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Welcome to the website of New Deer St Kane's Church.
New Deer St Kane's Church is a Christ-centred, biblically-focused family of faith. We move forward each day as we respond individually and together to the transforming love of God. We enjoy and serve God in our teaching and learning. We serve God in our Sunday worship and we enjoy service to God in our community. We serve and enjoy God in our personal lives. We love God and God's gift of life as we learn what it means for us to be followers of Jesus.
St. Kane's is a Church of Scotland (presbyterian) church in New Deer, a village in North East Scotland. Click here for a map of our location (the Church Centre is right next door to the church). Thank you for showing an interest in us by visiting our site! Please take some time to explore our site and find out more about us. We enjoy good fellowship together and hope you will join us either at our service on a Sunday or at one of the groups running during the week.
For more information on our weekly services and events taking place in the Church and Church Centre please look at the Church Calendar on this website or get in contact with us.
This is a new website - to find past postings about the church please click the link below to our old website.
We are currently vacant and seeking a minister. If you are interested then please find our Parish Profile at the bottom of this page.
Our weekly Church service is held every Sunday in St Kane's Church at 11.30am.
Come and join us is the Mustard Seed Café for an informal evening for all ages. There will be some food, plenty of tea and coffee, a chance to join us in singing some worship songs, old and new, and a short message.
The next Café Church will take place on Saturday 9th September in the Church Centre. We would love to see some new faces as well as our regulars. This is a perfect opportunity to invite a friend along, especially if they haven't been to church for a while.
We are now on Facebook! Like and Share our page to find out all the latest on services, events and general news of St Kane's Church.https://www.facebook.com/New-Deer-St-Kanes-Parish-Church
We are looking for a volunteer to takeover the running of the kitchen in the Mustard Seed Cafe on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This is a great opportunity to play a vital role in the continued success of the Mustard Seed Cafe. The Cafe has become a vibrant and popular venue at the heart of New Deer and the surrounding local community. You will work with other volunteers to run the Cafe and preapre lunches and light snacks. For more information and to discuss the role further please contact Anne Milne at the Cafe on 01771 644097.
We are currently seeking to call a minister to our parish. If you are interested then please look at our Parish Profile below.


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Oracle 1Z1-028 Certification Exam
The Oracle 1Z1-028 (Database Cloud Administration Certification Beta) is a beta exam, and you should think about whether this is the right choice for your individual needs. They are quite difference from what the final exam will be because their purpose is to determine which questions will be used on the final exam. You are actively encouraged to offer comments on questions, but you should know that you should do that at the end of the test, since there are more questions on beta exams and you will not have as much time to answer them.
The good news is beta... [read more]

subset: commoncrawl


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Louis Vuitton Beige and Plum Fleur De Monogram Bag Charm Pre Owned
This item is no longer available
This is an authentic LOUIS VUITTON Fleur De Monogram Bag Charm in an elegant gold finished brass metal. It features the monogram design with a colorful beige and plum resin flowers - it's a beautifully highlighted charm with an engraved LV signature on the hook. It's a charming addition to any Louis Vuitton handbag. Add this to your collection today!
- Exterior: Very Good
- Interior: Very Good
- Color: Beige
- Hardware Description: Gold Hardware
- Material: Metal
- Width: 5.1 in.
- Height: 1.6 in.
Authenticity code: Louis Vuitton DI1125
Authentic: Pre Owned
Product Code: 3190001
Read more about Louis Vuitton Date Code here.
All photos are of actual item being sold. This Louis Vuitton® item is guaranteed to be authentic. Louis Vuitton is a registered trademark of Louis Vuitton. LuxeDH is not affiliated with or represents Louis Vuitton in any way or form.


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Did Vin Diesel Just Reveal He Has A Tattoo Of Paul Walker?
Like millions of likeminded Dieselheads out there, I'm all over Vin's Facebook page for his hilarious live videos and down-to-earth love of fan art, but a post from last month has stuck in my mind for an astonishing reason – it appeared to show a very familiar pair of eyes in tattoo form.
Check Vin's post below and see if you agree with the uncanny resemblance between the tat and the late Paul Walker's eyes:
It's no secret that Vin's relationship with his "Brother Pablo" ran deep – – but could he really have had a permanent tribute inked onto his body?
I can't resist a bit of online detective work, so come with me on an investigation to try and work out the origins of this puzzling image that the big man himself chose to share with the world.
Which Image Of Paul Walker Could It Be Based On?
Any Paul Walker super fan would be able to recognize the late Fast & Furious legend's eyes in the image above, but which exact photograph could it have came from?
Although the dramatic shading of the tattoo distorts the set of the eyebrows, the image totally reminds me of one of the most memorable scenes in Furious 7. When Brian O'Connor turns in the fork of the road after his final goodbye.
While this is kind of bizarre seeing as the image in question after Walker's death, it certainly makes sense in terms of Paul and Vin's journey together on the franchise.
Where Did The Photo Actually Come From?
Vin adores sharing work by his passionate fans, but it turns out that this is no fan art edit and was actually snapped by a
Along with the image that Vin shared which shows the distinctive eye tattoo,
Clearly not all of these tattoos are real – unless Vin is secretly really obsessed with the xXx franchise – but could at least a few of them be his own?
See Also:
Has Vin Ever Spoken About Having Tattoos In Real Life?
Multiple sources state that Vin Diesel doesn't have any tattoos in real life, but the interview where the star supposedly said this is nowhere to be found in even the dustiest corners of the internet.
That being said, there is no reason to believe that Vin is an ink lover as his skin looks totally unadorned in his Instagram feed:
Despite his multiple gym selfies, Vin hasn't shown his bare back for almost two years when he posted the artistic snap below. Could this be proof that he has been hiding a special tribute for all this time?
Could It Be For The xXx Movie?
While it's clear from the cast photos and tell-tale logo that most of Vin's tattoos are to help transform him into the badass Xander Cage, it's unclear why they would include a tattoo of Paul Walker who has absolutely no links to the franchise.
To this day, Vin still posts images that show how much he still grieves for his lost pal, so if this isn't a permanent memorial, it's possible he could have asked for it to be incorporated into the xXx: Return of Xander Cage tattoo design for sentimental reasons.
This isn't entirely unlikely because Diesel has previously included subjects close to his heart in his Xander Cage tattoo designs for sentimental reasons. The hulking star has made no secret of his deep love for Dungeons and Dragons, and he had his beloved character emblazoned on his body for the role. The 49-year-old star told Conan that:
"I created a character… No one knows this, but in Triple-X, one of the tattoos, right above my belly-button, or below my belly button, I don't know why I'm saying this *hoots from audience*, was the name Melkor. And that came from a character that I had created."
If Vin didn't want to commit to a permanent piece of body art for whatever reason, this would still be a beautiful tribute to Paul that would live on through his work.
Do you think that Vin Diesel might have got a Paul Walker tribute tattoo for real?
(Source: )


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|Half Baths
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|3 - 7 nights
Situated on the shore of Cayuga Lake, this comfortable updated, fully-furnished and equipped 5 bedroom 3.5 bath home can be your oasis. Sit back and enjoy your morning coffee, tea, or evening Wine or Beer on the lakefront deck. Watch the sunrise over the surrounding hills and the sunsets over the lake. Later, grab a book and take advantage of the private patio and dock as you soak up some sun. If you're feeling adventurous, enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or fishing with ease directly from the dock and patio-everything you need is provided for you.
This 5 bedroom house boasts a new great room addition, new docks, modern kitchen, as well as numerous luxurious amenities.
Whether you're looking to climb cliffs or taste wine, catch a symphony or head to the racetrack, the Finger Lakes has something for everyone. Wine and food are the area's trademarks, but equally well-renowned are its stunning natural landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Some of the country's most astonishing waterfalls are located here, including Taughannock Falls, one of the largest single-drop waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. Museums of history, art, and science can be found throughout the region, and the many small towns offer a wide array of shopping and entertainment. Baseball fans can visit Falcon Park in Auburn to cheer on the Auburn Doubledays Single-A baseball team, or catch a movie in town at the Finger Lakes Drive-In Theater. The country's auto racing mecca is nestled alongside Seneca Lake, while hundreds of campgrounds offer the chance to enjoy the quiet of the outdoors.
Once you've been able to unwind, there are many local activities available to reinvigorate your body and mind. Wine/spirit/beer tours are among some of the favorite activities around. Also, close to 18-hole golf courses, hiking trails and local waterfalls. We are directly on the Cayuga Wine Trail for you to easily fill your days w/ numerous wineries, historic sites, theatre, antique stores, fabulous shopping.
Guests will not be without entertainment; the lake provides excellent boating, fishing and kayaking opportunities. Guests will be able to experience numerous award winning wineries which are only minutes' drive away. For hikers, there are local waterfalls and parks to explore. Downtown Ithaca is a short drive for those who search other entertainment. The large back yard is a great location for family fun. Sorry, No Pets Allowed.
Our location is ideal for visitors to Wells College, the NY Chiropractic College and William Hobart and Smith College. Many guests also visit family at Syracuse, Cornell, and Ithaca College. The home is located a short drive from many popular wedding venues including the Inns of Aurora, Izzo's White Barn and the Apple Station Winery.
Take a tour of some of the finest Wineries and Cheese producers in the Country followed up by a 5 star meal. NY promotes farm to table dining and a great number of fantastic restaurants are affiliated with nearby wineries for easy enjoyment after a fun day of tastings and site seeing. And then return home to warm up in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine.
We are smack dab right in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Ideally located directly on the Cayuga Wine Trail and 5 minutes from the Seneca Wine Trail. A perfect spot for a tour, family or friends gathering, getaway, girls weekend away, bridal shower, bachelorette weekend-you name it you found the perfect place
Property was ideal for our family of 11 people.
Three minor annoyances: (1) could not get fans in living room and master bedroom to operate; (2) yard at rear of home was too waterlogged to be usable: (3) we were not informed that the yard in front of the house belongs to a neighbor who quickly told us we were trespassing as we started a game of kickball.
All other features (space, supplies, instructions, furniture and fixtures, activities equipment, etc.) were fine and put to good use.
My wife and I stayed here with some of our friends for one of the Winter/Christmas Wine tour at Seneca. This house was a good half hour drive from Seneca, but it was very worth it. We had three couples and there was more than enough space to accommodate. Each couple had their own king bed and bathroom. The house was very clean and well kept. The owners clearly strive to make the experience perfect for their guests. The lake view was beautiful. It was so calm in the winter time. Highly recommend!
My wife and I wanted to get away for a long weekend and found this house on VRBO. We were not disappointed! Beautiful views, beautifully decorated inside and out. The owners were great, so easy to work with. This is definitely a place we will visit again.
Beautiful home with wonderful large yard on the shores of Lake Cayuga. The home was gorgeous...spacious w/ state of the art amenities. Plenty of room inside and outside for the family! The deck and patio area of perfect for entertaining and lounging. The dock provides for plenty of space for fishing and enjoying the views of the lake. Perfection!
Watkins Glens Racetrack
No racetrack in America has played as important a role in the history of auto-racing as the Watkins Glen International. Today a host to various NASCAR and Indy events, it was for decades the home of the United States Grand Prix, and the center of racing culture in the nation. While a large part of the track's fame comes from the Esses — the sinuous and often treacherous curves that make every race an edge-of-your-seat event — the Glen's picturesque location at the south end of Seneca Lake has attracted visitors for the better part of a century.
|Cleaning Fee


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Product Spotlight
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Albertson's Names Amy Kirby VP of Marketing
She was a senior account director with the company's marketing partner
Albertson's LLC has named Amy Kirby its VP of Marketing, a new corporate role for the company, in which Kirby will be responsible for overseeing all traditional marketing functions; developing company-wide campaigns and bridging them to regional strategies; advising division leadership on all aspects of advertising; and managing the company's marketing in collaboration with corporate and division executives.
Kirby had previously been with Albertson's Inc. as a marketing director from 1994 to 2000 when the company was in a state of rapid growth. She returned to that role as senior account director with the company's marketing partner, Ivie & Associates, in 2006 when Albertson's LLC was launched.
"Amy was a key member of the Ivie marketing team that helped us develop and execute successful marketing programs across our company during a time of constant change," said Bob Butler, EVP of operations. "Her extensive background in marketing with our company, Ivie and Albertsons Inc. combined with her creative, fresh focus on what consumers want today makes her uniquely qualified to step into this new role for our company and hit the ground running."
Prior to joining Albertson's LLC, Kirby was VP, sales and marketing for Pangea with additional responsibilities toward software deployment and client services.
Albertsons Market, owned by Albertson's LLC, is privately owned by Cerberus Capital Management, Kimco Realty Corporation, Klaff Realty, Lubert-Adler Partners and Schottenstein Stores Corporation. It operates 190 Albertson's Market-branded stores in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas, and two Super Saver Foods stores in Utah.


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Boa Morte signs new Fulham deal
By Peter ORourke
Last Updated: 01/01/70 1:00am
The Portuguese international has penned a one-year extension to his contract to keep him at the West London club until the summer of 2006.
The former Arsenal star has been in superb form, scoring two goals as Fulham have made a steady start to the new season.
Boa Morte was delighted to have extended his deal at the club and is confident they can enjoy a successful season.
"I am very happy to have signed a year's extension to my contract with Fulham," Boa Morte told the club's official website
"The team has made a good start to the season and the spirit in the camp is really positive and upbeat despite what the pundits have been saying about us.
"I want to play well and help Fulham achieve success this and next season; I am sure that under Chris Coleman we can be a successful team."


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Our lead clinical candidate, TXA709, is a second-generation prodrug that is metabolized in the body to produce the active agent, TXA707, a benzamide derivative that disrupts the function of FtsZ, a bacterial protein that is essential for bacterial cell division. In the presence of TXA707, FtsZ does not function properly, resulting in bacterial cell death that is achieved more rapidly than that observed with standard antibiotics such as vancomycin. The potent anti-staphylococcal activity of TXA707 is derived from its disruptive actions of the FtsZ protein. The inhibition of FtsZ is considered a novel mechanism of action, allowing the prodrug, TXA709 to overcome common resistance pathways associated with currently marketed antibiotic drugs. In addition, TXA709 shows minimal toxicity against mammalian and human cells, making it an attractive compound for development in the global fight against antibiotic resistance.
Recently published pre-clinical data suggest that TXA709 improves upon earlier-generation FtsZ inhibitors by providing enhanced metabolic stability, improved pharmacokinetic properties, and superior in vivo efficacy against S. aureus isolates that are resistant to current standard-of-care antibiotics, including vancomycin, daptomycin, and linezolid. In an article published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (AAC), researchers reported on a series of challenge studies in which TXA707, the active product of TXA709, exhibited potent bactericidal activity against 66 clinical S. aureus isolates with documented resistance to those standard-of-care drugs.
The AAC publication expanded upon pre-clinical data presented at the April 2015 European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark. In a poster presentation, researchers presented an analysis of antistaphylococcal efficacy in a murine peritonitis model of systemic infection in which TXA709 was associated with enhanced (two- to four-fold greater) in vivo efficacy against both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and MRSA strains, compared to a first-generation TAXIS compound with a similar mechanism of action.
TAXIS is conducting additional research to validate pre-clinical findings and highlight TXA709 as a weapon in the global fight against antibiotic resistance, an area of significant unmet medical need. TAXIS is committed to bringing TXA709, along with other novel, potentially life-saving antibiotic agents, to the clinic.
TAXIS has completed the following pre-clinical studies of TXA709:
|No detectable Ames-based mutagenicity
|Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in mouse, rat, dog (both intravenous and oral)
|Favorable PK parameters observed
|Metabolites in the presence of mouse and human hepatocytes
|Limited Phase I and II metabolism
|Cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition studies (cells transfected with human CYP enzymes)
|No significant CYP inhibition
|CYP induction studies (induction of messenger RNA [mRNA] in human cells)
|No significant CYP induction
|Metabolites (In vivo, mouse urine)
|Principal urinary metabolite identified
|Serum protein binding (mouse, rat, dog, human)
|No significant differences between species
|CYP-phenotype substrate identification (mouse)
|CYP3A4, CYP2D2 and CYP2C9 identified
|Safety study – in vitro pharmacology (Cerep – 44 receptors/channels)
|Very few effects, appear to be insignificant
|Acute and subchronic toxicity with histopathology (mouse, full necropsy and tissue analysis)
|No detectable difference between treated and control
The following TXA709 studies are in progress:
- Synthesis of GMP material
- Process chemistry, stability, salt analyses, and 1.5 kg GMP material
- Salt screens and formulation
- CMO selection process underway
- Comparative analyses of PK for assessment of effective clinical dose range
- Dr. Paul Ambrose, Institute for Clinical Pharmacodynamics, Latham, NY
Other FtsZ Inhibitors
In addition to TXA709, TAXIS is investigating several other FtsZ inhibitors for their activity against various bacterial species with a focus on Gram-negative bacterial infections, which are highly complex and difficult to treat.
FtsZ is an appealing antibacterial target because it is essential for bacterial survival and is conserved across many bacterial species including Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. FtsZ is specific to bacteria, with no functional counterpart in humans. In addition, FtsZ disruption is considered a novel mechanism of action, as it is unexploited by any drug in current clinical use, the majority of which target bacterial cell wall/membrane formation, protein synthesis, or DNA synthesis.
FtsZ-targeting agents appear to disrupt the process by which FtsZ forms a ring-like structure (called the Z-ring) at the middle of the bacterial cell that serves as a scaffold for the recruitment and organization of other critical components of cellular synthesis, septum formation, and cell division. Experiments have shown that TXA707, the active product of the prodrug TXA709, disrupts Z-ring formation in bacteria as well as mislocalization of FtsZ from the septal Z-ring at midcell to distal cellular sites. The mislocalization of septal biosynthesis away from midcell results in disrupted bacterial cell division and, ultimately, cell death.
Based on the demonstrated antibacterial efficacy of TXA709 in vivo and the disruption of bacterial cell division by TXA707, FtsZ appears to be a highly druggable target. As TAXIS continues to investigate this promising class of novel antibiotics, we are confident that the unique mechanism of action of these agents will lead to widespread clinical use once approved.
Gram-Negative Efflux Pump Inhibitors
Efflux, or outward flow, is a process by which foreign substances are moved out of the cell. The process is controlled by transporters called efflux pumps, which are multi-protein complexes that span the bacterial cell membranes. As foreign compounds, such as antibiotics, penetrate the bacterial cell wall, the efflux pumps recognize them and pump them out. As a result, the antibiotics never reach sufficiently high concentrations inside the cell to kill the bacteria, thereby resulting in antibiotic resistance.
The prodrug, TXA709, TAXIS Pharmaceuticals' lead drug candidate, does not currently target Gram-negative bacterial infections, as the active product TXA707 is a substrate (a molecule upon which an enzyme acts) for an efflux pump commonly associated with Gram-negative bacteria. Blocking the action of that efflux pump should facilitate the accumulation of therapeutic concentrations of TXA707 in the Gram-negative bacterial cell, thereby enabling activity against Gram-negative infections.
TAXIS is therefore applying the Company's technology and knowledge toward development of efflux pump inhibitors, or EPIs. This area of research involves reactivation of older, generic antibiotic drugs that are no longer effective because the Gram-negative pathogens they target have developed resistance against them due to the acquisition of efflux pumps. Although we are in the early stages of EPI research, in vitro results thus far have been promising, with significant (100- to 1,000-fold) increases in antibiotic potency observed in the Gram-negative pathogens Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.


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Replacement Window Seattle
Builders Service Company is the proud and exclusive vendor and installer for Premium Preservation Windows.
With more than 35 years in the industry, and an eye for exceptional quality and value, we are excited to offer the best option for replacement windows around.
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- Replacement Windows & Modern Energy Management
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Seattle Replacement Windows Service • House Vinyl Window Replacement
At Builders Service Company we have over three decades of experience in not only high quality products, but also in seeing a project from start to finish.
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In addition to energy savings, new windows can help add to the comfort of your home by removing cold and drafty areas where your old windows were prevalent.
Call Builders Service Company and let us show you why we are Washington's best replacement window service.
We'll earn your business every step of the way
Call us today for your free consultation and to learn more about the incredible new windows and other products that we have available to improve your homes energy efficiency and help it last for a lifetime.


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So this is the bit where I sell myself right?
Here goes! I'm a confident and outgoing woman - looking for someone to go on adventures and make stories with and eventually settle down and marry/have a family with one day.
I go to the gym 6x a week and do 8 sessions. I work with a personal trainer once a week too. I'm addicted to it and do varying work outs including body weight/high impact excersizes, cardio and weights. Yes, I lift.
I like music (all sorts but mainly rock), art, tattoos, piercings, going to the gym, seeing new places, theatre, cinema and lots of other stuff if you'd like to find out :)
I like going for nights out but don't drink a lot due to working out Monday-sat so Saturday nights is when I gave a beer souls I want one.
Would love to meet some that I can be spontaneous with, come back and tell stories that start with..so we went to *insert awesome place* and did this thing...not 'We wen't out and got battered last night'. That's not to say I can't party like the rest of them...I got to Rock City occasionally and dance my butt off =]
I'm a sucker for all things romantic and like to do nice things for people. Picnic under the stars anyone? I love cooking and it's even better if I have someone to cook for, I don't like spicy food though...would rather enjoy my food than have a burning mouth!
So that's me in a nutshell!! :)
Please take note: If you are younger than me or don't live within the Nottingham/local area I won't respond to you.
If your a sub looking for a dom. Look elsewhere, I not a Miss and I don't want a slave.
If your profile says your looking for 'casual/none commitment'/'wants to date but nothing serious' I won't respond to you.
If your profile says you do drugs (including cannabis) I won't respond to you.
Profiles that say someting simila to 'ask' or 'ill fill this in later' will also not be responded to! Give me something to go on!
I just don't want you to waste your time messaging me and for me to look rude!
My eyes
The fact that I shave half my hair off.
Hair dye
The gym
Finding someone to share my future with :)


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.as Domain Names
Origin: American Samoa
Creation date: 1997
Description: .AS is the official ccTLD of American Samoa
Whois: http://www.nic.as/whois.cfm
- Rules
.AS domains on Gandi.netAccreditation: Gandi is accredited for .AS since February 2012
Price: see the .AS price list
Corresponding Gandi contract: https://www.gandi.net/contracts
Terms and ConditionsAssigning: .AS is open to everybody
Syntax: from 1 to 63 alphanumeric characters or a hyphen (excluding in the first and last place)
IDN (accented domain names): yes
Registration period: 2 to 10 years for initial registration, 1 to 9 years for renewals
Subdomains: no
Private domain registration: yes, at the registry level for natural and legal persons (except holder name)
ProceduresRenewal: domains are deactivated upon expiration, it is possible to renew up to 30 days following the expiration date
Disputes: UDRP
Transfer (change of Registrar): the request is launched from the website of the domain's new registrar. Be sure that you have the domain's auth code, that the domain's status is not "TransferProhibited", and that it does not expire soon. The transfer must be confirmed by email and the registration period remains unchanged
Change of Ownership: available on our interface, expiration date remains unchanged
Deletion process: quarantine of 5 days, see this table
- Dates
- Prices
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New to Sophia?
Sophia's self-paced online courses are a great way to save time and money as you earn credits eligible for transfer to over 2,000 colleges and universities.*
Sophia partners
credit transfer.
Institutions have accepted or given pre-approval for credit transfer.
* The American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE Credit®) has evaluated and recommended college credit for 22 of Sophia's online courses. More than 2,000 colleges and universities consider ACE CREDIT recommendations in determining the applicability to their course and degree programs.
I will be able to correctly name the compound from a formula and identify the elements that combine to create the formulas.
Source: 1991 Instructional Fair, Inc
Make a copy of the two worksheets and share it with me in google.


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Question: Edward Waltz is the bookkeeper for Edminson Company Edward has
Edward Waltz is the bookkeeper for Edminson Company. Edward has been trying to get the balance sheet of Edminson Company to balance. It finally balanced, but now he's not sure it is correct.
Prepare a correct balancesheet.
View Solution:
Prepare a correct balancesheet.
View Solution:
Answer to relevant QuestionsSuppose the following items were taken from the balance sheet of Nike, Inc. (All dollars are in millions.).:.InstructionsPerform each of the following.(a) Classify each of these items as an asset, liability, or ...Presented below are five independent situations.(a) Randy Gentry, a college student looking for summer employment, opened a produce stand along a busy local highway. Each morning he buys produce from local farmers, then ...Lori Milner is the bookkeeper for Philco Company, Inc. Lori has been trying to get the company's balance sheet to balance. She finally got it to balance, but she still isn't sure that it is correct.InstructionsExplain ...Gray's Books & Music Inc. reported the following selected information at March 31.2014Total current assets........... $262,787Total assets.............. 439,832Total current liabilities........... 293,625Total ...Suppose the following data were taken from the 2014 and 2013 financial statements of American Eagle Outfitters. (All dollars are in thousands.)InstructionsPerform each of the following.(a) Calculate the current ratio for ...
Post your question


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- Harvard team report-"After three years of playing second fiddle to Cornell, Harvard began the 2010-11 season looking like a team ready to elbow the Big Red aside and take over as the team to beat in the Ivy League...One factor that sets Harvard apart from the stereotypical Ivy League team is its size inside. Much like Cornell in the past three years was led by legitimate 7-footer Jeff Foote in the middle, Harvard has a number of post players who would easily get minutes even at a bigger institution."
- Princeton team report-"After three years of being the underdog, the 2010-11 Princeton team is adjusting to life as one of the hunted. The Tigers returned to postseason play a year ago, and with Cornell's graduation losses and early-season struggles there is a clear void atop the Ivy League. Princeton was the preseason pick to end the Big Red's reign, and some of the signs this early season are promising."
December 1, 2010
Cornell has spent the past three years atop the Ivy League. But at the end of November, the Big Red found itself at the bottom of the standings with a 2-5 non-conference record.
It's not surprising that one of the issues has been the Big Red's performance in close games. Though Cornell was blown out by Big East rivals Seton Hall and Syracuse, its other three losses in November were by two points to St. Bonaventure, by three points to Lehigh, and by five points to Boston University.
Whereas previous teams have had multiple options to turn to late in games, like Ryan Wittman and Louis Dale on the outside and Jeff Foote on the interior, the current squad is still struggling to find itself.
Chris Wroblewski, the lone returning starter and the player who is perhaps most important to the team's fortunes this year, was slowed early by a sprained ankle. Errick Peck, probably the best of the freshmen a year ago, struggled with his shot in the first two weeks of the season. Aaron Osgood, one of the stars early in the campaign, now is out temporarily with a knee injury.
It's hardly an ideal situation for first-year coach Bill Courtney. He has all of the disadvantages of coaching perhaps the highest-profile team in the Ivy League, in that he gets opponents who know they can earn an impressive win by beating a program that reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament a year ago. But with most of those players gone, the players he has on hand haven't been able to rise to the challenge early.
Fortunately for him, there's still time to correct mistakes before the start of conference play. Improvements were already apparent at the start of December, and once the players get more familiar with each other, the talent level alone should carry the Big Red a long way. The only question is whether that will happen soon enough to give the Big Red a chance to defend its crown.
• One of the bright spots of Cornell's loss to Syracuse was the performance of Errick Peck.
Peck had been counted on to take on more of a scoring role in his sophomore season, but had an awful time finding his shot in the first six games. But against the Orange, he led the Big Red with 14 points and went 5-9 from the floor, a big improvement from his 23.1 percent shooting performance in the previous games.
• Adam Wire has been the king of giving the Big Red second chances. Through the season's first seven games, he had 49 total rebounds, 25 of which came on the offensive glass.
Keep An Eye On: The lineup during crunch time. Cornell has a deep and talented roster, thanks to the recruiting that three consecutive conference championships made possible. But one of Bill Courtney's early tasks is to find which combination of players is the right one for his team late in games. That is something that proved elusive early in the season.
Strengths: This roster still has a lot of talent, and it has enough shooters to give opposing coaches nightmares. There are still multiple 3-point options on the court nearly all the time. Chris Wroblewski is a legitimate Player of the Year candidate and is as steady a guard as there is in the Ivy League. The defense has looked better since struggling in the first week of the season.
Weaknesses: Cornell had great chemistry a year ago, thanks to a veteran roster that had played together, in some cases, for four years. This squad doesn't have that yet, considering all of the newcomers and veterans that now have to take on greater roles. That has been an issue so far, especially late in games. The Big Red has been a better shooting team from 3-point range than from inside, and it doesn't seem to get many easy baskets.
Quote To Note: "We've had a lot of open looks, and the shots just aren't falling. We can't get discouraged by that. I think as the year goes, on we're going to get more comfortable playing with each other, and those shots are going to fall."—G Chris Wroblewski, to the Cornell Daily Sun.
Recruiting Returns: Coach Bill Courtney got a trio of verbal commitments early, with shooting guard Galal Cancer, forward Shonn Miller and center David LaMore all agreeing to join the program beginning in 2011-12. Look for him to continue to bring in players in the spring, since this is going to be another offseason of significant losses, especially in the frontcourt.
December Outlook: Cornell has a light December, with two weeks off following a Dec. 4 trip to Minnesota. That's good news for coach Bill Courtney, who could use the time to regroup and get the Big Red in a better frame of mind before it comes time to defend its three consecutive Ivy League titles.
Roster Report:
• PG Chris Wroblewski sprained his ankle in early November and missed the next two contests against Albany and Seton Hall. He was able to return to action at the end of the month against Syracuse, but he was at less than full strength.
• PF Aaron Osgood suffered a knee injury during practice on Thanksgiving Day, and he was expected to be sidelined for at least most of December.
• F Peter McMillan was slowed by a concussion suffered during preseason practice, but he was cleared to return to the court by late November.


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|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|May 26, 1998
|Filing date
|Dec 5, 1996
|Priority date
|Apr 3, 1995
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Tim B. Bonbrake, Matthew R. Williams, Duane A. Gerig
|Original Assignee
|Hughes Electronics
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (15), Referenced by (31), Classifications (6), Legal Events (3)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/415,270, filed Apr. 3, 1995, now abandoned.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to oil and gas well completion operations generally and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to novel means and method for activating a pyrotechnic or explosive tool (hereinafter "tool") disposed in a well casing.
2. Background Art
After a well borehole has been drilled to a specified depth, a perforating shaped explosive charge is used to form a jet perforation blast extending radially outwardly, which blast punctures the well casing, the cement on the exterior of the casing, and adjacent formations, with the view of initiating fluid or vapor flow into the casing from a geological formation of interest. It is an important sequential step which can cause loss of life, severe damage to the well, and/or disruption of completion schedules, if misfired at the wrong time or at the wrong location in the well.
Existing initiation systems utilize current/voltage sensitive detonators (sometimes called blasting caps) which contain primary explosives, or relatively insensitive exploding foil initiator (EFI) type slapper detonators which contain secondary explosives, to initiate the well tools. The standard blasting cap detonator is extremely sensitive to any environmental stimuli, including heat, sparks, friction, shock, and electrical current of any type. This sensitivity precludes the performance of electrical testing of the blasting cap during or following installation of the detonator in the tool, due to the inherent safety hazard presented. The use of the blasting cap also requires the complete shutdown of all radio transmitting devices and well equipment, due to the risk of premature detonation caused by electromagnetic radiation at any frequency and stray ground currents at 50/60 Hz or DC, which can be generated by the well equipment.
Firing the explosive device which initiates the tool is accomplished in existing initiation systems by connecting an AC or DC voltage across the wireline or other electrical terminals. Existing systems designed to initiate blasting caps utilize either a DC voltage of 0 to 220 volts or a 50/60 -Hz AC voltage of 0-240 volts. Since voltages and power of this type are commonly available on the well platform, a safety hazard is possible if the wireline or other electrical terminals come(s) in contact with any portion of the well structure that may have voltage present. Presently, when well pyrotechnic or explosive operations are performed, all non-essential equipment is shut down to reduce the potential for stray voltages and currents from inadvertently initiating the blasting cap and tool. Existing slapper detonator systems have improved upon the blasting cap sensitivity by requiring large DC voltages (200 V) or AC voltages to be present for a period of time. This is still undesirable because 50/60 -Hz AC voltages and DC voltages are present in other equipment on the well platform and still may present a safety hazard if the wireline or other electrical terminals were to come in contact with some stray voltages.
Blasting caps are also subject to premature detonation, due to the high ambient temperatures normally associated with downhole conditions. The conventional slapper detonators and firing systems developed for use with well tools are also subject to several of these conditions, albeit to a much lesser degree. These systems are designed to be fired by placing a large DC or AC voltage on the wireline. Neither of these firing signals is uniquely generated for only firing the slapper detonator and none contains electrical measurement capabilities to determine the status of the detonator. The conventional slapper detonator systems are not able to function above 175� C., whereas many wells are at temperatures in excess of 200� C.
Because of the sensitivity of the standard blasting caps, performing any continuity check of the blasting cap in circuit could be potentially lethal to the operator and/or cause severe damage to surrounding structures if such a test were performed. Although the risk of detonation during a continuity check would not be as prevalent with a slapper detonator system, there is no known system which has incorporated such a test feature. As a result, the operator has no verifiable detection method to assure: (1) there are no electrical open or short circuits in the system following the installation of the detonator; (2) the detonator has been electrically installed properly prior to placing the tool in the well; (3) and the detonator has fired after an initiation signal has been presented to the blasting cap or slapper detonator. The post fire characteristics of the blasting cap are to either open or short circuit, neither of which is detectable, due to the relatively low impedance (less than 2 Ohms) of the blasting cap and the variable resistance characteristic of the deployed wireline. The standard wireline is an electromechanical cable with center conductor wire surrounded by insulation, with a multiple layer uninsulated armor shield around the outside. The resistance of the wireline is dependent on wireline size and length, and the amount of line which is deployed to fire the tool. While the selected wireline size and length are fixed for any one operation, the resistance change due to the deployed length is an unknown variable, determined by the resistance of the bare armor braid which has been reeled out and the shield-to-shield contact resistance of the cable remaining on the spool. With wireline lengths of 1000 to 30,000 feet, this variable resistance can vary from approximately 2 to 130 Ohms, which is much greater than the approximately 1-Ohm bridge resistance of the standard blasting cap.
The advantages of having the capability to perform a prefire system test and post fire detonation detection are: (1) reduced time and cost in placing a defective and/or improperly installed initiation device in a tool, positioning the tool in the well, firing the tool, and removing the tool from the well, only to find that the unit did not function, the procedure to install, position, fire, and remove taking several hours to perform; and (2) reduced time and cost in preparing an alternate tool to perform the task if the post fire detonator detection tests indicate the initiating device did not fire, the preparing of a new tool being performed during the 30 to 60 minutes required to bring the failed unit out of the well. U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,865 describes a continuity test method in which a test current is placed directly on a blasting cap bridge through a network of switches, diodes, and resistors. Post fire detection is determined by a change in resistance caused by a shock sensitive switch switching in alternate firing circuitry networks, the shock being transmitted to the switch through an inert medium (well bore fluid and tool casing). Neither test is particularly reliable and the former test has the potential for causing unintended detonation.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide detonator initiation method and means which are relatively safe and insensitive to environmental hazards.
It is a further object of the invention to provide method and means for prefire and post fire testing of a detonator initiation system which assure that the detonator and its safety features are properly connected and operational and which positively indicate that detonation has occurred.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide physical protection for a circuit card which may be employed in an initiator.
Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or be apparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.
The present invention achieves the above objects, among others, by providing, in one preferred embodiment, an environmentally insensitive detonator initiation system for use in a well completion operation, comprising: an electro-explosive device for placement in a well casing to cause detonation of a main explosive charge therein in response to an electrical signal of unique voltage and frequency applied to said electro-explosive device; and means to apply said unique electrical signal to said electro-explosive device, said unique electrical signal having a voltage which is not common to normal DC and 50/60 -Hz power sources, having a frequency which is below normal communication and RF frequencies associated with transmitting devices, and having said voltage and said frequency which are not otherwise present in a well completion operation. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an environmentally insensitive detonator initiation apparatus for use in a well completion operation, comprising: initiator means insertable in housing means insertable in a well casing, said initiator means to cause detonation of a main explosive charge in said well casing in response to said initiator means receiving a predetermined electrical signal on said wireline; and contact means disposed in said initiator means to contact said wireline, when said contact initiator means is inserted in said housing means, and receive said predetermined electrical signal and to transmit the same to electrical circuitry disposed in said initiator means, said contact means being movable between a first position, before said initiator means is inserted in said housing means, in which first position said contact means is in electrical engagement with an electrically grounded portion of said initiator means so as to protect said electrical circuitry against stray currents, static discharges, and EMI hazards, and a second position, to which said second position said contact means is moved by the insertion of said initiator means in said housing means, and in which said second position said contact means is disengaged from said electrically grounded portion so as to be able to transmit said predetermined electrical signal to said electrical circuitry. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided in a detonator initiation system of the type having an electro-explosive device including therein a detonator charge and electrical circuitry to provide an electrical charge to an initiating element in proximity to said detonator charge, the improvement comprising: fuse means comprising part of said electrical circuitry and having first and second distinct functions; in said first function, said fuse means is part of an electrical path through said electro-explosive device, so as to permit a prefire, low-current, continuity test therethrough without applying electrical energy to said initiating element, but an internal element of said fuse means will open if an unintended higher current, above a threshold, is applied to said fuse means; and in said second function, said fuse means is destroyed as a result of said detonator charge being detonated, so as to permit a post fire test to verify detonation of said detonator charge by sensing the destruction of said fuse means. In an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided a circuit card assembly protected against physical damage, comprising: a circuit card having electrical components mounted thereon; resilient pads disposed about said circuit card and closely conforming to said circuit card and said electrical components; and a tubing tightly disposed about said resilient pads and compressing the same into conformance with said circuit card and said electrical components.
Understanding of the present invention and the various aspects thereof will be facilitated by reference to the accompanying drawing figures, submitted for purposes of illustration only and not intended to define the scope of the invention, on which:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, side elevational, cross-sectional view of an initiator constructed according to the present invention and shown installed for use.
FIG. 2 is an exploded, partially cut-away, isometric view of the initiator.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are side elevational views, partially cut-away and partially in cross-section, of the initiator before and after installation, respectively.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are side elevational views, partially cut-away, of the initiator before and after detonation, respectively.
FIGS. 7, 9, and 11 are side elevational views and FIGS. 8, 10, and 12 are end elevational views of steps in forming protective packaging for electrical circuitry for the initiator.
FIG. 13 is a block/schematic diagram illustrating the electrical circuitry and operation of the system of which the initiator is a part.
Reference should now be made to the drawing figures, on which similar or identical elements are given consistent identifying numerals throughout the various figures thereof, and on which parenthetical references to figure numbers direct the reader to the view(s) on which the element(s) being described is (are) best seen, although the element(s) may be seen also on other views.
FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly generally indicated by the reference numeral 20. Assembly 20 includes a main body portion 22 in which is disposed an initiator cartridge 30 constructed according to the present invention. Threadingly attached to the lower end of main body portion 22 is a tool 32 of conventional construction for forming a plurality of apertures in a well casing (not shown). A wireline center contact 34 is disposed in the upper end of main body portion 22 and is the termination of a wireline 36 comprising a shielded armored cable which extends from the earth's surface from electrical control/actuating circuitry (not shown on FIG. 1) and which supports assembly 20 in the well casing. Wireline center contact 34 is secured in place by an insulating member 40 which is held in the lower end of an end plug 42 which is threadingly inserted in the upper end of main body portion 22. An end cap 44 engages end plug 42 and is threadingly attached to the outer periphery of main body portion 22 to provide additional structural support for assembly 20. Several 0-rings, as at 46, are provided for conventional sealing purposes.
Wireline center contact 34 is in electrical engagement with a contact pin 50, extending from the upper end of initiation cartridge 30, the upper end of which contact pin is inserted in a V-shaped depression 52 formed in the lower face of the wireline center contact. Disposed in proximity to the lower end of initiation cartridge 30 is an explosive booster charge 54 held in a booster charge retainer 56 disposed in the upper end of tool 32. A detonating fuse 58 extends from near booster charge 54 to the interior of tool 32.
As will be explained in detail below, electrical current supplied to contact pin 50 of initiation cartridge 30 causes booster charge 54 to detonate which, in turn, ignites detonating fuse 58 which, in turn, causes shaped charges (not shown) in tool 32 to detonate, the latter causing perforation of the well casing.
FIG. 2 illustrates the elements of initiator cartridge 30 which include a hollow cylindrical housing 70 having upper and lower end closures 72 and 74, respectively, and associated 0-rings 76 and 78. Contact pin 50 is biased to extend through an opening 80, defined through upper end closure 72, and to engage wireline center contact 34 (FIG. 1) by means of a spring 82 extending between the lower end of the contact pin and a contact sleeve 84 inserted in an insulating sleeve 86 which is itself inserted in a metallic retainer 88. As is more evident from inspection of FIG. 3, an insulating washer is disposed between the upper end of contact sleeve 84 and the inside surface of upper closure 72 when initiator cartridge 30 is assembled. Electrical and electromechanical components included in housing 70 include a transformer/rectifier 90, a circuit card assembly 92, an overvoltage switch 94, a dual-function safing fuse 96, and a slapper detonator 98 in proximity to the safing fuse. Slapper detonator 98 is disposed in the lower end of initiator cartridge 30 and is adjacent booster charge 56 (FIG. 1) in tool 32 (FIG. 1) to cause the detonation thereof.
FIGS. 3 and 4 show, respectively, initiation cartridge 30 before and after installation in assembly 20 (FIG. 1) and illustrate one of the safety features of the present invention. In the pre-installation state of initiator cartridge 30 shown on FIG. 3, spring 82 biases contact pin 50 so that a shoulder 110 formed on the contact pin engages the inner surface of upper end closure 72, thus electrically grounding the contact pin to housing 70. Since contact pin 50 is electrically connected to the elements of initiator cartridge 30 which cause slapper detonator 98 (FIG. 1) to detonate, this grounding protects against unintended detonation resulting from stray currents, static discharges, and EMI hazards. As indicated on FIG. 4, when initiator cartridge 30 is inserted in main body portion 22, the relative dimensions of assembly 20 (FIG. 1) are such that wireline center contact 34 pushes against contact pin 50, compressing spring 82, such that shoulder 110 on the contact pin disengages the inner surface of upper closure 72, thus opening the electrical short. Insulating sleeve 86 electrically isolates the bore in contact sleeve 84 from upper closure 72. If initiator cartridge 30 is removed from main body portion 22, spring 82 re-seats shoulder 110 of contact pin 50 against the inner surface of upper closure 72, automatically restoring the electrical short and the concomitant protection.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, respectively, initiation cartridge 30 prior to and after detonation. Shown in the cutaway portion of the figures are overvoltage switch 94, dual function safing fuse 96, and slapper detonator 98. Dual function fuse 96 performs two distinct system functions. In its first role, fuse 96 functions to interrupt current flow through it when a given current threshold is exceeded. This is the typical function of an electrical fuse and fuse 96 interrupts current flow through it by severing the internal conductive member (not shown) within it when current flow through that member causes resistive heating to raise the temperature of the member above the melting point of the material from which the member is fashioned. By placing fuse 96 in physical proximity to slapper detonator 98, the fuse serves a second function. When slapper detonator 98 is detonated, the pressure field generated fractures fuse 96 and the conductive member therein (and, coincidentally, overvoltage switch 94). The destruction of fuse 96 permits a post-fire detonation detection test to be conducted to verify detonation. U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,388 describes the use of a resistor to sense the explosive function of a detonating device, but the use of a fuse for the dual functions has been unknown heretofore.
FIGS. 7-12 illustrate a "pack-in-place" method of packaging electronic components of initiator cartridge 30 (FIG. 2) so that they are protected and cushioned against damage. The method pots circuit card 92 between upper and lower foam pads 120 and 122, respectively, surrounded by a length of heat shrinkable tubing 124. FIGS. 7 and 8 show circuit card 92 and pads 120 and 122 before placing the latter on the circuit card. Pads 120 and 122 are of rectangular parallelepipedon shape which permits their being fabricated by stamping from a sheet of suitable material, a method of manufacture which possesses cost advantages over molding the pads into non-standard custom shapes. FIGS. 9 and 10 show pads 120 and 122 in place on circuit card 92, with some of the components on the circuit card protruding into cutouts defined in the pads, and with unshrunk tubing 124 therearound. The inner diameter of tubing 124 is chosen such that it clears pads 120 and 122 and the protruding components, promoting ease of installation. FIGS. 11 and 12 show the final package, with tubing 124 shrunk around pads 120 and 122. As tubing 124 shrinks, it contacts the corners of pads 120 and 122 and compresses the rectangular cross-sections of the pads into the arcuate forms illustrated on FIG. 12. The compression of pads 120 and 122 by shrinking tubing 124 also forces the pads to conform tightly against the irregular surfaces of the components on circuit card 92. In this fashion, circuit card 92 is encased in a shock absorbing cushion suited for insertion into housing 70 (FIG. 2) of initiator cartridge 30. Tubing 124 is chosen such that the resulting assembly possesses an effective outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of housing 70. This arrangement results in an interference fit between the assembly and housing 70, ensuring that the assembly is frictionally retained snugly within the housing.
"Pack-in-place" potting has been used in industry for many years; however, the present method used to conformly form the potting around circuit card 92 has not been known heretofore.
Reference should now be made to FIG. 13 for an understanding of the control circuitry and operation of the system of the present invention.
The upper large block 200 on FIG. 13, labelled "EFI Initiation System Controller", contains the elements of the system which are disposed above the earth's surface. The lower large block 202 on that figure contains the elements of the system which are located below the earth's surface in the well casing (not shown). The elements of blocks 200 and 202 are connected by wireline 36. Elements shown on FIG. 13 which have reference numerals less than "200" have been described above in connection with the discussions of FIGS. 1-6.
Controller 200 includes a voltage measurement device 210 connected to the upper terminating end of wireline 36 and to a two-position switch 212 which may be selectively connected to a test circuit, generally indicated by the reference numeral 214, or to an activating circuit, generally indicated by the reference numeral 216.
Test circuit 214 includes a continuity test power supply 220 and an adjustable constant current source 222, the test circuit having two functions. The first function is to verify, in conjunction with voltage measurement device 210, circuit continuity by measuring resistance change as initiator cartridge 30 is installed and contact pin 50 is disengaged from upper closure 72 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The second function is to verify, again in conjunction with voltage measurement device 210, that initiator cartridge 30 has fired by determining that safing fuse 96 has been destroyed.
Activating circuit 216 includes operational safeties and interlocks 230, controlled by an operator (not shown), coupled to a 110-V, 50/60 -Hz power supply 232 and high frequency oscillator and output drivers 234 to provide the necessary actuating current to initiator cartridge 30, with circuit 234 ramping the power to the actuating conditions to keep transformer 90 (FIG. 2) from going into saturation.
Wireline 36 is serially connected to a conventional casing collar locator 240, the purpose of which is to provide input for determination, by conventional means (not shown) of the elevation of the elements of block 202 in the well casing by sensing the joints between sections of the well casing. After casing collar locator 240, wireline 36 is connected to safing fuse 96 (FIGS. 5 and 6) and to a automechanical short comprising contact pin 50 and associated elements (FIGS. 3 and 4). Safing fuse 96 is connected to an overvoltage protection circuit 242, which includes overvoltage switch 94 (FIG. 2) and a high pass filter 244, which is an RC circuit. High pass filter 244 is coupled to a voltage conversion circuit which includes transformer/rectifier 90 (FIG. 2) and which is coupled to a firing circuit 246 comprising a capacitor which provides detonating current to slapper detonator 98. Initiator cartridge 30 contains a series DC current path through safing fuse 96, the DC resistance of high pass filter 244, and voltage conversion circuit 90. The broken line between slapper detonator 98 and safing fuse 96 is provided to indicate the destruction of fuse 96 upon detonation of the slapper detonator (FIGS. 5 and 6).
To perform prefire system tests, all electrical connections are made, with the exception of the installation of initiator cartridge 30, and controller 200 is connected to wireline 36. With controller 200 in the test mode, constant current source 222 is adjusted until voltage measurement device 210 indicates a voltage of predetermined value. Then, controller 200 is turned off and initiator cartridge 30 is installed. Following installation of initiator cartridge 20, controller 200 is placed in the test mode and the deviation in voltage measurement device 210 is determined. If the pre/post install voltage deviation is within specified boundaries, a pass indication is obtained; otherwise, a fail indicated is obtained. The foregoing test is performed above ground, so that any corrective measures can be easily taken.
After installation of the downhole components (Block 202) in the well casing, a second continuity prefire test is performed to verify readiness of the system, the DC test path for which includes wireline 36, casing collar locator 240, safing fuse 96, high pass filter 244, and voltage conversion circuit 90. If automechanical short 50 is closed (cartridge 30 no longer installed properly), voltage measurement device 210 will indicate a relatively low voltage drop. If auto mechanical short 50 is open and the other elements in the test path are functional, some higher, predetermined voltage drop will be obtained.
To perform post fire systems tests, immediately prior to the initiation of initiator cartridge 30, controller 200 is placed in the test mode and constant current source 222 is adjusted until voltage measurement device 210 indicates a voltage of a predetermined value. This re-adjustment from the above ground setting is required to compensate for the increase in resistance of the armor shield of wireline 36, resulting from the wireline deployment down the well. With constant current source 222 set to provide a specific voltage to the system, controller 200 is placed in the fire mode and the firing sequence is initiated. Initiation cartridge 30 may provide either an open circuit or a short circuit upon detonator initiation. A short circuit condition will obtain if the leads of safing fuse 96 contact housing 70 (FIG. 2) upon destruction of the safing fuse by detonation explosive overpressure. An open circuit condition will obtain if safing fuse 96 is destroyed without the leads thereof contacting housing 70. Following the initiation of the firing sequence, controller 200 is placed in the test mode and the deviation in voltage measurement device 210 is determined. If the post fire voltage deviation is within specified boundaries, a pass indication is obtained; otherwise, a fail indication is obtained. A pass indication verifies that initiator cartridge 30 has functioned properly.
Thus, the system of the present invention has the ability to perform system tests to assure: (1) operational status of safing fuse 96; (2) proper installation of all wireline and tool electrical interconnection points; and (3) detection of detonation immediately following application of the firing signal. The actual circuitry of the system is conventional and details need not be set forth to those skilled in the art.
Controller 200 and initiation cartridge 30 are designed to operate using a unique high frequency AC signal which is specific to the system, is not common to normal DC and 50/60 -Hz power sources, is well below normal communication and RF frequencies associated with transmitting devices, and is not otherwise available on well platforms. This minimizes the possibility of a stray signal unintentionally causing detonation. In addition, high pass filter 244 is uniquely designed to reject 50/60 -Hz AC signals up to 130 Vrms and DC voltages up to 180 V, without presenting a safety hazard. As such, high pass filter 244 has both a DC response characteristic for the performance of the prefire and post fire system tests and a high pass response with a corner frequency several orders of magnitude from the standard 50/60 -Hz power line frequency. At higher AC and DC voltage levels, overvoltage protection circuit 242 is employed to safe initiation cartridge 30 by monitoring the peak input voltage applied to initiation cartridge 30 and, if the voltage is above the overvoltage threshold, the overvoltage protection circuit converts to a low impedance, thus drawing sufficient current through safing fuse 96 to cause it to open circuit and render initiation cartridge 30 safe. An intended firing signal is generated by applying voltage to power supply circuit 232 which powers high frequency and output driver circuitry 234 to place a high frequency signal actuating signal on wireline 36.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those elucidated in, or made apparent from, the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown on the accompanying drawing figures shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Sep 11, 1950
|Jun 18, 1957
|Exxon Research Engineering Co
|Small guns for perforating casing
|Apr 24, 1964
|Jul 26, 1966
|Mccarty Albert M
|Electric firing circuit for explosive charges
|Sep 21, 1973
|Jan 14, 1975
|Nl Industries Inc
|Selective firing indicator and recording
|Mar 15, 1974
|May 13, 1975
|Mc Graw Edison Co
|Three phase sequence insensitive full range SCR firing circuit
|Jun 22, 1976
|Mar 7, 1978
|Harnischfeger Corporation
|Control system for regulating the torque and speed of an electric motor including static frequency detector for speed detection and regulation
|Jan 2, 1980
|Dec 8, 1981
|Imperial Chemical Industries Limited
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|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
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|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|May 28, 2002
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Jul 23, 2002
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 20020526


text:
by Staff Writers
Washington DC (SPX) Mar 17, 2017
Self-driving taxis. Cell phones that react appropriately to spoken requests. Computers that outcompete world-class chess and Go players. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part and parcel of the technological landscape-not only in the civilian and commercial worlds but also within the Defense Department, where AI is finding application in such arenas as cybersecurity and dynamic logistics planning.
But even the smartest of the current crop of AI systems can't stack up against adaptive biological intelligence. These high-profile examples of AI all rely on clever programming and extensive training datasets-a framework referred to as Machine Learning (ML)-to accomplish seemingly intelligent tasks. Unless their programming or training sets have specifically accounted for a particular element, situation, or circumstance, these ML systems are stymied, unable to determine what to do.
That's a far cry from what even simple biological systems can do as they adapt to and learn from experience. And it's light years short of how, say, human motorists build on experience as they encounter the dynamic vagaries of real-world driving-becoming ever more adept at handling never-before-encountered challenges on the road.
This is where DARPA's new Lifelong Learning Machines (L2M) program comes in.
The technical goal of L2M is to develop next-generation ML technologies that can learn from new situations and apply that learning to become better and more reliable, while remaining constrained within a predetermined set of limits that the system cannot override.
Such a capability for automatic and ongoing learning could, for example, help driverless vehicles become safer as they apply knowledge gained from previous experiences-including the accidents, blind spots, and vulnerabilities they encounter on roadways-to circumstances they weren't specifically programmed or trained for.
"Life is by definition unpredictable. It is impossible for programmers to anticipate every problematic or surprising situation that might arise, which means existing ML systems remain susceptible to failures as they encounter the irregularities and unpredictability of real-world circumstances," said L2M program manager Hava Siegelmann.
"Today, if you want to extend an ML system's ability to perform in a new kind of situation, you have to take the system out of service and retrain it with additional data sets relevant to that new situation. This approach is just not scalable."
To get there, the L2M program aims to develop fundamentally new ML mechanisms that will enable systems to learn from experience on the fly-much the way children and other biological systems do, using life as a training set. The basic understanding of how to develop a machine that could truly improve from experience by gaining generalizable lessons from specific situations is still immature. The L2M program will provide a unique opportunity to build a community of computer scientists and biologists to explore these new mechanisms.
"Enabling a computer to learn even the simplest things from experience has been a longstanding but elusive goal," said Siegelmann. "That's because today's computers are designed to run on prewritten programs incapable of adapting as they execute, a model that hasn't changed since the British polymath Alan Turing developed the earliest computing machines in the 1930s. L2M calls for a new computing paradigm."
The four-year L2M program features two technical areas. The first aims to develop ML frameworks that can continuously apply the results of past experience and adapt "lessons learned" to new data or situations. Simultaneously, it calls for the development of techniques for monitoring an ML system's behavior, setting limits on the scope of its ability to adapt, and intervening in the system's functions as needed. The research will encompass network theory, algorithms, software, and computer architectures.
The second technical area, which derives from Siegelmann's longstanding interest in biological learning mechanisms, will focus specifically on how living systems learn and adapt and will consider whether and how those principles and techniques can be applied to ML systems. "Life has had billions of years to develop approaches for learning from experience," Siegelmann said.
"There are almost certainly some secrets there that can be applied to machines so they can be not just computational tools to help us solve problems but responsive and adaptive collaborators."
The L2M program manager and support staff will host a Proposers Day on March 30, 2017, at the DARPA Conference Center in Arlington, VA. The registration deadline for the event is March 24, 2017, at noon (EST). Participants must register through the registration website. More details about the Proposers Day are specified in a Special Notice (DARPA-SN-17-17) that was posted on the FedBizOpps.com website. A Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that more fully describes the L2M program is expected to be posted on FedBizOpps.com prior to the Proposers Day.
Osaka, Japan (SPX) Mar 13, 2017
Music, more than any art, is a beautiful mix of science and emotion. It follows a set of patterns almost mathematically to extract feelings from its audience. Machines that make music focus on these patterns, but give little consideration to the emotional response of their audience. An international research team led by Osaka University together with Tokyo Metropolitan University, imec in Belgiu ... read more
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All about the robots on Earth and beyond!
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text:
So-called "pro-choice" groups aren't in favor of all choices.
Birth, for instance, really seems to gall them.
Why else would they fight bitterly to keep a pro-birth advertisement off of the Feb. 7 Super Bowl broadcast on CBS?
The ad by Focus on the Family features collegiate all-star quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow of the University of Florida Gators, whose missionary mother, while in the Philippines, defied medical advice and gave birth to perhaps the best college football player ever -- certainly one of the finest role models in the game.
We can understand why some Bulldog and Seminole fans might rue the day Tebow was born. But how could anyone be opposed to such an uplifting and life-affirming story being told to the year's biggest television audience?
Unless they're not "pro" all choices, that is.
They don't want the birth story told. They want it strangled in the crib. It infringes on their copyright of abortion.
Whose side are these "women's groups" on -- women, or abortionists? As Matthew Philbin of the Media Research Center writes, Super Bowl ads are known for their penchant to "tastelessly use sex and the objectification of the female body to attract attention. You'd think 'women's groups' might have something to say about that."
Nope. But present a pro-birth point of view, and they're all over you: several women's groups are said to be lobbying hard for CBS to pull the Tebow ad.
"By offering one of the most coveted advertising spots of the year," spews a letter to CBS from the Women's Media Center, "to an anti-equality, anti-choice, homophobic organization, CBS is aligning itself with a political stance that will damage its reputation, alienate viewers, and discourage consumers from supporting its shows and advertisers."
Wow. Allowing someone to tell his story of being born will "damage" a network's reputation?
Can these so-called "women's" groups -- actually fronts for the abortion industry -- get any more extreme? They want to ban messages affirming the choice of birth? Isn't "choice" a sacrament?
Oh, wait. Only the choice to kill a child is a sacrament in their eyes.
Thankfully, CBS seems to be sticking to its guns -- and, in fact, has more or less invited other advocacy groups to air tastefully produced ads.
And why not? Shouldn't we be celebrating free speech, rather than trying to curtail it?
Even when it celebrates life?


text:
- port-wine stain
- noun Date: circa 1909 a reddish-purple superficial hemangioma of the skin commonly occurring as a birthmark
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
Port-wine stain — Classification and external resources Mikhail Gorbachev has a prominent port wine stain on his forehead. ICD 10 Q … Wikipedia
port-wine stain — [pôrt′wīn′] n. [descriptive] a red or purplish birthmark consisting of dense webs of dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin: often called port wine mark … English World dictionary
port-wine stain — port′ wine′ stain n. med pat a large birthmark of purplish color, usu. on the face or neck • Etymology: 1885–90 … From formal English to slang
Port-wine stain — A mark on the skin that resembles port wine (porto) in its rich ruby red color. Due to an abnormal aggregation of capillaries, a port wine stain is a type of hemangioma. it occurs on the face as a sign of Sturge Weber syndrome. * * * port wine… … Medical dictionary
port-wine stain — noun a flat birthmark varying from pink to purple • Syn: ↑nevus flammeus • Hypernyms: ↑birthmark, ↑nevus * * * noun or port wine mark ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ Etymology … Useful english dictionary
port wine stain — n. a kind of large, deep red birthmark, a persistent hemangioma or nevus, typically on the face * * * ˌport ˈwine stain 7 [port wine stain] noun a large, dark red ↑birthmark (= a mark that sb is born with on their skin) … Useful english dictionary
port-wine stain — /pawrt wuyn , pohrt / a large birthmark of purplish color, usually on the face or neck. [1885 90] * * * … Universalium
port wine stain — noun a deep red naevus, typically on the face … English new terms dictionary
port-wine stain — see naevus … The new mediacal dictionary
Гемангиома Пещеристая (Port-Wine Stain) — см. Невус. Источник: Медицинский словарь … Медицинские термины


text:
By David Gates
338 pages. Alfred A. Knopf. $25.
Doug Willis, the hero of David Gates's dexterous but unsatisfying new novel, lives in Westchester with his wife and two children, works in the public relations department of a beverage company in Manhattan and spends weekends at his ramshackle country house in the small upstate town of Preston Falls. Willis, who is reading his way through the works of Dickens, loves making self-conscious literary jokes that show off his world-weary erudition. When his wife, Jean, goes grocery shopping, he quips that she went out to hustle some provisions -- ''a la recherche de Frank Perdue.''
If Willis had to describe himself, he might portray himself as a Harry Angstrom a la ''Rabbit, Run'' or a Frank Wheeler a la ''Revolutionary Road.'' Like the hero of ''Pilgrim's Progress'' (which provides an epigraph for ''Preston Falls''), he wanders through the Slough of Despond and the Valley of Humiliation. And like Walker Percy's heroes, he suffers from a nameless malaise and a kind of spiritual paralysis. His own name, Willis, suggests his problem: a complete lack of will when it comes to assuming familial responsibilities, and an almost complete willfulness when it comes to pursuing his own aimless whims.
Of course, Willis might also be described as an overgrown adolescent -- one of those middle-aged men who adamantly refuse to grow up. Willis has withdrawn from his wife and children and taken a leave of absence from his job to hang out alone at his country house. He spends his days playing guitar and reading books until a run-in with some local drug dealers leads to his abrupt flight.
As he did in his remarkably accomplished first novel, ''Jernigan'' (1991), Mr. Gates does a meticulous job of conjuring up his hero's daily existence. He uses his pitch-perfect ear for contemporary speech to capture the escalating marital tensions between the Willises, and he uses his keen, journalistic eye to render convincingly both the middle-class world they inhabit and the redneck, working-class world of their neighbors in Preston Falls.
Each character affected by the domino-tumble of Willis's midlife crisis is deftly sketched. Jean Willis, Doug's long-suffering wife: weary, put-upon and defensive, trying to hold on to her job as a design consultant while running a husbandless household. Jean's sister, Carol, a flaky if well-intentioned hippie who has just driven across the country in a truck. Willis's ne'er-do-well brother, Champ, who works as a clerk at the Counter Spy Shop and obsesses endlessly about John F. Kennedy's assassination. And the Willises' two children: teen-age Meg, at once skeptical and idealistic, vulnerable and rebellious, and her kid brother, Roger, a cranky, sullen child who's constantly getting into trouble.
Writing in brisk, fluent prose, Mr. Gates chronicles the day-by-day, almost minute-to-minute actions of these characters over a period of two months: we see exactly how they make tea, how they do the laundry, how they trade sarcastic remarks and how they avoid conversation. The effect is similar to looking at an exhibit of works by a Photo-Realist painter. We see a succession of snapshots that show exactly what someone's life looks like, from their car to their house to their taste in clothes. There is no past or future in such portraits, just the flashbulb glare of the present.
In the case of ''Preston Falls,'' this approach has its limitations. Mr. Gates not only writes in the present tense (in emulation, perhaps, of John Updike's ''Rabbit, Run''), but also confines most of his remarks about his characters to the here and now. Except for some vague allusions to Willis's difficult father and plans Willis once made to quit his job and find more meaningful work, the novel tells us almost nothing about its characters' pasts: we never really understand what brought Jean and Willis together in the first place or why their marriage began to sour.Continue reading the main story
In theory, this narrative strategy might sound pleasingly cinematic, but in practice, it deprives the reader of the sort of emotional history that might make Willis a less static and more sympathetic character. As it stands, we have little context for Willis's adolescent behavior (his reflexive put-downs of Jean, his callous disregard for his children, his sophomoric escape into alcohol and drugs) and so he remains, throughout the novel, a self-indulgent, self-pitying jerk, a small black hole at the center of what is otherwise a beautifully written novel.Continue reading the main story


text:
It is a great Thursday because we hit our goal! First, we want to thank you because with your help spreading the #AudioInfection we finally hit 50 million downloads! Each and everyone of you has been waiting patiently to find out what surprise was connected and it's here!
We teamed up with a fantastic artist, Tony Yin to make a brand new season one poster for We're Alive. This new addition is a 36″x 24″ double sided print with matte finish. Because we care highly about the quality of the poster and have learned not to trust the carelessness of the postal system, we ship in a triangular poster tube that's rated at 200 pounds!
This fantastic piece of merchandise is now available in our online store! Yes, I'll say it again our store (ver 2.0) is back up and running. Now that we have better control over our web store, be sure to keep checking back as new merchandise will be coming for the holiday season.
Just take a look at the quality of this print:
Again we can't thank you enough, we are here today because of you!
Also, we have a preview of things to come…
Latest posts by Kelsey (see all)
- FLASH SALE - December 8, 2016
- We're Alive reaches 50 million downloads! - October 5, 2016
- Countdown to 50 million downloads… - August 25, 2016


text:
NEET PG Admit Card 2018: NBE will release the admit card for NEET PG exam 2018 only for those eligible candidates who have done successful registration along with the applicable fee on time. Generally, Admit card will be issued a week before the entrance exam. Candidates who have done successful registration can download their admit card online by visiting the official website of the authority. Admit card is an important document to appear in NEET PG 2018. Candidates must carry their admit card and other important documents while coming to appear in the test.
NEET PG Admit Card 2018
After completing the Registration and Scheduling procedure the candidates will get a computer generated acknowledgement. The same will also be sent to e-mail ID specified by the applicant. Candidates are recommended to read it carefully and confirm all information is accurate. After that you must print a copy of the same.
A print out of this acknowledgment comprises the Admit Card-cum-Confirmation Slip. Applicant needs to attach a latest passport size photograph in given format on this acknowledgement card. Candidate is required to bring a print out of this acknowledgement slip or Admit Card while coming to the examination centre along with other identification documents. Without a valid Admit Card you will not allow to enter in the examination hall.
Candidates have to bring any of the following original Government issued identification document along with their admit cards at the test center.
- PAN Card
- Voters' ID card
- Driving License
- Aadhar Card
- MCI/State Medical Council registration certificate containing photograph of the candidate
Candidates must note that the all the required documents should be valid. Expired documents (expired by date) or photocopies of original are not acceptable in any case. The candidate name imprinted in the identification document will be the same as that in the Admit Card-cum-Confirmation Slip.


text:
- Trending Now: More Trending:
- Svengali syzygy hegemon repugnant white nationalist, white supremacist
Definition of New Orleans
city and port in southeastern Louisiana between Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River population 343,829 ◆New Orleans is a major tourist destination noted for its annual Mardi Gras festivities.
New Orleanianplay \(ˌ)ȯr-ˈlē-nyən, -nē-ən\ noun
NEW ORLEANS Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of New Orleans for English Language Learners
: U.S. city, Louisiana
Learn More about new orleans
See words that rhyme with New Orleans Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about New Orleans
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