Abstract: A BPEL program simulator can include a document object modeler configured to arrange activities defined by a BPEL document into a document object model (DOM) tree. The DOM tree can include activity nodes and links between the activity nodes. The BPEL program simulator further can include simulation logic configured to process the activity nodes to emulate at least one BPEL activity selected from the group consisting of Sequence, Flow, While, Pick and OnMessage, Switch and Case, Invoke, Script, Receive, Reply, Empty, Staff, and Assign.

Abstract: Oil and other fluids are pumped from a well drilled into chalk or other difficult-to-produce formations by applying a back pressure to the formation concurrently with pumping fluid from the formation. One embodiment a pump suitable for performing the method includes a reciprocating piston with a check valve to permit the passage of fluid through the piston during downstrokes and to prevent its passage during upstrokes. The pump also includes a second check valve having a telescoping link that permits the downward passage of fluid for a first portion of the downstroke of the pump piston but prevents the passage of the fluid during a second portion of the piston downstroke. The combined action of the two valves is to lift fluid on the pump piston upstroke and force a portion of the previously lifted fluid back into the well, and thus into the formation, during the first portion of the downstroke.

Abstract: Apparatus for turning over a procession of articles of generally rectangular shape and having opposite longer and shorter sides, comprises a feed conveyor including pushers which engage successive articles in the procession to advance them in an upright condition along a dead plate, a support platform, disposed beyond the end of the dead plate, for supporting the undersurfaces of the articles as they leave the dead plate and continue to be advanced by the pushers, the support platform and the pushers having a relative movement effective to cause the articles to topple forwardly in succession from the support platform, and a support positioned to receive in a lying condition the articles toppling forwardly from the support platform at a level permitting further conveyance along it of the articles by the pushers.

Abstract: A pulling tool apparatus for helping equipment descend down a wellbore, such as logging tools being dropped into a deviated wellbore. A first embodiment employs a mass slidably located inside the pulling tool which is acted on so that it is propelled in an upward direction at a fast rate and then propelled in a downward direction at a slow rate so that the net effect of the moving mass on the logging cable is to pull it in a downward direction because of the reaction forces exerted on the tool itself by the moving mass. An alternative embodiment is provided wherein the mass is driven downward against a stop plate to create the downward force for the pulling tool. An additional feature to improve performance is a set of fins surrounding the outside of the pulling tool which will fold when the tool moves in a downward direction and will open up to offer resistance to motion in an upward direction.

Abstract: A tool for use on sections of a drill string which utilizes the "journal bearing effect" to minimize the possibility of the drill string becoming stuck against the side of the wellbore due to differential pressures between the wellbore and the formation. The anti-sticking tool is designed to surround part of a section of the drill string, and to have holes passing therethrough, so that the pressure of the drilling fluids within the wellbore in combination with the rotation of the drill string against the inside surface of the tool causes the drilling fluids to be pushed out through these openings to prevent drill string contact and sticking against the side of the wellbore. The anti-sticking tool can take the shape of a plurality of collars spaced along a drill string section or one continuous helical spring extending part of the length of a section of drill string.

Abstract: A buoyant, cylindrical metal drum, having a plurality of elongate teeth protruding outwardly from the periphery thereof is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a generally U-shaped framework. The frame is pivotally attached to the front of a tug vessel and the drum may be steered, with respect to the boat, by moving the mounting frame about the pivot point. An internal power source and an eccentric counterweight, which may include a fuel storage container for the power source, are stationarily mounted within the drum which is rotated about the counterweight as an inertial reference. When the drum is rotated by its internal power source and moved against the water/ice interface of a floating arctic ice sheet, the moving teeth on the drum cut the ice and clear a path for movement of the drum and the tug boat through the ice covered water.

Abstract: An ice chipper comprising a pair of cylindrical drums each mounted for counter-rotation about parallel, generally vertical axes. Each drum includes an outwardly rounded, disk shaped bottom surface and an auger flight spiraled helically about the outer cylindrical surface thereof. The auger flights each include a plurality of spaced, outwardly extending teeth to chip the ice abutting the front of the system. The chipper is mounted to the front of a tractor and each drum includes a hydraulic motor which is operated by a hydraulic pump also carried by the tractor. Rotation of the drums causes the auger teeth to chip the ice and tends to pull the drums forwardly while the auger flights carry the ice particles up and out away from the cleared area. Tilting the system forwardly and rearwardly upon the rounded drum bottom surfaces varies the depth of cutting in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for holding a pressurized fluid such as compressed natural gas (“CNG”) includes two end cells and zero or more interior cells. The cell geometry ensures that the cells meet one another at tangential circular surfaces, thereby reducing the tendency of adjacent cells to peel apart. A web secured about the cells includes two sheets that are tangent to the cells. Unused volumes between the cells and the web contain wedges of foam or rubber. A valve provides fluid communication between the interior of the pressure vessel and a pressurized fluid line. The filled weight of one pressure vessel does not exceed the filled weight of a conventional gasoline tank that occupies substantially the same space as the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may be configured with exterior recesses for engaging conventional gasoline tank straps.