Abstract: A drill bit for cutting through a downhole metal structure includes a bit body having a central axis and a bit face. The bit body is configured to rotate about the central axis in a cutting direction. In addition, the bit includes a cutting structure disposed on the bit face. The cutting structure includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades and a plurality of primary cutter elements mounted to each blade. Each primary cutter element has a forward-facing primary cutting face. Each primary cutter element is made of a whisker ceramic composite.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process and a system for synthesis gas conversion. The process includes contacting a synthesis gas feed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide having a H2/CO ratio from 0.5 to 3.0 with a hybrid catalyst of particles having a particle size from 50 to 500 ?m and having at least one zeolite and a Fischer-Tropsch component wherein the ratio of zeolite to Fischer-Tropsch component is from 0.1:1 to 30:1 and the hybrid catalyst includes from 0.5 to 40 wt % Fischer-Tropsch component. The process is conducted in a compact heat exchange reactor having a set of reaction passages disposed between a synthesis gas feed header and a products header and a set of coolant passages disposed between a coolant inlet header and a coolant outlet header. The set of coolant passages conducts a coolant therethrough, and the set of reaction passages contains the hybrid catalyst therein and conducts synthesis gas and reaction products therethrough. The process is conducted at a temperature from 200 to 2800° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts containing at least one Fischer-Tropsch component and at least one acidic component deposited on a monolith catalyst support for use in synthesis gas conversion processes and methods for preparing the catalysts. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which the hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts are contacted with synthesis gas to produce a hydrocarbon product containing at least 50 wt % C5+ hydrocarbons. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which at least one layer of Fischer-Tropsch component deposited onto a monolith support is alternated with at least one layer of acidic component in a fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: A petroleum-based fluid sample may be centrifuged in a centrifuge vial where a light may be passed through the petroleum-based fluid sample to identify an amount of transmitted light at two or more time intervals. The stability of the foulant(s) and/or efficacy of the foulant inhibitors to prevent the destabilization of the foulants may be determined by comparing a change in the amounts of transmitted light through the petroleum-based fluid sample. The petroleum-based fluid sample may include a petroleum-based fluid, at least one foulant, and an optional additive for destabilizing the foulant(s). The additive may be or include a first component, such as but not limited to n-alkanes, iso-alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, cyclo-alkanes, natural gas, natural gas condensate, alcohols, ethers, ketones, organic acids, acetates, carbon dioxide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process and system are described for the processing of gas associated with crude oil production, i.e. associated gas. A separation complex is used to separate produced fluids produced from a hydrocarbon reservoir into crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, water, and natural gas. At least a portion of the natural gas is converted into synthesis gas in a synthesis gas generator. A combination of a synthesis gas conversion catalysts and hydroconversion catalysts are used in a synthesis gas reactor to convert the synthesis gas into a liquid effluent stream containing liquefied petroleum gas and a synthetic crude oil. The liquefied petroleum gas and synthetic crude oil from the synthesis gas reactor is sent to the separation complex. Liquefied petroleum gas is separated both from the synthetic crude oil and a natural crude oil obtained from the produced fluids.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing coverings such as leather hides and fabrics are provided. A system can include a worktable having a surface on which a covering is placeable. An imaging device can be positionable relative to the worktable. The imaging device can be configured to obtain an image of the covering on the surface of the worktable. A projector can be positionable relative to worktable. The projector can be configured to project an image onto the surface of the worktable and the covering on the surface of the worktable. A controller can be in communication with the imaging device and projector. The controller can be configured to correct images taken by the imaging device. The controller can also be configured to correct the images projected onto the surface of the worktable and the covering thereon. The controller can be configured to permit the showing of virtual markings on the covering placed on the surface of the worktable through an image projected thereon by the projector.

Abstract: A process and system are described for the processing of gas associated with crude oil production, i.e. associated gas. A separation complex is used to separate produced fluids produced from a hydrocarbon reservoir into crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, water, and natural gas. At least a portion of the natural gas is converted into synthesis gas in a synthesis gas generator. A combination of a synthesis gas conversion catalysts and hydroconversion catalysts are used in a synthesis gas reactor to convert the synthesis gas into a liquid effluent stream containing liquefied petroleum gas and a synthetic crude oil. The liquefied petroleum gas and synthetic crude oil from the synthesis gas reactor is sent to the separation complex. Liquefied petroleum gas is separated both from the synthetic crude oil and a natural crude oil obtained from the produced fluids.

Abstract: A process and system are described for producing a synthetic crude oil by contacting a synthesis gas with a combination of a synthesis gas conversion catalyst and a hydroconversion catalyst in a synthesis gas reactor. The synthesis gas can be obtained from gas associated with crude oil production, i.e., associated gas, in a synthesis gas generator. The synthetic crude oil can be blended with a natural crude oil to produce a blended stabilized crude oil having 2 wt % or more of the synthetic crude oil. The resulting blended stabilized crude oil has improved flow characteristics including a pour point of 30° C. or less.

Abstract: This invention allows motorcycle owner to easily change the rake and height of a motorcycle by the providing an upper tree assembly with spherical bearing connected by a center stem internally to the frame neck bearing housing. The lower tree assembly with a spherical bearing and an interchangeable degree rake puck being connected to the center stem. Tube extensions inserted into the motorcycle stock factory fork tubes and attached to the upper tree and lower tree allows height adjustments. A removable screw in the top of tube extensions inserted into a hollow bore through the center of tube extension allows service of the motorcycle fork tube hydraulic oil.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a dual use hydrazine propulsion thruster system. The dual use hydrazine propulsion thruster system may include a storage vessel configured to store hydrazine and a chemical thruster configured to provide thrust using the hydrazine. The dual use hydrazine propulsion thruster system may also include a convertor configured to catalytically convert hydrazine to a product comprising ammonia, and an electric thruster configured to provide thrust by ionizing ammonia and accelerating the ionized ammonia out of the electric thruster.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for immunising a subject against Mycobacterium tuberculosis ox Mycobacterium bovis. The method comprises parenterally administering to the subject an immunologically effective amount of a first antigen from the Mycobacterium or a first polynucleotide encoding the first antigen and administering to the lung of the subject an immunologically effective amount of a second antigen from the Mycobacterium or a second polynucleotide encoding the second antigen. The two administration steps are carried out less than four weeks apart. The invention also relates to a kit for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts containing at least one Fischer-Tropsch component and at least one acidic component deposited on a monolith catalyst support for use in synthesis gas conversion processes and methods for preparing the catalysts. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which the hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts are contacted with synthesis gas to produce a hydrocarbon product containing at least 50 wt % C5+ hydrocarbons. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which at least one layer of Fischer-Tropsch component deposited onto a monolith support is alternated with at least one layer of acidic component in a fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: Process for fabricating a catalyzed ion transport membrane (ITM). In one embodiment, an uncatalyzed ITM is (a) contacted with a non-reducing gaseous stream while heating to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to provide an ITM possessing anion mobility; (b) contacted with a reducing gaseous stream for a time period sufficient to provide an ITM having anion mobility and essentially constant oxygen stoichiometry; (c) cooled while contacting the ITM with the reducing gaseous stream to provide an ITM having essentially constant oxygen stoichiometry and no anion mobility; and (d) treated by applying catalyst to at least one of (1) a porous mixed conducting multicomponent metallic oxide (MCMO) layer contiguous with a first side of a dense layer of MCMO and (2) a second side of the dense MCMO layer. In another embodiment, these steps are carried out in the alternative order of (a), (d), (b), and (c).

Abstract: A method of preparing a catalyst for conversion of syngas to Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon products comprising providing a reduced oxide Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and treating the reduced oxide catalyst with acetylene.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing coverings such as leather hides and fabrics are provided. A system can include a worktable having a surface on which a covering is placeable. An imaging device can be positionable relative to the worktable. The imaging device can be configured to obtain an image of the covering on the surface of the worktable. A projector can be positionable relative to worktable. The projector can be configured to project an image onto the surface of the worktable and the covering on the surface of the worktable. A controller can be in communication with the imaging device and projector. The controller can be configured to correct images taken by the imaging device. The controller can also be configured to correct the images projected onto the surface of the worktable and the covering thereon. The controller can be configured to permit the showing of virtual markings on the covering placed on the surface of the worktable through an image projected thereon by the projector.

Abstract: A retail rating system and method for use in connection with gambling activities is disclosed. Points or credits are accumulated for commercial activity and made available for gambling activity. A management system and/or player tracking cards are employed to track accumulation of points and commercial activity.

Abstract: Technologies and concepts are described herein for authoring a database query through the modification of a view of the data to be returned by the query. A user interface is provided for authoring a database query through the modification of a view of the data to be returned by the query that includes a view showing the results of a database query. A user interface is also provided for modifying the view to define the results of the query. As the view is modified, a query definition is generated which, when executed against the database, will return the results of the database query shown in the view. When the desired results are shown in the view, the query definition can be saved and run against the database to perform the database query.

Abstract: A fixed bed membrane reactor is disclosed. The reactor has a housing including an inlet for receiving reactants and an outlet for discharging retentate streams of reaction products. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with a reaction zone in which the reactants may pass downstream from the inlet to the outlet with the reactants reacting to produce reaction products including water. The reactor further includes a membrane assembly disposed in fluid communication with the reaction zone. The membrane assembly includes at least one porous support with a water permselective membrane affixed thereto. The membrane allows water produced in the reaction zone to be selectively removed from the reaction zone as a permeate stream while allowing retentate reaction products to remain in the reaction zone and be discharged as a retentate stream.

Abstract: Technologies and concepts are described herein for authoring a database query through the modification of a view of the data to be returned by the query. A user interface is provided for authoring a database query through the modification of a view of the data to be returned by the query that includes a view showing the results of a database query. A user interface is also provided for modifying the view to define the results of the query. As the view is modified, a query definition is generated which, when executed against the database, will return the results of the database query shown in the view. When the desired results are shown in the view, the query definition can be saved and run against the database to perform the database query.

Abstract: A method for forming a catalyst for synthesis gas conversion and a synthesis gas conversion process impregnating a zeolite support wherein the catalyst contains ruthenium on a zeolite support, such as ZSM-5, ZSM-12, SSZ-32 or beta zeolite, and the product stream has less than 1 weight % C21+.