Abstract: A sensor assembly is used with a submergible pumping system within a wellbore. The sensor assembly is an integral part of the string of submergible components that form the submergible pumping system. One embodiment of the sensor assembly utilizes a sensor for detecting the axial downthrust load acting on the shaft of a submergible pump. The downthrust load can be used to determine, for instance, flow rate through the submergible pump.

Abstract: A single overvoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature protection circuit for use in an off-line switched-mode power converter using current-mode pulse-width modulation control. A single latch circuit provides shutdown control via either voltage or current inputs of the pulse-width modulator.

Abstract: In a computer system there is a storage subsystem and an array controller circuit controlling an array of hard drives in the storage subsystem. Upon powering the storage subsystem, the array controller automatically determines whether the hard drives have been moved to new bay locations in the storage subsystem and whether a new complete logical drive, consisting of at least one hard drive, has been added to the storage subsystem. Upon discovery of any drive movement or logical drive unit addition, the array controller automatically reconfigures each hard drive by at least updating the configuration information in accordance with the changes.

Abstract: The invention provides a submersible pumping system which includes a motor containing self-centering rotor bearing assemblies. Each rotor bearing assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a sleeve, a journal, and at least two seals. The journal is preferably disposed about the sleeve which is keyed to the power transmission shaft of the motor. The journal has a peripheral surface which is configured to have at least two circumferential support regions which are spaced apart from one another. Each of these circumferential support regions supports a corresponding seal. Each seal includes an interface member and an activating member. When in place in a rotor section of a submersible pump motor, the seals frictionally engage the inner surface of the stator and exert a centering force against the journal and thus against the bearing sleeve and the power transmission shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed a memory cell having a reduced active area. The memory cell may be incoporated into a memory array. A method of fabricating the memory cell and the memory array includes the fabrication of an access device, such as a diode, that protrudes above the semiconductor substrate. The memory element, such as a memory element formed of chalcogenide material, is disposed on the side of the protrusion to reduce the active area of the memory element as compared with conventional memory elements.

Abstract: A structure for an antifuse cell which comprises: (a) field oxide between the bottom plate of the antifuse element and its access transistor; and (b) an implanted region underlying the antifuse element to provide a conductive path between the source of the access transistor and the antifuse element.

Abstract: The invention proposes methods for producing integrated circuits wherein the dielectric constant between closely spaced and adjacent metal lines is approaching 1. One method of the invention uses low-melting-point dielectric to form a barrier forming a void between conductive lines. Another method of the invention uses sidewall film to form a similar barrier.

Abstract: A memory device having a plurality of memory arrays. Each array has a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell including an electrode defining a respective contact area. Each memory array is formed by depositing a continuous chalcogenide layer. This chalcogenide layer, even when continuous, will have active areas formed above the electrodes, and a conductive layer electrically coupling at least a portion of the active areas. The memory array can also include a dielectric volume surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes can be contacts, plugs or pillars deposited in etched openings in the dielectric volume.

Abstract: A production pump for lifting subterranean fluids to the surface of the earth. The production pump is formed from a housing having a pumping unit disposed within the housing. The housing further has a first end defining a first chamber that provides a fluid intake for the pump unit. The housing further has a second end defining a second chamber that provides a fluid outlet for the pump unit. Additionally, the pump includes a conduit that extends from the second end of the housing into the first chamber to provide fluid to the first chamber.

Abstract: A submergible, centrifugal pump utilizes an improved bushing system for absorbing downthrust at each stage of the pump. The centrifugal pump is a multi-stage pump having a plurality of impellers keyed to a rotatable shaft. Diffusers cooperate with the impellers to conduct the pumped fluid upwardly from one impeller to the next. The improved support system comprises simple diffuser bushings that are generally cylindrical in shape, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Each diffuser bushing is disposed between a diffuser and the next upwardly sequential impeller to support that impeller with respect to the downthrust created during pumping.

Abstract: A field emitter display having reduced surface leakage comprising at least one emitter tip surrounded by a dielectric region. The dielectric region is formed of a composite of insulative layers, at least one of which has fins extending toward the emitter tip. A conductive gate, for extracting electrons from the emitter tip, is disposed superjacent the dielectric region. The fins increase the length of the path that leaked electrical charge travels before impacting the gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing and displaying the magnitude of torsional vibrations. A transducer provides a signal indicative of the torsional vibrations being experienced by a rotating member. The magnitude of the frequency components of the signal are determined and displayed to an operator who may take corrective action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling AC power from the stator of an alternator in which groups of windings have various numbers of turns and various numbers of poles per winding can be connected in series to achieve optimum power generation at one RPM and in parallel to achieve optimum power generation at another RPM.

Abstract: The present invention provides a submersible pumping system which includes a tapered flow gas separation system. The tapered flow gas separation system of the present invention includes at least a first and second gas separator. The first separator is configured to receive and process a first flow rate of production liquid. The first separator is adapted to draw production liquid from a production casing and to separate a first portion of gas from the production liquid. The second separator is configured to receive and process a second flow rate of production liquid which is less than the first flow rate received by the first separator. The second separator is adapted to receive the production liquid from the first separator and to separate a second portion of gas from the production liquid.

Abstract: A connection module is disclosed for a submergible pumping system of the type including a submergible electric motor and a pump drivingly coupled to the motor. The system may also include additional components such as a fluid separators, an injection pump, and so forth. The connection module includes a body through which a fluid passage is formed. A recess is formed in the body for receiving a cable for transmitting power to the submergible electric motor. The fluid passage transfers fluid within the pumping system, such as by means of shrouds disposed around the system components. The connection module also includes an electrical connector for completing current carrying paths between a supply cable and the motor. The connection module may thus serve as the motor head in which the electrical connections are made, but through which fluid is channeled to system components.

Abstract: A multi-phase charge pump continuously pumps to establish a DC voltage outside the range of supply and reference voltages. The multi-phase charge pump in one embodiment includes four stages operating in a ring with a four-phase clock. Each stage includes a three-mode charge pump that generates and provides reset and control signals to other stages. Each stage includes a pass transistor having a gate driven in excess of the DC voltage for efficient transfer of charge. The gate drive signal from a first stage is coupled to a next stage in the ring where it is used to generate the next gate drive signal. Each gate drive signal corresponds to one waveform having a phase skewed in time so that each stage in the ring is operating in a different mode. In a method of use, a first stepped voltage is developed on a first capacitor and selectively coupled to a second capacitor to develop a second stepped voltage of greater absolute value.

Abstract: A reinforced elastomeric bag for use within an electric submergible motor protector has a generally cylindrical bag body formed as a single continuous structure, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs longitudinally disposed about an inside surface of the bag body. The reinforcing ribs prevent the bag body from collapsing onto and blocking oil inlet ports within the motor protector.

Abstract: Manually segmenting animal carcasses into primary cuts involves an enormous amount of manual labor and attendant expense. However, known automated systems for segmenting carcasses cannot match the accuracy of expert butchers. The apparatus for segmenting animal carcasses disclosed herein provides an imaging station having a vision system that determines parameters of the interior and/or exterior of the carcass. Using these parameters, a computer determines a cutting path or a plurality of cutting paths for segmenting the carcass. A mounting vehicle, which securely holds the carcass, transports the carcass from the imaging station to a cutting station. In the cutting station, electrically controlled cutting implements, such as high-pressure water jets or lasers, segment the carcass along the determined cutting path or paths.

Abstract: The present invention develops a container capacitor by forming a first insulative layer over conductive word lines; forming an opening between neighboring conductive word lines; forming a conductive plug between neighboring parallel conductive word lines; forming a planarized blanketing second insulating layer over the first insulative layer and the conductive plug; forming an opening into the second insulating layer, the opening thereby forming a container shape; forming a conductive spacer adjacent the wall of the container form, the conductive spacer having inner and outer surfaces; removing the second insulating layer, thereby exposing the outer surface of the conductive spacer; forming a layer of hemispherical grained conductive material superjacent the inner and outer surfaces of the conductive spacer; forming insulating spacers adjacent the inner and outer surfaces of the hemispherical grained conductive material; patterning the hemispherical grained conductive material to form a separate conductive c