Abstract: A system and method providing a centralized network for facilitating travel reservations and/or services. The system comprises a network with hub sites that provide a centralized connection for Global Distribution Systems/Computer Reservation Systems, travel vendors, and travel office point of service terminals. The travel office point of service terminals provide a plurality of modules for various travel related applications such as a low fare search module, a computer telephony integration module, a super passenger name record database, a customer database, a trip planning module, a customer relationship management module, a workflow module, and an integrated e-mail booking system.

Abstract: A compressed experiential learning system is created by determining high-level goals and objectives, determining roles and objectives for each role, developing a learning environment including physical and technical components, developing an instructional environment, and creating evaluation plans.

Abstract: A radiated mode coaxial cable comprising an outer conductor provided with a periodic aperture array, comprising a plurality (n) of apertures or aperture sets, repeated along the length of said outer conductor whereas a constant spacing s separates the left end of the first aperture of one array and the left end of the first aperture of a next array, wherein each array comprises at least 10 apertures or aperture sets, whereas the global length L (in mm) of the apertures or aperture sets is larger than (10D/n)1/2 where D is the diameter of the cable (in mm) and whereas the aperture spacing (d) in between two successive apertures or aperture sets is larger than 1.5w where w is the aperture width in the cable axis direction, and wherein the spacing s between two successive aperture arrays is selected so that ?opt.1/(??r?0,866)<s<?opt.2/(??r?1), where ?opt.1 and ?opt.

Abstract: Many methods are presented including one that comprises: providing a well drill-in and servicing fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a viscosifier, a fluid loss control additive, a bridging agent, and an orthoester composition; using the well drill-in and servicing fluid to drill a well bore in a subterranean formation; allowing the well drill-in and servicing fluid to establish a filter cake in at least a portion of the well bore; contacting at least a portion of the filter cake with a breaker fluid comprising an orthoester composition; and allowing at least a portion of the filter cake to degrade.

Abstract: A system and method to model and analyze the mixing energies of high-yielding non-Newtonian fluids to prevent chemical lost circulation is disclosed. Laboratory tests are performed under varying conditions from which data on the mixing energies needed to optimize the use of high-yielding non-Newtonian fluids to prevent lost circulation is obtained. This data is then applied to a non-linear mathematical modeling system that is capable of scaling the data to give a dimensionless value. This value can be combined with historic information to predict optimal flow rates and mixtures to prevent chemical lost circulation. This data may be verified by means of simulation, lab testing, or application to a full-size well.

Abstract: A device (120) processes traffic in a network. The device (120) obtains information corresponding to an activity between a group of source devices and one or more services of destination devices, measures, for each of the group of source devices, a behavior of the source activity in terms of independence and uniformity of access to the one or more services, and determines, for each of the group of source devices, whether the source activity includes probing based on the measured behavior. The device (120) also determines, for each of the group of source devices, a similarity factor representing a similarity between the source activity of one of the group of source devices and another of the group of source devices, compares the similarity factors for each pair of source devices to a threshold, and groups source devices when the similar factor for those source devices are below the threshold.

Abstract: A mechanical flow control device is provided that allows flow of production fluids along an annular path and across an valve body. A sliding sealing member can be mechanically transitioned between an opened flow position and a closed flow position as desired. The mechanical flow control device may be combined with one or more interventionless flow control devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved terahertz radiation sources and associated methods. A terahertz radiation source is described, comprising: an emitter (202) comprising a semiconductor material (12); a pair of electrodes (204a,b) adjacent a face of said semiconductor, said pair of electrodes defining a gap between said electrodes; a pulsed light source input for illuminating said semiconductor to excite photo-carriers in said semiconductor to generate terahertz radiation; and a radiation collector (212) to collect said terahertz radiation; and wherein said radiation collector is disposed on the same side of said semiconductor as said electrodes. A related method of providing terahertz radiation is also described.

Abstract: Methods of isolating particular zones within a subterranean formation utilizing self-degrading cement compositions are provided. An example of a method of the present invention is a method that includes: providing a self-degrading cement composition that includes a degradable material, an acid source, a base source, and a water source; placing the self-degrading cement composition in a zone within a subterranean formation; and allowing the self-degrading cement composition to set to form a solid mass that is capable of isolating the zone from a well bore penetrating the zone or from another zone.

Abstract: Various device embodiments include first and second plate assemblies. Each plate assembly includes a base, a seal plate and a servo motor to provide a linear motion of the seal plate with respect to the base. The device farther includes at least one plate assembly motor operably linked to the bases of the plate assemblies to provide a linear motion of the first and second plate assemblies toward each other to perform a sealing operation and away from each other. The device further includes a controller connected to the at least one plate assembly motor and to the first and second servo motors to coordinate the motion of the first and second seal plates to perform a seal operation on a web while traveling with the web.

Abstract: Receiving payment includes the establishment, at a first server, a transaction record including information identifying a payment amount, a first account to be credited by the payment amount, and a second account to be debited by a debit amount. A financial authorization network performs an authorization analysis on at least the second account. The second account is debited if the authorization analysis is successfully completed, and the first account is directly credited by the payment amount to conclude the transaction. Risk analysis may be performed for each individual. Payment is integrated with shipping.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and methods for biometric security using smellprint recognition biometrics in a smartcard-reader system. The biometric security system also includes a smellprint sensor that detects biometric samples and a device for verifying biometric samples. In one embodiment, the biometric security system includes a smartcard configured with a smellprint sensor. In another embodiment, the system includes a reader configured with a smellprint sensor. In yet another embodiment, the present invention discloses methods for proffering and processing smellprint samples to facilitate authorization of transactions.

Abstract: A junk removal tool (10) for use in a well bore. The tool includes a multi-faceted face (42) of tungsten carbide to break up large pieces of junk. The junk is then captured in the tool via large area inlet ports (40) and collected in a trap (31). In one embodiment, valves (41) are placed at the inlet ports to prevent the out-flow of captured junk. A further embodiment includes a throat portion (52) to jet junk laden fluid into the tool.

Abstract: Roller cone drill bits are provided with cutting elements and cutting structures optimized for efficient drilling of soft and medium formations interspersed with hard stringers. The cutting elements and cutting structures may be satisfactorily used to drill downhole formations with varying amounts of hardness. The cutting elements and cutting structures may also be optimized to reduce tracking and increase wear resistance.

Abstract: A device for volitional swallowing with a substitute sensory system comprises a band 101 wrapped around the neck with a vibrator 102 positioned over the larynx. Upon activation by a button 103 on a spoon 104 held by an operator, such as the subject 105, the vibrator 102 moves and vibrates the larynx. The patient 105 initiates the sensory stimulation immediately prior to the patient's own initiation of a swallow by viewing on a display screen 106 a movement feedback signal 107, possibly from a piezo-electric sensor 108 also contained in the band 101 which will also be displayed on the display screen 106. The signal 109 from the switch device initiating sensory stimulation will be presented on the same display screen 106 for the patient 105 and trainer to observe when the button or switch 103 is activated for sensory stimulation in relation to the onset of the swallow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and computer program product for generating automated reports. Input data from various spreadsheets is consolidated. Thereafter, based on the input data, a set of output values are determined. The output values are then updated in a form that serves as a template for the report. Subsequently, the form is submitted to a recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods an compositions for diagnosis and treatment of carcinomas with aberrant expression patterns of POT 1. The invention also provides methods of identifying compounds that may modulate the cellular expression of POT 1. The invention further provides methods for treating subjects suffering from or at risk of developing a colorectal carcinoma.

Abstract: To provide an inorganic waterborne coating agent and its aqueous solution: wherein, with the surface of the base material highly-hydrophilizated, the contaminant such as oil-based contaminant and inorganic dust adhered onto the surface of the base material can be removed easily with water, and at the same time, the antistatic effect can be achieved due to its dust-repelling property; which can be applied by anyone (non-skilled) with ease without considering the base material being organic or inorganic, compared with conventional coating agents, such as photocatalyst and polysilazane-based glass coating agent that have limited range of use; and which has little limit in conditions of use, and is inexpensive and applicable to any places, thereby securing the original goal of antifouling property. To provide an inorganic waterborne coating agent comprising: alkaline colloidal silica, a sodium phosphate compound and a potassium phosphate mixture, and boric acid.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to compositions and methods for using a composite particulate comprising a cellulosic fiber and a filler as a lost-circulation material. An example of a method of controlling lost circulation in a subterranean method, comprises contacting a subterranean formation with a fluid comprising a base fluid and a lost circulation material, wherein the lost circulation material comprises a composite particulate, and wherein the composite particulate comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. An example method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the cement compositions comprises a cement, water, and a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. Example compositions include lost-circulation materials, treatment fluids and cement compositions.