Abstract: A method of localizing a transportable apparatus (102) within an environment around the apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a sequence of images (200) of the environment and generating one or more sequences of transformed images (204) from the sequence of images wherein an image from the sequence of images has undergone a transformation to provide a transformed image within the sequence of transformed images. Processing circuitry (112) is then used to compare one or more images from the sequence of transformed images (204) and one or more images from at least one of the sequence of images (200) and a further sequence of transformed images against a representation of the environment. The comparison determines corresponding features within the images (200) and/or transformed images (204) and the representation. The transportable apparatus (102) is then localized according to a position of the one or more corresponding features.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for indicating a status of an instrument via visible colored light is described. Status is preferably indicated according to which color is displayed on the apparatus, which is preferably configured to illuminate on or within the handle of the instrument. Statuses may be configured by the end user, or may be pre-established according to specific uses of the instrument.

Abstract: An automatic actuator assembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detection assembly is operatively coupled to an arc reduction assembly. The passive actuator assembly is coupled to the arc reduction assembly and structured to move the arc reduction assembly between a disengaged, first configuration and an engaged, second configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter kit including filters for processing a biological sample. Some embodiments include a filter cap in a tube kit with a first tube containing a buffer solution and a second tube containing a lyophilized master mix. Some embodiments include a method of processing a sample using the kit including mixing a biological sample in a first tube with the buffer solution, positioning the filter cap in the first tube, positioning a second tube on the filter cap, flipping the first tube, the filter cap, and the second cap to filter the biological sample and buffer solution mixture with the filter cap as it flows from the first tube to the second tube. Some embodiments include structure enabling transfer of materials through inline flow between the tubes. Some further embodiments include integrated structure for sample pulverization with integrated buffer and lyophilized master mix.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for indicating a status of an instrument via visible colored light is described. Status is preferably indicated according to which color is displayed on the apparatus, which is preferably configured to illuminate on or within the handle of the instrument. Statuses may be configured by the end user, or may be pre-established according to specific uses of the instrument.

Abstract: A method of localising a transportable apparatus (102) within an environment around the apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a sequence of images (200) of the environment and generating one or more sequences of transformed images (204) from the sequence of images wherein an image from the sequence of images has undergone a transformation to provide a transformed image within the sequence of transformed images. Processing circuitry (112) is then used to compare one or more images from the sequence of transformed images (204) and one or more images from at least one of the sequence of images (200) and a further sequence of transformed images against a representation of the environment. The comparison determines corresponding features within the images (200) and/or transformed images (204) and the representation. The transportable apparatus (102) is then localised according to a position of the one or more corresponding features.

Abstract: A system for removing hydrocarbons and other contaminants from sand and/or drill cuttings includes screening large debris from a first loading inlet hopper (101) to a screen covered receiving hopper (102) that may contain a chopper and chemical additive nozzles (105). A first inclined auger (104) receives the material from hopper (102) at its lower inlet port and conveys the material upwards dropping it into a hopper (106) and then to a unit (107) either of which may include a crasher (106). Unit (107) includes an eductor (109) which feeds the screened and treated sand slurry to desanding units (112) such as hydro cyclones. The underflow from the desanders is sent to an auger tank's (114) first compartment (113) while the overflow is sent to its second compartment (115) where a flow distributing conduit (117) that disperses it over the surface of both compartments (113), (115). The auger tank (114) employs horizontal augers (116) that are arterial both the first and second compartments (113) and (114).

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe including a probe body which defines a longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe also includes a first and second conductive electrode, each disposed along the probe axis. The surface area of the first conductive electrode is greater of the surface area of the second conductive electrode. The ratio of the surface area of the first conductive electrode to the surface area of the second conductive electrode may be adjustable. Another aspect of the present invention is an electrosurgical probe having a probe body which defines a single longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe of this aspect of the invention further includes more than two electrodes operatively disposed at separate and distinct positions along the axis of the probe body. The electrodes may be selectively connected to one of or a combination of a stimulation energy source, an ablation energy source or a ground for either energy source.

Abstract: A telephone communication system has at least two telephones and each telephone may be placed in activated mode or in the alternative, stand-by mode such that in stand-by mode a phone is incapable of making or receiving a call until or unless switched to active mode. The system includes a switch configured to activate one of the telephone to be an active mode telephone such that all remaining telephones are on standby mode prior to making an outgoing call or taking an incoming call. The system is configured such that a standby telephone may be switched to active mode during a telephone call on-the-fly.

Abstract: A method of managing a system of minimally invasive surgery. The management method includes providing a practitioner with a minimally invasive surgery system including a controller. One or more use parameters is stored to memory associated with the controller. In addition, an electrosurgical probe having its own memory is provided to mate with the remaining elements of the system. Complementary use parameters are stored in the memory of the probe. The management method also includes communicating and comparing the use parameters of the controller with the complementary use parameters of the probe and managing the use of the electrosurgical probe according to the use parameters.

Abstract: A method comprises solubilizing hydrocarbons in drill cuttings with a liquid solvent. The method further comprises displacing the miscible fluid portion from by pressurized vapor. The method can utilize the pressurized vapor to heat the miscible fluid. The method can utilize the miscible fluid to cool the solvent.

Abstract: A method of mixing drilling fluids, the method including injecting a drilling fluid into a high shear mixing unit and processing the drilling fluid with the high shear mixing unit. The processing includes forcing the drilling fluid through a first row of teeth of a first stage.

Abstract: A telephone communication system for reducing the number telephone of assigned numbers while allowing for increased availability of individuals and method of using the telephone communication system. The telephone communication system has at least two telephones and each telephone may be placed in activated mode or in the alternative, stand-by mode. The at least two telephones have one and only one active calling number per device and the active calling number for each device is identical to the calling number of the other device(s). A switch is capable of transferring a call from a previously activated phone to a newly activated phone utilizing an on-the-fly-redirect feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for the extraction of hydrocarbons from drill cuttings in drilling mud. The system for extracting hydrocarbons from drill cuttings includes at least one extraction tank, a carbon dioxide tank fluidly connected to the at least one extraction tank, and at least one separation tank in fluid communication with the at least one extraction tank. The method for extracting hydrocarbons from drill cuttings consists of exposing the drill cuttings to liquid carbon dioxide, solubilizing hydrocarbons from the drill cuttings with the liquid carbon dioxide, heating the liquid carbon dioxide and the soluble hydrocarbons to convert liquid carbon dioxide to carbon dioxide vapor, separating the hydrocarbons from the carbon dioxide vapor, and collecting the separated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ruthenium and osmium complexes of Formula [M(A)w(B)x(C)y]m(Xz)n, per se and the use of ruthenium and osmium complexes of Formula I as redox mediators in electrochemical biosensors.