Abstract: An optoisolator device is shown having a die attachment device with a planar surface. A first circuit die has first and second planar surfaces and a first side surface. A receiver circuit and a first photodiode are formed on the first planar surface of the first circuit die, where the first photodiode is electrically coupled to the receiver circuit. The second planar surface of the first circuit die is attached to the planar surface of the die attachment device. A second circuit die has a transmitter circuit that includes a first light emitting diode and is attached to the die attachment device in a position adjacent to the first side surface of the first circuit die. A clear plastic layer is formed on the planar surface of the die attachment device over the first and second circuit dies. An opaque layer may be formed over the clear plastic layer.

Abstract: A ring detect circuit is shown that includes a regenerative latch configured to be coupled to a telephone line. The regenerative latch is configured to generate a fast transient signal in response to a ring signal on the telephone line. The latch is coupled to an isolation transformer through a capacitor. The fast transient passes across the capacitor and through the transformer. A comparator detects the fast transient and, responsive thereto, generates a ring detect signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch driver circuit is shown where the circuit can control current driven devices and drive devices across a capacitive barrier. A mode control signal determines whether the circuit is in a current mode or a capacitive mode. In current mode, the circuit provides a current output signal at an output of the circuit in response to a subject signal, such as an ON switch control signal for a hook switch application. In capacitive mode, the circuit provides a clocked output signal at the output of the circuit in response to the subject signal, such that the clocked output signal can pass across a capacitive isolation barrier.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit for use with a transformer includes a differential transmit amplifier having first and second input terminals for receiving a signal to be transmitted and a pair of output terminals that may be coupled to the transformer. The hybrid circuit also includes a summing node receive amplifier having an input terminal that may be coupled to the transformer and an output terminal that is accessible external to the hybrid circuit. The differential transformer provides for improved transmit amplitude when a low supply voltage is used. The externally accessible output of the summing node receive amplifier provides for adjustment of the receive gain to improve dynamic range and for tuning of the hybrid for different circuit requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating coded messages in a wellbore between a transmission node and a reception node is provided. The coded messages are messages are impressed upon a fluid column which extends between the transmission node and the reception node. A transmission apparatus is provided at the transmission node which is in communication with the fluid column, for altering pressure of the fluid column to generate at least a portion of the coded message. A reception apparatus is provided at the reception node. The reception apparatus includes a rigid structural component with an exterior surface which is in direct contact with fluid column and an interior surface which is not in contact with the fluid column, and a sensor assembly which detects elastic deformation of the rigid structural component. The transmission apparatus is utilized to alter pressure of the fluid column in a predetermined pattern to generate at least one coded message.

Abstract: A wellbore remote control system is disclosed which includes (1) a transmission apparatus for generating at least one acoustic transmission having a particular transmission frequency, (2) a reception apparatus which includes an electronic circuit (preferably digital) which detects and identifies the acoustic transmissions, and which provides an actuation signal to an electrically-actuated wellbore tool if a match is detected.

Abstract: A plurality of downhole control systems interconnected by a network including a server for monitoring and controlling network communications. Each downhole control system is associated with a zone in one or more wells. The downhole control systems communicate directly with each other transferring information and commands as necessary. The downhole server monitors network communications to resolve data collisions and provides supervisory functions.

Abstract: Electrical generating apparatus is provided which connects to the production tubing. In a preferred embodiment, this apparatus includes a housing having a primary flow passageway in communication with the production tubing. The housing also includes a laterally displaced side passageway communicating with the primary flow passageway such that production fluid passes upwardly towards the surface through the primary and side passageways. A flow diverter may be positioned in the housing to divert a variable amount of production fluid from the production tubing and into the side passageway. In accordance with an important feature of this invention, an electrical generator is located at least partially in or along the side passageway. The electrical generator generates electricity through the interaction of the flowing production fluid.