Abstract: In one example, a method performed by an audience measurement computing system is described. The method includes determining a source identifier that identifies a media source from which media presented by a media presentation device at a media presentation environment is received. The method also includes using meter hash keys and the source identifier as a basis to select, from stored reference hash keys representing signatures of previously-identified media, a set of reference hash keys that match the meter hash keys and correspond to the source identifier, each reference hash key associated with a corresponding media identifier, where the meter hash keys are generated based on meter signatures representing the media. The method also includes identifying the media based on the set of reference hash keys. The method also includes generating exposure data that credits exposure of an audience member at the media presentation environment to the identified media.

Abstract: An enhanced geometry receiving element for a downhole tool, such as an enhanced geometry receiving element for a plunger downhole tool used in the oil and gas industry. In one embodiment, the enhanced geometry receiving element includes a set of axial grooves disposed in the interior of a fishing neck portion of a bypass plunger.

Abstract: Example apparatus to determine a state of a media presentation device are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus is to determine contribution values from at least one of a signal measured from a sensing device or an output signal accessed from the presentation device, the contribution values indicative of a state of a presentation device. The disclosed example apparatus is also to sum a first plurality of the contribution values corresponding to a first measurement cycle to generate a first intermediate fuzzy score for the first measurement cycle, store the first intermediate fuzzy score in a buffer, the buffer including a plurality of intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to respective measurement cycles, combine the intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to a first time period to form a final fuzzy score, and when the final fuzzy score satisfies a threshold, set the state of the presentation device as on and enable crediting of media.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining whether a media presentation device is in an on state or an off state are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises determining contribution values from at least one of a signal measured from a sensing device or an output signal accessed from the presentation device, wherein the contribution values are indicative of a state of a presentation device. Summing, via a logic circuit, a first plurality of the contribution values corresponding to a first measurement cycle to generate a first intermediate fuzzy score for the first measurement cycle. Storing the first intermediate fuzzy score in a buffer including a plurality of intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to respective measurement cycles. Combining, via the logic circuit, the intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to a first time period to form a final fuzzy score.

Abstract: An enhanced geometry receiving element for a downhole tool, such as an enhanced geometry receiving element for a plunger downhole tool used in the oil and gas industry. In one embodiment, the enhanced geometry receiving element includes a set of axial grooves disposed in the interior of a fishing neck portion of a bypass plunger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining whether a media presentation device is in an on state or an off state are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises determining contribution values from at least one of a signal measured from a sensing device or an output signal accessed from the presentation device, wherein the contribution values are indicative of a state of a presentation device. Summing, via a logic circuit, a first plurality of the contribution values corresponding to a first measurement cycle to generate a first intermediate fuzzy score for the first measurement cycle. Storing the first intermediate fuzzy score in a buffer including a plurality of intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to respective measurement cycles. Combining, via the logic circuit, the intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to a first time period to form a final fuzzy score.

Abstract: A plunger assembly arranged to minimize uneven wear spots or areas thereon during the plunger assembly's horizontal and vertical travel within a hydrocarbon producing well conduit. The plunger assembly comprises an elongated central mandrel having an elongated central bore extending longitudinally therethrough for transmitting fluids from a well through the plunger assembly, the elongated central mandrel having a generally cylindrically shaped outer surface along portions thereof, and a plurality of arcuately shaped wear pads guidedly supported on the cylindrically shaped outer portions of the central mandrel An array of elongated helically presented protrusions and a corresponding array of elongated helically presented grooves in mating interdigitation are arranged between the outer portions of the mandrel and their radially adjacent wear pads, so as to provide an inducement of rotation to the plunger assembly about its longitudinal axis during the plunger assembly's travel through a well conduit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining whether a media presentation device is in an on state or an off state are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises determining contribution values from at least one of a signal measured from a sensing device or an output signal accessed from the presentation device, wherein the contribution values are indicative of a state of a presentation device. Summing, via a logic circuit, a first plurality of the contribution values corresponding to a first measurement cycle to generate a first intermediate fuzzy score for the first measurement cycle. Storing the first intermediate fuzzy score in a buffer including a plurality of intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to respective measurement cycles. Combining, via the logic circuit, the intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to a first time period to form a final fuzzy score.

Abstract: A plunger for oil and gas wells includes a shaft and a sleeve carried by the shaft. The sleeve defines a passageway located between a surface of the sleeve and a portion of the shaft, and the sleeve is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft from a first configuration to a second configuration and vice versa. In the first configuration the plunger inhibits fluid flow through the passageway, and in the second configuration the plunger permits fluid flow through the passageway. The plunger further includes a force dissipating element interposed between the shaft and the sleeve. The force dissipating element at least partially dissipates forces caused by at least one of (1) the sleeve stopping relative to the shaft after translating from the first configuration to the second configuration; and (2) the sleeve stopping relative to the shaft after translating from the second configuration to the first configuration.

Abstract: A plunger for oil and gas wells includes a shaft and a sleeve carried by the shaft. The sleeve defines a passageway located between a surface of the sleeve and a portion of the shaft, and the sleeve is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft from a first configuration to a second configuration and vice versa. In the first configuration the plunger inhibits fluid flow through the passageway, and in the second configuration the plunger permits fluid flow through the passageway. The plunger further includes a force dissipating element interposed between the shaft and the sleeve. The force dissipating element at least partially dissipates forces caused by at least one of (1) the sleeve stopping relative to the shaft after translating from the first configuration to the second configuration; and (2) the sleeve stopping relative to the shaft after translating from the second configuration to the first configuration.

Abstract: A plunger assembly arranged to minimize uneven wear spots or areas thereon during the plunger assembly's horizontal and vertical travel within a hydrocarbon producing well conduit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device are disclosed herein. An example portable audience measurement device including a housing; a media detector in the housing to collect media exposure data; a hinge having an arm to rotate in response to an applied, the arm to secure the housing to an object associated with a person; a rotation sensor to detect a magnitude of rotation of the arm relative to the housing; and a detector to compare the magnitude of rotation of the arm to a threshold angle to determine whether the device is being carried by the person.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining whether a media presentation device is in an on state or an off state are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises determining contribution values from at least one of a signal measured from a sensing device or an output signal accessed from the presentation device, wherein the contribution values are indicative of a state of a presentation device. Summing, via a logic circuit, a first plurality of the contribution values corresponding to a first measurement cycle to generate a first intermediate fuzzy score for the first measurement cycle. Storing the first intermediate fuzzy score in a buffer including a plurality of intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to respective measurement cycles. Combining, via the logic circuit, the intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to a first time period to form a final fuzzy score.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining whether a media presentation device is in an on state or an off state are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises determining first and second characteristics of a signature associated with a signal representative of media content presented via a media presentation device, evaluating the first and second characteristics to determine first and second fuzzy contribution values representing, respectively, degrees with which the first and second characteristics correspond to the media presentation device being in at least one of an on state or an off state, determining a third fuzzy contribution value based on a number of the first and second contribution values indicating the media presentation device is in one of the on or off states, and combining the first, second and third fuzzy contribution values for use in determining whether the media presentation device is in the on state or the off state.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to perform audio watermark decoding are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving an audio signal including an audience measurement code embedded therein using a first plurality of frequency components, sampling the audio signal, transforming the sampled audio signal into a first frequency domain representation, determining whether the code is detectable in the first plurality of frequency components of the first frequency domain representation, and when the code is not detected in the first plurality of frequency components, examining a second plurality of frequency components of a second frequency domain representation to determine whether the code is detected, the second plurality of frequency components being offset from the first plurality of frequency components by a first offset, the first offset corresponding to a sampling frequency mismatch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device are disclosed herein. An example portable audience measurement device including a housing; a media detector in the housing to collect media exposure data; a hinge having an arm to rotate in response to an applied, the arm to secure the housing to an object associated with a person; a rotation sensor to detect a magnitude of rotation of the arm relative to the housing; and a detector to compare the magnitude of rotation of the arm to a threshold angle to determine whether the device is being carried by the person.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device are disclosed herein. An example portable audience measurement device includes a housing; a media detector in the housing to collect media exposure data; an attachment mechanism coupled to the housing to secure the housing to a person; and a sensor to detect a status of the attachment mechanism to enable determination of whether the device is being carried by the person.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a composition of an audience of an information presenting device are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes maintaining a first count of a number of people detected in an environment based on image data representative of the environment; when the image data is indicative of a change in the number of people detected in the environment, presenting a request for identity information; determining if the people were compliant in providing the identity information based on a difference between the number of people appearing in the image data and a second number of received identity responses; and when the people were non-compliant in providing the identity information, increasing a second count maintained for the environment indicative of unidentified people in the room.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to perform audio watermark decoding are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving an audio signal including an audience measurement code embedded therein using a first plurality of frequency components, sampling the audio signal, transforming the sampled audio signal into a first frequency domain representation, determining whether the code is detectable in the first plurality of frequency components of the first frequency domain representation, and when the code is not detected in the first plurality of frequency components, examining a second plurality of frequency components of a second frequency domain representation to determine whether the code is detected, the second plurality of frequency components being offset from the first plurality of frequency components by a first offset, the first offset corresponding to a sampling frequency mismatch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a composition of an audience of an information presenting device are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes maintaining a first count of a number of people detected in an environment based on image data representative of the environment; when the image data is indicative of a change in the number of people detected in the environment, presenting a request for identity information; determining if the people were compliant in providing the identity information based on a difference between the number of people appearing in the image data and a second number of received identity responses; and when the people were non-compliant in providing the identity information, increasing a second count maintained for the environment indicative of unidentified people in the room.