Abstract: An improved valve for sealing a wellbore and method of use, in particular for prevention of well blow outs. In one embodiment, the apparatus is designed to seal a well through rotation of rams. The rams may be actuated to seal the well without having to work against full well pressure as fluid volumes in the apparatus housing, which also contains the rams, are preserved. This functionality allows the apparatus to be constructed with smaller dimensions than existing prior art blow out prevention valves aiding handling and manoeuvrability. The improved valve according to one embodiment also has a mechanism that guides a wireline or a pipeline being run in the wellbore to the centre of the bore and allows a seal to be formed around the wireline or pipeline.

Abstract: A method in a computer system for optimizing allocation of a fixed medical payment to a variety of medical services. The method includes the steps of first selecting a standard rate representing an unadjusted amount of money to be received for the rendering of medical services. Next, the method generates an adjusted standard rate by adjusting the standard rate by at least one adjustment factor. The method then selects a base medical service rate from a plurality of medical service rates. Finally, the method divides the adjusted standard rate by the base medical service rate in order to generate a quantity of medical service points available.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stand for a laptop computer or other data display device, wherein the display portion, or monitor, projects upwardly from the data display container. The user can adjust the position of the portable data display container so as to position the top edge of the monitor at the same height as the user's eyes. This position permits the user to maintain better posture when using the data display device. Additionally, the stand of the present invention may provide a rack for restraining cables attached to the data display device. The stand may also have a swivel so that the monitor can be viewed from whatever angle is convenient for the user. Desirably, the stand also includes a document holder and provides an anchor for a security cable.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism useful for swivelly attaching a secondary work surface, such as a computer mouse platform or other accessory work shelf, to a primary work surface, such as a computer keyboard platform or a table or desk, and furniture, such as computer support furniture, having an accessory work shelf swivelly attached to a primary work surface. The mounting mechanism facilitates swivel movement of the accessory work shelf relative to the primary work surface while maintaining a constant but easily adjustable tension. A method for attaching both of said accessory work shelf and said primary work surface to a mounting mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable armrest that can readily raised, or lowered, and optionally rotated in a horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the present armrest is released from its use position be raising the front portion of the armrest. The armrest is moved into the desired position and then the front portion is lowered to secure the armrest in the desired position.

Abstract: An approach is provided for tracking a telemetry device over a wireless network. A determination is made whether the telemetry device is operating in a first mode requiring assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) data from the wireless network to determine location of the telemetry device. The A-GPS data is transmitted to the telemetry device if the telemetry device is operating in the first mode, wherein the telemetry device operates in a second mode to obtain GPS data autonomously for determining the location when the telemetry device is outside of the coverage area of the wireless network.

Abstract: A variable focal length microlens system having a base section with a fluid chamber and a fluid pressurization mechanism. A flexible, substantially transparent polymer lens section is fixed above the fluid chamber and the lens section has a curvature providing an initial focal point when in an unstrained state. The fluid chamber is substantially sealed and the fluid pressurization mechanism includes a flexible wall in the base section. The flexible wall may be displaced by magnetic activation, PZT activation of another activating mechanism.

Abstract: A power tong positioning apparatus having a base section and a backup elevating section engaging the base section. A first lift assembly is positioned between the base section and the backup elevating section while a tong elevating section engages the backup elevating section. A second lift assembly is then positioned between the backup elevating section and the tong elevating section.

Abstract: The invention is a level meter having a flexible probe. The flexible probe includes a flexible conductor and at least one flexible band shield member disposed in a substantially vertically parallel relationship with the conductor, where the conductor and the shield member are offset from each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular make/break tool having a body section and a center weldment positioned within the body section. There are at least two linear actuators in opposed orientation disposed in the body section and the linear actuators are connected to the center weldment in a manner to impart torque thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the electronic management and redemption of coupons. The system incudes an integrated coupon card comprising a microprocessor, a random access memory means, a scanner, and a communications port. The coupon card is capable of scanning coupon bar codes from paper coupons and receiving redemption requirement data from a periphery device. The coupon card will allow bar codes and redemption requirement data to be transferred to a periphery device and will store what bar codes were redeemed because they corresponded to purchase data received from a cash register memory. The system further incudes one or more periphery devices having a microprocessor, a first communications port for communicating with said coupon card, and a second communications port for communicating with a cash register.

Abstract: Display 100 has three adjacent display tiles 10, each having a mould plastics support 11, a glass panel 12 incorporating the OLED element and an interface pcb 17. These tiles 10 form part of a full-color advertising screen of dimensions 1.2 meter by 1.8 meter, used in indoor public places.

Abstract: A variable focal length microlens system having a base section with a fluid chamber and a fluid pressurization mechanism. A flexible, substantially transparent polymer lens section is fixed above the fluid chamber and the lens section has a curvature providing an initial focal point when in an unstrained state. The fluid chamber is substantially sealed and the fluid pressurization mechanism includes a flexible wall in the base section. The flexible wall may be displaced by magnetic activation, PZT activation of another activating mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is a process to compare two digital images (and usually more) and to identify objects in each image. After object identification, object descriptors are formed. The object descriptors of the objects in one frame are compared to those of objects in the second frame, allowing the tracking of an object in the two frames. The movement of each tracked object within the two frames is quantified, and the second frame is corrected to account for the object's movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing the preventative maintenance requirements and unscheduled repairs on a fleet of vehicles. The apparatus includes a computer system having a host processor and a database accessible by the host processor, and at least one maintenance response station communicating with the host processor. The database contains vehicle specific maintenance schedules indicating recommended maintenance intervals for scheduled maintenance, where each scheduled maintenance has associated maintenance tasks. The method involves periodically receiving signals at the host processor containing maintenance trigger data associated with a specific vehicle in the fleet of vehicles, comparing the received maintenance trigger data to maintenance schedule data contained in the database, and for each comparison, determining whether maintenance is indicated, and if so, identifying the vehicle at a vehicle response station.

Abstract: An electrical enclosure that includes a sidewall, a back and a top, defining an interior. The top of the enclosure is adapted to open and provide access to the interior. The enclosure includes a backplane mounted to the interior of the enclosure. The backplane has at least one cutout where the cutout is positioned on the backplane to align with an obstacle positioned on the enclosure sidewall and extending into the enclosure interior.