Abstract: A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating decisions associated with energy market interaction events and providing feedback to users are provided. Market interaction events include events associated with energy production and the sale of energy. Market interaction events that result in lost opportunities are identified and associated lost profits are analyzed and then displayed to users. Policies that result in the lost opportunities may also be identified and changes in policies may be recommended.

Abstract: A step ratchet mechanism that allows for the incremental movement of an assembly that may be adapted to incrementally open or close an adjustable orifice. The step ratchet mechanism may be comprised of a modified body lock ring that permits incremental movement along a mandrel in either direction along the mandrel. The step ratchet mechanism may be actuated a designated distance by the application of pressure to the mechanism. The step ratchet mechanism may be ideal for using pressure to drive a downhole multi-position device. The modified body lock ring is adapted to both secure the mechanism at each set position as the mandrel is pumped down as well as allowing the mechanism to ratchet when the mandrel is pumped back.

Abstract: A device determines a bandwidth demand for traffic provided between a line terminal (LT) and multiple optical network terminals (ONTs), and dynamically tunes, based on the determined bandwidth demand, one or more tunable filters provided in the LT and the multiple ONTs to one of balance the traffic, protect the traffic, or increase available bandwidth for the traffic.

Abstract: A request is received for playback of a package of media files, the package of media files including at least a first set of media files of a first type and a second set of media files of a second type. The first set of media files and the second set of media files are retrieved via a network. The package of media files is provided to a media playback device such that at least some of the first set of media files are played generally simultaneously as at least some of the second set of media files.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a gas turbine engine component following a fluorescent penetrant inspection process comprises immersing the component in a cleaning solution and heating the component in a microwave oven while immersed in the cleaning solution for a period of time.

Abstract: System and methods for using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T1 measurements for wireline, LWD and MWD applications and down-hole NMR fluid analyzers. The T1 measurements are characterized by insensitivity to motion, as the detrimental effects arising from tool motion or fluid flow are effectively reduced or eliminated. T1 measurements alone or in combination with other standard oil field measurements are shown to provide efficient data acquisition resulting in compact and robust data sets, the potential for substantially increased logging speeds, and simple methods for fluid typing, including direct and robust identification of gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to subterranean fluids, and more particularly, to subterranean drilling fluids that may be useful for reducing the production of water from a portion of a subterranean formation and/or stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation while drilling. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the flow of water from a portion of a subterranean formation that comprise contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with an organoaluminum compound, the organoaluminum compound being capable of forming a reaction product in the presence of water. The present invention also includes methods of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation, methods of enhancing the stability of an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, methods of stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, and drilling fluids.

Abstract: There is provided a check with additional data capture capability that in conjunction with a linked transaction card provides substantially complete coverage for card holders to conduct transactions with merchants for the payment of goods and services. The additional data capture capability enabling generation of a card statement with detailed information regarding purchases and expenditures of both check transactions and card transactions to thereby permit a card holder to accurately track, monitor, describe, and reconcile all transactions in a statement period.

Abstract: The present invention provides MHC Class II restricted melanoma antigens recognized by CD4+ T cells. This invention further provides prophylactic and therapeutic applications for the Class II restricted melanoma antigens. In particular, this invention provides tyrosinase Class II restricted melanoma antigens, as well as tyrosinase immunogenic peptides which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. These antigens can serve as an immunogens or vaccines to prevent or treat melanoma. In addition a method for isolating Class II restricted melanoma antigens or identifying new Class II restricted melanoma antigens is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa pneumococcal surface adhesion A protein (PsaA) from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are isolated nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. The invention also provides purified polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein from and the nucleic acids comprising unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. The invention further provides monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind PsaA. In addition, peptides are provided that immunospecifically bind to the monoclonal antibodies of the invention, and that are immunogenic against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Additionally, multiple antigenic peptides that provide protection against S. pneumoniae challenge are provided. These multiple antigen peptides comprise the peptides that immunospecifically bind to the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing uniform placement of a resin in a subterranean formation comprising: introducing a preflush fluid comprising an oil-soluble diverting agent into a portion of a subterranean formation; introducing a resin and an aqueous soluble diverting agent into at least a portion of the subterranean formation; allowing the oil-soluble diverting agent to at least partially dissolve; and allowing the resin to at least partially consolidate at least a portion of the subterranean formation. Optionally, afterflush fluids may be used as desired.

Abstract: A communication system and method transmits electronic mail among multiple users that are senders or recipients of the mail, or both. The system and method use and augment the Internet with a postal server and software (ePostal Service) linked to the Internet. The sender and recipient have terminals also linked to the Internet. The sender uses postal sender software to select transmission using the ePostal Service, with certain automatic premium services, and select certain optional premium services, typically available for an additional cost. The system and method include payment and accounting functions for use of the premium services. The system and method can operate with networks serving multiple terminals. Premium services include sender identification and certification, screening of mail for technical and content risks, encryption, confirmation of receipt and opening of the mail, customizable incentives for recipients to open received mail, and post office “window” and mail holding functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hospital bed (10) including a force sensor (24) or scale apparatus configured to detect the weight of a patient (42).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a buoyant fluid comprising a liquid and a plurality of rigid containers, the rigid containers each having a sealed void containing a gas. A particular use is to transport heavy objects subsea. The gas in the rigid containers provides buoyancy but does not compress at different subsea pressures. Therefore effective buoyancy control subsea is much easier compared to known methods. For certain embodiments, a secured supply container may be provided subsea to supply the liquid and rigid containers to a lifting device having a container therefor and an attachment mechanism secured to the object being transported. The liquid is preferably a biodegradable substance such as vegetable oil.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of subterranean fracture faces and other surfaces in subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a surface-treating reagent capable of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of a mineral surface in a subterranean formation; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the surface-treating reagent to modify the stress-activated reactivity of at least a portion of a mineral surface in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring one or more environmental parameters using interferometric sensor(s), a cross-correlator, a two-dimensional photosensitive array and optical focusing means are described. The method and apparatus allows for near simultaneous monitoring of the parameter(s) of interest.

Abstract: An isolation system for producing oil and gas from one or more formation zones and methods of use are provided comprising one or more pressure activated valve and one or more tool shiftable valve. The tool shiftable valve may be actuated before or after actuation of the pressure activated valve.