Abstract: Disclosed is a packer (32) responsive to a first hydraulic pressure for setting the packer (32) within a casing (16), and responsive to a second higher pressure for releasing the packer (32) from the casing (16). The first pressure moves an inner piston (94) which shears a screw (96) to thereby apply a compressive force to elastomeric bands (66, 68). The elastomeric bands (66, 68) bow outwardly and seal the packer (32) to the casing (16). A toothed ratchet ring (135) engages with respective teeth (114,122) of the inner piston (94) and an outer cylinder piston (90) to permit one-way movement of the inner piston (94). The packer (32) is thereby set and the hydraulic pressure can be reduced. The packer (32) is released from its sealing engagement with the casing (16) by applying a second greater hydraulic pressure which shears a screw (92), thereby allowing the outer cylindrical piston (90) to move downwardly.

Abstract: Perforating gun automatic release mechanism wherein the perforating gun is linked to the drilling string by a coupling member. The coupling member includes a plurality of collet fingers, by which said coupling member is attached to the drilling string. The heads of the collet fingers, when inserted into the bottom of the drilling string engage a circumferential groove therein. A slidable locking sleeve, coaxially disposed within the coupling member prevents the inward radial movement necessary for the collet finger heads to disengage the groove. The locking sleeve sits on a slidable piston, which is contained inside the coupling member on top of the explosive charge which detonates the perforating gun. Upon detonation, the resulting shock wave traveling upward pushes the piston and locking sleeve to a position where the collet finger heads are free to disengage the groove, which the weight of the perforating gun then causes, dropping the gun, coupling member and all attachments away from the drilling string.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for firing perforating apparatus in a borehole. A pressure actuated firing assembly is run into the borehole on th eend of a cable and latched onto a perforating apparatus. The cable is removed and pressure is applied to the tubing annulus. At a predetermined pressure the firing asembly is armed. After arming pressure is released from the tubing annulus during a time delay period before the firing assembly impacts a percussion firing head to thereby detonate the perforating apparatus.

Abstract: An improved universally-sized permanent/retrievable ureteral catheter adapted to be cystoscopically inserted and positioned within a patient and adapted to be removed from the patient without the use of a cytoscopic procedure is disclosed. It includes an elongated, relatively flexible, generally cylindrical member defining a plurality of apertures therein for avoiding catheter blockage during use and having a proximal end defining a single coil, a relatively straight, long intermediate section and a distal end. The coiled proximal end is made of an inert material and is adapted to be straightened so that the catheter may be cytoscopically inserted and positioned within a patient. The coiled proximal end reforms upon insertion and prevents the member from migrating. The elongated, relatively flexible, generally cylindrical member is adapted to be cut along its distal end to fit the needs of a specific patient.

Abstract: A nutcracker includes a base (12), a stationary jaw (16), a movable jaw (21) and an adjustable post (20). A driving cylinder (36) is urged along the longitudinal axis of the post (20) by a lever (26) connected through a connecting link (30). A spring (42) allows the post (20) to float until a canting pin (46) contacts one end of a ring (22) disposed around the post (20). When the ring (22) cants to contact the post (20), the force applied to the driving cylinder (36) is translated directly to the post (20) to crack a nut disposed between the stationary jaw (16) and the movable jaw (21).

Abstract: A stabilizing strap (25) for exterior use with a shoe (28) including a dorsal strap (26), an Achilles strap (30) and a plantar strap (32). One end of the dorsal strap (26), the Achilles strap (30) and the plantar strap (32) are connected together at a point (34) on the medial side of the foot. The other end of the plantar strap (32) is attached to two connecting straps (36) and (38). Two ring clasps (42) and (44) are attached to the end of the connecting straps (36) and (38) for receiving the free ends of the dorsal strap (26) and the Achilles strap (30). A fibrous layer (52) and a hook-like layer (50) are disposed on the exterior of the Achilles strap (30) such that the free end thereof can be pulled through the ring clasp and attached thereto. A fibrous layer (48) and a hook-like layer (46) are disposed on the exterior of the dorsal strap (26) to provide a similar attachment.

Abstract: An improved vacuum attachment assembly for suction apparatus is provided. The invention includes a vacuum line coupling system that is incompatible with the inlet port such that inadvertent attachment of the vacuum line to the inlet port is impossible. The vacuum connection system further includes a permanently attached tee and vacuum leader line for parallel connection of the vacuum source to the interior and exterior of a liner disposed within the apparatus. The improved vacuum attachment system allows easy disconnection and reconnection of the vacuum source.

Abstract: A link regulator is disclosed for providing a regulated voltage over a wide range of input frequencies and load currents. The frequency of an internal VCO and the input frequency are phase compared to provide a reference error signal. The unregulated DC voltage is integrated for a duration proportional to the error signal. This duration controls a series switching element to provide a constant volts/seconds. The output of the series switching element is filtered to a DC voltage that controls the frequency of the VCO. The DC voltage is proportional to the error signal, thus providing a feed forward system to regulate the DC voltage. During the period when the series switching element is not conducting, a shunt switch presents a low impedance to the input of the filter to clamp the input to ground. This allows for operation over a wide range of load currents without losing regulation.

Abstract: A foam generating apparatus (10) is provided for circulation of foam within a well (12) for drilling, operation or clean out. A liquid foam generating solution (38) is pressurized by a pump (48). The solution flows through a passage in a mixing tee (66). The mixing tee has a second passage which permits a pressurized gaseous aeration agent (35) to be entrained within the fluid flow. The turbulence of flow and downstream pressures permit onset of foam generation within the well. The foam consistency can be controlled by varying the pressure of the aeration agent and foam generating solution to maximize the effectiveness of the circulation. The ratio of aeration agent and fluid generating solution can also be varied.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping a fluid by means of a piezoelectric pump is provided. All moving parts, including the valves and core, are piezoelectrically motivated. The preferred embodiment includes a piezoelectric ceramic tube having conductive bands adhered to the outer surface. The conductive bands and an inner surface electrode define tube regions which serve as valve and reservoir pump regions. A sensing circuit senses the voltage on the outer electrodes of the innermost of the piezoelectric regions to detect the presence of faulty pumping operation. The sensing circuit utilizes the piezoelectric effect that results from internal loading of the core.

Abstract: A method for receiving and disposing of fluids from the human body includes the steps of disposing a semi-rigid burst resistive container within a rigid outer canister and supporting the inner container such that there is a space defined between the side walls of the semi-rigid inner container and the rigid outer canister. The open end of the semi-rigid inner container is fixedly covered and the fluids from the body are received within the inner container through this cover. A vacuum is applied both to the interior of the semi-rigid inner container and the space around the periphery thereof to provide an equalized pressure on both sides thereof. When the body fluids are received within the semi-rigid inner container, both the cover and the semi-rigid inner container are removed as an integral unit for disposal thereof.