Abstract: Reactive compositions are formed into melt processable reactive pellets. The reactive compositions include at least one filler such as talc, clay, pulp, etc. and a reactive mixture comprising at least one polyhydric alcohol and a reactant selected from the group consisting of at least one organic polyacid; at least one organic anhydride; and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the reactive compositions comprise at least one filler and a prepolymer formed from the reactive mixture.

Abstract: An assembly and methods for constructing a MONOWELL includes a monodiameter casing disposed in a monodiameter wellbore having diametric efficiency with a monobore production delivery system disposed within the monodiameter casing. An assembly for constructing a monodiameter wellbore includes a bottomhole assembly having a overgauge hole drilling member, a directional steering assembly, a measurement while drilling tool, and a logging while drilling tool; a work string attached to the bottomhole assembly and extending to the surface; drilling fluids flowing through the work string and bottomhole assembly; chemical casing casing the borehole; expandable casing disposed in the wellbore; and a sealing composition disposed between the expandable casing and the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for crystallizing a polymer having at least 20 mole percent of hydroxyalkanoate repeat units, comprising admixing the polymer and a compound of the formula R1—C(O)N(R2)2, R1—C(O)NH—(R3)—NHC(O)—R1, R1—NHC(O)NH—(R3)—NHC(O)NH—R1, R1—NHC(O)—R2, R1—NHC(O)—(R3)—C(O)NH—R1, R1—C(O)NH—(R3)—C(O)NH—R1, R1—NHC(O)NH—(R3)—C(O)NH—R1, R1—NHC(O)NH—(R3)—NHC(O)—R1, or a combination thereof, at a first temperature, which is from about 5° C. to about 15° C. above the melting point of the polymer; and cooling the polymer at a second temperature, which is from about the glass transition temperature of the polymer to about the melting point of the compound.

Abstract: Fibers are formed from ester condensates of polyhydric alcohols and organic polyacids or anhydrides. The process for making the fibers comprises forming a reactive mixture from a polyhydric alcohol and organic polyacid mixture heated to produce a low molecular weight ester condensation product which is subsequently pumped through a spinneret causing additional ester condensation reaction in situ with fiber formation.

Abstract: A mechanical weldable fitting for use in tapping a pipe includes a first and second metal collar, each formed of attachable upper and lower semi-toroidal portions that when assembled on the pipe providing spaced-apart external cylindrical surfaces. Each collar having at least one internal circumferential sealing groove therein that receives a gasket formed about the pipe. A lower semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. An upper semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. The upper containment member having an integral upwardly extending tubular access portion affording passage for tapping the pipe. The upper and lower containment members are welded to each other and to the collars to fully encompass a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A liquid feed line includes a stepped internal nozzle and an exit diameter smaller than the diameter of the liquid feed line. The stepped internal nozzle desirably introduces hydrodynamics or hydraulic waves for the fluid, with the number of steps selected based on the pressure of the motive flow. By limiting the length of the stepped internal nozzle cylinder, a desirable splayed liquid stream is formed within a mixing chamber in fluid communication with a vent line. An exit cylinder in fluid communication with the mixing chamber includes a channel through which an aerated liquid stream of fluid passes. The entrance and exit faces forming the channel are substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow with the channel having a generally uniform dimension, neither converging nor diverging, and a diameter 1 to 10 times greater, depending on the pressure of the motive flow, than the exit to the internal nozzle.

Abstract: A mechanical weldable fitting for use in tapping a pipe includes a first and second metal collar, each formed of attachable upper and lower semi-toroidal portions that when assembled on the pipe providing spaced-apart external cylindrical surfaces. Each collar having at least one internal circumferential sealing groove therein that receives a gasket formed about the pipe. A lower semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. An upper semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. The upper containment member having an integral upwardly extending tubular access portion affording passage for tapping the pipe. The upper and lower containment members are welded to each other and to the collars to fully encompass a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: An assembly and methods for constructing a MONOWELL includes a monodiameter casing disposed in a monodiameter wellbore having diametric efficiency with a monobore production delivery system disposed within the monodiameter casing. An assembly for constructing a monodiameter wellbore includes a bottomhole assembly having a overgauge hole drilling member, a directional steering assembly, a measurement while drilling tool, and a logging while drilling tool; a work string attached to the bottomhole assembly and extending to the surface; drilling fluids flowing through the work string and bottomhole assembly; chemical casing casing the borehole; expandable casing disposed in the wellbore; and a sealing composition disposed between the expandable casing and the wellbore.

Abstract: To achieve a drawn wire with a tensile strength defined by the equation of Y=Yo exp(A2?d) wherein Y is the tensile strength in MPa (N/mm2), Yo is the strength of as patented wire, A2 is a coefficient dependant on wire chemistry and drawing conditions, and ?d is a total true drawing strain, a high carbon steel wire contains 0.95 to 1.3% carbon and a combination of chromium, manganese, silicon, cobalt, niobium, and boron is processed such that the bright wire of an intermediate diameter has a structure void of micro cracks, patented to produce a desired microstructure with defined inter-lamella spacing and austenite grain, coated with brass, and fine drawn with an optimized die draft schedule at a specified true strain.

Abstract: The drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite coiled tubing having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors may be embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. It may or may not include a propulsion system. The drilling system may be a gravity based drilling system that does include a propulsion system. Various motive means may be provided, such as gravity, to apply weight on the bit.

Abstract: A steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.

Abstract: To achieve a drawn wire with a tensile strength defined by the equation of Y=Yoexp(A2&egr;d) wherein Y is the tensile strength in MPa (N/mm2), Yo is the strength of as patented wire, A2 is a coefficient dependant on wire chemistry and drawing conditions, and &egr;d is a total true drawing strain, a high carbon steel wire contains 0.95 to 1.3% carbon and a combination of chromium, manganese, silicon, cobalt, niobium, and boron is processed such that the bright wire of an intermediate diameter has a structure void of micro cracks, patented to produce a desired microstructure with defined inter-lamella spacing and austenite grain, coated with brass, and fine drawn with an optimized die draft schedule at a specified true strain.

Abstract: A lawn mower blade assembly comprises a bottom hub and a top hub, both provided with central apertures. Provided around the bottom and top hubs are a plurality of equally spaced holes. An intermediate plate is coupled between the hubs. A plurality of generally V-shaped recesses open into the periphery of the hubs. A plurality of blades are provided, each having interior and exterior portions. A hole is provided through the interior portion. The exterior portion is flexible. The interior portion is adapted to fit in the V-shaped recesses of the intermediate plate. A plurality of bolts are adapted to pass through the aligned holes of the hubs and the blades and with hex nuts adapted to receive the pivot bolts. A lock bolt, having a head and threaded end is positioned through the apertures of the cutting assembly to removably couple with the threaded aperture of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Steel wire is drawn from an initial diameter to a desired final or intermediate diameter by the use of a non-linear tapered draft. During the non-linear tapered draft, the wire is drawn through a series of successive dies, reducing the wire diameter to a desired diameter, wherein the drawing strain at each successive die is gradually reduced. The drawing strain is based upon the actual strength of the steel at each die. The wire may also be subjected to a skin pass, reducing the wire by a diameter by less than 4%, following reduction of the wire to either the final or the intermediate diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for sequentially treating multiple zones in underground formation in a single trip of the well treatment work string. In the one embodiment, the work string includes composite tubing having electrical conductors embedded within the walls, the conductors enabling power transmission and two way communication between the surface and the sensor or detectors downhole so that real time data can be sensed and communicated. Isolation packers are actuated via electrical signals from the surface communicated to the bottom hole assembly via the conductors. A detector located in the bottom hole assembly may be provided to detect perforations or other anomalies in the casing, such as joints, enabling the surface controller to position packers properly in blank segments of casing so that well intervals can be properly isolated and the adjacent formation effectively treated.

Abstract: A manifold for charging a system which when in use cycles a refrigerant between liquid and gaseous states is disclosed. The manifold includes a housing defining a flow passage extending from an inlet to an outlet. Structure is within the housing to define a capillary in parallel communication with a section of the passage. A refrigerant state control valve is connected to the housing. The valve, when in the open position, enables concurrent refrigerant flow through both the section of the passage and the capillary to charge such a system with refrigerant in a liquid state. The valve when in the closed position sufficiently blocks the section of the passage to cause all refrigerant flow to be through the capillary thereby to enable charging such a system with refrigerant in a gaseous state.

Abstract: A manifold for charging a system which when in use cycles a refrigerant between liquid and gaseous states is disclosed. The manifold includes a housing defining a flow passage extending from an inlet to an outlet. Structure is within the housing to define a capillary in parallel communication with a section of the passage. A refrigerant state control valve is connected to the housing. The valve, when in the open position, enables concurrent refrigerant flow through both the section of the passage and the capillary to charge such a system with refrigerant in a liquid state. The valve when in the closed position sufficiently blocks the section of the passage to cause all refrigerant flow to be through the capillary thereby to enable charging such a system with refrigerant in a gaseous state.

Abstract: Knowing that an object does not belong to an authorized set of objects is an important step in intrusion detection. Dr. Stephanie Forrest of the University of New Mexico compared the process of computer system defense to the process used by living organisms to defend against diseases, viruses and other foreign agents. Dr. Forrest's thesis was to develop a methodology for identifying the self to use intrusion detection to detect non-self agents. An alternative to this external view is a system that contains its own self-defense mechanism. This method demonstrates that an internal function can be used to differentiate between self and non-self agents. This method will insert identification data into an object that will uniquely connect an object to the operating system on which it resides. This DNA pattern will serve to create a unique copy of the object and create an ownership token between the object and the operating system.

Abstract: A manifold gauge assembly that combines in a single apparatus the features of a manifold gauge set and the features of a phase change device. The manifold gauge assembly may be utilized for charging both pure liquid refrigerants and blends of liquid refrigerants and still maintain the ability of full porting for vacuum optimization. The invention also comprises a phase change device adapted to be fixedly attached to a manifold.

Abstract: A manifold gauge assembly that combines in a single apparatus the features of a manifold gauge set and the features of a phase change device. The manifold gauge assembly may be utilized for charging both pure liquid refrigerants and blends of liquid refrigerants and still maintain the ability of full porting for vacuum optimization. The invention also comprises a phase change device adapted to be fixedly attached to a manifold.