Abstract: The invention describes novel reaction chambers that include a case with at least one opening and a flat bottom flange attached to the first side of a substrate with at least one microarray of materials attached thereto. The case and the substrate are attached through an adhesive layer with at least one perforations such that the at least one microarrays, the at least one perforations and the at least one openings are aligned and forms at least one individual reaction chambers. Methods of using such chambers are disclosed. Also provided are kits including the novel chambers.

Abstract: A tool having a low spring rate deformable element and a relatively long stroke is provided. The deformable element comprises a stack of alternating non-deformable metal washers and deformable elastomer rings extending throughout the length of the element chamber. The element washers and rings are substantially out of contact with the side walls of the mandrel and barrel, so that each segment of the element experiences the total shock load. The spline and deformable element are in an oil bath--the annular space between mandrel and barrel is sealed at the upper end by a fixed seal and at the lower end by a floating seal, so that the pressure internal of the chamber is equalized with the bottom hole pressure internal of the tool. Thus pre-loading of the element by the bottom hole pressure is avoided.

Abstract: The spline mandrel and barrel are formed with longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced grooves in their outer and inner surfaces respectively. Composite splines are inserted into the grooves to key the mandrel and barrel together. Each spline comprises a rigid core having a slab of deformable material, such as urethane, bonded to the core face which slides and drives the driven tubular part. In a preferred form, the spline barrel is formed in two pieces. The spline-receiving grooves are formed at the upper end of the lower barrel section. The threaded pin of the upper barrel section locks the splines in the grooves. Because the splines are spaced downwardly from the end of the barrel, the mandrel has an ungrooved, thick-walled upper section which provides desired strength. Seals are provided at the upper end of the barrel and on the spline mandrel to form an annular chamber, containing the splines, filled with lubricant.

Abstract: A shock absorbing tool is provided having a low spring rate deformable element disposed in an oil bath in a sealed, annular chamber formed between the barrel and mandrel. One of the chamber seals is a floating seal, exposed to the drilling fluid outside the tool so that the pressure within the chamber is equalized with the hydrostatic bottom hole pressure. As a result, the tool is not pre-loaded, when lowered to the bottom of the well bore, leaving the most effective shock-absorbing capability of the element available to absorb the axial thrusts of the drilling bit.