Abstract: A self-powered borehole communication assembly including a first electrode member having a first electrode potential and a second electrode member having a second electrode potential different than the first electrode potential. The first and second electrodes form an electrochemical cell when disposed in a borehole fluid that is at least partially electrolytic. The electrochemical cell is operatively arranged for producing a current and a voltage with at least one of the current or the voltage configured to directly convey information related to at least one borehole condition, property, or parameter. A method of communicating is also included.

Abstract: A method of preparing a cured thermoplastic material includes curing a thermoplastic polymer having a thermal decomposition temperature greater than or equal to about 200° C., at a temperature of about 200° C. to about 400° C., for a total time of less than or equal to 200 hours. A method of making a shape memory material also includes curing a thermoplastic polymer to prepare a cured thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate includes impacting a substrate with a plurality of particles such that the particles adhere to the substrate, bonding the particles to the substrate to form an overlayer, and crosslinking the particles in the overlayer to coat the substrate with a crosslinked polymer coating. The particles comprise a polyphenyl polymer. An article includes a substrate and a crosslinked polymer coating bonded to the substrate. The crosslinked polymer coating is a product of crosslinking polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylsulfone, self-reinforced polyphenylene, or a combination thereof on a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of preparing a cured thermoplastic material includes curing a thermoplastic polymer having a thermal decomposition temperature greater than or equal to about 200° C., at a temperature of about 200° C. to about 400° C., for a total time of less than or equal to 200 hours. A method of making a shape memory material also includes curing a thermoplastic polymer to prepare a cured thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate includes impacting a substrate with a plurality of particles such that the particles adhere to the substrate, bonding the particles to the substrate to form an overlayer, and crosslinking the particles in the overlayer to coat the substrate with a crosslinked polymer coating. The particles comprise a polyphenyl polymer. An article includes a substrate and a crosslinked polymer coating bonded to the substrate. The crosslinked polymer coating is a product of crosslinking polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylsulfone, self-reinforced polyphenylene, or a combination thereof on a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A self-powered borehole communication assembly including a first electrode member having a first electrode potential and a second electrode member having a second electrode potential different than the first electrode potential. The first and second electrodes form an electrochemical cell when disposed in a borehole fluid that is at least partially electrolytic. The electrochemical cell is operatively arranged for producing a current and a voltage with at least one of the current or the voltage configured to directly convey information related to at least one borehole condition, property, or parameter. A method of communicating is also included.

Abstract: A cell such as a lithium ion cell consists of an anode and a cathode comprising respective lithium ion insertion materials, separated by an electrolyte. A practical cell may be made by stacking a plurality of anode plates (14) and cathode plates (12) alternately, and interleaving a continuous layer (10) of polymer electrolyte or separator material between successive anode and cathode plates so it forms a zigzag. If the continuous layer is a separator, the assembly is then contacted with a solution comprising lithium salt in a compatible organic solvent, which provides the cell electrolyte. This procedure enables cells to be made with thin electrolyte layers, for example less than 30 ?m thick, and hence of low internal resistance.

Abstract: A memory is provided in which each memory cell can be in a first state or a second state, and those cells which should be in the first state always correctly power up into that state whereas cells which should be in the second state may power up incorrectly. A counting arrangement is provided to count the number of cells in either of the states and to compare this with a predetermined number. If the numbers do not match, a memory reset is performed. The memory cells can be constructed from a single fusible element thereby saving space whilst also consuming substantially zero power following power up.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter is provided which has a compact serial interface utilising only four pins to define chained and non chained modes of operation. Further more the interface also allows the converter to be configured to indicate immediately that the conversion has been completed. Another variant of the invention enables an analog to digital converter to be provided having only a 3 pin serial interface.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter is provided which has a compact serial interface utilising only four pins to define chained and non chained modes of operation. Further more the interface also allows the converter to be configured to indicate immediately that the conversion has been completed. Another variant of the invention enables an analog to digital converter to be provided having only a 3 pin serial interface.

Abstract: A cell such as a lithium ion cell consists of an anode and a cathode comprising respective lithium ion insertion materials, separated by an electrolyte. A practical cell may be made by stacking a plurality of anode plates (14) and cathode plates (12) alternately, and interleaving a continuous layer (10) of polymer electrolyte or separator material between successive anode and cathode plates so it forms a zigzag. If the continuous layer is a separator, the assembly is then contacted with a solution comprising lithium salt in a compatible organic solvent, which provides the cell electrolyte. This procedure enables cells to be made with thin electrolyte layers, for example less than 30 &mgr;m thick, and hence of low internal resistance.

Abstract: A method for controlling PSE (pale, soft, exudative) condition in meat muscle products is disclosed. A phosphate solution is injected into the animal muscle early post-mortem period after slaughter, prior to the onset of rigor mortis in the muscle.

Abstract: Waste disposal vehicles are provided with an openable door against which material received in the vehicle body is compacted by an internal ram, the load being discharged at the disposal site by the ram upon opening the door. The compression produced by the ram action expresses liquid from the waste material which pools in the body and leaks out between the butting door and body frames, the leakage increasing under the opening pressure applied by the ram and the pressurized contents, wear and damage to the frames, and relative twisting of the frames. The invention provides an economical, easily maintained and replaced sealing system comprising an expansible seal member, provided preferably on the door frame, and preferably only along the horizontal bottom edge of the door frame and the bottom portions of the two vertical sides, the sealing member thus being U-shaped and providing sufficient sealing to retain any separated liquid.