Abstract: A temperature control system and method reduces thermal/strain fatigue failures in connections between first and second circuit elements of an electronic circuit. A temperature control device is in a heat exchange relationship with at least one of the first and second circuit elements. The temperature control device maintains a temperature of the first and second circuit elements below a predetermined high temperature and above a predetermined low temperature when the electronic circuit is operating and when the electronic circuit is not operating to reduce thermally-induced fatigue of the connection. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the first and second circuit elements are also matched. The temperature control device includes a thermoelectric heat pump, a heat pipe, a finned heat exchanger, a phase change heat transfer device, a heat sink and/or any other suitable temperature control device.

Abstract: A heat sink, is made to have a decreased thermal resistance (sink to ambient heat dissipation) and increased heat transfer coefficient by reducing the thickness of the thermal boundary layer. The heat sink includes a thermally conductive base and a plurality of fins extending from a surface of the thermally conductive base. The fins are made of a thermally conductive mesh material. Alternatively, the heat sink can include a thermally conductive base and a plurality of pins extending perpendicularly from a surface of the thermally conductive base, the plurality of pins being made of a thermally conductive material, and being arranged in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of wires extending parallel to the thermally conductive base, each of the wires connecting the pins of one of the plurality of rows.

Abstract: In a radiator for a supercritical cycle, a refrigerant outlet is provided at a position higher than that of a refrigerant inlet in a vertical direction such that refrigerant flows from a lower side to an upper side in the radiator. Accordingly, even when temperature of cool air to pass through the lower side of the radiator is high, the temperature of refrigerant flowing in the lower side is so high that a sufficient difference in temperature between cool air and refrigerant can be provided. As a result, a cooling efficiency of refrigerant can be improved.

Abstract: A downhole tool hydraulic firing head includes an automatic drain that is opened when the piston is driven to fire. The automatic drain includes a vent opening from the bore and a sleeve disposed within the bore to move axially with the piston. The sleeve is moveable from a position covering the vent opening to a position clear of the vent opening. A locking collet is disposed between the sleeve and the housing, which locks the sleeve into the position, clear of the vent opening, when the sleeve is moved into that position. This locks the sleeve against returning to the position covering the vent opening when it is urged to move in that direction such as, for example, by venturi forces of the evacuating fluid or by pressure generated from the explosive charges. The firing head is useful to detonate downhole explosive charges, such as those in a perforating gun.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. Production wells may be operated at selected temperatures to obtain a desired synthesis gas composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating cement plugs and other devices downhole in a wellbore. A cement plug is moved downhole into a wellbore through a casing, and a transmitter sends a signal to a receiver. A processor engaged with the receiver identifies the elevation or location of the cement plug. Accurate placement of the cement plug eliminates problems associated with underplacement and overplacement of cement in a wellbore.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus for connection with a pipe string for use in transporting at least one gauge downhole through a borehole. The apparatus includes a tubular body for connection with the pipe string having a bore for conducting a fluid therethrough and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface has at least one longitudinal recess formed therein. Further, at least one insert defining an internal chamber for receiving a gauge is mounted with the body such that at least a portion of the insert is receivable within the recess for engagement therewith. The apparatus also includes an interlocking interface comprised of the engagement between the insert and the recess, wherein the interlocking interface is configured such that the insert inhibits radial expansion of the body adjacent the recess. Finally, at least one passage provides fluid communication between the gauge and one of the bore of the body and the borehole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a field weldable connection.

Abstract: A method for measuring one or more characteristics of an earth formation whereby energy is emitted circumferentially about a borehole into the formation, and the amount reflected back is detected during a plurality of sample periods. The samples are grouped into two or more groups by the azimuthal sector in which the sample was collected. Within a group, each sample is mathematically weighted according to the standoff of the detector from the borehole wall when the sample was taken. Within a group, the weighted samples are summed to produce a weighted total amount of energy detected within a sector. The weighted total is then transformed into the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation comprises injecting a heated injection fluid composition into the formation. The heated injection fluid composition comprises at least steam and/or hot water (“W”) and a solvent (“S”) into the formation. Suitable solvents include C1 to C30 hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and combinations thereof. The heated injection fluid composition has a first W to S volume ratio, (W:S)1. The W to S volume ratio is subsequently reduced, at least once, to a different W to S volume ratio, (W:S)n, wherein at least one (W:S)n is less than (W:S)1 but greater than or equal to about 1:1 and n is in the range of from about 2 to about 12,000.

Abstract: In stimulation treatments to increase the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, especially in treatments including hydraulic fracturing followed by gravel packing, desirable short wide fractures are created and filled with proppant by deliberately including in the first fluid/proppant slurry pumped a sufficiently high concentration of a bridging-promoting material, such as fibers, that reduces the mobility of the slurry when it dewaters so that screenout at or near the tip occurs.

Abstract: A cementing system for wellbores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a subterranean well formation to stimulate the production of hydrocarbons utilizing foam diversion in the well formation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure; and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims under 37CFR 1.72.

Abstract: A process for treating a carbonaceous material includes reacting the carbonaceous material and a process gas in supercritical water to at least one of hydrotreat and hydrocrack the carbonaceous material to form a treated carbonaceous material. The process is preferably carried out in a deep well reactor, but can be carried out in conventional surface-based reactors at a temperature of at least 705° F. and a pressure of at least 2500 psi.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture produced from the formation may contain condensable hydrocarbons fluids with some nitrogen containing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An oil well capsule to reduce the paraffin and asphaltene which accumulate on the walls of the pipes which are used to bring the oil up from underground deposits, and a method of using said oil well capsule. An oil well capsule having a shell encapsulating a chemically active mass wherein said chemically active mass consists essentially of alkaline or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a downhole formation according to which a plurality of jet nozzles are located in a spaced relation to the wall of the formation to form an annulus between the nozzles and the formation. An acid-containing, stimulation fluid is pumped at a predetermined pressure through the nozzles, into the annulus and against the wall of the formation. A gas is pumped into the annulus so that the stimulation fluid mixes with the gas to generate foam before the mixture is jetted towards the formation to impact the wall of the formation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims under 37CFR 1.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a downhole formation according to which a plurality of jet nozzles are located in a spaced relation to the wall of the formation to form an annulus between the nozzles and the formation. A non-acid containing stimulation fluid is pumped at a predetermined pressure through the nozzles, into the annulus, and against the wall of the formation, and a gas is introduced into the annulus so that the stimulation fluid mixes with the gas to generate foam before the mixture is jetted towards the formation to form fractures in the formation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure; and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims under 37CFR 1.72.

Abstract: A method for drilling a plurality of well bores through a single conductor housing which comprises providing a base plate which includes at least first and second well slots that extend therethrough, supporting the base plate on the conductor housing, suspending a temporary casing string from the first well slot, drilling a first well bore through the second well slot, removing the temporary casing string from the first well slot, and then drilling a second well bore through the first well slot.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a disconnect for use in a wellbore to separate a tubular string from a stuck wellbore component. In one aspect, the invention includes a disconnect with a first portion and a second portion and a lock nut preventing the separation of the two portions. When a predetermined fluid force is applied to a piston in the disconnect, a tensile sleeve fails and the first and second portions of the disconnect separate, thereby leaving a portion of the disconnect in the wellbore with the stuck component. In one embodiment, the tensile sleeve's failure permits an annular piston to dislodge a wedge sleeve from the lock nut, thereby permitting separation of the first and second portion of the disconnect.

Abstract: A slotting geometry for a metal pipe for use in fabricating slotted liners. The slotting geometry includes one or more integral substantially continuous unslotted helical coils extending around a peripheral sidewall for sustantially the entire length of a tubular body. There are helical regions between the coils containing slots arranged to create generally trapezoidally shaped elongated struts joining the edges of adjacent coils. Ends of the tubular body have unslotted connecting portions, thereby facilitating connection with the tubular body. Slotted liners fabricated using this slotting geometry have the capability of having their outer diameter expanded or contracted. This has utility when inserting or removing the slotted liners iinto a well bore. By expanding or contracting the outer diameter, the slots can be made to be sider or narrower, this has utility in controlling slot width.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for expanding a lower string of casing into frictional contact with an upper string of casing, and thereby hanging the lower string of casing onto the upper string of casing is provided. The apparatus essentially defines a lower string of casing having a scribe placed into the top end thereof. The lower string of casing is run into the wellbore, and positioned so that the top end overlaps with the bottom end of an upper string of casing already cemented into the wellbore. The top end of the lower casing string is expanded below the depth of the scribe into frictional contact with the upper string of casing. At the same time, or shortly thereafter, the top end of the upper string of casing is expanded. As the portion of the lower casing string having the scribe is expanded, the casing severs into upper and lower portions. The upper portion can then be removed from the wellbore, leaving a lower string of casing expanded into fluid communication with an upper string of casing.

Abstract: Improved horseshoe of the type substantially consisting of an element with legs (6-7), which either or not merge into each other, and whereby the upper surface (8) of which, which is intended for coming into contact with the hoof (2), is provided with unevennesses, such as grooves, ribs, protrusions or impressions, characterized in that at least one leg (6) or (7) is provided with a surface (17), (18), respectively, the surface structure of which differs from that of the remaining part (A) of said upper surface (8).

Abstract: A method of fire extinguishment with a gas, characterized by extinguishing a fire by ejecting at least one gaseous fire-extinguishing agent selected from the group consisting of argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide using a foam, powder, or water as a carrier.

Abstract: A method for collecting and eliminating flying dust and for fire extinguishing use, characterised by spraying the space concerned by jets of air to which water and possibly surfactant have been added by injection into said jets.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for a substantially enclosed area comprises: a plurality of solid propellant aerosol generators disposed about the enclosed area for exhausting a fire suppressant aerosol that is substantially void of an ozone depleting material into the enclosed area. Each aerosol generator including an ignition element for igniting the solid propellant thereof. Each ignition element of the aerosol generators being coupled to a fire control unit which is operative to ignite the solid propellant of at least one aerosol generator utilizing the ignition element thereof to exhaust fire suppressant aerosol into the enclosed area.

Abstract: A percussive rotational impact hammer assembly for creating high torques. A generally cylindrical piston rotatably mounted on a hammer inside an outer casing oscillates on the hammer and strikes an impact surface on the hammer. The piston and housing have pressurized fluid ports and passageways for conducting pressurized fluid to alternately load an impact-driving chamber and return chamber. The piston is accelerated against the impact surface and the kinetic energy of the piston is transmitted to the hammer transmitting the rotational movement to a member engaged with the hammer, such as a drill bit or other member. The rotational impact hammer assembly can be adapted for use in a downhole hammer, in break out tongs for drill pipe, in wrenches for loosening or tightening nuts and bolts, or in other mechanical devices where high torque is desired.

Abstract: A bundle of electric wires has a first length and a first diameter. A tubular braided wire has a second length which is shorter than the first length and a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter. The bundle of electric wires is passed through the braided wire, and then a connector is connected to each of both ends of the electric wires collectively. The connector having a third diameter which is larger than the first diameter. The braided wire is stretched such that both ends thereof are fixed on the respective connectors to form a reduced-diameter portion therebetween which is fitted on an outer periphery of the bundle of the electric wire. A conductive retainer is attached on the reduced-diameter portion to maintain a length and a diameter of the reduced-diameter portion.

Abstract: A radio frequency shield enclosure (100) is mounted on a printed circuit board and is adapted to allow optical checking of the components enclosed by the shield enclosure (100). A cover (402) is removably attached to a frame (102) on the printed circuit board for access to the printed circuit board components therein. Material and spring forces are selected to minimize the forces on the printed circuit board when attaching or removing the shield enclosure cover (402). Any openings or gaps in the radio frequency shield enclosure cover (402) are small enough to prevent radio frequency energy at the highest anticipated frequency from being radiated outside of the radio frequency shield enclosure (100).

Abstract: A device for providing radio frequency shielding is disclosed. The device includes a frame and cover removably attached to the frame. The frame is configured to extend generally around the periphery of an electronic component. The frame has an upper wall, sidewalls depending therefrom, and a plurality of stiffening flanges extending from the upper wall towards an interior portion of the frame. The cover has an upper surface and a plurality of members extending therefrom for engagement with the sidewalls of the frame. The cover and the frame form an enclosure for radio frequency shielding the electronic component.

Abstract: A EMI shielding gasket for interposition between a first and a second part of an electronic device. The gasket includes a foam or like resilient inner member, and an electrically-conductive member, which may be layers of a conductive particle-filled resin. The inner member has opposing first and second surfaces extending along an x and y-axis, and a thickness dimension extending along a normal z-axis and through which is formed a plurality of vias. The electrically-conductive member includes first and second portions, each overlaying at least a part of the corresponding first or second surface and providing electrical conductivity in the direction of the x and y-axes, and third portions each being received in a corresponding one of the vias and providing electrical conductivity between the first and the second portion in the direction of the z-axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding element for electromagnetically shielding an aperture opening formed, for example, in a metallic structure, a plug holder or a component housing. In the non-deflected state, a large number of conductive contact springs extend from the frame of the shielding element towards the aperture opening. The contact springs at least partially overlap one another and close the aperture opening. When a plug-in element is inserted into the aperture opening, the contact springs are deflected in the insertion direction and rest in a sprung manner on the component. The invention provides an automatically closing radio-frequency seal for an aperture opening.

Abstract: A power distribution cabinet for containing electrical components and associated circuitry includes a panel adapted to provide an interface for the distribution of power from a high voltage source to low voltage applications. The panel includes several outlet receptacle housings, wherein the housings are each L-shaped and disposed contiguously in a vertical series on the front of the cabinet each at a 45-degree angle. Collateral damage to the power distribution center can be minimized wherein a damaged single housing can be replaced without disturbing the remaining housings or outlet receptacles, thereby maintaining the operability of the power distribution center. The housings each comprise several weep slots disposed at the hydraulically lowest point of each of the housings so that condensation that forms on an inner surface of the housing is collected and drained through the weep slots thereby preventing any moisture damage to the interior circuitry and electrical components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to power input housings and assemblies for power distribution panels. The power input assemblies provide separate cavities with a centerwall for the power input cables to be led into and a cover closing the cavities. The cavities allow power cables to enter through either a top open end or a bottom open end and the cover is adapted to close the other open end when installed. Alternatively, the housing can be oriented with the open ends of the cavities to the sides, permitting cables to enter through either side and the cover closing the other side.

Abstract: A package for an electrical device having at least one connection locus for providing selected electrical access to the device includes: (a) a substrate having an accommodation site; (b) at least one electrically conductive mass arranged with the substrate in a neighboring relationship with the accommodation site; (c) at least one connection structure coupling the at least one connection locus with the at least one conductive mass when the device is situated at the accommodation site in an assembled orientation; and (d) an enclosing structure substantially enclosing the device and a portion of the substrate. The enclosing structure and the at least one conductive mass cooperate to present at least one contact structure accessible from exterior of the enclosing structure configured for effecting surface mounting of the package in a circuit.

Abstract: A package for an electronic component includes a metal support substrate having a pattern of openings therethrough and a body of an insulating material, such as glass or ceramic, on and bonded to the surface of the support substrate. The body is formed from a plurality of layers of an insulating material, and conductive vias extending through the plurality of layers to the support substrate; said insulating body having an opening therein, an electronic component directly mounted in said opening to the patterned base plate. The base plate can be cut into one or more modules and directly soldered to a motherboard having additional devices mounted thereon.

Abstract: A highly moisture-sensitive element and method of making such element includes an encapsulation enclosure encapsulating all of the highly moisture-sensitive electronic devices on a substrate and a sealing material positioned between the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure to form a partial seal (later to be filled) between the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure around each highly moisture-sensitive electronic device or around groups of highly moisture-sensitive electronic devices.

Abstract: A pressure vessel joint for repeaters in submarine optical communication systems is described. The joint employs a breech ring which secures an endcap to the pressure vessel. The breech ring and pressure vessel have corresponding keys. The breech ring slides over the endcap and is rotated such that the breech ring keys engage the mating keys formed in the pressure vessel. The endcap is seated on a pre-loaded C-ring which seals the secured structure. Additional, redundant piston seals can also be provided to further prevent leakage.

Abstract: An electrical cable and a method for manufacturing the electrical cable are provided in which a plurality of insulated conductors have an inner protective layer extruded thereabout. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs or fins or exterior ribbed or finned surfaces are formed outward of the inner protective layer between which exist a plurality of voids. An outer insulation layer can be formed in the same operation as the fins or ribbed surface and the inner layer or in a subsequent operation.

Abstract: A technique and system for insulating conductors is provided in which insulating tubes are formed by winding insulating tape on a mandrel, with two or more layers of tape being wound in the same or opposite helical directions. The layers are bonded to one another and multiple tubes are formed in a series which can be nestingly assembled. The tubes are selected based upon the insulation rating desired and the size of a conductor. The tubes are assembled on the conductor and bonded to one another and to the conductor.

Abstract: A multi-layer insulation system for electrical conductors, an insulated electrical conductor, a process for preparing an insulated conductor, and an insulated conductor prepared by such a process are provided. The insulated electrical conductors are lightweight, qualify for temperature ratings of up to approximately 230° C., and demonstrate mechanical durability and hydrolysis resistance. As such, these insulated conductors are particularly useful for aircraft wire and cable.

Abstract: The present technique provides a technique for electrically wiring devices using insulation displacement. The technique arranges a plurality of insulation displacement members in wedge-shaped configurations for piercing an insulation layer and electrically contacting a conductor of an insulated electrical wire assembly. The insulation displacement members may be disposed at any suitable angles and offsets to provide an effective multipoint electrical contact with the conductor. The insulated electrical wire assembly also may be carried by a wire support structure to facilitate insertion and removal of the insulated electrical wire assembly with the arrangement of insulation displacement members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining whether solder used during assembly of a printed circuit board is lead-free or not. This may include providing a pad on the printed circuit board and placing solder on the pad in a predetermined pattern. The solder may be heated so as to create reflow. The solder may later be examined to determine if the solder is lead-free.

Abstract: A polymer-based flexible structure with integrated sensing/actuator means is presented. Conventionally, silicon has been used as a piezo-resistive material due to its high gauge factor and thereby high sensitivity to strain changes in a sensor. By using the fact that e.g. an SU-8 polymer is much softer than silicon and that e.g. a gold resistor is easily incorporated in SU-8 polymer structure it has been demonstrated that a SU-8 based cantilever sensor is almost as sensitive to stress changes as the silicon piezo-resistive cantilever.

Abstract: A flexible circuit incorporating an electrostatic discharge limiting feature, comprising a dielectric substrate selected from polyimide or liquid crystal polymer film having at least one conductive trace coated on at least one surface of the substrate wherein the discharge limiting feature includes a thin conductive polymer coating selectively applied over a at least a portion of the non-critical region of the circuit, said feature reducing the surface resistivity of the circuit to about 104 ohms to about 108 ohms and having tribocharging of less than about 50 V.

Abstract: An anchoring mechanism and method are provided for securing a component to a printed circuit board. The anchoring mechanism may include a loop, a first leg extending from the loop, and a second leg extending from the loop. The first leg may mount through a first hole of the printed circuit board and include a compressible section to compress when inserted into the first hole and to expand after passing through the first hole. The compressible section of the first leg may support solder between the anchoring mechanism and the first hole. Likewise, the second leg may mount through a second hole of the printed circuit board and include a compressible section to compress when inserted into the second hole and to expand after passing through the second hole. The compressible section of the second leg may support solder between the anchoring mechanism and the second hole.

Abstract: A circuit board includes a first layer of an electrically non-conducting material for carrying circuit components, and a second layer of an electrically conductive material for providing a common ground. At least one spot of a relatively more solderable material than the material of the second layer is in electrical contact with the second layer and is aligned with an opening through the first layer so that electrical connection can be made between the components on the first layer and the second layer by soldering to the spot. These anchor points provide a reliable way to connect circuit components to a common ground, from the top of the circuit board, without having to use backside screws and without having to penetrate the second layer.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit is disclosed which includes at least one roller cone rotatably mounted to a bit body. The bit body includes therein a lubricant reservoir adapted to supply lubricant to bearings on which the roller cone rotates about the bit body. The bit includes a sensor adapted to detect drilling fluid contamination of the lubricant. The bit includes a processor/transmitter operatively coupled to the sensor and adapted to communicate signals corresponding to detected contamination.

Abstract: A method and system of drilling straight directional and multilateral wells utilizing hydraulic frictional controlled drilling, by providing concentric casing strings to define a plurality of annuli therebetween; injecting fluid down some of the annuli; returning the fluid up at least one annulus so that the return flow creates adequate hydraulic friction within the return annulus to control the return flow within the well. The hydraulic friction should be minimized on the injection side to require less hydraulic horsepower and be maximized on the return side to create the desired subsurface friction to control the well.

Abstract: A method of drilling sub-sea oil and gas production wells in which a liquid hydrocarbon substance, such as a natural gas liquid, is injected into the drilling mud supplied to the well in order to reduce the mud density. The method of the present invention enables reduction and control of the hydraulic pressure of the drilling mud while drilling production wells in deep water, thereby to require fewer casing runs which eventually yields better oil productivity.