Abstract: The present application provides an aft plate removal tool for servicing a combustor. The combustor includes an end cover, an aft plate downstream of the end cover, and a number of tubes extending through the aft plate. The aft plate removal tool includes a base plate and a threaded rod. The base plate is attached to the end cover. Rotation of the threaded rod advances the threaded rod against the aft plate until the threaded rod pushes the aft plate off of the tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic assay system and associated reading device, as well as the individual components themselves. The present invention also relates to methods of conducting assays, using a disposable system and associated reading device, as well as kits for conducting assays.

Abstract: A perforation tool features a container with a longitudinal axis; an initiator module in the container, the initiator module having a firing circuit, an electrical contact at the longitudinal axis, and a detonator housing; and a shaped charge frame in the container, the shaped charge frame having a first end; a second end opposite the first end; a recess for accepting a shaped charge between the first end and the second end, the recess having a wide end and a narrow end, wherein the longitudinal axis is between the wide end and the narrow end; a first electrical contact at the first end, the first electrical contact located at the longitudinal axis; a second electrical contact at the second end, the second electrical contact located at the longitudinal axis; an electrical conductor connecting the first and second contacts; and a ballistic pathway coupling the detonator housing to the narrow end of the recess.

Abstract: Shaped charge tools for perforating hydrocarbon wells are described herein. A shaped charge frame assembly described herein comprises a tubular electrical conductor and a shaped charge frame disposed around the tubular electrical conductor and rotatably engaged with the tubular electrical conductor. One or more bearings may be used to engage the shaped charge frame with the tubular electrical conductor, or the engagement may be bearing-free.

Abstract: A process of capturing a biopotential signal at a surface of a body includes using a sensor receiver which forms a first signal connection with the body wherein one or more parameters of impedance of the first signal connection are unknown. The biopotential signal is received at an output of a first signal channel having a first transfer function dependent on the one or more unknown first impedance parameters. The biopotential signal is received at an output of a second signal channel having a second transfer function dependent on the one or more unknown first impedance parameters. The process also comprises deriving a set of relations for the biopotential signal based on the transfer function of the first signal channel, the transfer function of the second signal channel, and outputs of the first and second signal channels. The set of relations is solved to determine the captured biopotential signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention provides a process of capturing a biopotential signal at a surface of a body using a sensor receiver which forms a first signal connection the body wherein one or more parameters of impedance of the first signal connection are unknown. The process comprises receiving the biopotential signal at an output of a first signal channel having a first transfer function which is dependent on the one of more unknown first impedance parameters. The process also comprises receiving the biopotential signal at an output of a second signal channel having a second transfer function dependent on the one of more unknown first impedance parameters. The process also comprises deriving a set of relations for the biopotential signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction assemblies including a substantially hygroscopic agent free LAMP reagent mixture in combination with a solid-phase reaction medium. The present disclosure also includes systems for a chromatic LAMP analysis including a substantially non-reactive solid phase reaction medium, and a non-interfering reagent mixture. The present disclosure also includes solid phase LAMP reaction mediums comprising a substrate, an adhesive layer disposed on the substrate, a reaction layer disposed on the adhesive layer, and a spreading layer disposed on the reaction layer. The present disclosure also includes methods of testing for a presence of a target nucleotide sequence including providing a biological sample, and dispensing the sample into a test environment having a solid phase reaction medium in combination with a LAMP reagent mixture and a pH sensitive dye.

Abstract: A liquid biological sample test cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge can include a tray. The cartridge can also include a chemical reaction pad supported by the tray. The cartridge can further include a chemical reaction pad cover disposed over the chemical reaction pad and coupled to the tray. The chemical reaction pad cover can have a sample opening to facilitate depositing a liquid biological sample at a predetermined location on the chemical reaction pad. In addition, the cartridge can include an outer cover operable to at least partially form an enclosure about the chemical reaction pad.

Abstract: A heating device for testing a biological sample is disclosed. The heating device can include a heat source operable to generate heat. In addition, the heating device can include a controller in communication with the heat source and operable to control heat generation by the heat source to heat a biological sample at less than or equal to about 2 degrees C./s. Furthermore, a heating device for testing a biological sample is disclosed that can include a heat source operable to generate heat to heat a biological sample. The biological sample can be at least partially contained within a removable enclosure distinct from the heating device. Additionally, the heating device can include an enclosure interface associated with the heat source. The enclosure interface can be configured to interface with the enclosure such that heat is transferred from the heat source to the enclosure by conduction.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention provides a process of capturing a biopotential signal at a surface of a body using a sensor receiver which forms a first signal connection the body wherein one or more parameters of impedance of the first signal connection are unknown. The process comprises receiving the biopotential signal at an output of a first signal channel having a first transfer function which is dependent on the one of more unknown first impedance parameters. The process also comprises receiving the biopotential signal at an output of a second signal channel having a second transfer function dependent on the one of more unknown first impedance parameters. The process also comprises deriving a set of relations for the biopotential signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques for generating accurate time stamps. In one embodiment, a first timing reference signal corresponding to a first clock domain is combined with a first clock signal corresponding to a second clock domain to produce a second timing reference signal that includes quantization noise. The second timing reference signal is filtered to remove the quantization noise and generate a filtered timing reference signal. The filtered timing reference signal may be sampled in the second clock domain to obtain a time stamp. In one embodiment, a phase locked loop (PLL) is used as the filter. The PLL may generate first and second ramps that correspond to time. One of the ramps may be sampled to obtain a time stamp, for example.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques for generating accurate time stamps. In one embodiment, a first timing reference signal corresponding to a first clock domain is combined with a first clock signal corresponding to a second clock domain to produce a second timing reference signal that includes quantization noise. The second timing reference signal is filtered to remove the quantization noise and generate a filtered timing reference signal. The filtered timing reference signal may be sampled in the second clock domain to obtain a time stamp. In one embodiment, a phase locked loop (PLL) is used as the filter. The PLL may generate first and second ramps that correspond to time. One of the ramps may be sampled to obtain a time stamp, for example.

Abstract: A central arterial blood pressure waveform is developed from pressure waveforms obtained from proximal and distal blood pressure cuffs on the brachial artery of an arm that are inflated to a supra-systolic pressure. The proximal and distal cuff pressure waveforms associated with at least one cardiac ejection cycle are sensed. The propagation times of a blood pressure pulse from the entry of the artery to the proximal cuff and from the proximal cuff to the distal cuff are calculated, permitting calculation of a reflection coefficient of the pressure pulse at one of the proximal and distal cuffs. Assuming a physical model of wave propagation along the artery between the aorta and the proximal and distal cuffs, an estimated pressure waveform at the opening of the artery can be determined.

Abstract: A central arterial blood pressure waveform is developed from pressure waveforms obtained from proximal and distal blood pressure cuffs on the brachial artery of an arm that are inflated to a supra-systolic pressure. The proximal and distal cuff pressure waveforms associated with at least one cardiac ejection cycle are sensed. The propagation times of a blood pressure pulse from the entry of the artery to the proximal cuff and from the proximal cuff to the distal cuff are calculated, permitting calculation of a reflection coefficient of the pressure pulse at one of the proximal and distal cuffs. Assuming a physical model of wave propagation along the artery between the aorta and the proximal and distal cuffs, an estimated pressure waveform at the opening of the artery can be determined.

Abstract: A central arterial blood pressure waveform is developed from pressure waveforms obtained from proximal and distal blood pressure cuffs on the brachial artery of an arm that are inflated to a supra-systolic pressure, The proximal and distal cuff pressure waveforms associated with at least one cardiac ejection cycle are sensed, The propagation times of a blood pressure pulse from the entry of the artery to the proximal cuff and from the proximal cuff to the distal cuff are calculated, permitting calculation of a reflection coefficient of the pressure pulse at one of the proximal and distal cuffs. Assuming a physical model of wave propagation along the artery between the aorta and the proximal and distal cuffs, an estimated pressure waveform at the opening of the artery can be determined.

Abstract: A physics-based mathematical model is used to estimate central pressure waveforms from measurements of a brachial pressure waveform measured using a supra-systolic cuff. The method has been tested in numerous subjects undergoing cardiac catheterisation. Central pressure agreement was within 11 mm Hg and as good as the published non-invasive blood pressure agreement between the oscillometric device in use and the so-called “gold standard.” It also exceeds international standards for the performance of non-invasive blood pressure measurement devices. The method has a number of advantages including simplicity of application, fast calculation and accuracy of prediction. Additionally, model parameters have physical meaning and can therefore be tuned to individual subjects. Accurate estimation of central waveforms also allow continuous measurement (with intermittent calibration) using other non-invasive sensing systems including photoplethysmography.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine certain cardiac medical parameters that are useful is diagnosing cardiovascular disease. The apparatus is designed to carry out the method, which includes the steps of: (a) inflating a blood pressure cuff on the brachial artery to a supra-systolic pressure; (b) sensing a sequence of pressure pulse waveforms associated with the brachial artery that result from a plurality of cardiac ejection cycles; (c) averaging the waveforms to produce an average, representative waveform having an initial, incident wave portion and a reflected wave portion; (d) analyzing the representative waveform to determine a value of one or more cardiac medical parameters including the reflection wave ratio (RWR), the reflected wave transit time (RWTT), the maximum amplitude of the initial pressure wave (PS1), the maximum rise (slope) of the initial pressure wave (dp/dt), and/or the systolic ejection period (SEP); and (e) displaying the value of the medical parameter(s).

Abstract: A reaching device that in one embodiment comprises an elongated member, a jaw, and an actuator for opening and closing the jaw. The jaw includes a pair of holding members, one of which has a tapered lateral side edge. In one embodiment, the reaching device may allow a rural mail carrier to remain seated in the driver's side of a conventional (North American) vehicle, reach through the passenger's window, and perform the following tasks: open a mail box, retrieve mail from the mail box, place mail into the mail box, close the mail box, and raise or lower the indicator flag on the side of the mail box.

Abstract: There is provided a reaching device particularly suitable for rural mail delivery. In one embodiment, the reaching device comprises an elongated member, a jaw, and an actuator for opening and closing the jaw. The jaw includes a pair of holding members, one of which has a tapered lateral side edge. In an illustrated embodiment, a reaching device is provided that allows a rural mail carrier to remain seated in the driver's side of a conventional (North American) vehicle, reach through the passenger's window, and perform the following tasks: open a mail box, retrieve mail from the mail box, place mail into the mail box, close the mail box, and raise or lower the indicator flag on the side of the mail box.

Abstract: Iceberg Reclamation industry invention provides an economical method of adapting offshore marine structures for arctic waters into fresh water production plants. The key condition of the invention is that icebergs are not towed or transported, instead the processing plant systematically breaks down icebergs and processes the ice pieces, melts the ice, and enables the transport of fresh water to arid climates and other areas in need of water reserves augmentation. The invention also claims that by decreasing the ice melt into oceans from icebergs this method acts as a sea level rise countermeasure. The method can also be used to clean oceans of floating debris and process the waste economically.