Abstract: In an embodiment, a sample conditioning system includes a first valve subsystem, a controller, and a signal generator. The first valve subsystem includes a first electrically activated valve and a first timed switch in electrical communication with the first electrically activated valve, where the first timed switch is configured with a first time duration. The controller is configured to receive drilling data from a data source and, responsive to the drilling data satisfying a trigger associated with a timed sequence, cause the signal generator to apply a signal to at least the first timed switch. The signal causes the first timed switch to close for at least the first time duration and power the first electrically activated valve, the powered first electrically activated valve switching to allow air from a first air line to pass therethrough to a sample line.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for detecting and predicting events of increased seismic activity (i.e. earthquake activity). The methods include providing data catalogs, constructing magnitude versus time coordinate graphs, identifying energy levels of the graphs, and identifying further the obliquity angles of maximum and minimum energy levels and average increments between minimum and maximum energy levels. The methods also comprise constructing time arrows using the identified information, identifying energy centers via the time arrows, and analyzing variability throughout the seismic structure to predict a future event. Also disclosed are methods for predicting events based on attenuation wedge and energy parallelogram analysis.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for determining depths of provenance of drill cuttings contained in a drilling fluid received from a wellbore, the drilling fluid containing drill cuttings of different sizes that arrive at surface at different recorded times, the drill cuttings originating from different formation layers at different depth along the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of detecting a mineral or metal in ground includes capturing an image of a target region of the ground and processing the image to determine a location of a candidate rock or plant of interest that is known to be usable for the detection of a mineral or element of interest. Once located, electromagnetic radiation, such as a laser, is directed to the candidate rock or plant to create a light signature, such as by vaporization. The method analyzes the light signature for the presence of the mineral or metal in the target region and determines if the light signature indicates the mineral or metal is present in the ground. The light signature can be analyzed with a spectroscope to detect the mineral or element as an indication of the present of the mineral or element in the ground around or below the candidate rock or plant.

Abstract: An automated or robotic mud-logger having a slurry sampler to collect a slurry sample online from a drilling fluid circuit contemporaneous with drilling of a borehole, the slurry sample including drilling fluid and rock cuttings. A liquid separator removes drilling fluid from the slurry sample and discharges a sample of the rock cuttings. A spectrometer performs elemental analysis of the sample of the rock cuttings substantially in real time with collection of the slurry sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for characterizing the evolution of a subsurface volume over time. The method comprises providing a first and second surveys of the reservoir with a first and second sets of seismic traces, performing an inversion to obtain estimates of changes having occurred between said first time and said second time in terms of at least one model parameter; wherein the subsurface volume is divided into regions according to a high order discrete classification attributed in accordance with the region's geologic characteristics, and said inversion is constrained per region of subsurface volume. The regions of subsurface volume may be geological layers.

Abstract: A disposable, single-use wipe that can be used deodorize, disinfect, and/or sterilize an object. A holder may be used to create or energize one or more treatment agent in a wipe to improve its efficacy. A wipe includes a flexible membrane or cloth-like element that may apply, distribute, and/or remove a treatment agent to, over, or from a surface of the object. An enhanced treatment agent, such as peracetic acid, may be applied to the surface subsequent to being formed in the wipe as a result of installation of the wipe onto a holder, or otherwise activating the wipe. A holder may include a rechargeable reservoir to contain and apply a synergistic treatment agent to the wipe to create the enhanced treatment agent.

Abstract: A method of detecting a mineral or metal in soil causes at least a portion of a plant to burn to produce a light signature. The method also analyzes the light signature for the presence of the mineral or metal in the plant and determines if the light signature indicates the mineral or metal is present in the plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for integrating measurements from known laboratory techniques of fluid extraction (Dean Stark, Retort, Rock-Eval), which conducted independently by multiple disciplines and which have been so far treated as independent evaluations. In using these results, particularly Dean Stark and Retort, the oil industry has shown specific preferences between these two methods, with some groups advocating the validity of one method over the other, and others showing the opposite. Forums and discussions have been organized by the technical community to debate the benefits and drawbacks of each of these and to define which is the more suitable for reservoir characterization. Commercial laboratories have specialized in one method or the other based on their perceived validity. Both methods are correct, but each measure an incomplete assessment of the properties needed, and that together they provide considerable more information than when considered independently.

Abstract: Method for determining volatile thio-ether compounds in offensive odorous sediment including: pre-treating a sediment sample, extracting volatile thio-ether compounds, separating and purifying the extraction supernatant in a solid phase extraction column, eluting with ethyl acetate, and finally collecting the eluent, which is then concentrated and used for determination by gas chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay for the determination of a microorganism including a lysing chamber having triangular shaped metallic structures wherein the apexes of two triangles are arranged in alignment and forming a reactive zone for placement of the microorganism and lysing by microwave energy for exposing and isolating a target polynucleotide sequence. The isolated target polynucleotide sequence is introduced to an assay system for contact with polynucleotides which are complimentary to the isolated target polynucleotide sequence. Fluorophore-labeled capture polynucleotides are added for hybridizing to any bound target polynucleotide. Bound target polynucleotides are detected by metal enhanced fluorescence.

Abstract: The system for measuring permeation properties of concrete and porous materials includes a chamber having an upper plate, a lower plate, and a plurality of support members, the chamber being configured for holding a specimen. A plurality of supply tubes and a plurality of discharge tubes are in fluid communication with the chamber. A gas flow measurement assembly is in fluid communication with the chamber, the gas flow measurement assembly having a first pressure gauge and a gas flow meter. A water flow measurement assembly is in fluid communication with the chamber, the water flow measurement assembly having a second pressure gauge and a water flow meter. A gas cylinder is in fluid communication with the one of the plurality of supply tubes. The system may be used to measure gas permeability, water permeability, porosity, and absorption of concrete and other porous materials.

Abstract: Detecting a spin probe in an oilfield fluid may indicate or determine the amount of the particular chemicals within an oilfield fluid. The detection of the spin probe may also indicate at least one property of the oilfield fluid, such as but not limited to pH, dielectric constant, rotational freedom of the spin probe, at least one chemical, the concentration of at least one chemical, residue of at least one chemical in the fluid, the speciation of coupled chemistry between the spin probe and the chemical, and combinations thereof. In one non-limiting embodiment, the spin probe may be attached to at least one chemical. The oilfield fluid may be or include, but is not limited to, a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid, a servicing fluid, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A gaming machine with more gaming excitement is provided. The gaming machine includes: a cabinet; an upper image display panel which is provided on the cabinet and displays an effect image concerning a game; a lamp body unit which includes a lamp body which is a formed object and a sensor configured to detect the player's gesture with respect to the lamp body and is provided at a position different from the upper image display panel when viewed from the front surface of the cabinet; and a controller used to start the game, and the controller detects the player's gesture by the sensor at a timing corresponding to the state of the game and displays an effect image corresponding to the detected player's gesture on the upper image display panel.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to developing a method of measuring the amount of producible oil and the producible oil saturation in shale-oil reservoirs using sample source rock. Further, the physical and chemical properties and amounts of producible oil in shale-oil reservoir samples may be determined. First and second solvents are applied to a sample source rock to extract petroleum from the sample source rock. The extracted source rock, the twice-extracted source rock, and the first and second extracted petroleum may be analyzed to determine the characteristics and properties of the reservoir rock.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods to detect a fluid contamination level of a fluid sample. The method may comprise providing a fluid sample downhole from a subterranean formation, applying a reactant to the fluid sample to create a combined fluid, observing the combined fluid, and determining if contaminants are present within the fluid sample based upon the observing the combined fluid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the relative content of a first rock species and of a second rock species in a rock sample extracted from a wellbore. The method comprises adding a reactant to the rock sample, measuring a first information (PT1) relative to a first amount of compound produced at a first instant (T1) and a second information (PT2) relative to a second amount of compound produced at a second instant (T2). The method also comprises calculating the relative content of the first species in the rock sample from the first information (PT1) and calculating the relative content of the second species in the rock sample from the second information PT2). The method comprises determining a corrected amount (Cv) of compound generated by the reaction of the second species with the reactant at the first instant (T1), and calculating the relative content of the first species in the rock sample and the relative content of the second species in the rock sample based on the corrected amount (Cv).

Abstract: Disclosed are a soil diagnosis method for diagnosing soil using a cycle activity indicator which is calculated using the following factors (I) to (III): (I) the ammonia reduction rate in target soil; (II) the activity of forming phosphoric acid from phytic acid in the target soil; and (III) the activity of forming potassium from compost in the target soil, and (IV) the soil bacteria count in the soil; and a soil quality control method; and a soil improvement method.

Abstract: The invention is a method of predicting the amount and the composition of fluids produced by mineral reactions operating within a sedimentary basin and trapped with hydrocarbons in reservoirs. Geological data characteristic of the basin are acquired and a representation of the basin by a grid is constructed. The evolution of a depth of burial (z), a temperature (T), a pore pressure (P), a volume (V) and a porosity ? at successive ages (ti) representative of the geological history of the basin is then calculated for at least one set of cells of the grid, using a basin model and the geological data. A mineralogical or chemical rock composition is determined in each cell of the set of cells from the geological data of the basin. The amount and the composition of fluids of mineral origin is determined within the set of cells using a geochemical model and an equation of state, from the parameters, the composition and a thermodynamic database.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining a mass spectrum of a sample and determining a concentration of a component of the sample by utilizing a model of chemical and electron ionization and the obtained mass spectrum.

Abstract: In various embodiments, players around the casino may predict cards to be dealt in a game of blackjack.

Abstract: A method for in situ monitoring within a specified environment. The method includes locating a housing in a well, wherein a set of pumps and a plurality of test beds are inserted. Each of the set of pumps are controlled by signals from the control system to push water from each pump into one of the plurality of separate test beds where, after flowing through each of the test beds, effluent flows into an effluent storage device.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and a system of collection and analysis for in situ determination of concentrations of minerals in granular material originating from a shaft under excavation, in a continuous, non-intrusive manner in real time. According to the present invention granular material collected passes to a granular material collector, subsequently entering a reading module which determines the concentration of different materials by spectroscopic methods. The granular material collected comes from drilling dust which rises along a boring tool of an excavating bit. The concentration data of different minerals in the granular material being analysed at a given moment may be processed and transmitted to establish and/or correct logistic and operational procedures such as, for example, in an excavation or in an overall process wherein it is set.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for detecting hydrogen sulfide in a formation fluid downhole. A detection mixture is combined with the formation fluid downhole. The detection mixture includes metal ions for reacting with hydrogen sulfide forming a metal sulfide, and charged nanoparticles sized so as to inhibit significant aggregation of the metal sulfide so as to enable spectroscopic detection of the metal sulfide downhole. The combined mixture and formation fluid is then spectroscopically interrogated so as to detect the presence of the metal sulfide thereby indicating the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the formation fluid. The mixture also includes chelating ligands for sustaining thermal endurance of the mixture under downhole conditions.

Abstract: A method for calculating the volume of various predetermined organic end-members in samples of rock at various depths in oil reservoir rock is utilized to produce one or more graphic displays that are use to interpret the data to identify, e.g., tar mats, in order to improve the efficient production of hydrocarbons from the well. Data is collected from the samples by known pyrolysis and compositional modeling methods; additional data is obtained by elemental analysis to determine weight percentages of C, H, N, S and O in the selected end-members and characterization of physical properties of representative samples of the reservoir rock, e.g., from core samples; the data is then processed in accordance with the method to provide a series of data points used to produce the graphic displays for visual interpretation.

Abstract: A traceable treatment composition for treating a subterranean formation having multiple zones penetrated by a well bore comprising a homogenous blend of a tracking composition and a resin composition. The tracking composition comprises a substantially non-radioactive tracking material selected from the group consisting of a metal salt. The metal portion of the metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, lithium, molybdenum, and vanadium.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool or tool body, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient in a receiving section, to detect the differentiated gas components with a detector, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. A reaction section and a vacuum section may be used for waste consumption and/or absorption.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game comprises receiving a wager, and generating a randomly selected first outcome of a first wagering game, the first outcome comprising a first plurality of symbols arranged in a first matrix. The method further comprises generating a randomly selected second outcome of a second wagering game, the second outcome comprising a second plurality of symbols arranged in a second matrix, and simultaneously displaying the first outcome and the second outcome on at least one display. The method further comprises detecting an occurrence of a triggering event, in response to the triggering event, copying a first special symbol occurring in the first outcome into the second outcome to yield a modified second outcome, and evaluating the first outcome and the modified second outcome for winning combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an indicator precursor composition for determining the hardness of a wellbore fluid filtrate, where the composition includes a colorimetric indicator and a buffer, where the buffer may include a salt of a weak acid and a strong base, and where the indicator precursor may be a dry solid. Also disclosed is a method for determining the hardness of a wellbore fluid filtrate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for determining the source of treatment fluids being produced from a production formation having multiple zones by introducing a treatment composition having a tracking material into a zone in the subterranean formation, and detecting the tracking material in treatment composition that flows back from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A system for in situ monitoring within a specified environment includes a housing with an intake inserted into the environment. A plurality of pumps are included in the housing with a number of test beds, each being separately coupled to one of the number of pumps, where each of the number of test beds holds material and where each of the plurality of pumps operate to separately push fluid through a coupled test bed. An effluent storage device is disposed to receive effluent from the number of test beds.

Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with reactants which are carried downhole and which are combined in order to generate heat energy which is applied to the formation adjacent the borehole. By applying heat energy to the formation, the formation fluids are heated, thereby increasing mobility, and fluid sampling is expedited.

Abstract: A wellbore tool has an electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of hydrogen sulphide or thiols in a fluid downhole in a wellbore. The sensor comprises a temperature- and pressure-resistant housing containing a flow path for the fluids. The fluids flow over one side of a gas permeable membrane the other side of the membrane being exposed to a chamber containing at least two electrodes and containing a reaction solution which together with the hydrogen sulphide or thiols create a redox reaction resulting in an electrical current dependent upon the amount of hydrogen sulphide or thiols in the fluid. Measurement is made by passing formation fluid along the flow path and repeatedly applying varying potential to one electrode and measuring the peak current flowing between that electrode and a second electrode.

Abstract: A game of chance is disclosed that looks like a multi-line gaming machine having a matrix of rows and columns of positions for displaying slot symbols or cards to a player. A player wagers to play one or more games but the actual pay lines are dynamically determined by events that occur during the course of game play, not before. Per the teaching of the invention a number of bonus pay lines and their routing are dynamically determined during the course of game play of slots or cards dependent on choices made by a player during game play.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for spectroscopic detection of hydrogen sulfide in a fluid, for example a formation fluid downhole. A reagent mixture is combined with the fluid. The reagent mixture includes metal ions for reacting with hydrogen sulfide forming a metal sulfide, and a capping agent that limits growth of the insoluble metal sulfide species by electrosteric or steric stabilization. The particle growth is one of chemical reaction or significant aggregation, and the capping agent further functionalizes the reagent mixture to exhibit properties outside the natural characteristics of the metal sulfide species to allow for spectroscopic detection of the metal sulfide species. The combined mixture and fluid is then spectroscopically interrogated to detect the presence of the metal sulfide thereby indicating the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the fluid. The mixture also includes chelating ligands for sustaining thermal endurance of the mixture under downhole conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine the fractional amount of at least one constituent of a hydrocarbon mixture, comprising dissolving the hydrocarbon mixture in a substantially hydrogen free solvent to produce a diluted solution, the diluted solution having sufficient solvent to render a NMR property of the diluted solution to be predictably related to the constituent concentrations of the hydrocarbon mixture; making NMR measurements on the diluted solution; and determining the fractional amount of at least one constituent of the hydrocarbon mixture from the NMR measurements.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for detecting hydrogen sulfide in a formation fluid downhole. A detection mixture is combined with the formation fluid downhole. The detection mixture includes metal ions for reacting with hydrogen sulfide forming a metal sulfide, and charged nanoparticles sized so as to inhibit significant aggregation of the metal sulfide so as to enable spectroscopic detection of the metal sulfide downhole. The combined mixture and formation fluid is then spectroscopically interrogated so as to detect the presence of the metal sulfide thereby indicating the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the formation fluid. The mixture also includes chelating ligands for sustaining thermal endurance of the mixture under downhole conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method and arrangement for real-time betting with an off-line terminal, and especially to the technological field of keeping reliable time in the off-line terminal when handling, within a communications system comprising a distributed domain and a central domain, electronic records that contain predictions of the outcome of a certain incident. Within the distributed domain a multitude of electronic records that contain predictions of the outcome of the incident are generated and furnished with a cryptographically protected proof of a certain moment of the distributed domain's local time associated with the generation of the electronic record.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining a mass spectrum of a sample and determining a concentration of a component of the sample by utilizing a model of chemical and electron ionization and the obtained mass spectrum.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for detecting hydrogen sulfide in a formation fluid downhole. A detection mixture is combined with the formation fluid downhole. The detection mixture includes metal ions for reacting with hydrogen sulfide forming a metal sulfide, and charged nanoparticles sized so as to inhibit significant aggregation of the metal sulfide so as to enable spectroscopic detection of the metal sulfide downhole. The combined mixture and formation fluid is then spectroscopically interrogated so as to detect the presence of the metal sulfide thereby indicating the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the formation fluid. The mixture also includes chelating ligands for sustaining thermal endurance of the mixture under downhole conditions.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for detecting hydrogen sulfide in a formation fluid downhole. A detection mixture is combined with the formation fluid downhole. The detection mixture includes metal ions for reacting with hydrogen sulfide forming a metal sulfide, and charged nanoparticles sized so as to inhibit significant aggregation of the metal sulfide so as to enable spectroscopic detection of the metal sulfide downhole. The combined mixture and formation fluid is then spectroscopically interrogated so as to detect the presence of the metal sulfide thereby indicating the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the formation fluid. The mixture also includes chelating ligands for sustaining thermal endurance of the mixture under downhole conditions.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for detecting hydrogen sulfide in a formation fluid downhole. A detection mixture is combined with the formation fluid downhole. The detection mixture includes metal ions for reacting with hydrogen sulfide forming a metal sulfide, and charged nanoparticles sized so as to inhibit significant aggregation of the metal sulfide so as to enable spectroscopic detection of the metal sulfide downhole. The combined mixture and formation fluid is then spectroscopically interrogated so as to detect the presence of the metal sulfide thereby indicating the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the formation fluid. The mixture also includes chelating ligands for sustaining thermal endurance of the mixture under downhole conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating chemicals of interest in a subsurface bore hole, such as a groundwater sampling well. An absorbent member is attached to a flexible liner, and the liner is everted by fluid pressure down the borehole. The everted liner presses the absorbent member against the wall of the borehole. Any chemicals of interest are absorbed into the absorbent member from the media surrounding the borehole. The liner, with associated absorbent member thereon, is then extracted from the borehole. The absorbent member may then be subjected to any suitable laboratory analysis to evaluate the type, spatial distribution, and concentration of chemicals of interest, such as water contaminants occurring in the borehole.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for predicting the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) wear scar diameter for a hydrocarbon mixture using an HFRR wear scar diameter prediction equation which predicts the HFRR wear scar diameter based on the mid-infrared spectroscopy test results for such hydrocarbon mixture. Such predicted HFRR wear scar diameter value can then be used to determine the necessity of adding a lubricity additive to a diesel material in order to produce a diesel product possessing adequate lubricity properties.

Abstract: An gaming machine for and method of par-mutuel wagering that allows individuals to continuously place multiple casino and lottery styled pari-mutuel wagers on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events. The gaming machine includes a display screen to provide a graphic display of a plurality of pari-mutuel gaming options to a player, and a selection device operable by the player to select at least one of the pari-mutuel gaming options displayed on the screen, the selection device operable by the player to input a wager corresponding to the selected at least one pari-mutuel gaming option. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of testing sour natural gas by a) removing H2S from the gas stream, b) converting H2S to elemental sulfur, and c) recovering elemental sulfur. The invention also provides a substantially mobile system for testing sour natural gas including vehicles allowing the equipment to be operated on surfaces such as the flat beds of trailers. The system features equipment that may be mounted within one or more support structures situated on a mobile vehicle, such as, for instance the flat bed of a trailer. The one or more support structures hold each piece of equipment substantially fixed in place on the vehicles. Each surface such as the flat bed of a trailer may carry one, two or more pieces of equipment. The equipment may include, for instance, an air or oxygen compressor, a knockout vessel, a gas heater, an air heater, a cooler, a molten sulfur separator and a thermal oxidizer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waveguide sensor as well as to an evanescent field induced evanescent field induced sensor system for use in diagnostic housing and an integrated waveguide sensor comprising: a waveguide layer,—capture compounds applied on the upper surface of said waveguide layer for 5 specific bonding to target substances,—a cladding layer surface of said waveguide layer,—a filter which is transmitting for luminescent radiation while absorbs and/or reflects radiation of excitation radiation, wherein the filter is arranged below the lower 10 surface of said cladding layer, at least one detector for sensing luminescent radiation, wherein the detector is arranged below the lower surface of said filter, a substrate that is connected with the detector and comprises the electrical interface of said detector; wherein 15 between the upper surface of the waveguide layer and along at least a lower surface section of the housing a channel is formed for receiving a fluidic probe; and the luminesce

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for continuously monitoring the integrity of a pressurized well bore fluid sample collected downhole in an earth boring or well bore. The CDR continuous by measures the temperature and pressure for the down hole sample. Near infrared, mid infrared and visible light analysis is also performed on the small amount of sample to provide an on site analysis of sample properties and contamination level. The onsite analysis comprises determination of gas oil ratio, API gravity and various other parameters which can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation a flexural mechanical resonator is also provided to measure fluid density and viscosity from which additional parameters can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation. The sample tank is overpressured or supercharged to obviate adverse pressure drop or other effects of diverting a small sample to the CDR.

Abstract: A soil sample of fixed volume is mixed with a drying agent (MgSO4) and then acetone. The liquid is filtered off and a sample is applied to the sensing surface of an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) device in an IR spectrometer. After evaporation of the acetone, absorption is measured in a C-H stretch region (e.g. 2950 cm?1) to provide a value indicative of the amount of oil in the sample.

Abstract: Provided is a method of measuring a biodegradation rate of a non-natural organic compound in the presence of a biodegradation medium, characterized by including: measuring a concentration of a radioactive carbon isotope 14C in a biodegradation medium; and measuring a biodegradation rate of a non-natural organic compound from a difference between the concentration of 14C in the biodegradation medium and a concentration of 14C in modern carbon. Further, a metal such as iron in the medium can be used as an internal standard. According to the method, a biodegradation rate of a non-natural organic compound can be measured safely, simply, rapidly, and accurately without providing any special measures against radiation.