Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for an online community management system. One method calculates users' reputations that are based on the activities of each user in the online community. The reputation measures the quality of the user activities in the community. Further, the method includes operations for periodically calculating reputation statistical measures based on the users' reputations, and for sorting the users based on the reputation statistical measures. A user interface for a manager of the online community is provided, the user interface including a presentation of reputation information about a group of users of the online community identifying trends in changes of the reputation. The group of users is selected based on the sorting, and the user interface provides an option to select a first user from the group of users to obtain a display of events associated with the selected user in the online community.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped vehicle barrier, including a top assembly pivotably coupled to a bottom assembly; a mechanism coupled to the top assembly and coupled to the bottom assembly, where the mechanism moves the top assembly between a first position that is substantially horizontal and a second position at a first angle; and one or more flexible slings coupled to a distal portion of the top assembly and a distal portion of the bottom assembly, where the one or more slings prevent the top assembly from rotating beyond a second angle when the top assembly is engaged by a vehicle, the second angle being greater than or equal to the first angle.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped vehicle barrier, including a top assembly pivotably coupled to a bottom assembly; a mechanism coupled to the top assembly and coupled to the bottom assembly, where the mechanism moves the top assembly between a first position that is substantially horizontal and a second position at a first angle; and one or more flexible slings coupled to a distal portion of the top assembly and a distal portion of the bottom assembly, where the one or more slings prevent the top assembly from rotating beyond a second angle when the top assembly is engaged by a vehicle, the second angle being greater than or equal to the first angle.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to the in situ measurement of fluid density and/or flow rate in tubular conduits, wherein such measurement comprises measuring dynamic fluid level and/or load (weight) in a region of the conduit and correlating these measurements of the fluid with a density and/or flow rate. Such measurements are typically directed toward drilling fluids transported within the tubular conduits—particularly the return flow, wherein the fluid comprises extraneous material (e.g., cuttings, etc.) which can alter the density and flow rate of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A capsize alerting apparatus (40) for a maritime vessel (10) is provided. The capsize alerting apparatus comprises an antenna (15) which is fixed on the maritime vessel in an orientation which permits communication with a receiver when the vessel is in a capsized state. The antenna is further operable when the vessel is in the capsized state to transmit a capsize alert message indicating that the vessel has capsized. Accordingly, by fixing an antenna to the vessel in an orientation which permits communication with a receiver when the vessel is in a capsized state, the vessel is able to communicate a capsize alert signal to a receiver (20) even though the vessel is in a capsized state in which a conventional communications system will not function.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to the in situ measurement of fluid density and/or flow rate in tubular conduits, wherein such measurement comprises measuring dynamic fluid level and/or load (weight) in a region of the conduit and correlating these measurements of the fluid with a density and/or flow rate. Such measurements are typically directed toward drilling fluids transported within the tubular conduits—particularly the return flow, wherein the fluid comprises extraneous material (e.g., cuttings, etc.) which can alter the density and flow rate of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A personal safety system is disclosed. The personal safety system comprises: a personal safety device and a base unit coupled over a local communications link; transceiver logic operable to transmit a periodic status message and an acknowledgement message generated in response to each received status message between said personal safety device and said base unit over said local communications link; and alert logic operable, in the event that said transceiver logic indicates that a number of either of said status and acknowledgement messages fail to be transmitted between said personal safety device and said base unit, to activate an alarm mechanism on both said personal safety device and said base unit. Accordingly, the member of crew wearing the personal safety device will detect the alarm mechanism activating and be provided with the assurance that a similar alarm mechanism is activating on the base unit.

Abstract: An outsole construction having an integral display layer. The outsole includes a main body and a plurality of lugs extending from the main body to define a plurality of ground engaging elements. The display layer is disposed at the surface of the main body such that it is visible in the main body of the outsole and is spaced away from the surface of the lugs such that it is not visible on the surface of the lugs. The display layer may include a printed pattern, such as a camouflage pattern. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing an outsole including the general steps of (a) providing a mold defining a main body and a plurality of lugs extending from the main body, (b) placing a permeable display layer in the mold and (c) injecting sole material into the mold. In this method, the permeability of the display layer and/or the viscosity of the sole material may be selected so that the display layer lies along the surface of the main body of the sole but not the surface of the lugs.

Abstract: A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter, including the steps of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline on the side thereof opposite the point of intersection of the cross-line, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine to the valve, by use of the hot tap machine, cutting an opening in the primary pipeline diametrically opposite of the cross-line and of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line, and removing the hot tap machine leaving an access through the valve and diametrically through the primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line.

Abstract: A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter includes the steps of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine to the valve, using the hot tap machine to cut an opening in the primary pipeline of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line, and removing the machine leaving an access diametrically through the valve and primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line for installing pipeline inspection or cleaning pigs and/or a locking plug. A rotation resistor facilitates securing a locking plug within the pipeline.

Abstract: An outsole construction having an integral display layer. The outsole includes a main body and a plurality of lugs extending from the main body to define a plurality of ground engaging elements. The display layer is disposed at the surface of the main body such that it is visible in the main body of the outsole and is spaced away from the surface of the lugs such that it is not visible on the surface of the lugs. The display layer may include a printed pattern, such as a camouflage pattern. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing an outsole including the general steps of (a) providing a mold defining a main body and a plurality of lugs extending from the main body, (b) placing a permeable display layer in the mold and (c) injecting sole material into the mold. In this method, the permeability of the display layer and/or the viscosity of the sole material may be selected so that the display layer lies along the surface of the main body of the sole but not the surface of the lugs.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of footwear including a base and a plurality of lugs extending from the base in the forefoot and in the heel portions of the outsole. The lugs each include a leading edge and a trailing edge, and are individually contoured to include a profile increasing in height relative to the base from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The plurality of lugs can also collectively form a contour having an increasing height profile from toe to heel in both the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the outsole. The shape of the lugs, both individually and collectively, permits efficient energy return when walking and simultaneously provides localized, independent reactivity to accommodate a wearer's pressure profile and gait.