Abstract: A Scotch yoke actuator is disclosed with a dual yoke and a diagonally symmetric design. A pair of shafts and pushing devices apply equal, opposing forces to the yoke, causing end loading forces applied to a rotatable shaft attached to the center of the yoke to be cancelled. In embodiments, the weight of the pushing devices is balanced about the yoke, each shaft extends in only one direction from the yoke, and/or the shafts are supported only by the yoke and the pushing devices. In embodiments that use yoke pins, the yoke pins include rollers or bearings to reduce friction, and/or two pair of yoke pin slots support protruding ends of the yoke pins. The yoke pin slots can extend to edges of a yoke housing face, allowing easy shaft removal and reinstallation, and each shaft can include a split end with extensions on opposing sides of the yoke.

Abstract: A tong positioning system positions a power tong about an oilfield tubular connection to make up or break out a threaded connection. An extendable arm and a retainer device on the extendable arm. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer device comprises opposing laterally-movable retainer arms defining an adjustable opening for at least partially enclosing one of the upper tubular and the lower tubular. The extendable arm is retractable for thereafter moving the power tong laterally toward the tubular connection.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for indicating the state of watch batteries. Said device comprises, in combination: a circuit for determining (34) at least a physical characteristic of the cell (10) which varies when it is nearly discharged, a circuit for metering (36) the power consumed by the watch, a circuit for assessing (40) the capacity rating of the battery, connected to the determining (34) and metering (36) circuits and designed to process data and select the most relevant information derived either from the determining circuit (34), or from the metering circuit (36), means for displaying the state of the battery (38,40,42), and a circuit controlling (39) the display means.

Abstract: A coupled version of a threaded connection 10 includes first threads 16, 38 and second threads, 20, 34 on both elongate tubulars 14, 30 and a coupling 45. An integral joint version 50 preferably includes a first and second tapered threads 58, 60 on each of the connected tubular bodies 54, 56. The coupling preferably includes a dope entrapment cavity in one of the connected tubulars between the first and second threads. A tapered metal seal surface is provided preferably between the first and second threads. The second thread in a preferred embodiment is a hook thread with a negative rake angle. In another embodiment, the pin ends of a coupled connection may engage, with seals provided between the first and second threads on each tubular.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump or motor, particularly suitable for hydrocarbon recovery operations, includes a rotor 20 and a stator 10. Fluid pressure in cavities between the stator and the rotor create torque which rotates the bit. An interior surface of the stator is rigidly secured to the outer housing of the pump stator and defines an interior profile. A substantially uniform thickness elastomeric layer 62 is supported on the outer housing. The pump rotor has an exterior profile which corresponds with the interior profile of the elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A drill bit is designed to achieve optimum performance in a specified drilling application defined by the drilling system, the formation to be drilled and the configuration of the bore hole. A depth of cut versus predicted torque for a basic bit configuration is evaluated for different configurations of the drill bit. A computer modeling program is used to obtain the predicted torque for the basic bit configuration, and its modifications. Features of the bit design are changed to achieve the lowest predicted torque for an optimum depth of cut. Presenting the computer analysis as depth of cut versus predicted torque for the bit design simplifies the design selection process. The formation being drilled may be evaluated by comparing actual torque with predicted torque for a given rate of penetration. The evaluation can be used to conform the computer model and determine formation properties.

Abstract: A combination purging system and sampling system is provided for sampling gas from a pipeline. A flow path 40 provides fluid communication between a sample bottle 45 and the pipeline. The sample bottle 45 is initially filled with an inert gas for purging air from the flow path 40 and venting to atmosphere. A supply valve 24 controls flow between the pipeline and the flow path 40, and a bleed valve 35 controls venting from the flow path 40 to atmosphere. The relationship and positioning between the valves and the flow path prevents condensation from entering the sampled gas while purging and sampling.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a fluid fertilizer distributor 10, 200, 300, or 400 for distributing fluid fertilizer conducted from a supply vessel 11 to each of a plurality of applicator lines 44. The fluid distributor may regulate a fluid fertilizer flow rate by selectively moving a flow restrictor 50, 250, 350, or 450 relative to the distributor housing. The distributor housing may include a supply inlet port 12, 212, 312, or 412 and a plurality of distributor out ports 16, 216, 316, or 416 each for fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of applicator lines 44. The fluid distributor may separate the fluid fertilizer into a plurality of fluid flow paths prior to reducing the pressure in the fluid to avoid gas flashing or vaporization prior to separation. Thereby, fluid distribution may be effected upon a substantially liquid fluid within the fluid distributor, which may result in substantially uniform fertilizer application, with reduced rate variation between applicator lines.

Abstract: A steerable bottom hole assembly may be used for drilling both a curved section and straight section of the borehole, with the bottom hole assembly including a reamer beneath the downhole motor 12. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit 30 having a bit face defining a bit diameter, and a gauge section 32 having a substantially uniform diameter cylindrical surface approximating the bit diameter and having an axially length of at least 75% of the bit diameter. The motor is preferably run slick without stabilizers for engaging the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: A safety syringe 10 includes a generally tubular body 14 having a needle end 18 and plunger end 22, needle 38 and retractable needle seat 30, two-way valve 36, plunger 42, stopper 62, piston 52, and rear plunger seal 44. During use, the plunger may be moved to create a vacuum in the plunger. The user then moves the plunger toward the needle end, pressurizing a vial, then pulls backward to a selected position corresponding to the desired volume of fluid to be withdrawn. At the conclusion of the injection stroke, the piston is disengaged from the plunger. The vacuum within the plunger retracts the needle safely into the tubular body.

Abstract: A system for perforating a well includes a perforating gun 10 and a swivel 12 suspended from a wireline 50. An orientation sub 14 is provided above the gun 10 and a rotational latching mechanism 90 rotationally connects the wireline to the perforating gun in one direction, while allowing the swivel to rotationally disconnect the gun from the wireline in an opposing direction. According to the method of the invention, the gun may be lowered in the well from the wireline to a depth greater than the desired firing depth until the gun is rotated to its desired azimuthal position, and the gun then raised by the wireline to the desired firing depth with a rotational latching and swivel mechanisms maintaining the gun at its desired azimuthal position.

Abstract: A breakaway coupler for coupling upstream and downstream hose includes one or more locking balls carried by a downstream coupling member. An upstream flapper is pivotally secured with respect to an upstream housing. A pushrod is axially movable in response to engagement by the downstream coupling member. A pry recess on the downstream coupling member is spaced between the downstream housing g and the upstream housing, such that a tool inserted into the pry recess is leverageable to move the downstream coupling member to unlock the breakaway coupler.

Abstract: The threaded connection between the pin and the box ends of two pipes is sealed externally and internally to protect the threads in the connection from exposure to corrosive fluids. Seals are provided at each axial end of the threads. The external seals may be formed by metal-to-metal engagement between the pin and box or may be provided by an annular, elastomeric ring engaging the pin and box of the connection. A threaded compression ring may be used to compress the elastomeric seal between the pin and box. The seals protect dynamically loaded threaded connections from fatigue-induced failure in corrosive environments.

Abstract: A horizontal spool tree assembly 10 is provided for supporting a production tubing string 22 within a well below a BOP. The spool body 12 includes a laterally extending passageway 36 which is in fluid communication with a similar laterally extending passageway 34 provided in a tubing hanger 20. The tubing hanger includes a central bore for fluid communication with the production tubing string, and a workover flow path 30 extending axially through the tubing hanger, with a workover valve 32 provided for controlling the fluid flow in the workover passageway. An annulus port 70 extends laterally through the spool body, and an annulus valve 72 controls fluid flow through the annulus port.

Abstract: A retrievable hydraulically operated running tool 10, 50 is run in a wellbore to preform a desired downhole tool activation. The port closure member 14, 52 is movable with a tubular body 12 from a port isolation position to an open port position. A seat 18, 56 supported on the port closure member receives a plug to shift the port closure member to the open port position, wherein the port 32, 56 exposes increased fluid pressure to the piston 24, 58, 70 to move to an activated position. The seat may be deformable for release in the plug from the seat after the port closure member has moved the open port position.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is disclosed for use in diagnosing and treating pelvic floor musculature disorders. The device includes a head (10) mounted on a shaft (12), with a barrier (14) mounted on the shaft (12) between the handle (18) and head (10). An indicator (16) may be mounted on the shaft (12). The apparatus may provide magnetic resistance to pelvic floor musculature contraction to (1) measure and track the progress of pelvic floor musculature strength, and (2) exercise pelvic floor musculature to improve strength at a private, patient-determined frequency. Alternative embodiments are either spring biasing members or the biasing property of a stretched elastomeric material.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a vessel or pipeline closure such as the type used on pipeline pig launching and receiving systems, and closures on access portals for pressurized vessels. A threaded closure 10 is disclosed which may eliminate hammering on hammer-lugs to tighten or loosen the closure from the vessel, thereby improving safety, closure life expectancy and functional operation. A closure 10 according to the present invention may include a hub 12 fixedly and sealingly secured to the vessel, and a cap 30 for threaded engagement with the hub 12. An anchor 22 may be fixedly secured to the hub and a tightening pulling ear 32 and a loosening pulling ear 132 each may be fixedly secured to the cap 30.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for oxidizing primary alcohols in order to obtain aldehydes and/or carboxylic acids. The reaction takes place in the presence of a catalyst supported on aluminium oxides or aluminium silicates and containing palladium, platinum, cobalt, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, rhenium, optionally with co-catalysts.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovering clean fiberglass and urea formaldehyde from urea formaldehyde treated waste fiberglass, which involves the use of a continuous batch tunnel machine comprising end to end modules in each of which a perforated basket is rotatable and of such construction as to transfer goods within each basket to subsequent baskets and out the end of the basket at the exit of the machine. The waste fiberglass is introduced into the basket at the entrance to the machine to pass the fiberglass out the end of the machine, during which it passes through acid and wash loops in which the recovery takes place.

Abstract: Two types of isolation tools are disclosed for installation between the upward end of the LMRP and the lower end of a riser string in the drilling of a subsea well using dual gradient techniques, one of which is especially adapted for rotation about a rotating drill sling. Each type includes insert packer adapted to be closed about the drill string to divert drilling fluid in the annulus between the drill string and the subsea wellhead into lines extending along the side of the riser to the surface. The insert is selectively removable to permit conventional drilling.