Abstract: A spin-through rod centralizer consisting of a stator constructed of plastic, or other appropriate material, which is mounted on the rod coupling which provides the bearing surface for rotation of the coupling within the stator. The stator, which is free to rotate on the rod coupling and, hence, would move freely axially along the coupling, is restrained from such axial movement by two steel “washers” that are captured between the rod shoulders and the coupling when the connection between two rods is made up. The washers are slightly larger in diameter than the coupling and thereby keep the stator located on the coupling, yet do not restrict the relative rotation between the coupling and the stator. This coupling mounted centralizer will not interfere with rod string make-up when using equipment in common use. An alternative configuration uses a coupling with a shoulder at one end that acts as one of the “washers” to restrain the stator from axial movement.

Abstract: A method for mapping transactions between a real world and a virtual world may include receiving information associated with a real world item at a virtual business object (VBO) controller. Information associated with a user is received at the VBO controller. In response to receiving by the VBO controller a decision to buy the real world item, the VBO controller generates a VBO, which includes the information associated with the real world item. In response to receiving at the VBO controller a decision not to buy the real world item, the VBO controller generates a VBO light, which includes the information associated with the real world item. Either the generated VBO or the VBO light is transmitted to a VBO inventory database associated with the user based on the user's information.

Abstract: A method for avoiding non-intentional separation of avatars in a virtual world may include detecting a first avatar seeking to enter a first location and determining if a second avatar is related to the first avatar based on a first predetermined rule. The method may also include determining that the first and second avatars are seeking to enter the first location together. The method may further include determining whether to allow the first avatar and the second avatar to enter the first location based on a second predetermined rule.

Abstract: A printhead for a printer and methods for making the printhead. The printhead may include a driver module on a jetstack. The jetstack may include a plurality of holes formed therethrough. A first adhesive layer may be disposed on the jetstack. A diaphragm plate may be disposed on the first adhesive layer. A piezoelectric layer may be disposed on the diaphragm plate. A second adhesive layer may be disposed on the piezoelectric layer. A chip on flex may be disposed on the second adhesive layer.

Abstract: A coupling assembly arranged between an input shaft and a rotor shaft of a supercharger can include a first coupling, a second coupling, a central hub and a plurality of coupler pins. The first coupling can be mounted for concurrent rotation with the input shaft. The second coupling can be mounted for concurrent rotation with the rotor shaft. The central hub can be disposed intermediate the first and second couplings. The central hub defines central hub bores therein. A plurality of coupler pins can be received in the central hub bores. A first plurality of elastomeric inserts can receive first portions of the plurality of coupler pins. A second plurality of elastomeric inserts can receive second portions of the plurality of coupler pins. The first and second elastomeric inserts can provide dampening between (i) the first coupling and the central hub and (ii) the second coupling and the central hub.

Abstract: Translating gestures made by one avatar to a second avatar in a virtual world by receiving an input from a first user representing an input gesture to be made by the first avatar to the second avatar. The input gesture is translated to generate at least one translated gesture for display. The translated gesture may be output for display as being made by the first avatar to the second avatar.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for tracking and reversing accidental overdose includes a patient monitoring system configured to monitor a patient parameter that provides an indication as to whether or not the patient is overdosing, an alert system configured to activate when the patient parameter falls below an established threshold, and a reversal agent delivery system configured to automatically administer a reversing agent that counteracts the effects of an analgesic medication being administered to the patient when the patient parameter falls below the established threshold.

Abstract: A system for perspective based tagging and visualization of avatars in a virtual world may include determining if another avatar has moved within a predetermined proximity range of a user's avatar in a virtual world. The system may also include allowing the user to tag the other avatar with information in response to the other avatar being within the predetermined proximity range of the user's avatar.

Abstract: Avatar cloning in a virtual world may include receiving an input indicating that a user desires to access a cloning feature and allowing a cloned avatar to be cloned from the user's avatar.

Abstract: A compressor assembly includes: an input shaft configured to be coupled to an engine of a vehicle; a rotor shaft configured to be coupled to a compressor; a torque transfer module coupled to the input shaft and the rotor shaft, the torque transfer module being configured to transfer torque from the input shaft to the rotor shaft to drive the compressor; and an alignment mechanism that is positioned between the input shaft and the rotor shaft to axially align the input shaft relative to the rotor shaft.

Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a staple fastening assembly (4) in the distal region of said instrument, the staple fastening assembly (4) including a cartridge device (8) which comprises at least one closed row (17, 18) of staples and defines a wavy distal end surface (14), and an anvil (9) which defines a wavy proximal staple forming surface (20) substantially matching the distal end surface (14) and which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge device (8) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge device (8), wherein the distal end surface (14) and the staple forming surface (20) have a globally wavy shape including two opposite peaks (21) and two opposite valleys (22) angularly spaced at about 90° from the adjacent peaks (21) and in that said two-peaks-two-valleys wavy shape is formed by a stepped configuration of said surfaces (14, 20).

Abstract: Techniques are described for implementing a cloud computer system to provide access to a custom execution environment for execution of custom executable instructions. Users may be able to configure one or more different types of template execution environments, e.g., a virtual machine environment, each of which can be used to establish a type of custom execution environment. Users may configure the template execution environment with regard to settings, states, resources, permissions, or other criterion related to an execution environment. Upon request, a custom execution environment (e.g., a child execution environment) may be established for running one instance of a custom executable instruction. The custom execution environment may be based on the template execution environment. The custom execution environment may provide a secure, isolated environment for execution of a custom executable instruction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a test specimen assembly. A first material for the test specimen assembly and a witness coupon are positioned relative to each other. A surface treatment is applied onto a first surface of the first material and onto a surface of the witness coupon. An adhesive is applied onto the first surface of the first material. A second surface of a second material for the test specimen assembly is placed onto the first surface of the first material with the adhesive. The adhesive is cured to form the test specimen assembly.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing access through tissue to a surgical site. In one embodiment, a surgical access device can include a hollow tubular member and a modular seal member. The modular seal member can be configured to radially span a lumen of the tubular member and can be removably and replaceably matable to a portion of the tubular member. The access device can also include a plurality of access ports, each of which can be configured to mate with the modular seal member at a respective desired location.

Abstract: A pressure compensating system that minimizes the pressure differences across multiple shaft seals in a rod driven downhole pumping apparatus. The system balances the pressures across the seals by forcing the external pressure of all seals and compensators to be equal to the highest external pressure in the apparatus, made possible by the appropriate use of labyrinth-type seals. A bleed valve assembly which allows free flow of fluid into the pressure compensating system, but restricts the rate of fluid outflow from the system in case of shut-in of the pump, to limit the potential of rapid opening and closing of the mechanical shaft seals.

Abstract: A system for allowing an alternative action in a virtual world may include a processor and a module operable on the processor for allowing an alternative action in a virtual world in response to a request for an original action for an avatar of a user being unavailable in the virtual world. A queue stores the request in response to the original action being unavailable. Another module may determine if an alternative action is available for the avatar in response to the original action being unavailable. A further module may present an interface to permit the user to accept the alternative action. The avatar is permitted to perform the alternative action in response to the user accepting the alternative action while the request for the original action is still in the queue.

Abstract: A native application built for a mobile device can embed non-native JAVA code that may be executed by a JAVA virtual machine also embedded as a library within the native application. Enterprise applications may be extended for use by mobile devices. Business logic for an application may be constructed just once and then used in both enterprise applications and mobile device applications.

Abstract: Print head jet stack heating and temperature measurement systems and methods are disclosed that both heat the jet stack and determine a temperature of the jet stack. The heating and temperature determination are performed by a flex circuit that includes multiple layers. One of the layers heats the jet stack and another one of the layers provides data that determines the temperature of the jet stack. The heating layer and the temperature sensing layer are separated by an insulative material in the flex circuit. The temperature of the jet stack can be sent to a print head controller that then determines whether to increase or decrease the temperature of the jet stack.

Abstract: In a production apparatus for pumping production fluid to the surface of a well, a progressive cavity pump with a stator and a rotor in which the rotor has an extension which rests on a thrust bearing, lubricated by production fluid.