Abstract: Methods and system for implementing Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) of downhole systems and equipment, including drilling tools, wireline tools and production tools is presented in this disclosure. The presented CBM-based approach combines the use of a tool life distribution with a life-stress acceleration model and a time-varying stress model to model failure times of a tool. One or more failure parameters related to operation of the tool during the operational run can be calculated based on a life measure of the tool determined for each step in the series of steps of the operational run, a time duration of each step, and a life duration of the tool at reference levels of stress variables. Maintenance of the tool can be performed based on the calculated failure parameters.

Abstract: Methods and system for implementing Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) of downhole systems and equipment, including drilling tools, wireline tools and production tools is presented in this disclosure. The presented CBM-based approach combines the use of a tool life distribution with a life-stress acceleration model and a cumulative damage model to account for varying stress levels during a tool operation. The CBM methodology presented herein provide for a more effective maintenance system based on direct utilization of field data so that an appropriate maintenance can be performed at an appropriate time, thereby optimizing a frequency of performing maintenance.

Abstract: Methods and system for implementing Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) of downhole systems and equipment, including drilling tools, wireline tools and production tools is presented in this disclosure. The presented CBM-based approach combines the use of a tool life distribution with a life-stress acceleration model and a cumulative damage model to account for varying stress levels during a tool operation. The CBM methodology presented herein provide for a more effective maintenance system based on direct utilization of field data so that an appropriate maintenance can be performed at an appropriate time, thereby optimizing a frequency of performing maintenance.

Abstract: Methods and system for implementing Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) of downhole systems and equipment, including drilling tools, wireline tools and production tools is presented in this disclosure. The presented CBM-based approach combines the use of a tool life distribution with a life-stress acceleration model and a time-varying stress model to model failure times of a tool. One or more failure parameters related to operation of the tool during the operational run can be calculated based on a life measure of the tool determined for each step in the series of steps of the operational run, a time duration of each step, and a life duration of the tool at reference levels of stress variables. Maintenance of the tool can be performed based on the calculated failure parameters.

Abstract: A method for preparing a porous metal article using a powder metallurgy forming process is provided which eliminates the conventional steps associated with removing residual carbon. The method uses a feedstock that includes a ferrous metal powder and a polycarbonate binder. The polycarbonate binder can be removed by thermal decomposition after the metal article is formed without leaving a carbon residue.

Abstract: A metal powder slip composition includes a metal powder, a polycarbonate binder, and a liquid carrier. The slip composition can be debound after slip casting without generating residual carbon. The slip composition can be formed into a porous metal layer on a porous substrate object, the porous metal layer having low residual carbon content, without requiring a step of removing residual carbon. A corresponding method of making a porous metal layer is also provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing a porous metal article using a powder metallurgy forming process is provided which eliminates the conventional steps associated with removing residual carbon. The method uses a feedstock that includes a ferrous metal powder and a polycarbonate binder. The polycarbonate binder can be removed by thermal decomposition after the metal article is formed without leaving a carbon residue.

Abstract: A method for distributing effects of a circumferential hot streak condition in a turbine includes communicating a control signal to a rotator moving a stator ring with the rotator in response to the control signal.

Abstract: First stage nozzle airfoils have internal core profiles substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table I wherein X, Y and Z values are in inches. The X and Y values are distances which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define internal core profile sections at each radial distance Z. The profile sections at each distance Z are joined smoothly to one another to form a complete internal core profile. The X, Y and Z distances may be scalable as a function of the same constant or number to provide a scaled-up or scaled-down internal core profile. The nominal internal core profile given by the X, Y and Z distances lies within an envelope of ±0.030 inches in directions normal to any internal core surface location.

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly including a ferrule which increases the glass transition temperature of an entire epoxy system resident within the ferrule and a method for suppressing optical instabilities of an optoelectronic package are described. One or more openings are made in a ferrule body to allow reaction gases from the epoxy caused during curing to escape, allowing a greater portion of the epoxy to fully cure, thereby raising the glass transition temperature of the epoxy system.

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly including a ferrule which increases the glass transition temperature of an entire epoxy system resident within the ferrule and a method for suppressing optical instabilities of an optoelectronic package are described. One or more openings are made in a ferrule body to allow reaction gases from the epoxy caused during curing to escape, allowing a greater portion of the epoxy to fully cure, thereby raising the glass transition temperature of the epoxy system.

Abstract: An optical coupler is disclosed which utilizes a pair of polarization selective filters to multiplex a message signal (of perhaps random polarization) with a pair of polarized pump signals onto a common signal path. The filters may be disposed within optical elements (e.g., cubes) which may be physically joined together to form a bulk optic device. An optical isolator may then be directly attached to the output of the bulk polarization independent optical coupler. The positioning of the pump signal inputs with respect to the filters provides either a co-propagating scheme or counter-propagating scheme.

Abstract: A novel expanded beam coupling arrangement for use in association with single mode fibers is disclosed. An appropriate length of multimode fiber is fused to the endface of an input single mode fiber, where the length of the multimode fiber is chosen to provide the desired lensing conditions of the input beam. The multimode fiber is thus used as a lens, but provides many advantages over prior art optical connectors which use conventional quarter-pitch GRIN lenses epoxied to the fiber endfaces. In particular, the misalignment associated with the epoxied arrangement is reduced since the multimode fiber-lens connector of the present invention may be chosen to comprise the same outer diameter as the single mode fiber. Additionally, the use of a section of optical fiber as a lens allows for a fused connection to be used instead of an epoxied connection, which results in a more stable and rugged interface between the fiber and the lens.