Abstract:
Optimizing the operation of a hydraulically powered rotor and stator driven drill as it drills a wellbore into the earth is described. Drilling optimization is provided measuring a first set of rotor and stator operating parameters including the speed of rotation of the rotor and rotor torque for a first period of time, generating a first set of relationships from the first set of operating parameters to enable the rotor speed and rotor torque to be predicted over a range of operating parameter values, determining from the relationships a first more optimal mode of operation, and changing at least one operating parameter to move the operation of the rotor and stator towards the more optimal mode of operation.
Abstract:
A charged particle beam device is described. In one aspect, the charged particle beam device includes a charged particle beam source, and a switchable multi-aperture for generating two or more beam bundles from a charged particle beam which includes: two or more aperture openings, wherein each of the two or more aperture openings is provided for generating a corresponding beam bundle of the two or more beam bundles; a beam blanker arrangement configured for individually blanking the two or more beam bundles; and a stopping aperture for blocking beam bundles. The device further includes a control unit configured to control the individual blanking of the two or more beam bundles for switching of the switchable multi-aperture and an objective lens configured for focusing the two or more beam bundles on a specimen or wafer.
Abstract:
The invention disclosed here is a moving headboard for use in connection with a reciprocating floor slat system. It is particularly well-suited for use in connection with load-hauling trailers that have built-in reciprocating floor slat conveyors for unloading the trailer. Trailers of this kind are used in lieu of hydraulic lifts and involve inching the load off the trailer. The moving headboard sweeps the trailer floor clean during the unloading process.
Abstract:
Embodiments are directed towards employing hidden secrets on a client device to detect and deter piracy of a computer application. The computer application is partitioned into components, where a subset of the components is initially provided to the client device. In one embodiment, the computer application is unable to execute properly within the removed or other set of components. The removed components not provided to the client device may then be modified based on hidden secrets information and a verification component and provided over a network to the client device. If the verification component is unable to locate an armed secret, or detects that an armed secret is modified, the computer application may be inhibited from installation and/or execution. In one embodiment, a secret might be unarmed, such that its presence, absence, and/or modification might be ignored.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed for accurately determining a pore pressure of a subsurface formation (20) penetrated by a wellbore (40). The systems and methods provide for measuring pressure and temperature at a measuring location proximal to the wellbore for a predetermined amount of time, storing the measurements, communicating the measurements and processing the pore pressure from the pressure and temperature measurements. The measuring location may be a location in a channel (50) drilled from the wellbore into the formation.
Abstract:
A munitions casing including an annulus of a shape memory alloy disposed around said casing where the shape memory alloy has been subjected to a combination of mechanical and thermal treatments so as to impart a memory, and a cutter located between the annulus and the casing wherein heating of the shape memory alloy to a predetermined temperature causes said annulus to contract radially inwardly and rupture the said munitions casing.
Abstract:
One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes using a portable computing device to remotely control devices and/or systems wirelessly. Specifically, a software timer application operating on the portable computing device enables its user to predefine the time, date, and the operation(s) that one or more properly enabled devices and/or systems perform in the future. That is, the timer software operating on the portable computing device is able at some predefined time to wirelessly trigger an action or a sequence of actions from devices and/or systems. For example, a user of the portable computing device is able to utilize the timer software to program a predefined date and time that the portable computing device will turn on a favorite radio program and turn up the thermostat. The wireless communication of the portable computing device may occur using a radio frequency (RF) technology like Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, or HomeRF.
Abstract:
A machine for automatically orienting railroad tie plates includes a sensing region having at least one optical sensor adapted to sense a physical feature of a tie plate. An electronic controller is connected to the optical sensor and is disposed to receive a sensor signal indicative of the physical feature of the tie plate when the tie plate is in the sensing region. The electronic controller further determines an orientation of the tie plate based on the sensor signal, compares it to one or more predetermined or possible orientations, and provides a command to at least one actuator adapted to perform at least one tie plate orientation operation to change the orientation of the tie plate based on the comparison of the orientation of the plate with the predetermined orientation.
Abstract:
A method of lining tubing within a wellbore comprises applying a polymerisable fluid composition containing a photoinitiator to the interior surface of that tubing and initiating polymerisation of the composition by exposing it to actinic radiation, suitably light or ultraviolet with wavelength 250 to 800 nm. The composition is preferably stable against heat but polymerises quickly when exposed to the actinic radiation. The composition may be spread onto the tubing and exposed to actinic radiation as soon as it has been spread into a layer, suitably with a tool which skims the tubing surface with applicator pads for dispensing and spreading the composition, immediately followed by exposing the spread composition to actinic radiation. A second option is that the composition is provided as a sleeve which is expanded against the tubing, exposure to actinic radiation preferably then being achieved by means of light guides or light emitting diodes within the sleeve.
Abstract:
A method of outsourcing technology. Metrics are determined to govern services by agreement between a client and an outsourcer. Services required by the client are selected from a fixed list of services and a quality for the selected service is determined, the selection and the quality being dependent on the metrics. The services within the fixed list of services are organised within groups and at least one service corresponds to a predetermined practice. An agreement is generated for the provision of each selected service, and the provision of each selected service is allocated to an appropriate technology service provider. Each technology service provider provides its allocated service according to the quality required and according to the corresponding practice. The services provided in conjunction are monitored and the quality of the services is adjusted or additional services are added from the list in response to the outcome of the monitoring.