Abstract: An apparatus and control system for establishing and maintaining a user selected magnitude and direction of pneumatic resistance provided by exercise equipment includes at least one electrically controlled regulator for admitting air to and releasing air from the pneumatic system, transducer for measuring air pressure within the system and providing a corresponding signal, potentiometer for setting and monitoring system pressure in response to signal input from the transducer, air accumulator tank, and pneumatic piston cylinder assembly. The apparatus may also include at least one user controlled electrically switchable four way valve for providing bi-directional resistance. The apparatus is adaptable for providing unilateral or bilateral exercise movements, with or without bi-directional resistance, and can be used to provide range of motion exercise without resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus and control system for establishing and maintaining a user selected magnitude and direction of pneumatic resistance provided by exercise equipment includes at least one electrically controlled regulator for admitting air to and releasing air from the pneumatic system, transducer for measuring air pressure within the system and providing a corresponding signal, potentiometer for setting and monitoring system pressure in response to signal input from the transducer, air accumulator tank, and pneumatic piston cylinder assembly. The apparatus may also include at least one user controlled electrically switchable four way valve for providing bi-directional resistance. The apparatus is adaptable for providing unilateral or bilateral exercise movements, with or without bi-directional resistance, and can be used to provide range of motion exercise without resistance.

Abstract: A drilling fluid or mud additive having several components, including leonardite (humic acid); potassium acetate; partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA); polyanionic cellulose polymer (PAC); sulfonated asphalt; sulfoalkylated tannin; polystyrene maleic anhydride copolymer; micronized cellulose fiber; and calcium carbonate. These components are preferably premixed in a dry formulation as a powder or as pellets, and shipped to the site in bags or bulk tanks. This offers substantial advantages over the prior art in that the drilling mud of the present invention may be formed simply by adding the dry mix to a predetermined amount of water, and is thus much easier to make than the prior art wet mix drilling fluids, which typically require precise ratios of several different powders and liquids to be mixed together. Hydration buffers help keep the powder or pellets dry and flowable.

Abstract: An aqueous-based composition comprising a glycerophosphoric acid ester and a diacetyltartaric acid ester of mono and/or diglycerides when combined with viscosifier, sealant and weighting agent is suitable for use as a spotting fluid for downhole drilling operations for releasing stuck drill string. The present invention also enhances drill fluid lubricity, is nontoxic to marine life, non-polluting and may be safely disposed of in off-shore waters.

Abstract: A thermally compensating microwave cavity is provided. An active device that generates microwaves is disposed within this microwave cavity such that microwaves are emitted within the cavity. A first portion of these microwaves travels in one direction from the active device and forms a broad bandwidth signal. A section portion of the microwaves travels toward a reflecting member and is reflected. Once reflected, this second portion combines with and compensates the first portion. A temperature dependent bellows is utilized to displace the active device and the reflecting member relative to one another. Accordingly, as the signal emitted by the active device changes with temperature, the reflecting member is displaced by the bellows to properly reflect the second portion of the microwaves such that it combines with and properly compensates the signal.

Abstract: An aqueous-based composition comprising a glycerophosphoric acid ester and a diacetyltartaric acid ester of mono and/or diglycerides when combined with viscosifier, sealant and weighting agent is suitable for use as a spotting fluid for downhole drilling operations for releasing stuck drill string. The present invention also enhances drill fluid lubricity, is nontoxic to marine life, non-polluting and may be safely disposed of in off-shore waters.

Abstract: A W-band waveguide variable controlled oscillator incorporating a capacitively coupled Gunn diode and varactor diode arranged in such a manner that adverse environmental conditions do not deleteriously effect the stability of the output of the oscillator. The Gunn diode is electrically connected to a waveguide chamber within the oscillator and includes a resonator electrically connected to its end cap. The resonator is electrically connected to a DC bias source by means of a DC bias filter and a wire inductor. Opposite and above the Gunn diode is a varactor assembly including a varactor diode, which is also electrically connected to a DC bias source through a DC bias filter. A variable coupling spacer within the varactor assembly adjusts the distance between the varactor diode and the Gunn diode such that the capacitive coupling between the two can be adjusted. In addition, an adjustable back-short is incorporated within the waveguide channel to adjust the power output of the oscillator.

Abstract: An aqueous-based composition comprising a glycerophosphoric acid ester and a diacetyltartaric acid ester of mono and/or diglycerides when combined with viscosifier, sealant and weighting agent is suitable for use as a spotting fluid for downhole drilling operations for releasing stuck drill string. The present invention also enhances drill fluid lubricity, is nontoxic to marine life, non-polluting and may be safely disposed of in off-shore waters.