Abstract: Certain configurations are described herein of a fluid handling apparatus that comprises a projector configured to provide an image of labware onto a support. The provided image can be used to guide alignment of the labware onto the support. The system can be configured to determine if the labware has been properly placed prior to beginning any fluid handling operations.

Abstract: Certain configurations are described herein of a fluid handling apparatus that comprises a projector configured to provide an image of labware onto a support. The provided image can be used to assist a user in proper placement of the labware onto the support. The system can be configured to determine if the labware has been properly placed prior to beginning any fluid handling operations.

Abstract: An improved method for verifying the authenticity and ownership of valuable items. A valuable item is identified. The valuable item includes valuable item information data, which is information relating to the authenticity of the valuable item and information relating to the ownership of the valuable item. A server computer is acquired. The server computer is programmed to receive communication from a website administrator and website members. A website administrator computer is acquired. The website administrator computer is connected via the Internet to the server computer. The website administrator computer is programmed to communicate with a blockchain website for the purpose of purchasing blockchain tokens from the blockchain website. An administrative digital wallet is created and the administrative digital wallet receives, holds and transfers the tokens. A member computer is acquired. The member computer is connected via the Internet to the server computer.

Abstract: An instrumented wiper dart configurable at the wellsite comprising any combination of a sealing member, a sensor sub, an electronics package, and a communication system; wherein the sealing member is cylindrical in shape, releasably coupled to the wiper assembly, and configured to sealingly engage the inner surface of a workstring. The sensor sub is release releasably coupled to the wiper assembly, and includes one or more sensors to measure a property of the wellbore environment. The electronics package is releasably coupled to the wiper assembly, configured to receive one or more data sets from the sensor sub, and transmit one or more data sets to the communication sub. The communication sub is configured to transmit the one or more data sets; and wherein the instrumented wiper plug is displaced down the workstring in response to a volume of fluid pumped from surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for reconstructing a file hierarchy by scanning attributes of stored files. Stored files can have a file hierarchy that is maintained in a database stored on a storage device. The files can be stored as objects on the device using a flat file structure. The file database provides the file hierarchy. The systems and methods disclosed herein store information in file system extended attributes for individual storage files such that the database can be reconstructed by scanning the storage files, using values in the extended attributes to recreate the hierarchical database.

Abstract: A planter edging system comprising a set of edging panels arranged for end-to-end engagement to form at least part of a boundary of a planting area. Each edging panel comprises: a planter wall having an inner surface exposed to contents of the planting area, in use, the inner surface having a pair of longitudinal edges connected by side edges; and a respective end flange extending along each side edge of the inner surface of the planter wall, each end flange defining an outwardly-directed mating face arranged to engage a corresponding mating face of an adjacent edging panel, each mating face including multiple locking apertures.

Abstract: An instrumented wiper dart configurable at the wellsite comprising any combination of a sealing member, a sensor sub, an electronics package, and a communication system; wherein the sealing member is cylindrical in shape, releasably coupled to the wiper assembly, and configured to sealingly engage the inner surface of a workstring. The sensor sub is release releasably coupled to the wiper assembly, and includes one or more sensors to measure a property of the wellbore environment. The electronics package is releasably coupled to the wiper assembly, configured to receive one or more data sets from the sensor sub, and transmit one or more data sets to the communication sub. The communication sub is configured to transmit the one or more data sets; and wherein the instrumented wiper plug is displaced down the workstring in response to a volume of fluid pumped from surface.

Abstract: Certain configurations are described herein of a fluid handling apparatus that comprises a projector configured to provide an image of labware onto a support. The provided image can be used to assist a user in proper placement of the labware onto the support. The system can be configured to determine if the labware has been properly placed prior to beginning any fluid handling operations.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprises a casing string with a frangible disk positioned therein. A flow barrier is connected in the casing string and spaced downwardly from the frangible disk. The frangible disk and the flow barrier define a buoyancy chamber. The sliding sleeve will impact and shatter the frangible disk into a plurality of pieces that will pass downwardly in the casing after the casing has been lowered to a desired depth.

Abstract: Side underride collision guards configured to be incorporated beneath the cargo containment structures of large powered or unpowered vehicles are described. These collision guards are designed to absorb the force and kinetic energy of a lateral impact from a striking vehicle in an efficient manner. The guards disclosed are suited for incorporation into those vehicles with an elevated side structure, regardless if those vehicles are equipped with or without a sliding rear axle or axles. The guards comprise at least one impact force resisting structure per vehicle side, typically wire rope, oriented axially and mounted at or near each outboard side of the vehicle. The wire rope is attached to a plurality of support members connecting the linear structures to supporting members of the vehicle.

Abstract: A buoyancy assist tool has an outer case and a rupture disk connected in the outer case. A sleeve is disposed in the outer case and movable from first to second position in the outer case. A rupture disk membrane of a rupture disk prevents the sleeve from moving to the second position prior to the rupture disk membrane rupturing. The outer case is configured to be connected in a well casing. A lock ring holds the sleeve in the first position.

Abstract: A buoyancy assist tool has an outer case and a sleeve disposed in the outer case. The sleeve is movable from first to second positions in the outer case. A permeable membrane is attached to the movable sleeve at a lower end thereof. A rupture disk is mounted in the outer case. Fluid flow through the permeable membrane detaches the sleeve from the outer case and moves the sleeve from the first to the second position. In the second position, the sleeve creates an open bore for the passage of downhole tools therethrough.

Abstract: Side underride collision guards configured to be incorporated beneath the cargo containment structures of large powered or unpowered vehicles are described. These collision guards are designed to absorb the force and kinetic energy of a lateral impact from a striking vehicle in an efficient manner. The guards disclosed are suited for incorporation into those vehicles with an elevated side structure, regardless if those vehicles are equipped with or without a sliding rear axle or axles. The guards comprise at least one impact force resisting structure per vehicle side, typically wire rope, oriented axially and mounted at or near each outboard side of the vehicle. The wire rope is attached to a plurality of support members connecting the linear structures to supporting members of the vehicle.

Abstract: A packer assembly and valve assembly without special or custom threads are used to provide a threadless float assembly. A packer assembly with inserts disposed in slip wedges is set by applying compressive forces using a setting tool. A valve assembly may be positioned during setting of the packer assembly between a holder and a setting tool insert end or may be positioned abutting a spacer after setting of the packer assembly. A setting tool and a plunger along with a pump are used to apply compressive forces on the packer assembly to set the packer assembly without requiring that the packer assembly or the valve assembly have special threading as the inserts, holder and spacer maintain the components in a stationary position.

Abstract: A buoyancy assist tool has an outer case with a rupture disk assembly connected therein. The buoyancy assist tool defines the upper end of a buoyancy chamber in a well casing. A sleeve in the outer case traps the rupture disk membrane after it has ruptured to provide full bore flow through the casing.

Abstract: Depth cameras may be placed within an elevator car hoistway to capture depth images of the elevator rope. 3D sensing software may be used to identify the rope within the depth images and assign tracking points to locations along the rope. Tracked images are saved over time and compared to prior tracked images to determine the movement of tracked points between images. Movement of tracked points may be used to determine the velocity, acceleration, frequency of wave motion, and other characteristics of the rope during a period of time. When measured characteristics exceed specified thresholds, the system may take one or more actions to mitigate the undesirable behavior or provide notification of the undesirable behavior.

Abstract: A buoyancy assist tool has an outer case and a sleeve disposed in the outer case. The sleeve is movable from first to second positions in the outer case. A permeable membrane is attached to the movable sleeve at a lower end thereof. A rupture disk is mounted in the outer case. Fluid flow through the permeable membrane detaches the sleeve from the outer case and moves the sleeve from the first to the second position. In the second position, the sleeve creates an open bore for the passage of downhole tools therethrough.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprises a casing string with a frangible disk positioned therein. A flow barrier is connected in the casing string and spaced downwardly from the frangible disk. The frangible disk and the flow barrier define a buoyancy chamber. The sliding sleeve will impact and shatter the frangible disk into a plurality of pieces that will pass downwardly in the casing after the casing has been lowered to a desired depth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to additives for coal-fired furnaces, particularly furnaces using a layer of slag to capture coal particles for combustion. The additive(s) include iron, mineralizer(s), handling aid(s), flow aid(s), and/or abrasive material(s). The iron and mineralizers can lower the melting temperature of ash in low-iron, high alkali coals, leading to improved furnace performance.

Abstract: A buoyancy assist tool has an outer case and a rupture disk connected in the outer case. A sleeve is disposed in the outer case and movable from first to second position in the outer case. A rupture disk membrane of a rupture disk prevents the sleeve from moving to the second position prior to the rupture disk membrane rupturing. The outer case is configured to be connected in a well casing.