Abstract: THE present application relates to a method of detecting one or more analytes in a sample, the method comprising (a) providing a carrier nucleic acid molecule with at least one single-stranded region; (b) providing one or more aptamers specific for the analyte, wherein the aptamers additionally comprise a single-stranded portion complementary to at least one single-stranded region on the carrier nucleic acid; (c) contacting the carrier nucleic acid and one or more aptamers with the sample, forming a carrier nucleic acid/N aptamer/analyte complex, and; (d) detecting the presence of the carrier nucleic acid/aptamer/analyte complex.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a 3-dimensional (3D) model to characterize and visualize debris. The computer-implemented method includes defining a bounding surface for one or more debris fields generated by an on-orbit breakup event. The bounding surface is defined by using an upper limit fragment spreading speed predicted by a breakup model and applying the upper limit fragment spreading speed in different directions to generate points on the bounding surface. The computer-implemented method also includes connecting one or more points on the bounding surface to maintain a single bounded 3D mesh. The computer-implemented method further includes applying color and/or transparency to the 3D model.

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 torque transfer apparatus and method of use is described. The apparatus (60) comprises a plurality of elements (62) assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines a first engagement surface. A structure (56) defining a second engagement surface is rotatable with respect to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements, and movement between the collapsed condition and the expanded condition engages or disengages the first and second engagement surfaces. The apparatus can be configured to transfer a driving torque (e.g. a clutch) or a braking force (e.g. a torque brake).

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole apparatus (50) and method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements (60) 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 (10) and method of use. The expanding and collapsing ring comprises a plurality of elements (12) 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 (19) 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: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing ring apparatus (171) and method of use. The expanding and collapsing ring comprises a plurality of elements (177) assembled together to form a ring structure (172, 173a, 173b) oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements on actuation by an axial force. The apparatus further comprises a secondary expanding and collapsing mechanism operable to move the ring structure between its collapsed condition or its first expanded conditions to a second expanded condition on actuation by an axial force. 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: The invention provides an expanding and/or collapsing apparatus (10) and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements (12) 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: A swing stool arm for use in a swing stool has a horizontal top flange, a horizontal bottom flange, a vertical end flange at a proximal end of the arm, a web extending down from the top flange and up from the bottom flange, and a vertical fillet at the proximal end of the arm. The vertical fillet joins the vertical end flange to the web. The vertical fillet has an open cavity so that the swing stool arm can be made from a cast molten aluminum alloy without forming shrinkage cavities.

Abstract: A swing stool arm for use in a swing stool has a horizontal top flange, a horizontal bottom flange, a vertical end flange at a proximal end of the arm, a web extending down from the top flange and up from the bottom flange, and a vertical fillet at the proximal end of the arm. The vertical fillet joins the vertical end flange to the web. The vertical fillet has an open cavity so that the swing stool arm can be made from a cast molten aluminum alloy without forming shrinkage cavities.

Abstract: A differential control apparatus for a self-balancing scooter includes platform interfaces, such as clamping mechanisms, configured to be rigidly connected to respective foot platforms of the self-balancing scooter, and a differential drive coupler mechanically joined to the platform interfaces to impart differential rotational motion thereto in response to a mechanical control input. A rider interface control mechanism is connected to the differential drive coupler to supply the mechanical control input in response to user control actions to control movement of the self-balancing scooter in operation.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for job flow processing, such as by ordering the performance of parallel tasks in a job flow to minimize a makespan for the job flow, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to ordering the performance of tasks in a job flow based on computation of one or more independent and dependent metrics for tasks in a job flow. In many embodiments, tasks along a critical path of a job flow may be identified and prioritized using the one or more metrics computed for tasks in the job flow. For example, computing a time remaining until end and/or a longest path to end for each task in a job flow may enable a listing of tasks in the job flow to be ordered in a manner that prioritizes tasks to optimize the makespan for the job flow to be executed.

Abstract: A swing stool table kit has components to form a swing stool table. The swing stool table has a table top and pairs of swing stools on opposite sides of the table top. The swing stools swing out for a person to sit on and swing in for storage. The swing stools are made from light weight cast aluminum so that the overall weight of the kit is low. The table has footplates that extend out beyond the edge of the table but not beyond the swing stools when they are swung out so that the table will not tip over when heavier than average people all sit on one side of the table and no one sits on the other side of the table.

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: A swing stool table kit has components to form a swing stool table. The swing stool table has a table top and pairs of swing stools on opposite sides of the table top. The swing stools swing out for a person to sit on and swing in for storage. The swing stools are made from light weight cast aluminum so that the overall weight of the kit is low. The table has footplates that extend out beyond the edge of the table but not beyond the swing stools when they are swung out so that the table will not tip over when heavier than average people all sit on one side of the table and no one sits on the other side of the table.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a communications component to receive a specified variable and one or more specified criteria to select a final clustered representation of a network, the specified criteria including a maximum degree of loss of information for the specified variable for the final clustered representation; and an iterative collapse component to perform iteration(s) of deriving the final clustered representation.

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

Abstract: A method for continuous downlinking from a surface location to a bottom hole assembly includes using a bottom hole assembly to drill a subterranean wellbore. A drilling value is acquired at a surface location while drilling. The acquired drilling value is downlinked from the surface location to the bottom hole assembly. This process is continuously repeated while drilling.

Abstract: A technique facilitates drilling of deviated boreholes. The technique employs a drilling system which may be disposed along a drill string. The drilling system may be used to drill a straight section of a borehole along a straight borehole axis and to also selectively drill a deviated section of the borehole. The drilling system comprises a housing, a bit shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, and an actuator which may be selectively actuated to shift the bit shaft to another position with respect to the straight borehole axis. The actuator is selectively shiftable between an unbiased mode and a biased mode. In the unbiased mode, the bit shaft axis is in a first position with respect to the straight borehole axis during drilling of the straight section of borehole. The actuator may be selectively shifted to the biased mode in which the bit shaft axis is shifted off axis relative to the straight borehole axis to enable drilling of the desired deviated section of the borehole.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a 3-dimensional (3D) model to characterize and visualize debris. The computer-implemented method includes defining a bounding surface for one or more debris fields generated by an on-orbit breakup event. The bounding surface is defined by using an upper limit fragment spreading speed predicted by a breakup model and applying the upper limit fragment spreading speed in different directions to generate points on the bounding surface. The computer-implemented method also includes connecting one or more points on the bounding surface to maintain a single bounded 3D mesh. The computer-implemented method further includes applying color and/or transparency to the 3D model.