Abstract: Methods and systems for using force measurements to determine the amount of material in a container and/or the rate at which material is discharged from a container are disclosed. A container for storing a desired material is positioned so that the center of gravity of the container shifts horizontally with changes in level of the material in the container. A plurality of load sensors are symmetrically arranged at a base of the container and are used to monitor the amount of materials in the container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate measurement of forces to determine the amount of materials in a container are disclosed. A weighing assembly is disclosed which includes a base plate, a plurality of bearing plates coupled to the base plate and a plurality of load sensors. Each of the plurality of load sensors is coupled to one of the plurality of bearing plates. A mounting block is symmetrically supported by the plurality of load sensors and a current measurement device measures a sum of currents output from the plurality of load sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate measurement of forces to determine the amount of materials in a container are disclosed. A weighing assembly is disclosed which includes a base plate, a plurality of bearing plates coupled to the base plate and a plurality of load sensors. Each of the plurality of load sensors is coupled to one of the plurality of bearing plates. A mounting block is symmetrically supported by the plurality of load sensors and a current measurement device measures a sum of currents output from the plurality of load sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using force measurements to determine the amount of material in a container and/or the rate at which material is discharged from a container are disclosed. A container for storing a desired material is positioned so that the center of gravity of the container shifts horizontally with changes in level of the material in the container. A plurality of load sensors are symmetrically arranged at a base of the container and are used to monitor the amount of materials in the container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting and/or sensing mass of industrially useful material to identify inventory, mass or volumetric delivery rates. A load measuring apparatus comprising a framework and at least one load sensors coupled to the framework is disclosed. The load sensor senses a load applied to the framework.

Abstract: System and methods for determining the amount of materials contained in individual storage units in a storage device with multiple storage units are disclosed. A weight change of the storage device is detected and the position of the weight change is determined. The weight change is then attributed to a storage unit corresponding to the position of the weight change.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting and/or sensing mass of industrially useful material to identify inventory, mass or volumetric delivery rates. A load measuring apparatus comprising a framework and at least one load sensors coupled to the framework is disclosed. The load sensor senses a load applied to the framework.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for use in a subterranean well incorporates therein an electromagnetic frequency receiver coupled to a motor section which, in turn, is coupled to the mechanically actuatable firing head portion of the perforating gun. The assembly is lowered into a cased wellbore to a subterranean formation location, and a surface-disposed transmitter generates encoded electromagnetic waves through the earth to the receiver. Upon sensing in the received waves a predetermined frequency and embedded firing code, the receiver electrically operates the motor which, in turn, mechanically actuates the firing head to initiate the firing of the perforating gun. While the assembly is illustratively lowered into the wellbore on a tubing structure, a variety of non-tubing structures may be alternatively utilized to lower the gun assembly into the wellbore and operatively support it therein.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for use in a subterranean well incorporates therein an electromagnetic frequency receiver coupled to a motor section which, in turn, is coupled to the mechanically actuatable firing head portion of the perforating gun. The assembly is lowered into a cased wellbore to a subterranean formation location, and a surface-disposed transmitter generates encoded electromagnetic waves through the earth to the receiver. Upon sensing in the received waves a predetermined frequency and embedded firing code, the receiver electrically operates the motor which, in turn, mechanically actuates the firing head to initiate the firing of the perforating gun. While the assembly is illustratively lowered into the wellbore on a tubing structure, a variety of non-tubing structures may be alternatively utilized to lower the gun assembly into the wellbore and operatively support it therein.

Abstract: The invention is an acoustic transmitter that imparts vibratory stresses onto a signal propagation medium such as oil well tubing when actuated by an electric driver. In one embodiment, the acoustic transmitter utilizes a mechanical driver that includes piezoelectric elements to generate the vibratory stresses. The acoustic transmitter is mechanically attached at only one point to the signal propagation medium. This single point attachment eliminates loading on the acoustic transmitter from compressive and tensile forces carried by the signal propagation medium. A mass backing the mechanical driver may be used to extend the frequency range over which the acoustic transmitter is operable. In addition, the resonance response of the acoustic transmitter may be minimized by the use of a viscous dampener. The viscous dampener is configured to "couple" with the mechanical driver when the acoustic transmitter is operating and to "uncouple" with the mechanical driver at other times.