Abstract: Prior to associating with a wireless network, a wireless device receives from a network access point, a message containing information identifying (i) identity of the network and (ii) network policies; retrieves the information from the message; based on the network identity, determines whether a network attributes record for the network already exists in the device. If not, the device creates a temporary network attributes record for the network. Based on the network policies, the device attempts to associate to and authenticate the network. After successfully associating to and authenticating the network, the device determines whether the network attributes record for the network has expired. If not, the device renews the network attributes record and implements the network policies stored in the network attributes record If the network attributes record has expired, then the device deletes the network attributes record and implements default network policies for the wireless network.

Abstract: A monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a sensor that is configured to generate sensor data that indicates an attribute of the property; a floor sensor that is configured to generate floor sensor data that indicates an amount of pressure applied to a portion of a floor of the property; and a monitor control unit. The monitor control unit is configured to receive, from the sensor, the sensor data; receive, from the floor sensor, the floor sensor data; analyze the sensor data and the floor sensor data; and based on analyzing the sensor data and the floor sensor data, perform a monitoring system action.

Abstract: A firearm accessory with a primary light oriented in a first direction to assist a user in aiming the firearm and a path light oriented in a second direction to assist the user in seeing a travel path. A motion sensor may actuate the path light. The path light may be positioned below the primary light. The accessory includes a mount for mounting the accessory on a firearm. A housing of the accessory may include lug receivers spaced longitudinally, and a lug received by one of the lug receivers and adapted to engage the groove on a firearm rail for preventing longitudinal movement of the mounted accessory. Actuators for turning the primary light on and off may be positioned adjacent sides of a trigger guard of the firearm when the housing is mounted to the firearm. Mounting features and battery compartment features are also disclosed.

Abstract: Prior to associating with a wireless network, a wireless device receives from a network access point, a message containing information identifying (i) identity of the network and (ii) network policies; retrieves the information from the message; based on the network identity, determines whether a network attributes record for the network already exists in the device. If not, the device creates a temporary network attributes record for the network. Based on the network policies, the device attempts to associate to and authenticate the network. After successfully associating to and authenticating the network, the device determines whether the network attributes record for the network has expired. If not, the device renews the network attributes record and implements the network policies stored in the network attributes record If the network attributes record has expired, then the device deletes the network attributes record and implements default network policies for the wireless network.

Abstract: Connectors and connection systems for connecting two tubing sections together are provided. The connectors can include: a first end having an outer surface and adapted for insertion into an end of the tubing section and a second end adapted for connection to a second connector. The connector can have an attachment block in one aspect with a first threaded aperture and a second threaded aperture passing through it so that axial screws and radial screws can secure the connector to the end of a tubing section before it is connected to another connector. In another aspect, the connector can have an attachment slot provided in an outer surface of the first end of the connector sized to fit a retaining clips so that axial screws can secure the connector to an end of a tubing section before the connector is connected to another connector.

Abstract: An assembly for securing a probe retention member at a desired location within a tubular interior such as in a drill string collar. The assembly may use one or more securing members external to the retention member. In some embodiments most of the stresses from the probe retention structures of the retention member are isolated.

Abstract: A process and system for treating biodegradable waste is described that utilizes serial thermophilic and mesophilic microbial digestion to product fuel gas and a stable solid product at high efficiencies.

Abstract: A gap joint for use with a gap sub for electromagnetic telemetry. The gap joint has a replaceable uphole shoulder on the male gap joint component, which may be composed of a sacrificial material, to extend gap joint useful life where there is electrolysis of the component outside diameter. The gap joint also has a thicker outside diameter seal to reduce the risk of underlying O-ring extrusion and failure, again extending gap joint useful life. The thicker seal may also be able to withstand higher pressures before collapsing or experiencing punctures in unsupported areas. The replaceable shoulder and outside diameter seal can be used separately or together in a gap joint.

Abstract: Arrangements for retaining coiled battery internals in a coiled orientation within a cell casing, in which end caps and/or sleeves are provided with at least one inward-facing protuberance for engaging and securing the coiled battery internals, and means for securing and aligning pouch cell batteries within a sleeve.

Abstract: A gap joint for use with a gap sub for electromagnetic telemetry. The gap joint has a replaceable uphole shoulder on the male gap joint component, which may be composed of a sacrificial material, to extend gap joint useful life where there is electrolysis of the component outside diameter. The gap joint also has a thicker outside diameter seal to reduce the risk of underlying O-ring extrusion and failure, again extending gap joint useful life. The thicker seal may also be able to withstand higher pressures before collapsing or experiencing punctures in unsupported areas. The replaceable shoulder and outside diameter seal can be used separately or together in a gap joint.

Abstract: Arrangements for retaining coiled battery internals in a coiled orientation within a cell casing, in which end caps and/or sleeves are provided with at least one inward-facing protuberance for engaging and securing the coiled battery internals, and means for securing and aligning pouch cell batteries within a sleeve.

Abstract: An ambidextrous safety selector assembly for use with a rifle having a receiver with holes into which the assembly is inserted and that includes a main body with a user manipulated tab on the exterior of a rifle receiver and an elongated portion that extends into the receiver with a terminal channel defining three clocking faces and an intermediate hole that mate with protruding male faces with a terminal pin on a secondary body with a user manipulated tab on the exterior of a rifle receiver. The male faces of the secondary body are inserted and coupled into the terminal channel of the main body and clocked against the faces of the channel and the pin of the secondary body is inserted and coupled into the hole of the main body when the main body and secondary body are inserted into the receiver. The secondary body also has a foot protruding outwardly and extending into the receiver to retain the assembly in the receiver.

Abstract: A device and method for retaining a sacrificial wear sleeve on the exterior of an in-pipe device such as an electronics package or probe. In one embodiment, the retention mechanism comprises a ring having a protuberance or lip extending parallel to and against the end of the sleeve, thus pressing the end of the sleeve against the external surface of the device. This has the advantage, in situations where fluids are flowing through the pipe and around the device, of reducing the risk of fluids moving beneath the sleeve and damaging it and/or the underlying device external surface. In another embodiment, the retention mechanism is of unitary construction with the device itself and comprises a protuberance or lip extending parallel to and against the end of the sleeve, thus pressing the end of the sleeve against the external surface of the device.

Abstract: A wireless communications system for a downhole drilling operation comprises a drill string, surface communications equipment, and a downhole telemetry tool. The surface communications equipment comprises a surface EM communications module with an EM downlink transmitter configured to transmit through at least a portion of the drill string an EM downlink transmission at a frequency between 0.5 Hz and 180 kHz. The downhole telemetry tool is mountable to a drill string and has a downhole electromagnetic (EM) communications unit with an EM downlink receiver configured to receive the EM downlink transmission. The downhole EM communications unit can further comprise an EM uplink transmitter configured to transmit an EM uplink transmission at a frequency GO between 0.5 Hz and 180 kHz, in which case the surface EM communications module further comprises an EM uplink receiver configured to receive the EM uplink transmission.

Abstract: A tourniquet (10; 40) comprising a resiliently deformable strap, towards an end (11) of which is located a fastener (13) arranged for releasable engagement with a portion of the strap spaced from said end (11) so as to form a loop in the strap in use, wherein the strap is elongate in form and is arcuate in cross section.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transmitting data to or from a downhole tool while the tool is at or near the surface using a wireless data link. A downhole tool comprising a gap sub having a tubular section with first and second longitudinally spaced-apart electrically-conducting parts that are electrically isolated from each other. An electromagnetic telemetry transmitter is connected to apply a potential difference between the first and second electrically conductive parts. A single-wire bus provides a data connection between one of the first and second electrically conductive parts and a data processor.

Abstract: A downhole system provides a data interface to a first downhole tool such as a steerable rotary tool. The data interface uses a close proximity data connection such as a connection between inductive loops or coils or a direct wired or optical connection. The interface provides data to a second downhole tool in a drill string section adjacent to the first downhole tool. In some embodiments data is passed to a third downhole tool that includes a telemetry transmitter. The third downhole tool may comprise a MWD (measurement while drilling) tool.

Abstract: A method for sealing a gap sub wherein injected material is used to secure a seal member in a gap. The seal member is positioned in the gap, and the material is then injected into the gap and against the seal member, seating the seal member and securing it in place once the material solidifies. The injected material is preferably electrically non-conductive.

Abstract: Data is communicated from sensors at a downhole location near a drill bit to surface equipment. Communication to the surface equipment may be direct or may pass through a series of nodes. The nodes in some cases are intelligently reconfigured to achieve desired data rates, achieve power management goals, and/or compensate for failed nodes.

Abstract: A gap joint for use with a gap sub for electromagnetic telemetry. The gap joint has a replaceable uphole shoulder on the male gap joint component, which may be composed of a sacrificial material, to extend gap joint useful life where there is electrolysis of the component outside diameter. The gap joint also has a thicker outside diameter seal to reduce the risk of underlying O-ring extrusion and failure, again extending gap joint useful life. The thicker seal may also be able to withstand higher pressures before collapsing or experiencing punctures in unsupported areas. The replaceable shoulder and outside diameter seal can be used separately or together in a gap joint.