Abstract: In an economic relationship between a first party and a plurality of second parties in connection with provision of at least one of goods and services for a fee, costs incurred by the first party, in connection with a loss of at least some of the second parties to the relationship, are estimated. A response curve of second party loss probability versus fee is also estimated. An optimal value of a modification to the fee is determined, such that profits of the first party are maximized, taking into account the costs incurred by the first party in connection with the loss of the at least some of the second parties and the response curve of the second party loss probability versus the fee. At least one action to take in response to the determining of the optimal value is determined.

Abstract: A downhole ball valve is mounted n a string and features a rotating ball that turns on its axis as it is held against an upstream and a downstream seal by a cage. The cage accepts a slide that engages the ball off-center to rotate it between the open and closed positions. The slide is operated by a sleeve attached to a piston assembly. The sleeve is mechanically operated in opposed directions such as by a wireline shifting tool. Differential pressure on a closed ball does not affect the actuation piston because pressure across the actuating piston is balanced while holding pressure differential across the closed ball. A check valve allows the actuation piston to be in pressure balance as the ball stays closed.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the detection, location, identification or classification of objects hidden on the surface or buried below the surface of the ground is disclosed. The method acquires image data in separate IR and/or visible spectral regions simultaneously and converts the data into intensity value arrays for each spectral region. These intensity value arrays are transformed into two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays for each spectral region. The background clutter from the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays is removed; forming clutter reduced two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays. The inverse two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform is performed on the clutter reduced two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays to form clutter removed intensity value arrays. These arrays are subtracted in a pair-wise mariner to obtain chemical-specific spectral signatures.

Abstract: Methods and devices for utilizing an electrically-actuated wireline insert safety valve (WLSV) within a wellbore. Power is delivered to an electrically actuated WLSV to actuate the WLSV via inductive charging and without the use of wired contact.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flow-actuated actuator. The actuator includes, a tubular with a flow passageway having a first flow area, and at least one movable member in operable communication with the tubular. The at least one movable member is movable relative to the tubular between at least a first position and a second position, the at least one movable member configured to form a second flow area that is smaller than the first flow area when in the second position, the flow-actuated actuator is configured to move a separate member in response to fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the detection, location, identification or classification of objects hidden on the surface or buried below the surface of the ground is disclosed. The method acquires image data in separate IR and/or visible spectral regions simultaneously and converts the data into intensity value arrays for each spectral region. These intensity value arrays are transformed into two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays for each spectral region. The background clutter from the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays is removed; forming clutter reduced two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays. The inverse two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform is performed on the clutter reduced two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays to form clutter removed intensity value arrays. These arrays are subtracted in a pair-wise mariner to obtain chemical-specific spectral signatures.

Abstract: A chemical injection system includes a TRSV; a communication nipple in operable communication with the TRSV and positioned relative to the TRSV to be downhole of a flapper closure mechanism thereof when installed in a wellbore; a chemical injection line in fluid communication with the communication nipple; and a capillary sleeve receivable at the communication nipple and configured to sealingly convey fluid from the communication nipple to a remote location without affecting operation of the TRSV and method.

Abstract: Methods and devices for utilizing an electrically-actuated wireline insert safety valve (WLSV) and for delivering power to an electrically actuated WLSV via inductive charging and without the use of wired contact.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a composite cross arm for use with a utility structure and a program for selecting a cross arm. The cross arm includes a composite member, a hardware plate, and a mounting bracket. The program includes a data subroutine where the user selects the type of cross arm and inputs the required data. Thereafter, the program provides the appropriate cross-arm for the user.

Abstract: A downhole ball valve is mounted n a string and features a rotating ball that turns on its axis as it is held against an upstream and a downstream seal by a cage. The cage accepts a slide that engages the ball off-center to rotate it between the open and closed positions. The slide is operated by a sleeve attached to a piston assembly. The sleeve is mechanically operated in opposed directions such as by a wireline shifting tool. Differential pressure on a closed ball does not affect the actuation piston because pressure across the actuating piston is balanced while holding pressure differential across the closed ball. A check valve allows the actuation piston to be in pressure balance as the ball stays closed.

Abstract: A chemical injection system includes a TRSV; a communication nipple in operable communication with the TRSV and positioned relative to the TRSV to be downhole of a flapper closure mechanism thereof when installed in a wellbore; a chemical injection line in fluid communication with the communication nipple; and a capillary sleeve receivable at the communication nipple and configured to sealingly convey fluid from the communication nipple to a remote location without affecting operation of the TRSV and method.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has upper and lower tables surrounded by belts which counter-rotate as the table assembly moves between a patient and a supporting surface such as a bed. The table assembly includes integrated means for laterally retracting side plates of the upper table while adjusting incident angles of the side plates and vertically separating the upper table from the lower table. Guide slots in end plates fixed to a slide assembly retain positioning posts attached to ends of the side plates. The slots are inclined upwardly toward a centerline of the table assembly at different angles. A crank moves the side plates using a rotating disk attached to a central frame of the upper table and linkage arms with one end pivotally attached to a peripheral region of the disk and another end pivotally attached to one of the positioning posts.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: A patient transfer device has four casters and two counter-rotating steering wheels. The steering wheels provide a turning path whose center of curvature lies along a transverse centerline of the device. A foot pedal selectively lifts the steering wheels off the floor or brakes them. Another foot pedal at a back end of the device can lock the casters at the front end in a straight direction. The transfer table of the device may be inclined either longitudinally or transversely, and has an upper table whose edge rollers retract to introduce slack in the upper belt so that an air mattress can be inflated. The upper belt selectively disengages from the lower belt using movable, pneumatically-actuated pinch rollers. The outer surface of the upper belt is rough while the outer surface of the lower belt is smooth. The belts are constructed of a material which includes an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: An architectural detailing assembly adapted to be attached to a building structure. The architectural detailing assembly includes a base member and a finish member. The base member is adapted to be attached to the building structure. The base member includes a first interface structure. The finish member is adapted to be attached to the base member. The finish member includes a second interface structure adapted to cooperatively interface with the first interface structure to aid in supporting the finish member upon the base member.

Abstract: An architectural finish attachment assembly (100 and 700) formed in accordance with the present invention for coupling an architectural finish (102) to a building structure (104). The architectural finish attachment assembly includes a base structure (110 and 710) having a first surface (124 and 752) adapted to engage the building structure and a second surface (126 and 753) disposed opposite the first surface and a spike (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, and 714) extending outward at an incline from the second surface, the spike adapted to impale the architectural finish for removably coupling the architectural finish to the building structure.

Abstract: An architectural detailing assembly (10) and a method of forming an architectural detailing assembly. The architectural detailing assembly includes an architectural detailing (12 or 14) having a length terminating in an end surface (22), and an appearance surface (28) adapted to be viewed by a user once installed upon a building structure and having a predetermined profile. The architectural detailing also includes a spacer (16) having a first planar wall (38) adapted to be selectively coupled to the end surface of the architectural detailing and a second planar wall (40) oriented substantially parallel with the first planar wall and separated from the first planar wall by a thickness. The spacer includes a sealant backing surface (45) oriented substantially perpendicular to and extending between the first and second planar walls. The sealant backing surface is shaped to substantially have the predetermined profile.

Abstract: A barrier implement intended for obstructing a route of travel of crawling arthropods along a passageway comprises a sheet configured to circumscribe a passageway along which arthropods crawl. A dimension of the sheet is sized or molded relative to said passageway. An arthropod deterring component associated with said sheet for deterring said crawling arthropods and impeding their route of travel along said passageway. In a method of impeding a route of travel of crawling arthropods from moving along a passageway from a location A to a location B, an arthropod deterring component is associated with a sheet. The sheet separates location A from location B and creates a vermin-impervious barrier therebetween. A route of travel of crawling arthropods from moving from location A to location B is impeded.

Abstract: A barrier implement intended for obstructing a route of travel of crawling arthropods along a passageway comprises a sheet configured to circumscribe a passageway along which arthropods crawl. A dimension of the sheet is sized or molded relative to said passageway. An arthropod deterring component associated with said sheet for deterring said crawling arthropods and impeding their route of travel along said passageway. In a method of impeding a route of travel of crawling arthropods from moving along a passageway from a location A to a location B, an arthropod deterring component is associated with a sheet. The sheet separates location A from location B and creates a vermin-impervious barrier therebetween. A route of travel of crawling arthropods from moving from location A to location B is impeded.

Abstract: A cargo door saver (10) having a first member (14A) connected at an approximate 45 degree downward angle to proximal end of a second member (14B) which is connected at distal end at an approximate 45 degree upward angle to a proximal end of a third member (14C). A holder (16) having a holder opening (16A) therethrough is securely attached to a face of the first member (14A). A distal end of a cargo bar (12) is removably insertable into the holder opening (16A). A “U-Shaped” clip (18) is securely attached to a face of the third member (14C). The clip (18) functions to attach the cargo door saver (10) to an E-Track which is attached along a side at the rear of a moving van.