Abstract: An embodiment of a coupling device is configured to be disposed in a borehole string in a borehole in a subterranean region. The coupling device includes a coupler body having a longitudinal axis, the coupler body including an elongated shaft extending along the longitudinal axis and configured to carry loads through the coupling device, a stiffness control device connected to the elongated shaft, the stiffness control device configured to adjust a bending stiffness of the coupler body, and an actuator configured to cause the stiffness control device to adjust the bending stiffness of the coupler body.

Abstract: A bending stiffness control system in a downhole drilling assembly includes a body configured to be connected to a downhole component of the downhole drilling assembly, the body having a longitudinal axis. The bending stiffness control system also includes a cavity disposed within the body and extending along the longitudinal axis, and a moveable element assembly including one or more moveable elements that are configured to move along the longitudinal axis, the moveable element assembly configured to control a bending stiffness of the body by reacting to a change in an inclination of the body and the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system and method for acoustically measuring a curved object are described. A flexible sheet is provided with an array of acoustic transducers. The flexible sheet is wrapped around the curved object such that the acoustic transducers acoustically contact the curved object. The acoustic transducers are used to generate and/or measure acoustic waves at variable locations depending on a shape of the curved object. Spatial coordinates of the acoustic transducers are determined while the flexible sheet is wrapped around the curved object. In particular, the spatial coordinates are determined based on respective subsets of travel times used to calculate respective wave directions of the acoustic waves arriving at respective subarrays from a common origin, e.g. scattering element inside the curved object.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting a vibration of a drill string in a borehole. The drill string is conveyed into the borehole, the drill string including an electrical machine, the electrical machine including a stator and a movable element, the movable element movable relative to the stator, the drill string is rotated in the borehole. A control circuit determines first amplitude of the vibration of the drill string by measuring a signal indicative of a movement of the movable element in the electrical machine due to rotation of the drill string and controls a downhole operation of the drill string based on the detected first amplitude of the vibration.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for determining optimal dosage regimens for therapeutic agents. In particular, the invention relates to dosage regimens for therapeutic agents capable of targeting IL-2 receptor, preferably interleukin 2 (IL2)-based therapeutic agents. The methods of the invention allow general dosage regimens to be determined for new IL-2R targeted therapeutic agents but also specifically tailored dosage regimens to be achieved for individuals being treated with IL-2R targeted therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A system for drilling a borehole into the earth's subsurface includes a drill bit configured to rotate and penetrate through the earth's subsurface, and a vibration isolation device configured to isolate vibration that is caused at the drill bit, the vibration having an amplitude. The amplitude of the vibration downhole of the vibration isolation device is at least 20% higher than the amplitude of the vibration uphole of the vibration isolation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to NMU-8 analogues that are neuromedin U receptor 2 (NMUR2) agonists, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and their use in therapy, particularly in the treatment or prevention of disease and/or condition associated with or modulated by NMUR2 activation such as obesity or obesity comorbidities.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method of assembly. A sleeve is moved along a longitudinal axis of a first sub to radially surround an inner mandrel of the first sub that extends along the longitudinal axis. A gap sub is moved along the longitudinal axis to be disposed around an extended section of the inner mandrel, wherein the gap sub includes nonconductive material. The gap sub is configured to electrically separate the first sub from a second sub of the downhole tool. A lock nut is fixedly connected to the inner mandrel to secure the gap sub against the sleeve.

Abstract: A downhole valve system for use in a borehole is disclosed. The downhole valve system includes a first downhole component formed of a brittle material, a second downhole component, and a connection member. The connection member formed from a shape memory material and includes: an outer surface including an outer diameter; an inner surface including an inner diameter, one of the outer and inner diameter modifiable by applying a stimulus to the shape memory material; and a connection feature, complimentary of a connection feature of the second downhole component, formed on one of the outer surface and the inner surface. The connection member secured to the first downhole component at a corresponding surface of the one of the inner and outer diameter and to the second downhole component via the first connection feature and the second connection feature to connect the second downhole component to the first downhole component.

Abstract: A device for generating pressure pulses includes a valve member disposed in a fluid passageway, the fluid passageway including a restriction, the valve member movable by an actuator relative to the restriction to generate a pressure pulse in a fluid in the fluid passageway based on varying a relative position between the valve member and the restriction and creating a differential pressure across the fluid passageway, the differential pressure applying a first force on the valve member. The device also includes a piston member in hydraulic communication with the differential pressure, the differential pressure applying a second force on the piston member, the piston member having a locomotive mechanical connection to the valve member.

Abstract: A drilling system configured to drill a borehole into a subsurface formation, including a steering device. The steering device is configured to convey a fluid supply through a valve to an outside surface of the steering device, wherein the fluid flow causes a steering force on the steering device. A method for drilling a borehole into a subsurface formation, including disposing a steering device in the borehole, rotating the steering device, urging a fluid to flow through a valve of the steering device to an outside surface of the steering device, wherein the fluid flow causes a steering force on the steering device.

Abstract: A downhole motor, having a body having an outside surface and a longitudinal extent, a first flow passage defined within the body and disposed along the longitudinal extent of the body, and a second flow passage extending from the first flow passage to a channel at the outside surface, wherein a Bernoulli suction force is created at the channel. A method for drilling a borehole, including directing a fluid through a first flow passage defined within a body of a drill and disposed along the longitudinal extent of the body, directing a portion of the fluid from the first flow passage through a second flow passage to a channel at an outside surface to create a Bernoulli suction force at the channel, and drilling a curved section of the borehole by using the Bernoulli suction force at the channel.

Abstract: A steering augmenter for a steering device of a drilling tool, including a body, a first flow passage in the body and configured to convey a fluid supply. a channel at the outside surface of the body, the channel being configured to produce a Bernoulli effect therein during fluid flow therein, a second flow passage fluidly connecting the first flow passage to the channel, and a valve associated with the second flow passage and configured to allow, prevent or choke flow through the second flow passage. A downhole drill bit assembly including a steering augmenter, the drill bit attached to the steering augmenter. A method for drilling a borehole into the earth, the method including conveying the steering device into the borehole, operating the valve to allow, prevent or choke flow through the second flow passage, creating a steering force at the steering augmenter by the produced Bernoulli effect.

Abstract: A football shoe or football boot including a sole, an upper, a fastener to fasten the shoe or boot in place, and a layer of material that in situ is disposed between the fastener and an underlying foot or hose. The layer of material includes a ball control region with an outer ball control surface contactable with a football during kicking. The ball control surface lies rearwardly of a foremost region of the layer of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a non-rotating section disposed along the drill string. The non-rotating section has a bore and at least one biasing member engaging an adjacent wall. A rotating section is disposed in the bore of the non-rotating section and a bearing is positioned between the rotating section and the non-rotating section. The apparatus also includes a relative rotation sensor that generates signals representative of a rotation of the rotating section relative to the non-rotating section, an orientation sensor that generates signals representative of an orientation of the non-rotating section relative to a selected frame of reference, and a controller in signal communication with the at least one relative rotation sensor and the at least one orientation sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a drill string section, a drive shaft disposed in the drill string section, a bearing assembly connected to the drive shaft, and an alignment assembly connecting the bearing assembly to the drill string section. The alignment assembly has a first alignment member and a second alignment member slidingly engaging one another to allow at least a portion of the bearing assembly to tilt relative to the drill string section. A related method includes the steps of positioning a drive shaft in a drill string section; connecting a bearing assembly to the drive shaft using the alignment assembly, the alignment assembly having a first alignment member and a second alignment member; and allowing at least a portion of the bearing assembly to tilt relative to the drill string section using the alignment assembly by having the first alignment member and the second alignment member slidingly engage one another.

Abstract: A football shoe or football boot includes a sole, and an upper including a throat region provided by flexible material of the upper, the throat region defining a boundary of the flexible material, with a canopy or tongue extending within the boundary, wherein the canopy or tongue includes a central portion and one or more protuberances disposed laterally of the central portion, the protuberances being formed of material added to material defining the canopy or tongue, wherein the central portion has none or a negligible amount of the added material forming the protuberances.

Abstract: A device for generating pressure pulses includes a valve member disposed in a fluid passageway, the fluid passageway including a restriction, the valve member movable by an actuator relative to the restriction to generate a pressure pulse in a fluid in the fluid passageway based on varying a relative position between the valve member and the restriction and creating a differential pressure across the fluid passageway, the differential pressure applying a first force on the valve member. The device also includes a piston member in hydraulic communication with the differential pressure, the differential pressure applying a second force on the piston member, the piston member having a locomotive mechanical connection to the valve member.

Abstract: A downhole assembly that includes tubulars rotationally coupled to one another. An interface is between adjacent tubulars that makes up at least a portion of the rotational coupling. Certain surfaces of adjacent tubulars come into contact with one another when adjacent tubulars are rotationally coupled; and which are defined as contact surfaces. Each contact surface is profiled with facets that are complementary to facets on a corresponding contact surface of an adjacent tubular. The profiling of the contact surfaces is such that when a contact surface is brought together with a corresponding contact surface; facets on the contact surface abut facets on the corresponding contact surface along planes that are oblique or parallel with an axis of the tubular. At least some of a rotational torque transmitted between adjacent tubulars occurs across the abutting facets.

Abstract: A football shoe or football boot includes a sole and an upper. The upper includes a central region and one or more protuberances at each side of the central region. The one or more protuberances on each side define a crest alongside the central region, such that the crests and the central region define a ball control region. The protuberances are formed by incorporation of fluid material with the upper, in direct contact with the upper.