Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a choke fluid source, and an elongate RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore and coupled to the RF source. The elongate RF antenna may have a proximal end and a distal end separated from the proximal end. The system may further include a first choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the proximal end of the RF antenna, and a second choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the distal end of the RF antenna.

Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a choke fluid source, and an elongate RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore and coupled to the RF source, with the elongate RF antenna having a proximal end and a distal end separated from the proximal end. The system may also include a choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the proximal end of the RF antenna to define a common mode current choke at the proximal end of the RF antenna.

Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a choke fluid source, and an elongate RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore and coupled to the RF source. The elongate RF antenna may have a proximal end and a distal end separated from the proximal end. The system may further include a first choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the proximal end of the RF antenna, and a second choke fluid dispenser coupled to the choke fluid source and positioned to selectively dispense choke fluid into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation at the distal end of the RF antenna.

Abstract: Techniques are described that relate to various aspects of converting the mechanical energy of instrument strings to digital representations for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an ignition exciter with a rechargeable energy source supplying electricity to a solid-state switch is disclosed. The method includes charging the energy source at a first rate when the voltage of the energy source is less than a first voltage reference value.

Abstract: A method for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include positioning a tubular conductor within a wellbore in the subterranean formation and slidably positioning a radio frequency (RF) transmission line within the tubular conductor so that a distal end of the transmission line is electrically coupled to the tubular conductor. The method may also include supplying RF power, via the RF transmission line, to the tubular conductor so that the tubular conductor serves as an RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A steering tool system may provide a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and a surface control/interface (SCI). The steering tool may provide an improved electronic schematic that provides a data line that is separate from the power line. The BHA may provide a full bore flow path. The connectors of a cablehead section may be designed to ease make up with proper contact to the connectors. The BHA may also be suitable for pumping a ball to a hydraulic disconnect. The design of the system allows conductors to pass through the hydraulic disconnect and orienter control section.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body having an injector cavity, a valve seat, and a flow control member. The valve seat is comprised of a metallic material having a grain size of 0.05-5.0 ?m. Additionally, the fuel injector includes a nozzle valve element positioned in the injector cavity and configured to move between an open position in response to the flow control member being spaced apart from the valve seat and a closed position in response to the flow control member engaging the valve seat. Fuel is configured to flow from the fuel injector in response to the nozzle valve element being in the open position.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body having an injector cavity, a valve seat, and a flow control member. The valve seat is comprised of a metallic material having a grain size of 0.05-5.0 ?m. Additionally, the fuel injector includes a nozzle valve element positioned in the injector cavity and configured to move between an open position in response to the flow control member being spaced apart from the valve seat and a closed position in response to the flow control member engaging the valve seat. Fuel is configured to flow from the fuel injector in response to the nozzle valve element being in the open position.

Abstract: A transmission line segment coupler is for coupling together first and second coaxial transmission line segments each including an inner tubular conductor and an outer tubular conductor surrounding the inner tubular conductor and a dielectric therebetween. The coupler apparatus includes an outer tubular bearing body to be positioned within adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments, and an inner tubular bearing body configured to slidably move within the outer tubular bearing body to define a linear bearing therewith. The inner tubular bearing body is configured to define a fluid passageway in communication with the adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments.

Abstract: A device for processing hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a dielectric cooling liquid source, and an RF applicator in the subterranean formation and coupled to the RF source to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resources. The RF applicator may include concentric tubular conductors defining cooling passageways therebetween coupled to the dielectric cooling fluid source. At least one property of the dielectric cooling liquid, a flow rate of the dielectric cooling liquid, and a configuration of the cooling passageways may be operable together to generate a turbulent flow of the dielectric cooling liquid adjacent surfaces of the plurality of concentric tubular conductors to enhance thermal transfer.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coaxial transmission line to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation may include a series of coaxial sections coupled together in end-to-end relation. Each coaxial section may include an inner conductor, a dual-wall outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and a dielectric therebetween. Each of the dual-wall outer conductors may include an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart therefrom defining a fluid passageway. Each coaxial section may further include a threaded endpiece coupled to each opposing end of the dual-wall outer conductor and having threads to define an overlapping mechanical threaded joint and an electrical joint with an adjacent threaded endpiece.

Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, an RF source, a cooling fluid source, and a transmission line coupled between the RF antenna and the RF source. A plurality of ring-shaped choke cores may surround the transmission line, and a sleeve may surround the ring-shaped choke cores and define a cooling fluid path for the ring-shaped choke cores and in fluid communication with the cooling fluid source.

Abstract: A method for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include positioning a tubular conductor within a wellbore in the subterranean formation and slidably positioning a radio frequency (RF) transmission line within the tubular conductor so that a distal end of the transmission line is electrically coupled to the tubular conductor. The method may also include supplying RF power, via the RF transmission line, to the tubular conductor so that the tubular conductor serves as an RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A turboprop control system 10 for use with a turboprop 2 having a turbine engine 12 operably coupled to and rotationally driving a propeller 14 having variable pitch blades 16 to control the engine speed, propeller speed, and propeller pitch. The pilot provides, by a single power control lever 30, the control input used to control the engine and propeller.

Abstract: A transmission line segment coupler is for coupling together first and second coaxial transmission line segments each including an inner tubular conductor and an outer tubular conductor surrounding the inner tubular conductor and a dielectric therebetween. The coupler apparatus includes an outer tubular bearing body to be positioned within adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments, and an inner tubular bearing body configured to slidably move within the outer tubular bearing body to define a linear bearing therewith. The inner tubular bearing body is configured to define a fluid passageway in communication with the adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments.

Abstract: An ignition exciter system for igniting fuel in a gas turbine engine. The ignition exciter system includes a rechargeable energy source, at least one pulse-forming network coupled to the rechargeable energy source and generating a stored energy waveform from energy in the rechargeable energy source, at least one igniter plug coupled to the at least one pulse-forming network to receive the stored energy waveform and generating a spark in response to the received stored energy waveform.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) antenna assembly configured to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery may include an RF transmission line and an RF antenna coupled to the RF transmission line. The RF antenna assembly may also include an adjustable balun that may include a tubular balun housing surrounding the RF transmission line and defining a space therebetween. The adjustable balun may further include an adjustable shorting body slidably movable within the space and contacting the tubular balun housing and the RF transmission line at an adjustable shorting position.

Abstract: A rigid RF coaxial transmission line is positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The rigid RF coaxial transmission line includes a series of rigid coaxial sections coupled together in end-to-end relation and to be positioned within the wellbore of the subterranean formation. Each rigid coaxial section includes an inner conductor, a rigid outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and a dielectric therebetween. Each of the rigid outer conductors has threaded ends. The rigid RF coaxial transmission line includes a respective connector between adjacent ones of the series of rigid coaxial sections, each connector having a rigid outer layer threadingly secured to respective threaded ends of adjacent rigid outer conductors, and an electrically conductive liner carried by the rigid outer layer and defining an electrical joint between the adjacent rigid outer conductors.

Abstract: An RF antenna assembly is positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly includes first and second tubular conductors to be positioned within the wellbore, and having adjacent joined together ends, and first and second RF transmission line segments extending within the first and second tubular conductors and having adjacent joined together ends aligned with the joined together adjacent ends of the first and second tubular conductors. The RF antenna assembly includes a tubular sheath surrounding the first RF transmission line segment and having an outer surface, and a spacer received on the outer surface of the tubular sheath and extending between the tubular sheath and adjacent portions of the first tubular conductor.