Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing speech recognition using observable and meaningful relationships between words within a single utterance and using a structured data source as a source of constraints on the recognition process. Results from a first constrained speech recognition pass can be combined with information about the observable and meaningful word relationships to constrain or simplify subsequent recognition passes. This iterative process greatly reduces the search space required for each recognition pass, making the speech recognition process more efficient, faster and accurate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for natural language understanding. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a new architecture that employs a sophisticated natural language understanding parser in conjunction with a speech recognition component and a VoiceXML application.

Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for speech recognition. In one embodiment, a distributed speech recognition system provides speech-driven control and remote service access. The distributed speech recognition system comprises a client device and a central server, where the client device is equipped with two speech recognition modules: a foreground speech recognizer and a background speech recognizer. The foreground speech recognizer is implementing a particular spoken language application (SLA) to handle a particular task, whereas the background speech recognizer is monitoring a change in the topic and/or a change in the intent of the user. Upon detection of a change in topic or intent of the user, the background speech recognizer will effect the routing to a new SLA to address the new topic or intent.

Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for speech recognition. In one embodiment, a distributed speech recognition system provides speech-driven control and remote service access. The distributed speech recognition system comprises a client device and a central server.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for allowing concept based information searching. Textual information is collected utilizing a network. The textual information is parsed to create topic specific information packets, which are stored in an information cache. The system parses a user query and compares the parsed user query with the information packets in the information cache to locate matching information packets and displays the matching information packets to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for linguistic pattern recognition of information. Initially, textual information is retrieved from a data source utilizing a network. The textual information is then segmented into a plurality of phrases, which are then scanned for patterns of interest. For each pattern of interest found a corresponding event structure is built. Event structures that provide information about essentially the same incident are then merged.

Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for natural language understanding. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a new architecture that employs a sophisticated natural language understanding parser in conjunction with a speech recognition component and a VoiceXML application.

Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for speech recognition. In one embodiment, a distributed speech recognition system provides speech-driven control and remote service access. The distributed speech recognition system comprises a client device and a central server, where the client device is equipped with two speech recognition modules: a foreground speech recognizer and a background speech recognizer. The foreground speech recognizer is implementing a particular spoken language application (SLA) to handle a particular task, whereas the background speech recognizer is monitoring a change in the topic and/or a change in the intent of the user. Upon detection of a change in topic or intent of the user, the background speech recognizer will effect the routing to a new SLA to address the new topic or intent.

Abstract: An apparatus and a concomitant method for speech recognition. In one embodiment, a distributed speech recognition system provides speech-driven control and remote service access. The distributed speech recognition system comprises a client device and a central server.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining updated information on client/server object-oriented computing systems are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a client/server object-based computing system includes a server which has a server object list that is arranged to include objects that are to be updated. The system also includes a client which has a client object list that contains an object in which the client has interest. The objects that are to be updated include the object in which the client has interest, and the server is arranged to send a message to the client that indicates that the object in which the client has interested should be updated on the client. In one embodiment, the client and the server are in communication over a low-bandwidth link.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a full opening check valve is provided which will close in response sustained high velocity flow through the valve. In one embodiment, a downhole blowout preventer is provided having a rigid outer sleeve which may be interspaced within a casing string near its lower end for insertion into a bore hole. The downhole blowout preventer has an inner sleeve including an upwardly longitudinally collapsible tube within the outer sleeve. The tube may be composed primarily of rubber or the like. The inner sleeve includes a surface for developing an upwardly acting collapsing force responsive to the upward flow of well fluids through the blowout preventer.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is provided in a floating roof type tank for slidably sealing between the roof and the tank walls. The seal comprises an expansible tube carrying a lip with the latter extending angularly with respect to the tank walls so that upon inflation of the tube, the lip is moved outwardly and its engagement with the tank walls causes it to be resiliently bent inwardly from its normal unstressed position so that the resiliency of the lip maintains it in contact with the tank walls.

Abstract: A drill collar string is provided for use in the drilling of a well. The string comprises a plurality of drill collars having straight tubular sections vertically spaced apart along the length of the string. Each of the sections are weight relieved along one side thereof to produce an eccentric weighting of the sections such that they act to maintain the drill collar string so that it has little, if any, rubbing contact with the sides of the borehole. Such a drill collar string is also provided with a lowermost drill collar which is likewise eccentrically weighted so that the overall combination can increase drilling rates over those afforded by standard slick drill collars and winged stabilizers.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which eliminates the use of a riser pipe in underwater drilling operations. The system includes a mud sump connectable to the top of a submerged wellhead and has a bottom with a mud inlet provided therein and an upwardly extending wall cooperating with the bottom to support a quantity of mud, the sump restricting the water to contact with only the upper surface of the mud as the mud passes upwardly through the mud inlet in the bottom. A hose, separate from the drill string, is used to carry mud to the surface of the water. A pumping means is used to pump mud through the hose in response to the quantity of mud supported within the sump to thereby return the mud to the surface of the water without the use of a riser pipe.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the wear in a well casing is accomplished by determining the depths within a bore hole of a well where a drill string may contact the well casing. The casing is then run into the bore hole with one or more hardened wear sections positioned therein for ultimate landing at the depths where the drill string may contact the casing.

Abstract: A jetting apparatus is provided to be a part of a drill string used in drilling a well. The apparatus functions to reduce the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling mud on the bottom of the hole to approach or attain optimal drilling conditions. The apparatus has a body with a plurality of upwardly facing shoulders. A jet nozzle is placed in each of the shoulders to direct or discharge mud vertically upwardly along and parallel to the lower part of the drill string to provide a jet lifting action which reduces the hydrostatic mud pressure on the bottom of the bore hole.

Abstract: An improved eccentrically weighted drill collar is provided which has a basically stronger structure and stress carrying ability than the eccentrically weighted collar heretofore in field use. The eccentric weighting is provided by a series of blind holes extending down one side of the drill collar. The stronger structure and stress carrying ability is afforded by arranging such holes so that they vary in size in a cyclical pattern along the length of the drill collar.

Abstract: An apparatus for rigidly interconnecting the ends of two pipes, such as two pipes whose axes are misaligned. It includes a pair of coupling members, each of which is adapted for connection at one end thereof to one of the pipes which are to be interconnected. One of the coupling members has attached thereto an annular radially outwardly enlarged portion having forward and rearward sides, with the forward sides being generally spherical shaped. The other coupling member has attached thereto a housing having a seat portion adapted for receiving the forward side of the enlarged portion in generally mating engagement therewith, to thereby accommodate axial misalignment between said coupling members. Gripping means, such as a plurality of slips or a split ring, are supported generally between the housing and the enlarged portion.

Abstract: A method and system is provided wherein water is injected into a producing formation, particularly one which is partially depleted, for flow laterally into an offset well and thence downwardly into a separation zone or cavity which is located at a depth greater than the producing formation. The oil and water separates in the separation zone or cavity and each is separately flowed to the earth's surface. The arrangement is such that substantially no back pressure is exerted from the well into the formation. Preferably, the water is recirculated back for reinjection into the formation. Also, a treating chemical, such as an emulsion breaker can be injected into the separation zone or cavity for phase separation of the oil and water.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting the ends of pipes or the like. The apparatus includes a pair of coupling members, each being mountable at one end thereof to the end of one of the pipes which are to be connected. One of the coupling members has attached at the other end thereof an annular outwardly extending flange having forward and rearward sides. The flange is preferably dovetailed in cross-section. The other member is provided with a housing for receiving the flange in mating and locking engagement therewith. A plurality of cam members are carried by the housing and are radially movable between a retracted position in which the flange is receivable by the housing and an extended position in which the cam members are engaged with the rearward side of the flange to drive it into locking engagement with the housing.