Abstract: A method and system for last-meter parcel delivery in multi-unit dwellings are provided. The method includes receiving, at an agent coordinating back-end, parcel delivery information of a parcel to be delivered to a recipient by a courier service, determining one or more agents capable of receiving parcels for last-meter delivery to the recipient, and transmitting a delivery notification based on the parcel delivery information to one or more agent devices associated with the one or more agents. The method also includes receiving confirmation from an agent device that the delivery notification is accepted, transmitting, to the courier service, agent information for re-routing the parcel to the agent, receiving a confirmation from the agent device that the parcel is received by the agent, and receiving a confirmation from the agent device that last-meter delivery of the parcel to the recipient is performed.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprising a frame supported by a ground engaging device. A boom assembly is coupled to the frame. An attachment coupler is coupled to the boom assembly. An electronic data processor is communicatively coupled to a boom actuator, an attachment coupler actuator, a boom sensor, an attachment coupler sensor, and an operator input device. A computer readable storage medium comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive an operator input and for a tilt forward command, command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly to a frame contact position and then command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards a lower position. For a tilt rearward command, command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards an upper position and then command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly towards a raised position.

Abstract: A method of using a vacuum chamber to assist in detecting and removing moisture from an instrument having a lumen, e.g., an endoscope is disclosed. Second derivatives of pressure with respect to time are calculated and differences therebetween summed. These summations may be compared to a threshold value to determine whether residual moisture remains on the instrument in the chamber. The vacuum chamber may include a rack for hanging instruments having lumens, such as endoscopes.

Abstract: A downhole tool operable to connect within a downhole tool string. The downhole tool may include a first sub, a second sub, and a movable joint movably connecting the first sub and the second sub to facilitate relative angular movement between the first sub and the second sub. The downhole tool may be operable to connect together a first portion of the tool string and a second portion of the tool string and facilitate relative angular movement between the first portion of the tool string and the second portion of the tool string when the downhole tool is connected within the tool string.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a sterilization process with a sterilizing machine while a medical device is positioned in a sterilization chamber of the sterilizing machine. The method further includes monitoring one or more parameters (e.g., plasma power profile) of the sterilization process to detect whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device. Based on the monitoring, the method further includes determining whether alcohol is present on or in the medical device. If alcohol is determined to be present on or in the medical device, the method further includes initiating a routine to reduce or eliminate the alcohol on or in the medical device. If alcohol is not determined to be present on or in the medical device, the method further includes completing sterilization of the medical device. The medical device may include an endoscope such as a gastrointestinal endoscope.

Abstract: A gas-operated, fixed-volume, downhole setting tool includes a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The mandrel has a first end on the upper portion and a second end on the lower portion. The mandrel also includes an interior combustion chamber having a first end proximate to the first end of the mandrel and having an interior upper portion. The setting tool further includes a pressure bulkhead with a pressure igniter disposed in the mandrel at the first end of the mandrel in the interior upper portion of the mandrel. The pressure igniter is sealed to at least a first threshold pressure. The pressure bulkhead and pressure igniter form a seal on the first end of the mandrel and thereby define a fixed volume for combustion gases. Other settings tools and assemblies are presented.

Abstract: A method of using a vacuum chamber to assist in detecting and removing moisture from an instrument having a lumen, e.g., an endoscope is disclosed. Second derivatives of pressure with respect to time are calculated and differences therebetween summed. These summations may be compared to a threshold value to determine whether residual moisture remains on the instrument in the chamber. The vacuum chamber may include a rack for hanging instruments having lumens, such as endoscopes.

Abstract: A method of operating a sterilizer includes imaging a load of instruments to obtain an optical image and/or thermal image of the load, and selecting a sterilization cycle to be performed by the sterilizer based on one or more characteristics of the load determined from the image of the load. The characteristics may include the number of instruments, the presence of a diffusion-restricted space, the volume of the load, and the temperature of the load. The method may further include adjusting the sterilization cycle based on the characteristics of the load.

Abstract: A cleaning indicator including a substrate having an image upon it that can be interrogated to assist in monitoring a process for washing articles in a washing machine system. The image can be a printed image, which in turn is covered at least partially by a test soil to be removed by the washing process. Alternatively, the test soil can be formed into an image on the substrate. The cleaning indicator can be imaged before the start of a washing process to allow the washing process to proceed only if the appropriate image is observed. The cleaning indicator can be imaged during operation of the washing process, and when a criterion for cleanliness is met, the washing process can be automatically terminated. A washing system for using the cleaning indicator in an automated washing process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole tool operable to connect within a downhole tool string. The downhole tool may include a first sub, a second sub, and a movable joint movably connecting the first sub and the second sub to facilitate relative angular movement between the first sub and the second sub. The downhole tool may be operable to connect together a first portion of the tool string and a second portion of the tool string and facilitate relative angular movement between the first portion of the tool string and the second portion of the tool string when the downhole tool is connected within the tool string.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing medical instruments using a vacuum chamber connected to reservoir by a valve in a closed state is disclosed that includes placing instruments in a non-sterile state into a sterilization pack, opening a chamber, placing the pack into the chamber, closing the chamber, withdrawing a first volume of air from the chamber, changing a volume of liquid water into vapor, opening the valve, introducing sterilant into the chamber, introducing a second volume of air into the chamber, opening the chamber, removing the pack from the chamber, and removing the instruments in a sterile-state from the pack. The process may further include the steps of repeatedly determining pressure within the chamber, calculating second-derivative values of pressure with respect to time, and determining whether any local maxima exist in a plot of second derivative values that correspond to pressures above and/or below the triple-point pressure of water.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for running casing into a wellbore. An apparatus may be or include a casing collar configured to couple together a first casing joint and a second casing joint. The casing collar may have a body and a plurality of rotatable members connected to the body. The body may have a fluid passage extending axially therethrough, a first coupler configured to couple the casing collar with the first casing joint, and a second coupler configured to couple the casing collar with the second casing joint. At least a portion of each rotatable member may extend from the body in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for running casing into a wellbore. An apparatus may be or include a casing collar configured to couple together a first casing joint and a second casing joint. The casing collar may have a body and a plurality of rotatable members connected to the body. The body may have a fluid passage extending axially therethrough, a first coupler configured to couple the casing collar with the first casing joint, and a second coupler configured to couple the casing collar with the second casing joint. At least a portion of each rotatable member may extend from the body in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: A method of using a vacuum chamber to assist in detecting and removing moisture from an instrument having a lumen, e.g., an endoscope is disclosed. Second derivatives of pressure with respect to time are calculated and differences therebetween summed. These summations may be compared to a threshold value to determine whether residual moisture remains on the instrument in the chamber. The vacuum chamber may include a rack for hanging instruments having lumens, such as endoscopes.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing medical instruments using a vacuum chamber connected to reservoir by a valve in a closed state is disclosed that includes placing instruments in a non-sterile state into a sterilization pack, opening a chamber, placing the pack into the chamber, closing the chamber, withdrawing a first volume of air from the chamber, changing a volume of liquid water into vapor, opening the valve, introducing sterilant into the chamber, introducing a second volume of air into the chamber, opening the chamber, removing the pack from the chamber, and removing the instruments in a sterile-state from the pack. The process may further include the steps of repeatedly determining pressure within the chamber, calculating second-derivative values of pressure with respect to time, and determining whether any local maxima exist in a plot of second derivative values that correspond to pressures above and/or below the triple-point pressure of water.

Abstract: A method of using a vacuum chamber to assist in detecting moisture on an instrument, removing moisture from the instrument, and confirming dryness of the instrument is disclosed. The method may include the steps of opening a vacuum chamber; placing an instrument into the chamber, closing the chamber, withdrawing a first volume of air from the chamber; changing a volume of liquid water into vapor, introducing a second volume of air into the chamber, withdrawing the second volume of air from the chamber, changing a second volume of liquid water into vapor, introducing a third volume of air into the chamber, opening the chamber, and removing the instrument from the chamber in a dry state.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing medical instruments using a vacuum chamber connected to reservoir by a valve in a closed state is disclosed that includes placing instruments in a non-sterile state into a sterilization pack, opening a chamber, placing the pack into the chamber, closing the chamber, withdrawing a first volume of air from the chamber, changing a volume of liquid water into vapor, opening the valve, introducing sterilant into the chamber, introducing a second volume of air into the chamber, opening the chamber, removing the pack from the chamber, and removing the instruments in a sterile-state from the pack. The process may further include the steps of repeatedly determining pressure within the chamber, calculating second-derivative values of pressure with respect to time, and determining whether any local maxima exist in a plot of second derivative values that correspond to pressures above and/or below the triple-point pressure of water.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to volume expanders for use with endoscopes, particularly concerning low-pressure applications, such as sterilization. A volume expander may include an enclosure having a port and a wall including an outer surface and an inner surface, and a vent cap disposed proximate the port. The port may be a single port to which the vent cap is affixed. The volume expander permits gas within recesses of an endoscope to expand, but provides a barrier between the recesses of the endoscope and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A method of using a vacuum chamber to assist in detecting moisture on an instrument, removing moisture from the instrument, and confirming dryness of the instrument is disclosed. The method may include the steps of opening a vacuum chamber; placing an instrument into the chamber, closing the chamber, withdrawing a first volume of air from the chamber; changing a volume of liquid water into vapor, introducing a second volume of air into the chamber, withdrawing the second volume of air from the chamber, changing a second volume of liquid water into vapor, introducing a third volume of air into the chamber, opening the chamber, and removing the instrument from the chamber in a dry state.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing medical instruments using a vacuum chamber connected to reservoir by a valve in a closed state is disclosed that includes placing instruments in a non-sterile state into a sterilization pack, opening a chamber, placing the pack into the chamber, closing the chamber, withdrawing a first volume of air from the chamber, changing a volume of liquid water into vapor, opening the valve, introducing sterilant into the chamber, introducing a second volume of air into the chamber, opening the chamber, removing the pack from the chamber, and removing the instruments in a sterile-state from the pack. The process may further include the steps of repeatedly determining pressure within the chamber, calculating second-derivative values of pressure with respect to time, and determining whether any local maxima exist in a plot of second derivative values that correspond to pressures above and/or below the triple-point pressure of water.