Abstract: This invention relates to the field of process variable measuring and display devices and portable power supplies for process variable display devices. This invention can be used to measure and display any process variable, including pressure, temperature, volume, and flow rate. Specifically, this invention relates to an electronic process variable measuring device electronically coupled to a battery powered process variable display device which displays both a bar graph trend indication of the process variable and a digital display of the process variable. In a preferred embodiment, the process variable display device is totally self-contained, including the battery operated power supply.

Abstract: A packer or bridge plug is described which may be released by manipulation of the production tubing connected to it. If manipulation of the production tubing is unsuccessful in releasing the packer, the tensile strength of the production tubing need not be exceeded in attempting to remove the packer. Instead, the production tubing is removed along with certain internal components of the packer. Thereafter, heavy-wall tubing, with or without jars, can be lowered into the wellbore with a retrieving tool at the bottom of that string. The retrieving tool latches onto components of the packer to allow an alternative method of release which allows for use of significantly higher tensile loads to liberate the packer from the wellbore.

Abstract: Polymer compositions made by reacting a polyol with an aromatic hydrocarbon containing only a single reactive functionality have been discovered to be useful demulsifiers for crude oil compositions. The aromatic hydrocarbon should have at least one aryl group and only one functionality reactive with a hydroxyl. The polyol may optionally be crosslinked prior to reaction with the aromatic hydrocarbon, and the crosslinking agent may be a diepoxide.

Abstract: A beverage container receptacle which supports the container above its center of gravity. When used with beverage containers having tapered sides, compressive force between the receptacle and the beverage container restrains vertical movement of the container. In other embodiments, the weight of the container and its contents or a self-actuating latch keep the container within the confines of the receptacle.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention involve a casing or liner component that has a sliding sleeve operable therein. A plurality of ports are plugged off externally to the liner. A series of perforating charges are aligned adjacent the plugs extending from the ports which they plug. The charges may be set off hydraulically with the valve within the liner in the open or closed position, depending on the configuration. The perforating charges may be oriented differently with respect to each other to increase the zone of perforation of the formation. The plugs and charges can be distributed in such a manner as to obtain significant coverage of perforations for the zone in question.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for the delivery of a vascular stent into human arteries and veins is disclosed. The system disclosed in the present invention is an apparatus capable of deploying a vascular stent mounted on a catheter, either on a balloon catheter or on the distal portion of a catheter tube. In the case of a stent mounted on the balloon of a balloon catheter, the spring sheath is withdrawn and the balloon is inflated to deploy the stent to the inner wall of the vasculature. In the case of a self-expanding stent, the spring sheath is withdrawn, causing the stent to expand to the vessel wall. The apparatus is withdrawn after the stent has been deployed.

Abstract: An improved technique for operation and assembly of trolling motors is disclosed. The direction indicator assembly is flexibly mounted to allow its initial assembly in any direction. The direction indicator can then be flexibly moved and twisted into the proper orientation where its arrow aligns with the direction of the thrust motor. If any fine-tuning is required, the direction indicator can then be turned relative to a gear mounted to it. The positioning system for the stem supporting the thrust motor includes a clutch system to avoid reverse movements of the drive system for the stem supporting the thrust motor. Fine adjustments can be made to the direction indicator, even after the thrust motor has struck a fixed object and rotated through the use of a clutching system. The clutching system is automatic and allows the continuation of steering commands to the thrust motor once the shock load that has caused the clutch to disengage is removed.

Abstract: The invention allows downhole shifting of one or more sleeves, having the same or different dimensions, while running a running tool on coiled tubing. The power stroker feature anchors the running tool to the body of the sleeve housing for proper orientation. Hydraulic pressure is used to stroke the sleeve. A feedback feature is provided to determine from the surface whether the sleeve has fully shifted. The stroking components are resettable upon withdrawal of hydraulic pressure and an emergency shear release is also provided.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip applicator system which is particularly useful for endoscopic procedures. A hemostatic clip applicator can be directly connected to a trigger assembly or indirectly connected to the trigger assembly through the use of an extension. The connection between the extension and the clip applicator is secured to prevent accidental release during the procedure. The applicator receives a longitudinal input and translates the input into relative component motion through the use of gearing to apply the clips.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved coal injection and coal feed system for use with a coal-fired firetube boiler. More specifically, the coal injection system of the present invention comprises an educator and a coal delivery tube. The coal feed system of the present invention comprises a coal hopper, gyratable bin, gyration device, discharge plenum and feed conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fence panel assembly and fence that do not permit a line of vision from one side of the panels between the panels to the other side of the panels while still providing ventilation channels between the panels for resistance to high wind.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for recording uterine electrical activity from the surface of the abdomen or vagina for the purpose of diagnosing contractile patterns of the uterus in pregnant and nonpregnant patients. The present invention provides data analysis techniques for analyzing electromyographic data measured from the surface of a patient to characterize uterine activity. The method and apparatus described include algorithms for the systematic analysis of electrical signals recorded from the abdominal surface. Such processing comprises integration of signals, frequency spectral analysis, 3-dimensional power density mesh plots, vector analysis, fast wavelet transform, and joint time-frequency characteristics. These techniques and apparatus are appropriate for use in a clinic or through communication lines for use as a remote or home uterine monitoring system.

Abstract: A filter is provided which combines a woven wire mesh over a supporting body. The supporting body is typically a metal perforated tube which provides fluid communication between the well bore and the production equipment string. The woven wire mesh acts as a filter to prevent the influx of sand particles, provides openings oriented at various angles relative to its surface, so that some area is available for fluid entry even when particulate matter is lodged on the surface above an opening, provides interior channels that allow fluid to travel from one location on the mesh surface to another location over an opening into the supporting body, and does not provide "straight-through" openings, thus forcing the fluid to make multiple turns to pass through the mesh, thereby dissipating the fluid's energy and increases the mesh's erosion resistance. When particulate matter accumulates on the mesh's surface, the resulting particle cake remains porous, heightening the filter's resistance to plugging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved refrigeration subcooler comprising an accumulator and receiver apparatus for use in a refrigeration unit or heat pump. Specifically, the present invention relates to a subcooler that requires less refrigerant and is operable at lower operating pressures than conventional subcoolers.

Abstract: A gravel-packing apparatus and method is disclosed which involves a movable sleeve over a screen. The screen is fixed to a packer downhole while the sleeve is operated from the surface. As the sleeve is lifted to expose more of the screen, the granular material deposits along the outside of the screen and through the exposed perforations, starting from the packer and working its way up. The annulus is sealed by multiple cup seals or other suitable seals for the environment so that the slurry pressure applied from the surface is directed to deposition of the granular material adjacent the exposed perforations. As more granular material is deposited, the crew at the surface may further pull the sleeve up or the developed pressure downhole itself can force the sleeve further up, exposing additional perforations and continuing the deposition process of the granular material.

Abstract: A remote-control, foot-operated unit for use with trolling motors on boats is revealed. The unit has a snap-together design that does not use screw fasteners extending through holes. As a result, the sensitive electronic components are completely sealed from contact with any water or water vapor. The snap design has a back-up feature to prevent accidental snap-release in the event of shock loading. The assembly fits together as a sandwich, effectively positioning a sealing component in juxtaposition with the snap arrangements to promote a secure connection around the periphery of the unit, as well as a tight sealing engagement between the sandwich components to, in effect, isolate the sensitive electronic components from exposure to any moisture.

Abstract: An inflation tool for an external casing packer (ECP) is provided. It allows isolation of each ECP and inflation with mud, cement, or other fluids. The opening for the ECP is isolated by appropriate seals, while a passage in the inflation tool is closed off by a plug which allows internal fluid pressure build-up. A sliding sleeve valve is responsive to built-up pressure and opens to allow access to the ECP. Upon complete inflation of the ECP, the pressure applied is removed, allowing the sleeve to close and the pressure between the seals surrounding the opening to the ECP is equalized with the wellbore. Excess mud or other inflation material can be reversed out by a bypass feature around the plug. A pressure-relief feature in the inflation tool allows further pressure equalization for the string, which was used to run the tool in the hole, to facilitate its removal.