Abstract: An improved hemi-wedge type valve is disclosed that has upstream and downstream sealing surfaces that cooperate with opposed surfaces on the hemi-wedge valve member. This results in improved sealing and less leakage, at both high and low pressures.

Abstract: A material separator removes material such as sand from a fluid utilizing an inclined housing having a fluid flow inlet in a lower portion of the housing. Higher density material descends by gravity to a lower wall of the inclined housing and continues to travel down the lower wall portion to a lower section of the housing where it is removed. The remaining fluid which may contain a liquid and a gas is removed from the housing via an outlet at the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: A handling assembly includes motor driver wheel assemblies that are supported on one or more platforms. The wheel assembles can be moved inwardly into engagement with tubing, cable or rods extending through the platforms so that the tubing, cable or rods can be raised or lowered in a controlled manner by frictional contact between the driven wheels and the tubing, cable or rods.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for removing oil from crankcase gases flowing from an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes filtration particles, contained within an outer case, that collect oil particles and allow drainage of the oil into an accumulator. The apparatus includes a separation chamber which initially causes the oil to separate from the crankcase gases.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drilling perforations in well casing and drainholes into a subterranean formation around a well are provided. A tool body on tubing directs a mechanical cutter or jet bit to the casing. A hole is cut in casing and a rotary detent mechanism may be used to drill additional holes through casing to enable alignment of a jet bit with the holes for drilling drainholes without removing apparatus from the well. Disposable nozzles in a guide channel or nozzles on the tool body may be used for drilling through casing.

Abstract: A tool body on tubing directs a mechanical cutter or jet bit to the casing. A hole is cut in casing and a rotary detent mechanism may be used to drill additional holes through casing and enable alignment of a jet bit with the holes for drilling drainholes without removing apparatus from the well. Disposable nozzles in a guide channel or nozzles on the tool body may be used for drilling through casing.

Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of strips to be used for formulating high-breakdown strength and high-temperature capacitors is disclosed. The method includes forming a metalized substrate having a particular pattern, masking a portion of the metalized substrate, coating the metalized substrate with a dielectric material and removing the masking material and thus the dielectric layer from a portion of the metalized layer to form a contact surface. In lieu of placing a masking material on the metalized substrate, the exposed contact area can be formed by shielding a portion of the metalized substrate while depositing the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A display system for a parachutist is provided based on navigation data and calculations of locations where the parachutist should steer the parachute to increase likelihood of reaching a target. A two-dimensional representation of a navigation funnel is displayed. The display may increase situational awareness by use of color to indicate preferred positions in the navigation funnel.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: A double action locking jar is operable to provide a jarring force in an upward or downward direction. A pair of pressure pistons form a pressure chamber in which a Belleville spring stack is located. A metering orifice in one of the pistons serves to provide a delay mechanism for release of a mandrel within the housing. Two collets are located within the housing for mechanically releasing the mandrel when a tension or compression force is applied to the mandrel. The jar may be mechanically actuated only by allowing the pistons to freely move within the housing without hydraulic resistance.

Abstract: A tool body on tubing directs a mechanical cutter or jet bit to the casing in an oil or gas well. A hole is cut in casing and a rotary detent mechanism may be used to drill additional holes through casing and enable alignment of a jet bit with the holes for drilling drainholes without removing apparatus from the well. Disposable nozzles in a guide channel or nozzles on the tool body may be used for drilling through casing.

Abstract: A plurality of templates include cutting and sewing lines for forming a plurality of various pieces of two coordinating fabrics for use in quilt making. The template is made of a relatively rigid sheet of transparent or semi-transparent material such as acrylic. The cutting and sewing lines are formed by a plurality of spaced openings extending through the sheet material.

Abstract: A combined template and ruler for use in quilting is formed from a rigid plastic material and includes a plurality of spaced slots that correspond to cutting and sewing lines that are marked on layers of fabric using the template. The cutting and sewing lines are positioned such that a plurality of half square triangles of two ply material are formed without cutting the thread. A template and method of forming snowball blocks in a similar fashion is also disclosed.

Abstract: Flood proofing of buildings built on a slab is provided. Water having a depth less than a selected distance H above the slab is excluded from the building by windows, doors and panels that are sealed to prevent water entry. The panels may be applied over a variety of existing veneer materials or may be used in new construction.

Abstract: A shear type tree cutter assembly is adapted to be mounted on a four wheel field vehicle. The assembly includes an anvil with a concave section for supporting the trunk of a tree. The blade portion has a convex portion that cooperates with the concave section of the anvil to shear the tree. The blade and anvil section also may include a straight portion useful for pruning brush and small limbs.

Abstract: Projectile apparatus is provided employing light and sound that may be dispersed over a large area with high intensity to produce a non-lethal, visible and audible countermeasure to temporarily blind and/or disorient one or multiple potential adversaries. The apparatus is suitable for use in tactical scenarios by military, police, and special operations personnel. The apparatus is also suitable for use in training operations for military, police, and special operations personnel. For amusement or recreation, the apparatus may be used in simulated warfare or in games such as paintball.

Abstract: A rotary steerable apparatus is provided having an actuator for pushing the bit or pointing the bit that includes a shape memory alloy. An elongated form of the alloy, such as a wire or rod, is employed in a mechanism that applies force in a direction transverse to the wellbore in response to a change in length of the alloy. Temperature of the alloy is controlled to change shape and produce the desired force on pads for operating the apparatus. The apparatus may be used with downhole power generation and control electronics to steer a bit, either in response to signals from the surface or from downhole instruments.

Abstract: A suction manifold mounting for a fluid end of a high pressure pump having a frame assembly. The fluid end has a body forging with a detachable suction manifold plate. The plate is pivotally attached at opposed ends to a pair of swivel arms through a cooperating pair of yoke limbs. The swivel arms are rigidly affixed to the frame member. When attachment bolts are removed from the manifold plate, the plate may pivot from a first closed position wherein the mounting holes in the plate are aligned with mounting holes in the forging to a second open position.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for removing oil from crankcase gases flowing from an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes filtration particles, contained within an outer case, that collect oil particles and allow drainage of the oil into an accumulator. An inner shell may be used as a water accumulator.

Abstract: Apparatus if provided for use in wells, particularly wells that have high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in the well. The shells of completion equipment that is required to withstand the rigorous conditions in such wells are increased in strength by laminate layers that are formed of materials having higher yield strength than the yield strength of materials that can be used in well fluids.