Abstract: Various features and associated advantages are described for diametrically adjustable support structures, adjustable valve structures, removable/replaceable valve structures, and associated systems and methods. Although some examples are directed toward prosthetic valve that is a conduit having a valve structure, or a “valved conduit” (e.g., used to replace a pulmonary valve and a portion of the corresponding pulmonary artery or an aortic valve and the aortic root), and other examples are directed toward prosthetic valves implanted native valve orifices (e.g., to replace an aortic or mitral valve), the features and advantages of the structures associated with those examples are interchangeable regardless of a particular application for which the examples are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating prospect rating is described. The apparatus includes a non-transitory storage medium and a processor configured to execute codes stored on the non-transitory storage medium to perform the steps of: determine one or more offers that have been extended to a prospect, determine a relative value for each of the one or more offers based on an organization associated with the offer, add relative values of each of the one or more offers extended to the prospect to generate a prospect offer points score, and store, in a storage device, prospect offer points scores associated with a plurality of prospects.

Abstract: An improved method for value derivation allows for the definition of derived and defaulted information as database table columns. Derivation formulas are defined independently to the database management system. A derivation formula is assigned to each derived or defaulted column during their definition. Derivation formula parameter value assignments are also defined for each derived or defaulted column, if required by the derivation formula associated with the column. In addition, a derivation type is assigned to each derived or defaulted column specifying the conditions under which the value of the column is to be derived. During key processes, such as while inserting a row into a database or retrieving a row from a database, the database management system will determine whether a value is to be derived for each affected column. The database management system makes this determination through the examination of the derivation type associated with the column.

Abstract: A method for row version differentiation in a database management system employs steps of identifying a versioned table to said database; creating a logical primary key, comprising a prescribed number of columns in the versioned table, the logical primary key being created in a physical primary key of the versioned table; defining at least one column of the physical primary key as a version effective reference value; deriving version differentiation criteria information from a version differentiation predicate included in a request submitted by a database user, the version differentiation predicate including a name of the versioned table defined to a database, a target effective status, and a target value for version differentiation processing; retrieving rows of the versioned table that satisfy the version differentiation criteria derived from the version differentiation predicate by comparing the effective reference values of the versioned table with the version differentiation criteria.

Abstract: A method for protecting citrus fruit against resistant organisms by treating fruit with a combination of a soluble sorbate and at least one antifungal agent of the benzimidazole type, an alkali metal o-phenylphenol or sec.-butylamine.

Abstract: A tongs having gripping jaws and a handle for applying an actuating force thereto is characterized by a sensing unit mounted in a force-receiving relationship with the handle. The sensing unit is responsive to a compression or tension force imposed thereon when an actuating force is applied to the handle to generate a signal functionally related to the magnitude of the actuating force. A readout device may be connected to the sensing unit and responsive to the signal generated therefrom to provide a visual indication in any predetermined units of the magnitude of the force imposed on the handle or the torque imposed by the jaws resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A reversible baffle plate for receiving and supporting a bottom hole survey apparatus on the interior of a directional drilling string is characterized by concentrically disposed inner and outer members supported one from the other by a plurality of webs. The webs cooperate with the inner and outer members to define a plurality of flow passages through the baffle plate. The first and second axial ends of the inner tubular member are each adapted to receive and support the lowermost axial end of a bottom hole survey apparatus.

Abstract: A bottom hole survey apparatus is characterized by a survey instrument having a reference line therein, the instrument being receivable by the engagement of flanges provided along the instrument into keyways provided on the interior of a non-magnetic instrument barrel. When engaged, the reference line of the survey instrument is disposed in a predetermined angular relation with respect to the barrel. The barrel has means provided on the exterior thereof for receiving a visual sighting element thereon, the sighting element being in a predetermined angular relationship with respect to the reference line. At least one non-magnetic spacer element is connectable to the barrel, the spacer element being provided with an adapter having a T-shaped head thereon which is received within a corresponding T-shaped groove provided at the lower end of the instrument.

Abstract: A centralizer apparatus for guiding, within a well bore, a tool having a radially outwardly extending member thereon includes a sleeve concentrically disposed about the tool. The sleeve has a downwardly opening, substantially J-shaped groove therein sized to receive the radially outwardly extending member on the tool about which the sleeve is disposed. The J-groove has a first, closed, axially-extending slot portion and a second, axially-extending slot portion opening at the downstring end of the sleeve. The first and second axially extending slot portions of the J-groove are spaced circumferentially apart and communicate through a substantially transverse slot portion. An outer protective jacket is provided about the sleeve. A centralizer guide depends from the lower end of the jacket to contact the walls of the bore and maintain the tool centrally with respect thereto.

Abstract: A sleeve for supporting a radially inwardly extending key disposed within the interior of a drilling sub is characterized by a substantially cylindrical body member having a plurality of ribs extending either radially inwardly or radially outwardly therefrom to define a plurality of fluid conducting channels. A plurality of threads is provided on the radially outer surface of the sleeve adjacent the first axial end thereof. A radially extending notch divides the threads into a first and second set of threads. With the first and second set of threads engaged with a plurality of threads disposed on the interior of the sub, a threaded bolt is disposed in an axially extending bore provided within the sleeve, to thereby lock the sleeve in position within the sub.

Abstract: An overshot cutter includes concentric inner and outer members, the latter having a radially flexible portion thereon. A gripper for gripping a portion of a drill string is mounted on the flexible portion. The members have inclined surfaces which, when engaged, prevent radial flexing of the inner member as the overshot cutter is lowered over the drill string. When the gripper encounters an obstacle the outer member moves relative to the inner member to axially space apart the surfaces. The inner member and the gripper thereon thereby move radially outwardly to clear the obstruction. In a first embodiment, a spring imposes a biasing force on the inner member to maintain engagement between the surfaces. When an obstruction is encountered, continued downstring advancement of the outer with respect to the inner member disengages the surfaces to define the radial clearance and for shorten the spring to store energy to re-establish contact of the surfaces after the obstruction is passed.