Abstract: A tool string includes a perforating gun, a first electrical connector defining a receptacle and includes a first electrical contact positioned in the receptacle, and a sub including a sub housing including first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central passage extending between the first end and the second end, and a bulkhead connector positionable in the central passage to form a pressure barrier along the central passage, the bulkhead connector including an outer housing defining a radially outer periphery of the bulkhead connector, and a second electrical contact positioned along the outer periphery of the bulkhead connector and configured to establish radially directed electrical contact with the first electrical contact of the first electrical connector irrespective of the angular orientation of the second electrical contact relative to the first electrical contact.

Abstract: A method for producing a tandem sub for a perforating gun system includes positioning an electrically conductive signal bar in a central passage of a tubular housing of the tandem sub, and injecting a mold material into an annulus formed between an outer surface of the signal bar and an inner surface of the tubular housing that sealably adheres to both the signal bar and the tubular housing.

Abstract: There is provided herein a method of making hydroxymethylphosphonate comprising reacting paraformaldehyde, at least one dialkyl phosphite and at least one trialkyl phosphite, in the presence of at least one amine catalyst

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating a target tissue site method comprising selecting the tissue site based on a tissue profile or condition of the tissue site; delivering energy to the tissue site at a first depth to achieve a first tissue effect using an energy delivery device; delivering energy to the tissue site at a second depth to achieve a second tissue effect using an energy delivery device; and remodeling at least a portion of tissue at the tissue site.

Abstract: This disclosure describes compositions that include a partially neutralized mixture of free fatty acid and a potassium salt of a fatty acid in which the potassium salt of the fatty acid is present in a molar ratio amount in the range of from about 10% to about 40% of the amount of the free fatty acid based upon the theoretical requirement to accomplish total neutralization of all fatty acid in the composition, animal feed compositions that include such compositions, and methods of preparing such compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a device and system for preventing urinary backflow into the urinary tract of a patient. The device comprises a one-way valve which allows for unobstructed urine flow in the direction of the urine towards the urine collection container and away from the catheter. The device prevents backflow into the catheter in situations where the urine collection container is raised above the level of the bladder. The components on the exit side of the valve are coated with an antimicrobial substance to prevent bacterial contamination of the system. The exit volume also contains a silver coated high surface area element to serve as an antibacterial kill site. The inlet side of the device has a volume and access port for urine sampling, with a one-way valve element providing isolation from contamination from the urine collection system.

Abstract: The disclosure provides to a PDC element protective system including a mask configured to protect a non-leached portion of a leached polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) element during a leaching process. The mask may be formed from or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The disclosure also provides a leaching system containing such a mask and a leaching vessel as well as methods of using the protective and leaching systems. The disclosure further provides a Lewis acid-based leaching agent and methods of its use. Finally, the disclosure provides a method of recycling a PDC or carbide element using a Lewis acid-based leaching agent.

Abstract: A buck-boost converter with a switch controller may cause switches A, B, C, and/or D to cyclically close such that switches B and C are closed during at least one interval of each cycle during both the buck and boost modes of operation. The switch controller may in addition or instead cause switches A, B, C, and/or D to cyclically close based on a control signal such that switches A and D are closed during an interval of each cycle and such that these intervals are never both simultaneously modulated by a small change in the control signal during any mode of operation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides to a PDC element protective system including a mask configured to protect a non-leached portion of a leached polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) element during a leaching process. The mask may be formed from or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The disclosure also provides a leaching system containing such a mask and a leaching vessel as well as methods of using the protective and leaching systems. The disclosure further provides a Lewis acid-based leaching agent and methods of its use. Finally, the disclosure provides a method of recycling a PDC or carbide element using a Lewis acid-based leaching agent.

Abstract: The disclosure provides to a PDC element protective system including a mask configured to protect a non-leached portion of a leached polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) element during a leaching process. The mask may be formed from or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The disclosure also provides a leaching system containing such a mask and a leaching vessel as well as methods of using the protective and leaching systems. The disclosure further provides a Lewis acid-based leaching agent and methods of its use. Finally, the disclosure provides a method of recycling a PDC or carbide element using a Lewis acid-based leaching agent.

Abstract: A buck-boost converter with a switch controller may cause switches A, B, C, and/or D to cyclically close such that switches B and C are closed during at least one interval of each cycle during both the buck and boost modes of operation. The switch controller may in addition or instead cause switches A, B, C, and/or D to cyclically close based on a control signal such that switches A and D are closed during an interval of each cycle and such that these intervals are never both simultaneously modulated by a small change in the control signal during any mode of operation.

Abstract: As previously disclosed this invention will change a lot of ways the prescription bottle is used, such as Americans won't have to keep them for lack of time to destroy them. The shredder will prevent a lot of injuries from people trying to scrap information off the bottle with a sharp object. It would be made of parts right here in the United States and of communally used parts. The invention will be child proof but most of all the cost to build would be minimal so it would be very affordable for the majority of Americans.

Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore drilling operations, the top drive system including a main shaft having an upper shaft seal system with a raised platform for supporting the seal system. The top drive may also have a shroud for covering the seal(s), and contaminants may flow down from the seals, since the seals are raised by the platform.

Abstract: A plunger lift for a hydrocarbon well includes a piston that is dropped into the well and then moved upwardly to lift liquid to the surface from adjacent a hydrocarbon formation. The piston includes a series of pads biased outwardly into engagement with an inside wall of the production string thereby providing an improved seal between the piston and the production string. The pads are biased outwardly by pressure from below or a pressure differential that is moving the piston upwardly. The force moving the pads outwardly are greater during upward movement of the piston than during downward movement. The piston includes a central one-piece mandrel having an upper end higher than any component of the piston and a lower end lower than any component of the piston so that impact forces are applied directly to the mandrel and not through a threaded component.

Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system including a main shaft having an upper shaft seal system with a raised platform for supporting the seal system, and, in one aspect, a shroud for covering a seal or seals. In one aspect, contaminants flow down from the seals since the seals are raised by the platform. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A medical examination table has a seat section and a back section supported on a base. The seat and back sections are selectively adjustable to place a patient resting thereon in various positions for examination or the performance of medical procedures. The seat section has a relatively low profile that accommodates storing various accessories beneath the seat section while providing a high level of patient comfort and ensuring a low overall table height. In one embodiment, the seat section comprises a seat frame having a central open area, and a layer of web material extending over the open area.

Abstract: A plunger lift for a hydrocarbon well includes a piston that is dropped into the well and then moved upwardly to lift liquid to the surface from adjacent a hydrocarbon formation. The piston includes a series of pads biased outwardly into engagement with an inside wall of the production string thereby providing an improved seal between the piston and the production string. The pads are biased outwardly by pressure from below or a pressure differential that is moving the piston upwardly. The force moving the pads outwardly are greater during upward movement of the piston than during downward movement. The piston includes a central one-piece mandrel having an upper end higher than any component of the piston and a lower end lower than any component of the piston so that impact forces are applied directly to the mandrel and not through a threaded component.

Abstract: Voltage regulators and methods for regulating voltages are disclosed. A switching circuit with an inductor and a plurality of switches may be used to produce a regulated voltage from an unregulated voltage source. A control circuit may be used to monitor the voltages at the input and output of the voltage regulator, and operate the switches in either a buck, boost, or buck-boost mode depending on the relationship between the voltages at the input and output of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for treating a target tissue site comprising delivering energy to the tissue site using an energy delivery device; delivering a vectored mechanical force to the tissue site; producing a thermal adhesion or lesion at the tissue site; and remodeling at least a portion of tissue at the tissue site.