Abstract: Haptic actuators may include a first active material coupled to a first side of an inactive substrate and a second active material coupled to a second side of the inactive substrate. The inactive substrate may be formed to initially exhibit a nonplanar shape when the first active material and the second active material are not actuated. Various other methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a wearable structure and/or a user-feedback element to a user is provided. The apparatus includes a wearable structure configured to be worn by a user, and a grounding assembly, coupled to the wearable structure. The grounding assembly includes: (i) an inflatable bladder, coupled to a first portion of the wearable structure, and (ii) a cord, coupled to a second portion of the wearable structure and the inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder is configured to receive a fluid from a source. The cord is configured to tighten around a portion of the user's body according to and in proportion with the fluid pressure inside the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: Haptic actuators may include a first active material coupled to a first side of an inactive substrate and a second active material coupled to a second side of the inactive substrate. The inactive substrate may be formed to initially exhibit a nonplanar shape when the first active material and the second active material are not actuated. Various other methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gravel packing system featuring pressure actuated sliding sleeve valves mounted to an exterior annulus around a blanking pipe for screen sections is disclosed. An internal sliding sleeve valve is provided for subsequent closure of access through the screens. The presence of the annulus between the blanking pipe and the screen permits a backup access through perforating the blanking pipe while not damaging the screen. The sliding sleeve valves that are mounted internally and externally on the blanking pipe are removable apart from the screen section that already has gravel packed around it, if they fail to operate and need repair.

Abstract: A gravel packing system featuring pressure actuated sliding sleeve valves mounted to an exterior annulus around a blanking pipe for screen sections is disclosed. An internal sliding sleeve valve is provided for subsequent closure of access through the screens. The presence of the annulus between the blanking pipe and the screen permits a backup access through perforating the blanking pipe while not damaging the screen. The sliding sleeve valves that are mounted internally and externally on the blanking pipe are removable apart from the screen section that already has gravel packed around it, if they fail to operate and need repair.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and verifying information recorded on compact disks and for printing label information on the disks, and a method of operating the apparatus, wherein the respective recorders, verifiers, and printers are vertically stacked in a housing, and a vertically movable carriage is arranged to transport compact disks to each of the stacked devices. A rotatable carousel is mounted to the housing beneath the carriage; the carousel having multiple bins for receiving and holding compact disks. A computer processor controls the actuation of the respective devices, the carriage, and the carousel, to sequentially process unrecorded compact disks through the steps of recording, verifying and printing, and to reject compact disks which have failed the verification tests. A camera may be connected to the housing and uses in conjunction with the computer processor to rotatably position a compact disk into a preferred position prior to the printing step.

Abstract: A plurality of electronically controlled downhole tools and systems for use in production wells is presented. These tools and systems include safety valve and pressure monitoring systems, remotely controlled inflation/deflation devices, remotely actuated downhole tool stop systems, remotely controlled fluid/gas control systems, remotely controlled variable choke and shut-off valve systems and a retrievable sensor side pocket mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and verifying information recorded on compact disks and for printing label information on the disks, and a method of operating the apparatus, wherein the respective recorders, verifiers, and printers are vertically stacked in a housing, and a vertically movable carriage is arranged to transport compact disks to each of the stacked devices. A rotatable carousel is mounted to the housing beneath the carriage; the carousel having multiple bins for receiving and holding compact disks. A computer processor controls the actuation of the respective devices, the carriage, and the carousel, to sequentially process unrecorded compact disks through the steps of recording, verifying and printing, and to reject compact disks which have failed the verification tests. A camera may be connected to the housing and used in conjunction with the computer processor to rotatably position a compact disk into a preferred position prior to the printing step.

Abstract: A plurality of electronically controlled downhole tools and systems for use in production wells is presented. These tools and systems include safety valve and pressure monitoring systems, remotely controlled inflation/deflation devices, remotely actuated downhole tool stop systems, remotely controlled fluid/gas control systems, remotely controlled variable choke and shut-off valve systems and a retrievable sensor side pocket mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dropping a pumpdown plug or ball is revealed. The assembly can be integrally formed with a plug-dropping head or can be an auxiliary feature that is mounted to a plug-dropping head. The release mechanism is actuated by remote control, employing intrinsically safe circuitry. The circuitry, along with its self-contained power source, actuates a primary control member responsive to an input signal so as to allow component shifting for release of the pumpdown plug or ball. Multiple plug-dropping heads can be stacked, each responsive to a discrete release signal. Actuation to drop the pumpdown ball or plug is accomplished even while the components are rotating or are moving longitudinally. Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, personnel do not need to climb up in the derrick to actuate manual valves.