Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well. A pumpable plug is used to urge bottom hole assemblies to a desired location in a well. The pumpable plug has a diameter greater than the maximum outer diameter of the casing in which the bottom hole assembly is to be located.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well. The tool has a packer assembly and a pumpable plug associated with the packer assembly. The pumpable plug has a diameter greater than the maximum outer diameter of the packer assembly. The pumpable plug may be pumped through a casing having a diameter larger than that for which the packer assembly is designed and will urge the packer assembly through the large diameter casing into a smaller diameter casing for which the packer assembly is designed.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The kit employs a lateral flow device that contains a membrane. A metering channel is formed in the membrane that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay. Such a metering channel is particularly effective for embodiments in which the test sample has a relatively low volume, such as less than about 100 microliters, in some embodiments from about 0.5 to about 25 microliters, and in some embodiments, from about 1 to about 10 microliters. For example, whole blood drops obtained from patients with a lancet typically have a volume of less than about 3 microliters. Despite their low volume, the present inventors have discovered that the blood drops may still be accurately analyzed for the presence of an analyte using lateral flow detection techniques.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow in an assay device that employs a membrane is provided. Specifically, one or more recessed regions are formed in the membrane by applying a solvent treatment thereto. The solvent treatment is selected based on its particular dissolving capacity for the material used to form the membrane. For example, an alcohol-based solvent, such as methanol, may be used as a solvent for nitrocellulose membranes. Upon contact with the solvent treatment, a recessed region is formed that may serve a variety of different functions relating to flow control. In one particular embodiment, the recessed region may function as a metering channel that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow in an assay device that employs a membrane is provided. Specifically, one or more recessed regions are formed in the membrane by applying a solvent treatment thereto. The solvent treatment is selected based on its particular dissolving capacity for the material used to form the membrane. For example, an alcohol-based solvent, such as methanol, may be used as a solvent for nitrocellulose membranes. Upon contact with the solvent treatment, a recessed region is formed that may serve a variety of different functions relating to flow control. In one particular embodiment, the recessed region may function as a metering channel that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow in an assay device that employs a membrane is provided. Specifically, one or more recessed regions are formed in the membrane by applying a solvent treatment thereto. The solvent treatment is selected based on its particular dissolving capacity for the material used to form the membrane. For example, an alcohol-based solvent, such as methanol, may be used as a solvent for nitrocellulose membranes. Upon contact with the solvent treatment, a recessed region is formed that may serve a variety of different functions relating to flow control. In one particular embodiment, the recessed region may function as a metering channel that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The kit employs a lateral flow device that contains a membrane. A metering channel is formed in the membrane that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay. Such a metering channel is particularly effective for embodiments in which the test sample has a relatively low volume, such as less than about 100 microliters, in some embodiments from about 0.5 to about 25 microliters, and in some embodiments, from about 1 to about 10 microliters. For example, whole blood drops obtained from patients with a lancet typically have a volume of less than about 3 microliters. Despite their low volume, the present inventors have discovered that the blood drops may still be accurately analyzed for the presence of an analyte using lateral flow detection techniques.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The kit employs a lateral flow device that contains a membrane. A metering channel is formed in the membrane that is capable of delivering a controlled volume of the test sample to a detection zone upon initiation of the assay. Such a metering channel is particularly effective for embodiments in which the test sample has a relatively low volume, such as less than about 100 microliters, in some embodiments less than about 25 microliters, and in some embodiments, less than about 10 microliters. For example, whole blood drops obtained from patients with a lancet from low-pain areas (due to reduced nerve endings than finger), such as the forearm, thigh, or other alternate sites, may have a volume of from about 0.1 to about 5 microliters. Despite their low volume, the present inventors have discovered that the blood drops may still be accurately analyzed for the presence of an analyte using lateral flow detection techniques.

Abstract: A system that employs transmission-based detection techniques to determine the presence or concentration of an analyte within a test sample is provided. Specifically, the optical detection system contains a chromatographic-based assay device that is positioned in the electromagnetic radiation path defined between an illumination source and detector. To enhance the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the system without significantly increasing costs, the distance between the illumination source and/or detector and the assay device is minimized. The illumination source and/or detector may also be positioned directly adjacent to the assay device. In addition, the system may be selectively controlled to reduce reliance on external optical components, such as optical filters or diffusers.

Abstract: A microfluidic assay device for determining the presence or absence of an analyte within a fluid test sample is provided. The present invention provides a technique for achieving continuous flow in a microfluidic device by using at least one input channel, an analysis zone, and a plurality of wicking channels disposed about the perimeter of the analysis zone. In one embodiment, for example, the wicking channels extend radially from the analysis zone. As a result of the particular configuration of the microfluidic device, an assay may performed in a “single step” without the need for active forces, such as a pressure source, electrokinetic force, etc., to induce flow of the fluid test sample through the device. Likewise, flow rate is controlled so that the dwell time of the fluid test sample within the analysis zone is long enough to allow for the desired reactions and/or detection.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample where the lateral flow assay device has a porous membrane in communication with a wicking pad. The porous membrane has a detection zone which has a chromophore configured to chemically react with an analyte or a secondary trigger or a reaction product from the analyte and a trigger generating reagent(s), to generate a visually detectible signal. Additional chrmophore zones may be located downstream from the first chrmophore zone to generate signals of varying color. Scavenging zones may be included between chromophore zones to attenuate the signal by reacting with the analyte without generating a visually detectable signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided wherein digital data representing content and associated license rights may copied to a storage medium, such as a removable storage medium, whereby the serial number of the copied-to storage medium is integrated into the licensing scheme utilized to secure the digital content. As a result, the digital content is pre-authenticated and bound to the copied-to storage medium, obviating the need to access a network or other location for access to the protected content.

Abstract: A computed tomography (“CT”) gantry cooling system including a gantry housing defining a gantry chamber, wherein the gantry housing includes a lower portion, an upper portion, and a gantry cover disposed adjacent to the upper portion of the gantry housing. The CT gantry cooling system also including a fan disposed within the gantry cover of the gantry housing, wherein the fan is operable for forcing cooling air into the gantry chamber and creating a positive pressure within the gantry chamber. The CT gantry cooling system further including a vent disposed within the gantry cover of the gantry housing, wherein the vent is operable for exhausting heated air from the gantry chamber.

Abstract: A computed tomography (“CT”) gantry cooling system including a gantry housing defining a gantry chamber, wherein the gantry housing includes a lower portion, an upper portion, and a gantry cover disposed adjacent to the upper portion of the gantry housing. The CT gantry cooling system also including a fan disposed within the gantry cover of the gantry housing, wherein the fan is operable for forcing cooling air into the gantry chamber and creating a positive pressure within the gantry chamber. The CT gantry cooling system further including a vent disposed within the gantry cover of the gantry housing, wherein the vent is operable for exhausting heated air from the gantry chamber.

Abstract: A flow-through assay device capable of detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte of interest is provided. The device is in communication with an electrochemical biosensor that utilizes detection and calibration working electrodes that communicate with affinity reagents, such as redox mediators and capture ligands. For instance, capture ligands that are specific binding members for the analyte of interest may be applied to the detection electrode to serve as the primary location for detection of the analyte. The calibration working electrode may be used to calibrate the detection working electrode for any intrinsic background current not generated by the reagents of the biosensor system. Moreover, capture ligands that are non-specific binding members for the analyte of interest may also be applied to the calibration electrode.

Abstract: A system and method are provided wherein digital data representing content and associated license rights may copied to a storage medium, such as a removable storage medium, whereby the serial number of the copied-to storage medium is integrated into the licensing scheme utilized to secure the digital content. As a result, the digital content is pre-authenticated and bound to the copied-to storage medium, obviating the need to access a network or other location for access to the protected content.

Abstract: A method and system are provided wherein captured digital data from an application rendering digital data on a client computing device or downloaded thereto is converted into a secure (encrypted) digital format. Then, certain digital rights are applied to the digital data, such as the right to play and listen to the file x number of times, for a set period of time, unlimited play rights on that computer, the right to transfer to a portable device, or other like license limitations. This technique can build on existing architectures such as a system using the Total Recorder product. Thus, in connection with storage of captured digital data, the present invention converts the file into a secure format and applies DRM rules to the file depending upon the nature of the content and/or default rules for downloading or recording content. One may purchase additional rights to the digital data as well.

Abstract: A method and system are provided wherein captured digital data from an application rendering digital data on a client computing device or downloaded thereto is converted into a secure (encrypted) digital format. Then, certain digital rights are applied to the digital data, such as the right to play and listen to the file x number of times, for a set period of time, unlimited play rights on that computer, the right to transfer to a portable device, or other like license limitations. This technique can build on existing architectures such as a system using the Total Recorder product. Thus, in connection with storage of captured digital data, the present invention converts the file into a secure format and applies DRM rules to the file depending upon the nature of the content and/or default rules for downloading or recording content. One may purchase additional rights to the digital data as well.

Abstract: A disk cartridge has a hub with an inner ring that engages an annular groove in a drive motor. The hub can be constructed of either one piece or two pieces of joined sheet metal. In either embodiment, the hub has an outer peripheral edge that has an angled surface. The hub can be attached to the medium via adhesive or mechanically by way of a retainer.