Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for contextually related sharing of commentary for different portions of an information base. A method of the invention includes receiving a query for a portion of content in an information base and identifying a portion of different content in the information base that is related to the queried portion. The method also includes retrieving both commentary posted to the information base in respect to the queried portion, and also commentary posted to the information base in respect to the identified portion. Finally, the method includes transmitting the queried portion and the retrieved portion, but annotating the retrieved commentary in respect to the identified portion so as to direct a display of the commentary posted to the information base in respect to the different portion in a manner visually distinguishable from a display of commentary posted to the information base in respect to the queried portion.

Abstract: A frac plug apparatus has a plug body that comprises a central bore and separable elements. The central bore extends axially through the plug body. The separable elements are joined by relatively weak bridging portions adapted to break in a controlled manner, the separable elements thereby forming an integral component comprised of the separable elements. The separable elements comprise a wedge element and an array of slip elements. The slip elements are joined to the wedge element by first bridging portions.

Abstract: A solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) with self-diagnostic, self-maintenance, and self-protection capabilities includes: a power semiconductor device; an air gap disconnect unit connected in series with the power semiconductor device; a sense and drive circuit that switches the power semiconductor device OFF upon detecting a short circuit or overload of unacceptably long duration; and a microcontroller unit (MCU) that triggers the air gap disconnect unit to form an air gap and galvanically isolate an attached load, after the sense and drive circuit switches the power semiconductor device OFF. The MCU is further configured to monitor the operability of the air gap disconnect unit, the power semiconductor device, and other critical components of the SSCB and, when applicable, take corrective actions to prevent the SSCB and the connected load from being damaged or destroyed and/or to protect persons and the environment from being exposed to hazardous electrical conditions.

Abstract: A solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) with self-diagnostic, self-maintenance, and self-protection capabilities includes: a power semiconductor device; an air gap disconnect unit connected in series with the power semiconductor device; a sense and drive circuit that switches the power semiconductor device OFF upon detecting a short circuit or overload of unacceptably long duration; and a microcontroller unit (MCU) that triggers the air gap disconnect unit to form an air gap and galvanically isolate an attached load, after the sense and drive circuit switches the power semiconductor device OFF. The MCU is further configured to monitor the operability of the air gap disconnect unit, the power semiconductor device, and other critical components of the SSCB and, when applicable, take corrective actions to prevent the SSCB and the connected load from being damaged or destroyed and/or to protect persons and the environment from being exposed to hazardous electrical conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for content contribution validation. A content contribution validation method includes receiving in memory of a host computing system, from over a computer communications network, a content contribution to existing content stored in data storage coupled to the host computing system. The method also includes selecting a portion of textual terms the contribution and generating a search query utilizing the selected portion. The method yet further includes querying the existing content by a processor of the host computing system using the search query and receiving a result set from the search query. Finally, the method includes determining by the processor whether or not the result set exceeds a threshold match and applying the content contribution to the existing content in response to a determination that the result set exceeds the threshold match, but otherwise rejecting the content contribution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modular lighting system that may include a driver module, an array of LEDs that are driven by the driver module, and a control module. The control module is configured to control the driver module, which in turn drives the LEDs of the array of LEDs in a desired fashion. The control module may communicate with one or more remote lighting control systems through wired or wireless communications and function to control the driver module accordingly. Notably, the driver module and the control module communicate with each other through a standard communication protocol, such that either of the driver module or the control module can be replaced without replacing the other of the driver module or control module. Further, power may be provided to the control module and the array of LEDs by the driver module via the standard communication interface or separate power interface.

Abstract: A valve has a valve body which includes a sub. A bore extends through the valve body and the sub. The valve also comprises a port and a sleeve. The sleeve is mounted for hydraulic displacement. There is a passage through the sleeve which is in fluid communication with the bore. The sleeve is moveable in response to fluid pressure from the bore through the passage. The sleeve is moveable from a closed position, in which it restricts flow out of the bore through the port, to an open position, in which it allows flow out of the bore through the port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for content contribution validation. A content contribution validation method includes receiving in memory of a host computing system, from over a computer communications network, a content contribution to existing content stored in data storage coupled to the host computing system. The method also includes selecting a portion of textual terms the contribution and generating a search query utilizing the selected portion. The method yet further includes querying the existing content by a processor of the host computing system using the search query and receiving a result set from the search query. Finally, the method includes determining by the processor whether or not the result set exceeds a threshold match and applying the content contribution to the existing content in response to a determination that the result set exceeds the threshold match, but otherwise rejecting the content contribution.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method for actuating a downhole tool, of which the downhole tool includes a housing having a housing port formed radially-therethrough, a shifter sleeve positioned within the housing, wherein the shifter sleeve has a port formed radially therethrough, and a drive sleeve positioned at least partially within an annulus between the housing and the shifter sleeve. Downward movement of the shifter sleeve causes the drive sleeve to move downward, and downward movement of the drive sleeve causes fluid to flow through the port in the shifter sleeve and into the annulus. The downhole tool also includes a filter coupled to the shifter sleeve and configured to prevent particles from flowing through the port in the shifter sleeve and into the annulus.

Abstract: A downhole tool including a mandrel, a sealing element, a cone, a plurality of fingers, and a slip. The sealing element may be positioned around the mandrel. The sealing element is configured to expand radially-outward from a contracted state to an expanded state. The cone may be positioned around the mandrel and proximate to the sealing element. The plurality of fingers may be positioned at least partially around the mandrel. The fingers may be axially-aligned with at least a portion of the sealing element. The fingers are coupled to a base and configured to break away from the base at a weak point when the sealing element expands into the expanded state. The slip may be positioned around the mandrel and proximate to the cone. The slip may include a tapered inner surface configured to slide along a tapered outer surface of the cone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for contextually related sharing of commentary for different portions of an information base. A method of the invention includes receiving a query for a portion of content in an information base and identifying a portion of different content in the information base that is related to the queried portion. The method also includes retrieving both commentary posted to the information base in respect to the queried portion, and also commentary posted to the information base in respect to the identified portion. Finally, the method includes transmitting the queried portion and the retrieved portion, but annotating the retrieved commentary in respect to the identified portion so as to direct a display of the commentary posted to the information base in respect to the different portion in a manner visually distinguishable from a display of commentary posted to the information base in respect to the queried portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for contextually related sharing of commentary for different portions of an information base. A method of the invention includes receiving a query for a portion of content in an information base and identifying a portion of different content in the information base that is related to the queried portion. The method also includes retrieving both commentary posted to the information base in respect to the queried portion, and also commentary posted to the information base in respect to the identified portion. Finally, the method includes transmitting the queried portion and the retrieved portion, but annotating the retrieved commentary in respect to the identified portion so as to direct a display of the commentary posted to the information base in respect to the different portion in a manner visually distinguishable from a display of commentary posted to the information base in respect to the queried portion.

Abstract: A valve has a valve body which includes a sub. A bore extends through the valve body and the sub. The valve also comprises a port and a sleeve. The sleeve is mounted for hydraulic displacement. There is a passage through the sleeve which is in fluid communication with the bore. The sleeve is moveable in response to fluid pressure from the bore through the passage. The sleeve is moveable from a closed position, in which it restricts flow out of the bore through the port, to an open position, in which it allows flow out of the bore through the port.

Abstract: A smooth bore toe valve includes a first sub defining a through bore and a fluid flow path through a wall thereof; a second sub; a housing mechanically engaged with the first and second subs to define a valve cavity axially between the first and second subs and to define a chamber radially between the first and second subs and the housing, the housing further defining a plurality of openings in a wall thereof; and a sleeve disposed within the chamber between the housing and the first and second subs to close the openings and, upon application of fluid pressure horn the through bore through the fluid flow path, open the openings to fluid flow from the valve cavity to the exterior of the housing. A method for using such a valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole tool and a method for operating the downhole tool, in which the downhole tool includes a first sensing member, and a second sensing member. The first and second sensing members have a first communication status when the downhole tool is in a first configuration. The first and second sensing members have a second communication status that is different from the first communication status when the downhole tool is in a second configuration. The downhole tool is prevented from actuating prior to the first and second sensing members having the second communication status, and the downhole tool is permitted to actuate after the first and second members have the second communication status.

Abstract: Drill bits comprise a body having an uphole end and a downhole end. The uphole end is adapted for connection to a tool assembly for rotating the drill bit. The tool assembly has an axis of rotation. The downhole end has one or more cutting members adapted for removing material in contact with the downhole end when the drill bit is rotated. The body has an uphole major axis and a downhole major axis. The uphole axis and the downhole axis are offset from each other. The uphole axis is central to the uphole end and is aligned with the tool assembly axis of rotation. The uphole axis defines an axis of rotation for the drill bit. The downhole axis is central to the downhole end.

Abstract: A compact and simplified frac plug apparatus is provided with improved drillability. The frac plug includes an annular wedge, a sealing ring, and an annular slip. An adapter kit apparatus is provided for connecting the plug assembly to a setting tool. Methods of operation for setting the plug apparatus in a well are also disclosed.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technique provides a method for operating a valve in a wellbore by: applying a first fluid pressure to a bore of the valve; trapping the first fluid pressure in a portion of the valve; reducing the pressure in the bore of the valve to a second fluid pressure thereby creating a pressure differential between the portion of the valve and the bore of the valve; and opening the valve responsive to the pressure differential. The valve may employ a first piston disposed in the body to trap a first fluid pressure in a chamber to create a differential pressure across a second piston when a second fluid pressure is applied to open the valve to fluid flow therethrough. The valve and the method may be used to actuate another valve downhole.

Abstract: A plug apparatus comprises a wedge, a sealing ring, and a slip. The wedge comprises an axial wedge bore. A seat is defined in the wedge bore. The seat is adapted to receive a ball. The wedge has a tapered outer surface which decreases in diameter from the upper to the lower extent of the tapered outer surface. The sealing ring is received around the tapered outer surface of the wedge. The sealing ring has an axial ring bore and is radially expandable. The slip comprises an axial slip bore having a tapered inner surface. The tapered inner surface decreases in diameter from the upper to the lower extent of the tapered inner surface. The inner surface is adapted to receive the wedge. The wedge is adapted for displacement from an unset position generally above the slip to a set position wherein the wedge is received in the slip bore.

Abstract: Stimulation valves for a well tubular having a cylindrical housing adapted for assembly into a tubular for a well. The valves have ports allowing fluid communication between a central conduit and the exterior of the housing and a valve body adapted for movement from a closed position to an open position allowing fluid communication through the ports. A ball seat is mounted in the valve conduit above the ports. The ball seat has an initial ball-catch state in which a ball may be received in the ball seat to move the valve body from its closed position to its open position. The ball seat is adapted to transition to a ball-pass state and release the ball as the valve body is moved to the open position. The ball seat remains in the ball-pass state after the transition from the ball-catch state.