Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes receiving a command to blackout a full screen version of content at a component of a multimedia content distribution system. The method includes updating a first entry within a control matrix to reflect that the full screen version of the content is to be blacked out. The method also includes automatically updating a second entry within the control matrix to reflect that a picture-in-picture (PIP) version of the content is to be blacked out.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a video transmission event to be blacked out and storing a data record with instructions to color code an element within a graphical user interface based on the blackout are disclosed.

Abstract: A protection sleeve (12) for locking over a seal (72) in a wellbore is described. The sleeve (12) is adapted for releasable engagement to a running tool (14) and has a locking mechanism (28) comprising first and second tubula members and a collet (56) is provided. One tubular member includes a profile adapted to mate with a profile of the seal (72). The sleeve (12) may be located on a work string (14), including a rotary drill string, and the invention also relates to methods of running in, setting, carrying out an intervention operation and retrieving the sleeve in a single run. The invention has particular application in Through Tubing-Rotary Drilling (TTRD).

Abstract: A retrievable large bore packer for providing an annular seal and an anchor system in a well bore. Ports are provided behind the slips to prevent debris build-up and allow the slips to release. These ports, in a thin walled tubing, allow the collapse of the tubing behind the slips to aid removal of the packer if the sealing element does not release. The slip arrangement is mounted entirely above the sealing element to remove the requirement to seal between the slips and the inner bore of the packer. In this way the packer can have a large bore. Further flow paths are provided through the packer above the seal to prevent debris build-up above the sealing element.

Abstract: A valve for use in a downhole tool The valve has an inlet communicating with the work string from which it is anchored. The inlet provides a flow path of a first cross-sectional area. A sealing assembly comprising a spring biased seal cap moves within an outer tubular body to open and close a number of ports arranged through the body. The ports provide a flow path of a combined cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area and the valve is arranged such that fluid flow through the inlet moves the seal cap to open the valve and create an unimpeded flow path between the inlet and the ports with negligible pressure drop. An embodiment including a shear ring is described to facilitate pressure testing above. A further embodiment includes a load adjuster to assist in closing the valve. The valve can be a high lift injection valve.

Abstract: An electronic actuation system for a pressure equalising device in a downhole apparatus such as a wellbore plug is described. The system includes a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the wellbore, and means for setting a reference pressure value using a measurement from the pressure sensor. In a method of use, an applied pressure value is determined using a measurement from the pressure sensor and the reference pressure value, and the device is actuated, or opened, when the applied pressure meets a pre-determined condition, such as falling within a pressure window for certain time period. The invention allows natural changes in wellbore pressure to be accounted for when detecting a pressure actuation event.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for use in a tool such as a plug used in oil and gas wells. The mechanism being operable under pressure in the well bore to set the plug in a first natural closed state for a pressure under a predetermined pressure range; a second closed state wherein the plug is locked closed regardless of the pressure; and a third open state by increasing the pressure to the predetermined pressure range and holding the pressure in the range for a predetermined time. Electronic and mechanical, dual piston, actuating mechanisms are described as is a method of controlling fluid flow in a well bore using the plug and performing a pressure test against the plug.

Abstract: A valve for use in a downhole tool The valve has an inlet communicating with the work string from which it is anchored. The inlet provides a flow path of a first cross-sectional area. A sealing assembly comprising a spring biased seal cap moves within an outer tubular body to open and close a number of ports arranged through the body. The ports provide a flow path of a combined cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area and the valve is arranged such that fluid flow through the inlet moves the seal cap to open the valve and create an unimpeded flow path between the inlet and the ports with negligible pressure drop. An embodiment including a shear ring is described to facilitate pressure testing above. A further embodiment includes a load adjuster to assist in closing the valve. The valve can be a high lift injection valve.

Abstract: A well tubing valve is described, having a substantially tubular body connected in a tubular string and a rotational valve member having at least one aperture. The valve member, which may be a sleeve having a part spherical surface, is rotationally moveable relative to the body to align and misalign the aperture in the valve member with a port in the body. The valve member is actuable to rotate relative to the body in a single direction, and moves from the open position to a closed position and back by rotation in the same sense. In an alternative embodiment, two such valves members are provided and each valve member is actuable from a common control line to at least three operating positions, to. incrementally adjust flow through the ports. Methods of operation are also described.

Abstract: A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool such as a packer, bridge plug or straddle. The support assembly has first and second support devices at each end of the sealing element with each device having an elastically deformable support member adapted to be located between the respective end of the sealing element and an actuating member of the downhole tool. Additionally, a guide member with an inclined guide surface is provided such that the support member travels along the inclined surface when a force is exerted by the actuating member to expand the sealing element radially into abutment with a surface downhole. The support member moves radially outwards to support the respective end of the sealing element during deformation.

Abstract: A method for the provision of personal data in a data communications network, using requests directed from a client terminal to a server, said method including: on said client terminal, determining when a check for the availability of personal data should be performed; when said check is to be performed, transmitting a first request from said client terminal to said server, said server being capable of indicating to said client terminal whether personal data is available or not; on said client terminal, determining whether to send a second request from said client terminal to said server on the basis of whether personal data is available or not; transmitting a second request when personal data is available; and in response to said second request, receiving said personal data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smart card and also to a method of producing such a smart card having a card body (11), at least one recess (12a, 12b) arranged therein for receiving at least one chip module (16) having module connections (17) in the edge region (16a) of the chip module (16) and a conductive structure body embedded in the card body (11) and having body contact connections (13), in particular an antenna having antenna connections which are arranged below the edge region (16a) of the chip module (16), where, with the chip module (16) installed between the module connections (17) on the one hand and the body contact connections (13) on the other hand, adhesive parts (14) preferably applied at points and made of elastic, conductive material are arranged between the connections (13, 17) with pressure being applied to produce a contact.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for use in a tool such as a plug used in oil and gas wells. The mechanism being operable under pressure in the well bore to set the plug in a first natural closed state for a pressure under a predetermined pressure range; a second closed state wherein the plug is locked closed regardless of the pressure; and a third open state by increasing the pressure to the predetermined pressure range and holding the pressure in the range for a predetermined time. Electronic and mechanical, dual piston, actuating mechanisms are described as is a method of controlling fluid flow in a well bore using the plug and performing a pressure test against the plug.

Abstract: A valve for use in a downhole tool The valve has an inlet communicating with the work string from which it is anchored. The inlet provides a flow path of a first cross-sectional area. A sealing assembly comprising a spring biased seal cap moves within an outer tubular body to open and close a number of ports arranged through the body. The ports provide a flow path of a combined cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area and the valve is arranged such that fluid flow through the inlet moves the seal cap to open the valve and create an unimpeded flow path between the inlet and the ports with negligible pressure drop. An embodiment including a shear ring is described to facilitate pressure testing above. A further embodiment includes a load adjuster to assist in closing the valve. The valve can be a high lift injection valve.

Abstract: A mask system for use between a patient and a device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mouth cushion, a pair of nasal prongs, an elbow, and a headgear assembly. The mouth cushion is structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use, and the pair of nasal prongs are structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use. The elbow delivers breathable gas to the patient. The headgear assembly maintains the mouth cushion and the nasal prongs in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear assembly provides a substantially round crown strap that cups the parietal bone and occipital bone of the patient's head in use.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for improving the useful life of sorbent beds, such as activated carbon filter beds. It is known that breakthrough in carbon filter beds first occurs at the low gas velocity regions of the filter bed, i.e., at the filter's edges. A recirculation jacket filter system diverts already filtered air from the downstream side of the filter bed toward the peripheral region of the upstream side of the filter bed so that contaminants near the filter's edges are reduced and filter life is improved.

Abstract: A sequential hydraulic well control system provides actuator selection and operation utilizing pressure applied to hydraulic lines in a sequence. In a disclosed embodiment, an actuation control device of a well control system includes multiple pistons, at least one of which is included in a latch for selectively permitting and preventing displacement of another of the pistons. When one of the pistons displaces in response to pressure applied sequentially to hydraulic inputs of the control device, an associated actuator is placed in fluid communication with the inputs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smart card and also to a method of producing such a smart card having a card body (11), at least one recess (12a, 12b) arranged therein for receiving at least one chip module (16) having module connections (17) in the edge region (16a) of the chip module (16) and a conductive structure body embedded in the card body (11) and having body contact connections (13), in particular an antenna having antenna connections which are arranged below the edge region (16a) of the chip module (16), where, with the chip module (16) installed between the module connections (17) on the one hand and the body contact connections (13) on the other hand, adhesive parts (14) preferably applied at points and made of elastic, conductive material are arranged between the connections (13, 17) with pressure being applied to produce a contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with two or more hydraulic conduits deployed downhole reduces a number of penetrations required through a well bulkhead for a given number of fluid paths extending therethrough. In a described embodiment, a fluid conductor includes multiple fluid paths extending therein. The fluid conductor is installed in an aperture formed through a bulkhead. Couplings are connected on opposite sides of the bulkhead to opposite ends of the fluid conductor. Multiple hydraulic lines are connected to each of the couplings.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fluid metering apparatus provides discharge of a known volume of fluid to an actuator of a well tool. In one described embodiment, the fluid metering apparatus is connected to a hydraulic input of a well tool actuator. Discharge of the known volume of fluid to the actuator input causes a piston of the actuator to displace a known distance, thereby producing a known increment of actuation of the well tool. The discharge of the known volume of fluid may be repeated to produce a desired total degree of actuation of the well tool.