Abstract: A glass-to-meal seal for use in high temperature and high pressure environments is described. The glass-to-metal seals includes an optical fiber having a metallized portion, the metallized portion having an outer dimension; an object having a high strength, corrosion-resistant alloy, the object having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a bore, the bore having a dimension larger than the outer dimension of the metallized portion of the optical fiber; and a hardened solder material disposed between the metallized portion of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the bore, such that a hermetic seal is provided between the metallized portion of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the bore; wherein the solder includes a substance having a melting temperature greater than about 250° C.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating a fiber optic connector includes a handle portion having a first major axis and first and second ends. An intermediate support arm having a second major axis extends from the first end of the handle portion. First and second jaws extend from the intermediate support arm. Each jaw extends generally perpendicular to the second major axis of its respective intermediate support arm and generally orthogonal to the first major axis. Each jaw includes a gripping portion having a generally concave shape configured to complementarily receive a portion of the fiber optic connector. Movement of the handle portion moves the jaws between an open position in which the jaws are spaced apart for loosely receiving a fiber optic connector, and a closed position in which the jaws securely grip the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: Novel monoamidine, monoamidoxime and bisamidine curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators are provided for use with perfluoroelastomeric compositions as well as novel synthesis methods for making monoamidine- and monoamidoxime-based curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators. Also provided are diphenyl-based curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators having sufficiently high molecular weight such that the melting temperature of the curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators is no greater than about 240° C., and more preferably no greater than about 230° C.

Abstract: Novel monoamidine, monoamidoxime and bisamidine curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators are provided for use with perfluoroelastomeric compositions as well as novel synthesis methods for making monoamidine- and monoamidoxime-based curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators. Also provided are diphenyl-based curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators having sufficiently high molecular weight such that the melting temperature of the curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators is no greater than about 240° C., and more preferably no greater than about 230° C.

Abstract: A self contained sensing apparatus includes a housing establishing an interior compartment, the housing having a maximum thickness which is less than the size of a gate opening of a semiconductor wafer processing chamber for inserting the housing into the semiconductor wafer processing chamber for sensing a parameter. The housing includes a window extending through a principal housing surface. A sensor is provided within the housing and generally aligned with the window for sensing at least one parameter. A transmitter is provided within the housing and coupled with the sensor for receiving signals representative of the sensed parameter and transmitting the signals out of the housing.

Abstract: Closed-cell and/or open-cell cellular perfluoroelastomeric materials are described which may be adapted for use in sealing members and laminates which improve low temperature elastomeric properties of perfluoroelastomeric materials. A variety of unique medical devices based on cellular and solid perfluoroelastomers are also described. The closed-cell cellular perfluoroelastomers are formed by combining a perfluoroelastomeric composition and a curing agent with a plurality of microspheres and/or a gas generating agent at a temperature high enough to soften the perfluoroelastomeric composition, but not high enough to expand the microspheres or activate the gas generating agent and then further heating the composition, microspheres and/or gas generating agents to cure the elastomer, expand the microspheres and/or activate the gas generating agent.

Abstract: An anti-extrusion ring for a packer assembly comprises first and second ring portions that are divided into a plurality of discrete arcuate segments. The segments are adapted for movement between a retracted position wherein each segment is in contact with adjacent segments, and an expanded position wherein gaps are formed between the segments. At least one of the ring portions is adapted to face a resilient sealing sleeve of the packer assembly. The first ring portion is circumferentially offset from the second ring portion such that at least one of the first and second ring portions extends across the gaps during movement of the segments toward the expanded position. In this manner, extrusion of the sealing sleeve through the gaps is prevented.

Abstract: A hermetic pressure connector for providing a pressure-tight, electrically-conductive connection through a hole in a bulkhead. The connector includes a transverse support member having a passage therethrough. A conductor pin extends through the passage. A molded body surrounds at least a central portion of the pin and electrically insulates the transverse support member from the pin and the pin from the bulkhead. The molded body is directly sealingly engaged to the conductor pin. A method of making a hermetic pressure connector for providing a pressure-tight, electrically-conductive connection through a hole in a bulkhead. The method includes placing a conductor pin into a passage in a transverse support member and positioning the conductor pin and transverse support member within an injection mold having the desired finished shape of the molded body. The positioning is such that the conductor pin is spaced from the transverse support member.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an electrical connector for use in a downhole tool are described. The methods include placing or molding a dielectric body around a conductor, thereby forming an electrical connector. The dielectric body is composed of a composition, which itself contains a polyetherketoneketone or a derivative of polyetherketoneketone. The placement of the dielectric body around the conductor can be accomplished by molding the body around the conductor, for example, by molding techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, pressure molding, compression molding, and casting. An electrical connector for use in a downhole tool is also provided. The electrical connector contains a dielectric body and a conductor. The dielectric body includes a composition, which itself is composed of a polyetherketoneketone or a derivative of a polyetherketoneketone. The electrical connector of the invention is adapted for use in a downhole tool.

Abstract: A self contained sensing apparatus includes a housing establishing an interior compartment, the housing having a maximum thickness which is less than the size of an access portal for inserting the housing into an area for sensing. The housing includes a window extending through a principal housing surface. A sensor is provided within the housing and generally aligned with the window for sensing at least one parameter. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is an optical sensor for sensing images through the window. A transmitter is provided within the housing and coupled with the sensor for receiving signals representative of the sensed parameter and transmitting the signals out of the housing.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a sealing or an anti-extrusion component for use in a downhole tools is described. The method includes formation of the component from a composition that contains a polyetherketoneketone or a derivative of a polyetherketoneketone. The resultant component is adapted for use in a downhole tool. The invention is also a sealing or an anti-extrusion component for use in a downhole tool. The component contains a composition, which itself is composed of a polyetherketoneketone or a derivative of a polyetherketoneketone, and the component is adapted for use in a downhole tool.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a parameter of a hostile environment is provided within the interior of a sealed chamber. The chamber has a wall and an access port extending through the wall to the chamber exterior. The monitoring system includes a flexible, generally tubular, elongated housing having a distal end, a proximal end and a interior. The housing is made of a non-porous, corrosive resistant material. The distal end of the housing includes a sealed window and a sensor, which may be a borescope or camera, for sensing a parameter or for capturing an image within the hostile environment. The proximal end of the housing is sealingly secured to the chamber wall at the port so that the interior of the housing is accessible through the port. The interior of the housing includes a transmission media for transmitting an output signal of the sensor from the distal end of the housing to the proximal end of the housing and through the port.

Abstract: An anti-extrusion ring for a packer assembly comprises first and second ring portions that are divided into a plurality of discrete arcuate segments. The segments are adapted for movement between a retracted position wherein each segment is in contact with adjacent segments, and an expanded position wherein gaps are formed between the segments. At least one of the ring portions is adapted to face a resilient sealing sleeve of the packer assembly. The first ring portion is circumferentially offset from the second ring portion such that at least one of the first and second ring portions extends across the gaps during movement of the segments toward the expanded position. In this manner, extrusion of the sealing sleeve through the gaps is prevented.

Abstract: A seal assembly having a first seal with a first mating surface and a recess in the first mating surface, and a second seal having a second mating surface and a recess in the second mating surface. The first mating surface of the first seal is adjacent to the second mating surface of the second seal and a first thermal expansion restricter is received simultaneously into the recesses of the first and second mating surfaces of the first and second seals, respectively.

Abstract: A clamp ring assembly for securing a generally circular workpiece to a supporting surface comprises an annular base ring having a radial inner surface of a predetermined diameter and at least one locking member. The base ring further includes at least one opening extending axially therethrough for securing the base ring to the supporting surface. An annular securing ring having a radial outer surface and a radial inner surface is provided. The diameter of the outer surface of the securing ring is the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the base ring and the securing ring includes at least one locking member for engaging the locking member of the base ring when the securing ring is assembled with the base ring. The securing ring also includes at least one workpiece engaging member for engaging and holding the workpiece against the supporting surface.

Abstract: A seal assembly seals a cylindrical clearance space between first and second coaxial members, and is installed in a coaxial annular groove in the first member. The groove has a mouth, first and second side walls, and a base wall extending therebetween. An elastomeric annular seal element has in toroidal cross-section an axial leg and a radial leg. The axial leg extends axially along the groove base wall and includes axial end portions and a mid-portion therebetween. The radial leg extends radially from the mid-portion toward and through the groove mouth, and has opposing side surfaces and a contact surface therebetween. The contact surface is outside the groove and sealingly contacts the second member. A non-elastomeric annular back-up element is positioned adjacent one of the seal element radial leg side surfaces, and prevents extrusion of the seal element when pressure is applied adjacent the other side surface.

Abstract: An annular expandable seal assembly is disclosed for being packed between inner and outer cylindrical walls. The seal assembly has an annular expandable elastomeric seal element, an annular non-elastomeric anti-extrusion element, and an arcual non-elastomeric anti-extrusion bridge element. The seal element has opposing inner and outer axial surfaces and opposing first and second radial surfaces. The anti-extrusion element is coaxially positioned at the first radial surface and has a toroidal gap. The bridge element is positioned between the seal element and the anti-extrusion element in alignment with the toroidal gap. The seal assembly is set by being expanded so that the inner and outer surfaces respectively sealingly contact the inner wall and the outer wall, the toroidal gap expands, and the anti-extrusion element and the bridge element contact the outer wall.

Abstract: A ball valve having a one-piece seat member is disclosed. The one-piece seat member is cylindrically shaped to engage a valve chamber within the valve body, and includes an internal cavity for receiving a ball member, a first axial opening for receiving an operating stem engaged to the ball member, and first and second radial openings that align with inlet and outlet passages in the valve body. The one-piece seat member can be machined from such materials as polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, or perfluoroalkoxy. To make the ball valve, the one-piece seat member is formed with the internal cavity, the first axial opening, a second axial opening opposite the first axial opening, and the first and second radial openings, and is caused to be in a deformable state.