Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for storing, processing and retrieving information. A data store, a data recipient and a data processing machine are provided, the data store and the data recipient both being connectable to each other and to the data processing machine via a potentially insecure communications network, and the data store being adapted to selectively provide information to the data processing machine and to the data recipient on receipt of one or more suitable instructions from the data processing machine, and the data processing machine being adapted to provide instructions to the data store based on a set of pre-determined rules, so that information is provided by the data store to the data recipient only when pre-determined conditions are met.

Abstract: A casing removal system includes a flow diversion valve. The flow diversion valve includes a flow switch that engages an upper end of an inner casing. When the flow switch engages the upper end of the inner casing, the flow diversion valve opens and at least a portion of the fluid flow through the casing removal system exhausts to the annulus. The remaining fluid flow below the flow diversion valve is insufficient to operate a mud motor that drives a casing cutter. In other embodiments, when the flow switch is not engaged with the inner wall of casing, the flow diversion valve prevents fluid flow to components that are downhole of the valve and when the flow switch is engaged with the inner wall of casing, the flow diversion valve allows for fluid flow to components that are downhole of the valve.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic apparatus includes a controller; a user interface; a platform having a horizontal surface; and at least one visible light image sensor positioned below the horizontal surface that is capable of producing a diagnostic visible light image of a bottom portion of a foot or feet positioned on the horizontal surface. At least a portion of the horizontal surface is transparent to visible light. The apparatus may further include at least one infrared image sensor positioned below the horizontal surface that is capable of producing a thermal image of the first target area. The apparatus may further include sensors positioned above the platform capable of producing diagnostic visible light images or thermal images of a top portion of the user's foot or feet. The apparatus may further include a weight measurement system coupled to the platform.

Abstract: A casing removal system includes a flow diversion valve. The flow diversion valve includes a flow switch that engages an upper end of an inner casing. When the flow switch engages the upper end of the inner casing, the flow diversion valve opens and at least a portion of the fluid flow through the casing removal system exhausts to the annulus. The remaining fluid flow below the flow diversion valve is insufficient to operate a mud motor that drives a casing cutter. In other embodiments, when the flow switch is not engaged with the inner wall of casing, the flow diversion valve prevents fluid flow to components that are downhole of the valve and when the flow switch is engaged with the inner wall of casing, the flow diversion valve allows for fluid flow to components that are downhole of the valve.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for storing, processing and retrieving information. A data store, a data recipient and a data processing machine are provided, the data store and the data recipient both being connectable to each other and to the data processing machine via a potentially insecure communications network, and the data store being adapted to selectively provide information to the data processing machine and to the data recipient on receipt of one or more suitable instructions from the data processing machine, and the data processing machine being adapted to provide instructions to the data store based on a set of pre-determined rules, so that information is provided by the data store to the data recipient only when pre-determined conditions are met.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus of an electrical power distribution network may be controlled by accessing, at a control system, one or more operating parameters, the operating parameters being associated with the operation and control of the electrical apparatus; adjusting one or more of the accessed operating parameters, the adjustment being based on data associated with the electrical apparatus; and generating a control signal for the electrical apparatus based on at least one adjusted parameter, the control signal being sufficient to control the electrical apparatus in accordance with the adjusted operating parameter, where controlling the electrical apparatus includes causing contacts of the electrical apparatus to disconnect from each other to prevent electrical current from flowing through the electrical apparatus and causing the contacts of the electrical apparatus to connect to each other to allow current to flow through the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic apparatus includes a controller; a user interface; a platform having a horizontal surface; and at least one visible light image sensor positioned below the horizontal surface that is capable of producing a diagnostic visible light image of a bottom portion of a foot or feet positioned on the horizontal surface. At least a portion of the horizontal surface is transparent to visible light. The apparatus may further include at least one infrared image sensor positioned below the horizontal surface that is capable of producing a thermal image of the first target area. The apparatus may further include sensors positioned above the platform capable of producing diagnostic visible light images or thermal images of a top portion of the user's foot or feet. The apparatus may further include a weight measurement system coupled to the platform.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus of an electrical power distribution network may be controlled by accessing, at a control system, one or more operating parameters, the operating parameters being associated with the operation and control of the electrical apparatus; adjusting one or more of the accessed operating parameters, the adjustment being based on data associated with the electrical apparatus; and generating a control signal for the electrical apparatus based on at least one adjusted parameter, the control signal being sufficient to control the electrical apparatus in accordance with the adjusted operating parameter, where controlling the electrical apparatus includes causing contacts of the electrical apparatus to disconnect from each other to prevent electrical current from flowing through the electrical apparatus and causing the contacts of the electrical apparatus to connect to each other to allow current to flow through the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A hitherto unknown class of chemical compounds, 2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-ones including derivatives and analogues thereof are disclosed herein. Methods for making compounds within said class are disclosed herein and includes, without limitation, at least the intermediates employed in the generation of said compounds. The invention also relates to the use of vinylogous 4H-pyrones, including but not limited to the hitherto unknown 2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-ones. Disclosed herein are methods comprising the step of exposing biological plant material to at least a compound of the invention to promoting bioactivity within said material. In another aspect in methods for promoting growth of plant material in, for example, smoke-responsive plant species by exposing said material to a compound of the invention are disclosed herein. More specifically, methods comprising the use of these compounds for promoting seed germination of a plant, for example, a smoke-responsive plant, are disclosed herein.