Abstract: Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are disclosed. An example tissue retraction device includes a first engagement member having a first end and a second end, a second engagement member having a first end and a second end, a first elastic member attached to the second end of the first engagement member, and a first alignment member having a first end, a second end and a lumen extending therethrough. Further, the tissue retraction device has a first length, the first alignment member has a second length, the first elastic member extends within the lumen of the first alignment member and the second length of the first alignment member is less than or equal to the first length of the tissue retraction device.

Abstract: A system and a method for injecting hydrogen into Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) reactor support systems in operation during reactor startup and/or shutdown to mitigate Inter-Granular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC). The system may provide hydrogen at variable pressures (including relatively higher pressures) that match changing operating pressures of the reactor supports systems as the reactor cycles through startup and shutdown modes.

Abstract: A Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card enclosure is formed with an internal cavity adapted to receive a SIM card and a cellular transceiver. A wireless telephone is adapted for docking with the SIM card enclosure. A personal computer includes a docking receptacle for holding the SIM card enclosure and wireless telephone. The personal computer may communicate over a cellular telephone network when the SIM card enclosure is docked to the personal computer. The wireless telephone may conduct voice calls over a wireless link with the personal computer when the wireless telephone is undocked from both the personal computer and SIM card enclosure. The wireless telephone may communicate over a cellular telephone network when the SIM card enclosure is docked to the wireless telephone. Voice communications between the wireless telephone and personal computer may be conducted concurrently with data communications between the personal computer and the cellular telephone network.

Abstract: A system and a method for injecting hydrogen into Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) reactor support systems in operation during reactor startup and/or shutdown to mitigate Inter-Granular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC). The system may provide hydrogen at variable pressures (including relatively higher pressures) that match changing operating pressures of the reactor supports systems as the reactor cycles through startup and shutdown modes.

Abstract: A Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card enclosure is formed with an internal cavity adapted to receive a SIM card and a cellular transceiver. A wireless telephone is adapted for docking with the SIM card enclosure. A personal computer includes a docking receptacle for holding the SIM card enclosure and wireless telephone. The personal computer may communicate over a cellular telephone network when the SIM card enclosure is docked to the personal computer. The wireless telephone may conduct voice calls over a wireless link with the personal computer when the wireless telephone is undocked from both the personal computer and SIM card enclosure. The wireless telephone may communicate over a cellular telephone network when the SIM card enclosure is docked to the wireless telephone. Voice communications between the wireless telephone and personal computer may be conducted concurrently with data communications between the personal computer and the cellular telephone network.

Abstract: A computer is formed by two detachable modules that are electrically connected by a separable electrical connector assembly whose two respective socket-plug mating members are mounted on respective opposing mating surfaces of the two modules. The opposing electrical connector members are disposed on the opposing surfaces to be electrically and physically mated when the connectors are aligned and the two mating surfaces are in proximal contact. In some embodiments of the invention, computer functions are physically segmented into functionally differentiated modules (display function, processor function, memory function, etc.). Segmented computer functions are characterized by a measure of a reliability characteristic and segregated into one or another of the separable modules according to the rank order of the reliability characteristic measures. In another embodiment, the segregation is based on the likelihood a component will be upgraded.

Abstract: A computer is formed by two detachable modules that are electrically connected by a separable electrical connector assembly whose two respective socket-plug mating members are mounted on respective opposing mating surfaces of the two modules. The opposing electrical connector members are disposed on the opposing surfaces to be electrically and physically mated when the connectors are aligned and the two mating surfaces are in proximal contact. In some embodiments of the invention, computer functions are physically segmented into functionally differentiated modules (display function, processor function, memory function, etc.). Segmented computer functions are characterized by a measure of a reliability characteristic and segregated into one or another of the separable modules according to the rank order of the reliability characteristic measures. In another embodiment, the segregation is based on the likelihood a component will be upgraded.

Abstract: A symmetric dual-voltage charge pump and its control circuit generate bipolar output voltages. The charge pump converts a unipolar power source to a set of dual-voltage outputs of opposite polarity that are completely independent of each other. The charge pump includes two voltage-boosting transfer capacitors and two output capacitors. Two-phase operation generates an increased-magnitude output voltage of a negative polarity and another two phases of operation generate an increased output voltage of a positive polarity. The charge pump selectively charges one or both of the bipolar outputs with individual 2-phase charge cycles or with a sequence of charge cycles. When controlled by comparators with unequal reference voltages, the charge pump can force the bipolar outputs to unequal positive and negative voltages. Charge pumping is faster since only 2 phases are needed for charging either the positive or negative output.

Abstract: A direct detection receiver for a passive microwave and millimeter wave radiometric imaging system. The receiver includes a balanced switch low-noise amplifier (BSLNA). A front-end, low-noise amplifier (LNA) is inserted before the BSLNA to achieve a low-noise figure, as well as provide sufficient gain to minimize the input noise figure degradation due to loss of the BSLNA. A high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) diode is used as a power detector. The front-end amplifier, BSLNA and diode are process compatible for monolithic integration.

Abstract: A direct detection receiver for a passive microwave and millimeter wave radiometric imaging system. The receiver includes a balanced switch low-noise amplifier (BSLNA). A front-end, low-noise amplifier (LNA) is inserted before the BSLNA to achieve a low-noise figure, as well as provide sufficient gain to minimize the input noise figure degradation due to loss of the BSLNA. A high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) diode is used as a power detector. The front-end amplifier, BSLNA and diode are process compatible for monolithic integration.

Abstract: A profile control system utilizing an aqueous gelation solution with a controllable gelation delay mechanism for high temperature hydrocarbon producing reservoirs. The gel is produced from the cross-linking of a polyvinylalcohol-co-polyvinylamine copolymer with a dialdehyde or polyaldehyde or an acetal or bisulfite derivative of such aldehyde, catalyzed by acid derived from a latent acid, e.g., a water-soluble trialkylphosphate, as timed-release agent to neutralize the strong base, e.g., NaOH, added to retard gelation. When the pH is reduced to the optimal value, a strong gel forms. The delay time can be programmed by the molar ratio of strong base to latent acid and their total amounts.

Abstract: A method for water compatible chemical in situ sand consolidation with oil soluble furan resin. The three step water compatible in situ chemical consolidation uses thermally and chemically stable furan resin. The placement of the resin is by phase separation rather than by conventional fluid displacement. The method uses the injection of resin/water miscible organic solvent solution followed by a spacer volume of water and acid catalyst injection.

Abstract: A cement for forming a gravel pack in a washed-out interval is provided where a borehole penetrates an unconsolidated or loosely consolidated oil or gas reservoir which is likely to introduce substantial amounts of sand into the borehole. After perforating the borehole's casing at a washed-out interval of the formation, sand is introduced into the interval. Afterwards, an aqueous silicate solution is injected into said interval. Next, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible hydrocarbonaceous liquid is introduced into the interval. Thereafter, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate is injected into the interval. A permeability retaining silica cement is formed in the interval thereby making a gravel pack. Injection of the aqueous silicate and organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate is continued until the interval has been consolidated by the silica cement to an extent sufficient to exclude sand and formation fines.

Abstract: A sand consolidating method is provided for use in a borehole within an unconsolidated or loosely consolidated oil or gas reservoir which is likely to introduce substantial amounts of sand into the borehole and cause caving. After perforating the borehole's casing at an interval of the formation where sand will be produced, an aqueous silicate solution is injected into said interval. Next, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible hydrocarbonaceous liquid is introduced into the interval. Thereafter, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate and inorganic salt or chelated calcium is injected into the interval. A permeability retentive silicate cement is formed in the interval. Injection of the aqueous silicate and organic solvent is continued until the interval has been consolidated by the silicate cement to an extent sufficient to prevent sand migration and thereby prevent caving.

Abstract: A method and composition for controlling the profile of a formation where temperatures higher than 400.degree. F. are encountered. An aqueous solution of an organoammonium silicate, alkali metal or ammonium silicate is injected into a zone of higher permeability in a formation. Subsequently, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible organic solvent is directed into said zone. Afterwards, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate and an inorganic salt or a chelated calcium compound are injected into the higher permeability zone. A silicate cement is formed in-situ thereby substantially closing the higher permeability zone to fluid flow. Thereafter, a steam-flooding, water-flooding, carbon dioxide-flooding, or fire-flooding EOR operation is commenced in a lower permeability zone.

Abstract: A method for controlling the profile of a formation where temperatures higher than 200.degree. F. are encountered. Initially, an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide or organoammonium hydroxide is injected into a zone of greater permeability in a formation. Thereafter, a spacer volume of a water-miscible organic solvent is injected into said zone. Afterwards, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate is injected into the greater permeability zone. A silica cement is formed in-situ thereby substantially closing off the higher permeability zone to fluid flow. Thereafter, a steam-flooding, water-flooding, carbon dioxide stimulation or fire-flooding EOR operation is commenced in a lower permeability zone.

Abstract: A method and composition for controlling the profile of a formation where temperatures higher than 200.degree. F. are encountered. An aqueous solution of an organoammonium silicate, alkali metal or ammonium silicate is injected into a zone of higher permeability in a formation. Subsequently, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible organic solvent is directed into said zone. Afterwards, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate is injected into the higher permeability zone. A silica cement is formed in-situ thereby substantially closing the higher permeability zone to fluid flow. Thereafter, a steam-flooding, water-flooding, carbon dioxide-flooding, or fire-flooding EOR operation is commenced in a lower permeability zone.

Abstract: A method for forming a consolidated gravel pack in a washed-out interval is provided where a borehole penetrates an unconsolidated or loosely consolidated oil or gas reservoir which is likely to introduce substantial amounts of sand into the borehole. After perforating the borehole's casing at a washed-out interval of the formation, sand is introduced into the interval. Afterwards, an aqueous hydroxide solution is injected into said interval. Next, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible hydrocarbonaceous liquid slug is injected into the interval. Thereafter, a water-miscible organic solvent slug containing alkylpolysilicate is injected into the interval. A permeability retentive silica cement is formed in the interval thereby making a consolidated gravel pack. Injection of the aqueous hydroxide and alkylpolysilicate slugs is continued until silica cement has been deposited to an extent sufficient to exclude formation fines and sand.

Abstract: A sand consolidation method to provide for use in a borehole having an unconsolidated or loosely consolidated oil or gas reservoir which is likely to introduce substantial amounts of sand into the borehole and cause caving. After perforating the borehole's casing at an interval of the formation where sand will be produced, an aqueous slug of hydroxide is injected into said interval. Next, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible hydrocarbonaceous liquid slug is injected into the interval. Thereafter, a water-miscible solvent slug of an alkylpolysilicate is injected into the interval. A permeability retaining silica cement is formed in the interval. Injection of aqueous hydroxide and alkylpolysilicate slugs is continued until the interval has been consolidated by the silica cement to an extent sufficient to prevent sand migration and thereby prevent caving.