Abstract: A foil for a towed cable includes a body defining at least two conduits. The body has a foil shape having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The foil shape defines a first surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge configured to provide lift. The foil shape defines a second surface opposed to the first surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The foil shape defines first and second lateral sides that extend between respective lateral edges of the first and second surfaces, the leading edge, and the trailing edge. A first conduit is defined within the forward half of the body adjacent to the leading edge, is open to each of the first and second lateral sides, and is configured to receive a cable therethrough. A second conduit may be defined within the body and filled with buoyant material.

Abstract: A system and method for determining if well influx is due to ballooning or a formation kick. The system and method employing flow-in, flow-out, and pit volume data from a series of both pumps-off and pumps-on events. The system determining a standard amount of fluid lost into the formation at a previous pumps-on event and comparing that with the amount of fluid released into the well during a pumps-off event. The system and method producing a confidence reading that the influx is due to ballooning as opposed to a formation kick.

Abstract: A Li-ion battery is provided in combination with fluorinated material positioned effective to abate combustion by said battery, the fluorinated material being normally non-gaseous and non-liquid and being itself effective to provide the combustion abatement by said battery, such fluorinated material being is such forms as the material of construction of the battery case containing the battery, film wrapped around said battery, and/or semi-solid material at least proximate to the battery, such as by forming a coating on said battery or said film on said battery.

Abstract: A system for playback of messages. Context appropriate messages for an environment may be played back. Messages may be user behavior interactive and subject to user behavior initiated message playback conditions. User generated environment events may be automatically analyzed and user behavior interactive messages may be automatically coordinated. An automated themed message playback apparatus may have a self-contained housing within which a stored themed message, an in situ user generated environment event sensor, and an automated themed message playback device are housed. User generated environment events may be automatically sensed in situ.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented for an active noise control system with a selector mechanism to select an appropriate reference signal for an active noise control algorithm responsive to several noise sources, some of which generate may sounds intermittently.

Abstract: A ribbon-foil depressor is incorporated into a towed seismic array to provide downward lift to array sections or components. The ribbon-foil depressors may be deployed on the port and starboard spur lines or on the outboard separation ropes. The ribbon-foil depressors may be used to submerge and operate seismic equipment at depths as low as 60 m or more and are capable of maintaining towed seismic streamer cables at these depths and still remain stable through various speed changes and turns.

Abstract: A Li-ion battery is provided in combination with fluorinated material positioned effective to abate combustion by said battery, the fluorinated material being normally non-gaseous and non-liquid and being itself effective to provide the combustion abatement by said battery, such fluorinated material being is such forms as the material of construction of the battery case containing the battery, film wrapped around said battery, and/or semi-solid material at least proximate to the battery, such as by forming a coating on said battery or said film on said battery.

Abstract: A foil having a leading edge, trailing edge, chord and span is attached between a first head float position and bottom submerged position below the head float on the array. The foil being flexible along its span and has a first interior conduit rearward of the leading edge and a second interior conduit forward of the trailing edge. The conduits are centered on the chord and separated by a distance. A first cable having a first length is strung inside the first conduit and a second cable having a second length is strung inside the second conduit, and an adjustment mechanism is used to vary the length of the first cable relative to the length of the second cable and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented for an active noise control system with a selector mechanism to select an appropriate reference signal for an active noise control algorithm responsive to several noise sources, some of which generate may sounds intermittently.

Abstract: Truck container lift systems are disclosed. Truck containers having at least one secure compartment are also disclosed. Methods of making and using truck container lift systems and truck containers having at least one secure compartment are further disclosed.

Abstract: A foil having a leading edge, trailing edge, chord and span is attached between a first head float position and bottom submerged position below the head float on the array. The foil being flexible along its span and has a first interior conduit rearward of the leading edge and a second interior conduit forward of the trailing edge. The conduits are centered on the chord and separated by a distance. A first cable having a first length is strung inside the first conduit and a second cable having a second length is strung inside the second conduit, and an adjustment mechanism is used to vary the length of the first cable relative to the length of the second cable and vice versa.

Abstract: Solid-state electronic light detection and ranging (LIDAR) is disclosed. In one aspect, an electronic device for use in a LIDAR system is provided. The electronic device includes a plurality of electrically controllable light-direction-changing elements. The electronic device is configured to receive, from a laser, a beam of light. The electronic device also receives, from a controller, a series of signals that control the electrically controllable light-direction-changing elements to generate a successive series of different diffraction grating patterns configured to move at least one intensity maxima to a corresponding successive series of locations across a field of view (FOV).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented for an active noise control system with a selector mechanism to select an appropriate reference signal for an active noise control algorithm responsive to several noise sources, some of which generate may sounds intermittently.

Abstract: A force distribution apparatus and method are presented. Various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus include a plurality of layers configured and oriented to be deployed on a subject in a manner that disperses forces and lowers peak pressures experienced by the subject when resting on a surface, which tends to minimize risks of deformation and local ischemia. An innovative combination of novel construction methods and material selections produce an apparatus that possesses an inherent three-dimensional shape despite being built from essentially flat components, while also retaining an ability to effectively distribute forces and reduce pressures.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for reducing transaction costs and minimizes turnover in the trading of futures contracts. The invention further describes an algorithm whose output is a unique method of investing in futures contracts that reduces the rate of turnover, and thus the cost of trading, of certain common trading strategies. The primary application of this method is to a class of strategies referred to as indexing strategies that incorporate a dynamic asset allocation approach using futures contracts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of tissue repair and regeneration. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to medical devices, materials or constructs, such as conductive biocompatible polymers having one or more networks of metal nanowires that enhance tissue repair and regeneration using electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: Described herein are flavivirus virus-like particles (VLPs) that display on their surfaces antigenic flavivirus proteins. Also described are methods of making and using these VLPs.

Abstract: A force distribution apparatus and method are presented. Various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus include a plurality of layers configured and oriented to be deployed on a subject in a manner that disperses forces and lowers peak pressures experienced by the subject when resting on a surface, which tends to minimize risks of deformation and local ischemia. An innovative combination of novel construction methods and material selections produce an apparatus that possesses an inherent three-dimensional shape despite being built from essentially flat components, while also retaining an ability to effectively distribute forces and reduce pressures.