess defined in the body, such that when the fan is activated, ambience will be full of delightful scent.