Abstract: A wellhead internal latch ring apparatus, system and method is described. An internal latch ring includes a running tool brace portion, a load retention portion below the brace portion and extending outward from the brace portion, a plurality of slots dispersed around the load retention portion, each slot extending axially through at least a portion of the load retention portion, and a circumferential groove extending around an inner diameter of the load retention portion. A wellhead latch ring method includes compressing an array of elasticizing slots dispersed around a latch ring during lowering of the latch ring into position within a wellhead, aligning the compressed slots with an internal wellhead groove, removing the compression on the slots to engage the latch ring into the internal wellhead groove, and guiding debris out of the internal wellhead groove through the array of elasticizing slots as the latch ring is engaged.

Abstract: A casing string torque transfer and suspension system and method for mandrel casing hangers. A running tool for a mandrel casing hanger suspending a casing string includes a pair of rotary drive rings secured around the running tool, a torque transfer ring of the pair of drive rings including a series of sloping teeth that removably couple to the mandrel casing hanger, the drive rings transferring torque to the casing string to rotate the casing string in a right-handed direction during one of running of the casing string, cementing of the casing string or a combination thereof, and the pair of rotary drive rings transferring axial loads to the casing string when the running tool is threaded to the mandrel casing hanger. Rotation of the rotary drive rings in a left-handed direction retracts the rotary drive rings as the running tool separates from the mandrel casing hanger.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for dynamically herding a matchmaking population for a multi-player game. A new player requesting to play a multi-player game is presented with a gameplay selection mode interface based on metrics gathered by monitoring the matchmaking population for the different gameplay modes of the multi-player game. The metrics are evaluated by a metric evaluation engine to determine a configuration of the gameplay mode selection interface that is designed to herd the matchmaking population to evenly balance the players across the different gameplay modes of the multi-player game. A herding incentive may be determined based on the evaluation of the metrics and included in the gameplay mode selection interface.

Abstract: A method for providing an interactive video game over a digital communications network. The method involves operating an interactive computer game on interconnected computer games terminals. The method includes receiving, at each of the computer games terminals, interactive user input data from a controller associated with the computer games terminal and also interactive user input data from a controller associated with each of the other of the plurality of computer game terminals. The method further includes rendering a graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data. Then, with at least one of the plurality of computer game terminals, non-interactive user input data is received from a controller associated with a further computer games terminal associated with a non-interactive user. The method continues with rendering the graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data and, selectively, the non-interactive user input data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for dynamically herding a matchmaking population for a multi-player game. A new player requesting to play a multi-player game is presented with a gameplay selection mode interface based on metrics gathered by monitoring the matchmaking population for the different gameplay modes of the multi-player game. The metrics are evaluated by a metric evaluation engine to determine a configuration of the gameplay mode selection interface that is designed to herd the matchmaking population to evenly balance the players across the different gameplay modes of the multi-player game. A herding incentive may be determined based on the evaluation of the metrics and included in the gameplay mode selection interface.

Abstract: A method for providing an interactive video game over a digital communications network. The method involves operating an interactive computer game on interconnected computer games terminals. The method includes receiving, at each of the computer games terminals, interactive user input data from a controller associated with the computer games terminal and also interactive user input data from a controller associated with each of the other of the plurality of computer game terminals. The method further includes rendering a graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data. Then, with at least one of the plurality of computer game terminals, non-interactive user input data is received from a controller associated with a further computer games terminal associated with a non-interactive user. The method continues with rendering the graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data and, selectively, the non-interactive user input data.