Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping device that consists of four artificial muscle rings arranged in parallel. A grasper is placed in the middle of the rings. Sequential activation of the rings produces a peristaltic motion that moves the grasper back and forth within the rings. By activating the grasper appropriately, it can grab, ingest, and move soft and irregular material from one side of the lumen formed by the rings to the other side.

Abstract: Improved aqueous fracturing fluids are disclosed that are particularly useful as well stimulation fluids to fracture tight (i.e., low permeability) subterranean formations. Gas wells treated with these fracturing fluids have rapid cleanup and enhanced well production. The fluids contain small but sufficient amounts of certain amine oxides to aid in the removal of the fracturing fluid from the formation. By facilitating the removal of fluid from the invaded zones, the amount of damage to the fracture faces in the formation is thereby minimized. The amine oxides correspond to the formula I, wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms. The amine oxides in which R1 is an alkyl group are preferred, and those in which R1 is an alkyl group of from 8 to 10 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are each methyl or ethyl groups are most preferred.

Abstract: Improved aqueous fracturing fluids are disclosed that are particularly useful as well stimulation fluids to fracture tight (i.e., low permeability) subterranean formations. Gas wells treated with these fracturing fluids have rapid cleanup and enhanced well production. The fluids contain small but sufficient amounts of certain amine oxides to aid in the removal of the fracturing fluid from the formation. By facilitating the removal of fluid from the invaded zones, the amount of damage to the fracture faces in the formation is thereby minimized. The amine oxides correspond to the formula I, wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms. The amine oxides in which R1 is an alkyl group are preferred, and those in which R1 is an alkyl group of from 8 to 10 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are each methyl or ethyl groups are most preferred.

Abstract: Improved aqueous fracturing fluids are disclosed that are particularly useful as well stimulation fluids to fracture tight (i.e., low permeability) subterranean formations. Gas wells treated with these fracturing fluids have rapid cleanup and enhanced well production. The fluids contain small but sufficient amounts of certain amine oxides to aid in the removal of the fracturing fluid from the formation. By facilitating the removal of fluid from the invaded zones, the amount of damage to the fracture faces in the formation is thereby minimized. The amine oxides correspond to the formula I, wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Improved aqueous fracturing fluids are disclosed that are particularly useful as well stimulation fluids to fracture tight (i.e., low permeability) subterranean formations. Gas wells treated with these fracturing fluids have rapid cleanup and enhanced well production. The fluids contain small but sufficient amounts of certain amine oxides to aid in the removal of the fracturing fluid from the formation. By facilitating the removal of fluid from the invaded zones, the amount of damage to the fracture faces in the formation is thereby minimized. The amine oxides correspond to the formula I, wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms. The amine oxides in which R1 is an alkyl group are preferred, and those in which R1 is an alkyl group of from 8 to 10 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are each methyl or ethyl groups are most preferred.

Abstract: A switch assembly, and an associated method, for a multi-mode mobile station operable to communicate pursuant to two or more communication services. Selected antenna transducers, or test ports, are selectably connected by way of the switch assembly to selected portions of the radio circuitry of the multi-mode mobile station. Non-mechanical switching is effectuated, thereby to provide appropriate connections of appropriate portions of the radio circuitry with the antenna transducers, or test ports, of the multi-mode mobile station.

Abstract: A switch assembly, and an associated method, for a multi-mode mobile station operable to communicate pursuant to two or more communication services. Selected antenna transducers, or test ports, are selectably connected by way of the switch assembly to selected portions of the radio circuitry of the multi-mode mobile station. Non-mechanical switching is effectuated, thereby to provide appropriate connections of appropriate portions of the radio circuitry with the antenna transducers, or test ports, of the multi-mode mobile station.