Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of an alpha-amylase having improved stability to chelating agents relative to its parent enzyme, compositions comprising the variants, nucleic acids encoding the variants, methods of producing the variants, and methods for using the variants.

Abstract: Binaries configured for execution within respective computing environments may be disassembled into architecture-specific intermediate (AIL) representations. The AIL representations may be converted into canonical intermediate language (CIL) representations. The CIL representations may comprise normalized, architecture-independent code configured to characterize functionality of respective components of a binary (e.g., respective functions or the like). Feature vectors may be extracted from the CIL representations. The feature vectors may be used to identify components of respective binaries, assign security classifications to the binaries, and/or the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sanitization of liquid solutions and food products are provided. In some embodiments, methods are provided for treating a food product or food product preparation or packaging surface to reduce microbial content, comprising contacting the food product or food product preparation or packaging surface with a chlorinated nanobubble solution comprising electrolyzed water. In some embodiments, methods are provided for reducing the growth of bacteria and reversing the growth of biofilm in a water system, comprising chlorinating source water and passing the chlorinated source water through a low zeta potential crystal generator. In some embodiments, methods are provided for purifying water, comprising chlorinating the water and passing the chlorinated water through a low zeta potential crystal generator.

Abstract: A vehicle speed and/or slip of a vehicle is determined. At least first and second images of a traveling surface captured by an image sensor using an optical lens are received by a processor. The images are used to determine the distance travelled by one or more pixels in first and second directions. These distances, along with the sampling rate of the image sensor, determine pixel speed in the first and second directions. The pixel speeds in the first direction, the second direction, or both, may be used to calculate the vehicle speed, a side slip angle, or a longitudinal slip. A tire speed may also be similarly determined using a second image sensor, a second optical lens, and a second processor capturing images of the tire surface. These vehicle parameters may be used for testing or operating the vehicle, including modifying vehicle behavior during operation.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid control device includes a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a throat disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The valve body defines a longitudinal axis. A valve seat is disposed in the throat and includes a sloped surface. A seat support is disposed in the throat and is adjacent to the valve seat. The seat support includes a sloped surface adjacent to the sloped surface of the valve seat. A control element is disposed in the valve body and includes a stem and a seating surface. The control element is movable between an open position, in which the seating surface is spaced away from the valve seat, and a closed position, in which the seating surface engages the valve seat. The sloped surface of the seat support provides a rigid support to the valve seat to resist deformation of the valve seat.

Abstract: Binaries configured for execution within respective computing environments may be disassembled into architecture-specific intermediate (AIL) representations. The AIL representations may be converted into canonical intermediate language (CIL) representations. The CIL representations may comprise normalized, architecture-independent code configured to characterize functionality of respective components of a binary (e.g., respective functions or the like). Feature vectors may be extracted from the CIL representations. The feature vectors may be used to identify components of respective binaries, assign security classifications to the binaries, and/or the like.

Abstract: A monolithic double diffractive kinoform doublet and a method for making such optical element is disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical element includes a first lens and a second lens. The first lens has a first refractive index. The first lens also has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is a continuous, potentially flat surface for optical radiation to enter. The second lens has a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. The second lens has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is in contact with the second surface of the first lens. The optical element has a peak diffraction efficiency at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sanitization of liquid solutions and food products are provided. In some embodiments, methods are provided for treating a food product or food product preparation or packaging surface to reduce microbial content, comprising contacting the food product or food product preparation or packaging surface with a chlorinated nanobubble solution comprising electrolyzed water. In some embodiments, methods are provided for reducing the growth of bacteria and reversing the growth of biofilm in a water system, comprising chlorinating source water and passing the chlorinated source water through a low zeta potential crystal generator. In some embodiments, methods are provided for purifying water, comprising chlorinating the water and passing the chlorinated water through a low zeta potential crystal generator.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid control device includes a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a throat disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The valve body defines a longitudinal axis. A valve seat is disposed in the throat and includes a sloped surface. A seat support is disposed in the throat and is adjacent to the valve seat. The seat support includes a sloped surface adjacent to the sloped surface of the valve seat. A control element is disposed in the valve body and includes a stem and a seating surface. The control element is movable between an open position, in which the seating surface is spaced away from the valve seat, and a closed position, in which the seating surface engages the valve seat. The sloped surface of the seat support provides a rigid support to the valve seat to resist deformation of the valve seat.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sanitization of liquid solutions and food products are provided. In some embodiments, methods are provided for treating a food product or food product preparation or packaging surface to reduce microbial content, comprising contacting the food product or food product preparation or packaging surface with a chlorinated nanobubble solution comprising electrolyzed water. In some embodiments, methods are provided for reducing the growth of bacteria and reversing the growth of biofilm in a water system, comprising chlorinating source water and passing the chlorinated source water through a low zeta potential crystal generator. In some embodiments, methods are provided for purifying water, comprising chlorinating the water and passing the chlorinated water through a low zeta potential crystal generator.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift apparatus for operating a downhole pump features a hydraulic linear actuator with a piston longitudinally slidable on a central axis of a rotatable portion of a housing. An anti-rotation rod runs longitudinally through the piston at a position radially offset outwardly from the central axis to prevent rotation between the piston and housing. A stationary motor powers a drive train whose output is connected to the rotatable portion of the housing and centered on the central axis. The actuator is one-way actuator with a hydraulically driven upstroke. A leak detection passage extends through the piston to collect fluid that has leaked across the piston seals and convey it to a leak detection port and associated containment tank. A position sensor for monitoring the piston movement features a sensing rod depending downwardly into a hollow piston shaft carried by the piston and connected to the pump rod.

Abstract: A monolithic double diffractive kinoform doublet and a method for making such optical element is disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical element includes a first lens and a second lens. The first lens has a first refractive index. The first lens also has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is a continuous, potentially flat surface for optical radiation to enter. The second lens has a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. The second lens has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is in contact with the second surface of the first lens. The optical element has a peak diffraction efficiency at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength.

Abstract: An foldable guide for a continuous rod injector features first and second segments of similar length and a shorter third segment. In a fully folded state of the guide, the shorter third segment is foldable into a position contained between facing-together concave sides of the first and segments for improved collapse of the guide into a compact state for storage or transport. A proximal end of the first segment is mounted to the injector, which is carried on a mast having a selectively deployable jib thereon at an elevation above the installed position of the injector. The jib is movable between a slant-mode condition reaching outward from the mast and a vertical-mode position retracted into a more compact relation with the mast. The slant-mode condition provides improved support and stability by providing a more direct overhead support for the rod guide in slant well applications.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a sensing cavity and a piston cavity defined in valve body and/or in a bonnet. A piston head of a piston may be disposed within the piston cavity, and a piston stem has an end portion in contact with valve plug. A baffle plate has a first surface defining a portion of the sensing cavity and a second surface defines a portion of the piston cavity. The baffle plate includes at least one baffle aperture such that the sensing cavity is in fluid communication with the piston cavity, and pressure in the sensing cavity acts on a surface of the piston head to displace the piston and the valve plug between an open and closed position. The at least one baffle aperture is adapted to restrict the flow of fluid between the sensing cavity and the first working volume.

Abstract: An foldable guide for a continuous rod injector features first and second segments of similar length and a shorter third segment. In a fully folded state of the guide, the shorter third segment is foldable into a position contained between facing-together concave sides of the first and segments for improved collapse of the guide into a compact state for storage or transport. A proximal end of the first segment is mounted to the injector, which is carried on a mast having a selectively deployable jib thereon at an elevation above the installed position of the injector. The jib is movable between a slant-mode condition reaching outward from the mast and a vertical-mode position retracted into a more compact relation with the mast. The slant-mode condition provides improved support and stability by providing a more direct overhead support for the rod guide in slant well applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sanitization of liquid solutions and food products are provided. In some embodiments, methods are provided for treating a food product or food product preparation or packaging surface to reduce microbial content, comprising contacting the food product or food product preparation or packaging surface with a chlorinated nanobubble solution comprising electrolyzed water. In some embodiments, methods are provided for reducing the growth of bacteria and reversing the growth of biofilm in a water system, comprising chlorinating source water and passing the chlorinated source water through a low zeta potential crystal generator. In some embodiments, methods are provided for purifying water, comprising chlorinating the water and passing the chlorinated water through a low zeta potential crystal generator.

Abstract: A continuous well string injector features a frame carrying a pair of endless chain conveyors on opposite sides of a pathway. Each chain carries gripper dies for engaging the continuous well string when received in the pathway. A respective skate and cylinder block reside in the closed loop path of each chain. Each cylinder block features a plurality of blind bores having open ends facing toward the respective skate, and a respective piston is slidably disposed within each bore. Hydraulic extension and retraction ports open into the cylinder bores on opposite sides of the piston, whereby back and forth displacement of the pistons forces the skates toward and away from one another to grip and release the continuous well string. A front wall of the frame has an open horizontal gap aligned with the pathway to enable lateral entrance and exit of the continuous string to and from the pathway.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift apparatus for operating a downhole pump features a hydraulic linear actuator with a piston longitudinally slidable on a central axis of a rotatable portion of a housing. An anti-rotation rod runs longitudinally through the piston at a position radially offset outwardly from the central axis to prevent rotation between the piston and housing. A stationary motor powers a drive train whose output is connected to the rotatable portion of the housing and centered on the central axis. The actuator is one-way actuator with a hydraulically driven upstroke. A leak detection passage extends through the piston to collect fluid that has leaked across the piston seals and convey it to a leak detection port and associated containment tank. A position sensor for monitoring the piston movement features a sensing rod depending downwardly into a hollow piston shaft carried by the piston and connected to the pump rod.

Abstract: An ideal multi-axis transducer will respond properly to forces and moments that are applied in intermediate directions. The transducer calibration apparatus described herein can detect transducers that have incorrect off-axes response. One calibration apparatus includes a base, a pair of end stanchions fixed on the base, force actuators mounted between the base, the pair of end stanchions, and a transducer holder, the force actuators arranged to exert forces and moments on a transducer mounted in the transducer holder, and force reaction sensors fixed between the base, the pair of end stanchions, and the transducer holder for measuring forces and moments experienced by the transducer holder.