78 results about "Fluid shifting" patented technology

Methods and apparatus are described for fiber-based fluid diversion in hydrocarbon-containing wells. One method embodiment of the invention comprises treating a first zone in a well; conveying a tool into the well, the tool carrying a composition comprising fibers; and activating the tool to deploy enough of the composition to form a fibrous plug and at least partially plug the first zone. The tool may be a positive displacement bailer, and an apparatus of the invention comprises a positive displacement bailer; the bailer comprising a compartment for holding a composition comprising fibers for forming fiber-based plugs in a well; the compartment partially defined by and cooperating with a positive displacement portion to expel and selectively deploy the composition in the well to form one or more fiber-based plugs in the well.

A fluid transfer adapter for use with a syringe barrel having a collar with adapter engaging structure and a distally-facing frusto-conically shaped surface is disclosed. The adapter includes a hub having a proximally-facing frusto-conically shaped surface for mating with the frusto-conically shaped surface on the barrel, structure for threadably engaging the hub to the collar of the barrel so that the frusto-conically shaped surface of the hub contacts the frusto-conically shaped surface of the barrel to prevent liquid flow between the surfaces and a fluid transfer having a passageway therethrough, connected to the distal end of the hub so that the lumen is in fluid communication with a conduit in the hub. The passageway includes a frusto-conically shaped edge that aligns with the frusto-conically shaped edge of the barrel, when the adapter is connected to the barrel, thereby reducing waste space.

Vial assemblages having a vial and a pre-attached fluid transfer device for use with a needleless syringe for enabling flow communication between the syringe and the vial. The fluid transfer device includes an elongated tubular flow member having a connector for sealing flow communication with the needleless syringe and a spike having a spike end for puncturing the vial for enabling flow communication between the needleless syringe and vial interior. The spike end is in intimate sealing contact with the vial's stopper. The fluid transfer device also includes a manually removable closure for initially sealing the connector and, on removal, exposing the connector.

An apparatus and method for extracting fluid from a subsurface formation is disclosed. A downhole sampling tool is provided with a probe having an internal wall capable of selectively diverting virgin fluids into one or more virgin flow channels for sampling, while diverting contaminated fluids into one or more contaminated flow channels to be discarded. The characteristics of the fluid passing through the channels of the probe may also be measured using techniques, such as optical density, to evaluate various fluid parameters, such as contamination levels. The data generated during sampling may be sent to a controller capable of generating data, communicating and / or sending command signals. The flow of fluid into the downhole tool may be selectively adjusted to optimize the flow of fluid into the channels by adjusting the internal wall within the probe and / or by adjusting the flow rates through the channels. The configuration of the internal wall and / or the flow rates may be automatically adjusted by the controller and / or manually manipulated to further optimize the fluid flow.

The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with an open-ended vessel capable of receiving and holding fluid specimens or other materials for analysis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between a fluid sample present in the vessel and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap having a frangible seal which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device. The cap further includes filtering means for limiting dissemination of an aerosol or bubbles once the frangible seal has been pierced. The filtering means is positioned between the frangible seal and retaining means. The retaining means is positioned on the cap above the filtering means and may be used to contain the filtering means within the cap. The retaining means may be comprised of a material which is penetrable by a fluid transfer device.

Impact energy forces to the spine are reduced through the use of multiple overlying pliable impact energy absorbing layers. Each layer comprises a plurality of cells that are in fluid communication which provides for a valved transfer of fluid between the cells. Additionally, each layer has a different durometer.

Methods are provided for associating a specific one of two or more distinct fluid transfer ports of a patient with a given fluid transfer event of fluid from a parenteral fluid delivery device. Aspects of the methods include establishing a fluid transfer connection between the parenteral fluid delivery device and the patient via one of the two or more distinct fluid transfer ports and transmitting a fluid transfer signal between the parenteral fluid delivery device and a patient associated identifier using the patient's body as a signal conduction medium. Association may result in identification of the fluid transfer port that will be, is being or has been employed for the given fluid transfer event. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.

Fluid diversion measurement systems and methods are described. One system includes a section of tubular having a main flow passage and a fluid diversion port, the section of tubular adapted to be either moving or stationary during a fluid diversion operation, at least two sensors in the section of tubular, at least one sensor located upstream of the fluid diversion port and at least one sensor located downstream of the fluid diversion port, each sensor adapted to measure a parameter of a fluid diverted into a wellbore through the fluid diversion port; and means for using the measured parameters in realtime to monitor, control, or both monitor and control diversion of the fluid. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a fluid transfer articulation mechanism that is proximally controlled. A fluid control, which is attached to a proximal portion, transfers fluid through the elongate shaft through a first fluid passage to a first fluid actuator that responds by articulating an articulation joint. Two opposing fluid actuators may respond to differential fluid transfer to effect articulation. Thereby, design flexibility is achieved by avoiding the design constraints of transferring a mechanical motion through the tight confines of the elongate shaft sufficient to effect articulation.

A fluid transfer device and methods and apparatuses for making same is provided. The fluid transfer device comprises a conduit configured to transfer a fluid. The fluid transfer device further comprises a sheath surrounding the perimeter of the conduit and extending along at least part of the length of the conduit. In some embodiments, the interior of the sheath may be grooved to facilitate movement of the fluid from the location or locations of a leak or leaks along the length of the fluid transfer device. The sheath comprises one or more leak detection portions configured to provide an indication of fluid leaking from the conduit.

A method of using a fluid transfer collection assembly includes providing an assembly including a base, a test media carried by the base, an inlet for receiving a sample fluid, an outlet, a fluid transfer path located between the inlet and the outlet, a movable first finger mechanism, a movable second finger mechanism operatively coupled to the movable first finger mechanism; first moving at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism relative to the path so that at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism engage the path to draw the sample fluid into the path; and then moving at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism relative to the path so that at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism engage the path to transfer the sample fluid through the path to the test media.

Method including the steps of providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and polymeric particulates wherein the polymeric particulates comprise a degradable polymer and a plasticizer and exhibit a Tg above about −15° C.; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation having a temperature above about 65° C. such that the particulates transform from rigid to malleable form and are able to provide fluid loss, seal the rock surfaces for fluid diversion, or plug an area along the annulus of a well bore; and, degrading the malleable particulates over time in the subterranean formation.

A mobile, real-time system for delivering an aerosol spray to a treatment area while maintaining the fluid within a closed environment for providing maximum personal protection to the operators handling the fluid during the transfer and application of the fluid. The invention includes a spraying device for producing a precise degree of liquid droplet generation on a repeatable basis by combining a specified rate of regulated flow of liquid material with a regulated flow of high-pressure air. The delivery system includes a closed loop system for calibrating a liquid pump, which regulates the flow of liquid within the system. A controller is coupled to the components of the delivery system for control thereof. The operator of the delivery system communicates with the controller through a user interface, which provides the operator with manual and automatic controls of the delivery system, such as the closed environment calibration of the pump and transfer of fluid from an external source to the delivery system.

A torsional ultrasound surgical hand piece lessens or eliminates chatter from lens material by imparting a twisting, rotary motion to a tip of a phacoemulsification needle at a resonant frequency in excess of 32 kHz. The hand piece has a horn that is designed to operate at an elevated frequency while maintaining size constraints for hand-held ophthalmic instruments. Optionally, heat generation is reduced either through the use of a polyimide tubing situated between the needle and the infusion sleeve, through the use of thermal watch to prevent overheating at the incision, and / or through the use of a bypass hole in the needle that diverts flow under suction into the needle via the bypass hole instead of exiting through an irrigation opening in the infusion sleeve when a tip port is occluded by lens material.

Apparatus for handling and controlling the nurturing of plants comprises a greenhouse for providing a first environmental zone for nurturing plants, a plant warehouse for providing a second environmental zone for nurturing plants, transport rails extending from within the first environmental zone to within the second environmental zone, and a plurality of ebb and flood trays. The first environmental zone is located in the greenhouse in a region positioned to receive substantial amounts of sunlight. The second environmental zone is located in the warehouse in a region substantially sheltered from sunlight. The ebb and flood trays each include a valve for controlling fluid flow into and out from a flood region within the tray. The valve includes means for receiving a fluid flow from an external source of fluid through a top end of the valve and, in response to the flow, for diverting the flow into the flood region of the tray. Further the valve includes means responsive to the absence of the flow for permitting fluid from the flood region to drain through a bottom end of the valve. A method of handling and controlling the nurturing of plants in an ebb and flood tray includes the steps of maintaining first and second environmental zones for nurturing plants; maintaining transport rails extending from within the first environmental zone to within the second environmental zone, adapting the tray for riding movement on the rails, positioning the tray on the rails for such movement, and carrying the plants in the tray. The first zone is located in a structure in a region positioned to receive substantial amounts of sunlight. The second zone is located in a structure in a region substantially sheltered from sunlight. At a first time, and if a first prescribed condition is satisfied, the tray with the plants is moved along the rails from within the first environmental zone to within the second environmental zone. At a subsequent time, and if a second prescribed condition is satisfied, the tray with the plants is moved along the rails from within the second environmental zone to within the first environmental zone.

A generally cylindrical quick disconnect female cryogenic coupler, interconnected with a cryogenic fluid transfer apparatus, includes a coupler body with a first cavity housing a laterally severed tubular bushing, an adaptor having one end attached to the coupler body and another end to the apparatus, a normally closed-biased valve between the coupler body and the adaptor, a coupling sleeve, attached to the coupler body having, a frusto-conical inlet portion, and a vent fitting having one end connected with a coupling sleeve radial aperture and another end in operative connection with a cryogenic fluid storage vessel, associated with the noted apparatus, to permit the inlet purging by using the vessel's own gaseous phase as a purging medium during liquid fluid transfer operation. The severed bushing inhibits ice formation, at an inlet / male nipple interface during the noted transfer. A method for purging moisture at the noted interface is also set forth.

Disclosed are fluid dispensers comprising: a) a fluid reservoir, b) a fluid feed line, c) a fluid transfer zone, d) a capillary overflow, e) a capillary control valve, and f) a porous applicator head, wherein: i) the fluid feed line communicates with the fluid reservoir and the fluid transfer zone; ii) the fluid transfer zone is intermediate to the porous applicator head and capillary overflow; iii) the capillary overflow is in communication with the transfer zone and / or the fluid feed line; and iv) fluid is drawn through the porous applicator head by means of capillary action; and v) the capillary control valve regulates the flow of fluid in and out of the capillary overflow.

An apparatus for drilling a borehole in a well is provided. The apparatus comprises a tubular conveyance system; a drilling system connected to one end of the tubular conveyance system and comprising a bottom hole assembly; and a flow diverter positioned in the tubular conveyance system and comprising a first flow channel configured to receive fluid from inside the conveyance system and at least two side flow channels configured to direct fluid from the first flow channel out of the tubular conveyance system. The fluid flow between the first flow channel and each side flow channels is controlled by a valve which is operable to divert fluid out of the tubular conveyance system or to maintain the fluid in the tubular conveyance system.

A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

A tool for transferring controlled amounts of fluid into and from a fluid flow circuit is disclosed herein. The tool includes a substantially closed tube having a first end, a second end, and a chamber therein; an elongate plunger having a fore end extending inside the chamber and toward the second end of the tube, an aft end extending outside the chamber and from the first end of the tube, a piston-like structure on the fore end, and a manipulable structure on the aft end; a fluid inlet duct mounted on the tube; a first coupler mounted on the fluid inlet duct for connecting the duct with the fluid flow circuit; a fluid outlet duct mounted on the second end of the tube; a second coupler mounted on the fluid outlet duct for connecting the duct with the fluid flow circuit; and a fluid transfer duct mounted on the tube.

A three-piece surgical drape with fluid diverting channel or sleeve therein and method of making or assembling the same. The drape generally including a first liquid impermeable section attached at either end thereof to second and third sections of the drape, respectively. At least a portion of one end of the first section of the drape folded back upon itself and intermittently tacked or bonded to the first section to create a channel or sleeve adapted to divert fluids. The channel or sleeve may also have a tube or hose placed therein to facilitate or enhance fluid diversion through the channel or fluid removal therefrom.