Abstract: A rod tong assembly has inner and outer rings. The outer ring has rollers disposed about a central opening. The inner ring disposes in the outer ring and has three jaws for engaging a rod element. The outer ring is rotated clockwise to make a rod connection and is rotated counter-clockwise to break the rod connection. When rotated, the rollers pivot the opposing jaws pivot against flats of the rod element. Further rotation of the outer ring then rotates the inner ring to respectively tighten or loosen the connection. To return the assembly to its default condition, operators switch a lock disposed on the inner ring to a return condition. When the outer ring is then rotated back, the lock catches on the outer ring and allows the inner ring to rotate in the same direction as the outer ring.

Abstract: Evaluating fraud risk in a transaction between consumer and a merchant over a network is disclosed. The merchant requests service over the network using a secure, open messaging protocol. An e-commerce transaction or electronic purchase order is received from the merchant, the level of risk associated with each order is measured, and a risk score is returned to the merchant. In one embodiment, data validation, highly predictive artificial intelligence pattern matching, network data aggregation and negative file checks are used to examine numerous factors to calculate fraud risk. A risk score is generated and compared to the merchant's specified risk threshold. The result is returned to the merchant for order disposition.

Abstract: A rod tong assembly has inner and outer rings. The outer ring has rollers disposed about a central opening. The inner ring disposes in the outer ring and has three jaws for engaging a rod element. The outer ring is rotated clockwise to make a rod connection and is rotated counter-clockwise to break the rod connection. When rotated, the rollers pivot the opposing jaws pivot against flats of the rod element. Further rotation of the outer ring then rotates the inner ring to respectively tighten or loosen the connection. To return the assembly to its default condition, operators switch a lock disposed on the inner ring to a return condition. When the outer ring is then rotated back, the lock catches on the outer ring and allows the inner ring to rotate in the same direction as the outer ring.

Abstract: Evaluating fraud risk in a transaction between consumer and a merchant over a network is disclosed. The merchant requests service over the network using a secure, open messaging protocol. An e-commerce transaction or electronic purchase order is received from the merchant, the level of risk associated with each order is measured, and a risk score is returned to the merchant. In one embodiment, data validation, highly predictive artificial intelligence pattern matching, network data aggregation and negative file checks are used to examine numerous factors to calculate fraud risk. A risk score is generated and compared to the merchant's specified risk threshold. The result is returned to the merchant for order disposition.

Abstract: A technique for evaluating fraud risk in e-commerce transactions between consumer and a merchant is disclosed. The merchant requests service from the system using a secure, open messaging protocol. An e-commerce transaction or electronic purchase order is received from the merchant, the level of risk associated with each order is measured, and a risk score is returned. In one embodiment, data validation, highly predictive artificial intelligence pattern matching, network data aggregation and negative file checks are used. The system performs analysis including data integrity checks and correlation analyses based on characteristics of the transaction. Other analysis includes comparison of the current transaction against known fraudulent transactions, and a search of a transaction history database to identify abnormal patterns, name and address changes, and defrauders.

Abstract: A technique for evaluating fraud risk in e-commerce transactions between consumer and a merchant is disclosed. The merchant requests service from the system using a secure, open messaging protocol. An e-commerce transaction or electronic purchase order is received from the merchant, the level of risk associated with each order is measured, and a risk score is returned. In one embodiment, data validation, highly predictive artificial intelligence pattern matching, network data aggregation and negative file checks are used. The system performs analysis including data integrity checks and correlation analyses based on characteristics of the transaction. Other analysis includes comparison of the current transaction against known fraudulent transactions, and a search of a transaction history database to identify abnormal patterns, name and address changes, and defrauders.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating fraud risk in an electronic commerce transaction between consumer and a merchant over a network is disclosed. The merchant requests service from the system over the network using a secure, open messaging protocol. An e-commerce transaction or electronic purchase order is received from the merchant, the level of risk associated with each order is measured, and a risk score is returned to the merchant. In one embodiment, data validation, highly predictive artificial intelligence pattern matching, network data aggregation and negative file checks are used to examine numerous factors to calculate fraud risk. The fraud screening system performs analysis that utilizes data elements submitted with the order, and includes data integrity checks and correlation analyses based on the characteristics of the transaction.

Abstract: A power switching device includes an optically controlled component using a semiconducting carbon nanotube. An optical signal transmitted over an optical fiber controls the conductivity of the nanotube. The nanotube transmits a signal controlled by the optical signal to a wide-bandgap semiconductor power switch, which switches the power.

Abstract: A passive optical sensor operates independently of light amplitude by using a semiconducting carbon nanotube material. The material has an optical property dependent on wavelength, e.g., wavelength of absorption, ratio of absorptions at two wavelengths, or fluorescence at one wavelength in response to light at another wavelength. The property is changed by compressing the material or exposing the material to a charge. Light is passed through the material so that the change in the property can be detected.

Abstract: In a narrow band light source, the optical emission wavelength is adjusted and stabilized based upon one or more carbon nanotube ambipolar FETs where electrons and holes combine to emit light at the nanotube bandgap and a component adapted to change and control the nanotube bandgap by physical distortion, bending or chemical and electrical effects. A feedback loop can be included to stabilize or scan the wavelength. In a network using such light sources, some of the sources can be held in reserve in case others fail.

Abstract: A synthetic radiation source uses a carbon nanotube material as a cold cathode for generation of x-rays. The synthetic radiation source has permits the use of solid-state detectors, improved calibration for detector current leakage, and phase locked detection. The source can be used in numerous areas, such as the detection of thickness and mass per unit area of cigarette paper.

Abstract: An Adaptive Software Application consists of several types of modules, called Adaptive Units, which are highly parameterized such that they can adapt to varying business requirements by virtue of externally provided parameters. An Adaptive Application is assembled through repeated use of various combinations of different types of Adaptive Units. Large and complex business systems can be rapidly implemented through this approach. An Adaptive Unit includes an interface component that can present information to and accept information from the outside world (such as a web page or a system interface), a processing logic component that can manipulate and evaluate information based on received parameters received (such as comparisons and decisions as in the case of data dependency decisions), and a data persistence logic component that retrieves, adds, updates, and deletes data targeting one or more Occurrence Databases. All three components of an Adaptive Unit are parameter driven.

Abstract: A sounder control system, including a converter circuit for converting a drive signal to a signal for activating a sounder and a drive circuit for generating the drive signal. The drive circuit includes a microprocessor for receiving at least one input signal representative of one of a plurality of control parameters for the sounder control system and for adjusting the drive signal on the basis of the at least one input signal, such that the sounder exhibits a predetermined sound pressure level characteristic.

Abstract: A packoff (10) with an elastomeric seal ring (16) interposed between two metallic seal rings (12) and (14) with retrievable characteristics in the form of a relatively thin apertured curved cylindrical band (50) extending between the two metallic seal rings (12) and (14). The metallic band (50) is such that it does not interfere with the deformability of the elastomeric material when the packoff is set, but provides a mechanical connection between the upper and lower metallic rings (12) and (14) thus providing the packoff with retrievable capabilities.

Abstract: A running tool (20) comprising a stem (22) with a plug (40), a running nut (30), a wedge (32), a cam ring (34), and a bottom nut (36) together releasably connect and support a casing hanger (12), wear bushing (14) and packoff assembly (16) thereon. The bottom nut (36) supports the cam ring (34) and is wedged into engagement with the casing hanger (12) by downward axial movement of the running nut (30). A packoff assembly (16) is threaded on the casing hanger (12) and arranged so that rotation of the plug (40) and stem (22) rotates the wear bushing (14) and the packoff assembly (16) to set the packoff.The casing hanger (12), wear bushing (14) and packoff assembly (16) are lowered on the running tool (20) into final position within the wellhead. The running tool (20) is released by rotation of the stem (22) which raises the running nut (30), disengages the wedge (32) and allowing the cam ring (34) to disengage the casing hanger (12).

Abstract: Disclosed is a casing hanger 10 and running apparatus 16 wherein the casing hanger 10 is mechanically supported by a running thread ring 70 onto a running tool 20 for lowering into a wellhead 12, and wherein the packoff assembly 14 is held above the casing hanger 10 for circulating and cementing operations for improved flowby capabilities and wherein the packoff assembly 14 is mechanically lowered and energized to seal the annular seal area 32 comprising threading the packoff apparatus from the running apparatus 16 onto the casing hanger by rotation of the running tool 20, which concurrently also releases the casing hanger 10 from the running tool 20 by unthreading the primary thread ring 70 therefrom.