Abstract: A system and associated method for forming a window opening in a poured concrete wall and installing a window therein includes a one-piece reusable window buck having a number of retainers temporarily coupled thereto. An anchor portion of each retainer becomes embedded in the poured concrete wall and after the window buck is removed from the window opening formed in the wall, the window is easily and conveniently installed in the window opening and secured therein by the window retainer and cooperating clip on the window frame without the need for additional mechanical fasteners or tools.

Abstract: A method is provided that allows the operator to re-enter a primary wellbore from a lateral wellbore after the lateral wellbore has been completed. The method generally comprises the steps of locating a cutting device such as a milling bit adjacent a tubular such as a liner within a wellbore, rotating the milling bit while maintaining an axial position of the milling bit relative to the liner to initiate an opening, and rotating and axially advancing the milling bit to complete the opening. In addition, a bottom hole assembly that facilitates re-entry into the primary wellbore from a lateral wellbore is provided. The bottom hole assembly generally includes a drill collar or other heavy pipe structure, and a mill. The mill has a body and cutting structures. The cutting structures apply lateral force against a surrounding pipe to form an initial lip through the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a borehole are provided. One system includes a continuously variable transmission. An input shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to a power supply. An output shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to one or more system components such that the continuously variable transmission controls rotation of the one or more system components. One method for drilling a borehole includes supplying power to an input shaft of a continuously variable transmission. The method also includes controlling rotation of one or more system components using the continuously variable transmission during drilling of the borehole. The one or more system components are coupled to an output shaft of the continuously variable transmission. Also provided is a borehole that is drilled by this method.

Abstract: Various embodiments for high directionals and kits for high directionals are disclosed. A high directional having an articulated, separable head is disclosed. A high directional having a height adjustable both by altering the length of the legs and by adjusting the leg connection to the head is disclosed. A kit for a high directional including a head, legs, and multiple sets of feet for the high directional is disclosed. The feet of each set are configured for different surfaces. Another kit for a high directional includes a first head component, a second head component, and a plurality of legs.

Abstract: A flexible connection joint for inflatable structures such as life rafts, evacuation slides, and the like, includes a flexible connection member to join walls of the inflatable structure together. The flexible connection member includes first and second strip portions that are bonded together at one end to from three legs that can be joined to two or three walls of the structure or to other connecting elements or strips. In this manner, a tensile force acting on at least one of the walls of the structure causes generation of shear forces between the flexible legs and walls to thereby resist their separation.

Abstract: Walls and other structures can be made from blocks assembled from relatively light-weight standard panels that fit together like a puzzle. The blocks are held together without the use of mortar. Each block is formed of six rectangular panels fitted together by sliding capturable elements into cooperating receiving grooves. All of the panels have a common thickness and each panel has two parallel faces. Three types of panels are involved in making the block.

Abstract: A thermal protection system for an ISO container includes roof panels attached to factory installed corner fittings on the container roof. The roof panels may be level or inclined and may include cavities for insulation. The standoff distance between the roof panels and the container roof is adjustable in certain embodiments. The roof panels may be layered to enhance thermal protection. Reflective coatings applied to the panels further enhance thermal protection from solar radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the operation of a downhole flow control device using a snorkel tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing gas from a subterranean formation containing a coal seam. The method includes the steps of drilling a substantially vertical well bore into the subterranean formation, which intersects the coal seam and fracturing the coal seam using a hydrajetting tool to produce at least one pair of opposed bi-wing fractures substantially along a plane of maximum stress. One or more horizontal well bores may also be drilled into the coal seam along which the coal seam can be further fractured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hunting in leaning and non-leaning trees is disclosed. The apparatus includes an adjustable tree stand having top and/or bottom adjustment. Adjustment is provided through the use of an adjustment device attached to a support or a cross-member. The apparatus also includes a measuring device for use in measuring tree “lean.” The measuring device connects to the bottom of the tree stand. The method includes making a gross adjustment of the tree stand based upon measurement of tree lean using the measuring device.

Abstract: A technique includes deploying a spring downhole, energizing the spring and using the energized spring to form an annular barrier in the well. The spring may be energized prior to being run downhole or after being run downhole, depending on the particular embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: An improved plunger mechanism apparatus to increase well flow production levels. Efficiency of well flow is increased by a two-piece plunger assembly apparatus that is mechanically latched during lift, separates at the well top, and allows a bottom assembly to efficiently fall to the well bottom. The top plunger piece is held at the well top for a set time or condition and when released, its open internal orifice allows it to fall to the well bottom in an efficient manner, and when at the well bottom it mechanically latches, either via a magnetic or mechanical connection, to the bottom assembly.

Abstract: A method of separating drilling/production fluids from solid cuttings from a mixture received from down hole, without the use of shale shakers, de-sanders, or de-sanders, through the steps of flowing the mixture from the well bore into a flow line above the surface of a well; next, flowing the mixture into a single separation zone of a size capable of receiving the mixture directly from the flow line on a continuous basis; circulating or centrifuging the mixture to a desired RPM within the separation zone; providing a liquid permeable barrier surrounding the mixture as the mixture is centrifuged within the separation zone; collecting the liquid in a first retrieval zone after the liquid has penetrated permeable barrier; and collecting the solids that could not penetrate the permeable barrier in a second retrieval zone within the barrier.

Abstract: A liner running system for placing a liner in a well bore comprises a latch sleeve connected to the liner and a running tool releasably attached to the latch sleeve. The latch sleeve has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner, and the running tool has an outer diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of the liner. The latch sleeve may be connected into the liner at any location along its length. The running tool is releasable from the latch sleeve via hydraulic actuation or mechanical actuation. Optionally, a swivel may be connected to the liner. The swivel has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner. The method for lowering the liner into the well bore via the liner running system comprises rotating the liner, pushing the liner, pulling the liner, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a tubular handling system for handling wellbore tubulars. In one aspect, the present invention provides a tubular handling system adapted to retain a tubular without damaging the outer surface of the tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting tubulars by remotely controlling the connection process, including joint compensation, alignment, make up, and interlock. In one embodiment, the tubular handling system comprises an elevator adapted to support a tubular utilizing a first portion of an upset of the tubular and a spider adapted to support the tubular utilizing a second portion of the upset. In another embodiment, at least one of the elevator and the spider is remotely controllable. In yet another embodiment, the tubular handling system comprising a joint compensator system adapted to provide fluid communication to the elevator during rotation of the tubular.

Abstract: An under reamer for expanding a borehole through an earthen formation is taught. The under reamer includes: a mandrel including an end for connection into a drill string and an opposite end and a housing including an inner bore, telescopically disposed over the mandrel and axially moveable relative to the mandrel but rotationally moveable with the mandrel. A plurality of under reamer arms are carried on the housing, the under reamer arms are formed as blocks including cutter-supporting portions in which poly-crystalline diamond compact cutters are mounted. The under reamer arms are moveable by driving the housing axially over the mandrel between a retracted position extending into the bore of the housing and an expanded position wherein the under reamers arms are pivoted out of the housing inner bore and supported therebehind by the mandrel such that the cutter-supporting portions are exposed for use to enlarge a borehole.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating integrated circuits at temperatures higher than expected ambient temperatures. The heating may be of entire circuit boards, portions of the circuit boards (such as the components within a multiple-chip module) and/or single devices. Methods and related systems may be used in any high temperature environment such as downhole logging tools, and the devices so heated are preferably of silicon on insulator semiconductor technology.

Abstract: A fall arrest safety anchorage device, which can be mounted to a wide variety of rigid planar substrates by utilizing fasteners which pass through apertures in a mounting plate and into a substrate. Angularly extending from the mounting plate is a first positioning member, which projects away from the mounting area to a predetermined position where a second positioning member is attached. The second positioning member angularly extends from the first positioning member to another predetermined position where a safety equipment receiver is attached. Utilizing angles of varying degree at the points of attachment of the positioning members and varying the lengths of the positioning members, the safety equipment receiver can be positioned virtually anywhere.

Abstract: A running tool delivers a string through a wellhead in the same trip as a hanger with a seal and locking assembly. The string is secured downhole and the running tool is manipulated to release a lock to hold the hanger in a sealed position in the wellhead prior to a tensile force being applied. A ratchet assembly permits the string to stretch and the tensile force is then locked in. The running tool is rotated out of the string and the tree is installed on the wellhead for subsequent procedures or production.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a pressure isolation plug for managing a wellbore with multiple zones. The pressure isolation plug generally includes a body with a bore extending therethrough, a first disintegratable ball sized and positioned to restrict upward fluid flow through the bore, wherein the disintegratable ball disintegrates when exposed to wellbore conditions for a first amount of time. The plug also includes a second ball sized and positioned to restrict downward fluid flow through the bore.