Abstract: A system for medical device usage monitoring includes one or more capture devices, one or more base station devices, and an analytics server. The capture devices each capture image data indicative of a monitored location at a timestamp in an operating room and transmit the image data to a base station device. Each base station device recognizes medical devices in the image capture data with a trained machine learning model and transmits recognition data to the analytics server. The analytics server generates medical device usage data over time based on the recognition data. The analytics server may infer usage based on the recognition data. The analytics server may analyze the medical device usage data and generate analytical usage data. Methods associated with the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject matter describes a tactile sensing device comprising an end effector and a control unit. The control unit is capable of receiving tactile information from the at least one end effector. The device enables a user to identify and relatively quickly map the shape and location of unknown surfaces.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to expandable structures that seal and block cross-sections of a wellbore. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of structure plates and at least one expandable structure, the apparatus operable to change a perimeter diameter and block a cross-section when deployed.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a plurality of location markers in a passageway of the well and deploying an untethered object in the passageway such that the object travels downhole via the passageway. The technique includes using the untethered object to sense proximity of at least some of the location markers as the object travels downhole, and based on the sensing, selectively expand its size to cause the object to become lodged in the passageway near a predetermined location.

Abstract: A rubber pocket is described that is suitable for use on tubing, such as a packer-type seal, on casing, such as a cement-type seal, or on liners. The rubber pocket may contain cement particles, rubber particles, swellable particles, cement filled rubber particles, cement filled swellable particles, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, iron (III) oxide, calcium sulfoaluminate, clay, magnetic particles and/or reactants such as crosslinkers, retardants or epoxy. The particles may be bulk spheres, bulk fibers, hollow spheres, hollow fibers, etc. The rubber pocket or bladder may also be fully or partially filled with fluids such as polymer reactants. The pocket may also be empty or contain a small volume of reactants. The slurry or epoxy or other type of fluid and granular solid or injectable matter can be injected after the completion positioning downhole.

Abstract: A subsea vertical glider robot which supports deployment in subsea oilfield activities is disclosed. This vertical glider robot can also be used in oceanographic research exploration. One application of this vertical glider robot is the autonomous delivery of equipment and sensor systems to a precise predetermined location on the sea floor. The vertical glider robot is deployed from a surface ship or any other suitable sea surface platform and allowed to free fall to the bottom of the ocean. The traversal through the body of water is performed primarily by converting initial potential energy of the apparatus into kinetic energy, it does not use propellers. The traversing of the seafloor is controlled with a steering module that refines orientation while processing information about the vertical glider robot's current position and the target where it has to land.

Abstract: A subsea vertical glider robot which supports deployment in subsea oilfield activities is disclosed. This vertical glider robot can also be used in oceanographic research exploration. One application of this vertical glider robot is the autonomous delivery of equipment and sensor systems to a precise predetermined location on the sea floor. The vertical glider robot is deployed from a surface ship or any other suitable sea surface platform and allowed to free fall to the bottom of the ocean. The traversal through the body of water is performed primarily by converting initial potential energy of the apparatus into kinetic energy, it does not use propellers. The traversing of the seafloor is controlled with a steering module that refines orientation while processing information about the vertical glider robot's current position and the target where it has to land.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed provides a tactile sensing device comprising an end effector and a control unit. The control unit is capable of receiving tactile information from the at least one end effector. With the foregoing disclosure, it is capable of identifying and relatively quickly mapping the shape and location of unknown surfaces.

Abstract: An anchoring module capable of being secured within a structure includes at least one compliant ring configured to radially expand and an expandable device positioned within the compliant ring to expand the compliant ring from a relaxed state to interface with the structure. The anchoring module is part of a modular system used to harvest fluid, such as oil or natural gas from a structure, such as a pipe or well. Another module of the system, sometimes referred to as a support or back-up module, employs an expandable surface that is capable of expanding to the diameter of the interior of the borehole. These modules may be combined in a variety of configurations to support a sealing element, such as an inflatable sealing element. The self-conforming nature of the system obviates the need for prior knowledge of the structure or complex sensor systems to chart the structure. The anchoring module can also be utilized in a crawling system to convey tools inside a structure.

Abstract: Electrical energy is produced by harvesting mechanical energy in the form of vibrations which are generally present in tools during the process of drilling oil wells. Electrical energy production is based on the Faraday induction principle whereby changes, i.e., movement, in magnetic flux through a coil induce an electric current through the coil. The changes in magnetic flux are produced by relative motion between at least one set of magnets and at least one coil. In particular, as the flux lines change due to the movement of the magnets, they remain perpendicular to both the direction of motion of the magnets as well as a planar or cylindrical surface defined by the coils. As a result, output for a given size of device is enhanced. Further, flexibility in adapting device form factor to particular shapes is enhanced. For example, a relatively flat device may be implemented using flexural bearing support of the magnets and coils on a printed circuit.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining the value of an attribute of ambient energy at a drilling assembly at the bottom of a borehole. Ambient energy includes kinetic energy, hydraulic energy and thermal energy. Attributes include vibration frequency spectrum, pressure difference, and temperature difference. The method uses energy harvested by at least one energy-harvesting sensor to power the system. The system generates data signals from at least one energy-harvesting sensor at one or more locations along a downhole drilling assembly, and transmits data up the borehole.

Abstract: A self-propelled mechanical crawler adapted to move on a medium. One example of such a crawler includes a foot, a wave generator adapted to drive a periodic wave in the foot, and a wave transfer mechanism coupled between the wave generator and the foot. The wave transfer mechanism may be adapted to translate the periodic wave produced by the wave generator into a corresponding periodic deformation in the foot so as to generate forces in the medium to propel the crawler.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining the value of an attribute of ambient energy at a drilling assembly at the bottom of a borehole. Ambient energy includes kinetic energy, hydraulic energy and thermal energy. Attributes include vibration frequency spectrum, pressure difference, and temperature difference. The method uses energy harvested by at least one energy-harvesting sensor to power the system. The system generates data signals from at least one energy-harvesting sensor at one or more locations along a downhole drilling assembly, and transmits data up the borehole.

Abstract: An anchoring module capable of being secured within a structure includes at least one compliant ring configured to radially expand and an expandable device positioned within the compliant ring to expand the compliant ring from a relaxed state to interface with the structure. The anchoring module is part of a modular system used to harvest fluid, such as oil or natural gas from a structure, such as a pipe or well. Another module of the system, sometimes referred to as a support or back-up module, employs an expandable surface that is capable of expanding to the diameter of the interior of the borehole. These modules may be combined in a variety of configurations to support a sealing element, such as an inflatable sealing element. The self-conforming nature of the system obviates the need for prior knowledge of the structure or complex sensor systems to chart the structure. The anchoring module can also be utilized in a crawling system to convey tools inside a structure.

Abstract: A self-propelled mechanical crawler adapted to move on a medium. One example of such a crawler includes a foot, a wave generator adapted to drive a periodic wave in the foot, and a wave transfer mechanism coupled between the wave generator and the foot. The wave transfer mechanism may be adapted to translate the periodic wave produced by the wave generator into a corresponding periodic deformation in the foot so as to generate forces in the medium to propel the crawler.

Abstract: A wireline drill train is used to drill an elongated, small diameter, lateral branch borehole from near the base of a main well. The drill train, includes a drill module, a first self-propelled thrust module coupled to the drill module, and a second self-propelled thrust module pivotally coupled to the first self-propelled thrust module. Each thrust module includes at least two extendible thrusters. Each extendible thruster includes a six-bar mechanism and a traction tread. The drill train further includes a first articulated linkage linking the first self-propelled thrust module to the drill module, and a second articulated linkage linking the second thrust module to the first thrust module. The second articulated linkage includes a thrust-transmission bar and three retractable stiffener bars.

Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that may be used in open or cased wells, and is also designed for use in open holes having a variety of soil/formation consistencies (e.g., soft, firm, rigid, etc.), varying diameters and non-uniform and irregular bore profiles. The tractor may include a track assembly including a plurality of idler wheels and a continuous track rotatably disposed around the idler wheels. A motor may be adapted to rotate the track around the idler wheels. Upper and lower arms may be pivotally connected to opposite ends of the track assembly and pivotally connected to a tractor housing. An actuator arm or link assembly may be provided to impart an outward force to the track assembly to move the track assembly outwardly into an open position and a retracting force to retract the track assembly into a closed position. A rotatable screw may be connected to a second motor, or a rod may be connected to a hydraulic system, to actuate the actuator arm or link assembly.