Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for grooming fur-bearing animals with a body having an integral base with a leading edge having a plurality of spaced apart tines attached and at least one sleeve proximate to the base contacting a portion of at least one of the plurality of tines.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device particularly suited for downhole applications is disclosed. The device has a tubular housing with a retractable sample tube nested within. The housing and sample tube have generally pointed leading edges to facilitate embedment into the formation to a sufficient depth to isolate the fluid sample to be obtained from well fluids. Having embedded the apparatus a sufficient depth, a downward force is applied to the sample tube, severing its prior restraint to the housing and extending the sample tube into the formation. Openings in the sample tube allow the fluid to come through it, whereupon it is conducted to the surface. Removal of the downward forces applied to the sample tube allows a biasing mechanism to act on the sample tube to retract it into the housing prior to the removal of the housing from the formation.

Abstract: The invention is a coring device which has features to seal off from the well fluids prior to taking of the specimen. The apparatus can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated to move an inner string which is connected to a core barrel. Prior to moving the core barrel, an outer tube is sealingly pushed into the formation. Once the outer tube has been set into the formation, the inner tube drives the core barrel into the formation, leaving behind a rabbit. A clam shell is located at the forward end which stays open as the core barrel is driven into the formation and closes as the core barrel is withdrawn into the outer tube to retain the core. The pneumatic or hydraulic pressure continues to be applied to the inner string as the core barrel is withdrawn into the outer tube. Upon full retraction of the core barrel into the outer tube, a ball valve is actuated to seal off the core barrel. At that time, the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure is removed and the apparatus is pulled to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for simultaneously drilling and casing a wellbore. More specifically, the apparatus comprises an outer conduit string containing an inner drill string carrying a bit capable of drilling a wellbore of greater diameter than the outer string. The drill string may be adapted to drill a nonlinear wellbore by offsetting the drill bit from the longitudinal axis of the outer string, and the drill bit is preferably retractable to permit withdrawal of the drill string after the wellbore is completed, leaving the outer string of casing or liner in place. The wellbore is drilled by rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string by pushing from the surface, and the outer string is advanced by being pulled along by the drill string.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for simultaneously drilling and casing a wellbore. More specifically, the apparatus comprises and outer conduit string containing an inner drill string carrying a bit capable of drilling a wellbore of greater diameter than the outer string. The drill string may be adapted to drill a nonlinear wellbore by offsetting the drill bit from the longitudinal axis of the outer string, and the drill bit is preferably retractable to permit withdrawal of the drill string after the wellbore is completed, leaving the outer string of casing or liner in place. The wellbore is drilled by rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string by pushing from the surface, and the outer string is advanced by being pulled along by the drill string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel horizontal well bore system. More particularly, the invention relates to the setting of a conductor casing, drilling a well bore to a horizontal position, drilling and screening the horizontal/lateral section of the well, filter packing the well screen, and installing any necessary pumping equipment. The resulting lateral well bore and the method disclosed for forming the same are particularly useful in environmental applications.

Abstract: A stabilizer for use in controlled directional drilling includes a plurality of spaced and axially extending blade elements each having a blade surface face of hardened material. The blade surface face includes a tapered lead portion and a tapered trailing portion with a flat non-tapered surface face portion therebetween. Each blade surface includes an edge portion in which the leading edge is radiused. Thus constructed, the stabilizer reduces kerfing into the formation and hang-up and change of tool face orientation during navigational drilling. Eccentric stabilizers are also described.