Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a lifting assembly has a frame structure with a translatable support element. The support element has a load-bearing surface and a screw-form. The screw-form is threadedly connected to a gear which is in mechanical communication with a power source, which may be an electric motor. The load-bearing surface is fixed to a shaft of the translatable support element and at least a portion of the load-bearing surface is angularly oriented with respect to the shaft. A guide with at least one end fixed to the frame structure is adapted to adjust the rotational orientation of the load-bearing surface.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for use in gripping, grabbing, supporting, sensing and transporting objects of varying size, shape and weight is disclosed. The clamping assembly has opposed jaws each with a ball and socket apparatus intermediate a clamp end and a pivot end attached to a frame structure. The ball and socket apparatuses are connected by a gear assembly with a primary gear in mechanical communication with a power source wherein, the jaws are actuated in accordance with the rotation of the primary gear.

Abstract: A method for routing a transmission line through a tool joint having a primary and secondary shoulder, a central bore, and a longitudinal axis, includes drilling a straight channel, at a positive, nominal angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, through the tool joint from the secondary shoulder to a point proximate the inside wall of the centtral bore. The method further includes milling back, from within the central bore, a second channel to merge with the straight channel, thereby forming a continuous channel from the secondary shoulder to the central bore. In selected embodiments, drilling is accomplished by gun-drilling the straight channel. In other embodiments, the method includes tilting the tool joint before drilling to produce the positive, nominal angle. In selected embodiments, the positive, nominal angle is less than or equal to 15 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention includes a downhole component adapted for transmitting downhole data. The downhole component includes a threaded end on a downhole component. The threaded end furthermore includes an interior region, and exterior region, and a mating surface wherein a cavity is formed. A data transmission element is disposed in the cavity and displaces a volume of the cavity. At least one passageway is formed in the threaded region between interior and exterior regions. The passageway is in fluid communication with both the interior and exterior regions and thereby relieves pressure build up of thread lubricant upon tool joint make up.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for routing a transmission line through a tool joint having a primary and secondary shoulder, a central bore, and a longitudinal axis, includes drilling a straight channel, at a positive, nominal angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, through the tool joint from the secondary shoulder to a point proximate the inside wall of the central bore. The method further includes milling back, from within the central bore, a second channel to merge with the straight channel, thereby forming a continuous channel from the secondary shoulder to the central bore. In selected embodiments, drilling is accomplished by gun-drilling the straight channel. In other embodiments, the method includes tilting the tool joint before drilling to produce the positive, nominal angle. In selected embodiments, the positive, nominal angle is less than or equal to 15 degrees.

Abstract: Multilayer articles such as V-belts, hoses, rubber sheets, tires are produced from ethylene, alpha-olefin, or ethylene, alpha olefin diene copolymer elastomers which despite their attractive properties, have not been used previously due to the lack of green tack. The problem of insufficient green tack is overcome by the incorporating an aromatic containing petroleum resin.