Abstract: An improved rotary machine of the invention may include a rotor with an impeller mounted thereon. A side cavity may be formed between an impeller and the housing. The rotary machine may be further equipped with an annular subdividing disc for segmenting a fluid flow in the cavity into a first fluid flow between the disc and the impeller, and a second fluid flow on the other side of the disc between the disc and the housing. The rotary machine of the invention also features a peripheral annular space formed in the periphery of the housing in the cavity at a location adjacent to a peripheral region of the annular subdividing disc. Importantly, this peripheral annular space is void of restrictions to circumferential fluid flow therein so as to alter the second fluid flow in the cavity in order to reduce pressure variations and flow disturbances along the circumference of the rotary machine. This in turn improves rotational balance of the rotary machine.

Abstract: The devices and methods for controlling flow through a multi-channel system deployed in a petroleum well are disclosed. The devices of the invention feature a manifold with a plurality of inlets operably connected to the passageways of the multi-channel system. Individual flows of the multi-phase petroleum fluid from the parallel passageways of the multi-channel system towards the inlets of the manifold are controlled by opening or closing of corresponding stopping valves installed on each inlet or group of inlets. After exiting the inlets through the stopping valves, the flows of the multi-phase fluid are consolidated and directed towards single or multiple outlets of the manifold and ultimately towards the outlet of the petroleum well. Individual opening or closing of the stopping valves has the effect of increasing or decreasing the total cross-sectional area available for producing fluid flow through the well.

Abstract: The devices and methods for controlling flow through a multi-channel system deployed in a petroleum well are disclosed. The devices of the invention feature a manifold with a plurality of inlets operably connected to the passageways of the multi-channel system. Individual flows of the multi-phase petroleum fluid from the parallel passageways of the multi-channel system towards the inlets of the manifold are controlled by opening or closing of corresponding stopping valves installed on each inlet or group of inlets. After exiting the inlets through the stopping valves, the flows of the multi-phase fluid are consolidated and directed towards single or multiple outlets of the manifold and ultimately towards the outlet of the petroleum well. Individual opening or closing of the stopping valves has the effect of increasing or decreasing the total cross-sectional area available for producing fluid flow through the well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubing system for transporting a gas-liquid flow from a well to a production platform or processing facility. It includes a dual pathway section between the well and the production point having a first tubing portion and a second tubing portion. The second tubing portion includes a plurality of parallel channels so as to divide the multi-phase flow into a plurality of flows through individual channels. This is done to reduce flow slippage of the lower viscosity portion of the flow, which may lead to inefficiencies in flow characteristics, and often, undesirable cyclical variations in pressure and fluid volume. This is especially useful in inclined portions of the petroleum flow pipe system and along hilly terrain. The first round tubing portion is used for transporting the gas-liquid flow as well as for maintenance purposes, such as for pigging, fishing or coiled tubing operations.

Abstract: A substance with sedative effect comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a gamma-pyrone such as comenic acid in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. When administered at a daily dosage of between 0.05 mg to about 10,000 mg of active ingredient per unit dose, the substance can be used to treat various disorders of a nervous system such as pain, insomnia, anxiety, neurosis, depression, as well as withdrawal symptoms experienced by drug addiction patients, especially for patients addicted to opiate-based drugs. The substance can be delivered in a number of ways of systemic administration of a pharmaceutical agent including oral, parenteral, transdermal, and transmucosal administration. One disclosed method of administration involves a subcutaneous implant providing a continuous release of an active ingredient at an effective daily rate over the entire treatment period ranging from 5 to 30 days, and preferably from 13 to 20 days.

Abstract: The present invention is used in conjunction with a multi-channel system of a production string for deployment in gas, condensate or oil wells. An end-piece is placed at the entrance to such multi-channel system. It includes a semi-enclosed space helping to increase the proportion of gas phase entering the system at its bottom entrance. Increased proportion of gas allows lifting liquids and/or solids from the wellbore with greater efficiency. Examples of using the invention include wellbore water removal for gas wells with liquid loading problems, for solution gas drive or gas cap driven oils wells during their initial “natural flowing phase”, or during gas re-injection or gas-lift recovery operations for oil wells. It can also be used for gas-lifting water in water wells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubing system for transporting a gas-liquid flow from a well to a production platform or processing facility. It includes a dual pathway section between the well and the production point having a first tubing portion and a second tubing portion. The second tubing portion includes a plurality of parallel channels so as to divide the multi-phase flow into a plurality of flows through individual channels. This is done to reduce flow slippage of the lower viscosity portion of the flow, which may lead to inefficiencies in flow characteristics, and often, undesirable cyclical variations in pressure and fluid volume. This is especially useful in inclined portions of the petroleum flow pipe system and along hilly terrain. The first round tubing portion is used for transporting the gas-liquid flow as well as for maintenance purposes, such as for pigging, fishing or coiled tubing operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to reduce the axial thrust in rotary machines such as compressors, centrifugal pumps, turbines, etc. includes providing additional peripheral restrictive means (7) attached at the peripheral portion of the disk forming the subdividing means (4) on the side facing the rotating rotor (2). An additional ring element at the periphery of the subdividing means forms additional radial (11) and axial restrictive means (15). Such peripheral restrictive means (7, 11 and 15) function as sealing dams, which combined with the outward flow induced by the rotating impeller, form self-pressurizing hydrodynamic bearings in the axial and radial planes, improving rotordynamic stability. Additionally, a stationary ring element in the center of the cavity forms a seal with the rotor, reducing leakage to suction.

Abstract: A method for treating a vaginal disease by applying a hydrolyzed product in a variety of ways including preferably intravaginal, as well as oral, rectal, or transcutaneous administration, inhalation, intravenous or intraperitoneal injection. The product is produced by providing at least one solid plant product reduced to small pieces and mixed with sugar and a biocompatible liquid for fermentation at a temperature of between 15 and 55 degrees C. until its acidity reaches the range of 300 to 900 Terner degrees. Alternatively, the product is prepared by mixing in predetermined amounts of sprouted grains, biocompatible liquid inoculated with at least one from a variety of non-pathogenic microorganisms, vegetables, fruits, berries, high protein products, herbs, sugar, and a chemical element such as potassium. The mixture is then fermented at a selected temperature for a specified length of time to reach high acidity and high concentration of products of bacterial metabolism.

Abstract: A substance with sedative effect comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a gamma-pyrone such as comenic acid, meconic acid, chelidonic acid, and alike in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. When administered at a daily dosage of between 5 and 200 mg of active ingredient per kilogram of a body weight of a patient, the substance can be used to treat various neurotic disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, neurosis, depression as well as withdrawal symptoms for drug addiction patients, especially for patients addicted to opioid-based drugs. The substance can be delivered in a number of ways of systemic administration of a pharmaceutical agent including oral, parenteral, transdermal, and transmucosal administration. For drug addicted patients, the preferred method of administration involves a subcutaneous implant providing a continuous release of an active ingredient at an effective daily rate over the entire treatment period ranging from 5 to 30 days, and preferably from 13 to 20 days.

Abstract: A reversible positioning device contains a piezoelectric actuator of a linear contact type urged against a rotary or a linear type movable element. The actuator is equipped with two sets of electrodes. The control unit supplies electrical impulses to either one of these sets of electrodes to initiate periodic oscillations of the actuator causing elastic compressions of the movable element and subsequent movements in either one of the opposite directions. One particularly useful application is in the movable arm of the disk drive data storage system such as a CD-ROM or alike. Extreme accuracy of positioning of a readout head and a low inertia allow for fast response time approaching 2 msec. a novel control method is in supplying a higher voltage from a control unit for the longer forward motion of the positioning device followed by a shorter back movement due to lower voltage. That control method increases the positioning accuracy even further to as low as 0.2 microns.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor of a linear contact type contains one or more actuators placed about a rotor. Each actuator contains at least one piezoelectric vibrator with a working end urged against the rotor. Periodic oscillations of each vibrator cause compressions of the rotor not exceeding its natural elastic compression limit so after its compression the rotor fully restores its initial cylindrical shape. Such elastic compressions ensure longer operational life of the motor. In another embodiment, each actuator has a laminated design with at least two vibrators separated by an isolator. The isolator extends beyond the vibrators and has appropriate hardness to engage with the rotor. A rotor of laminated design is also described to achieve the optimum hardness relative to the hardness of the actuators. The hardness of the vibrator is about 5×107 N/cm2 and much higher than the hardness of the rotor being about 2×106 N/cm2.

Abstract: A method and an exothermic composition for controlled localized heating of a base material, said composition comprising an exothermic mixture material, a binder material, and optional filler and starter materials, said exothermic mixture material having a predetermined temperature of burning, said binder material providing said composition in a preformed shape when processed with said exothermic material mixture. Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) materials are used as preferred exothermic materials. These compositions can be used for a variety of industrial purposes such as cutting, welding, or coating of various materials.

Abstract: A filter for removal of magnetic particles in which a liquid flows through a first compartment containing magnetic balls tightly packed together so that there is no direct flow path but only around these magnetic balls. Increased mixing of flow coupled with strong intensity of a magnetic field across the flow promotes better attraction and retention of the magnetic particles on the magnetic balls. The second compartment contains commonly known porous materials of known porosity to remove smaller non-magnetic particles. The filter is particularly useful as a fuel or oil filter for an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the magnetic portion is made removable and individually replaceable to extend the life of the filter. The filter is capable of removing magnetic particles for an extended period of time without clogging.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sheet conveying device of a linear contact type contains a pair of rollers containing the sheet therebetween. The first roller is driven by a piezoelectric vibrator forming a contact line between the edge insert of the vibrator and the outer surface of the first roller. The vibrator is urged against the first roller by a bias spring. The hardness of the edge insert of the vibrator is about 5.times.10.sup.7 N/cm.sup.2 and much higher than the hardness of the first roller being about 2.times.10.sup.6 N/cm.sup.2. As a result, elastic compressions of the first roller are achieved during periodic elongations of the vibrator and engagements of the first roller surface. Microgroove is formed along the contact line between the vibrator and the first roller which transmits the rotational torque to the first roller and advances the sheet in a predetermined direction. Subsequent contraction of the vibrator restores the outer surface of the first roller to its initial shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a total and individual flow measurement of a multi-phase gas/liquid medium with wide range of gas to liquid ratio provides high accuracy and tolerance of hydraulic and mechanical disturbances. The flow meter sensing element includes a hollow pendulum having two oscillators symmetrically positioned about its first portion and second portion. Non-fading oscillations of the pendulum provided by these oscillators are maintained constant at resonant frequency by the control unit by adjusting the amount of energy supplied to both oscillators regardless of the disturbances caused by Coriolis forces from the flowing medium. The total flow is computed based on the difference in the electrical energy supplied to both oscillators. Detection of the "zero drift" is based on the sum of electrical currents supplied to both oscillators. In one embodiment, the shape of the pendulum is straight.

Abstract: A method and device for transporting of a multi-phase fluid flow in a pipe, wherein the flow is subdivided in a plurality of passages into a number of individual flows so as to reduce the difference in the flow speed between individual phases of a multi-phase fluid.

Abstract: A method and device for removal of production inhibiting liquid from a gas well, wherein a tubing string is placed inside the well to form a fluid communication path from the liquid accumulation zone near the bottom of the well to the ground surface. The diameter of the tubing string is sufficiently small (preferably between 1/16 and 1/2 inch) so as to define a high liquid-to-gas ratio two-phase flow, preferably capillary bubble flow along the tubing string in order to maximize the liquid head and minimize the gas loss in this tubing string, and to reduce or eliminate the additional restriction along the main gas production tubing generally associated with the presence of such tubing string. In some embodiments, the tubing string comprises a plurality of individual tubing channels for increased rate of liquid removal, each channel being of sufficiently small size so as to define a capillary bubble flow.

Abstract: During production of hydrocarbons, an oil-gas flow from a well bottom to a well-head is subdivided into a plurality of individual oil-gas flows which flow in a plurality of individual passages located side-by-side with one another.

Abstract: During production of hydrocarbons, an oil-gas flow from a well bottom to a well-head is subdivided into a plurality of individual oil-gas flows which flow in a plurality of individual passages located side-by-side with one another.