Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for scheduling tasks with a job scheduler are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: tracking a number of active tasks for each key of a plurality of keys; writing, by a scheduler, a query to identify a next scheduled task among a plurality of scheduled tasks ordered by time in a task queue, the query having an index that excludes tasks associated with a list of one or more keys of the plurality of keys that have a count of active tasks greater than a first limit associated with each key; querying, by a scheduler, the task queue using the query to identify the next scheduled task among the plurality of scheduled tasks, the next scheduled task being associated with a key not excluded by the query; and executing the next scheduled task.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for scheduling tasks with a job scheduler are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: tracking a number of active tasks for each key of a plurality of keys; writing, by a scheduler, a query to identify a next scheduled task among a plurality of scheduled tasks ordered by time in a task queue, the query having an index that excludes tasks associated with a list of one or more keys of the plurality of keys that have a count of active tasks greater than a first limit associated with each key; querying, by a scheduler, the task queue using the query to identify the next scheduled task among the plurality of scheduled tasks, the next scheduled task being associated with a key not excluded by the query; and executing the next scheduled task.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for modifying a railcar to transport containerized proppant. Various examples are provided, including: stripping a rotary gondola railcar, stripping a gondola hopper railcar, installing or modifying a floor on a stripped railcar, installing container braces on a floor of a railcar, installing braces between the side walls of the railcar, installing struts between the side walls of the railcar using the beam of the container as a strut, creating a mold for foam reinforcement of a railcar, installing foam reinforcement in a railcar, and transporting a container of proppant using a modified railcar. Although these examples are described in relation to a coal railcar, they can be modified to use other types of railcars as well. These examples can also be combined together to form a method for modifying a railcar.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for safely and efficiently transporting granular material. In one embodiment, a container for granular material is provided. The container can have a top plate and a bottom plate that are coupled to one another via one or more high-strength fabric sleeves. The bottom plate can include a discharge valve for discharging the granular material in the container. The container can also include a discharge bladder that, when inflated, biases granular material within the container toward the discharge valve. The container can also include at least one barrier positioned proximate the discharge valve such that the barrier prevents at least a portion of the discharge bladder from entering the discharge valve. The barrier can allow sand or other granular material to pass through the barrier and exit through the discharge valve.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for safely and efficiently transferring granular material from a container. An example system can include a container for transporting granular material that includes a valve positioned to discharge the granular material from the container. The system can also include a frame shaped to receive and support the container. The system can further include an actuator mounted to the frame and oriented such that actuation of the actuator causes the valve of the container to be opened. Finally, the system can include a conveyor positioned to receive granular material from the container when the valve of the container is opened.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for safely and efficiently transporting granular material. In one embodiment, a container for granular material is provided. The container can have a top plate and a bottom plate that are coupled to one another via one or more high-strength fabric sleeves. The bottom plate can include a discharge valve for discharging the granular material in the container. The container can also include a discharge bladder that, when inflated, biases granular material within the container toward the discharge valve. The container can also include at least one barrier positioned proximate the discharge valve such that the barrier prevents at least a portion of the discharge bladder from entering the discharge valve. The barrier can allow sand or other granular material to pass through the barrier and exit through the discharge valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for safely and efficiently transporting granular material. In one embodiment, a method includes providing an expandable container in an unexpanded state, expanding the expandable container from the unexpanded state to an expanded state, and depositing granular material within the expandable container via an input valve. In this embodiment, the expandable container includes at least a top plate, a bottom plate, an outer material coupled to the top and bottom plates, an input valve associated with the top plate, and a discharge valve associated with the bottom plate. The expandable container can also include a containment bladder, for holding the granular material within the container, and a discharge bladder, for assisting in discharging the granular material from the container.

Abstract: A dual modality container for transporting either frac sand and proppant or frac liquids for temporary storage and delivery to a well site for fracking operations. In a first modality, a plurality of inlet ports disposed atop the container roof receives frac sand from a frac sand supply source into a funnel-hopper. In a second modality, frac liquid is received at the well site and stored in bilateral bladders within a central chamber. An in situ elongated longitudinal linear valve disposed within the hopper effectuates industry standard pressurized discharge of stored frac sand or discharge of frac liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting frac sand and/or proppant for use in standard ISO intermodal containers and for delivering frac sand and/or proppant to well sites. Configured for being inserted into a container and adapted for transporting frac sand and proppant from a quarry or other frac sand supply source to a well site. A plurality of inlet ports disposed atop the roof, with the inlet ports receiving the frac sand from a frac sand supply source into a funnel-hopper, and a plurality of outlet ports for receiving the frac sand and proppant within the funnel-hopper and delivering the frac sand and proppant proximal to the well site. An in situ valve apparatus disposed within the hopper assembly for effectuating industry standard continuous pressurized discharge of stored frac sand material into a discharge pipe for delivery downhole.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting frac sand and/or proppant for use in standard ISO intermodal containers and for delivering frac sand and/or proppant to well sites. Configured for being inserted into a container and adapted for transporting frac sand and proppant from a quarry or other frac sand supply source to a well site. A plurality of inlet ports disposed atop the roof, with the inlet ports receiving the frac sand from a frac sand supply source into a funnel-hopper, and a plurality of outlet ports for receiving the frac sand and proppant within the funnel-hopper and delivering the frac sand and proppant proximal to the well site. An in situ valve apparatus disposed within the hopper assembly for effectuating industry standard continuous pressurized discharge of stored frac sand material into a discharge pipe for delivery downhole.

Abstract: A sample of whole blood or blood plasma is dispensed into two or more zones. The zones are separated and brought together repeatedly such that the blood sample is divided into multiple parts each associated with a zone. The parts are then rejoined into a single part and the process of separation continues. During the process, a liquid bridge between the separating parts is initially supported by surface tension but eventially collapses at the point of maximum zonal separation. When a fibrin clot is entrained within the rejoined part, it will align in a direction parallel to the direction of the relative motion between the zone. In this manner a thread appears between the parts as they are being separated. This thread is indicative of a clot which clot is capable of being detected by visual or electrical conductivity means. The apparatus depicted performs the above noted operations and automatically provides an output signal upon detection of the fibrin clot.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for implementing a standardized skin incision which apparatus includes a housing having a base containing an elongated slot. The base is adapted to be held flush against a patient's skin prior to making an incision. The housing has an internal hollow which contains a movable pivot arm having a first pivotal end and a second end having a cam follower. Located within the housing is a cam surface upon which the cam follower of the pivot arm rides. The pivot end of the arm contains a cutting edge and is coupled to the housing such that it is enabled to move transversely while pivoting. The cam which has a given surface configuration controls the path of the pivot arm and therefore controls the path of the cutting edge as it enters the slot when triggered. The device produces a standard incision of a given length and a given depth as controlled by the reciprocating pivot arm and the cam surface.