Abstract: A downhole setting tool comprises a tool housing and a hollow mandrel, the mandrel being situated in the housing. The tool further comprises a piston situated between the mandrel and the tool housing and a collar situated between the mandrel and the tool housing, wherein the tool housing, the mandrel, the piston and the collar define an annulus. The tool further comprises a first valve, wherein in a closed position the first valve blocks a path of fluid communication between the interior of the mandrel and the annulus.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitor system tool that stores information regarding a plurality of tire pressure monitor systems. The information may include procedures for resetting and diagnosing the tire pressure monitor system. The tool may include a storing module that stores the information and a displaying module that causes the information to be displayed on a display of the tool. The tool may enable a user to input data regarding a vehicle. Based on the vehicle data input by the user, the tool may determine a tire pressure monitor system installed on the vehicle using the information stored. Based on the tire pressure monitoring system installed on the vehicle, the tool may determine one or more reset or diagnostic procedures that may be performed by the tool. The tool may also reference the owner's manual of the vehicle. The tool may also include an updating module that updates the information stored by the tool. The tool may also include an update interface that may be, for example, an RS232 port.

Abstract: A back brace including a back panel, opposed adjustable belt members for encircling a user's abdomen, and at least one dynamic tension strap for applying an adjustable amount of compressive force. The back brace includes a pair of attachment flaps fixedly joined to opposite sides of the back panel. the attachment flaps and belt members have complementary fasteners for mating in a plurality of longitudinal positions to allow adjustment of the belt's length for a broad range of abdomen sizes. The back panel may support a cinch point, and the dynamic tensioning system may include a strap looped through the cinch point and securable to a belt member to apply adjustably compressive force. The cinch points may be supported on straps adjustably fastenable to the back panel in a plurality of relative longitudinal positions to allow for adjustment of dynamic tensioning straps' length for a broad range of abdomen sizes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for spinning anionically modified cellulose comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a suspension of the anionically modified cellulose in a continuous phase; (b) subjecting the suspension to high shear rate; (c) performing spinning by extruding the cellulose suspension through a spinneret into a spinbath comprising a cationic complexing agent, and (d) isolating the sun fibres from the spin bath; as well as fibres obtained based on the method of the invention and paper or board products derived from such fibres.

Abstract: The invention includes systems, methods, and software applications for centrally maintaining information and automatically distributing relevant portions of the information to remote users. In one embodiment, a central server stores the information, which is maintained on the central server. Periodically, or each time the server information is updated, the server identifies the portion of the information that is relevant to each user and downloads the relevant portion of information to each user, for example to a mobile device such as a Blackberry™. The invention may be used to maintain and timely distribute information related to emergency response procedures, sales or servicing schedules, and delivery schedules, among other things.

Abstract: A system for transmitting information between a seller and a supplier uses a web services application to interface between a seller application and the supplier's server. The web services application uses a proxy to transmit information from the web services application to the supplier's server in a secure and reliable manner. The information is transmitted via HTTP using SOAP messages that conform to WSDL. In such a manner, the web services application can transmit selected information to the supplier's server, without any need to re-key redundant information. The proxy provides various services, such as encryption/decryption, digital signing, non-repudiation services, reporting capabilities, and software updating capabilities.

Abstract: Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation that include the steps of placing a stabilizing fluid comprising a formation stabilizing agent and a degradable fluid loss controlling agent into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein, wherein the degradable fluid loss controlling agent at least partially covers a face of the fracture; placing a treatment fluid comprising proppants into at least a portion of the fracture; bridging the fluid loss controlling agent, the proppants, or both at or near the tip of the fracture to induce a tip screenout; allowing the proppants to form a proppant pack in the portion of the fracture; and allowing the degradable fluid loss controlling agent to degrade.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to interactive response systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing multi-modality interaction between communication devices. In one embodiment, a multi-modality interactive system is disclosed, comprising: a processor; and a memory storing processor-executable instructions comprising instructions to: obtain a request to initiate an interactive session with a communication device; obtain interactive session data for communication to the communication device; select a modality for the interactive session data, by analyzing one or more parameters associated with the interactive session data and the communication device; convert a format of the interactive session data according to the selected modality; and transmit the interactive session data in the converted format to the communication device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drill rig relocation system. Lift frames are provided at opposite ends of a base box of a drill rig substructure. A lift cylinder and bearing mat assembly are rotatably connected beneath the lift frame. The bearing mat assemblies may be rotated to the desired direction for moving the drill rig. The lift cylinders are then expanded, placing the bearing mat assemblies onto the ground and lifting the base boxes and drill rig off the ground. The drill rig is supported on linear sleeve bearings slideably mounted in the bearing mat assemblies. Translation cylinders on the bearing mats expanded to move the rig by translating the linear sleeve bearings along the shafts. After the lift cylinder expands to place the bearing mat on the ground, the translation cylinders are retracted, providing the linear bearing with the full length of the shaft for the next movement.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The machine includes a printer for printing paper records of transactions conducted at the machine. The printer receives paper from a shared paper path. The shared paper path can be supplied by a first paper supply and a second paper supply. A controller is operative to switch between the paper supplies in providing paper to the printer. Based on signals received from paper sensors in the machine, the controller can determine whether the first paper supply has reached a predetermined low level. In response to a low level determination, the controller acts to cause a paper drive to begin moving paper from the second paper supply to the shared paper path and then to the printer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a single transaction account identifier that can be used for in transactions with one of multiple transaction accounts. The method includes one or more of the following steps: establishing at least two transaction accounts, wherein the transaction accounts are respectively associated with transaction account identifiers; receiving, at a transaction processing system, a common account identifier; recognizing the common account identifier as being associated with more than one account; and determining, which of the at least two transaction accounts to access for processing the transaction. The determining step may be based on selection criteria and the selection criteria may be modified by a user. One of the first and second transaction account identifiers may be forwarded to the respective first and second transaction accounts based on the determining step; and the transaction may be processed via the selected transaction account.

Abstract: A welding fixture clamp includes a stationary clamp jaw having a first guide surface and a pivotal clamp jaw having a second guide surface. The second guide surface slides relative to the first guide surface as the pivotal clamp jaw pivots about the pivot axis. Side shields are secured to one of the pivotal clamp jaw and the stationary clamp jaw to extend over the other one of the pivotal clamp jaw and the stationary clamp jaw to shield the first guide surface and the second guide surface from weld splatter and debris. A pivot pin connects the side shield to the stationary clamp jaw and operatively connects the pivotal clamp jaw to the stationary clamp jaw to pivot about the pivot axis.

Abstract: Internal coarse particle injection plasma transferred arc torch nozzles comprising: a heat-resistant nozzle body; at least one coarse hard-metal particle internal injection port; at least one fine hard-metal particle and matrix internal injection port; at least one gas port; and a cathode. Related systems, apparatus, compositions, and methods involving such arc torch nozzles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for analyzing driving performance data is provided. The system and method include one or more devices in electronic communication with a network, the one or more devices including one or more sensors for obtaining raw data associated with operation of a vehicle by a driver. A driving performance engine in electronic communication with the device, the driving performance engine generates one or more granular driving events by defining values of one or more driving parameters by associating the one or more driving parameters to the raw data, compares the one or more granular driving events with one or more similar previous driving events of the driver or other drivers having similar driving parameters and values thereof, normalizes the one or more granular driving events of the driver based on the comparison, and processes the one or more granular driving events using the driving performance engine and one or more statistical models to calculate a performance or risk value for the driver.

Abstract: A machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transfers responsive to data included on data bearing records including user cards. The machine includes a user interface (15) including a display (24). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify at least one of user and a user's financial accounts. Records of the financial transfers are provided by a printer (30). A touch screen display module (608) is operative to securely receive manual inputs and/or card data. The touch screen display module includes a contact surface that can be electronically contoured to provide outputs that can be perceived through finger contact with the contact surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.

Abstract: A method is provided herein to increase an immune response to an antigen. The method includes administering an agent that inhibits extracellular adenosine or inhibits adenosine receptors. Also disclosed are methods to increase the efficacy of a vaccine and to increase an immune response to a tumor antigen or immune cell-mediated tumor destruction.

Abstract: Methods comprising first introducing a solids-free fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate sufficient to enhance or create at least one fracture therein. Once a fracture is created or enhanced, a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a shear-thickening fluid is placed into the fracture. The shear-thickening fluid comprises a propping material selected from the group consisting of: proppant, proppant aggregates, solids free gel bodies, and combinations thereof. The propping material forms a bed within the fracture. In some embodiments, solids-free gel bodies may also be included in the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for reconciling one or more financial transactions of one or more business units. The method includes capturing transaction data from the financial transactions using a first set of data logics. The capturing further includes extracting the transaction data from the financial transactions using import templates and transforming the extracted transaction data to a predefined format, using a first set of validations. The captured transaction data is then auto-matched with master data as reference, using one or more auto-match logics and a second set of validations. One or more reports are then generated on the auto-matched transaction data. The method further includes providing user privileges for controlling the capturing, the auto-matching, and the generation of the one or more reports according to a first predefined criterion.

Abstract: Commercial size of spending wallet (“CSoSW”) is the total business spend of a business including cash but excluding bartered items. Commercial share of wallet (“CSoW”) is the portion of the spending wallet that is captured by a particular financial company. A modeling approach utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a company's spend capacity. Banks and lenders can use CSoW/CSoSW to determine who to lend to and who to deny credit to, as well as for pricing loans and other products in a dynamic way. Banks and lenders can also determine which customers should be retained, as well as identify loans which are likely to default.