Abstract: The present invention relates to an ion beam assisted method of producing a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating on the surface of a material. More particular, the invention relates to an ion beam assisted method using a fullerene precursor to produce a DLC coating, wherein the chemical composition of the ion beam and precursor are selectively chosen to determine the physical properties of the DLC coating.

Abstract: Process for forming diamond-like carbon coatings on metal surfaces to produce increased resistance to penetration, abrasion, and corrosion. A Ni/P coating is formed on an uncoated metal workpiece by-electroless deposition. While the workpiece is heated to harden the Ni/P coating, a vaporized stream of silicon is directed onto the Ni/P coating and the stream of silicon over the Ni/P coating is bombarded with an ion beam such that a NiSi.sub.2 layer is formed at the interface of the Ni/P coating and silicon and a silicon overlayer is formed over the NiSi.sub.2 layer. A vaporized stream of carbon-containing precursor molecules is directed onto the silicon overlayer such that a film of the precursor molecules condenses on the silicon overlayer. The film of precursor molecules is bombarded with an ion beam sufficiently to form a layer of diamond-like carbon on the silicon overlayer. A Ni/B solution or Ni/SiC solution can be used instead of the Ni/P solution, and germanium can be used instead of silicon.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a perforating gun is disclosed which supports the gun from above. The anchor can be run in with conventional tools and is settable in the wellbore by pressurizing the wellbore. Upon increasing pressure in the wellbore, the anchor sets the position of the gun by extending slips into the casing or wellbore. A running tool is disclosed which, upon further increase in pressure, disengages the running tool from the anchor. In the preferred embodiment, a detonating mechanism is lowered into the anchor by a slick line and the slick line is removed. Thereafter, further increase in the wellbore pressure sets off the detonator which shoots the gun. The pressure developed from setting off the detonator is the force that releases the slips from the casing or wellbore allowing the entire assembly to drop to the bottom of the wellbore after the gun is fired.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus are provided for increasing the pressure at which fluid may be delivered by a lavage/irrigation system.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods which are effective to prevent corrosion of metal surfaces involved in refining solutions having relatively high partial pressures of carbon dioxide. The compositions of the present invention comprise mixtures of a pyridinium quaternary salt and an organic compound, such as thiourea, which contains at least one sulfur atom double bonded to a carbon atom. The compositions are added substantially continuously to the solution to be treated to result in a final concentration of at least about 30 ppm of pyridinium quaternary salt, preferably between about 56-70 ppm, and at least about 5 ppm double bonded sulfur containing compound, preferably between about 10-13 ppm.

Abstract: A wireline pull disconnect is enclosed which operates using a system of trapped collets. The collets are releasable by a pulling force which is resisted by one or more Belleville washers. Upon the exertion of a predetermined force which will flatten the Belleville washers, sufficient movement of the components of the pull disconnect occurs so that the collets become liberated and disconnection is effected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maintaining the mechanical integrity and for maximizing the chemical integrity of a core sample during transport from a subterranean formation to the surface. The method involves cutting and encapsulating a core sample with an encapsulating material that increases in viscosity or even solidifies, at temperatures slightly lower than those expected downhole, or relatively early in the transport process. A preferred encapsulating material contains at least one polyglycol or chemically modified polyglycol from the oxyalkylene polymer family. The specific formulation of the encapsulating material differs depending upon the expected downhole conditions. For example, the encapsulating material can include a thickener, a nucleating agent, and a water swellable material or another inert material that is capable of sealing the core sample against water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installation of oil field tubulars, such as liners, is disclosed. The invention allows positioning of a liner with assurances that rotational forces or pressure applied within or outside the work string will actuate the packer or the release assembly above the packer. Specific deliberate steps must be taken in order that rotational forces or applied pressure actuate the packer setting assembly and the disconnect assembly. The preliminary deliberate steps which must be taken also incorporate a feature of converting a gravel pack crossover assembly from the flow through mode to the crossover mode to facilitate the gravel placement. Circulation or reverse circulation to promote removal debris upon insertion of the assembly without fear of actuation of the packer and disconnect assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A mixture of amines made by reacting an amine compound with an aldehyde compound has been found to reduce the levels of H.sub.2 S in liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon streams. At least one of the compounds must have an alkoxyalkylene radical. In one embodiment of the invention, the mixture of amines contains at least one hexahydrotriazine compound of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an alkyl radical, including substituted alkyl radicals, of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; where at least one of the groups is an alkoxyalkylene group. In another embodiment of the invention, the amine mixture may contain other by products, such as the monomers which make up the hexahydrotriazine, with or without the hexahydrotriazine being present. These materials are selective to the reduction of H.sub.2 S levels in hydrocarbon or aqueous streams in the presence of CO.sub.2 which does not compromise their performance.

Abstract: The present invention allows fishermen to easily stow the trolling motor and control housing while assuring that damage to the mounting bracket, the trolling motor, and the control housing is minimized. The lower arm of the mounting bracket is secured to the boat. The upper arm of the mounting bracket forms a cantilever that projects from a pivot point. Stress forces will most likely cause metal fatigue to occur on the flange called the "positive stow lock feature" near the pivot point. Shock to the positive stow lock feature is minimized by provision of a rubber-based leg to stabilize the upper arm of the mounting bracket. The suspension of the trolling motor and the control housing limits their downward travel.The bracket member is mounted within the column support bracket on the upper arm of the mounting bracket and is secured in place by an existing pivot pin. A bore on the top surface of the bracket member engages a bore on the top surface of a tubular member with the aid of a roll pin.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of detecting leaks in valves and fluid system accumulation downstream of the valve. Specifically, the invention relates to a threaded valve plug containing a fluid expansion channel, hereinafter referred to as a "valve plug".

Abstract: The invention comprises a tool with at least one extending member which causes the fluids moving in the wellbore after perforation to increase in velocity. The velocity is further increased by an auxiliary flowpath which permits the addition of fluid from the surface or from elsewhere in the wellbore or formation to be pumped to mix with the other fluids being produced after perforation. The auxiliary fluid further increases velocity, thus improving the ability of the mixture of formation and auxiliary fluid to entrain debris and remove it from the wellbore.

Abstract: A two-fluid method for fracturing a subterranean formation to increase the production of fluids from a well therein has been discovered. In a typical operation, a fluid pad is injected into the well which essentially simultaneously fractures the formation and forms a low permeability filter cake on at least part of the fracture. A proppant transport fluid containing proppant is then injected to prop open the fracture once the pressure is decreased. The filter cake is removed to permit production to begin. Although many conventional fluids may be used for the fluid pad, one preferred fluid pad uses graded calcium carbonate particle sizes and a modified lignosulfonate as a filter control agent. Optionally, a thixotropic polymer may be present as a viscosifier.

Abstract: The present invention allows operating room personnel to easily and expeditiously drape an endoscope. The present invention is preferably made of polyethylene or some other suitable plastic material. The cylindrical drape cartridge itself acts as a shroud and functions as a sterile barrier. The drape cartridge consists of an inner and outer polyethylene tube which retains the polyethylene drape within its walls. The proximal end of the cartridge is mechanically secured by detents and a chamfer that encase a corrugated pattern of the polyethylene drape. The inner tube acts as a mandrel, allowing the drape to be compressed in a manner that accommodates the various lengths of required draping while lessening the bulk of the draping system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for removing debris from a recently perforated formation. A vacuum source, such as a subsurface jet pump is employed, coupled with a sealing arrangement to isolate a portion of the recently perforated formation. The vacuum device increases the velocity of the formation fluids to enable them to entrain the debris and bring it to the surface.

Abstract: The invention is a compact ultrasonic tester involving rotating sensors. The processor rotates with the sensors so that the output signal of the processor goes through the slip rings, rather than the output signal of the sensors. A spraying system is incorporated in conjunction with rollers. The rollers take the applied spray on the pipe surface and paint a film on the outer pipe surface to allow a good contact for meaningful results. A floating shoe is provided for holding each sensor against the pipe wall. The sensors are biased into contact with the pipe surface and the machine can handle different diameters of pipe. By controlling the pipe speed of advance and the rotational speed of the sensors, 100 percent coverage of the pipe wall is assured. The machine is compact and can be installed behind existing electromagnetic/gamma testers without major modifications to pipe-testing facilities.

Abstract: A suturing needle is illustrated which can engage a suture to an outer housing, thereby presenting a relatively smooth surface at the distal end of the apparatus to minimize tissue trauma. A lock feature prevents unexpected extension of the needle from the outer housing which could release the suture. A finger switch is used to overcome the locking mechanism when it is desired to release the suture. The distal end of the housing and the needle are a generally similar flat profile to minimize uneven edges which could damage the tissue. The suture is retained in a hook located in the needle, the opening for which is retracted in the housing to retain the suture.

Abstract: A method and composition for control of in-transit and residual dust from coal or coke is provided. The method involves spraying the coal or coke with fluid, preferably water, containing an additive comprised of approximately 90-99% by weight of lignosulfonate and 1-10% by weight of polyacrylic acid. Sufficient fluid should be used to coat the coal or coke. The amount of additive necessary to prevent dusting will vary according to the conditions to which the coke or coal will be subjected.

Abstract: An endoscopic kitner features a delivery tube with a continuous supply of absorbent material. The absorbent material is retractable into a housing as new absorbent material is placed in position for use. The spent absorbing material is movable into a housing for removal of the kitner. A hand-held drive mechanism is employed to advance the absorbent material.