Abstract: An integrated circuit capacitor and method for making the same utilizes a ferroelectric dielectric, such as lead-zirconate-titanate ("PZT"), to produce a high value peripheral capacitor for integration on a common substrate with a ferroelectric memory array also utilizing ferroelectric memory cell capacitors as non-volatile storage elements. The peripheral capacitor is linearly operated in a single direction and may be readily integrated to provide capacitance values on the order of 1-10 nF or more utilizing the same processing steps as are utilized to produce the alternately polarizable memory cell capacitors. The high value peripheral capacitor has application, for example, as a filter capacitor associated with the on-board power supply of a passive radio frequency ("RF") identification ("ID") transponder.

Abstract: A ferroelectric nonvolatile random access memory array includes multiple ferroelectric memory cells arranged in rows and columns, a word line coupled to a word line input of each of the ferroelectric memory cells in a row, and a bit line coupled to a bit line input of each of the ferroelectric memory cells in a column. The array also includes multiple plate lines, each plate line being arranged into a plurality of plate line segments each coupled to a plate line input of a predetermined number of the ferroelectric memory cells in a row, and multiple NMOS plate line segment drivers coupled to each of the plate line segments for selectively driving the corresponding plate line segment to a full rail voltage. The rows of ferroelectric memory cells and the NMOS plate line segment drivers have substantially the same layout pitch. The plate line segment drivers are each coupled to a center portion of the corresponding plate line segment.

Abstract: A reference cell for a IT-1C memory can be used in either an open or folded memory cell array. Each reference cell has two outputs each coupled to a bit line that each develop a voltage substantially half of that developed by a ferroelectric memory cell. The reference voltages and memory cell voltage are than resolved by a sense amplifier. Each reference cell includes two ferroelectric capacitors that are the same size and fabricated with the identical process as the memory cell ferroelectric capacitors. Any changes in the memory cell capacitor similarly affects the reference cell capacitor, and thus the reference voltage is always substantially half of that developed by the memory cell. The reference cells include a number of timing inputs, which control charge sharing and configure the cell to operate in either a DRAM or FRAM.RTM. mode. In a first embodiment, one of the reference cell capacitors is poled.

Abstract: Methane gas recovery from wells extending into subterranean coal seams is stimulated by treatment of near-wellbore coal seam with cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A process for producing methane from a subterranean coal bed by continuously injecting a carbon dioxide-containing gas into the coal bed and recovering displaced and desorbed methane from a recovery well. The injection gas may be exhaust gas from a hydrocarbon fueled engine.

Abstract: A system for centralizing casing pipe in a wellbore includes lateral pistons in the side wall of the casing string which are movable by force applied to their inner end, from a retracted position within the maximum exterior profile of the casing pipe string to a predetermined extended position which will move the casing pipe string toward a central position in the borehole. Various well operations can be performed using the pistons in addition to the centralizing function. When a predetermined deploying force is applied to the pistons, they are released from their retracted position for movement to a fixed extended position. The deploying force is accurately determined by a simple retaining mechanism involving a snap ring and groove on the pistons.

Abstract: A system for centralizing casing pipe in a wellbore includes lateral pistons in the side wall of the casing string which are movable by forces applied to their inner end, from a retracted position within the maximum exterior profile of the casing pipe string to a predetermined extended position which will move the casing pipe string toward a central position in the borehole. Various well operations can be performed using the pistons in addition to the centralizing function.

Abstract: This invention relates to a downhole activated centralizer for centralizing pipes in a wellbore for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons. The downhole activated centralizers are carried within either the pipe casing or the collars or both and remain generally within the maximum outward profile of the pipe string so as not to interfere with the movement and placement of the pipe string in the wellbore. The pipe string may be rotated, reciprocated and circulated which enhances the ability of the installer to place the pipe string in a deviated or long reach wellbore. Once the pipe string is in place, the centralizers may be deployed by one of several methods such that pistons mounted in openings in the peripheral wall of the pipe string move outwardly with sufficient force to move the pipe string way from the walls of the wellbore sufficient to form a complete annulus for cementing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for perforating the formation in a wellbore wherein the wellbore is established for the production of hydrocarbons. The formation is perforated by explosive material carried in pistons which are carried within either the pipe casing or the collars or both and remain generally within the maximum outward profile of the pipe string so as not to interfere with the movement and placement of the pipe string in the wellbore. The pipe string may be rotated, reciprocated and circulated which enhances the ability of the installer to place the pipe string in a deviated or long reach wellbore. Once the pipe string is in place, the pistons may be deployed by one of several methods such that pistons mounted in openings in the peripheral wall of the pipe string move outwardly with sufficient force to move the pipe string way from the walls of the wellbore sufficient to form a complete annulus for cementing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a downhole activated device for providing cathodic protection for pipes in a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbons. The downhole activated devices are carried within either the pipe casing or the collars or both and remain generally within the maximum outward profile of the pipe string so as not to interfere with the movement and placement of the pipe string in the wellbore. The pipe string may be rotated, reciprocated and circulated which enhances the ability of the installer to place the pipe string in a deviated or long reach wellbore. Once the pipe string is in place, the devices may be deployed by one of several methods such that pistons mounted in openings in the peripheral wall of the pipe string move outwardly to contact the wall of the wellbore. Such contact with the walls of the wellbore insures that the sacrificial material in the pistons will corrode in preference to the remainder of the pipe.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring apparatus for use in a tubing string having a landing nipple located therein above a well zone which is to be monitored includes a plug body, a mandrel sleeve, a pressure communication mandrel and a pressure sensor. The plug body is landed in the landing nipple, and has an axial body bore therethrough. The mandrel sleeve has a lower portion constructed to be sealingly received within the body bore, and has an axial sleeve bore disposed therethrough. The pressure communication mandrel has a lower portion constructed to be sealingly received within the sleeve bore, and has a pressure communication passage disposed therethrough for communicating the pressure sensor with the well zone. The pressure monitoring apparatus can be adapted for use in methods of monitoring pressure fall-off in a subsurface formation after injection of fluid into the formation, and also can be adapted for use in methods of monitoring a bottom hole shut-in pressure buildup in a production well.

Abstract: A dynamic random access memory (10) receives a memory address of a row decoder (14) which charges a selected row line (18). When the row line (18) is charged an access transistor (24) in a memory cell (22) is rendered conductive to connect a storage capacitor (26) to a bit line (30). The bit lines (30, 38) are previously set at an equilibration voltage. The voltage on the bit line (30) is driven slightly above the equilibration voltage if a high voltage state had been stored in the capacitor (26) or the voltage on the bit line is driven slightly below the equilibration voltage if a low voltage state had been stored on the capacitor (26). A sense amplifier (44) is connected to the bit lines (30, 38) and upon receipt of a latch signal (L) drives the one of the bit lines (30, 38) having the lower voltage to a low voltage state. A pull-up circuit (60) drives the voltage on the remaining bit line of the pair to a high voltage state, restoring the memory storage capacitor (26) to its initial state.

Abstract: Circuitry for automatically and selectively refreshing a dynamic node to a desired logic level. Nodes at ground potential are left at ground while nodes at an intermediate level are brought up to a supply voltage level. In a preferred use the dynamic node is a digit line in a random access memory. The circuitry includes a first transistor connected between the drain supply and a digit line having a gate connected to the source of a second transistor. The drain of the second transistor is connected to a clocked source of potential at least one threshold above the drain supply. The gate of the second transistor is precharged to a potential near the drain supply voltage preferrably concurrent with precharging of digit lines in the memory proper. A third transistor is connected between the gate of the second transistor and the digit line and has a gate connected to a clocked source of a reference potential between a digit line precharge level and the level of one threshold above ground.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has a transparent frame which houses a rotatable mounting assembly of a plurality of mounted liquid compressible containers having needle discharge outlets having covering caps to block liquid flow. A control unit can be operated so that the mounting assembly is rotated by a motor secured to the frame, and locked in position by a solenoid powered lock pin mounted to the frame which engages the mounting assembly. When the mounting assembly is locked into discharge position, a selected container needle is aligned with a discharge passage in the frame. Then a motor-driven compression drive unit secured to the frame is operated to move a gear rack forward so that a flange secured to the rack engages the end of the liquid container to drive it forward to cause the container needle to puncture its cover cap and also a diaphragm at the frame discharge passage.