Abstract: An apparatus includes an Xray tube that has a filament serving as a cathode and an anode. The apparatus is configured to perform a method of driving the filament that includes pre-heating the filament by flowing a current through the filament before a high-voltage is applied between the filament and the anode. The method includes increasing an effective value of the current and the high-voltage, preferably by stepping the effective value of the current and the high-voltage essentially simultaneously. The method includes emitting Xrays in response to increasing the effective value of the current through the filament and the high-voltage.

Abstract: A tool driver activates a telemetry tool when a predetermined threshold of accelerometer data measured by an accelerometer. The threshold preferably corresponds to an acceleration level expected while drilling mud is pumped at a slow pump rate through the well's drill pipe. When a fluid influx occurs during drilling, the well is shut-in, and 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 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. In this way, rig operations can change the mud weight and adjust the choke line during the kill operation based on an analysis of the downhole pressure data obtained.

Abstract: A web and social media-based, fully automated offering of stock such as an Initial Public Offering (IPO) allows retail investors to participate with small amounts of money, while allowing issuing companies to build customer loyalty, and while complying with securities regulations. Several days before the offering date, users enroll in the offering via an enrollment user interface, providing a non-binding amount to invest. A preliminary prospectus, including an expected price range of the shares, is provided, and a suitability algorithm is performed. An IPO deposit is transferred from a payment source to an escrow account. A countdown clock to a time of the offering is provided. During a limited time window, the users can confirm or change the non-binding amount. After the time window, the shares are allocated. Enrollment in a post-IPO Customer Stock Ownership Plan (CSOP) and/or a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) is also facilitated.

Abstract: An impacting tool includes a trigger mechanism that is activated when a predetermined amount of energy is stored in the impacting tool. When the impacting tool is activated, the stored energy is precipitously discharged through an impact rod which is configured to transfer a controlled force to an orthopaedic component.

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: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for forming a semiconductor power device by depositing a first layer of TiW on a gate region and a source region, depositing a second layer of refractory metal over the first layer of TiW at the gate region, depositing a dielectric stack over the second layer of refractory metal and a portion of the first layer of TiW, depositing an etch stop layer over a portion of the dielectric stack, depositing an interconnect layer over the etch stop layer and the dielectric stack and depositing an etch mask over the interconnect layer.

Abstract: An impacting tool includes a trigger mechanism that is activated when a predetermined amount of energy is stored in the impacting tool. When the impacting tool is activated, the stored energy is precipitously discharged through an impact rod which is configured to transfer a controlled force to an orthopaedic component.

Abstract: A container holding a supply of a volatile liquid material to be poured therefrom includes an upper pouring spout-forming section over which, in the preferred form of the invention, is placed a removable attachment unit which appears to be a vertical cap-forming continuation of the top of the container. The attachment unit preferably has a compartment opening to the outside thereof and containing a liquid-absorbing material into which a portion of the liquid volatile material of the container is ultimately poured when the attachment is removed from the container. In a less preferred form of the invention, the dispensing unit-forming attachment is removably attached to and preferably forms a vertical continuation of the bottom of the container.