Abstract: A method, system and program product for updating a list. A first list associated with a first platform includes a first plurality and a second plurality of keys. A second list associated with a second platform includes a third plurality of keys. The first and second platforms sort a first subset of characters differently. The second plurality and third plurality of keys are formed from a second subset of n characters sorted identically on the first and second platforms. An initial key in the first plurality of keys is converted to a neutral key to be included in the second plurality of keys by converting a character in the initial key to a number represented in a number system having a base b where n?b. After the first list is updated, the lists are sorted and compared, and the second list is updated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole tool actuation arrangement. The arrangement includes a housing having a chamber, at least one piston in operable communication with the chamber and at least one electrode exposed to the chamber. The electrodes are receptive to a power source. Further disclosed is a method for actuating a downhole tool. The method includes discharging a voltage source through at least one electrode to cause a pressure wave in a fluid surrounding the at least one electrode and moving at least one piston in response to the pressure wave.

Abstract: A database is queried with on demand database query reduction A query document includes global variables selectively set off by first tags identifying a first global variable as a complete replacement variable and by second tags identifying a second global variable as a complete removal string. An agent is provided for building from the query document an expanded query by replacing any variables set off by first tags with runtime strings, setting off any unions in the query document, and selectively replacing any variables set off by second tags and removing the second tags without replacing variables set off by second tags.

Abstract: A system allows for sequential treatment of sections of a zone. Access to each portion can be with a sliding sleeve that has a specific internal profile. Pump down plugs can be used that have a specific profile that will make a plug latch to a specific sleeve. Pressure on the plug when latched allows a sequential opening of sleeves while zones already affected that are below are isolated. The pump down plugs have a passage that is initially obstructed by a material that eventually disappears under anticipated well conditions. As a result, when all portions of a zone are handled a flow path is reestablished through the various latched plugs. The plugs can also be blown clear of a sliding sleeve after operating it and can feature a key that subsequently prevents rotation of the plug on its axis in the event is later needs milling out.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing users of client devices with coordinated access to information and/or functionality of multiple types, such as by using multiple types of connections to multiple information services of distinct types that exchange context information related to activities of the users and/or clients. The client devices can be, for example, wireless devices with multiple distinct modes (e.g., voice and data modes) for different types of connections with different types of servers (e.g., voice servers and data servers). In some situations, coordination between different servers allows multiple distinct interaction sessions of different types with different servers to remain synchronized or otherwise coordinated over time as the user performs interactions via the different sessions. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for synchronizing configuration values between a database and a remote input utility by configuring the database for remote input and loading the configuration values to a control file at the server, and copying the configuration values to a control file at remote system including the input utility, executing the input utility at a remote system using configuration values from the control file at the remote system to prepare data for input to the database, and responsive to the configuration values at the control file of the server, updating the configuration values in the control file at the remote system before migrating the new data from the input utility to the database.

Abstract: Maintaining and testing a software application by performing regression testing uses standard reusable test cases from change history records to generate actual test cases. A new test case template is created upon saving a change history entry. A subset of the actual and new test cases is determined, and new actual test cases generated and documented from the subset. The new actual test cases are released after successful verification.

Abstract: A system allows for sequential treatment of sections of a zone. Access to each portion can be with a sliding sleeve that has a specific internal profile. Pump down plugs can be used that have a specific profile that will make a plug latch to a specific sleeve. Pressure on the plug when latched allows a sequential opening of sleeves while zones already affected that are below are isolated. The pump down plugs have a passage that is initially obstructed by a material that eventually disappears under anticipated well conditions. As a result, when all portions of a zone are handled a flow path is reestablished through the various latched plugs. The plugs can also be blown clear of a sliding sleeve after operating it and can feature a key that subsequently prevents rotation of the plug on its axis in the event is later needs milling out.

Abstract: A system allows for sequential treatment of sections of a zone. Access to each portion can be with a sliding sleeve that has a specific internal profile. Pump down plugs can be used that have a specific profile that will make a plug latch to a specific sleeve. Pressure on the plug when latched allows a sequential opening of sleeves while zones already affected that are below are isolated. The pump down plugs have a passage that is initially obstructed by a material that eventually disappears under anticipated well conditions. As a result, when all portions of a zone are handled a flow path is reestablished through the various latched plugs. The plugs can also be blown clear of a sliding sleeve after operating it and can feature a key that subsequently prevents rotation of the plug on its axis in the event is later needs milling out.

Abstract: The schema of a database may be modified by selectively entering original data to an original database having an original schema; opening the original schema in a user interface; operating the user interface to make changes to the original schema; responsive to the changes being saved, creating a new schema with the changes, creating a backup table with the original schema and copying original data entered to the original database to the backup table, testing the original data with respect to the new schema to identify cases requiring modification of the data to conform to the new schema; and copying the original data as selectively modified from the backup table to the a new database having the new schema.

Abstract: A packer or plug features a main sealing element that swells after a delay long enough to get it into proper position. A sleeve eventually goes away to let the well fluids at the main sealing element to start the swelling process until contact with the surrounding tubular or the wellbore is established. Other sleeves that are disposed above and below the main sealing element preferably swell, but mainly in a longitudinal direction against the main sealing element to increase its contact pressure against the surrounding tubular or the wellbore. The longitudinally swelling members may also be covered to initiate their growth after the main sealing element has started or even completed its swelling action. The longitudinally swelling members can be constrained against radial growth to direct most or all of their swelling action longitudinally. Extrusion barriers above and below the main sealing element can optionally be used.

Abstract: Setting mechanisms for downhole tools are described that take advantage of hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore which is harnessed to set a tool after exposure to well fluids for a given time or temperature defeats a lock and allows hydrostatic forces to trigger the setting of the tool. Alternatively, some other biasing source is released to set the downhole tool after exposure to well fluids for a time or a temperature and time defeats a lock and allows the biasing source to set the tool. While applications to packers are preferred, other downhole tools can be set in his manner removing the need for an inner string, dropping a ball on a seat or pressurizing the wellbore to achieve the setting of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A packer assembly features one or more elements that preferably swell when in contact with well fluids and have a feature in them that responds to an applied load in a given direction by retaining such a boost force with a locking mechanism. A single element can have two such mechanisms that respond to applied forces from opposed directions. Friction force for adhering the element to the mandrel is enhanced with surface treatments between them that still allow the locking mechanisms to operate.

Abstract: A setting mechanism is made to respond to hydrostatic pressure. Upon reaching a predetermined depth corresponding to a given pressure, a pilot piston is shifted to allow well fluids to bypass a first set of piston seals and reach a second set. A shear pin that held the pilot piston in position is broken as the hydrostatic pressure increases with greater depth attained. However, the shifting of the pilot piston does not cause the main piston in the assembly to set the downhole tool. The action of the well fluids on the secondary seal set on the pilot piston eventually fail the second seal set allowing hydrostatic pressure to bypass them and actuate the main piston that will set the downhole tool. Raising the tool from the wellbore allows the spring acting on the pilot piston to seal in a bore to isolate hydrostatic pressure from the operating piston.

Abstract: Preformed ribs are held closely to the swelling element and then are allowed to assume an expanded position to capture the ends of the swelling element. Many variations are possible one of which is retaining the ribs in a run in position with a band that releases by interaction with well fluid. In another embodiment the ribs are of a shape memory material and go to the enlarged state after a time and exposure to well fluids. The swelling action of the element could urge the ribs to the expanded position. Alternatively, a retractable sleeve can be actuated after a delay using a piston and a sealed compartment where a material must dissolve or otherwise go away before the piston can stroke to remove a retainer from ribs that can then move out.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method, tool, and program product for scheduling an IT migration. Specifically, under the present invention, migration information for the IT migration is received in an electronic database. A schedule to perform the IT migration is the generated based on the migration information using an IT migration tool. Thereafter, messages such as email messages that contain the schedule are generated and sent to corresponding device owners using the IT migration tool. In addition, purchase orders for components needed for the IT migration based on the migration information can be generated using the IT migration tool.

Abstract: Data languages, executable programs, and user interfaces are synchronized by a database for storing data enumerations in a first language, a configuration file for mapping language neutral tags to the data enumerations, a user interface operable responsive to the language neutral tags for presenting to a user interface view selected data enumerations in the second language; the user interface responsive to user selection at the user interface view of a data enumeration in the second language corresponding to a selected language neutral tag for accessing the configuration file to retrieve a corresponding data enumeration in the first language, and for returning the corresponding data enumeration to the database.

Abstract: Under the present invention, an initial distribution list of electronic message recipients within an organization undergoing an IT migration is generated using a personnel directory of the organization and at least one selection criterion. Once initial electronic message recipients are known, messages will be generated and sent using information from a mailing database and a designated schedule. User records for each of the initial electronic message recipients will be created in an inventory database and will include user information from the personnel directory as well as message information. Based on responses to the initial electronic message, follow-up and final electronic messages can be sent to respective distribution lists, and corresponding information stored in the user records of the inventory database.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for conditional rule-based billing with real-time error checking and for on-demand segmented labor recovery and reporting. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: providing a record in a database for a device to be serviced; providing a record in the database for a customer associated with the device to be serviced; updating the record of the device in response to a servicing of the device, wherein the record for the serviced device is updated to reflect: materials and labor required for the servicing of the device; an indication of a completion of the servicing; and a completion date of the servicing; determining if all of a predetermined set of conditions required for proper billing have been met, upon completion of the servicing of the device; and billing for the servicing of the device only if all of the predetermined set of conditions have been met.

Abstract: Under the present invention, an IT migration and corresponding information collection are conducted in a single visit. A directory such as an electronic mail directory of an organization (i.e., for which the IT migration is being performed) is first analyzed to identify contacts (e.g., employees) for the IT migration. Then, a message is sent to each of the contacts containing instructions for the IT migration. The instructions will typically include, among other things, a schedule for performing the IT migration. Thereafter, each of the contacts is visited according to the schedule(s) with all components needed to perform the IT migration. At the single visit, the IT migration will be performed and inventory information collected for each of the contacts that are present when visited. Finally, transaction details corresponding to the IT migration and the inventory information are recorded.