Abstract: A longitudinally segmented acoustic transducer for a cement bond logging (CBL) tool having a plurality of adjoining PZT ring-like segments driven synchronously in parallel by one or more pulses and caused to vibrate in an anti-resonant mode, substantially below the resonant frequency of an individual segment when used in a transmitting application. When used in a receiving application, each of the plurality of transducer rings are caused to vibrate by acoustic signals detected by the transducer array, also in an anti-resonant mode. High speed digital signal processing enables on-depth, high quality data for all azimuths at each depth to be obtained, processed, normalized and either sent to the surface in real time for each 20 Hz firing cycle, as the CBL tool is pulled toward the surface, or stored in a memory module in digital form for later retrieval. Built-in calibration factors used for normalizing the output signals to the operating conditions of use may be accessed at any time.

Abstract: A longitudinally segmented acoustic transducer for a cement bond logging (CBL) tool having a plurality of adjoining PZT ring-like segments driven synchronously in parallel by one or more pulses and caused to vibrate in an anti-resonant mode, substantially below the resonant frequency of an individual segment when used in a transmitting application. When used in a receiving application, each of the plurality of transducer rings are caused to vibrate by acoustic signals detected by the transducer array, also in an anti-resonant mode. High speed digital signal processing enables on-depth, high quality data for all azimuths at each depth to be obtained, processed, normalized and either sent to the surface in real time for each 20 Hz firing cycle, as the CBL tool is pulled toward the surface, or stored in a memory module in digital form for later retrieval. Built-in calibration factors used for normalizing the output signals to the operating conditions of use may be accessed at any time.

Abstract: A single drive circuit is configured to drive disparate current loads of first and second combinations of compact light emitting devices with respective regulated constant currents. Standard push ON, push OFF latching switches provide independent control of the two lighting loads wherein each switch operates in three states including momentary ON, continuous ON, and OFF. The circuit is readily adapted to providing continuous or pulsed drive to the lighting arrays. Circuits for dimming control, strobe control, and a low battery indicator are also described.

Abstract: A reusable fence post for supporting roll-up safety fencing comprising an elongated hollow post having an outside V-angle disposed along a first exterior side of the hollow post; a stake extending downward from a built-in sliding hammer for installing the reusable fence post in the ground without tools; and an elongated jaw member having an inside V-angle hinged at the lower end of the hollow post. The elongated jaw member swings away from the hollow post to receive the plastic fencing and swings toward the hollow post to be latched to the hollow post and held between inside and outside V-angle clamping surfaces, thereby securely clamping the safety fencing to prevent it from slipping either lengthwise or across the width of the fencing. In an alternate embodiment, the outside V-angle serves as the fence post; and the stake, having a cap at its upper end, slides within pipe sections attached to the post.

Abstract: An impact resistant assembly for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising a housing configured as a hollow tubular handle; a generally tubular lens body molded of a substantially clear plastic material, seated in a recess within a first end of the housing and enclosing at least one compact fluorescent bulb; an elongated spine member extending from a rearward side of the first end of the housing approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof and configured for slidingly supporting the lens body on a track formed along a rearward portion of the lens body; and a resilient bulkhead disposed within a distal portion of the lens body for cushioning a distal end of the at least one compact fluorescent bulb.

Abstract: A longitudinally segmented acoustic transducer for a cement bond logging (CBL) tool having a plurality of adjoining PZT ring-like segments driven synchronously in parallel by one or more pulses and caused to vibrate in an anti-resonant mode, substantially below the resonant frequency of an individual segment when used in a transmitting application. When used in a receiving application, each of the plurality of transducer rings are caused to vibrate by acoustic signals detected by the transducer array, also in an anti-resonant mode. High speed digital signal processing enables on-depth, high quality data for all azimuths at each depth to be obtained, processed, normalized and either sent to the surface in real time for each 20 Hz firing cycle, as the CBL tool is pulled toward the surface, or stored in a memory module in digital form for later retrieval. Built-in calibration factors used for normalizing the output signals to the operating conditions of use may be accessed at any time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing chronic pain in animals by radio frequency (RF) neuromodulation of peripheral nerves of the animal is disclosed. The method, using the disclosed apparatus, comprises the steps of attaching active and dispersive percutaneous probes at respective active and dispersive locations relative to a peripheral nerve of the patient associated with the pain to be reduced; generating a first pulsed RF signal for coupling to the active and dispersive probes to verify the location of the peripheral nerve; and generating a second pulsed RF signal for coupling to the active and dispersive probes to modify propagation of pain sensation in the peripheral nerve without ablation thereof. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the active percutaneous probe includes an RF cannula having a conductive spatulate blade conformably attached to a dorsal side of a curved, blunt-ended tubular tip portion of the RF cannula.

Abstract: An LED lighting array is disclosed wherein a plurality of light emitting devices disposed in at least first and second columns are mounted on a planar mounting surface to form an emission plane. The emission axes of all the LEDs in a first column are parallel with each other and lie in a first plane. The emission axes of the LEDs in an adjacent, second column are also parallel, but a second plane containing the emission axes of the second column is disposed at a predetermined, non-zero angle with respect to the first plane. The non-zero angle is a function of the LED beam width and the distance to a lighting target. This configuration of the LEDs provides an optimum balance at a predetermined target distance between the size of the area illuminated and the brightness of the illumination of the target. In one aspect of the invention the LED lighting array includes at least first, second and third columns of LEDs.

Abstract: A portable fluorescent task lamp comprising at least two fluorescent bulbs of any wattage up to forty Watts and of either a non-starting type or a self-starting type; and an electronic ballast circuit for use therewith including an SPST function switch disposed in series with each fluorescent bulb, wherein the fluorescent bulbs may be ignited and sustained in illumination in parallel, simultaneously or individually, as determined by the respective SPST switches.

Abstract: A portable hand held fluorescent task lamp comprising at least two compact fluorescent lamp (“CFL”) bulbs of any wattage and of either a non-starting type or a self-starting type; an electronic ballast circuit; and an SPST function switch disposed in series with each CFL bulb, wherein the CFL bulbs may be ignited and sustained in illumination in parallel, simultaneously or individually, as determined by the respective SPST switches.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising first and second elongated compact fluorescent bulbs positioned in an upright orientation side by side; a self starting electronic driver circuit operable to start and run the at least first and second compact fluorescent bulbs; and first and second receptacles for connecting the first and second compact fluorescent bulbs to the driver circuit and orienting the first and second compact fluorescent bulbs at a predetermined optimum angle with respect to each other such that an enhanced forward emission field is provided.

Abstract: A free point tool comprises an elongated main shaft assembly and a low mass sensor assembly coaxially and slidingly disposed over the elongated main shaft. The low mass sensor assembly is adapted to be supported within the down hole casing by first and second drag spring centralizers coupled respectively to upper and lower ends of the low mass sensor assembly. The low mass sensor assembly comprises a magnetic amplifier sensor disposed in a sensor body and having a variable inductance proportionally responsive to longitudinal and rotational displacement of an adjacent sensor plate portion of a movable sensor sleeve concentric with and enclosing the sensor body, wherein the sensor sleeve is attached to the first drag spring centralizer and the sensor body is attached to the second drag spring centralizer.

Abstract: A plurality of compact light emitting assemblies is mounted on a frame configured as a heat sink that provides a structural platform and a thermal management component. The frame further ensures proper alignment of the light emitting devices to aim the individual light emitting assemblies in a direction that provides a predetermined overlap of the individual light beams resulting in a uniform, high brightness pattern on a target surface. The source of current connected to the light emitting devices may also be mounted on the frame. The compact light emitting module thus provided is readily adaptable to a variety of compact, high performance lighting product configurations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for positioning an electronic dental X-ray sensor in a dental patient's mouth comprising the steps of: selecting a film positioner having an easel supported on a formed rod; assembling the electronic sensor to the film positioner to form a sensor assembly; covering the sensor with a syringe sleeve; and positioning the sensor assembly so that the electronic sensor is in position in the patient's mouth for recording an X-ray image.

Abstract: A unitary lens and light emitting device combination is provided that produces a highly uniform beam of light, corrected for distortions and gaps in illumination, throughout a full output beam width. The unitary lens incorporates all of the necessary optical surfaces to provide the output beam, including a pattern-correcting spherical refracting surface that smooths intensity variations in the overall illumination pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article of clothing with a backlit display that emits light through a mask that allows signage to be placed on the garment. The garment has attached to its surface by clips or snaps a display module having a substantially flat envelope enclosing an electro-luminescent lamp and a mask. The electro-luminescent lamp layer is energized by an electrical signal from an control electronic circuit that passes its signal through the clips or snaps. The electro-luminescent layer may be divided into segments where each segment functions as an independent electro-luminescent layer receiving a potential having a pattern of illumination that is determined by the control electronic circuit. The invention can be used in safety apparel where the resulting pattern is a bright surface having the shape of a caution warning.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising a self-starting electronic driver circuit operated by a power supply and operable to start and run at least first and second compact fluorescent bulbs from a single output; first and second receptacles for connecting the first and second bulbs to the single output; and a bulb accommodation circuit in the electronic driver circuit that enables operation of the electronic ballast circuit with either starter or non-starter type fluorescent bulbs and with either one or both bulbs.