Abstract: A range finder that is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with an archery bow has a generally L-shaped configuration one end of which is threaded for attachment to a socket normally provided on archery bows. Another portion of the range finder includes a plurality of disks that are adjustably positioned on a support member so that the range finder can be individually calibrated for specific game also taking into account the physical characteristics of the hunter.

Abstract: A rotatable wedge valve mechanism has a valve body or valve cartridge defining a valve chamber and flow ports in fluid communication with the valve chamber. A valve seat is located within the valve chamber in registry with one of the flow ports. A non-rotatable core member having a convex external surface portion is supported within said valve chamber. A wedge member is mounted for rotation within the valve chamber and has a range of rotary motion between open and closed positions of said valve and a non-uniform wall thickness throughout said range of rotary motion. An actuator upon rotary movement achieves opening and closing rotation of said wedge member. A method is provided for machining concave and convex wedge member surfaces from selected center-points to achieve relative thicknesses of wall sections of the wedge member.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods useful in treating an eye are provided herein. Certain embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods may be particularly suitable in maintaining separation of an anterior capsule and a posterior capsule of an evacuated lens capsule of an eye. Certain embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods may be particularly suitable for reducing scarring in the visual field of an eye having a capsulorhexis, among other things.

Abstract: Intraocular devices for use in and attached to the natural lens capsule of an eye are provided. The lens capsule may be maintained in a configuration to avoid post-operative changes that are deleterious to vision. Single or dual optic systems are provided, which may be accommodating. Combinations of devices to obtain dual optic systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Optically transparent, impact-resistant solid polymer bodies are provided that are resistant to fouling by organisms such as algae, bacteria and molds. The bodies may be sheets of polymer for use as covers for optical sensors, windows or other cover glasses. The materials may be formed by solvent casting, extrusion or other processing methods.

Abstract: A rotary steerable apparatus is provided having an actuator for pushing the bit or pointing the bit that includes a shape memory alloy. An elongated form of the alloy, such as a wire or rod, is employed in a mechanism that applies force in a direction transverse to the wellbore in response to a change in length of the alloy. Temperature of the alloy is controlled to change shape and produce the desired force on pads for operating the apparatus. The apparatus may be used with downhole power generation and control electronics to steer a bit, either in response to signals from the surface or from downhole instruments.

Abstract: A plug for sealing a bore in the wall of a high-pressure fluid container is provided. The plug includes a sloping surface adapted to seal at an edge between surfaces of different diameter. A method for sealing the bore by forming a socket in the wall that is adapted to receive the plug is provided. The socket may be formed by reaming a tapered hole to form a surface having a minimum diameter greater than the diameter of the bore and tapping a segment of the tapered hole. A ball may be forced into a cup of the plug to increase radial force between the plug and the socket.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: A device to be inserted within a lens capsule during ocular surgery to contain fluids, including therapeutic and optical materials, used for irrigation within the capsule is provided. The device includes a deformable membrane within a ring. One or more ports are provided for irrigation within the capsule. Reduced pressure in an area around the periphery of the membrane may be used for forming a sealing area between the device and the posterior surface of the capsule. Method for inserting the device into the capsule and performing irrigation or aspiration for polishing and for deforming the lens capsule is provided. The device may be placed in an eye for permanent isolation of fluids within the lens capsule from tissue and fluids outside the capsule.

Abstract: A device to be inserted within a lens capsule during ocular surgery to contain fluids, including therapeutic and optical materials, used for irrigation within the capsule is provided. The device includes a deformable membrane within a ring. The ring may include flanges that increase sealing area between the ring and the posterior surface of an anterior capsule. One or more ports are provided for irrigation within the capsule. Reduced pressure in an area around the periphery of the membrane may be used for forming a sealing area between the device and the posterior surface of the capsule. Method for inserting the device into the capsule and performing irrigation or aspiration for polishing and for deforming the lens capsule is provided. The device may be placed in an eye for permanent isolation of fluids-within the lens capsule from tissue and fluids outside the capsule.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing of wells by injecting a degradable polymer phase as a fracturing fluid is provided. Composition and degree of polymerization of the degradable polymer and the selection of additives may be varied to adjust the viscosity, degradation time and other properties of the fracturing fluid. Viscous degradable fluid or pellets of degradable polymer may be placed in a wellbore as an internal phase in a low viscosity carrier fluid. A polymer-continuous liquid phase may be formed at a selected location in the wellbore, usually near perforations, before the polymer phase is pressured into a formation to form a hydraulic fracture.

Abstract: A photodetector having sensitivity in a wide temperature range in both an infrared and an ultraviolet band is provided. The photodetector is formed on a single chip and is designed to be blind to solar or visible radiation. Structures disclosed allow fast and efficient detection of signals with high spatial and temporal resolution. Such sensors may be used for multi-pixel focal arrays and applied for fire detection applications, various space- and military-related applications and other applications. A method for increasing rejection of visible light by the IR sensitive material is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for loading a cell for testing crush-resistance of a proppant or other granular material. The apparatus includes a rod valve and one or two screens selected to allow proppant to pluviate into the cell. Stress may be applied to the cell and the amount of proppant crushed by the stress may be measured. Measurements may be repeated to produce mean and variance values. Screen sizes may be varied to select sizes to minimize variance of measurements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for decreasing drag force in a mechanism for releasing a mandrel is provided. The mandrel is released by a collet, which is controlled by a trigger sleeve. Most of the axial force on the collet is relieved, thereby decreasing the frictional force exerted by the collet on the mandrel after it is released.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing of wells by injecting a degradable polymer phase as a fracturing fluid is provided. Composition and degree of polymerization of the degradable polymer and the selection of additives may be varied to adjust the viscosity, degradation time and other properties of the fracturing fluid. Viscous degradable fluid or pellets of degradable polymer may be placed in a wellbore as an internal phase in a low viscosity carrier fluid. A polymer-continuous liquid phase may be formed at a selected location in the wellbore, usually near perforations, before the polymer phase is pressured into a formation to form a hydraulic fracture.

Abstract: A Marsh funnel is equipped with a valve at the funnel outlet. The valve may be of the quick opening type selected from stem valves (internal of the funnel), ball valves, plug valves, flapper valves, butterfly valves, slide valves and the like.

Abstract: Flexible films or sheets for forming high-breakdown strength, high-temperature capacitors are disclosed. Amorphous metal oxides and nitrides, preferably SiO2 or HfO2, with a dielectric constant (k) greater than 2 and stacks of oxides and nitrides formed over conducting substrates may be formed. The dielectrics may be formed by reactive sputter deposition of the amorphous materials onto cooled substrates. The cooled substrate allows the films to be amorphous or nanocrystalline and results in films that can be flexed and that can be rolled into cylindrical shapes. An important application for these dielectrics is in high energy-density wound capacitors.

Abstract: A photodetector having sensitivity in both an infrared and an ultraviolet band is provided. The photodetector is formed on a single chip and is designed to be blind to solar or visible radiation. Structures disclosed allow fast and efficient detection of signals with high spatial and temporal resolution. Such sensors may be used for multi-pixel focal arrays and applied for fire detection applications, various space- and military-related applications and other applications.

Abstract: A valve having a cartridge that fits within the valve housing and that may be replaced without removing the valve housing from adjoining equipment. The cartridge contains a wedge having curved surfaces and a driver to rotate the wedge from an open to a closed position. When the wedge rotates to the closed position a seal is formed on the convex surface of the wedge and a sealing assembly is moved to form a seal around the outlet of the valve housing.

Abstract: An intraocular lens, with equal conic surfaces, is intended to replace the crystalline lens in the posterior chamber of a patient's eye, in particular after a cataract extraction. The lens provides optical power to focus objects onto a patient's retina. In addition the lens surfaces are shaped to reduce optical aberrations at the retina and are tolerant to lens tilt and decentration within the eye. The lens is designed to have zero longitudinal ray aberrations at a specific ray height.