Abstract: In some aspects, automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for performing a multi-assay testing sequence can include an automated incubation assembly having a nest assembly adapted to house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, the incubation assembly facilitating incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence; a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them to and from the incubation assembly for incubation between each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence; an automated liquid handling assembly configured to exchange one or more fluids in the plurality of wells of the test panels; and an optical assembly for interrogation and readout of each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence being performed in the plurality of wells.

Abstract: A recessed antenna that includes a recessed plane formed in a conductive surface. An antenna is disposed on the recessed plane. A cavity is formed beneath the recessed plane. A circuit board is disposed in the cavity. The circuit board is electrically coupled to the antenna. A cover is disposed over the antenna, the cover protecting the antenna from abrasion.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for wear monitoring, includes a wear surface, a metallic reflector embedded in the wear surface, a radio-wave transmitter, and a radio-wave receiver. The metallic reflector reflects radio waves transmitted by the radio-wave transmitter for detection by the radio wave receiver. Attenuation of the radio waves between transmission by the radio-wave transmitter and detection by the radio-wave receiver indicates a degree of wear of the wear surface.

Abstract: A system includes a slurry pipe and a pipe liner disposed within an inner diameter of the slurry pipe. At least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor is disposed within the pipe liner. A computer controller is operatively coupled to the at least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor via a flexible ribbon cable. A radio-wave transmitter is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A radio-wave receiver is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A power source is operatively coupled to the radio-wave transmitter and to the radio-wave receiver.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a fastener. A sensor is coupled to the fastener. A circuit board is electrically coupled to the sensor. An antenna electrically coupled to the circuit board.

Abstract: A recessed antenna that includes a recessed plane formed in a conductive surface. An antenna is disposed on the recessed plane. A cavity is formed beneath the recessed plane. A circuit board is disposed in the cavity. The circuit board is electrically coupled to the antenna. A cover is disposed over the antenna, the cover protecting the antenna from abrasion.

Abstract: An intelligent blast-hole drill bit that includes a housing embedded into a cavity in a bit body. A controller is disposed in the housing. An external antenna is disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller. An internal antenna is disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller. A wear transducer is disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a fastener. A sensor is coupled to the fastener. A circuit board is electrically coupled to the sensor. An antenna electrically coupled to the circuit board.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for wear monitoring, includes a wear surface, a metallic reflector embedded in the wear surface, a radio-wave transmitter, and a radio-wave receiver. The metallic reflector reflects radio waves transmitted by the radio-wave transmitter for detection by the radio wave receiver. Attenuation of the radio waves between transmission by the radio-wave transmitter and detection by the radio-wave receiver indicates a degree of wear of the wear surface.

Abstract: A system includes a slurry pipe and a pipe liner disposed within an inner diameter of the slurry pipe. At least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor is disposed within the pipe liner. A computer controller is operatively coupled to the at least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor via a flexible ribbon cable. A radio-wave transmitter is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A radio-wave receiver is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A power source is operatively coupled to the radio-wave transmitter and to the radio-wave receiver.

Abstract: A drill-pipe communication assembly includes a first drill pipe segment. A conductor extends at least partially along a length of the first drill pipe segment. An antenna is electrically coupled to the first drill pipe segment. The antenna facilitates wireless transmission of signals from the first drill pipe segment to an adjacent second drill pipe segment.

Abstract: A system includes a slurry pipe and a pipe liner disposed within an inner diameter of the slurry pipe. At least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor is disposed within the pipe liner. A computer controller is operatively coupled to the at least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor via a flexible ribbon cable. A radio-wave transmitter is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A radio-wave receiver is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A power source is operatively coupled to the radio-wave transmitter and to the radio-wave receiver.

Abstract: A drill-pipe communication assembly includes a first drill pipe segment. A conductor extends at least partially along a length of the first drill pipe segment. An antenna is electrically coupled to the first drill pipe segment. The antenna facilitates wireless transmission of signals from the first drill pipe segment to an adjacent second drill pipe segment.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a fastener. A sensor is coupled to the fastener. A circuit board is electrically coupled to the sensor. An antenna electrically coupled to the circuit board.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a fastener. A sensor is coupled to the fastener. A circuit board is electrically coupled to the sensor. An antenna electrically coupled to the circuit board.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for wear monitoring, includes a wear surface, a metallic reflector embedded in the wear surface, a radio-wave transmitter, and a radio-wave receiver. The metallic reflector reflects radio waves transmitted by the radio-wave transmitter for detection by the radio wave receiver. Attenuation of the radio waves between transmission by the radio-wave transmitter and detection by the radio-wave receiver indicates a degree of wear of the wear surface.

Abstract: An intelligent blast-hole drill bit that includes a housing embedded into a cavity in a bit body. A controller is disposed in the housing. An external antenna is disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller. An internal antenna is disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller. A wear transducer is disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for wear monitoring, includes a wear surface, a metallic reflector embedded in the wear surface, a radio-wave transmitter, and a radio-wave receiver. The metallic reflector reflects radio waves transmitted by the radio-wave transmitter for detection by the radio wave receiver. Attenuation of the radio waves between transmission by the radio-wave transmitter and detection by the radio-wave receiver indicates a degree of wear of the wear surface.

Abstract: A system includes a slurry pipe and a pipe liner disposed within an inner diameter of the slurry pipe. At least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor is disposed within the pipe liner. A computer controller is operatively coupled to the at least one redundant transducer wear ladder sensor via a flexible ribbon cable. A radio-wave transmitter is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A radio-wave receiver is operatively coupled to the computer controller. A power source is operatively coupled to the radio-wave transmitter and to the radio-wave receiver.

Abstract: A drill-pipe communication assembly includes a first drill pipe segment. A conductor extends at least partially along a length of the first drill pipe segment. An antenna is electrically coupled to the first drill pipe segment. The antenna facilitates wireless transmission of signals from the first drill pipe segment to an adjacent second drill pipe segment.