Abstract: A fluorescent lamp system is provided that facilitates high-brightness in a compact size needed for liquid crystal displays. The fluorescent lamp system comprises a lamp having a plurality of interdigitated legs arranged in multiple planes. By arranging the interdigitated legs in multiple planes, the lamp system efficiently fills the available space, thus maximizing the lamp surface area in general, and the lamp surface area oriented toward the display in particular, all while maintaining relatively small overall dimensions. The lamp system is thus able to provide the high-brightness needed for displays in a compact size.

Abstract: A seal for long-time exposures in oil and gas well tools. The seal is adapted for use in a sealed joint between two relatively movable members. In particular, the seal is designed for relatively slidable members. The seal has a body portion with a pair of annular arms extending from opposite sides thereof. A lip on each of the arms is adapted for engaging one of the relatively movable members. An elastomeric sealing element may be disposed in a groove in the body portion for dynamic sealing between the first and second members. Pusher rings may be disposed on opposite sides of the seal so that the seal may be clamped against one of the relatively movable members without the lips or arms longitudinally engaging either of the relatively movable members or a lock ring used to clamp the seal in place.

Abstract: A pressure-assisted dynamic seal mechanism for sealing two relatively movable members within a tubing string in a well includes a primary seal member having a first cross-sectional area positioned for sealing engagement between the two relatively movable members. The primary seal is pressure-assisted by a back-up seal mechanism comprising a second seal member having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the primary seal member and a third seal member having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the second seal member. The pressures which act directly across the primary seal member also act in the same direction across the third seal member, whereas these pressures act in an opposite direction across the second seal member.

Abstract: A packer element design for use in well bores that may be at a relatively low initial temperature and be subsequently heated to much higher temperatures. High temperature packing material of asbestos fibers impregnated with Inconel wire is employed in packer rings of frusto-conical shape which face on a center packer ring of triangular cross-section formed of the same material. Low melting point thermoplastic wafers of frusto-conical shape are interspersed at least between adjacent frusto-conical packer rings. These thermoplastic wafers soften at a relatively low well bore temperature and help to initiate a seal when squeezed between the high temperature rings as the packer is set. As the well bore temperature increases, the low melting point thermoplastic liquifies and is squeezed out from between the high temperature packer segments, which then take over the sealing function.

Abstract: This invention relates to packer element design for use in high temperature well bores. Packing material of asbestos fibers impregnated with a thermoplastic and interwoven with Inconel wire is employed in a center packer ring of triangular cross-section disposed between two facing series of frusto-conically shaped packer rings, which are backed by expandable metal packer shoes.

Abstract: A retriever tool includes a central mandrel with a collet sleeve slidably disposed about the mandrel. The collet sleeve includes a plurality of upwardly extending spring fingers, each of the spring fingers having an upper portion including an upward facing catcher shoulder for catching a bridge plug or similar device to be retrieved from a well. Located above the catcher shoulder of the upper portion of the spring finger is an arcuate substantially constant diameter outer surface. Located above the arcuate substantially constant diameter outer surface is an upward facing tapered outer guide surface for guiding the constant diameter outer surface from below into engagement with an inner surface of the bridge plug to be retrieved. Provision is made for releasing the retriever tool from the bridge plug in the event that the bridge plug becomes hung up in the well.

Abstract: A bridge plug having an ejectable plug assembly means in the bore thereof and means for catching the ejectable plug assembly means.