Abstract: A first traffic-flow prediction associated with a roadway segment and a particular time is obtained by a verification module. The first traffic-flow prediction generated as an output of a prediction module implemented using a processor and associated memory, the prediction module operating on input including first traffic-related information obtained from a first plurality of traffic probe devices. A verification module obtains second traffic-related information from a recorded dataset. The recorded dataset includes information obtained from a second plurality of traffic probe devices. Information obtained from particular traffic probe devices is selected, and an estimated actual traffic-flow is generated based on that information. The verification module determines at least one quality measure based on a relationship between the first traffic-flow prediction and the estimated actual traffic-flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may operate to mount an electrode assembly with the exterior of a casing string to be placed in a borehole in a subterranean formation. The electrode assembly may include electrodes in spaced relation to one another. After the casing string and associated electrode assembly are in the borehole, the method may include providing a series of excitation signals at a plurality of frequencies to at least one electrode to inject a series of injection signals into fluid in the annulus. The method can further include receiving signals in response to the series of injection signals through at least one other electrode. The received signals can be representative of an impedance spectrum including impedance values representative of the fluid in the borehole annulus. The method can further include identifying the fluid in reference to the impedance spectrum. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid composition comprising: (A) a liquid hardenable resin component comprising a resin; and (B) a hardening agent component comprising a hardening agent for the resin; wherein at least one of the resin or the hardening agent comprises a molecule having at least one heavy atom. The substitution of one or more heavy atoms that have a higher atomic weight than the other atoms of the molecule, increases the molecular mass of the resin or hardening agent, and hence, the density of the fluid composition. A method of treating a treatment zone of a well, the method comprising: introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore; and allowing the treatment fluid to form a hardened mass the well bore.

Abstract: The pore structure of rocks and other materials can be determined through microscopy and subjected to digital simulation to determine the properties of fluid flows through the material. To determine a porosity-permeability over an extended range even when working from a small model, some disclosed method embodiments obtain a three-dimensional pore/matrix model of a sample; measure a distribution of porosity-related parameter variation as a function of subvolume size; measure a connectivity-related parameter as a function of subvolume size; derive a reachable porosity range as a function of subvolume size based at least in part on the distribution of porosity-related parameter variation and the connectivity-related parameter; select a subvolume size offering a maximum reachable porosity range; find permeability values associated with the maximum reachable porosity range; and display said permeability values as a function of porosity.

Abstract: A system includes a patient support apparatus that has one or more therapies. The therapies are optionally available depending on the acuity of the patient. A request for enablement of a therapy is transferred to a service provider for approval and, when approved, the therapy is enabled by the service provider. The patient support apparatus may be in communication with a server that is in communication with multiple patient support apparatuses so that the server is operable to selectively enable therapies on various patient support apparatuses.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, includes an alert light assembly or an alert light module having separate zones that are individually illuminated to convey information regarding respective alert conditions. The zones each have indicia related to a particular condition of the patient support apparatus. The illuminated zones are each sufficiently large so as to be seen from afar, such as on the order of ten feet or more. Alternatively or additionally, a GUI of the patient support apparatus displays alert indicia as part of a screen saver. Further alternatively or additionally, the patient support apparatus illuminates an alert light in a manner indicating an optimal time for taking a patient's vital signs.

Abstract: A rotationally selectable lock apparatus includes an outer element having a plurality of locking pins that are radially spring loaded to extend and retract through the outer element. An inner element is substantially encircled by the outer element and coupleable to a driveshaft. The inner element is configured to cause the plurality of locking pins to retract through the outer element in response to the driveshaft rotating in a first direction and extend through the outer element to engage a housing in response to the driveshaft rotating in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A downhole coupling system for joining together two segments of a tool string includes two mandrels, each having an interlocking interface at an end that abuts the adjacent mandrel and to communicate torque from one mandrel to the next. Each of the mandrels includes a threaded exterior surface, with the threaded surfaces have opposing thread directions or differing thread pitches. The coupling includes mating internal threads. A plurality of axial grooves is formed in each of the interior surface of the coupling and the exterior surface of one of the mandrels. A keyed latch ring having a plurality of internal keys and a plurality of external keys is included to engage the axial grooves, thereby rotationally locking the coupling relative to the first mandrel and second mandrel.

Abstract: The methods and systems disclosed herein attempt to overcome the deficiencies of the conventional methods and systems by providing a prepaid card for reimbursing a healthcare service provider for the cost of providing a patient with a specific healthcare service. A prepaid card can identify a specific healthcare service and can be used by a patient at a healthcare service provider to obtain the healthcare service of administering a controlled substance for which the patient does not have a prescription. The prepaid card can be associated with one or more accounts of third parties who may be financially responsible for reimbursing the healthcare service provider for the cost of providing the controlled substance and/or the specific healthcare service to the patient.

Abstract: Generally, assessing the properties of a plug comprising wellbore strengthening materials may enable the design of more efficient wellbore strengthening additives and fluids because the properties of the plug may translate to the near wellbore strengthening effect of the wellbore strengthening materials of the plug. Assessing such properties may involve applying a differential pressure to a plug formed in a passageway of a tool comprising at least one sensor proximal to the passageway plug, and then measuring at least one attribute selected from the group consisting of a normal plug pressure, a normal plug displacement, and any combination thereof with the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A downhole tool subassembly has an outer sleeve with a first set of apertures extending from an inner bore of the outer sleeve. An intermediate sleeve positioned is within the outer sleeve and defines an intermediate flow path extending from an inner bore of the intermediate sleeve to a cavity formed between the uphole portion of the outer sleeve and the downhole portion of the intermediate sleeve. An inner sleeve is positioned within the intermediate sleeve and has an external sealing portion that restricts flow across the intermediate flow path when the downhole tool is in a first configuration.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system is disclosed as including a singular mobile platform of at least one mobile power unit (MPU) and at least one first switch gear that is configured to handle electric power from the MPU. The MPU is configured to generate voltage that matches the capabilities of an electrical bus from the at least one switch gear such that a combined electrical current generated as a result of the generated voltage and required load is provided to the electrical bus to the components of the hydraulic fracturing system. Further, the hydraulic fracturing system may include electrical fracturing equipment with at least one second switch gear to support the at least one first switch gear in handling electric power from the MPU. A datavan may be included in the system to control load shedding, load sharing, and power distribution for the electrical fracturing equipment comprising the at least one second switch gear.

Abstract: A filter screen assembly is shown for filtering drilling mud used during oil and gas well drilling operations. The filter screen assembly is installed at the surface of a well on the discharge side of the mud pump at ground level. The filter screen assembly is installed upstream of the rig swivel, rotary hose and Kelly and downstream of the discharge from the mud pump. Since it is located at ground level, it does not pose the safely hazard associated with elevated components. It does not need to be removed and reinstalled when additional segments are added to the drill string and is always easily accessible for routine maintenance or replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for receiving, by at least one processor, a first indication to transition from a powered-off state to a low power standby state, in response to the first indication, obtaining, by the at least one processor, from at least one sensor at least one sensor measurement comprising data corresponding to a downhole environment, determining, by the at least one processor, that the at least one sensor measurement exceeds a particular threshold comprising a second indication and transitioning from the low power standby state to a logging state, in response to the second indication, capturing, by the at least one processor, the data corresponding to the downhole environment, and storing, by the at least one processor, the data corresponding to the downhole environment.

Abstract: A restricted access lockout system restricts access to remotely operated hydraulically actuated valves by utilizing a processor to compare each user's access code against a stored list. The user access code may be provided by card key with an embedded RFID chip, a designated application on a personal device such as a smart phone or smart pad that may communicate with the processor via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Internet, or radio. Once the processor grants access to operate various designated hydraulically actuated valves the designated hydraulically actuated valves are unlocked for designated period of time. After the designated period of time expires the hydraulically actuated valves are relocked. Generally, the lock is via a hydraulic cylinder where the hydraulic fluid may be isolated through one or more solenoid control valves. Hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic cylinder and the cylinder provide a sufficient counter to apply force so that the hydraulically actuated valves may not be manipulated.

Abstract: A system and method of evaluating a subterranean earth formation using a statistical distribution of formation data. The system comprises a logging tool and a processor in communication with the logging tool. The logging tool comprises a sensor operable to measure formation data and is locatable in a wellbore intersecting the subterranean earth formation. The processor is operable to calculate inversion solutions to the formation data, wherein each inversion solution comprises values for a parameter of the formation, and generate a statistical distribution of the parameter along one or more depths in the subterranean earth formation using the inversion solutions. The processor is also operable to identify peaks within the statistical distribution and select the inversion solutions corresponding to the identified peaks, generate a formation model using the selected inversion solutions; and evaluate the formation using the formation model to identify formation layers for producing a formation fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments include a person support apparatus including a plurality of air fluidizable material, a tub, a foam bolster disposed along at least one wall of the tub and extending over the at least one wall, and an inflatable air bladder disposed above the foam bolster along the at least one wall of the tub. A method of assisting a person with ingress or egress of a person support apparatus by deflating the inflatable air bladder and adjusting a level of fluidization of the air fluidizable material such that the surface supporting the portion of the person is substantially level with a top of the foam bolster is also described.

Abstract: A method for controlling an angular orientation of a person support apparatus including a bladder portion containing fluidized particulate material, an upper frame, and a base frame may include adjusting a height of the upper frame with respect to the base frame with at least one of a first and second actuator at respective speeds, determining a dynamic angular orientation of the upper frame with respect to the base frame based on at least one of a respective operating characteristic of the first and second actuator, determining a corrected angular orientation based on the dynamic angular orientation and a floor angle indicative of the orientation of the base frame with respect to horizontal, comparing the corrected angular orientation with an orientation reference range, and adjusting at least one actuator speed when the corrected angular orientation is outside the orientation reference range until it is within the orientation reference range.