Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are disclosed. Parallel configurations of back-to-back MEMS switches are disclosed in some embodiments. An isolation connection of constant electrical potential may be made to a midpoint of the back-to-back switches. In some embodiments, a separate MEMS switch is provided as a shunt switch for the main MEMS switch. MEMS switch device configurations having multiple switchable signal paths each coupling a common input electrode to a respective output electrode are also disclosed. The MEMS switch device includes shunt switches each coupling a respective output electrode to a reference potential. The presence of a shunt switch coupled to an output electrode enhances the isolation of the signal path corresponding to that output electrode when the path is open.

Abstract: A technique facilitates use of a liner hanger in a wide variety of environments by distributing loading. The liner hanger may comprise a liner hanger cone, e.g. an annular cone body, having a plurality of slots for receiving corresponding pipe-gripping slips. The slip slots and the corresponding pipe-gripping slips are staggered both longitudinally and circumferentially to distribute loading. An actuator may be used to shift the slips into gripping engagement with a surrounding pipe, e.g. casing, to improve the load distribution on the surrounding pipe and liner hanger cone once the liner is supported.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation and use of a liner hanger in a wide variety of environments. Depending on the application, the liner hanger may be conveyed downhole within a casing located in a wellbore. The liner hanger comprises slips which may be set against the casing by applying a pressurized fluid through a liner hanger port to a liner hanger actuator. After the slips are set, the liner hanger may be actuated to form a metal-to-metal seal which blocks further fluid flow through the port, thus isolating the port during subsequent downhole operations.

Abstract: A technique facilitates hanging of a liner in a borehole. According to the technique, a liner hanger and a liner may be deployed downhole into a borehole. A wellbore anchoring device of the liner hanger is initially actuated to engage a surrounding surface and to resist downward movement of the liner. Additionally, a hold down anchor is subsequently actuated to resist upward movement of the liner. The hold down anchor may be released via mechanical manipulation of the liner hanger.

Abstract: A technique facilitates joining of sections of tubing and related monitoring. An expandable tubular member may be coupled with an external tubing, e.g. a casing. The expandable tubular member is deployed into the external tubing to a desired position. Then, an expandable portion of the expandable tubular member may be plastically deformed in a radially outward direction and into engagement with the external tubing. A sensor system may be combined with the expandable tubular member to monitor a characteristic of the expandable tubular member.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation and use of a liner hanger in a wide variety of environments. Depending on the application, the liner hanger may be conveyed downhole within a casing located in a wellbore. The liner hanger comprises slips which may be set against the casing by applying a pressurized fluid through a liner hanger port to a liner hanger actuator. After the slips are set, the liner hanger may be actuated to form a metal-to-metal seal which blocks further fluid flow through the port, thus isolating the port during subsequent downhole operations.

Abstract: A technique facilitates use of a liner hanger in a wide variety of environments by distributing loading. The liner hanger may comprise a liner hanger cone, e.g. an annular cone body, having a plurality of slots for receiving corresponding pipe-gripping slips. The slip slots and the corresponding pipe-gripping slips are staggered both longitudinally and circumferentially to distribute loading. An actuator may be used to shift the slips into gripping engagement with a surrounding pipe, e.g. casing, to improve the load distribution on the surrounding pipe and liner hanger cone once the liner is supported.

Abstract: A technique facilitates hanging of a liner in a borehole. According to the technique, a liner hanger and a liner may be deployed downhole into a borehole. A wellbore anchoring device of the liner hanger is initially actuated to engage a surrounding surface and to resist downward movement of the liner. Additionally, a hold down anchor is subsequently actuated to resist upward movement of the liner. The hold down anchor may be released via mechanical manipulation of the liner hanger.

Abstract: A technique facilitates joining of sections of tubing and related monitoring. An expandable tubular member may be coupled with an external tubing, e.g. a casing. The expandable tubular member is deployed into the external tubing to a desired position. Then, an expandable portion of the expandable tubular member may be plastically deformed in a radially outward direction and into engagement with the external tubing. A sensor system may be combined with the expandable tubular member to monitor a characteristic of the expandable tubular member.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fuel injector that includes a sleeve member having an interior chamber, a piston member supported for movement within the interior chamber of the sleeve member and separating an upstream pressure side of the valve assembly from a downstream pressure side of the valve assembly, and a dynamic sealing device mounted to one of the sleeve member and the piston member for sealingly isolating the upstream pressure side of the valve assembly from the downstream pressure side of the valve assembly. The dynamic sealing assembly includes a PTFE seal member having a generally C-shaped cross-section defining an internal cavity having an opening about the outer periphery thereof the seal member, and a helical spring disposed within the internal cavity of the seal member for providing a constant sealing force to the seal member.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fuel injector that includes a sleeve member having an interior chamber, a piston member supported for movement within the interior chamber of the sleeve member and separating an upstream pressure side of the valve assembly from a downstream pressure side of the valve assembly, and a dynamic sealing device mounted to one of the sleeve member and the piston member for sealingly isolating the upstream pressure side of the valve assembly from the downstream pressure side of the valve assembly. The dynamic sealing assembly includes a PTFE seal member having a generally C-shaped cross-section defining an internal cavity having an opening about the outer periphery thereof the seal member, and a helical spring disposed within the internal cavity of the seal member for providing a constant sealing force to the seal member.

Abstract: A light source for testing sites using a fluorescent dye is described. The light source can include a low voltage lamp or a low heat generating lamp. An emission from the fluorescent dye can be detected through a filter lens, which can include a primary filter and a trim filter. The filter lens can transmit the emission from the fluorescent dye and substantially block an excitation wavelength. The emission from the fluorescence dye is detected through a filter lens including a primary filter and a trim filter, through which the emission wavelength is transmitted, but the excitation wavelength is substantially blocked.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present teaching provide systems for providing sample ions, methods for providing sample ions, and sample support handling mechanisms. The sample support handling mechanisms of the present teachings comprising a sample support transfer mechanism portion and a sample support changing mechanism portion, where the sample support changing mechanism portion is disposed in a vacuum lock chamber. In various embodiments, the sample support handling mechanism facilitates providing consistent positioning of a sample support for subsequent ion generation by MALDI.

Abstract: A hose (10) comprising a tubular body (12) of flexible material arranged between an inner and an outer helically wound wire (22, 24). The hose (10) further comprises an axial strengthening means (20) adapted to reduce deformation of the tubular body (12) when the tubular body (12) is subjected to axial tension, the axial strengthening means (20) being adapted to exert a radially inward force on at least part of the tubular body (12) when axial strengthening means (20) is subjected to axial tension.

Abstract: A hose (10) comprising a tubular body (12) of flexible material arranged between an inner and an outer helically wound wire (22, 24). The hose (10) further comprises an axial strengthening means (20) adapted to reduce deformation of the tubular body (12) when the tubular body (12) is subjected to axial tension, the axial strengthening means (20) being adapted to exert a radially inward force on at least part of the tubular body (12) when axial strengthening means (20) is subjected to axial tension.

Abstract: A hose (10) comprising a tubular body (12) of flexible material arranged between an inner and an outer helically wound wire (22, 24). The hose (10) further comprises an elongate member having opposing longitudinal edges, the elongate member being helically wound around the tubular body such that the opposing longitudinal edges of the layer are in an adjacent or overlapping arrangement, wherein each longitudinal edge includes a formation capable of interengaging with a cooperating formation on the opposing longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluid from a fluid system. The method or apparatus can include a pressure-reducing source to facilitate fluid removal. The system can be an engine cooling system or other fluid system.

Abstract: A conduit end fitting primarily suitable for terminating high pressure conduits having multiple concentric tube layers, of the kind typically used in the recovery of off-shore hydrocarbon deposits. The fitting comprises inner (10) and outer (20) coaxial tubular elements. The elements are engageable by complementary screw threads (4, 5) and are each provided at their opposite ends with screw threads (6, 8) to engage the conduit (100).

Abstract: A light source for testing sites using a fluorescent dye is described. The light source can include a low voltage lamp or a low heat generating lamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluid from a fluid system. The method or apparatus can include a pressure-reducing source to facilitate fluid removal. The system can be an engine cooling system or other fluid system.