Abstract: A suspended automation system includes a rail array secured to a ceiling. A gantry moves in an X-Y plane defined by the rail array with a drive mechanism. A controller with a human or computer user interface allows for selective movement of the gantry to transport, and in some instances store or manipulate articles. A motorized rotating platform and one or more of a robotic arm, a camera, or a counter-balance are added to the platform to facilitate storage, manipulation, and/or actions in the area below the ceiling. A rail array in some embodiments is equipped with storage modules located above the rail array that can take a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations for storage of an article, including a stack of trays. A related process of article movement can be accomplished by the suspended automation system. Another related process is overhead storage and selective delivery of an article.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly has a tubular component with an axis, a first axial end, a second axial end and a poppet valve assembly mounted in the second axial end. An orifice retainer is mounted inside the tubular component adjacent the first axial end. The orifice retainer has a retainer first axial end, a retainer second axial end opposite the retainer first axial end and an orifice pocket adjacent the retainer second axial end. The orifice retainer is installed in and can be removed from the first axial end of the tubular component, opposite the poppet valve assembly. In addition, an orifice is mounted in the orifice pocket of the orifice retainer. The orifice operates in conjunction with the poppet valve assembly.

Abstract: A receiving and disbursement system is provided for the receipt of items from fulfillment centers, retail locations, or homes to a designated location, securing the delivered items from theft, or inserting the delivered items directly into a building or building automation system. The receiving and disbursement system is further able to reverse the process in order to automatically retrieve items back from the delivery location to return items to retail locations, homes, businesses, fulfillment or recycling centers for delivery, re-filling, recycling and/or disposal. A system of delivery vehicle interfaces, delivery containers, item trays, and docking stations to facilitate the movement of items from one location to another location and back to the same or other designated location. Locations may include industrial, agricultural, business, government, waste disposal, homes, garages, carports, barns, greenhouses, or inside a home.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly has a tubular component with an axis, a first axial end, a second axial end and a poppet valve assembly mounted in the second axial end. An orifice retainer is mounted inside the tubular component adjacent the first axial end. The orifice retainer has a retainer first axial end, a retainer second axial end opposite the retainer first axial end and an orifice pocket adjacent the retainer second axial end. The orifice retainer is installed in and can be removed from the first axial end of the tubular component, opposite the poppet valve assembly. In addition, an orifice is mounted in the orifice pocket of the orifice retainer. The orifice operates in conjunction with the poppet valve assembly.

Abstract: A structure for joining two or more robots to work in concert on a task is provided that includes a frame and an interface for joining the frame to the two or more robots. A remote-control device for controlling at least one robot is further provided that includes a smart device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, that is connected to a pedestal base via a pivot connection. A robotic system is further provided that includes a frame having a plurality of bracket arms extending from a hub, a distal end of each bracket arm having at least one of a plurality of interfaces. The robotic system also includes two or more robots each joined to the frame at at least one of the plurality of interfaces. The robotic system may further include a remote-control device, an attachment device connected to the frame, and/or an additional robot.

Abstract: A system including a tool drill string having a downhole device. The system includes at least one external contact to be electrically coupled to the downhole device to communicate with the downhole device, one or more insulators that electrically insulate the at least once external contact from other parts of the system, and one or more seals situated between the one or more insulators and the at least one external contact to pressure seal the system from external fluids.

Abstract: A suspended automation system includes a rail array secured to a ceiling. A gantry moves in an X-Y plane defined by the rail array with a drive mechanism. A controller with a human user interface allows for selective movement of the gantry to transport, and in some instances store or manipulate articles. A motorized rotating platform and one or more of a robotic arm, a camera, or a counter-balance are added to the platform to facilitate storage and manipulation, as well as actions in the area below the ceiling. A rail array in some embodiments is equipped with storage modules located above the rail array that can take a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations for storage of an article, including a stack. A related process of article movement can be accomplished by the suspended automation system. Another related process is overhead storage and selective delivery of an article.

Abstract: A system including a tool drill string having a downhole device. The system includes at least one external contact to be electrically coupled to the downhole device to communicate with the downhole device, one or more insulators that electrically insulate the at least once external contact from other parts of the system, and one or more seals situated between the one or more insulators and the at least one external contact to pressure seal the system from external fluids.

Abstract: A measurement while drilling system including a first module and a second module. The first module situated at a distal end of a drill string and including a downhole processor configured to determine that the drill string is one of on a drill plan and off the drill plan, and a downhole communication module communicatively coupled to the downhole processor to transmit signals. The second module situated at a proximal end of the drill string and including an uphole communication module configured to receive the signals. Where the downhole processor is configured to transmit non-compressed data if the drill string is off the drill plan and compressed data if the drill string is on the drill plan.

Abstract: A measurement while drilling system for a drill string having a fluidic medium in the drill string. The measurement while drilling system includes a first module situated at a distal end of the drill string and including a downhole processor and a pulser communicatively coupled to the downhole processor and configured to provide a pressure pulse in the fluidic medium, and a second module situated at a proximal end of the drill string and including an uphole processor and a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the uphole processor. The downhole processor is configured to direct the pulser to provide the pressure pulse and the pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure pulse. The uphole processor is configured to receive signals from the pressure sensor to determine a distance from the first module to the second module.

Abstract: A multi-function modular robot apparatus provides a wide range of entertainment and functional use options that may be tailored by a user to the specific entertainment and functional purposes so desired. The specific entertainment and functional purposes of the multi-function modular robot apparatus are obtained through inclusion of multiple stackable modules. The interlocking mechanical and electric communications connections for each stackable module act as a power and electronic communication pass through to allow for each module to be arranged in any order and in any combination while still maintaining power and function.

Abstract: A suspended automation system includes a rail array secured to a ceiling. A gantry moves in an X-Y plane defined by the rail array with a drive mechanism. A controller with a human user interface allows for selective movement of the gantry to transport, and in some instances store or manipulate articles. A motorized rotating platform and one or more of a robotic arm, a camera, or a counter-balance are added to the platform to facilitate storage and manipulation, as well as actions in the area below the ceiling. A rail array in some embodiments is equipped with storage modules located above the rail array, the storage modules can take a variety of shapes and sizes for storage of an article. A related process of article movement and actions can be accomplished by the suspended automation system. Still another related process is overhead storage and selectively delivery of an article.

Abstract: A system including a tool drill string having a downhole device. The system includes at least one external contact configured to be electrically coupled to the downhole device to communicate with the downhole device, one or more insulators that electrically insulate the at least one external contact from other parts of the system, and one or more seals situated between the one or more insulators and the at least one external contact to pressure seal the system from external fluids.

Abstract: A measurement while drilling system including a first module and a second module. The first module situated at a distal end of a drill string and including a downhole processor configured to determine that the drill string is one of on a drill plan and off the drill plan, and a downhole communication module communicatively coupled to the downhole processor to transmit signals. The second module situated at a proximal end of the drill string and including an uphole communication module configured to receive the signals. Where the downhole processor is configured to transmit non-compressed data if the drill string is off the drill plan and compressed data if the drill string is on the drill plan.

Abstract: A measurement while drilling system for a drill string having a fluidic medium in the drill string. The measurement while drilling system includes a first module situated at a distal end of the drill string and including a downhole processor and a pulser communicatively coupled to the downhole processor and configured to provide a pressure pulse in the fluidic medium, and a second module situated at a proximal end of the drill string and including an uphole processor and a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the uphole processor. The downhole processor is configured to direct the pulser to provide the pressure pulse and the pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure pulse. The uphole processor is configured to receive signals from the pressure sensor to determine a distance from the first module to the second module.

Abstract: A programmable integrated measurement while drilling (MWD) system is an integrated, ruggedized, and condensed MWD system configured to enable end-user customizable applications for downhole exploration and drilling. The integrated MWD system integrates a co-processor with a directional controller enabling execution of the end-user customizable applications without interrupting the real-time operations of the directional controller.

Abstract: A game played on a billiards/pool/snooker table is provided that includes at least one robot assigned to temporally to one of two or more players, or two or more robots, each assigned uniquely to each of the two or more players. A remote controller is in electrical or wireless communication with the at least one robot or the two or more robots, each of the individually two or more remote controllers assigned to the two or more players for control of the two or more robots. Two or more color-coded or numbered balls are provided to be engaged by the robots.

Abstract: A firing device is provided for launching and retrieving projectiles as well as firing laser weapons from a robotic platform. In robotic games or competitions the projectiles and laser weapons are fired at targets to score points. In a game of laser tag the laser and/or infrared weapons are fired at targets on competing robots to score points and/or to disable the targeted robot. The firing device has one, two, or three rotating launch wheels for launching spherical projectiles illustratively including ping pong balls, where the revolution speed of launch wheels may be varied to control projectile velocity and distance of travel. A deflector plate is used to change the trajectory of the projectile and/or the laser beam.

Abstract: A structure for joining two or more robots to work in concert on a task is provided that includes a frame and an interface for joining the frame to the two or more robots. A remote-control device for controlling at least one robot is further provided that includes a smart device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, that is connected to a pedestal base via a pivot connection. A robotic system is further provided that includes a frame having a plurality of bracket arms extending from a hub, a distal end of each bracket arm having at least one of a plurality of interfaces. The robotic system also includes two or more robots each joined to the frame at at least one of the plurality of interfaces. The robotic system may further include a remote-control device, an attachment device connected to the frame, and/or an additional robot.

Abstract: A multi-function modular robot apparatus provides a wide range of entertainment and functional use options that may be tailored by a user to the specific entertainment and functional purposes so desired. The specific entertainment and functional purposes of the multi-function modular robot apparatus are obtained through inclusion of multiple stackable modules. The interlocking mechanical and electric communications connections for each stackable module act as a power and electronic communication pass through to allow for each module to be arranged in any order and in any combination while still maintaining power and function.