Abstract: A coupling element having two ends, and outer surface and a longitudinal axis extending between the ends, wherein the first end of the coupling element defines a sealing surface where extends normally to the longitudinal axis and the outer surface of the other end defines a cam follower surface forming an angle on the range of from about 2 to about 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis and wherein the second end defines the cam follower surface and the coupling element defines a passage extending from the sealing surface to the outer surface and apparatus comprising the coupling element and valve elements.

Abstract: A cushioning pad or mat for protecting a rig surface or alternatively, an article placed on the pad wherein the mat is made of elements which are laminated construction with a base layer of neoprene, or similar materials, and the elements are connected with channels and the top of the elements are connected to the base of the elements using between 2 and 32 rib members, which can be rivets and a method of making such a cushioning pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in subsea well completion systems is provided. The apparatus has an isolation sleeve and an extension sleeve. The isolation sleeve has a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis defined between the first end and the second end. The isolation sleeve has a generally tubular shape. The extension sleeve has a first end attached to the second end of the isolation sleeve to form an assembly comprising the isolation sleeve and the extension sleeve, a second end, and a longitudinal axis that is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the isolation sleeve. Like the isolation sleeve, the extension sleeve has a generally tubular shape.

Abstract: A mat installation is disclosed which reduces shoreline deterioration due to wave and tide surging, comprising a series of concrete elements, disposed over a set of pipes fastened together, preferably in groups of three, by strapping or other suitable means and protected with a geotextitle fabric. The mat is then placed over the set of pipes and anchored at the onshore side of the pipes, with the pipes laterally facing the wave action.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly comprises a subsea wellhead, a spool body assembly, a helix, and a tubular bore protector. The spool body assembly is mounted to the wellhead and has an inside surface defining a vertical bore. The spool body assembly has an upper end, a lower end, and a lateral production fluid outlet port. The helix is formed from a tubular member and is positioned in a lower portion of the spool body assembly. The helix has a generally cylindrical outer surface defining an outer diameter and a generally cylindrical inner surface defining an inner diameter, an upper end and a lower end. The tubular member has an organ pipe-shaped cut in the upper end so that the upper end is generally elliptically shaped and forms a pair of arcuate ramps to orient a tubing hanger. The tubular bore protector body has an upper end, a lower end, and a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Interactive movie techniques disclosed include dialogue lines for computer users, gateways for entering alternate storylines, techniques for conveying information relating to a character's thoughts and memories, techniques for conveying character information to the user by selection of character backgrounds, the use of icons to signal the presence of additional storyline information or user activities as an interactive movie character, and techniques to draw the user into the flow of the storyline to impart the experience of "having been there".

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for information transfer among software agents operating simultaneously on a digital network. A software agent is first created with an initial knowledge base and then placed into a community of agents setup on the network. Using an initial knowledge base, and utilizing built-in learning capabilities, the agent transfers information to other agents directly, or via a central community server. Information gathered by the agent can be either utilized by the agent to make decisions consistent with a pre-defined goal, or set of goals or the information may be presented to a user.

Abstract: A probe rod is provided with sensor housings, pipe sections, and joint sleeves all having a common outer diameter. The sensor housings and joint sleeves are threadably connected to the various pipe sections. The threadable connections have a double seal using an O-ring and threading paste that ensure a gas tight seal while being easy to assemble. Pressure and temperature sensors are mounted within the sensor housings. Output leads from the sensors are threaded through the pipe sections and through throughways in the sensor housings and joint sleeves to a circuitry box mounted on the top of the probe rod. The circuitry box contains electronics for processing signals generated by the sensors and for transmitting the results to a remote location.