Abstract: A medical examination system having an endoscopic probe with two ends and adapted to be ingested in the gastrointestinal tract of the body. A first force field is applied to one end of the probe and a second and opposite force field is applied to the other end of the probe. A manipulator then applies at least one of the force fields exteriorly of the body to the probe to thereby manipulate the position and/or orientation of the probe.

Abstract: A downhole tool used in the pressure isolation of adjacent subterranean formations. The downhole tool may comprise flow restriction devices along the outer circumference for impeding flow along the length of the tool. The tool may further comprise a perforating gun and an accumulator. Impeding flow along the length of the tool provides a dynamic flow restriction within the wellbore that precludes fluid flowing from one subterranean zone to an adjacent zone.

Abstract: A perforating gun connector comprising a first and second section connected together on one end. The two sections of the perforating gun connector that couple together are correspondingly tapered so that one end of one connector is tapered and fits into the corresponding tapered hollowed section of one end of the other section. The present invention also provides for the inclusion of shaped charges and booster charges within. Adjacent the charges are sealing bulkheads.

Abstract: A perforating system connection sub comprising a vent valve for providing fluid flow communication through the connection sub wall. The vent valve is selectively opened and may include a frangible member. The frangible member is rupterable by the shock wave produced by ignition of an associated detonation cord.

Abstract: A well completion procedure and apparatus comprises a first assembly that includes production tubing combined with a production packer and an internal bore latching profile. A second assembly comprises an explosive perforating gun secured to a latching mechanism. The perforating gun and latching mechanism are dimensioned to freely traverse the flow bore of the production tubing for downhole retrieval and return after the packer is set. The latching mechanism may be released by discharge of the gun.

Abstract: A well completion procedure and apparatus comprises a first assembly that includes production tubing combined with a production packer and an internal bore latching profile. A second assembly comprises an explosive perforating gun secured to a latching mechanism. The perforating gun and latching mechanism are dimensioned to freely traverse the flow bore of the production tubing for downhole retrieval and return after the packer is set. The latching mechanism may be released by discharge of the gun.

Abstract: A perforation gun is secured to the inside bore of a well completion tube by a releasable connection module. The connection module mechanism includes radially expanding anchor dogs that are retained at an expanded position by a latching mechanism that may be released, alternatively, by combustion gas or by wireline. When the perforation gun is discharged, gas from the discharge combustion displaces a retaining piston. Displacement of the retaining piston releases a latch pin and allows the gun weight to shift a secondary release sleeve. Shift of the secondary release sleeve releases a latch dog retention pin and hence, releases the anchor dogs from a meshed connection with the completion tube. The secondary release sleeve may also be shifted by the upward pull of a wireline.

Abstract: A perforation gun is secured to the inside bore of a well completion tube by a releasable connection module. The connection module mechanism includes radially expanding anchor dogs that are retained at an expanded position by a latching mechanism that may be released, alternatively, by combustion gas or by wireline. When the perforation gun is discharged, gas from the discharge combustion displaces a retaining piston. Displacement of the retaining piston releases a latch pin and allows the gun weight to shift a secondary release sleeve. Shift of the secondary release sleeve releases a latch dog retention pin and hence, releases the anchor dogs from a meshed connection with the completion tube. The secondary release sleeve may also be shifted by the upward pull of a wireline.

Abstract: A one-trip system for placement and setting a downhole packer or plug is disclosed. The packer is settable in a variety of ways, including hydraulically, acoustically by pressure pulse signals, or some combination. Use of hydraulic pressure triggers a pressure-creating reaction to initiate the setting of the packer. The setting mechanism for the packer breaks clear of the packer upon setting and allows the tubing-conveyed perforating gun, which is already preassembled as part of the string, to be accurately positioned and fired.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a firing head is disclosed. The apparatus contains a firing head that is operatively connected to a detonating cord of a perforating gun containing a series of shaped charges. The perforating gun will be connected to a work string in a wellbore filled with a fluid. The apparatus generally comprises a housing member having an inner portion and an outer portion; a blocking member for blocking passage of a hydrostatic pressure; a mechanical activation piston, adapted to be received within the housing member, for mechanically opening the blocking member. The apparatus further contains a hydraulic activation piston, adapted to be received within the housing member, for activating a percussion initiator firing member; and a transfer charge booster that transfers the detonation to a detonation cord.

Abstract: A one-trip system for placement and setting a downhole packer or plug is disclosed. The packer is settable in a variety of ways, including hydraulically, acoustically by pressure pulse signals, or some combination. Use of hydraulic pressure triggers a pressure-creating reaction to initiate the setting of the packer. The setting mechanism for the packer breaks clear of the packer upon setting and allows the tubing-conveyed perforating gun, which is already preassembled as part of the string, to be accurately positioned and fired.

Abstract: A dual wavelength laser is disclosed for use in dental therapeutic applications. The dual wavelength laser includes a laser cavity in which a laser crystal is disposed and preferably the laser crystal is an Nd:YAG laser, which, upon excitation, lases at two different wavelengths, each of which has a different gain. A shutter, or alternatively an optical filter, is selectively disposed within the optical path of the laser crystal whereupon the higher gain wavelength is selectively suppressed. Thus, with the shutter or optical filter removed from the optical path, the laser lases at its higher gain wavelength. Conversely, with the shutter or filter positioned within the optical path, the higher gain wavelength is effectively suppressed so that the laser crystal lases at the lower gain wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing dental enamel and dentin. This apparatus is also capable of cutting soft tissue. The apparatus includes a laser which, when activated, produces a laser pulse having a wavelength of between 1.5 and 3.5 microns, a beam diameter at the target site in the range of 10 to 5,000 microns, a pulse duration of between several picoseconds and several milliseconds, an energy level of between 0.1 millijoules and five joules per pulse, and pulse repetition rates from one pulse per second to 10,000 pulses per second. The pulse is focused on the dental enamel or dentin thereby reaching high enough energy densities to vaporize the material. In the case of soft tissues, a special tip is used to concentrate the laser on the tissue so that cutting action can be easily executed.

Abstract: A keratome is disclosed for use in eye surgery. The keratome includes an elongated handle having two ends. A blade is secured to one end of the handle so that the blade has a cutting edge spaced from and facing outwardly from the end of the handle. The blade is curvilinear in shape and has a radius of curvature substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the eye immediately adjacent the outer periphery of the cornea of the eye.

Abstract: A dental laser system is disclosed having an erbium doped YAG laser which is excited so that the YAG laser produces a plurality of laser pulses. A novel delivery system for the YAG laser is disclosed which includes an elongated sapphire strand which consists of a single crystal. The sapphire strand has a diameter between 10 and 1000 microns so that it maintains its flexibility and the sapphire strand is encased within a flexible protective coating. The sapphire strand is also essentially devoid of water content.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing dental enamel and dentin. This apparatus is also capable of cutting soft tissue. The apparatus includes a laser which, when activated, produces a laser pulse having a wavelength of between 1.5 and 3.5 microns, a beam diameter at the target site in the range of 10 to 5,000 microns, a pulse duration of between several picoseconds and several milliseconds, an energy level of between 0.1 millijoules and five joules per pulse, and pulse repetition rates from one pulse per second to 10,000 pulses per second. The pulse is focussed on the dental enamel or dentin thereby reaching high enough energy densities to vaporize the material. In the case of soft tissues, a special tip is used to concentrate the laser on the tissue so that cutting action can be easily executed.

Abstract: A handpiece assembly is disclosed for use with a dental laser assembly of the type having a laser and an elongated optical fiber assembly. The optical fiber assembly has a proximal end which receives radiation from the laser and a distal end which delivers the laser radiation to a target site. The handpiece assembly includes an elongated handpiece which is dimensioned to be held in a human hand. A longitudinal throughbore is formed in the handpiece and is dimensioned to slidably receive the optical fiber assembly so that the distal end of the optical fiber assembly extends outwardly from one end of the handpiece. A locking assembly removably locks the other end of the handpiece against longitudinal movement to the optical fiber assembly. Furthermore, the entire handpiece assembly is discarded after use on a single patient to prevent disease transmission by the handpiece.

Abstract: A well perforating gun provides a full bore passage for fluids and tools through the discharged gun without increasing the normal exterior diameter of the gun. The full bore passage is disposed eccentrically within a tubular housing and the perforating guns are mounted in a longitudinally spaced array on one or more elongated strips disposed adjacent elongated slots in the wall of the housing opposite the eccentric portion of the full bore fluid passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing dental decay and carious lesions from human teeth. The method of the present comprises the steps of aiming a pulsed laser so that its output impinges upon the decay and thereafter repeatedly activating the laser in pulse mode until the decay is eradicated from the tooth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scleral dissector for use in implanting artificial lens in human eyes. The dissector includes an elongated handle having a substantially planar cutting blade secured to and extending laterally outwardly from one end. A substantially planar guide is also attached to the handle so that the guide is spaced from and generally parallel to the blade. The guide is adapted to abut against the outer surface of the sclera during a scleral dissection. The spacing between the guide and the blade is preferably adjustable.