Abstract:
This invention relates to compositions for the management and treatment of water used for the production of oil and gas products comprising an electro -chemically activated, cation or anion-containing aqueous solution (catholyte or anolyte), and to a system and process for their production. A plant is described for treating water used for petroleum production and products including a water reservoir (15), a salt feed device (19) for creating an aqueous salt solution, an electrolysis device (21) to produce anolyte and catholyte solutions, an anolyte tank (31), a cation tank (32) and an anion holding/transport container (33) from which solution is injected into a petroleum processing, petroleum production enhancement or petroleum product application.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for sensing characteristics of an object. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises an array, wherein the array comprises a plurality of nanoscale hybrid semiconductor/metal devices which are in proximity to an object, each hybrid semiconductor/metal device being configured to produce a voltage in response to a perturbation, wherein the produced voltage is indicative of a characteristic of the object. Any of a variety of nanoscale EXX sensors can be selected as the hybrid semiconductor/ metal devices in the array. With such an array, ultra high resolution images of nanoscopic resolution can be generated of objects such as living cells, wherein the images are indicative of a variety of cell biologic processes.
Abstract:
A reflective metrological scale has a scale pattern of elongated side-by-side marks surrounded by reflective surface areas of a substrate, which may be a nickel based metal alloy and may be a thin and elongated flexible tape. Each mark has a harrowed cross section and may have a depth in the range of 0.5 to 2 microns. The central region of each mark may be rippled or ridged and may be darkened to provide an enhanced optical reflection ratio with respect to surrounding reflective surface areas. A manufacturing method includes the repeated steps of (1) creating a scale mark with a series of overlapped pulses from a laser, each pulse having an energy density of less than about 1 joule per cm2, and (2) changing the relative position of the laser and the substrate by a displacement amount defining a next mark location.
Abstract:
A system for trading includes a memory operable to store information associated with a futures contract between a buyer and a seller. The futures contract is associated with at least one entertainment event and comprises a purchase price and a settlement date. A processor coupled to the memory settles the futures contract based at least in part upon the purchase price and a value associated with the entertainment event at the settlement date. The entertainment event is associated with a security and the transaction of the futures contract is performed in conjunction with the issuance of the security to the seller.
Abstract:
A system for trading includes a memory operable to store information associated with a futures contract between a buyer and a seller. The futures contract is associated with at least one entertainment event and comprises a purchase price and a settlement date. A processor coupled to the memory settles the futures contract based at least in part upon the purchase price and a value associated with the entertainment event at the settlement date. The entertainment event is associated with a security and the transaction of the futures contract is performed in conjunction with the issuance of the security to the seller.
Abstract:
This invention relates to Applicant's discovery that Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of disorders stemming from a resistance to insulin, contributes directly to dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Applicant's invention includes a screening method to determine susceptibility and diagnosis of dementia based on the risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome. Applicant's invention further includes methods for the prevention or treatment of dementia and other neurological conditions based on (1) minimizing insulin resistance, thereby preventing excess biosynthesis of insulin; (2) modulating the activity of IDE such that insulin competes less efficiently with beta-amyloid protein for the IDE; and (3) blocking the consequences of NMDA receptor activation, such as by minimizing the generation of NO and other harmful free radicals.
Abstract:
Complexes of a biotinylated fluorescent polymer and a biotin binding protein and solid supports coated with the fluorescent polymer complexes are described. The complexes can be used as sensors for detecting biological recognition events (e.g., nucleic acid hybridization reactions or enzymatic induced polypeptide cleavage). Methods of making the complexes and methods of using the complexes for detecting the presence and/or amount of a target analyte in a sample are also described. The target analyte can be an enzyme (e.g., β-secretase) or a nucleic acid (e.g., a single stranded or double stranded nucleic acid).
Abstract:
A system and method for detecting a fluid flow where a fluid passing through a conduit (310) passes through detection electronics (330, 320, and 340) producing signals indicative of the fluid flow in sensor electronic control means (350).
Abstract:
Operational status information associated with a process entity in a process plant(10) is received. The operational status information is mapped into one of a plurality of status conditions. Then, an alert message associated with the process entity is generated, where the alert message is indicative of the one status condition of the plurality of status conditions.
Abstract:
The drill rod (10) includes a first rod section (14) and a second rod section (16) that are welded together along their mating ends (14b and 16b respectively). The mating ends are heat treated to reduce the elevated hardness that is caused by the welding. Both, the first rod section and the second rod section, each include an interior passage (15 and 17 respectively) that extends between the free end (14a and 16a respectively) to the mating end. A hardened externally threaded portion (18) on the first rod section can be threaded into the separately hardened internally threaded portion in the interior passage of a second rod section of another drill rod. The first drill rod is threaded into the other drill rod so that the surface of an annular face on the free end of the first drill rod abuts against a mating shoulder of the second drill rod.