Abstract: A mud pulse landing assembly (10) which allows for the removal of the mud pulse generator (16) containing the mud pulse orifice (106), thus creating an unobstructed passageway for any tool or instrumentation that may need to be passed through the drill string. The retainer (14) of the mud pulse landing assembly also provides a universal mount for engaging alternate tools or instrumentation for use in analyzing the borehole geology. The retainer (14) is positioned between the mud pulse generator (16) and the landing sub body, so as to protect the retainer from the turbulent and abrasive mud flow, and to prevent obstruction of the area downstream of the compact muleshoe (60).

Abstract: An electrical isolation connector subassembly for interconnecting adjacent tubular drill rods of a drilling system used in drilling bore holes in earth formations, the connector comprising an electrically insulative sleeve being sandwiched between two electrically isolated subassembly components, the sleeve providing an exterior gap between the edges of the spaced apart electrically isolated components, the exterior gap having a width of less than 50 cm.

Abstract: A multiround filter housing apparatus, cleaning system and method are provided. A filter housing having an integrated base that includes an integral cartridge plate, a plurality of cartridge filter bores, an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold is presented. The upper face of the integral cartridge plate is recessed to facilitate drainage of product and cleaning media. The lower portions of the cartridge filter bores are connected to the outlet port by additional sloped bores, thereby eliminating the need for a collection chamber. A spray device assembly is provided to facilitate a complete “Clean-in-Place” system in conjunction with the filter housing of the present invention.

Abstract: A low-cost scaleable turnkey system and method for archiving medical image data. The archive system and method permits the selective storing of medical data (including image data) received from a medical modality (e.g., CT, MRI, etc.) onto a removable medium (e.g., DVD or Blu-ray), which may subsequently be placed via robotics in a magazine within the system housing. In addition to directing the archiving of the medical data as described, software components of the archive system permit a specific medium in a magazine to be addressed, retrieved, and read as needed.

Abstract: A removable medium recording station records medical image data in a format and removable medium that are widely accepted. The removable medium recording station can be used to effectively replace an installed storage device on an existing stand-alone medical image workstation. Storage onto removable media is transformed into an outboard operation. This transformation enables a hospital to migrate existing medical imaging systems to new formats and media without sacrificing a large portion of their initial investment. Additionally, the removable medium recording station can be attached as a peripheral on an existing medical modality network. In this capacity, the removable medium recording station enables an operator on the medical modality network to store medical images in a selected format and on a selected type of removable medium regardless of the proprietary format used by the enterprise level archive server.

Abstract: A web-enabled system and associated techniques are described for managing recommendation information, such as recommendation information pertaining to property loss prevention provisions. The system provides a graphical user interface for entering the recommendation information according to a well-defined process flow. The system also provides notification functionality for sending notification messages to participants upon the occurrence of various triggering events. The system also includes provisions for providing a historical sequence of recommendation entries via the system, and for filtering, sorting, printing, and/or exporting the recommendation information. The system also provides customization functionality for tailoring certain aspects of the system to suit different business environments.

Abstract: A tool module interconnect (10) for interconnecting to adjoining modules for insertion in a drill string features a system which permits making the electrical interconnection before assembly of the mechanical connections to interconnect the tool modules together. The interconnect comprises a hollow interconnect body (18) open at both ends. A wire harness (18) is provided in the hollow body with terminal end connectors (26, 28) accessible from the respective open end of the interconnect body. The interconnect is adapted for attachment to adjoining modules, where at least one end has a rotatable threaded sleeve (24) for connection to a tool module by a threaded collar.

Abstract: A communication method for retrieving stored data from an MWD tool, through an antenna used for conventional EM data telemetry. The method comprises establishing electrical contact between a surface transceiver and an EM data telemetry antenna upon retrieval to the surface. The MWD tool then transfers data through the antenna, the data being received by the surface transceiver. Also provided is an electrical isolation connector subassembly comprising an electrically insulative coating to electrically isolate the splitsub components, thereby forming the antenna for data transfer and EM data telemetry.

Abstract: A graphical and interactive interface system manages risk management information. A secure database stores risk management information that is accessible by authorized access through a network. A graphics interface generates graphic data of the risk management information in response to the authorized access. One or more workflow process terminals connect in network with the database to provide updates to the risk management information. Summary reporting and statistical processing functionalities facilitate predictive accuracy of the system by permitting a user to compare relevant system inputs when selecting data to provide recommendations to customers for adjustment of insurance policies in accordance with risk management practices.

Abstract: The graphic file management system of the present invention provides users with the ability to control the complexity, flow, and quality (performance, ease of use, and scalability) of managing and usage of graphic files across enterprises. In particular, the system of the present invention allows for automated and dynamic repurposing (maintenance, use and manipulation) of large amounts of digital graphic data or files. The system comprises a server which can manipulate graphic files and establishes links to each graphic file, and a database on which the server stores the links. The server can create other formats of a particular graphic file and allows for amendments to graphic files to be tracked.

Abstract: A removable medium recording station records medical image data in a format and removable medium that are widely accepted. The removable medium recording station can be used to effectively replace an installed storage device on an existing stand-alone medical image workstation. Storage onto removable media is transformed into an outboard operation. This transformation enables a hospital to migrate existing medical imaging systems to new formats and media without sacrificing a large portion of their initial investment. Additionally, the removable medium recording station can be attached as a peripheral on an existing medical modality network. In this capacity, the removable medium recording station enables an operator on the medical modality network to store medical images in a selected format and on a selected type of removable medium regardless of the proprietary format used by the enterprise level archive server.

Abstract: A multiround filter housing apparatus, cleaning system and method are provided. A filter housing having an integrated base that includes an integral cartridge plate, a plurality of cartridge filter bores, an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold is presented. The upper face of the integral cartridge plate is recessed to facilitate drainage of product and cleaning media. The lower portions of the cartridge filter bores are connected to the outlet port by additional sloped bores, thereby eliminating the need for a collection chamber. A spray device assembly is provided to facilitate a complete “Clean-in-Place” system in conjunction with the filter housing of the present invention.

Abstract: A structural window lift module is provided that comprises a door frame, a windowpane movable between a closed position and an open position, drive means for generating a force to move the windowpane, and a cable assembly operatively connecting the drive means to the windowpane. The door frame has a fore section, an aft section, and a header section. The fore section of the door frame slidably guides a fore edge of the windowpane and the aft section of the door frame slidably guides an aft edge of the windowpane. The cable assembly comprises at least one cable attachment bracket connected to the windowpane, at least one cable operatively connecting the drive means to the at least one cable attachment bracket, and at least one cable guide attached to the door frame and routing the at least one cable between the cable attachment bracket or brackets and the drive means.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a copolyester and a resulting copolyester fiber that has increased dyeability and dye retention properties while maintaining good physical properties for textile applications. The fiber may be formed from a mixture comprising terephthalic acid and its ester equivalent in combination with ethylene glycol, and to which is added about 2-4 mole percent of at least two dicarboxylic acids, or their anhydride or ester equivalents excluding terephthalic acid and its ester equivalent, and between about 100 to 700 ppm pentaerytoritol, both being based on the amount of the terephthalic acid and its ester equivalent The dicarboxylic acids and pentaerytliritol may be added before esterification, or after esterification and before polycondensation.

Abstract: A smart ignitor control system has communications output electronic circuitry and communications input electronic circuitry. The communications output electronic circuitry generates output serial clock, data, and handshaking signals for communication with a master ASIC that is adapted to communicate with a smart ignitor. The communications input electronic circuitry inputs data and handshaking signals from a master ASIC. Smart ignitors are in circuit communication with the master ASIC via an ignitor bus. Optionally, additional circuitry digitizes analog voltages and waveforms from the ignitor bus and transmits the digitized data to an electronic information processor.

Abstract: A process for producing yarn, fiber or filament with substantially improved whiteness, reduced yellowness, reduced abrasiveness, reduced static and softer hand includes melt-blending a masterbatch of zinc sulfide and a polyester with a fiber-forming polyester followed by melt-spinning the blend. The invention additionally provides for polyester yarn, fiber, or filament produced by the process.