Abstract: Downhole pumps for producing hydrocarbons and/or other fluids from a well bore include a barrel having a plunger or plunger valve disposed therein and a stationary valve engaged with the barrel. The valve(s) include(s) an outer housing and an inner piston movable within the outer housing. Responsive to movement of the plunger or plunger valve relative to the barrel, the inner piston(s) is(are) movable between a first position that permits fluid flow through the valve and a second position that prevents fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A method for fabricating microchip devices is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first planar substrate, locating at least one first alignment feature in the surface of the first planar substrate, and bonding a second substrate to the surface of the first planar substrate. The method further includes the step of aligning subsequent process operations performed on at least one of the first and second substrates to visible alignment features of the first substrate, wherein the visible alignment features are at least one of the first alignment feature and a visible feature that corresponds to the location of the first alignment feature.

Abstract: A process of forming a capacitive audio transducer, preferably having an all-silicon monolithic construction that includes capacitive plates defined by doped single-crystal silicon layers. The capacitive plates are defined by etching the single-crystal silicon layers, and the capacitive gap therebetween is accurately established by wafer bonding, yielding a transducer that can be produced by high-volume manufacturing practices.

Abstract: A process of forming a capacitive audio transducer, preferably having an all-silicon monolithic construction that includes capacitive plates defined by doped single-crystal silicon layers. The capacitive plates are defined by etching the single-crystal silicon layers, and the capacitive gap therebetween is accurately established by wafer bonding, yielding a transducer that can be produced by high-volume manufacturing practices.

Abstract: A high performance protecting surface coating suitable for repairing damaged surfaces, and methods, is disclosed. The coating comprises a resin such as epoxy loaded with inert particles, preferably ceramic, and a curing agent for hardening. The coating of the present invention does not run or sag when applied to a substantially vertical surface.

Abstract: A high performance protecting surface coating, and methods, is disclosed. The coating comprises a resin such as epoxy loaded with inert particles, preferably ceramic, a curing agent for hardening, and a selected additive such as a solvent. The protective coating of the present invention has adhesion strength of at least 2,000 psi and impact resistance of at least 90 inch-lbs.

Abstract: A protective coating of finely divided abrasion resistant resin is diluted with a solvent and applied to a surface. The applied coating is cured to achieve either a single layer of inert dispersed in the resin, or two layers including a dense layer of inert in resin covered by a thin layer of resin, and to provide a glossy or matte appearance as desired.

Abstract: A composite fiber and resin sign post for displaying highway signs which provides great reduction in vehicle damage in the event a vehicle moving at high speed collides with the sign post. This potential is achieved by the controlling the mode and location of the structural failure of the post upon impact. The failure mode of the post is controlled by varying the configuration of the post in cross-section, in combination with varying the specific fibers and resins, and in further combination with varying the location and placement of the fibers. The composite post may be constructed by pultrusion, filament winding, or related processes. A preferred embodiment uses a ground anchor socket constructed either by processes and components similar to those used in manufacturing the post, or by stamping sheet steel and spot welding to form a socket. The anchor socket provides additional control over the post failure and makes replacement of damaged posts quicker and easier.

Abstract: A protective coating of finely divided abrasion resistant inerts carried in a corrosion resistant resin is diluted with a solvent and applied to a surface. The applied coating is cured to achieve either a single layer of inerts dispersed in the resin or two layers including a dense layer of inerts in resin covered by a thin layer of resin.

Abstract: A down-hole pump adapted for operation in connection with a string of tubing and a string of reciprocating sucker rod. A pump includes a cylindrical housing connectable to the tubing and connected to a pump barrel; a piston rod connected to a piston disposed within the barrel and extending through the housing for connection to the sucker rod; a valve piston disposed in freely slidable relation within the barrel and around the piston rod between a down piston and an up piston; a base housing end connected to the bottom of the housing; and a top housing end connected to the top of the housing. A plurality of axially aligned liquid flow discharge openings are defined in the piston valve and the top housing end and circumferentially disposed on a first radius.

Abstract: A device for testing the tensile strength of fiberglass rods. A hydraulic ram system applies force through specially shaped holders to the ends of fiberglass sucker rods having end connectors mounted by a combination of adhesive and compression joints.

Abstract: A fiberglass sucker rod construction is disclosed comprising a cylindrical fiberglass rod having a steel connector member adhesively bonded to each end thereof. The steel connector members are basically identical in their manner of being affixed to each end of the fiberglass rod, each connector member having an internal receptacle defining a series of tapered annular spaces for receiving an epoxy adhesive material which bonds the fiberglass rod in the metal connector member, thereby forming a unitary sucker rod having a male thread connector at one end and a mating female connector at the other end thereof. The epoxy adhesive cures, forming a sleeve having a series of annular tapering surfaces defining annular wedges that are oriented such that tension applied to the rod causes the wedges to be compressed between the rod and connector member, resulting in a radially inwardly directed force to retain the rod in position against such tension.