Abstract: A rod guide 10 for positioning on a sucker rod includes a sleeve-shaped guide body 12 and two or more spiraling vanes 14, 16 each extending radially outward from the sleeve-shaped body, with each vane spiraling about the body and defining a flow path between circumferentially spaced vanes. Each vane has a forward portion 24 spiraling in a forward direction, and a backward portion 26 spiraling in a backward direction rotatably opposite the forward direction. The rod guide may be used for either reciprocating rod or rotating rod applications.

Abstract: An orthotic protective device collectively including a base unit connected to a metacarpal unit by a hinge system designed to protect and prevent hyperextension and hyperflexion movements of the metacarpal, carpal, radius and ulna regions. The base unit and metacarpal unit includes a longitudinal support member and a casing, respectively, lined with at least one pad having a tongue. At least one releasable fastener is mated to the support member and casing and extends to the tongue of the pad. Apertures of the base unit are mated and connected to apertures of the hinge system which form an articulated joint allowing the hinge system to move in an upward manner allowing for natural extension of the user's wrist and in a downward fashion for unlimited flexion motion. The base unit and the hinge system may both have at least one stop formed thereon; and as these stops come into contact with one another, it limits the flexion, extension and radial-ulnar deviation.

Abstract: A seal ring 10 for sealing between first and second members 12, 14 each having an outer groove surface 16, 126 and inner groove surface 18, 127 includes a metal seal body 26, 42, 52, 60, 70, 80, 92, 110, 122, 140 for engagement with the outer groove surface on the first and second members, and a metal flexible flange 30, 32, 44, 46, 54, 56, 62, 64, 76, 78, 88, 90, 94, 96, 112, 114, 128, 144, 146 with a cantilevered end of a flexible flange providing substantially line contact sealing engagement with the inner groove surface on respective first and second member. The metal flexible flange is configured for being fluid pressure energized, and is deformed beyond its elastic limit when securing members secure the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting defects in a tubular string while positioned in the well includes a sensor tool (10) comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced sensors (40) arranged in two or more axially spaced rows. A plurality of sensors are positioned in each row, with each sensor positioned on one of a plurality of sensor support pads. Sensors within a row may include sensors with axes inclined at different angles, and each of the plurality of sensor pads may move from a radially retracted run-in position to a radially extended sensing position. A flexible line (50) may be used for lowering a sensor tool in the well and retrieving the sensor tool from the well.

Abstract: A float collar 10 includes a housing 12 and a generally sleeve-shaped elastomer 20. The lower plate 30 and an upper plate 32 are each supported on an elongate rod 22, and at least one of the plates is axially fixed relative to the tubular housing. The plate intended for exposure to fluid pressure includes a plurality of arcuate flow ports 34 for communication with the annulus between the tubular housing and the elastomer prior to swelling of the elastomer.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly comprises a tool mandrel (104) suspended on a running string, and a slip assembly (120) for engaging a casing to support the liner hanger and liner from the casing. The release assembly (175) releases the set liner hanger from portions of the assembly to be retrieved to the surface. A cementing bushing (130) is releasable and reinsertable into the liner, and includes a circumferential loading ring (226).

Abstract: An ESP/separator assembly (10) is positioned downhole in a well on a tubular string (18) to pump downhole fluids to the surface. The assembly includes an electric submersible pump (12) and an electrically powered motor (20) positioned below the pump. An electrical cable (22) extends downhole past the motor and to the pump. A generally cylindrical shroud (26) is positioned circumferentially about the pump, the motor, and a portion (24) of the cable extending past the pump and to the motor. A separator (60) is provided at the lower end of the shroud, such that the shroud supports substantially the weight of the separator.

Abstract: A system for combusting carbon-containing fuel includes a reactor 10 for simultaneously supporting oxidation of the fuel and conversion of CO2 within the reactor. A metal oxide or metal is input to the reactor to convert the CO2 to a mineralized CO2 product. A cold trap 44 is provided for capturing exhaust gases from the reactor and returning condensate to the reactor, and a gas pump 50 maintains a desired vacuum or pressure within the reactor and the cold trap. Combustion products may be recycled to increase their energy value.

Abstract: A transporter 16 is provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanism 22 is movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanism 26 attached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanism 40 tilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position.

Abstract: An egress system for an interior space such as an attic covered by roof decking. In one embodiment, the egress system comprises a steel frame adapted for installation within an opening formed in the roof decking between two adjacent roof joists. A hatch panel is releasably secured within the opening defined by the frame by means of a plurality of removable pins. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an upper surface of the hatch panel is substantially flush with the upper surface of the roof decking, allowing for the uniform application of roofing material, such as composition shingles, overtop the roof decking and the hatch panel, thereby concealing the presence of the egress system beneath the roofing material. Deployment of the egress system is accomplished with the use of a cutting implement inserted from the underside of the egress system inside the interior space into a gap maintained around the periphery of the hatch panel when secured within said frame.

Abstract: A system for recovering hydrocarbons from tar sands includes a heated enclosure 66, one or more input conveyors 60, 67 move tar sands through the heated enclosure, provide a flow line with a temperature gradient of at least 150° F., and mechanically move the tar sands along the flow line. A heated rotary drum 74 is in fluid communication with the flow line, and condenser unit 94, 98 receive vapors from the flow line and the rotary drum and output hydrocarbons. One or more discharge conveyors 76 discharge stripped sands from the rotary drum. Control valves 80, 82 seal a vacuum downstream from the discharge conveyors, and control valves 34, 46 seal vacuum upstream from the one or more input conveyors. Various types of vacuum pumps may be used to maintain a selected vacuum between the control valves.

Abstract: A fluid powered tool is disclosed for assembling a two piece guide on a sucker rod at a well site. The tool includes a table (26) laterally moveable with respect to the sucker rod and supporting a fluid powered cylinder (28), a bottom plate (42) for engaging the rod guide, and a top plate (56) also for engaging the rod guide. At least one vertical guide (30) is provided for guiding vertical movement of at least one of the bottom plate and top plate, and a horizontal rail (32) is provided for guiding lateral movement of the table. Each of the top plate and the bottom plate include a recess for receiving the sucker rod when engaged by the guide. The fluid powered cylinder moves the bottom plate with respect to the top plate to assembly the guide on the rod.

Abstract: Mobile drilling rig 10 includes a carrier frame 14 and a mast 12 supported on the frame. A top drive 16 is supported on the mast when in an operative position, and a coil tubing injector 20 is supported on the mast when in an operative position. A first dolly assembly 22 and a second dolly assembly 60 are provided each for supporting a portion of the carrier frame, and include a first plurality of wheels on a first plurality of axles. Each dolly assembly is adaptive for selective attachment to and detachment from the carrier frame, so that the dolly assemblies may be changed out for compliance with regulations and road conditions.

Abstract: A seal ring 10 for sealing between first and second members 12, 14 each having an outer groove surface 16, 126 and inner groove surface 18, 127 includes a metal seal body 26, 42, 52, 60, 70, 80, 92, 110, 122, 140 for engagement with the outer groove surface on the first and second members, and a metal flexible flange 30, 32, 44, 46, 54, 56, 62, 64, 76, 78, 88, 90, 94, 96, 112, 114, 128, 144, 146 with a cantilevered end of a flexible flange providing substantially line contact sealing engagement with the inner groove surface on respective first and second member. The metal flexible flange is configured for being fluid pressure energized, and is deformed beyond its elastic limit when securing members secure the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly 10 for drilling a deviated borehole includes a positive displacement motor (PDM) 12 or a rotary steerable device (RSD) 110 having a substantially uniform diameter motor housing outer surface without stabilizers extending radially therefrom. In a PDM application, the motor housing 14 may have a fixed bend therein between an upper power section 16 and a lower bearing section 18. The long gauge bit 20 powered by the motor 10 may have a bit face 22 with cutters 28 thereon and a gauge section 24 having a uniform diameter cylindrical surface 26. The gauge section 24 preferably has an axial length at least 75% of the bit diameter. The axial spacing between the bit face and the bend of the motor housing preferably is less than twelve times the bit diameter. According to the method of the present invention, the bit may be rotated at a speed of less than 350 rpm by the PDM and/or rotation of the RSD from the surface.

Abstract: A system for recycling solid waste into energy includes a heated enclosure 66, one or more input conveyors 60, 67 move waste materials through the heated enclosure, provide a flow line with a temperature gradient of at least 150 F.°, and mechanically move the waste particles and the residual solids along the flow line. A heated rotary drum 74 is in fluid communication with the flow line, and condenser unit 94, 98 receive vapors from the flow line and the rotary drum and output hydrocarbons. One or more discharge conveyors 76 discharge carbon black from the rotary drum. Control valves 80, 82 seal a vacuum downstream from the discharge conveyors, and control valves 34, 46 seal vacuum upstream from the one or more input conveyors. Various types of vacuum pumps may be used to maintain a selected vacuum between the control valves.

Abstract: A self-cleaning exhaust system including a top, a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls extending between the rear wall and the front wall. A baffle depending from the top intermediate the front wall and the rear wall. A plate extending forwardly from the rear wall to forwardly of the baffle. A first filter is located in an air flow path. A first spray outlet is located in the air flow path before the first filter for providing a first cleaning spray into the air flow so that the air flow draws the cleaning spray onto a first surface of the first filter. A method of removing contaminants is also disclosed.

Abstract: Borehole opener, particularly for enlarging this hole underneath a casing in the field of oil prospecting, comprising a body (2) of longitudinal axis (3), a duct (4) for drilling fluid, formed longitudinally in the body (2), and at least two hole-opening arms (5) which have an active part (7) equipped with cutting means (8), which are distributed symmetrically in the body (2) about the longitudinal axis (3), and which are arranged therein in such a way that they can be moved between a position of rest (9) in the body (2) and an active position (10) partially out of the body (2); in this hole opener in order to move it from the position of rest (9) to the active position (10), each arm (5) has a face (12), internal to the body (2), designed to be subjected directly, in the same way as an active face of a piston, to the pressure of the drilling fluid flowing through the body (2).