Abstract: Described are Gain Flattening Filters (GFFs) implemented using mechanical translating assemblies to move selected thin film Gain Attenuating Filters (GAFs), and combinations of selected GAFs, into or out of the output path from an optical amplifier. The GAFs may be used singly, or in combinations that synthesize many target filter characteristics. The GFF is primarily adapted for WDM systems operating with a wavelength range of approximately 1520 nm to 1620 nm. Several embodiments are shown for effectively combining different GAFs to provide multiple GFF curves.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for flow testing multiple zones in a single trip are provided. In one embodiment, a method of flow testing multiple zones in a wellbore includes lowering a tool string into the wellbore. The tool string includes an inflatable packer or plug and an electric pump. The method further includes operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a first zone from one or more other zones; monitoring flow from the first zone; deflating the packer or plug; moving the tool string in the wellbore; and operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a second zone from one or more other zones; and monitoring flow from the second zone. The zones are monitored in one trip.

Abstract: A downhole burner is used for producing heavy-oil formations. Hydrogen, oxygen, and steam are pumped by separate conduits to the burner, which burns at least part of the hydrogen and forces the combustion products out into the earth formation. The steam cools the burner and becomes superheated steam, which is injected along with the combustion products into the earth formation. Carbon dioxide is also pumped down the well and injected into the formation.

Abstract: A cantilever system for a rig comprising a hull, a beam coupled to the hull, an extension member coupled to the beam, and a hold-down member spaced from a support member and coupled to the extension member. A first end of the beam is extendable over an edge of the hull while a second end of the beam is positioned on the hull. The extension member increases the longitudinal length of the beam. The support member is disposed adjacent the edge of the hull. The hold-down member is configured to apply a force to the extension member in a direction toward the hull when the first end of the beam is extended over the edge of the hull. A method of increasing the capacity of the cantilever system comprises increasing the spacing between the support member and the hold-down member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogen-carrier having immunopotentiating or adjuvant properties. More particularly, the immunogen-carrier is a virus-like particle (VLP) from the family of potexvirus, and most particularly the papaya mosaic virus. The VLP produced by recombinant techniques is in fusion with one of its own proteins a protein immunogen. The above VLP and a protein or a protein extract from a viral, bacterial or parasital pathogen may be used as a vaccine.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a continuous sucker rod coil, wherein the method includes the step of selecting a plurality of input coils, each input coil having the same uniform hardness, and each input coil having two free ends. The method further includes the step of fusing adjacent free ends of adjacent input coils together to form one continuous length of rod, the fusing creating fused areas and a heat-affected zone at each fused area. The method also includes the step of treating each of the heat-affected zones to alleviate irregularities induced during fusing. Additionally, the method includes the step of winding the continuous length of rod into a finished coil.

Abstract: A chair comprising, a base structure including two rear tubular elements open at the top, a backrest having two tubular portions open at the bottom and aligned to said tubular elements of the base structure, and two elastic devices, each of which has a top support inserted in a tubular portion of the backrest, a bottom support inserted in the corresponding tubular element of the base structure, and an elastic element flexurally deformable to enable tilting between the top support and the bottom support, wherein each of said elastic devices comprises a plurality of sectors stacked on top of one another and arranged between the top support and the bottom support, and wherein, in a resting position of the elastic element, a plurality of slits are formed on the rear side of each elastic device between each pair of adjacent sectors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable sensing flow of a fluid inside a conduit with an array of pressure or strain sensors. Inputs for a curve fit routine include power correlation values at one of multiple trial velocities or speeds of sound and several steps on either side utilizing data obtained from the sensors. The velocity at which a curve fit routine returns a max curvature result corresponds to an estimate value that facilitates identification of a speed of sound in the fluid and/or a velocity of the flow. Furthermore, a directional quality compensation factor may apply to outputs from the curve fit routine to additionally aid in determining the velocity of the flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a saw device mountable on a self-propelled piece of equipment, such as tractor, is described. In one embodiment, the saw device includes a gripper and cutter unit mountable on an articulatable arm or boom of the tractor. In one aspect, the gripper and cutter unit is coupled to a distal end of the boom by a frame, the frame being movable in at least an angle relative to a plane of the boom. The gripper and cutter unit comprises a material gripping device and an articulatable saw comprising a circular saw blade operably coupled to a motor, the saw blade and the motor coupled to a pivotable arm that is movable relative to the frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring a hydrocarbon well for water within a flow stream of the well. A water detector includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared light that includes a water absorbent wavelength band. A detector detects attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream. The water detector outputs a presence of water and/or a phase fraction or quantification of water as determined based on the attenuation. Detecting attenuation of a substantially transmissive wavelength band with respect to water simultaneously with detection of the attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band can enable correction for non-wavelength dependent attenuation.

Abstract: A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member such as a flapper that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a power density in a laser device including a VCSEL array providing an increased power density at a high wall-plug efficiency in that the lateral design parameters are appropriately selected on the basis of a relationship that has been established for a specified vertical design, a corresponding process technology and specified operating conditions. Thus, the total output power, the power density, and the efficiency may be optimized independently from other design criteria and application requirements by tuning only the lateral size of the individual VCSEL elements and the pitch of nearest neighbors of the elements within the array. Hence, for a lateral size of less than 30 ?m and a pitch of less than 80 ?m, a highly efficient VCSEL array can be provided with a high power density, thereby optimizing manufacturing costs for the output power per chip area.

Abstract: A large diameter optical waveguide, grating, and laser includes a waveguide having at least one core surrounded by a cladding, the core propagating light in substantially a few transverse spatial modes; and having an outer waveguide dimension of said waveguide being greater than about 0.3 mm. At least one Bragg grating may be impressed in the waveguide. The waveguide may be axially compressed which causes the length of the waveguide to decrease without buckling. The waveguide may be used for any application where a waveguide needs to be compression tuned. Also, the waveguide exhibits lower mode coupling from the core to the cladding and allows for higher optical power to be used when writing gratings without damaging the waveguide. The waveguide may resemble a short “block” or a longer “cane” type, depending on the application and dimensions used.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a casing tester for plugging and abandoning a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of testing an annulus defined between a first tubular string and a second tubular string includes engaging a first annular packer with an outer surface of the first tubular string and engaging a second annular packer with an outer surface of the second tubular string. The tubular strings extend into a wellbore. The method further includes injecting a test fluid between the packers until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the annulus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sampling techniques can constantly monitor a spectral output from a broadband source in order to control a central wavelength of interrogation light supplied by the source for input to a sensor. A first portion of light output from the broadband source passes through a controller module for spectral analysis and referencing to provide measurements that can be used as feedback to actively modify a second portion of the light from the source. This modified second portion thereby controls the central wavelength to ensure accurate determination of sensor response signals received at a receiver.

Abstract: A circuit for operating an amperometric sensor having a reference electrode, a counter electrode and a work electrode. The circuit comprises an amplifier having a positive input and a negative input and an output. The positive input is coupled to a reference voltage source, and the negative input and the output are coupled together via a negative feedback loop. The circuit includes means for coupling the amperometric sensor into said negative feedback loop of the amplifier wherein, in a first configuration, the counter electrode is coupled to said output and the reference electrode is coupled to said negative input and, in a second configuration, the work electrode is coupled to said output and the reference electrode is coupled to said negative input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. In one embodiment, the seismic cable includes a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled together by a connector. Each cable segment includes an inner jacket defining a hollow core, a braided strength fiber surrounding the inner jacket, and an outer jacket circumferentially surrounding the braided strength fiber, wherein the connector isolates the first and second cable segments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for translating fixed function state into a shader program. Fixed function state is received and stored and when a new shader program is detected the fixed function state is translated into shader program instructions. Registers specified by the program instructions are allocated for processing in the shader program. The registers may be remapped for more efficient use of the register storage space.