Abstract: A progressive cavity pump pumps liquid downhole to a lower formation past a packer set in a casing of a wellbore. The rotor of the pump is axially restrained by a bearing assembly spaced below the pump for controlling uphole reactive loading on the rotor. Preferably the rotor is releasably coupled to the bearing assembly for release and recovery of the rotor from the bearing assembly. Such a releasable coupling is a latch comprising a plunger telescopically and releasably coupled with a housing using a dog and track arrangement, the dog and track utilizing the telescoping action to actuate the coupling and releasing of the latch.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump pumps liquid downhole to a lower formation past a packer set in a casing of a wellbore. The rotor of the pump is axially restrained by a bearing assembly spaced below the pump for controlling uphole reactive loading on the rotor. Preferably the rotor is releasably coupled to the bearing assembly for release and recovery of the rotor from the bearing assembly. Such a releasable coupling is a latch comprising a plunger telescopically and releasably coupled with a housing using a dog and track arrangement, the dog and track utilizing the telescoping action to actuate the coupling and releasing of the latch.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump pumps liquid downhole to a lower formation past a packer set in a casing of a wellbore. The rotor of the pump is axially restrained by a bearing assembly spaced below the pump for controlling uphole reactive loading on the rotor. Preferably the rotor is releasably coupled to the bearing assembly for release and recovery of the rotor from the bearing assembly. Such a releasable coupling is a latch comprising a plunger telescopically and releasably coupled with a housing using a dog and track arrangement, the dog and track utilizing the telescoping action to actuate the coupling and releasing of the latch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a well sampling tape (otherwise known as “microwell tape” or simply “tape”), a dispenser for dispensing small volumes of liquid into the wells formed in the tape and a detector for high-throughput sample reading of the liquid dispensed in the individual wells. The present invention is more specifically directed to a bioassay system incorporating the materials listed above.

Abstract: A self-retaining cementing wiper plug has two or more steel or carbide tipped holddown fingers or slips extending radially outward from the plug for engaging the inner surface of the casing and preventing the plug from moving uphole over time and potentially interfering with other downhole apparatus such as a pump.

Abstract: A tool is provided for preventing the rotation of a downhole tool or rotary pump stator, the tool comprising a tubular housing and a jaw which is biased radially outwardly from the tool to engage the casing wall for arresting tool rotation and providing significant stabilization of a rotary pump. In doing so, the tool housing moves oppositely to rest against the casing opposite the jaw. The tool housing and the downhole tool are thereby restrained and stabilized by the casing wall. The tool's jaw is released by opposite tool rotation. Preferably, the jaw is biased outwardly from the tool housing to a casing-engaging position by a torsional member, housed along the axis of the hinge of the jaw. The tool is released from the casing by opposite tool rotation which increasingly compresses the jaw toward the housing, twisting the torsional member into torsion, which then acts to urge the jaw outwardly again.

Abstract: A tool is provided for preventing the rotation of a downhole tool or rotary pump stator, the tool comprising a tubular housing and a jaw which is biased radially outwardly from the tool to engage the casing wall for arresting tool rotation and providing significant stabilization of a rotary pump. In doing so, the tool housing moves oppositely to rest against the casing opposite the jaw. The tool housing and the downhole tool are thereby restrained and stabilized by the casing wall. The tool's jaw is released by opposite tool rotation. Preferably, the jaw is biased outwardly from the tool housing to a casing-engaging position by a torsional member, housed along the axis of the hinge of the jaw. The tool is released from the casing by opposite tool rotation which increasingly compresses the jaw toward the housing, twisting the torsional member into torsion, which then acts to urge the jaw outwardly again. Overextension of the jaw during assembly is prevented using cooperating stops in the jaw and the housing.

Abstract: A tool is provided for preventing the rotation of a downhole tool or rotary pump stator, the tool comprising a tubular housing and a jaw which is biased radially outwardly from the tool to engage the casing wall for arresting tool rotation and providing significant stabilization of a rotary pump. In doing so, the tool housing moves oppositely to rest against the casing opposite the jaw. The tool housing and the downhole tool are thereby restrained and stabilized by the casing wall. The tool's jaw is released by opposite tool rotation. Preferably, the jaw is biased outwardly from the tool housing to a casing-engaging position by a torsional member, housed along the axis of the hinge of the jaw. The tool is released from the casing by opposite tool rotation which increasingly compresses the jaw toward the housing, twisting the torsional member into torsion, which then acts to urge the jaw outwardly again.

Abstract: A rotor placer is located within an oil well for stabilizing the rotor of a progressive cavity pump. A tubular housing is connected between the production string and pump stator. A driveshaft is installable within the housing and is connected between the rod string and the pump rotor. The driveshaft latches into a cylindrical sleeve installed concentrically within the housing. The housing is distended outwardly to accept the sleeve which has a bore similar to that of the production tubing. Bearings are interposed in the annulus between the sleeve and housing for concentrically and axially stabilizing the rod string. The sleeve is sealed against the housing to protect the bearings. A passageway is formed in the driveshaft to bypass pumped well fluids around the bearings. The driveshaft-to-sleeve latch comprises a plurality of axially-extending and interconnected slots formed in the inside wall of the sleeve and radially outward biased pins extending from the driveshaft.

Abstract: Abundant interspersed repetitive DNA sequences of the form (dC-dA).sub.n.(dG-dT).sub.n have been shown to exhibit length polymorphisms. The polymorphisms can be used to identify individuals as in paternity and forensic testing, and can be used to map genes which are involved in genetic diseases or in other economically important traits. The polynucleotide provided consists of a DNA fragment, preferably .ltoreq.300 base pairs in length containing one or more blocks of tandem dinucleotide repeats (dC-dA).sub.n.(dG-dT).sub.n wherein n.gtoreq.6 and preferably .gtoreq.10.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having an integrated booster seat in which a child booster seat cushion is disposed within a cavity in the seat back and is rotatable to a forward extending use position spaced above the seat cushion providing a raised booster seat cushion for a child to elevate the child to a position in which an adult restraint system can be used with the child. The seat back has a movable panel which covers the cavity in the seat back in which the booster seat cushion is stored. Once the booster seat cushion has been moved to its use position, the panel is returned to its closed position whereby the panel forms the seat back surface for both an adult and a child. The booster seat can be provided in a form of a removable module which can be removed from the seat back and replaced with another module containing unique features such as an integral child seat or an armrest module.

Abstract: An integral child seat having a back panel which is attached to the seat frame with an extensible, energy absorbing diaphragm. The diaphragm enables the child seat back panel to move forward relative to the seat frame during a vehicle collision to reduce the relative deceleration of a seat occupant's head compared to his/her shoulders, thus reducing the neck loads and neck injuries. As the diaphragm is extended, an enclosed space, defined in part by the diaphragm, increases in size. One or more small orifices are provided to allow a controlled flow of air into this enlarging space. Likewise, after extension, return of the diaphragm to its initial position is controlled by the required expulsion of air from this enlarged space. The orifices restrict the discharge of air from the enlarged space, avoiding a return impact on the seat occupant due to the rebound of the elastic diaphragm.

Abstract: An integral child seat in which the lap belt of the restraint system is attached to opposite sides of the rotating child seat support, forward of the rotational axis of the seat support. By attaching the belts to the seat support forward of the rotation axis, the lap belt will remain snugly fitting to the seat occupant's lap and have a reduced tendency to ride over the iliac crest of the seat occupant's pelvis during a vehicle collision.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled seat adjuster mechanism for providing fore-and-aft adjustment in the position of a vehicle seat includes first and second hydraulic cylinders, which support the seat on the floor of the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinders being connected in a series hydraulic circuit with a control valve in a manually driven embodiment, and with a control valve and a pump and motor assembly in a power driven embodiment, the control valve being manually operable between a flow preventing condition to interrupt the hydraulic circuit in which the hydraulic cylinders are prevented from operating so that the seat is locked in position, and a flow permitting condition to complete the hydraulic circuit, permitting the hydraulic cylinders to operate and move the seat to an adjusted position. The hydraulic mechanism is also described with reference to an application for controlling the adjustment of the angle of inclination of the seat back relative to the seat cushion.

Abstract: An interlock for a fold down seat back with an integral child seat prevents the use of the child seat unless the fold down seat back is latched in place and likewise prevents unlatching of the seat back when the child seat is deployed. The interlock is provided as a simple subassembly that can be added to the seat back quickly and easily. The interlock avoids the need for a striker bar attached to the child seat cushion panel and minimizes the extent of modifications required to an existing seat back latch.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump is used as part of the production string in an oil well. A pump stator is coupled to the production tubing string, while the rotor is driven by a sucker rod. To ensure proper placement of the rotor in the stator, the rotor is driven by a drive shaft with two universal joints with the upper end of the drive shaft held in position by a thrust bearing on the drive shaft and engaging a bearing seat connected to the production tubing. This ensures proper vertical placement of rotor in the stator. It also prevents eccentric motion of the upper end of the drive shaft, so that the sucker rod is no longer subject to whipping action that may damage the production tubing and the sucker rod string.

Abstract: A disc brake caliper seal arrangement wherein an annular seal is provided between the caliper housing and the outside diameter of the piston provided therein. The seal provides a rollback function which returns the piston to a given running clearance between the disc rotor and brake pads after actuation of the brake. The seal is provided in a substantially square or rectangular cross-sectional configuration and is disposed in a seal groove of the caliper housing. The seal is provided with annular recesses on the ends of the parallel sides of the seal adjacent to the outside diameter of the piston. The central portion of the side of the seal which engages the outside diameter of the piston is provided with a circumferential groove. The recesses provide space of sufficient volume for the seal to deflect into before encountering the straight groove side wall, thereby eliminating the need for a machined chamfer in the housing groove.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a product and process for characterizing the human genome utilizing polymorphic DNA fragments containing (dC-dA).sub.n .multidot.(dG-dT).sub.n. The process comprises identifying polymorphic DNA fragments containing the above tandem repeat sequence followed by characterizing admixtures of genomic material by amplification of fragments containing the tandem repeat sequence using substantially unique and non-polymorphic primer sequences and appropriate separation of the so amplified fragments.

Abstract: A method provides peptides that are antigenic determinants identified by antibodies obtained using intact pathogenic agents that present a restricted set of antigens to surveillance by the immune system.

Abstract: A modular brake actuator useful in automotove vehicles includes a mounting base adapted to fit into a complementary opening in and form part of the fire wall between the engine compartment and the driver's cockpit. On one side of the mounting base there are assembled brake operating components and on the other side there are assembled hydraulic components. This module can be easily installed during assembly of the vehicle.