Abstract: A pre-loading system for a pipe handling apparatus in which a boom is pivotally mounted at one end to a skid and in which an arm is interconnected to an opposite end of the boom. The pre-loading system has a tensioning system with one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted so as to apply tension to the arm when the arm has a load applied to an end of the arm opposite the boom. The tensioning system includes a first cable assembly having one end interconnected to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, and a second cable assembly interconnected to the arm and having an opposite end fixedly mounted. The first and second cable assemblies extend from opposite sides of the arm.

Abstract: The fixed cutter drill bit disclosed utilizes a unique piloting section and reaming section carefully designed to impart several specific operational advantages. In the piloting section, cutting structures have been arranged so as to create offsetting cutting forces that result in a net zero imbalance during operation. Furthermore, the piloting section utilizes carefully placed shock studs which aid in protecting the primary cutting structure. In addition, the location of the fluid supply nozzles on the body of the reamer section serves to indicate the occurrence of a catastrophic cutting structure failure below the pilot gage.

Abstract: An improved resonator and optical cavity is adapted for use with a chemical laser that has a nozzle upstream of the resonator that emits a gain medium in a flow direction, and a pressure-recovery system downstream of the resonator. The optical resonator comprises first and second optical elements that are spaced apart from one another along an optical axis. Each of the optical elements has a selected geometry and a selected optical transmissivity to permit transmissive outcoupling of a beam of laser radiation from the resonator, the outcoupled beam being transmitted about the optical axis. The transmissivity and geometry of each optical element is selected to define an unstable region between the optical elements and around the optical axis, and a stable region in a region surrounding the unstable region and spaced apart from the optical axis.

Abstract: A disposable device for exfoliating skin is disclosed which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The device can be secured to a shower floor or wall without tools or adhesives, and provides a stationary and waterproof exfoliating device for hands-free use while showering.

Abstract: A subsea drilling system comprises a pressurized drilling capsule that is sealed against the subsea environment and houses equipment for manipulating a drillstring that extends through an opening in the drilling capsule to the exterior of the capsule. A drilling fluid handling assembly is contained within the drilling capsule that communicates drilling fluid through the drillstring and returns the drilling fluid to the water's surface via a drilling fluid conduit. A seafloor unit engages the seafloor and the drilling capsule to position the drilling capsule relative to the seafloor, and includes an opening for passing the drillstring into the seafloor. A pressurized transport unit is movable between the drilling capsule and a support vessel at or near the water's surface for delivering personnel and supplies to the drilling capsule. A method of drilling using the subsea drilling system is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool having a pressure compensation system and reservoir segregated from fluid integration with actuator mechanism lubricants. The MWD tool can also be serviced on the rig floor without the need to drain, reseal and charge the compensation system.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate portion extending radially outward from the annular countersink, a step portion extending radially upward and outward from the arcuate portion, a first transitional portion extending radially outward from the step portion, a second transitional portion extending radially outward and upward from the first transitional portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the second transitional portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of repeatedly valuing intellectual property assets and securitizing such assets. The present invention provides a means whereby holders or owners of proprietary intellectual property may readily determine the value to the business of the securitization of their intellectual property estate and obtain capital by securitizing all or part of their intellectual property estate.

Abstract: The invention is a system operating on a reference frequency. The system comprises a plurality of at least three nodes. Each node hands off a message received from another node to a subsequent node. Each of the nodes comprises a transceiver receiving a message on the reference frequency from another node and transmitting the received message on the reference frequency to a subsequent node, and a controller controlling operation of the transceiver to receive the message transmitted by another node and to transmit the received message to a subsequent node.

Abstract: The present invention provides a faucet for tapping a liquid stored under pressure of a gas in a container that has less moving parts subject to wear or breakage, and has a housing made of multiple parts which can be disassembled so the faucet mechanism can be easily cleaned, repaired, or replaced. The faucet mechanism contains a piece of flexible tubing and an arrangement of a pinch roller valve mechanism that compresses the flexible tubing to shut off flow of liquid through the tubing. In one arrangement of the present invention, since the housing does not move and does not come in contact with the beverage being poured, the housing is made of a non-metallic material, such as a plastic or petroleum-based material, which is less expensive than the previous brass or stainless steel housing.

Abstract: A die assembly and a process for using the die assembly is disclosed. The die plate is made of a material that is somewhat resistant to cracking when subjected to pressure of an extrudate material from behind the die assembly. A series of recesses are arranged about the circumference of the die plate, into which dies of a more hardened material are secured. Holes conforming to the shape of the desired extrudate are drilled through the die plate and dies. The surface of the dies is ground smooth so that there is consistent, even contact between the dies and the mechanism used for cutting the extrudate as it is pushed out of the holes in the dies.

Abstract: An antenna beam controlling system (ABCS) for use in cellular communication systems. The ABCS allows the antenna's horizontal beam direction and horizontal beam width to be remotely adjusted for optimum reception and transmission. The ABCS, in its basic design, is comprised of at least one antenna reflector that incorporates a reflecting disk for receiving and transmitting RF signals, an antenna rotating assembly, and an electronic controller. All the elements of the ABCS are housed within an antenna enclosure, such as a radome, which is maintained in an environmentally shielded condition by a top and bottom cover. The electronic controller is designed to remotely activate the ABCS and to control and optimize the position of the antenna reflector.

Abstract: The invention is a power amplifier circuit for providing a signal acceptable for use in audio amplifiers or similar applications without requiring a stable power supply free from fluctuations. An alternating current power supply signal rectified to a direct current signal is processed by two voltage multipliers. A voltage divider establishes a unity gain level, and the variance from this voltage is squared by the first voltage multiplier. This squared voltage is then multiplied with a triangular wave signal to generate a modulated triangular wave signal. The modulated triangular wave signal and a signal to be amplified, typically an audio signal, are processed by an internal comparator to generate a pulse width modulated signal. This modulated signal is processed by a power transistor network and filter to provide an amplified signal to a load device.

Abstract: A method for food sensitivity panel testing (for sensitivities other than gluten sensitivity) by detecting IgA antibodies in serum is disclosed. A method for testing stool samples for the presence of particular antibodies, which is more sensitive and less invasive than prior art testing methods, is also disclosed for diagnosing immunologic food sensitivities. These methods of diagnosis may be used alone or in combination to further enhance the accuracy of diagnosis.

Abstract: An improved singlet oxygen generator (SOG) and method of using gas phase electronically excited states of oxygen for bio-medical and chemical treatment applications are disclosed. According to the invention, both gas phase O2(1?) and O2(1?) are used for medical treatment, sterilization, and deactivation of biological and chemical agents, including diseased tissue and biological and chemical weapons. The improved SOG is compact and scalable, portable, capable of operating in a zero-gravity or low gravity environment, may use gaseous diluent or buffer gas, and is capable of operating at pressures as high as one atmosphere. The SOG is capable of operating within a short distance of the target site for the electronically excited states of oxygen, which are delivered to the target site via a conduit. The SOG and delivery system provide higher yields of electronically excited oxygen with longer lifetimes suitable for bio-medical applications.

Abstract: A flange adapter for interfacing two different diameters of piping is provided. This flange adapter allows for the integration of a component, such as a magmeter, having a narrower diameter into a system. Such a flange adapter allows for a simple seamless weld that provides relatively smooth interior walls within the system so as to maintain the integrity of the chemical or biochemical processes taking place within the system.

Abstract: Typical roller conveyors suffer from excess noise and frequent maintenance due to worn rollers and roller bearings. Continuous loop belt conveyors solve some of these problems, but still suffer from an inability to change the width of the conveyor belt without significant rework or adjustment. Although a narrower belt can be used without major adjustment, prior continuous loop conveyor systems still suffer from belt drift. To alleviate these problems, a belt conveyor system that easily adjusts to accommodate continuous loop belts of varying widths is provided. The system comprises a rigid conveyor frame having at least one pair of generally parallel side walls traversed by one or more support brackets. The support brackets are secured to the conveyor frame. Additionally, one or more belt guides, having at least one surface for guiding a conveyor belt, are secured to the support brackets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of valuing property assets and methods of securitizing such assets. The present invention provides a means whereby holders or owners of proprietary intellectual property may readily determine the value to the business of the securitization of their intellectual property estate and obtain capital by securitizing all or part of their intellectual property estate.