Abstract: Methods of drilling earth formations may involve removing a portion of an underlying earth formation utilizing cutting elements of an earth-boring drill bit. A rotational speed of the drill string may be sensed utilizing a first sensor. A rate of penetration of the drill string during advancement of the earth-boring drill bit may be sensed utilizing a second sensor. An instantaneous average depth of cut of cutting elements of the earth-boring drill bit may be determined utilizing a control unit to calculate the instantaneous average depth of cut based on a sensed rotational speed of the drill string and a sensed speed of advancement of the drill string. The weight on the earth-boring drill bit may be increased utilizing the drawworks when the instantaneous average depth of cut is less than the predetermined minimum depth of cut.

Abstract: A well advisor system and console for monitoring and managing well drilling and production operations. The system may be accessed through one or more workstations, or other computing devices, which may be located at a well site or remotely. The system is in communication with and receives input from various sensors. It collects real-time sensor data sampled during operations at the well site. The system processes the data, and provides nearly instantaneous numerical and visual feedback through a variety of graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”), which are presented in the form of an operation-specific console. The input and data provides information related to rate of penetration concerning a well being drilled, and present the information for related parameters in real time against a plotted “fairway” of determined maximum and minimum values, with a focus on the safety of the drilling operation.

Abstract: Methods of drilling earth formations may involve removing a portion of an underlying earth formation utilizing cutting elements of an earth-boring drill bit. A rotational speed of the drill string may be sensed utilizing a first sensor. A rate of penetration of the drill string during advancement of the earth-boring drill bit may be sensed utilizing a second sensor. An instantaneous average depth of cut of cutting elements of the earth-boring drill bit may be determined utilizing a control unit to calculate the instantaneous average depth of cut based on a sensed rotational speed of the drill string and a sensed speed of advancement of the drill string. The weight on the earth-boring drill bit may be increased utilizing the drawworks when the instantaneous average depth of cut is less than the predetermined minimum depth of cut.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a method for optimizing drilling include determining at least one section of a wellbore for which to determine a schedule for replacing one or more drill bits during drilling the wellbore. Some embodiments of the method also include determining one or more constraints on the schedule for replacing the one or more drill bits. Some embodiments of the method also include determining, based on the one or more constraints, a plurality of scenarios for replacing the one or more drill bits during drilling the at least one section. Some embodiments of the method include determining, by one or more processors, a total cost for each scenario in the plurality of scenarios. Some embodiments of the method include identifying at least one scenario in the plurality of scenarios that has the lowest cost compared to other ones of the plurality of scenarios.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes providing a first controller; providing a second controller; using the second controller to control a plurality of valves to provide a sequence of air jets that propel a weft thread across at least a portion of a weft insertion region of an air jet loom; and using the first controller to control at least one aspect of the air jet loom not controlled by the second controller. In some embodiments, a method for a controller in an air jet loom includes (a) defining a reference loom configuration; (b) determining a characterization of the reference loom configuration; (c) determining a modified loom configuration by at least one change to the reference loom configuration; (d) determining a characterization of the modified loom configuration; and (e) revising the reference loom configuration if the characterization of the modified loom configuration satisfies a criteria.

Abstract: An animal feed supplement includes fish meal as a source of omega 3 long chain fatty acids for inclusion in the diet of an animal. The animal feed supplement also includes at least one naturally-occurring antioxidant; at least one synthetic antioxidant; an antibacterial agent; an anti-mold/anti-fungal agent; and an anti-chemical activity agent. The omega 3 long chain fatty acids are provided at a level which maximizes the nutritional value of food produce from the animal, but without taint of the food produce. The feed supplement is greater than 5% of the total dietary intake of the animal.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes providing a first controller; providing a second controller; using the second controller to control a plurality of valves to provide a sequence of air jets that propel a weft thread across at least a portion of a weft insertion region of an air jet loom; and using the first controller to control at least one aspect of the air jet loom not controlled by the second controller. In some embodiments, a method for a controller in an air jet loom includes (a) defining a reference loom configuration; (b) determining a characterization of the reference loom configuration; (c) determining a modified loom configuration by at least one change to the reference loom configuration; (d) determining a characterization of the modified loom configuration; and (e) revising the reference loom configuration if the characterization of the modified loom configuration satisfies a criteria.

Abstract: An apparatus for docking and/or mooring vehicles, particularly water craft and for restraining loads in truck beds or trailers. The apparatus utilizes ropes or cables in housing unit that provides for the extension and retraction of the rope or cables preferably without the need of electrical or manual cranks. The housings are adaptable to be mounted on the vehicle or at an attachment or docking location and are biased to retract but may contain stops or cleats for manually tying off and thus stopping the extension or retraction of the rope or cable. The housings may be further adapted to be flush mounted in relation to surrounding surfaces.

Abstract: An animal feed supplement includes fish meal as a source of omega 3 long chain fatty acids for inclusion in the diet of an animal. The animal feed supplement also includes at least one naturally-occurring antioxidant; at least one synthetic antioxidant; an antibacterial agent; an anti-mold/anti-fungal agent; and an anti-chemical activity agent. The omega 3 long chain fatty acids are provided at a level which maximises the nutritional value of food produce from the animal, but without taint of the food produce. The feed supplement is greater than 5% of the total dietary intake of the animal.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user in preparing a brachytherapy pre-operative plan and post-operative evaluation for prostate cancer is disclosed. Image scans are loaded into the system. A user places a matrix on the image scans and outlines the contours the anatomical structures in the image scans. The user then places seeds on the various image scans in a well known manner to treat the prostate cancer. The system provides for real-time isodose calculations as the user edits the pre-operative plan. The user may also view a three-dimensional view of the isodose levels on the anatomical structure, as well as the surface of a given isodose level.