Abstract: A diffuse light reflector is disclosed for use in lighting fixtures including luminaires, light boxes, displays, signage, daylighting applications, and the like. The reflector includes a light reflective nonwoven and a polymer layer that enhances reflectivity. The reflector can be laminated to coil steel or aluminum and can be formed in metal coil or sheet forming operations. The polymer layer can be easily cleaned of machine oils from the metal forming operations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for operating an artificial lift well. In one embodiment, the well is operated between an on cycle and an off cycle. Preferably, the off cycle is determined by detecting an increase in the pressure differential between the casing pressure and the tubing pressure. In another embodiment, the well is optimized by measuring the production of the well in one cycle of operation. The measured production is compared to the production of a previous cycle. A controller then optimizes the well based on the increase or decrease of the production from the previous cycle.

Abstract: A plunger lift system has a bumper and a landing positioned in tubing below a safety valve of a well. A plunger moving between the bumper and landing lifts columns of liquid above the plunger when pushed by downhole pressure. A valve on the plunger's housing is movable between open and closed positions to either permit or prevent flow through the plunger. When the plunger engages the landing, a striker rod on the landing opens the valve permitting fluid communication through the plunger to a sales line at the surface. The valve is biased to the closed position to prevent fluid communication through the plunger. When the plunger is disengaged from the striker rod, the valve closes so that application of downhole pressure can again move the plunger uphole. A controller cycles the plunger between the bumper and the landing by controlling fluid flow in the well.

Abstract: A polymer substrate functionalized with a functionality comprising at least one cyclic, metal ion coordinating ligand group which comprises at least 3 nitrogen donor atoms in the ring of the cyclic group, at least one of the nitrogen atoms having an optionally substituted carboxy(lower alkyl) or optionally substituted phosphono(lower alkyl) group covalently attached thereto, is well suited for use in conjunction with “hard” metal ions of low toxicity (such as Ca2+, Mg2+ or Fe3+) in the separation/purification of appropriately “tagged” polypeptides by Immobilized Metal ion Affinity Chromatography (IMAC).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for operating an artificial lift well. In one embodiment, the well is operated between an on cycle and an off cycle. Preferably, the off cycle is determined by detecting an increase in the pressure differential between the casing pressure and the tubing pressure. In another embodiment, the well is optimized by measuring the production of the well in one cycle of operation. The measured production is compared to the production of a previous cycle. A controller then optimizes the well based on the increase or decrease of the production from the previous cycle.

Abstract: A polymer substrate functionalized with a functionality comprising at least one cyclic, metal ion coordinating ligand group, the cyclic ligand group comprising at least 3 metal ion coordinating donor atoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for reducing kinetic energy of a plunger within a plunger lift system. In one aspect, a lubricator is provided at a surface of a wellbore, the lubricator having a sealed, pressurized chamber therein to cushion the plunger upon impact. In another aspect, a method is provided for reducing the kinetic energy of the plunger by providing a compressed gas chamber within a lubricator, moving a kinetic energy-reducing surface which is partially bounding the chamber, and compressing the gas within the chamber to reduce kinetic energy of the plunger and cushion the impact force of the plunger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming footwear, such as a sandal, with a footstrap secured to a sole by way of engagement of an insertion portion with a recess. The recess may be molded into a portion of the sole with an exposed opening at the outer surface of the sole leading to the recess formed in the sole interior. The exposed opening may be smaller in area than an area of the recess within the sole, and may be smaller that a largest cross-sectional area of the insertion portion. Thus, the insertion portion may be forced through the exposed opening, e.g., by deforming the insertion portion and/or the sole portion at the exposed opening, and received within the recess. The sole and/or insertion portion may be formed of a molded foam, e.g., that is resilient and water resistant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for operating an artificial lift well. In one embodiment, the well is operated between an on cycle and an off cycle. Preferably, the off cycle is determined by detecting an increase in the pressure differential between the casing pressure and the tubing pressure. In another embodiment, the well is optimized by measuring the production of the well in one cycle of operation. The measured production is compared to the production of a previous cycle. A controller then optimizes the well based on the increase or decrease of the production from the previous cycle.

Abstract: A polymer substrate functionalized with a functionality comprising at least one cyclic, metal ion coordinating ligand group, the cyclic ligand group comprising at least 3 metal ion coordinating donor atoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S.

Abstract: The present invention provides a consumable cartridge for a muzzle loading firearm having a consumable cartridge case composed of a consumable solid material. The cartridge case including a central internal cavity, the cartridge case having a closed first end and a second end open to the central internal cavity for receipt of granular, explosive powder within the central internal cavity. A paper disk covers the second end of the cartridge case to maintain the explosive powder within the central internal cavity of the cartridge case and a bullet is secured to the closed first end of the cartridge case. The cartridge case is shaped and dimensioned for positioning within a bore of a rifle along with the bullet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for reducing kinetic energy of a plunger within a plunger lift system. In one aspect, a lubricator is provided at a surface of a wellbore, the lubricator having a sealed, pressurized chamber therein to cushion the plunger upon impact. In another aspect, a method is provided for reducing the kinetic energy of the plunger by providing a compressed gas chamber within a lubricator, moving a kinetic energy-reducing surface which is partially bounding the chamber, and compressing the gas within the chamber to reduce kinetic energy of the plunger and cushion the impact force of the plunger.

Abstract: Porous zirconia or zirconium-containing particles, methods of making such particles and methods of using such particles including modifications to the surface of the particles are described. The method comprises heating zirconia particles to provide a substantially homogeneously liquid melt, quenching the particles of melt to effect spinodal decomposition to provide quench particles of a silica rich phase and a zirconia rich phase, annealing the quenched particles to provide non porous solid particles of zirconia and silica and, leaching the silica from these particles to produce porous solid zirconia particles comprising a three dimensionally substantially continuous interpenetrating network of interconnected pores.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel insulin-potentiating hypoglycaemic compounds.

Abstract: Porous zirconia or zirconium-containing particles, methods of making such particles and methods of using such particles including modifications to the surface of the particles are described. The method comprises heating zirconia particles to provide a substantially homogeneously liquid melt, quenching the particles of melt to effect spinodal decomposition to provide quench particles of a silica rich phase and a zirconia rich phase, annealing the quenched particles to provide non porous solid particles of zirconia and silica and, leaching the silica from these particles to produce porous solid zirconia particles comprising a three dimensionally substantially continuous inter penetrating network of interconnected pores.