Abstract: The invention relates particularly to methods and apparatuses for characterizing water-in-oil or invert emulsion fluids for use in drilling well bores in hydro-carbon bearing subterranean formations. A fluid stability measurement method is described. The method includes placing a sample of an emulsion in a gap between electrodes, disturbing the sample, measuring the electrical stability of the sample, and establishing a relationship between electrical stability and time since the sample was disturbed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a fracturing operation using a wellbore fracturing assembly. The assembly may be mechanically set and released from a wellbore using a coiled tubing string to conduct a fracturing operation adjacent an area of interest in a formation. The assembly may include an unloader for equalizing pressure between the assembly and the wellbore, a pair of spaced apart packers for straddling the area of interest, an injection port disposed between the packers for injecting fracturing fluid into the area of interest, and an anchor for securing the assembly in the wellbore. After conducting the fracturing operation, the assembly may be relocated to another area of interest to conduct another fracturing operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing drilling fluids laden with LCM (Lost Circulation Material) and other solid materials are disclosed. A test cell for analyzing a fluid is provided with a first conical inner portion and an axial positioning device positioned along an axis of the test cell. A first conical plug is coupled to the axial positioning device and is movable in and out of the first conical inner portion along the axis of the test cell. A fluid inlet is positioned at a first location on the test cell and a fluid outlet at a second location.

Abstract: The invention relates particularly to methods and apparatuses for characterizing water-in-oil or invert emulsion fluids for use in drilling well bores in hydro-carbon bearing subterranean formations. A fluid stability measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises a reference electrode and a second electrode coupled to an insulating body. A guard electrode is placed in the path between the reference electrode and the second electrode on the surface of the insulating body.

Abstract: The invention relates particularly to methods and apparatuses for characterizing water-in-oil or invert emulsion fluids for use in drilling well bores in hydro-carbon bearing subterranean formations. A fluid stability measurement method is described. The method includes placing a sample of an emulsion in a gap between electrodes, disturbing the sample, measuring the electrical stability of the sample, and establishing a relationship between electrical stability and time since the sample was disturbed.

Abstract: A tool for installing various configurations of electrical boxes to framing studs during building construction includes a staff having graduations indicating distances from an end of the staff. A mounting fixture is slidably disposed on the staff and can be secured at a desired position along the length of the staff corresponding to a desired installation height for the electrical boxes. The mounting fixture may include pins for engaging apertures on an electrical box, and magnets for magnetically engaging metal electrical boxes, to help retain the electrical boxes on the mounting fixture during installation.

Abstract: Mattress and home furnishing items are made open flame resistant by a fire barrier fabric that includes chlorine-free rayon fiber. The fire barrier fabric at least partially encloses the core of the open flame resistant mattress or home furnishing item. When tested in accordance with the flame resistance test protocols of NFPA 267 or ASTM E 1590, the mattress has a maximum heat release rate of less than 250 kW and a total energy release of less than 40 MJ in the first five minutes of the test. The home furnishing items may be tested under test protocols such as California Technical Bulletin #604 or #117. TEQ of the products of the combustion of chlorine-free fibers, yarns and fabrics is less than or equal to 2 nanograms.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument controller is constructed by fixing sensors and transducers to sections of a chair, allowing a user to map motion of body, arms, head, hands, fingers, and feet to parameters of a musical instrument such as a hardware or software electronic music synthesizer. The mapping may take place over MIDI, control voltage, computer connection, or other means of interfacing.

Abstract: A seat back video display assembly adapted to be positioned in the back of a vehicle seat having an outer skin cover. In one aspect, the assembly may comprise a receptacle member having sidewalls and a back wall so as to define an opening wherein the receptacle member is adapted to be positioned in the back of the vehicle seat. In addition, the assembly may further comprise a carrier member having sidewalls and a back wall so as to define an opening, wherein the carrier member includes at least one fastener that extends from the back wall of the carrier member and engages with the back wall of the receptacle member to secure the carrier member into the receptacle member. Moreover, the assembly may still further comprise a video display unit that is sized so as to be positioned secured within the opening in the carrier member, wherein the video display unit provides video signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of selecting receiving pairs from a set of at least three receivers that may be used to localize an emitter. This involves identifying the set of at least three receivers to be used to localize the emitter. An isochron may be developed for each receiver pair wherein each isochron has a finite width. The intersection of two isochrons creates an uncertainty parallelogram. When the intersection of two isochrones is substantially orthogonal or subtends a relatively large angle, uncertainty based on the intersection angle is minimized and uncertainty becomes primarily a function of isochron width. To determine acceptable or best receiver pairs to be used, the intersections of each isochron pair may be analyzed. The uncertainty parallelograms and intersection angles are compared for each pair of intersecting isochrons. Then, receiver pairs that produced the isochrons that result in a reduced or compact uncertainty parallelogram may be selected.

Abstract: A method for forming water resistant and breathable handwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing an outer shell, a liner that inhibits the transfer of heat from a user's hand, and a water resistant and breathable insert; applying a heat activated adhesive to a finger portion of the outer shell and the liner; assembling the outer shell, insert, and liner; and curing or activating the heat activated adhesive to form a bond between the layers. Water resistant handwear made through the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat back video display assembly adapted to be positioned in the back of a vehicle seat having an outer skin cover. In one aspect, the assembly may comprise a receptacle member having sidewalls and a back wall so as to define an opening wherein the receptacle member is adapted to be positioned in the back of the vehicle seat. In addition, the assembly may further comprise a carrier member having sidewalls and a back wall so as to define an opening, wherein the carrier member includes at least one fastener that extends from the back wall of the carrier member and engages with the back wall of the receptacle member to secure the carrier member into the receptacle member. Moreover, the assembly may still further comprise a video display unit that is sized so as to be positioned secured within the opening in the carrier member, wherein the video display unit provides video signals.

Abstract: The invention relates particularly to methods and apparatuses for characterizing water-in-oil or invert emulsion fluids for use in drilling well bores in hydro-carbon bearing subterranean formations. A fluid stability measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises a reference electrode and a second electrode coupled to an insulating body. A guard electrode is placed in the path between the reference electrode and the second electrode on the surface of the insulating body.

Abstract: A right angle driving apparatus capable of operable attachment to a powered rotational drive device such as a drill, the driving apparatus being generally comprised of a worm gear drive encased within a unique block-shaped housing. The subject driving apparatus may be employed to transmit power at high velocity ratios between a shaft that is driven by the drill to a wheel having an axis of rotation perpendicular to that of the shaft. The worm gear drive may be used as a speed increaser but is preferably used as a speed reducer in which the worm is the driver and the wheel is the driven member. The worm wheel is slidably mounted on a cylindrical hub adapted to receive in either end a variety of driving tools such as sockets and screwdriver blades used to rotate fasteners. The worm wheel is driven by a worm attached to a drive shaft the journaled end of which may be adapted to receive driving tools as well to permit direct driving of tools in addition to right angle driving.

Abstract: Scoring functions can be markedly improved by taking into account the status environs of ligand rings (or indeed other bulky rigid ligand structures) on the ligand when the ligand is complexed with the receptor. In its most general form, the invention features, quantifying a particular component of binding affinity between a ligand and a receptor molecule. Specifically, the component in question takes into account the spatial relationship between ligand ring structure(s) (or bulky rigid ligand structures) and their ambient surroundings when the ligand is bound to the receptor molecule. The method steps may be used when quantifying a component that reflects these particular ligand features alone, or the steps may be part of a comprehensive method of quantifying binding affinity which includes numerous other factors that relate to binding affinity in addition to the component.

Abstract: A tool for installing various configurations of electrical boxes to framing studs during building construction includes a staff having graduations indicating distances from an end of the staff. A mounting fixture is slidably disposed on the staff and can be secured at a desired position along the length of the staff corresponding to a desired installation height for the electrical boxes. The mounting fixture may include pins for engaging apertures on an electrical box, and magnets for magnetically engaging metal electrical boxes, to help retain the electrical boxes on the mounting fixture during installation.

Abstract: A system and method for persistently providing at least one status notification regarding a device component or application on an electronic system or device is provided. A selectable status notification icon (status gadget) is assigned for each of a number of applications and/or components for which status is monitored, each status notification icon reflecting changes in the monitored status. The status gadgets are persistently displayed in a user interface on the display screen of the electronic system or device. A contextual dialog is also displayed when a status gadget is selected.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a server monitors a network for a startup message from a client computer as appropriate. The server may include a computer application that generates configuration instructions in response to commands from an administrator and/or information obtained from a client computer. The instructions may be in the form of scripts, data, objects, or the like. The instructions may be passed to the client computer, which may execute various administrative functions as directed. In exemplary embodiments, the instructions may command direct placement, verification and/or replacement of files, directory entries, BIOS attributes or other characteristics of the client computer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for flow testing multiple zones in a single trip. In one embodiment, a method of flow testing multiple zones in a wellbore includes lowering a tool string into the wellbore. The tool string includes an inflatable packer or plug and an electric pump. The method further includes operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a first zone from one or more other zones; monitoring flow from the first zone; deflating the packer or plug; moving the tool string in the wellbore; and operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a second zone from one or more other zones; and monitoring flow from the second zone. The zones are monitored in one trip.

Abstract: A seat back video display assembly adapted to be positioned in the back of a vehicle seat having an outer skin cover. In one aspect, the assembly may comprise a receptacle member having sidewalls and a back wall so as to define an opening wherein the receptacle member is adapted to be positioned in the back of the vehicle seat. In addition, the assembly may further comprise a carrier member having sidewalls and a back wall so as to define an opening, wherein the carrier member includes at least one fastener that extends from the back wall of the carrier member and engages with the back wall of the receptacle member to secure the carrier member into the receptacle member. Moreover, the assembly may still further comprise a video display unit that is sized so as to be positioned secured within the opening in the carrier member, wherein the video display unit provides video signals.