Texas Instruments Corporation

Other

Andrew Houbre

James A Forster

Michael G Vieira

Scott A Leavitt

Marvin Boedeker

Michael Raindl

Mark Brodeur

Melissa M Barbagelata

A hydraulic fracturing ball sealer used in fracturing of shale formations. A preferred embodiment is constructed of a generally spherical core and a pair of hemispherical shells positioned about the core. The shells are secured to each other along an equatorial seam. The multilayer frac-ball provides a strong but machinable structure with a pliable outer surface that is corrosion resistant, has a specific gravity that allows it to float in the fracturing fluid, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. The frac-ball of the present invention is a two piece metal and polymer design. A two-part embodiment comprises a polymer core with a metal case or shell. A layer of epoxy resin may be used to secure the shell to the core. Alternate embodiments include multiple layers of different materials, generally arranged concentrically within the spherical shape. The surface of the frac-ball may be smooth, scored, or serrated.

Hydraulic fracturing ball sealers

An electrical switch system () for use with a motor vehicle transmission has a movable contact assembly () mounted on an insulative base member () in turn mounted on a detent lever (). The detent lever () is mounted on a manual shaft () for pivotal movement therewith while a housing is rotatably mounted on the manual shaft facing the detent lever. A plurality of side-by-side arcuate contact strips are insert molded in the housing wall with contact segments () exposed on a wall facing the movable contact assembly. The housing is maintained in one fixed angular position while movable contacts sweep across the contact segments upon pivotal motion of the manual shaft. A control gap is provided by ledges () formed in the housing with a lip () of the insulative base member () mounting the movable contact assembly received in the control gap to ensure that appropriate contact engagement between the movable contact assembly and control segments is maintained. In a modified embodiment an additional lip (') and corresponding housing ledge (&#x2032;) is provided at an opposite side of the insulative base member.

Electrical switch system responsive to gear selection of vehicular transmission

A socket ( ) has a cover ( ) pivotably mounted to a base ( ). The base is formed with a seat ( ) for mounting a semiconductor device on a contact mounting plate ( ). A locking mechanism ( ) for locking the cover in the closed position includes an over center linkage mechanism interacting with a locking pin ( ). In a modified embodiment, the locking mechanism is provided with a pivotable locking member ( ) to provide either manual or automated operation. The cover ( ) of socket ( ) also comprises an integrally formed heat sink. In another embodiment ( &prime;), a separate heat sink ( ) is independently mounted on the cover ( ) provided with an aperture through the cover in which the heat sink is slidably mounted.

Socket apparatus particularly adapted for land grid array type semiconductor devices

Growing community of inventors

New Bedford, MA, United States of America

Andrew Houbre