Abstract: Apparatus and methods for terminating and anchoring fiber optic connections are disclosed. One apparatus includes a sealed body enclosing a passage for one or more optical fibers terminating in connections proximate a first end of the sealed body, the sealed body having a diameter less than an internal diameter of an oilfield tubular, the sealed body having a second end adapted to sealingly engage and anchor an end of a fiber optic carrier conduit, the second end connecting the sealed body to the fiber optic carrier conduit.

Abstract: A method for use within a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore includes introducing a thixotropic agent into the well and introducing a cement slurry into the well. The method includes forming a thixotropic cement slurry downhole, including mixing the cement slurry and the thixotropic agent downhole.

Abstract: A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for terminating and anchoring fiber optic connections are disclosed. One apparatus includes a sealed body enclosing a passage for one or more optical fibers terminating in connections proximate a first end of the sealed body, the sealed body having a diameter less than an internal diameter of an oilfield tubular, the sealed body having a second end adapted to sealingly engage and anchor an end of a fiber optic carrier conduit. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A fluid injection system is used in a well. Fluid stages are arranged in repeating series within a tubing of the fluid injection system to facilitate control over effects of injection. A sensor system can be used to detect one or more parameters related to the fluids moved downhole through the tubing to further enhance injection procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively and safely reversing flow in coiled tubing used for wellbore cleanouts are disclosed. One apparatus includes a section of coiled tubing having a main flow channel, at least two flow-preventing valves in the section of coiled tubing, each adapted to close the main flow channel upon attempted flow reversal; and at least one actuator adapted to deter closing of the flow-preventing valves. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A flow responsive dump valve mechanism for a straddle packer tool and has a valve controlled flow passage from which underflushed fluid, typically well treatment slurry, in a conveyance and fluid supplying tubing string can be dumped into a well casing. The dump valve mechanism incorporates a ratcheting power piston, an indexing mechanism and high and low load energy storage systems to accomplish open, closed and intermediate dump valve positions. The intermediate position increases the functionality of the tool by preventing accidental closure either due to the free fall of fluid through the coiled tubing or during flushing of the tool and permits the flow rate to be increased for thorough cleaning of the straddle tool and coiled tubing. For energy storage, a light compression spring provides power to cycle the indexing mechanism. Heavier load disc springs (Bellville Washers) are used to provide power for the ratcheting power piston to open the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of fluids having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity therein enclosed by two light transmitting windows and having a spacer member fixedly positioned therebetween which provides a fluid analysis chamber of fixed pathlength where fluid flows by the windows and preferably wherein the flow laminar and at a uniform shear to provide accurate color measurements. Light transmitting and receiving probes are positioned adjacent to the viewing windows and wherein the faces of each probe are contiguous and flush with the viewing windows but are separated from the flow by the viewing windows, so that transmission measurements can be taken orthogonal to the direction of flow. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.

Abstract: A flow responsive dump valve mechanism for a straddle packer tool and has a valve controlled flow passage from which underflushed fluid, typically well treatment slurry, in a conveyance and fluid supplying tubing string can be dumped into a well casing. The dump valve mechanism incorporates a ratcheting power piston, an indexing mechanism and high and low load energy storage systems to accomplish open, closed and intermediate dump valve positions. The intermediate position increases the functionality of the tool by preventing accidental closure either due to the free fall of fluid through the coiled tubing or during flushing of the tool and permits the flow rate to be increased for thorough cleaning of the straddle tool and coiled tubing. For energy storage, a light compression spring provides power to cycle the indexing mechanism. Heavier load disc springs (Bellville Washers) are used to provide power for the ratcheting power piston to open the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the size of a gap through which material is metered. The gap is defined by a rigid surface and a flexible surface connected to at least one actuator for deforming the flexible surface. A plurality of sensors are positioned along the rigid or flexible surfaces to detect the other of the surfaces and generate signals indicating its position. A computing unit in communication with the plurality of sensors processes the signals to generate a continuous gap measurement profile. The computing system also stores a pre-determined desired gap measurement profile. A control system in communication with the computing unit actuates the actuators to deform the flexible surface to adjust the gap measurement profile to correct any deviation from the desired gap measurement profile.

Abstract: A method for controlling the properties of a sheet of material to be manufactured on a sheet making machine using a network of intelligent actuators distributed across and down the length of the paper machine. The method includes the steps of measuring and acquiring properties data about the sheet of material and communicating the measured properties data as the data becomes available to the actuators that control the properties of the sheet of material. A control action for each actuator is calculated and implemented using a control model of each actuator's influence on the properties of the sheet so as to minimize the variation of the measured properties data from a desired target. The control action made at an actuator and the predicted changes in the measured properties based on the control model are also communicated to all the actuators.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises heald frames, linear drives and coupling apparatus that are collected together in groups. The linear drives of each group are arranged in a staggered fashion and form a drive unit. The coupling apparatus are executed in such a manner that the staggering within a group can be selected. With this arrangement an ideal ratio of drive power to required space is achieved. In addition, the elements forming a group are interchangeable.

Abstract: Apparatus containing a heald frame consisting of two heddle carrying rails and a plurality of linear drives with armature parts that are connected to the heddle carrying rails in such a way that the heald frame is guided free of play. Devices are utilized for connecting the armature parts and the heddle carrying rails. The devices comprise a plate that is secured to the heddle carrying rail and a holder that is secured to the armature part. The plate is provided with a slot, and the holder has a pin that engages the slot. The slot is dimensioned such that a compensation of the play is possible at the interface between the armature part and the heald frame in order to prevent jamming of the armature parts and the heald frame, while the slot enables a compensation in the direction transverse to the working direction of the heald frame.

Abstract: Weft yarn is inserted into the weaving rotor of a series shed weaving machine. Four weft yarns (7; 71, 72, 73, 74) are conveyed into the weft yarn distribution apparatus (9) from four supply units (2a-2d) and four metering apparatuses (1a-1d). The weft yarn distribution apparatus (9) distributes the weft yarns (71-74) delivered to it to the sheds of the weaving rotor (100) which are currently open, with the weft yarns being inserted through stationary fluid nozzles (91, 92, 93, 94) into the rotating weaving rotor (100). During normal operation of the series shed weaving machine, the weft yarn (71-74) is continuously pulled from the weft yarn supply (2a-2d) by the metering apparatuses (1a-1d) and conveyed to the weft yarn distribution apparatus (9) which conducts the weft yarn (71-74) into an opened shed (103a-103d). The speed of conveyance of the weft yarn (71-74) during insertion into the shed (103a-103d) is thus determined by the metering apparatus (1a-1d).

Abstract: The heddle frame carrier has a horizontal beam interconnecting two vertical arms each of which has a reduced zone operative as a pivot joint. For heddle frame changing, the arms can be hinged apart from one another with the locking members at the upper ends pulled away outwardly from the top beam of the heddle frame. Shaft retaining elements are therefore provided which provide secure and reliable retention of the heddle frame without clamping forces being exerted thereon and which enable heddle frame changing to be carried out very rapidly without the use of any tool.

Abstract: The device for repairing a yarn break includes a folder blade which is to be inserted between the warp yarns adjacent a broken yarn. During horizontal motion, the folder blade has two wings which diverge outwardly for spreading out the warp yarn. The folder blade also has a longitudinal groove to receive a heddle in the narrowest place between the wings. A sensor on one wing first determines the position of the heddle in the warp direction and generates a signal so that the folder blade comes to a stop with the heddle in the groove of the blade. A separate warp yarn can then be threaded into the heddle by drawing-in tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a yarn break includes a housing which is first positioned roughly by being guided towards the stop motion wire belonging to the broken warp yarn. After the broken warp yarn has been removed, a fresh separate warp yarn is introduced into the stop wire and a heddle by a pair of laterally slotted threading in tubes. In the process, the fresh warp yarn travels from a blowing opening of one tube into a suction opening in the other tube while passing through an opening in the respective stop motion wire or heddle. During this operation, the tubes are moved stepwise in the warp direction of the weaving machine until reaching a guide inserted through the reed and into which the fresh warp yarn is finally threaded.

Abstract: A picking mechanism comprises a flexible picking belt for securing to a belt wheel and made of plastics reinforced by a number of stranded and/or bunched groups of fibers. The fiber groups are disposed in an insert extending over the entire length of the picking belt and surrounded by a layer of plastics constituting the picking belt and free from the fiber in the fiber groups. The picking belt has an end portion remaining outside the winding area of the belt wheel and formed with a web-like raised part. The easily-manufactured, low-weight picking belt prevents exposure of fiber in the fiber group during a long period of operation.

Abstract: A heddle frame actuator device is provided for a negative or positive heddle frame drive. The actuator device employs at least one flexure spring for imposing a spring force vertically on and in the plane of the heddle frame. In some embodiments, a pair of flexure springs, for example of U-shape, Y-shape and endless loop shape may be used. The ends of the springs connected to the loom frame may also be adjusted so that the prestressing of the springs can be varied.

Abstract: In a multicolor air jet loom, a weft color which because of its long weft yarn repeat does not require picking for a considerable period of time and whose free end is damaged by the retaining air flow in the picking nozzle, is picked with an excess length equal to the damaged yarn part in the nozzle. The damaged portion of yarn is therefore not woven in and the resulting cloth has a defect-free edge zone.