Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110238313 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CORRECTION OF BOREHOLE EFFECTS IN A NEUTRON POROSITY MEASUREMENT - Systems, methods, and devices for determining a porosity of a subterranean formation corrected for borehole effects are provided. One such device may be a downhole tool capable of being lowered into a borehole of a subterranean formation that may include a neutron source, two or more neutron detectors, and data processing circuitry. The neutron source may emit neutrons into the subterranean formation. The two or more neutron detectors may be respectively disposed at two or more azimuthal orientations within the downhole tool, and may detect neutrons scattered by the subterranean formation or borehole fluid in the borehole, or both. Based on the neutrons detected by the neutron detectors, the data processing circuitry may determine a porosity of the subterranean formation corrected for borehole effects. | 09-29-2011 |
20110260044 | NEUTRON POROSITY DOWNHOLE TOOL WITH IMPROVED PRECISION AND REDUCED LITHOLOGY EFFECTS - Systems and methods for neutron porosity well logging with high precision and reduced lithology effects are provided. In accordance with an embodiment, a downhole neutron porosity tool may include a neutron source, a neutron monitor, a neutron detector, and data processing circuitry. The neutron source may emit neutrons into a subterranean formation while the neutron monitor detects a count of neutrons proportional to the neutrons emitted. The neutron detector may detect a count of neutrons that scatters off the subterranean formation. The data processing circuitry may determine an environmentally corrected porosity of the subterranean formation based at least in part on the count rate of neutrons scattered off the subterranean formation normalized to the count rate of neutrons proportional to the neutrons emitted by the neutron source. | 10-27-2011 |
20110284731 | GAMMA-RAY DETECTORS FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS - Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis. | 11-24-2011 |
20140117246 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING RADIATION - Apparatus and method for detecting radiation-of-interest, such as neutron radiation, employs a gas chamber, a gas that responds to ionizing particles by producing electrons and ions, a cathode that attracts ions, and a supporting layer with a conductive pathway. The conductive pathway collects electrons and responds to electrons that drift towards the conductive pathway by inducing production of further electrons and ions within the gas. The electrons that are collected at the conductive pathway and/or the ions that drift away from the conductive pathway will induce an electrical signal, which can be used to detect the radiation-of-interest. | 05-01-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140083186 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR BOREHOLE GRAVIMETRY - A gravimeter, a gravimeter system, and a method for measuring gravitational acceleration within a borehole are described herein. The gravimeter includes a proof mass that is constrained by springs and an optical interferometer for measuring displacement of the proof mass. The optical interferometer generates a light path from a light source to a reflective surface on the proof mass. Spatial displacement of the proof mass from a reference position to a position of gravitational equilibrium is determined by measuring a change in length of the light path. In turn, gravitational acceleration can be determined from the spatial displacement of the proof mass. A number of such gravimeters can be used in a gravimeter system to make measurements of gravitational acceleration in variety of different directions. | 03-27-2014 |
20150076337 | Gamma-Ray Detectors For Downhole Applications - Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis. | 03-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100090111 | THERMALLY-PROTECTED SCINTILLATION DETECTOR - Systems, methods, and devices for thermally protecting a scintillator crystal of a scintillation detector are provided. In one example, a thermally-protected scintillator may include a scintillator crystal and a thermal protection element, which may partially surround the scintillator crystal. The thermal protection element may be configured to prevent the scintillator crystal from experiencing a rate of change in temperature sufficient to cause cracking or non-uniform light output, or a combination thereof. | 04-15-2010 |
20100243877 | SCINTILLATOR BASED RADIATION DETECTION - Methods and related systems are described for the detection of nuclear radiation. The system can include a tool body adapted to be deployed in a wellbore and a scintillator material that intrinsically generates radiation. The scintillator material is mounted within the tool body. A photodetection system is coupled to the scintillator material, and mounted within the tool body. Features in a spectrum associated with a scintillation material's intrinsic radioactive decay are used for the determination of one or more parameter's of the response function of the radiation detector system. | 09-30-2010 |
20100301198 | INTRINSIC RADIOACTIVITY IN A SCINTILLATOR AS COUNT RATE REFERENCE - Methods and related systems are described for the detection of nuclear radiation. The system can include a scintillator material that intrinsically generates radiation and a photodetection system coupled to the scintillator material and adapted to generate electrical signals based on light emitted from the scintillator material. A processing system adapted and programmed to receive the electrical signals, to generate a count rate reference value based at least in part on electrical signals generated in response to the light emitted from the scintillator material due to the intrinsically generated radiation. | 12-02-2010 |
20130214145 | Gamma-Ray Detectors For Downhole Applications - Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis. | 08-22-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120057263 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING ARC FLASH EVENTS USING LIGHT AND TIME DISCRIMINATOIN - A power equipment protection system includes a circuit breaker, a current sensor configured to measure a current through a circuit, a light sensor configured to detect a light event, and a controller communicatively coupled to the current sensor and to the light sensor, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the light event originated from operation of the circuit breaker. | 03-08-2012 |
20120063036 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR CIRCUIT PROTECTION WITHIN AN EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE - An arc transfer device for use in a switchgear includes at least one first electrical connector configured to connect the arc transfer device to a voltage supply within the switchgear, and a racking cassette. The racking cassette includes at least one second electrical connector that is configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one first electrical connector based on the racking position of the arc transfer device. | 03-15-2012 |
20120068602 | ELECTRODE AND PLASMA GUN CONFIGURATION FOR USE WITH A CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICE - A circuit protection device includes a plasma gun configured to emit an ablative plasma along an axis, and a plurality of electrodes, wherein each electrode is electrically coupled to a respective conductor of a circuit and is arranged substantially along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis such that each electrode is positioned substantially equidistant from the axis. | 03-22-2012 |
20120146623 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AN ARC EVENT USING BREAKER STATUS - A power equipment protection system includes a first circuit monitoring device configured to monitor a first circuit, a second circuit monitoring device configured to monitor a second circuit that is electrically coupled to the first circuit, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first circuit monitoring device and the second circuit monitoring device. The processor is configured to receive a signal indicative of a fault from at least one of the first circuit monitoring device and the second circuit monitoring device, determine whether the fault occurred in the first circuit or in the second circuit, and if the fault occurred in the second circuit, determine whether the fault is an arc event. | 06-14-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090150189 | Hybrid life insurance product with an improved total return - Disclosed is a novel life insurance product that provides an improved return to a purchaser. The life insurance product contains a benefit payment, and has a fixed benefit amount and a variable benefit amount. A policy protection benefit prevents a purchaser's life insurance product from lapsing, and a minimum death benefit ensures that the purchaser receives the greater of the face value of the product and a predetermined percentage of the account value. | 06-11-2009 |
20090319302 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING COST OF INSURANCE RATES - According to some embodiments, a current net amount at risk associated with a life insurance policy is determined. The life insurance policy may, for example, have been previously issued to a consumer for a given face death benefit amount. At least one applicable cost of insurance rate may then be automatically selected based at least in part on the determined net amount at risk. The applicable cost of insurance rate can then be applied to the current net amount at risk for the policy. For example, a first cost of insurance rate may be applied to a first portion of the current net amount at risk, and the applicable cost of insurance rate may be applied to a second portion of the current net amount at risk. | 12-24-2009 |
20100299160 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING FLEXIBLE AND PREDICTABLE INCOME - A computer system for administering a retirement income guarantee contract includes a communications module for receiving and transmitting data, and an administration module. The administration module has: an account initiation module for storing contract data including: an initial premium amount paid on which an accumulation balance is initially based; a target payout commencement date and a payout commencement date range including the target payout commencement date; payout rates fixed at the time of payment of the initial premium amount for determining income payments for payouts commencing at dates within the range; and one or more crediting rates fixed at the time of payment of the initial premium amount for determining increases in accumulation balance until the payout date. A payout administration module determines a payout amount based on the accumulation balance at the payout date and the fixed payout rate applicable to the payout date. | 11-25-2010 |
20110077982 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTRATION OF LIFE INSURANCE POLICY WITH ACCELERATED BENEFITS - A computer system for administering a life insurance policy is configured to, responsive to receipt of certification that the insured has either loss of ability to perform two activities of daily living or cognitive impairment, provide instructions to pay an owner of the policy, in periodic payments, an accelerated benefit, the accelerated benefit being in an amount less than the death benefit, a first of the periodic payments being for a time period commencing on a date of receipt of the certification, and continuing until the insured no longer has the loss of ability to perform two activities of daily living or cognitive impairment. The system is further configured to, responsive to each of the periodic payments, determine a reduction of the amount of the death benefit by an amount of each of the periodic payments. | 03-31-2011 |
20110125536 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTERING INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED BEFORE COMPREHENSIVE UNDERWRITING - A computer system for administering applications for life insurance has a processor and a memory storage device in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to receive data indicative of an application and an initial premium payment from a proposed insured for life insurance; based on the received data, determine whether the proposed insured is eligible for life insurance issued before completion of comprehensive underwriting; responsive to a determination that the proposed insured is eligible, generate an output signal having data indicative of a decision to respond to the application by issuing a policy and by commencing a comprehensive underwriting process. The processor may be configured to receive data indicative of a result of the comprehensive underwriting process and based on the result of the comprehensive underwriting process, provide an output signal indicative of policy changes. | 05-26-2011 |
20110125537 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLICATION PROCESSING AND POLICY ADMINISTRATION FOR INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED BEFORE COMPREHENSIVE UNDERWRITING - A computer system for administering applications for life insurance has a processor and a memory storage device in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to receive data indicative of application data and data indicative of a health of a proposed insured; based on the received data, determine whether the proposed insured is eligible, and generate an output signal to cause a policy to be generated and comprehensive underwriting to commence. Upon completion of comprehensive underwriting, additional policy documents may be determined. Calculations of commissions and reinsurance premiums may be made upon issue of a policy and recalculated upon completion of comprehensive underwriting. | 05-26-2011 |
20110125651 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTERING LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED PRIOR TO UNDERWRITING - A computer system for administering applications for life insurance has a processor and a memory storage device in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to receive data indicative of an application and an initial premium payment from a proposed insured for life insurance; based on the received data, determine whether the proposed insured is uninsurable; responsive to a determination that the proposed insured is not uninsurable, generate an output signal having data indicative of a decision to respond to the application by issuing a policy and commencing a comprehensive underwriting process; receive data indicative of a result of the comprehensive underwriting process; based on the result of the comprehensive underwriting process, determine a rating of the proposed insured; and, based on the rating, provide an output signal indicative of a same or changed premium for the policy. | 05-26-2011 |
20110153366 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRICING AND ISSUING LEVEL PAY DEATH BENEFIT POLICIES - Pursuant to some embodiments, a computer system for pricing a paycheck term policy is provided which includes a processor, a communication device in communication with the processor and receiving an input data set, the input data set including at least an issue age of an insured associated with the policy, a desired death benefit payment amount, an underwriting class associated with the insured, and an interest rate factor. A memory is in communication with the processor and storing program instructions, the processor operative with the program instructions to store a first equation, the first equation defining a present value of cost of death benefit in terms of a plurality of independent variables including the desired death benefit payment amount, a fixed annuity factor, an account value, a present value factor, a probability of survival, and a probability of death, a second equation, the second equation defining a present value of a premium in terms of a plurality of independent variables including the present value factor, the probability of survival factor, the desired death benefit payment amount, the fixed annuity factor, the account value, and the probability of death. The memory stores a third equation, the third equation defining a present value of a cost of return of premium benefit in terms of a plurality of independent variables including a probability of life factor, and a total of premiums paid at a benefit year. The first and second equations are applied to the input data set to generate a pricing dataset for the paycheck term policy, the pricing dataset including at least a present value of a premium and a present value of cost of death benefit. The third equation is applied to the output of said the equation to generate a present value of a cost of return of premium benefit, and the pricing dataset is output. | 06-23-2011 |
20110208549 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING COST OF INSURANCE RATES - According to some embodiments, a current net amount at risk associated with a life insurance policy is determined. The life insurance policy may, for example, have been previously issued to a consumer for a given face death benefit amount. At least one applicable cost of insurance rate may then be automatically selected based at least in part on the determined net amount at risk. The applicable cost of insurance rate can then be applied to the current net amount at risk for the policy. For example, a first cost of insurance rate may be applied to a first portion of the current net amount at risk, and the applicable cost of insurance rate may be applied to a second portion of the current net amount at risk. | 08-25-2011 |
20120209631 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING DATA RELATED TO A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY HAVING A DEATH BENEFIT PAYABLE BASED ON AGE OF A LIVING INSURED - A computer system for processing of data related to a permanent life insurance policy includes a data storage device storing data indicative of a policy owner, an insured under the policy, and a death benefit amount, payable under the policy to a beneficiary upon death of the insured, and a processor in communication with the data storage device. A withdrawal benefit providing periodic payments to the owner, each payment reducing the amount of the death benefit until reaching a residual death benefit amount, is available on owner request, at a minimum age of the insured, on meeting a condition related to a likelihood of policy lapse prior to death of the insured. The processor is configured to determine whether premium payments in accordance with a schedule will cause the condition to be met. | 08-16-2012 |
20120226509 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING DATA RELATED TO DEATH BENEFIT AMOUNTS FOR LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES - A computer system for processing data relating to a life insurance policy issued by an insurance company to an owner includes a data storage device storing data relating to the life insurance policy, including data indicative of a face amount, a benefit account, an investment account and a death benefit factor, and a processor configured to access data indicative of the face amount, a value of the investment account, a value of the benefit account and a value of the death benefit factor; determine a first value based on a sum of the face amount and the value of the investment account; determine a second value based on the benefit account value, the investment account value and the value of the death benefit factor; and determine an amount of a death benefit of the life insurance policy to be the greater of the first value and the second value. | 09-06-2012 |
20120271661 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING DATA RELATED TO LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED PRIOR TO UNDERWRITING - A computer system for administering applications for life insurance has a processor and a memory storage device in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to receive data indicative of an application and an initial premium payment from a proposed insured for life insurance; based on the received data, determine whether the proposed insured is uninsurable; responsive to a determination that the proposed insured is not uninsurable, generate an output signal having data indicative of a decision to respond to the application by issuing a policy and commencing a comprehensive underwriting process; receive data indicative of a result of the comprehensive underwriting process; based on the result of the comprehensive underwriting process, determine a rating of the proposed insured; and, based on the rating, provide an output signal indicative of a same or changed premium for the policy. | 10-25-2012 |
20130035964 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA PROCESSING FOR TERM LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED BEFORE COMPREHENSIVE UNDERWRITING - A computer system for administering applications for term life insurance has a processor and a memory storage device in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to receive data indicative of application data and data indicative of a health of a proposed insured; based on the received data, determine whether the proposed insured is eligible, and generate an output signal to cause a policy to be generated and comprehensive underwriting to commence, the life insurance policy providing for a first premium rate for a first period after issue, and a second premium rate for a second period commencing on expiration of the first period, at least one of the second premium rate being determined based on data indicative of a result of comprehensive underwriting. Upon completion of comprehensive underwriting, data is generated for notification of results of comprehensive underwriting and the second premium rate to the insured. | 02-07-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100151553 | METHOD OF DETECTION OF BIOANALYTES BY ACOUSTO-MECHANICAL DETECTION SYSTEMS COMPRISING THE ADDITION OF LIPOSOMES - Methods for detecting target biological analytes within sample material using acousto-mechanical energy generated by a sensor are disclosed. The acousto-mechanical energy may be provided using an acousto-mechanical sensor, e.g., a surface acoustic wave sensor such as, e.g., a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave sensor (e.g., a LSH-SAW sensor). The detection of the target biological analytes in sample material are enhanced by contacting the target biological analyte and/or the sensor surface with liposomes that amplify the sensor sensitivity by (1) modifying the rheological properties of the fluid near the sensor surface; (2) changing the mass attached to the surface; and/or (3) modifying the dielectric properties of the fluid near the sensor surface, the sensor surface itself and/or any intervening layers on the sensor surface. | 06-17-2010 |
20100317050 | POLYPEPTIDES FOR MICROBIAL DETECTION - Polypeptides which can be activated to cause the formation of pores in a lipid membrane are disclosed. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions for the detection of target microorganisms and methods of using said compositions. | 12-16-2010 |
20110143334 | MICROBIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF FLUID SAMPLE ANALYSIS - Methods and systems for detecting the presence of a target microorganism in a liquid sample are provided. Methods comprise the steps of passing the liquid sample through a surface filter, placing the surface filter into contact with a culture device, incubating the culture device for a period of time and detecting the presence of a target microorganism. Methods may be used with an automated detection system. | 06-16-2011 |
20120252049 | METHODS OF DETECTING MICROORGANISMS AND KITS THEREFORE - A method of detecting microorganisms in a test sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) incubating the test sample with a growth media to form an incubated sample, wherein the growth media includes an enzyme substrate and the enzyme substrate includes an enzymatically hydrolysable group and a fluorescent group, wherein microorganisms present in the test sample include an enzyme that hydrolyzes the hydrolysable group from the fluorescent group to form a fluorescently detectable product, wherein the fluorescently detectable product has both an acidic and basic species; b) exciting the fluorescently detectable product with light having a wavelength of Exλiso for a time sufficient for the fluorescently detectable product to emit light, wherein Exλiso is the absorbance isosbestic point of the fluorescently detectable product; and c) detecting light emitted at a wavelength of Emλ1. | 10-04-2012 |
20120301911 | Rapid Detection of Molds that Produce Glucose Oxidase - Methods and kits are disclosed for detecting microorganisms that produce glucose oxidase. The method includes providing a culture medium and a hydrogen peroxide indicating reagent comprising a chromogenic substrate that can provide a detectable chromogenic reaction indicating the presence of a microorganism that produces glucose oxidase, and additional methods are disclosed for differentiating microorganisms by the detection of an additional chromogenic reaction. | 11-29-2012 |
20130230876 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS TO DETECT A BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY - Compositions that comprise water, a first indicator reagent that can be converted by a first biological activity to a first biological derivative, and a plurality of particles are provided. The first indicator reagent can comprise a fluorogenic enzyme substrate having a fluorophore selected from the group consisting of umbelliferone, 7-aminocoumarin, β-naphthylamine, β-naphthol, fluorescein, resorufin, 9H-(1,3-dichloro-9,9-dimethyl acridin-2-one), rhodamine 110, a derivative of any of the foregoing fluorophores, and a combination of any of the foregoing fluorophores. The particles are capable of receiving and retaining the first biological derivative from an aqueous liquid. The first biological derivative can be indicative of a microorganism. The compositions further can comprise a gelling agent. Methods of using the compositions to detect the presence or absence of a microorganism in a sample are also provided. | 09-05-2013 |
20130309693 | POLYPEPTIDES FOR MICROBIAL DETECTION - Polypeptides which can be activated to cause the formation of pores in a lipid membrane are disclosed. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions for the detection of target microorganisms and methods of using said compositions. | 11-21-2013 |
20130316443 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING MICROORGANISMS - A system for detecting microorganisms in a test sample is provided that includes a fluorescently detectable product having both acidic and basic species, wherein the fluorescently detectable product is the reaction product of (a) an enzyme substrate that comprises an enzymatically hydrolysable group and a fluorescent group and (b) a test sample comprising a microorganism having an enzyme that hydrolyzes the hydrolysable group from the fluorescent group of the enzyme substrate. The fluorescently detectable product has an excitation isosbestic point Exλiso where the absorbance of the acid species is the same as the absorbance of the basic species. The system also includes a first light source having a wavelength of Exλiso for irradiating the fluorescently detectable product, The fluorescently detectable product emits light at a wavelength of Emλ1, and the quantity of light emitted at the wavelength Emλ1 is substantially constant across a pH range of 2.5 to 8.0. | 11-28-2013 |
20140186878 | FLUOROGENIC OR FLUOROPHORIC COMPOUNDS AND USES THEREOF - Compounds are provided that are either fluorogenic or fluorophoric. Compositions and articles that include the compounds are also provided. Additionally, methods of detecting a microorganism using the compounds are provided. The compounds are fluorinated and can be used advantageously under acidic conditions. | 07-03-2014 |