Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical system is provided. The system includes at least one pair of active and return electrodes each including thermally-conductive tubular members with closed distal ends. Each of the tubular members include electrically conductive portions which are adapted to connect to an electrical energy source. The active and return electrodes are further configured to penetrate tissue and create at least one generally elliptical lesion therebetween upon activation of electrical energy. The system also includes a multiplexer disposed between the electrical energy source and each pair of electrically conductive active and return portions. The multiplexer is adapted to selectively switch electrical potentials of each pair of active and return electrically conductive portions to create lesions of varying geometry.

Abstract: A swivel assembly for a downhole tool string comprises a first and second coaxial housing cooperatively arranged. The first housing comprises a first transmission element in communication with surface equipment. The second housing comprises a second transmission element in communication with the first transmission element. The second housing further comprises a third transmission element adapted for communication with a network integrated into the downhole tool string. The second housing may be rotational and adapted to transmit a signal between the downhole network and the first housing. Electronic circuitry is in communication with at least one of the transmission elements. The electronic circuitry may be externally mounted to the first or second housing. Further, the electronic circuitry may be internally mounted in the second housing. The electronic circuitry may be disposed in a recess in either first or second housing of the swivel.

Abstract: A tool string stab guide for axially aligning first tool string components with second tool string components is disclosed. The stab guide has a body with an axial length along a longitudinal axis with a first and a second section. The first section of the body adapted for removable attachment within a diameter of a bore of a tool string component. The second section of the body has a centering element with a flow channel. The ratio of the axial length to the diameter is at least 2:1.

Abstract: A system and method for heat ablation of tissue in which energy is sequentially applied to at least two electrodes inserted into tissue. The system is comprised of a radiofrequency (RF) source for supplying RF energy, at least two electrodes configured to apply RF energy to tissue, at least one return electrode for returning the RF energy to the RF source, and a controller configured to sequentially apply the RF energy to each of the at least two electrodes. The sequential delivery of energy is determined by the measured current and voltage, the calculated impedance at each of the electrodes and the timing for each electrode. An internal load may be activated with the previously activated channel and remain on until the next channel is activated to avoid the generator from having an open circuit.

Abstract: A system for heat ablation of tissue in a patient comprises a plurality of electrodes operatively connected to a source of radiofrequency energy and configured to apply RF energy to tissue at a patient site, a plurality of RF current restricting circuits, each circuit coupled between one of the plurality of electrodes and the source of radiofrequency energy, and configured to restrict RF energy to the electrode when the current restricting circuit is enabled and not restrict RF energy to flow to the electrode when the current restricting circuit is disabled, at least one return electrode adapted to contact the patient and configured to return RF energy to the RF source; and a switching mechanism configured to selectively enable each of the plurality of RF current restricting circuits, in one of a sequential and non sequential fashion, wherein the switching mechanism is isolated from each of the current restricting circuits.

Abstract: A filter for a drill string comprises a perforated receptacle having an open end and a perforated end and first and second mounting surfaces are adjacent the open end. A transmission element is disposed within each of the first and second mounting surfaces. A capacitor may modify electrical characteristics of an LC circuit that comprises the transmission elements. The respective transmission elements are in communication with each other and with a transmission network integrated into the drill string. The transmission elements may be inductive couplers, direct electrical contacts, or optical couplers. In some embodiments of the present invention, the filter comprises an electronic component. The electronic component may be selected from the group consisting of a sensor, a router, a power source, a clock source, a repeater, and an amplifier.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrating transmission cable into the body of selected downhole tools, such as drilling jars, having variable or changing lengths. A wired downhole-drilling tool is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a housing and a mandrel insertable into the housing. A coiled cable is enclosed within the housing and has a first end connected to the housing and a second end connected to the mandrel. The coiled cable is configured to stretch and shorten in accordance with axial movement between the housing and the mandrel. A clamp is used to fix the coiled cable with respect to the housing, the mandrel, or both, to accommodate a change of tension in the coiled cable.

Abstract: A method for making in a single step a multiple-ply panel comprising the steps of forming and sandwiching a raw mat assembly of resinated furnish between two sheets of green incised wood veneer, applying a layer of thermosetting high-moisture tolerant adhesive at interfaces between the green veneer and core mat, and applying pressure and heat to cure the consolidated panel assembly for a duration sufficient to secure good internal bond within the substrate panel.

Abstract: A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal.

Abstract: A swivel assembly for a downhole tool string comprises a first and second coaxial housing cooperatively arranged. The first housing comprises a first transmission element in communication with surface equipment. The second housing comprises a second transmission element in communication with the first transmission element. The second housing further comprises a third transmission element adapted for communication with a network integrated into the downhole tool string. The second housing may be rotational and adapted to transmit a signal between the downhole network and the first housing. Electronic circuitry is in communication with at least one of the transmission elements. The electronic circuitry may be externally mounted to the first or second housing. Further, the electronic circuitry may be internally mounted in the second housing. The electronic circuitry may be disposed in a recess in either first or second housing of the swivel.

Abstract: For use during maintenance of wide area networks, a management system is disclosed for distributing security databases to security gates at each maintenance port of each network element. A distributed database manager is provided to instantaneously update the databases and gather from each database transaction records. Central to the distributed database manager is a software program that polls the security databases located at each of the network elements, deposits updated databases, and formats various management reports from transaction records and from device failure records (generated by the program). The software program enables the database manager to communicate with the network elements through either an in-band channel or an out-of-band channel. By shifting authentication of access seekers to security databases resident at each console port, security is maintained even though the network server is not in service.

Abstract: A method for making in a single step a multiple-ply panel comprising the steps of forming and sandwiching a raw mat assembly of resinated furnish between two sheets of green incised wood veneer, applying a layer of thermosetting high-moisture tolerant adhesive at interfaces between the green veneer and core mat, and applying pressure and heat to cure the consolidated panel assembly for a duration sufficient to secure good internal bond within the substrate panel.

Abstract: An explosive release clamp adapted to be opened suddenly by electrical initiation of an explosive charge, and a safety pressure release system for closed vessels such as chemical reactors, high pressure storage tanks, or the like, wherein one or more such clamps are used to secure a main hatch to a reactor vessel. Upon occurrence of an emergency condition such as over-pressure, all clamps are automatically fired simultaneously to release the hatch. A manual override circuit enables firing the clamps in case the hatch must be released without an emergency signal. A test circuit checks the clamps and their associated cabling for electrical continuity, using a current substantially less than that required to fire the clamps.