Abstract: The present invention provides a method for accelerating start-up for SAGD-type operation by providing radio frequency heating devices inside the lateral wells that can re-heat the injected steam after losing heat energy during the initial injection. The method also extends the lateral wells such that the drilling of vertical wells can be reduced to save capital expenses.

Abstract: A method of producing heavy oil from a heavy oil formation with steam assisted gravity drainage. The method begins by drilling a borehole into a heavy oil formation comprising a steam barrier between a first pay zone and a second pay zone, wherein the steam barrier prevents a steam chamber to be formed between the first pay zone and the second pay zone. The steam barrier is then heated with a radio frequency. The steam barrier is then fractured to permit a steam chamber to be formed within the first pay zone and the second pay zone. Heavy oil is then produced from the heavy oil formation with steam assisted gravity drainage.

Abstract: The radio frequency (RF) inductor includes a core being electrically non-conductive and ferrimagnetic, and having a toroidal shape, and a wire coil thereupon. At least one permanent magnet body is at a fixed position within the interior of the core, and an electrically conductive RF shielding layer is on the at least one permanent magnet body. The core may be ferrite for example. The electrically conductive RF shielding layer may be a conductive plating layer or a metal foil surrounding the permanent magnet body, for example. A magnetic field from the permanent magnet is applied to the inductor core to reduce losses, and the permanent magnet may be enclosed within the conductive shield to keep RF fields out. The inductor may be made small and have increased Q and resulting efficiency. The RF inductor may be applicable to RF communication circuits, for example, as an antenna coupler.

Abstract: The radio frequency (RF) inductor includes a core being electrically non-conductive and ferrimagnetic, and having a toroidal shape, and a wire coil thereupon. At least one permanent magnet body is at a fixed position within the interior of the core, and an electrically conductive RF shielding layer is on the at least one permanent magnet body. The core may be ferrite for example. The electrically conductive RF shielding layer may be a conductive plating layer or a metal foil surrounding the permanent magnet body, for example. A magnetic field from the permanent magnet is applied to the inductor core to reduce losses, and the permanent magnet may be enclosed within the conductive shield to keep RF fields out. The inductor may be made small and have increased Q and resulting efficiency. The RF inductor may be applicable to RF communication circuits, for example, as an antenna coupler.

Abstract: The antenna assembly is circularly polarized and may be able to receive multiple independent signals. The antenna assembly includes a plurality of electrically conductive layers arranged about an axis to define a series of adjacent corner reflectors (e.g. four to eight corner reflectors), and a plurality of spiral antenna elements. Each spiral antenna element extends across a respective open end of a corresponding corner reflector. Each corner reflector may have an equal corner angle, and each spiral antenna element may be a bifilar spiral antenna element and/or a log spiral antenna element. A housing may contain the corner reflectors and the spiral antenna elements. Electronic circuitry may be coupled to the plurality of spiral antenna elements and contained within the housing. The antenna is preferential for television reception on multiple channels and directions without consumer adjustment, as the antenna provides spatial, angular and frequency diversity through simultaneous overlapping beams.

Abstract: The antenna assembly is circularly polarized and may be able to receive multiple independent signals. The antenna assembly includes a plurality of electrically conductive layers arranged about an axis to define a series of adjacent corner reflectors (e.g. four to eight corner reflectors), and a plurality of spiral antenna elements. Each spiral antenna element extends across a respective open end of a corresponding corner reflector. Each corner reflector may have an equal corner angle, and each spiral antenna element may be a bifilar spiral antenna element and/or a log spiral antenna element. A housing may contain the corner reflectors and the spiral antenna elements. Electronic circuitry may be coupled to the plurality of spiral antenna elements and contained within the housing. The antenna is preferential for television reception on multiple channels and directions without consumer adjustment, as the antenna provides spatial, angular and frequency diversity through simultaneous overlapping beams.

Abstract: An antenna (100) for RF communications. The antenna includes a radiating member (102) which is substantially tubular so as to define a cavity (104) therein. The radiating member (102) is made of a conductive material having a non-conductive slot (106) extending from a first portion (108) of the radiating member (102) to a second portion (110). An impedance matching device (120) is electrically connected to the radiating member (102) via a conductor (134) to match an impedance of the radiating member (102) with an impedance of a signal source or an impedance of a load. The impedance matching device (120), the conductor (134), and at least a portion of the radiating member radiating element (102) can formed from a single conductive sheet, or molded or extruded as a single conductive structure.