Abstract: An embodiment consistent with the present invention is a high strength proppant comprising an electrofused pellet. In another embodiment, a high strength proppant comprises a substantially solid and substantially spherical pellet produced by electrofusion of at least one metal oxide. A method of making a proppant is also provided, with that method comprising melting at least one metal oxide in an electrical arc furnace, pouring the molten metal oxide to create a pour stream, and separating the pour stream to form at least one electrofused pellet. A method of fracturing subterranean formations is also provided, with that method comprising injecting a fluid containing at least one electrofused pellet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and systems for managing gas cylinders by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. In one embodiment, each gas cylinder includes a RFID transponder configured to transmit a RFID signal. The RFID signal may include an identifier for the gas cylinder, as well as data such as gas pressure, temperature, flow rate, battery level, etc. The RFID signals are received by RFID receivers, and are transmitted to a server (e.g., via a computer network). In one embodiment, the gas cylinder data received by the server is collected in a database, and thereafter used by a gas cylinder management software application. The gas cylinder management application performs tasks including selectively generating alarms, locating specific gas cylinders, and replenishment of gas supplies.

Abstract: This invention uses a flexible gauge to digitize an analogue signal from a mechanical gauge. In particular, this invention uses a flexible gauge to digitize an analogue signal from a mechanical pressure gauge. More particularly, this invention uses a flexible gauge to digitize an a analogue signal from a mechanical pressure gauge that uses a Bourdon tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, article of manufacture, and system of detecting a cryogenic leak. In one embodiment, the method includes calibrating an infrared camera by detecting one or more first areas of low temperature in a first infrared image of a location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature is lower than an ambient temperature, detecting one or more second areas of low temperature in a second infrared image of the location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature in the second infrared image is lower than the ambient temperature and indicative of the cryogenic leak, and wherein the one or more second areas are not the one or more first areas, and in response to detecting the one or more second areas of low temperature in the second infrared image, generating an alarm message which indicates the cryogenic leak.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and systems for managing gas cylinders by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. In one embodiment, each gas cylinder includes a RFID transponder configured to transmit a RFID signal. The RFID signal may include an identifier for the gas cylinder, as well as data such as gas pressure, temperature, flow rate, battery level, etc. The RFID signals are received by RFID receivers, and are transmitted to a server (e.g., via a computer network). In one embodiment, the gas cylinder data received by the server is collected in a database, and thereafter used by a gas cylinder management software application. The gas cylinder management application performs tasks including selectively generating alarms, locating specific gas cylinders, and replenishment of gas supplies.

Abstract: A sintered rod-shaped proppant and anti-flowback agent possesses high strength and high conductivity. The sintered rods comprise between about 0.2% by weight and about 4% by weight aluminum titanate. In some embodiments, the sintered rods are made by mixing bauxitic and non-bauxitic sources of alumina that may also contain several so-called impurities (such as TiO2), extruding the mixture, and sintering it. A fracturing fluid may comprise the sintered rods alone or in combination with a proppant, preferably a proppant of a different shape.

Abstract: A sintered rod-shaped proppant and anti-flowback agent possesses high strength and high conductivity. The sintered rods comprise between about 0.2% by weight and about 4% by weight aluminum titanate. In some embodiments, the sintered rods are made by mixing bauxitic and non-bauxitic sources of alumina that may also contain several so-called impurities (such as TiO2), extruding the mixture, and sintering it. The starting material may optionally be milled to achieve better compacity and crush resistance in the final sintered rod. A fracturing fluid may comprise the sintered rods alone or in combination with a proppant, preferably a proppant of a different shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for holographic control and monitoring of processing devices. Operator control of a processing device is indicated by interaction with a holographic image. The holographic image is generated, and the operator interaction is detected, by a holographic control system. The holographic control system is sealed to prevent explosions, corrosion, and contamination resulting from contact with external substances.

Abstract: An embodiment consistent with the present invention is a high strength proppant comprising an electrofused pellet. In another embodiment, a high strength proppant comprises a substantially solid and substantially spherical pellet produced by electrofusion of at least one metal oxide. A method of making a proppant is also provided, with that method comprising melting at least one metal oxide in an electrical arc furnace, pouring the molten metal oxide to create a pour stream, and separating the pour stream to form at least one electrofused pellet. A method of fracturing subterranean formations is also provided, with that method comprising injecting a fluid containing at least one electrofused pellet.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for reading information from a signal-emitting device, such as a wireless identification tag. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an electronic reading device mounted to a body-worn harness adapted to be worn on a body of a user. The method further includes detecting a predefined physical configuration assumed by at least a portion of the body by determining that a pressure value measured via a pressure sensor connected to the body-worn harness is above a threshold pressure value. In response to detecting the predefined physical configuration, the electronic reading device is activated. Upon being activated, the electronic reading device is configured to receive a signal from the signal-emitting device, the signal containing data pertaining to a physical object associated with the signal-emitting device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for determining the state of content contained within a vessel. Embodiments of the invention provide passive status indicators which change state relative to the lifetime of the content contained within the vessel. In one embodiment the status indicator may be a layered adhesive structure attached to the vessel which changes visibly over time relative to the lifetime of the fluid contained within the vessel. For example, the layered structure may change its color with time. In another embodiment, the status indicator may be an electronic timer attached to the vessel and to at least one of a plurality of indicators. The electronic timer may be configured to notify the user or users of the compressed fluid of the age of the compressed gas via the indicators.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, article of manufacture and apparatus for controlling production of hydrogen. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring an amount of hydrogen present at a first point in a hydrogen production process using a palladium-based hydrogen sensor, measuring one or more first production process variables for the hydrogen production process using an additional sensor, inputting the amount of hydrogen and the one or more additional production process variables into a process controller, and modifying one or more second production process variables for the hydrogen production process using a process control system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, article of manufacture, and system of detecting a cryogenic leak. In one embodiment, the method includes calibrating an infrared camera by detecting one or more first areas of low temperature in a first infrared image of a location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature is lower than an ambient temperature, detecting one or more second areas of low temperature in a second infrared image of the location received from the infrared camera wherein the low temperature in the second infrared image is lower than the ambient temperature and indicative of the cryogenic leak, and wherein the one or more second areas are not the one or more first areas, and in response to detecting the one or more second areas of low temperature in the second infrared image, generating an alarm message which indicates the cryogenic leak.