Abstract: A device which permits two additional tools to be attached to the robot arm of a Talon® robot with remote operation of these same tools, from the existing operator control unit. The invention permits an operator to merely carry two tools down range while preserving full use of the robot's gripper, and then allow an operator to remotely use those two tools. These do not increase the amount of space the robot occupies, and still allow for continued use of existing equipment.

Abstract: A method includes determining particle size distribution (PSD) in a fluid flow line based on a range of sizes for at least one particle in the fluid flow line and duration of reflection of a laser beam from the at least one particle. The laser beam is focused from a laser beam instrument in direct contact with the fluid low line.

Abstract: A photoacoustic detector includes first and second microphones carried by an acoustic sensing chamber. Signals from the microphones are processed using lock-in detection to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. An acoustic pressure generator can be incorporated to calibrate the microphones.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: A method for measuring particle size distribution in a fluid material, involving inserting a laser beam instrument directly in the fluid flow line, wherein the laser beam instrument focuses a laser beam on a window directly coupled with the fluid flow line, wherein the fluid flow line comprises a fluid having a plurality of particles of different sizes, measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam, and determining a duration of reflection of the at least one particle, and obtaining a count of particles in each of a pre-set range group of particle sizes, wherein the count of particles is used to determine particle size distribution in the fluid flow line.

Abstract: An approach is provided for using on-network communication services for wireless calls. Dialed digits associated with a call originated from a wireless network are received. It is then determined whether the dialed digits include either a steering digit or a pre-determined prefix. The call is routed according to an abbreviated dialing plan if the steering digit or the pre-determined prefix is present.

Abstract: A photoacoustic detector includes first and second microphones carried by an acoustic sensing chamber. Signals from the microphones are processed using lock-in detection to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. An acoustic pressure generator can be incorporated to calibrate the microphones.

Abstract: A photoacoustic detector wherein control circuits compensate for long term variations of components therein including a light source and sensing microphones. The control circuits intermittently energize the source to evaluate changes in at least source resistance. The control circuits intermittently energize an acoustic generator to evaluate changes in one or more generator responsive microphones.

Abstract: A method of blasting rock at an underground blast site in which boreholes (11a, b, c) are drilled in a rock mass (10) from a drive defining face (12), each borehole is loaded with at least one charge of explosive material (13a-c, 14a-c, 15a-c), at least one detonator is placed in operative association with each charge, and a sequence of at least two initiation events is conducted to blast the rock mass, in each of which only some of the charges are initiated, by sending firing signals to only the detonators associated with said charges and in which each initiation event is a discrete user-controlled initiation event. In one of the at least two initiation events a stranded portion of the rock mass such as a pillar is created that has already been drilled and charged, and the stranded portion of the rock mass is blasted in a subsequent one or more of the at least two initiation events without personnel accessing said stranded portion.

Abstract: A well logging fluid, and methods of using the same, include a base fluid selected from water, water-based mud, or oil-based mud, and an additive material selected from silica or cork or alike. The fluid has an impedance substantially different from that of the base fluid. Such a modified impedance helps improve the measurement accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: A system for stimulating a nerve or nerves in a patient includes an electrode patch having an array of equally spaced concentric electrodes each having a central cathode and a concentrically surrounding anode. The electrode array patch is used to determine the location of the nerve or nerves to be stimulated by electrical pulses. Once the location of the nerve is determined, a concentric electrode patch having a central cathode and a concentrically surrounding anode is positioned at the optimal location on the patient's skin to effect neurostimulation. The concentric electrode patch may be removably affixed to the patient's skin by adhesive or magnets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.

Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.

Abstract: A down hole tool including a compression surface, a compression surface axis, and at least one support member configured to attach the compression surface to a well drilling tool assembly, wherein the extendable support member is extendable by an extension force provided to the support member. The down hole tool is rotable relative to an axis of the well drilling tool assembly, and as the well drilling tool assembly rotates, the at least one compression device exerts a lateral force along a sidewall of a wellbore. Also, a method of forming filter cake comprising releasing a drilling fluid and contacting the drilling fluid with a mechanical pressure on the sidewall of the wellbore and the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method of treating a well that includes selectively emplacing a fluid loss pill into the well, wherein the fluid loss pill includes at least one of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol, and wherein the at least one of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol reacts with a calcium brine present in the well to form a plug is disclosed.