Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for penetrating a titanium walled enclosure to dispense a fire fighting agent within the enclosure. A penetrating device is attached to the forward end of a rotatable barrel, providing for penetration of the titanium wall of an enclosure and insertion of the forward end of the barrel through the titanium wall. The rotatable barrel is mechanically coupled to a controllable actuating device, such as a motor. The actuating device is used to rotate the barrel, thereby driving the penetrating device to penetrate into the enclosure, allowing insertion of the penetrating device and the forward end of the rotatable barrel into the enclosure. Fire fighting fluid is dispensed into the enclosure through a fluid channel in the barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for a subsurface safety valve (SSV). A pressure-balance feature is introduced such that the control system components are unaffected by the depth of placement of the SSV. Through the use of this feature, the standard hydraulic control system used for surface components can also be used for an SSV regardless of its depth of installation. In another feature of the invention, a shuttle valve is provided so that each time the SSV is stroked, a volume of control fluid is purged into the annulus. One embodiment of the shuttle valve may or may not be sensitive to annulus pressure and employs annulus pressure as an aid to stroking the shuttle valve upon application of surface control pressure to assist in actuation of the SSV, while at the same time providing for a purge of a controlled volume of fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of actively tuned liquid dampers to quench vibrations in large civil structures. Such vibrations may be induced by earthquakes or high winds. The effective length of the liquid damper tank determines the natural frequency of the liquid, and thus the effectiveness of the damper at particular excitation frequencies. The liquid damper is tuned by rotating baffles to regulate the effective length of the damper tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maximizing the chemical integrity and, if desired, maintaining the mechanical integrity of a core sample during transport from a subterranean formation to the surface. The method involves cutting and encapsulating the core sample as it enters the core barrel with an encapsulating material that either (a) inherently is capable of protecting the chemical integrity of the core sample, or (b) is capable of increasing in viscosity and/or solidifying in response to natural decreases in temperature to maintain the mechanical integrity and maximize the chemical integrity of the core sample during transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to actuation of a downhole tool by hydraulic forces in a structure that does not employ lateral openings through the wall of the tool. By a variety of mechanisms, the tool wall is urged to flex preferably within its elastic limits. The wall flexing either signals a sensor which senses such motion to create a corresponding signal which can unlock a piston. Thereafter, hydraulic pressure differences are employed to move the piston to operate the downhole tool.

Abstract: A downhole tool, comprising one or more separate packers and sliding sleeves in the preferred embodiment, is actuable from a nonelectrical signal transmitted from the surface to the tool. The signal is received at the tool by a control system located within the tool. The control system operates in conjunction with a power supply in the tool to accomplish tool actuation. In the preferred embodiment, the valve member is temporarily retained in a sealing position, isolating pressure in one chamber from a different pressure in an adjacent chamber. The valve member or piston is temporarily retained by a high-strength fiber, such as Kevlar.RTM., in the preferred embodiment. The control system actuates the power source to heat a resistance heating wire, which causes failure in the fiber. Other mechanisms to trigger pressure-equalization can be used. The fiber can be cut by a cutter actuated electrically. The piston can be retained by solder which is melted electrically.

Abstract: A movable glove compartment for a motor vehicle has a locking device fitted to the rear portion, and a locking device adapted for use in the rear portion of a glove compartment. Use of the locking device in the rear portion eliminates safety hazards associated with protrusions of locking device components from the exposed portions of the glove compartment, improves esthetics, and allows the entire exposed face of the glove compartment to be cushioned.

Abstract: A setting tool allows setting a hydraulic liner hanger in a deviated wellbore. Subsequent to setting the liner hanger through pressure developed within the setting tool, the setting tool is reconfigured to allow full-bore passage therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, the flow communication to the liner hanger is interrupted after it is set so that the setting tool can have a full-bore clearance for passage of cement wipers or other devices and that pressure can then be applied in the setting tool to complete the cementing operations for the liner, as well as to actuate any casing or isolation packers.

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: This invention relates to the field of miniature multileaf collimators for use in shaping a radiation beam used in stereotactic radiosurgery And radiotherapy. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a computer-controlled miniature multileaf collimator capable of shaping a radiation beam for use in optimal treatment of nonspherical lesions by radiosurgery and radiotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for scavenging H.sub.2 S from aqueous and hydrocarbon substrates using an epoxide. Preferred epoxides are styrene oxide, 1,3-butadiene diepoxide, and cyclohexene oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the flow rates of each component of two-phase flow consisting of a gas and a liquid or three-phase flow consisting of water, oil and gas, including a first volumetric flow-meter stage, and second and third momentum flow meter stages Coupled in a series flow path with the volumetric flow meter stage and in which a velocity ratio between the gas and the liquid in the series flow path is maintained to be one. A processor calculates flow rates of the components of flow by solving volumetric flow and momentum or energy equations defining flow through the first through third stages utilizing a volumetric flow output from the first stage and momentum flux outputs from said second and third stages, and an indicator displays flow of liquid and gas or oil, water and gas components of the flow. To measure three-phase flow, a water-cut meter is provided to determine the amount of water flow, which is then used by the processor to determine the flow of the rest of the liquid.

Abstract: A running tool particularly useful for running liners on coiled tubing is disclosed. A torque-transmitting outer sleeve is employed which initially traps the collets. The collets are engaged to the liner by relative mechanical movement and thereafter lock in a secured position to the liner, regardless of whether the liner is placed in tension or compression by the running tool. Release is accomplished by letting down weight on the running tool, coupled with hydraulic pressure to shear a pin securing the collet mechanism. Upon such a hydraulic release with the pin sheared, the outer torque sleeve shifts downwardly to prevent relatching. Torque is transmitted through the outer torque sleeved and not through the latching collets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition for encapsulating a core sample as it enters a core barrel with a water-based encapsulating material that preferably comprises an expandable lattice type clay. The water-base causes the expandable lattice type clay to swell, forming a plastic mass which can be pumped into a core barrel to encapsulate the core sample and maintain the chemical and mechanical integrity of the sample during transport to the surface. Filtration control agents preferably are added to the encapsulating material to prevent water from penetrating into or interacting with the core. These control agents prevent the loss and/or invasion of water or other gaseous or fluid components. The control agents are (a) a water soluble thickening agent, and, (b) a particulate sealing agent capable of (i) sealing the pores of the core sample, or (ii) bridging the pores of the core sample and permitting the thickening agent to adsorb to the bridge to seal the pores.

Abstract: Stearic acid monoesters and diesters of polypropylene glycol (PPG), together with a hydrocarbon diluent, give exceptional defoaming performance in mineral processing streams over defoaming compositions made with esters of other fatty acids. The defoaming ability of compositions made from stearic acid esters of PPG is further enhanced by the inclusion of a relatively small amount of a non-ionic dispersing surfactant.

Abstract: A process of separating at least one mineral, e.g. silica, from an aqueous medium, e.g. one containing iron ore, by froth flotation using cationic alkyloxyalkaneamine collectors free of acrylonitrile is described. Alkyloxyalkaneamines free of acrylonitrile may be made by reacting an alcohol with an alkenenitrile having at least 4 to 13 carbon atoms. This process produces branching on the third carbon from the nitrogen of the resulting compound, e.g. 3-hexoxypentaneamine. In addition to the absence of acrylonitrile, the alkyloxyalkaneamines give better selectivity than some conventional etheramines.