190 results about "Neutral buoyancy" patented technology

Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that utilize relatively lightweight and / or substantially neutrally buoyant particulates. Particles that may be employed include particulates of naturally occurring materials that may be optionally strengthened or hardened by exposure to a modifying agent; porous materials including selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and / or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and / or penetrating materials; and well treating aggregates composed of an organic lightweight material and a weight modifying agent. The relatively lightweight particulate may be suspended as a substantially neutral buoyant particulate and stored with a carrier fluid as a pumpable slurry.

A super-enhanced aquatic floating island plant habitat that is adjustably buoyant and optionally biodegradable. The first embodiment is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer, a mat, soil / flotation chambers, apertures, nutrient channels, buoyant waterscape options, and a tethering system. The floating island can include monitors that measure water and atmospheric conditions, dispensers for fish food or chemicals, and a water agitation / oxygenation device. Another embodiment comprises a positively buoyant soil matrix contained within a water-permeable bag. Another embodiment comprises a flotation collar, an outrigger, and one or more water-permeable bladders containing negatively or neutrally buoyant bedding soil. The present invention also covers an aquarium-scale floating island and submersible planter, a plant containment bag made out of thermoplastic elastomer, and several methods of adjusting the buoyancy of a floating island. A method of manufacturing a floating island comprising molded thermoplastic elastomer.

Biodegradable, compression resistant microparticles adapted for injection through a catheter system, such as is useful for selective embolization procedures. The microparticles can optimally be neutrally buoyant relative to a target bodily fluid. Various active agents may be included in the microparticles, such an anesthetic which can reduce pain during an embolization procedure. The invention further comprises methods and equipment for testing and delivering compression resistant microparticles.

The present invention provides a color display device in which each pixel can display four high quality color states. More specifically, an electrophoretic fluid is provided which comprises four types of particles, dispersed in a solvent or solvent mixture. The fluid may further comprise substantially uncharged neutral buoyancy particles.

The present invention is directed to an electrophoretic fluid which comprises uncharged or lightly charged neutral buoyancy particles. The resulting fluid can improve not only image stability but also contrast ratio of a display device, without significantly affecting the switching speed. The present invention is also directed to an electrophoretic display comprising display cells filled with the electrophoretic fluid.

The present invention is directed to an electrophoretic fluid comprising uncharged or lightly charged neutral buoyancy particles. The resulting fluid can improve not only image stability but also contrast ratio of a display device, without significantly affecting the switching speed. The present invention is also directed to an electrophoretic display comprising display cells filled with the electrophoretic fluid.

A technique using a curved channel of a spiral device to introduce a centrifugal force upon neutrally buoyant particles flowing in a fluid, e.g. water, to facilitate improved separation of such particles from the fluid is provided. As these neutrally buoyant particles flow through the channel, a tubular pinch effect causes the particles to flow in a tubular band. The introduced centrifugal force perturbs the tubular band (e.g. forces the tubular band to flow in a manner offset from a center of the channel), resulting in an asymmetric inertial migration of the band toward the inner wall of the channel. This allows for focusing and compaction of suspended particulates into a narrow band for extraction. The separation principle contemplated herein implements a balance of the centrifugal and fluidic forces to achieve asymmetric inertial equilibrium near the inner sidewall.

The present invention provides a color display device in which each pixel or sub-pixel can display four high quality color states. More specifically, an electrophoretic fluid is provided which comprises four types of particles, dispersed in a solvent or solvent mixture. The fluid may further comprise substantially uncharged neutral buoyancy particles.

The present invention provides a solution for a highlight or multicolor display device, in which each display cell can display high quality color states. More specifically, an electrophoretic fluid is provided which comprises three types of charged particles and a fourth type of particles which is substantially uncharged neutral buoyancy particles, all of which are dispersed in a solvent or solvent mixture.

A hybrid aerial vehicle is optimized, for example, and not by way of limitation, to operate above 100,000 feet in altitude and provide persistent and maneuverable flight while carrying a wide array of communications and sensing payloads. The hybrid vehicle may use the high altitude winds to gain altitude by pitching up with the center of gravity (CG) control and using its propulsion drive to thrust into the wind to create aerodynamic lift to rise above the neutral buoyancy altitude. The hybrid vehicle will pitch down with the CG control so as to use gravity and propulsion to accelerate. Yaw control directs the flight towards any compass direction by rotating the gondola. This maneuvering capability permits the vehicle to station operate persistently, even in high winds. The lighter-than-air inflatable saucer shape is optimized for maintaining an aerodynamic cross-section to the prevailing wind from any direction in the vehicle horizontal plane. A gondola below the saucer contains a motor, batteries, solar collector, sensors, and yaw and CG control mechanisms.

An airship has a generally spherical shape and has an internal envelope for containing a lifting gas such as Helium or Hydrogen. The airship has a propulsion and control system that permits it to be flown to a desired loitering location, and to be maintained in that location for a period of time. In one embodiment the airship may achieve neutral buoyancy when the internal envelope is as little as 7% full of lifting gas, and may have a service ceiling of about 60,000 ft. The airship has an equipment module that can include either communications equipment, or monitoring equipment, or both. The airship can be remotely controlled from a ground station. The airship has a solar cell array and electric motors of the propulsion and control system are driven by power obtained from the array. The airship also has an auxiliary power unit that can be used to drive the electric motors. The airship can have a pusher propeller that assists in driving the airship and also moves the point of flow separation of the spherical airship further aft. In one embodiment the airship can be refuelled at altitude to permit extended loitering.

The present invention relates generally a method and apparatus for adjusting the buoyancy of towed seismic arrays comprising a plurality of streamers and specifically to the dynamic buoyancy control of the buoyancy of a towed array of streamers by means of applying current to electroactive polymers (EAP) incorporated within the towed array of seismic streamers. The bulk density of the streamer array is electrically altered to accomplish neutral buoyancy for a towed array of streamers within the full range of water-densities from fresh to extremely dense seawater.

The present invention provides a color display device in which each pixel can display four high quality color states. More specifically, an electrophoretic fluid is provided which comprises four types of particles, dispersed in a solvent or solvent mixture. The fluid may further comprise substantially uncharged neutral buoyancy particles.

The present invention is directed to an electrophoretic fluid comprising uncharged or lightly charged neutral buoyancy particles. The resulting fluid can improve not only image stability but also contrast ratio of a display device, without significantly affecting the switching speed. The present invention is also directed to an electrophoretic display comprising display cells filled with the electrophoretic fluid.

Proppant used to keep open a fissure in a reservoir created by hydraulic or other action is disclosed. The proppant demonstrates a reduced specific gravity controlled by the geometry of the structure of the proppant. Proppant must be capable of withstanding the hydrostatic environment of the hydraulic pumping system, pass through a perforation in the casing of the well, travel into the fissure, and, upon reduction of hydrostatic pressure, withstand the closure pressure of the formation. A proppant having neutral buoyancy or substantial neutral buoyancy yet capable of withstanding the hydraulic and closure pressures is described that has a tubular structure hollow in the center with a wall of material sufficiently strong to withstand the majority of closure pressures.

Methods for installing tubulars (for example, conduits, casing or liners) into a highly deviated wellbore are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the method comprises a) drilling the well to the planned total depth of the interval, b) placing a first fluid into the wellbore below a prescribed measured depth in the high-angle portion of the wellbore, said first fluid having a density that causes the portion of the tubular that extends into the first fluid to become substantially neutrally buoyant, c) placing a second fluid into the wellbore above the prescribed measured depth, said second fluid having a density less than said first fluid, d) plugging the distal portion of the tubular with a lower plug (or check valve) and an upper plug, e) as the tubular is run into the wellbore, placing a lightweight fluid into the plugged section of tubular and a heavy fluid above the plugged section of tubular, and f) running the tubular into the wellbore to the planned total depth.

An airship has a generally spherical shape and has an internal envelope for containing a lifting gas such as Helium or Hydrogen. The airship has a propulsion and control system that permits it to be flown to a desired loitering location, and to be maintained in that location for a period of time. In one embodiment the airship may achieve neutral buoyancy when the internal envelope is as little as 7% full of lifting gas, and may have a service ceiling of about 60,000 ft. The airship has an equipment module that can include either communications equipment, or monitoring equipment, or both. The airship can be remotely controlled from a ground station. The airship has a solar cell array and electric motors of the propulsion and control system are driven by power obtained from the array. The airship also has an auxiliary power unit that can be used to drive the electric motors. The airship can have a pusher propeller that assists in driving the airship and also moves the point of flow separation of the spherical airship further aft. In one embodiment the airship can be refuelled at altitude to permit extended loitering.

A neutrally buoyant airship, such as a blimp, contains a lifting body which allows the airship to remain neutrally buoyant in air and a fuel cell located in the airship. A method of generating power in the neutrally buoyant airship, comprising providing a fuel and a oxidizer to a solid oxide fuel cell to generate power, and providing heat from the fuel cell to a remotely located lifting body, wherein the lifting body allows the airship to remain neutrally buoyant in air.

Implantable devices, methods of implantation and tools for performing the implantations. A device includes a volume occupying member having a working configuration such that, when the device is implanted into the abdominal cavity of the patient, the device performs at least one of: prevention of expansion of the stomach of the patient into a space occupied by the volume occupying member in the abdominal cavity; and compression of a portion of the stomach. A device is configured to have substantially neutral buoyancy or a slightly positive buoyancy when implanted in the abdominal cavity external of the stomach. An attachment member is connected to the volume occupying member, and at least a portion of the attachment member is configured to encourage tissue ingrowth from at least one internal abdominal structure when held in contact therewith.

The present invention provides a solution for a highlight or multicolor display device, in which each display cell can display high quality color states. More specifically, an electrophoretic fluid is provided which comprises three types of charged particles and a fourth type of particles which is substantially uncharged neutral buoyancy particles, all of which are dispersed in a solvent or solvent mixture.

Implantable devices, methods of implantation and tools for performing the implantations. A device includes a volume occupying member having a working configuration such that, when the device is implanted into the abdominal cavity of the patient, the device performs at least one of: prevention of expansion of the stomach of the patient into a space occupied by the volume occupying member in the abdominal cavity; and compression of a portion of the stomach. A device is configured to have substantially neutral buoyancy or a slightly positive buoyancy when implanted in the abdominal cavity external of the stomach. An attachment member is connected to the volume occupying member, and at least a portion of the attachment member is configured to encourage tissue ingrowth from at least one internal abdominal structure when held in contact therewith.

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV (200) includes a body (204) having a flush shape; a buoyancy system (202) located inside the body and configured to control a buoyancy of the AUV while traveling underwater; a processor (108) connected to the buoyancy system and configured to select one of plural phases for the buoyancy system at different times of the seismic survey, wherein the plural phases include a neutral buoyancy, a positive buoyancy and a negative buoyancy; and a seismic sensor (110) for recording seismic signals.

Wave energy converter efficiency is improved by dynamic tuning over periods from 5 to 15 seconds. Tuning methods are: for heaving, mass is varied by locking and unlocking neutrally buoyant masses or by trapping and releasing seawater; for surging, water-plane area is varied by force; for rotational variants of heaving and surging and for pitching, the radius of gyration is varied. Fixed mass is reduced by using materials and structures with high ratios of strength to weight. Fixed added mass is reduced by streamlining, by constant radius body profiles and by keeping moving structures out of the water. Added mass is varied continuously by using variable angle fins: effectiveness is enhanced by enclosure. In pitching, wave-bridging is addressed by limiting length, using locking and unlocking segments of the floating body or by using gravity as the restoring force. Solutions are described for heaving, surging, pitching and wave-following.

A rapidly deployable flexible enclosure system for the collection, containment and presentation of hydrocarbon emissions from compromised shallow or deepwater oil and gas well systems, pipelines, other structures, including subsea fissures. The flexible containment enclosure can accommodate various depths and collection terminator configurations. The flexible containment enclosure system is connected to a floating platform and supported by positive offset neutral buoyancy attachment devices. The floating platform with the flexible containment enclosure separates liquid and gaseous materials and directs them to separate ports for removal from a rigid enclosure cavity integrated within the floating platform. Gaseous emissions may optionally be directed to a tethered floating flare system. The system has the ability to partially or fully submerge for extended durations and resurface on demand manually or by transmitted signal. The system provides for operation by a combined tele-supervisory and autonomous control system.

A wave energy converter apparatus comprising at least two members joined mutually by a connector movable so as to allow mutual displacement of the members in response to waves in water where the apparatus is located. The apparatus also includes an energy converter for converting motion of the connector to electrical energy, and a device for storing and / or transporting elsewhere the energy produced. Preferably, the members are non-floating and completely submerged, thereby causing the apparatus, as a whole, to be neutrally buoyant. A member is additionally provided for maintaining each of the submerged members substantially at rest relative to the surrounding water with which they are in contact, such that the members move under wave action substantially in the same manner as an undisturbed water particle located in the same region, the at least two submerged members being spaced mutually by the connector so as to assume respective positions affected differently by the wave-induced water motion.

The invention provides a multi-medium complex-environment high-precision vision / inertia combination navigation method which is suitable for combination navigation of an underwater vehicle under a complex electromagnetic environment in a transparent medium. By means of the underwater vehicle for simulating rendezvous and docking of a spaceship and a satellite in a space micro-gravity environment, important test data and test verification are provided for the rendezvous and docking. The whole experiment system is used on ground. By means of buoyancy of water and adjustment of the direction of the ground electromagnetic field and the intensity of the electromagnetic field, the underwater vehicle is in a neutral buoyancy level, thereby satisfying an equivalent test condition of coincidence of space and ground. The multi-medium complex-environment high-precision vision / inertia combination navigation method can be used for controlling the underwater vehicle for simulating rendezvous and docking in space, so that the attitude, the speed, the position and the acceleration information of the underwater vehicle can be measured accurately.

The present invention relates generally a method and apparatus for adjusting the buoyancy of towed seismic arrays comprising a plurality of streamers and specifically to the dynamic buoyancy control of the buoyancy of a towed array of streamers by means of applying current to electroactive polymers (EAP) incorporated within the towed array of seismic streamers. The bulk density of the streamer array is electrically altered to accomplish neutral buoyancy for a towed array of streamers within the full range of water-densities from fresh to extremely dense seawater.

An improved method for building a plug in a horizontal wellbore using a fluid pill pumped into the wellbore at the end of a fracturing treatment. The fluid pill includes a high concentration of an ultra lightweight proppant, such as a neutrally buoyant proppant or an ultra lightweight proppant mixture. The fluid pill is pumped down the wellbore until it almost reaches fractures within a zone of interest. The pumping is then ceased or reduced, allowing the fractures to partially close. The ultra lightweight proppant remains suspended within the fluid pill while stationary. The pumping is then resumed at a very slow rate or as a short pump burst, thus causing the proppant in the fluid pill to bridge off until a bridge plug is formed.

A robust fiber optic cable is well suited for harsh environments, such as undersea environments, as a communication link to a mobile undersea vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the fiber optic cable is constructed to have neutral buoyancy in salt water. The fiber optic cable may include one single mode optical fiber. A suspension fluid, such as light mineral oil surrounds the optical fiber. In an optional embodiment, a plurality of strength members also surrounds the optical fiber and these elements are surrounded by an outer jacket. In another optional embodiment, the optical fiber and suspension fluid may be loosely surrounded by an inner containment tube, a plurality of strength members surrounds the inner containment tube, and these elements are surrounded by an outer jacket, which may be bonded to the inner containment tube.