Abstract: A low fluid sensor for an internal combustion engine. The sensor includes a base with helically threaded post and a float slidably mounted on the post. The float rotates about the post as it moves longitudinally along it. In the preferred embodiment, eccentric mounting of the assembly along with its lobe shape act in concert with the pitch of the screw threads and fluid viscosity to dampen the buoyant movement of the float against fluid turbulence. At a predetermined level a latch spring on the float contacts an ignition circuit terminal and grounds the engine ignition circuit. A catch holds the float at the pre-determined level, preventing engine starting, so that the sensor may only be reset by addition of fluid and re-insertion of the dipstick.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating universal microcode images and for reconstructing a microcode image from a universal microcode image are described in the present disclosure. One method, among others, comprises receiving a plurality of microcode images each configured to initialize hardware within an electronic device before the electronic device is booted up. The method also includes separating each microcode image into sections and comparing the sections to determine whether or not two or more sections contain identical code. The method also includes creating a universal microcode image from the sections that are unique.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and structure for semiconductor structure includes a plurality of adjacent wiring levels, conductors within each of the wiring levels, and liners at least partially surrounding each of the conductors. The liners of adjacent wiring levels are made of different materials which have different etching characteristics and are selectively etchable with respect to one another. The liners can be tantalum, tungsten, etc. The liners surround at least three sides of the conductors. Each of the wiring levels has a first insulator layer which has a first dielectric material. The liners and the conductors are positioned within the first dielectric material. A second insulator layer has a second dielectric material over the first insulator layer. The first dielectric material has a lower dielectric constant than the second dielectric material. The first dielectric material can be silicon dioxide, fluorinated silicon dioxide (FSD), microporous glasses, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for qualifying performance of a disk drive in a digital home communications terminal (DHCT) deployed in the field. In embodiment, among others, at least one DHCT is identified for performance testing. A disk drive performance test application is downloaded to the DHCT over a communication channel. Performance test results are received from the DHCT over the communication channel. A DHCT is designated as having a hard disk failure if the test results are below a threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for testing performance of a disk drive in a digital home communications terminal. In one such method, the steps comprise: measuring at least one time for data transfer of a group of sectors on the disk drive; and providing the time to a server over a communications channel. In another method, the steps comprise: downloading a disk drive performance test application from a server over a communication channel; executing the test application to measure at least one time for data transfer of a group of sectors on the disk drive; and reporting the time to the server over the communication channel.

Abstract: A system combines the thermal conductivity characteristics of certain solids with the high specific heat values of appropriate fluids to enhance the overall heat transfer characteristics of a heat exchanger. The system comprises a fluid channel disposed in a heat exchanger unit with a slurry as the convective heat transfer medium. The slurry comprises an appropriate fluid with field reactive particles suspended therein. Field emitters are located along the walls of the fluid channel whereby the distribution of particles within the slurry is manipulated to achieve enhanced heat transfer characteristics.

Abstract: A low fluid sensor for an internal combustion engine. The sensor includes a base with helically threaded post and a float slidably mounted on the post. The float rotates about the post as it moves longitudinally along it. In the preferred embodiment, eccentric mounting of the assembly along with its lobe shape act in concert with the pitch of the screw threads and fluid viscosity to dampen the buoyant movement of the float against fluid turbulence. At a predetermined level a latch spring on the float contacts an ignition circuit terminal and grounds the engine ignition circuit. A catch holds the float at the pre-determined level, preventing engine starting, so that the sensor may only be reset by addition of fluid and re-insertion of the dipstick.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to place a conductor pipe and a casing in a subsea environment. In one embodiment, a conductor pipe is jetted or drilled into the subsea floor. Thereafter, a casing drilling assembly comprising a drill casing and a drilling assembly is connected to the drill pipe using a crossover. The drilling assembly urged into the seafloor until a casing latch on the drilling assembly is engaged with a casing profile of the conductor pipe. During drilling, instrumentation in the drilling assembly may be used to measure geophysical data. The measured data may be used to optimize the drilling process. After the drill casing is engaged with the conductor pipe, cementing may be performed to set the drill casing.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for reserve allocation of event data. A request event is received. The request event is associated with memory storing request event data. Memory for response event data is allocated from a first pool. The response event data is associated with a response, and the response is associated with the request. Upon failure of the allocation of memory for the response event data, memory is obtained for out-of-memory response event data. The out-of-memory response event data is associated with the response event. The request event is completed using the response event.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for completing a wellbore using expandable tubulars. In one aspect, the invention includes a tubular member with an expandable portion at a lower end constructed and arranged to be expanded into contact with a previously expanded liner. At an upper end of the tubular is a polish bore receptacle permitting the tubular to be tied back to the surface of the well with production tubing. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of completing a well comprising expanding a liner top into a cased wellbore to hang the liner and, thereafter running a tubular member into the wellbore.

Abstract: A slurry containing abrasive particles, an oxidizing agent having a low static etch rate on at least one acid or salt metal, and having a pH of about 5 to about 11 is especially useful for polishing surfaces, including both metal and silicon dioxide, such as present in microelectronics, at the same or substantially the same polishing rates.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for completing a wellbore using expandable tubulars. In one aspect, the invention includes a tubular member with an expandable portion at a lower end constructed and arranged to be expanded into contact with a previously expanded liner. At an upper end of the tubular is a polish bore receptacle permitting the tubular to be tied back to the surface of the well with production tubing. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of completing a well comprising expanding a liner top into a cased wellbore to hang the liner and, thereafter running a tubular member into the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method expanding a portion of a tubular. The expansion apparatus is run into a wellbore on a working string. The expansion apparatus first comprises a rotary expander for expanding an expandable tubular. The expansion apparatus further comprises a spline assembly for coupling the rotary expander to a motor disposed on the work string. The rotary expander and spline assembly have hollow bodies that allow them to encircle the work string and rotate relative thereto. The spline assembly comprises an inner sleeve and outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is attached to the motor and the outer sleeve is attached to the rotary expander. The inner and outer sleeves are coupled to each other using a spline and groove connection. The connection allows the rotary expander to be rotated by the motor, while at the same time, allow the rotary expander to move axially relative to the motor. The rotary expander comprises two rows of rollers for expansion against the tubular.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for completing a wellbore using expandable tubulars. In one aspect, the invention includes a tubular member with an expandable portion at a lower end constructed and arranged to be expanded into contact with a previously expanded liner. At an upper end of the tubular is a polish bore receptacle permitting the tubular to be tied back to the surface of the well with production tubing. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of completing a well comprising expanding a liner top into a cased wellbore to hang the liner and, thereafter running a tubular member into the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method expanding a portion of a tubular. The expansion apparatus is run into a wellbore on a working string. The expansion apparatus first comprises a rotary expander for expanding an expandable tubular. The expansion apparatus further comprises a spline assembly for coupling the rotary expander to a motor disposed on the work string. The rotary expander and spline assembly have hollow bodies that allow them to encircle the work string and rotate relative thereto. The spline assembly comprises an inner sleeve and outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is attached to the motor and the outer sleeve is attached to the rotary expander. The inner and outer sleeves are coupled to each other using a spline and groove connection. The connection allows the rotary expander to be rotated by the motor, while at the same time, allow the rotary expander to move axially relative to the motor. The rotary expander comprises two rows of rollers for expansion against the tubular.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound or complex comprising at least two moieties, each moiety being comprised of two or more thiophenes fused directly to each other. Also provided is a method for the production of the compounds of the present invention, which method comprises the coupling of one fused thiophene derivative to another fused thiophene derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for completing a wellbore using expandable tubulars. In one aspect, the invention includes a tubular member with an expandable portion at a lower end constructed and arranged to be expanded into contact with a previously expanded liner. At an upper end of the tubular is a polish bore receptacle permitting the tubular to be tied back to the surface of the well with production tubing. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of completing a well comprising expanding a liner-top into a cased wellbore to hang the liner and, thereafter running a tubular member into the wellbore.