Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional ball seat and method of use. In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a fluid control system that includes a radial protrusion that can be selectively engaged and disengaged upstream and/or from a ball seat. For example, a ball can be placed in a passageway, engaged with a downstream ball seat, and the radial protrusion radially extended into the passageway distally from the seat relative to the ball. A reverse movement of the ball is restricted by the active radial movement of the radial protrusion into the passageway. The control system can be used to control a variety of tools associated with the well. Without limitation, the tools can include crossover tools, sleeves, packers, safety valves, separators, gravel packers, perforating guns, decoupling tools, valves, and other tools know to those with ordinary skills in the art.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for completing and producing from multiple mineral production zones, independently and in several combinations. This is made possible only through the use of pressure-actuated circulating (PAC) valves and pressure-actuated device (PAD) valves in combination with isolation valves. Also disclosed are methods of completing and producing from multiple mineral zones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional ball seat and method of use. In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a fluid control system that includes a radial protrusion that can be selectively engaged and disengaged upstream and/or from a ball seat. For example, a ball can be placed in a passageway, engaged with a downstream ball seat, and the radial protrusion radially extended into the passageway distally from the seat relative to the ball. A reverse movement of the ball is restricted by the active radial movement of the radial protrusion into the passageway. The control system can be used to control a variety of tools associated with the well. Without limitation, the tools can include crossover tools, sleeves, packers, safety valves, separators, gravel packers, perforating guns, decoupling tools, valves, and other tools know to those with ordinary skills in the art.

Abstract: The invention includes in one embodiment an isolation string having an upper packer and an isolation pipe in mechanical communication with the upper packer, the isolation pipe comprising an operable valve and an object activated valve, and the isolation string coupled to an object holding service tool adapted to release an object to engage the object activated valve. The present invention also includes in one embodiment a method of running-in an isolation string with an object holding service tool having an object held therewith into the well, the isolation string comprising an operable valve and an object activated valve; setting the isolation string in the casing adjacent perforations; pressurizing the object to cause a release from the object holding service tool, whereby the object travels to the object activated valve; closing the object activated valve with the released object; and withdrawing the object holding service tool from the well.

Abstract: A valve with the following components: a pipe; an inner sub connected to the pipe; an outer sub connected to the pipe, wherein the inner and outer subs are concentric and define a sub annulus; a conduit between the sub annulus and an inside diameter of the inner sub; a sleeve slideably positioned within the pipe such that in at least one position the sleeve closes the conduit, wherein the sleeve comprises a section of relatively larger outside diameter and a section of relatively smaller outside diameter which define a pressure area on the sleeve between the diameters; and a lock of the sleeve in a position which closes the conduit.

Abstract: An isolation string having: an upper packer; and an isolation pipe in mechanical communication with the upper packer, wherein the isolation pipe comprises a pressure activated valve and an object activated valve. A method having: running-in an isolation string on a service tool, wherein the isolation string comprises a pressure activated valve and a object activated valve; setting the isolation string in the casing adjacent perforations in the casing; releasing an object from the service tool, whereby the object travels to the object activated valve; closing the object activated valve with the released object; and withdrawing the service tool from the well.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a navigation system suitable for use in civilian airspace includes a first precise positioning service (PPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver in a first line replaceable unit (LRU). A second standard positioning service (SPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver in either the same line replaceable unit (LRU) or in a second line replaceable unit (LRU) is also included. The second standard positioning service (SPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver is suitable for at least one of certification, upgrade and replacement independent of the first precise positioning service (PPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver.

Abstract: Semiconductor circuit devices (dies) are incorporated into moisture-impenetrable electronic packages by forming enclosures around the die in three separate parts—base, sidewalls, and lid. The die is first soldered or otherwise bonded to the base, followed by attachment of the sidewalls to the base, and finally the lid to the sidewalls. For procedures involving a heat-conductive base and a high soldering temperature, the die can be secured to the base at the high soldering temperature, followed by application of the sidewalls to the base at a significantly lower temperature, avoiding potential high-temperature damage to the sidewalls. Plastic sidewalls which would otherwise deteriorate or become distorted upon exposure to the high soldering temperature can thus be used.

Abstract: Semiconductor circuit devices (dies) are incorporated into moisture-impenetrable electronic packages by forming enclosures around the die in three separate parts—base, sidewalls, and lid. The die is first soldered or otherwise bonded to the base, followed by attachment of the sidewalls to the base, and finally the lid to the sidewalls. For procedures involving a heat-conductive base and a high soldering temperature, the die can be secured to the base at the high soldering temperature, followed by application of the sidewalls to the base at a significantly lower temperature, avoiding potential high-temperature damage to the sidewalls. Plastic sidewalls which would otherwise deteriorate or become distorted upon exposure to the high soldering temperature can thus be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for completing and producing from multiple mineral production zones, independently and in several combinations. This is made possible only through the use of pressure-actuated circulating (PAC) valves and pressure-actuated device (PAD) valves in combination with isolation valves. Also disclosed are methods of completing and producing from multiple mineral zones.

Abstract: A molten metal alloy, such as bismuth and tin, is injected into a die block to form a tightly packed rectangular array of shot pellets. The ratio of waste sprue to shot pellets is minimized and the shot pellet yield per casting is maximized by allowing the shot pellets in the rectangular shot array to touch other shot pellets in adjoining rows and columns through small interconnecting vias. The interconnecting vias allows the molten metal to flow between shot pellets, as well as from the sprue into the shot pellets. This allows the molten metal to bypass blockages that reduce the shot pellet count per casting. The flow of the molten metal through the die block is also improved by machining away a small amount of metal from the face of the die in order to form a flashing between the shot pellets.

Abstract: Electronic packages that consist of dies sealed within hollow plastic enclosures with electrically conductive leads penetrating the enclosure walls to access the die circuitry are manufactured by applying a heat-curable adhesive to the leads at only those locations where the surfaces of the leads will interface with the enclosure material, molding the package around the leads, and curing the adhesive during the molding process or during a post-cure. The adhesive is formulated to form a gas-tight seal around the leads and to maintain the seal during the thermal cycling that the components are exposed to during the typical procedures involved in manufacturing the packages and in making the electrical connections to other circuitry, as well as the typical environmental changes that the finished and installed product is exposed to during use.

Abstract: A process and structure are disclosed for a programmable array for use in a read-only memory comprising diode elements and shorted diode elements. The elements are connected across bit and wordlines. The invention utilizes lateral polysilicon diodes and metal silicide layer bridging the junction of pre-selected diodes to short pre-selected diode elements. Programming is accomplished by either forming the silicide layer across the junctions of pre-selected diodes or removing the silicide layer from the junctions of pre-selected diodes.

Abstract: A bleed valve design for a wireline pressure setting tool is disclosed. The chamber within the setting tool is vented through a bleed valve assembly which features a rupture disk secured over an opening with an O-ring seal. A piercing tool is used and in conjunction with the shape of the rupture disk creates a break in the rupture disk in a manner that will not reseal. Lateral passages are provided to direct the vented gases away from operating personnel. An alternative venting mechanism is provided by having a thin wall segment which can be penetrated by a piercing tool in the event the rupture disk assembly for any reason fails to allow venting of the setting tool.

Abstract: A process and structure are disclosed for a programmable array for use in a read-only memory comprising diode elements and shorted diode elements. The elements are connected across bit and wordlines. The invention utilizes lateral polysilicon diodes and metal silicide layer bridging the junction of pre-selected diodes to short pre-selected diode elements. Programming is accomplished by either forming the silicide layer across the junctions of pre-selected diodes or removing the silicide layer from the junctions of pre-selected diodes.

Abstract: Printing of a pattern from a die to a surface is performed by immersing the die in a bath of liquid print material with the die surface facing upward, then either lowering the bath liquid level or raising the die to expose the die surface wet with liquid print material, and contacting the surface to be printed with the wet die surface.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package capable of carrying high wattage and efficiently dissipating heat generated by the die is fabricated from a die, printed wiring board and metal lid, with a beta-stageable resin which is preapplied to the lid and which contains a thermally conductive filler material. With the lid in place over the die and substrate board, the package is heated to cause the resin to flow and establish contact with the die. Further heating causes curing of the resin and a permanent thermal bridge between the die and the lid.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package capable of carrying high wattage and efficiently dissipating heat generated by the die is fabricated from a die, printed wiring board and metal lid, with a beta-stageable resin which is preapplied to the lid and which contains a thermally conductive filler material. With the lid in place over the die and substrate board, the package is heated to cause the resin to flow and establish contact with the die. Further heating causes curing of the resin and a permanent thermal bridge between the die and the lid.

Abstract: A molten metal alloy, such as bismuth and tin, is injected into a die block to form a tightly packed rectangular array of shot pellets. The ratio of waste sprue to shot pellets is minimized and the shot pellet yield per casting is maximized by allowing the shot pellets in the rectangular shot array to touch other shot pellets in adjoining rows and columns through small interconnecting vias. The interconnecting vias allows the molten metal to flow between shot pellets, as well as from the sprue into the shot pellets. This allows the molten metal to bypass blockages that reduce the shot pellet count per casting. The flow of the molten metal through the die block is also improved by machining away a small amount of metal from the face of the die in order to form a flashing between the shot pellets.

Abstract: A wellbore tool is provided to perform work in a wellbore by converting a chemical pressure source into a force exerted over a distance. The wellbore tool includes a pressure chamber sealed by a firing head and containing a power charge which includes a plurality of chemical components which are burned in a combustion reaction to generate gas. The combustion reaction of the power charge is initiated by a resistance heater which directly initiates the combustion reaction by receiving electrical energy and generating heat. The combustion reaction generates gas within the pressure chamber, the gas having a pressure which pushes a pressure responsive member into movement relative to the pressure chamber for providing a force over a distance to operate a downhole tool.