Abstract: A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The seal apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements; The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each of the plurality of elements is a compound element comprising a substrate and at least one seal member disposed on a part of a surface of the element.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a system including an implement (e.g., a steering tool, a drill bit) tetherable to an equipment string (e.g., a drill string), where the implement includes a steering mechanism to steer the equipment string with respect to a wall of a tubular passage (e.g., a borehole). The system can also include a bearing housing for the equipment string (e.g., connectable to a drill pipe of the drill string), where the bearing housing is rotationally coupled with the implement and rotated. The system can further include an actuation mechanism coupleable between the bearing housing and the steering mechanism to actuate the steering mechanism based upon a rotational orientation of the bearing housing with respect to the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of seal elements assembled together to form a ring structure around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of seal elements. The plurality of seal elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each of the plurality of seal elements is each formed from a compliant, compressible or resilient material.

Abstract: A downhole transducer assembly capable of being safely operated at a variety of pressures and depths may include a turbine rotatable by a fluid pressure differential rotationally fixed to a rotor in a generator. To reduce the rotational speed of the turbine and rotor, a pressure regulator may limit a fluid pressure differential by controlling the volumetric flow. In other embodiments, one or more nozzles may be configured to automatically regulate a nozzle diameter, and therefore the pressure drop across the nozzle. In other embodiments, a surge protector may be connected to the generator.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. The device comprises (i) at least one electrode, (ii) an oxidase enzyme, and (iii) first and second redox mediators.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and/or collapsing apparatus and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure, in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: This invention provides novel oral dosage forms comprising a hops extract. The oral dosage forms are capable of activating bitter taste receptors expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. The applications include but are not limited to the use of the oral dosage forms for reducing energy intake and/or appetite in a subject.

Abstract: A tool, e.g. a downhole tool, utilizes at least one actuator which may be actuated rapidly between positions during operation of the tool. The actuator is moved via flow of an actuating fluid controlled by a main valve which, in turn, is controlled via a pilot valve. The pilot valve is operated to selectively control flow of the actuating fluid to the main valve so as to shift the main valve between desired operational positions.

Abstract: Methods of treating or preventing at least one sign or symptom of restless leg syndrome or related disorders are disclosed. The methods comprise identifying a host, afflicted with restless leg syndrome or related disorders; and administering to the host a pharmaceutically effective amount of a fruit of Ficus carica plant or an extract thereof. Also provided are methods and compositions for treating or preventing sleep disorders, and methods and compositions for improving sleep adequacy and quantity.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to a system including an implement (e.g., a steering tool, a drill bit) tetherable to an equipment string (e.g., a drill string), where the implement includes a steering mechanism to steer the equipment string with respect to a wall of a tubular passage (e.g., a borehole). The system can also include a bearing housing for the equipment string (e.g., connectable to a drill pipe of the drill string), where the bearing housing is rotationally coupled with the implement and rotated. The system can further include an actuation mechanism coupleable between the bearing housing and the steering mechanism to actuate the steering mechanism based upon a rotational orientation of the bearing housing with respect to the steering mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole apparatus and method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis and a drive mechanism for effecting rotation of the ring structure with respect to a wellbore or subterranean formation. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements, and the ring structure comprises one or more surfaces or formations for cutting and/or removal of material from the wellbore or subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing ring apparatus and method of use. The expanding and collapsing ring comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines an inner ring surface configured to be presented to a surface of an object arranged internally to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, connection systems, flow barriers and packers.

Abstract: A downhole steering system includes a substantially tubular housing, a shaft positioned within the substantially tubular housing, a first bearing and a second bearing, the first and second bearings being configured to support rotation of the shaft relative to the housing. The first bearing, the second bearing, the shaft, and the housing at least partially define a chamber therebetween. The system also includes at least one structure positioned axially between a the first and second bearing and being configured to extend from an exterior of the housing in response to pressure communicated to the chamber.

Abstract: A process flow management solution that is designed to facilitate standardized integration between applications in a point of sale environment in order to manage the ‘checkout’ experience. This is made possible via APIs that allows applications to initiate flows and for other applications to be called at any point in those flows to read and augment relevant data.

Abstract: Methods of treating or preventing at least one sign or symptom of restless leg syndrome or related disorders are disclosed. The methods comprise identifying a host, afflicted with restless leg syndrome or related disorders; and administering to the host a pharmaceutically effective amount of a fruit of Ficus carica plant or an extract thereof. Also provided are methods and compositions for treating or preventing sleep disorders, and methods and compositions for improving sleep adequacy and quantity.

Abstract: A modular jack head isolator apparatus offers a buffer between a pipe-jack stand head and a workpiece such as piping to mitigate potential damages facilitated therebetween. The apparatus uses major planar members joined by a vertex and hooks to situate upon the pipe-jack stand head by sliding the hooks thereon. The apparatus offers a telescoping member for each of the major planar members, fitting onto a wider pipe-jack stand head. A locking hinge can modularly alter the inclination between the first and second major planar members to suit any angle of the pipe-jack stand head or other V-groove implement. Further, the apparatus uses magnets to attract to the metallic pipe-jack stand and resist slipping therefrom. Thus, the apparatus addresses the immediate damage that transpires between the piping workpiece and the pipe-jack stand head while providing various features to make the apparatus substantially universal.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes at least a pilot section, a first expansion section, and a second expansion section. The pilot section has a plurality of cutting elements to cut a pilot hole. Each of the expansion sections has a plurality of cutting elements to successively expand the pilot hole to achieve a final wellbore radius. The pilot section, first expansion section, and second expansion section each have one or more stabilizer pads on respective gages to stabilize the downhole tool during wellbore creation.

Abstract: A method is provided for the creation of an addendum for use in the design and production of sheet metal formed components, which method uses a sectionless approach. In a preferred approach, elevation curve (EC) lines are established relating to the component (ECc) and binder (ECb), and it is these lines which are used to design the addendum. Additional EC lines (EC1, EC2, EC3, etc.) can be added to modify or optimize the addendum design. The spaces between the EC lines are filled using various parameterized filling techniques so as to provide the addendum design. Optimization of the addendum can be achieved by modification of the various EC lines, so as to modify or control the various design parameters, in accordance with various quality or design criteria. A more rapid, and less complicated approach to addendum design is provided.

Abstract: A tool, e.g. a downhole tool, utilizes at least one actuator which may be actuated rapidly between positions during operation of the tool. The actuator is moved via flow of an actuating fluid controlled by a main valve which, in turn, is controlled via a pilot valve. The pilot valve is operated to selectively control flow of the actuating fluid to the main valve so as to shift the main valve between desired operational positions.