Abstract: A system for retaining a counterweight tray adapted for connection to a lifting machine includes a retainer adapted for connecting the counterweight tray to the lifting machine in one orientation and releasing the counterweight tray from being connected to the lifting machine in another orientation. The counterweight tray may include an opening, and the retainer may be adapted for passing through the opening in the counterweight tray in one orientation and retained thereto in another orientation. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure includes automatic leveling bases comprising an adapter plate, a top housing on said adapter plate, a bottom housing comprising an inclinometer and one or more motors, and a bellows between said top housing and said bottom housing. Also disclosed herein are systems for measuring solar irradiance comprising: an automatic leveling base comprising an adapter plate connected to a bottom housing, said bottom housing comprising an inclinometer and one or more motors, and a pyranometer attached to said automatic leveling base, wherein said one or more motors are configured to adjust an angle of said pyranometer. Additionally disclosed herein are methods of measuring solar irradiance comprising: inclining a pyranometer to a specific angle via an automatic leveling base and measuring the output of said pyranometer.

Abstract: A system for retaining a counterweight tray adapted for connection to a lifting machine includes a retainer adapted for connecting the counterweight tray to the lifting machine in one orientation and releasing the counterweight tray from being connected to the lifting machine in another orientation. The counterweight tray may include an opening, and the retainer may be adapted for passing through the opening in the counterweight tray in one orientation and retained thereto in another orientation. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for coupling sections of a downhole tubing string is provided. The flexible coupling has a central section with first and second ends, each end having a contact surface and a first part of a pivoting connector, the contact surface extending radially outward relative to the first part of the pivoting connector. The flexible coupling also has first and second coupling sections pivotally coupled to the first and second ends of the central section. Each of the first and second coupling sections have a tubing string attachment at a first end, a second part of the pivoting connector at a second end, and a contact surface at the second end, the contact surface extending radially outward relative to the second part of the pivoting connector. Pivotal movement of the first and second coupling sections relative to the central section is limited by engagement between the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A computerized system for health management is disclosed, comprising a database configured to store a plurality of physical exercise and nutrition data input by a user via a computing device. A calendar module is in operable communication with a scheduling module to permit the user to schedule exercise information and nutritional information. A communications module permits communication between a client and a provider. A media module is in operable communication with a camera to receive video information and associate the video information with one or more exercises. The video information is provided on an exercise interface to permit the user to engage with the video information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dropping a frac ball, in which a rotating member defines a recess for receiving a single frac ball, and rotates in relation to a stationary member, which may be attached to a wellhead tubular. When the rotating member is rotated into a loading orientation, the recess receives a single frac ball. The frac ball may be gravity fed towards the recess. When the rotating member is rotated into a releasing orientation, the recess is oriented to allow the single one of the frac balls to drop out of the recess. A hydraulic gear and rack assembly actuates rotation of the rotating member. An inlet tube holds multiple frac balls and guides them sequentially, one at a time, into the recess. An outlet tube guides frac balls from the recess towards a desired location, such as an entry guide surrounding the wellhead tubular.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bioreactors that include a vessel with sides and a bottom, at least one opening in the vessel connected to a means for introducing a gas, and at least one scaffold in the vessel oriented substantially vertically in the vessel. The scaffolds are two substantially parallel sheets that are separated by a distance (dmin). Also disclosed herein are bioreactors that include a vessel with sides and a bottom, at least one opening in the vessel connected to a means for introducing a gas, and at least two scaffolds in the vessel oriented substantially vertically in the vessel. The disclosure also includes methods of culturing cells including incubating a suspension of cells in a disclosed bioreactor and introducing a gas through the at least one opening in the vessel. In some examples, the cells include microalgae, macroalgae, bacteria, fungi, insect cells, plant cells, or animal cells.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dropping a frac ball, in which a rotating member defines a recess for receiving a single frac ball, and rotates in relation to a stationary member, which may be attached to a wellhead tubular. When the rotating member is rotated into a loading orientation, the recess receives a single frac ball. The frac ball may be gravity fed towards the recess. When the rotating member is rotated into a releasing orientation, the recess is oriented to allow the single one of the frac balls to drop out of the recess. A hydraulic gear and rack assembly actuates rotation of the rotating member. An inlet tube holds multiple frac balls and guides them sequentially, one at a time, into the recess. An outlet tube guides frac balls from the recess towards a desired location, such as an entry guide surrounding the wellhead tubular.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for coupling sections of a downhole tubing string is provided. The flexible coupling has a central section with first and second ends, each end having a contact surface and a first part of a pivoting connector, the contact surface extending radially outward relative to the first part of the pivoting connector. The flexible coupling also has first and second coupling sections pivotally coupled to the first and second ends of the central section. Each of the first and second coupling sections have a tubing string attachment at a first end, a second part of the pivoting connector at a second end, and a contact surface at the second end, the contact surface extending radially outward relative to the second part of the pivoting connector. Pivotal movement of the first and second coupling sections relative to the central section is limited by engagement between the contact surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bioreactors that include a vessel with sides and a bottom, at least one opening in the vessel connected to a means for introducing a gas, and at least one scaffold in the vessel oriented substantially vertically in the vessel. The scaffolds are two substantially parallel sheets that are separated by a distance (dmin). Also disclosed herein are bioreactors that include a vessel with sides and a bottom, at least one opening in the vessel connected to a means for introducing a gas, and at least two scaffolds in the vessel oriented substantially vertically in the vessel. The disclosure also includes methods of culturing cells including incubating a suspension of cells in a disclosed bioreactor and introducing a gas through the at least one opening in the vessel. In some examples, the cells include microalgae, macroalgae, bacteria, fungi, insect cells, plant cells, or animal cells.