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: A downhole tool (10) for use in isolating a formation in a well bore from fluid pressure introduced from the surface. Mounted in a work string, the tool provides an axial throughbore (18) and radial outlets (40, 42) above and below a permanent sealing element (26), such as a diverter cup. Valve members (44, 50) which may be nested sleeves located within the axial bore are manipulated by activation through the work string, to move sequentially such that (a) a first circulation path is created around the seal, via the radial outlets and independent of the axial throughbore; (b) the axial throughbore is obstructed and a second circulation path is estate fished between the axial throughbore and the upper radial outlet; and (c) flow is re-established through the axial bore while maintaining the second flow path.

Abstract: New functions for a contact center system include: testing user's comprehension of informational messages with a quiz; capturing insight of superior users having a KPI score above a threshold by having those users submit information on why they perform so well; dynamically ordering solutions to issues by re-ranking the solutions periodically based on recency and frequency; integrating information for use by a contact center representative while online with a customer and information for use when not online; storing content items in a telecommunications industry taxonomy; directing user feedback on a content item to the proper owner/manager of that content; communicating solution information using a solutions taxonomy; displaying a dual information system having a CRM application as well as reference material that is context-appropriate; enforcing completion of a group of templates when creating a content item to be published; ensuring a group of templates for a content item are complete before publishing them

Abstract: Two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional polymeric or extended solid arrays, such as arrays of a polydiacetylene backbone, are used to evaluate the organic/water partition coefficient or oral absorptivity or transcellular permeability of a compound by monitoring the change in the fluorescence or phosphorescence of the array upon exposure to the compound and comparing it to a known change in fluorescence or phosphorescence, respectively. The method can also be used to evaluate the ability of a compound to bind to a protein.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating mainframe computer code are provided. Collections of code segments for implementing common input and output operations and error handling operations are linked to an application development platform. Developers identify attributes of input and output operations. The application development platform may then search the collections to locate appropriate input and output operation and error handling operation code segments and generate a template that includes them. The developer may then add code to implement business logic and generate a mainframe application program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the operations of a well service rig at a well site by evaluating load sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and an average rig load can be determined for each pull of tubing or rods from a well. The average rig load can be used to calculate and set a rig overload level. If the rig load sensor reads a rig load at or above the rig overload level, the clutch for the hoist can be disengaged and the brake applied to prevent the load from either damaging the rig or breaking off the tubing or rods in the well. In addition, the rig load can be evaluated to determine when the limit the block speed when pulling rods or tubing.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates using data read from user cards. The machine is operative to transfer funds in account. The machine includes a fascia adapted to be held by a lock adjacent an opening of a housing supported atop a chest. The fascia is in operatively supported connection with the housing and operatively supported by the housing through two horizontally-disposed members. The machine includes at least one serviceable component supported within the housing or by the fascia. The fascia is moved away from the housing while operatively supported by the housing through the two horizontally-disposed members and a servicer may stand between the two horizontally-disposed members while servicing at least one component of the machine. The housing may alternatively or additionally include a rear panel similarly mounted with two horizontally-disposed members for servicing of machine components.

Abstract: A method for evaluating rod quality and wellbore dynamics includes receiving information about the rod size and tong type for a rod pulling operation. Expected breakout pressures can be determined based on the rod size and/or tong type and can be input into an evaluation system. Upper and lower limits for acceptable rod breakout pressures can be calculated based on the expected breakout pressure and/or rod size. Actual rod breakout pressures can be evaluated while pulling rods from a well and compared to the upper and lower limits. Rod breakout pressures below the lower limit or above the upper limit can generate an alarm notifying a rig operator to evaluate the condition of the rod to determine if the rod can be reused. The rod breakout pressures can be recorded as breakout pressure data for further evaluation, including determinations of improper rod make-up and poor well conditions.

Abstract: A task input is received at a well service rig. The maximum allowable speed is determined for the task. Current block speed inputs are received. The throttle position for the engine controlling the block is evaluated to determine if the block is to be sped up or slowed down. When the throttle position indicates the operator is attempting to speed up the block, the current block speed is compared to the maximum allowable speed and the engine is only allowed to speed up the block up to the maximum allowable speed, at which point the operators control of block speed is limited to reducing block speed. Each task can have multiple maximum allowable speeds, which can vary based on specified conditions. When the hookload is light or the remaining equipment in the well is small, the lock-up feature for the transmission can be disengaged in addition to the block speed governing feature.

Abstract: A method of removing mercury from flue gases from combustion plants, such as for example power plants or waste incineration plants, is achieved in which mercury-containing flue gases are brought into contact with an adsorption reagent either directly or indirectly by being contained in an absorption reagent, whereby mercury is substantially adsorbed by the adsorption reagent during this contact. After adsorption has occurred the adsorption reagent is separated from the flue gases and subsequently from the absorption reagent and added to an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing agent, whereby the adsorbed mercury dissolves as Hg2+. The Hg2+-containing solution is subsequently separated from the adsorption agent and the Hg2+ then is removed from the solution. This method enables the mercury to be removed from flue gas in a simple and economical manner.

Abstract: To ensure merchant acquisition compliance, the invention enables creation of merchant selection criteria that are used to query a database of acquired merchants. A set of acquired merchants is randomly compiled based on the selection criteria and is entered into a workflow to determine compliance with a set of rules that are represented by a checklist. A checklist corresponding to the set of acquired merchants is retrieved. The set and the checklist are combined to create a case, which is assigned to a representative. The representative ensures that a merchant acquisition form for each merchant in the set complies with a checklist item. When a merchant acquisition form is found to be non-compliant, then it is either corrected by the representative (if the error is minor), or sent to an acquisition manager (when more substantive errors are found). The acquisition form is then corrected and the case is closed.

Abstract: Instead of a PIN which is associated with an account and provides access to an account, a dynamically generated card identifier (dynamic CID) is used to verify that the consumer currently possesses the transaction card at the time of purchase and/or is the true card owner. At the time of purchase, a token generates a dynamic CID, which changes with each transaction. A consumer enters the dynamic CID into a pre-existing CID field in an electronic order form. The merchant then sends the dynamic CID to a card authorization system within an authorization request. The card authorization system issues a response to a merchant system via a pre-existing authorization message indicating that the transaction card and dynamic CID have been validated, thereby adjusting the fraud risk associated with the transaction.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole assembly having a non-contact, capacitive coupling including first and second transceivers deployed in corresponding first and second downhole tool members. The capacitive coupling is disposed to transfer electrical signals between the first and second transceivers. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive coupling is configured to transfer data and power between a substantially non-rotating tool member and a rotating tool member, for example, the shaft and blade housing in a steering tool. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a non-contact, high-speed data communication channel between first and second members of a downhole assembly. Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide for simultaneous non-contact transmission of electrical power between the first and second tool members.

Abstract: An approach is provided for specifying class of service (CoS) information. A wireless device is configured to connect to a wireless access point that communicates with a data network. The wireless device generates a message including a header that specifies class of service information for establishing a communication path over the data network. The class of service information is configurable by a user of the wireless device.

Abstract: In a well control system and method, a tool driver on a toolstring is configured to activate a telemetry tool in response to a predetermined threshold of accelerometer data measured by an accelerometer. For example, the predetermined accelerometer data threshold preferably corresponds to an acceleration level expected while drilling mud is being pumped at a slow pump rate of a well control operation through the drill pipe of the well. When a fluid influx occurs during drilling, the well is shut-in so that the tool driver turns off the telemetry tool. The drill pipe and casing pressures of the shut-in well are obtained. Then, drilling mud having a first weight is pumped into the drill pipe at a slow mud pump rate. Because the tool driver is set to activate the telemetry tool in response to accelerometer data at the slow pump rate, the telemetry tool begins sending downhole pressure data to the surface.

Abstract: A card actuated automated banking machine (152, 198, 200) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a display (182), a check imaging device (186) and at least one processor (190). The automated banking machine is operative responsive to receiving a check and certification data to dispense cash in exchange for the check. The person presenting the check need not provide user identifying inputs through input devices in order to receive cash for the check. A check recipient prior to presenting the check for payment is also enabled to verify that the check will be paid through communication with at least one computer (204) through at least one consumer interface device (208).

Abstract: A device receives a request from an Internet Protocol (IP)-based device to create a virtual extension of a plain old telephone service (POTS)-based telephone line, authenticates the IP-based device for association with the POTS-based telephone line, and creates the virtual extension of the POTS-based telephone line to the IP-based device when the IP-based device is authenticated.

Abstract: The present invention features 5-deazaflavin compounds, pharmaceutical compositions of 5-deazaflavin compounds and methods of treating a patient suffering from cancer, the method comprising administering to a patient one or more 5-deazaflavin compounds of the invention.