Abstract: A rig (10) for selectively inserting coiled tubing or threaded tubulars into a well includes a mast (14) extending upward from a mast carrier (12), and a coiled tubing injector (16) and a coiled tubing reel (26) supported on a coiled tubing carrier (28) separate from the mast carrier. The mast (14) may be pivotal on the mast carrier to attach the coiled tubing injector 16 to the mast while the injector is supported on the coiled tubing carrier.

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 system and method for subsea drilling/completion. The system comprises a high-pressure riser extending from a semi-submersible platform to a subsea wellhead. A landing string extends along the insider of the riser, and has a surface blowout preventer and at least one subsea blowout preventer attached thereto. A tubing hanger running tool is run from the platform toward the wellhead. In one embodiment, hydraulic control for various functions of the tubing hanger running tool is communicated either through the tubing string or through the riser. In another embodiment, hydraulic control lines for the tubing hanger running tool extend from the platform to the tubing hanger running tool through an umbilical line, which may either run through the tubing string, inside the riser but outside the tubing string, or outside and alongside the riser.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to surfactant compositions of gemini surfactants and co-amphiphile(s), to a process for preparing such compositions, and to their uses, especially as emulsifiers and dispersants.

Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system, the centralizer being preferably heat-shrink fitted to an upset portion of a keel joint, the upset portion having tapered sections on the upper and lower ends that gradually blend into the outer diameter of the pipe used as the keel joint, the centralizer preferably comprising axially extending annular grooves in surrounding relationship to the upset portion, the grooves serving to permit forces acting on the centralizer to be redirected or dissipated to thereby prevent excessive buildup on a selected region of the upset portion adjacent the radial grooves.

Abstract: The rig (10) is provided for electively inserting either coiled tubing or a threaded tubular through a rig floor and into a well. The rig includes a coiled tubing injector (16) supported on a mast (14) when in an operative position to insert coiled tubing into the well, and a top drive (18) movable along an axis of the mast when in an operative position to insert the threaded tubular into the well. The rack or support (20) is secured to the mast for receiving a plurality of substantially vertical threaded tubular joints therein when the mast is in an operative position. Tubular joints may be moved between the top drive and the tubular support when running threaded tubulars into or out of the well.

Abstract: This invention relates to microemulsions containing alkanolammonium salts of the alkylsulfates and/or alkylpolyalkyleneglycolethersulfates, water, one or more oil component(s), and one or more alcohol(s). The invention also relates to the use thereof for cosmetic and/or medicinal-dermatologic applications.

Abstract: Lubricant escape passages are formed in the threads used to connect one tubular body to another. The passages conduct trapped thread lubricant out of the threaded area to prevent the creation of high lubricant pressure that may damage or cause improper make up of the threaded connection. The passages may be grooves in the crests of the thread teeth and/or may be corner bevels on the thread teeth. In a conductor pipe or other pipe assembly using axially spaced internal and external seals at each axial end of the threaded area, the escape passages form a helical flow path through the engaged thread area. The external seal prevents the entry of corrosive fluids into the threaded area and the internal seal prevents leakage through the threaded area from within the conductor pipe. When the lubricant pressure increases excessively during assembly or impact loading of the connection, the lubricant escapes past the seals to prevent connection damage.

Abstract: A wellbore evaluation system evaluates mechanical wear and corrosion to components of a well system including a production tubing string positionable in a well and a sucker rod string movable within the production tubing string. A deviation sensor determines a deviation profile of the production tubing string in the well, and a rod sensor senses and measures wear and corrosion to the sucker rod string as it is removed from the well to determine a rod profile. A data acquisition computer is in communication with the sensors for computing and comparing the deviation profile and the rod profile as a function of depth in the well. A 3-dimensional image of wellbores, with isogram mapping, may be generated and examined over the internet.

Abstract: Bridge plug and setting assembly may be used in a well with a tubular therein to control flow through the tubular. A plurality of fluid powered units 16, 24 are suspended in a well from a work string 14 for exerting a driving force. A plug member 50 is suspended below the plurality of fluid powered units. The plug member 50 is axially movable relative to an expansion sleeve 40 in response to the driving force to radially expand the sleeve 40 into sealing engagement with both the plug member 50 and the tubular 12. A release mechanism 68 is provided for releasing the one or more fluid powered units from the plug member and the expansion sleeve once set in the well.

Abstract: A closure assembly 10 contains positive and/or vacuum pressure within a pressure vessel 16 having a neck 12. A circumferential locking member 22 supported on a door 20 locks the door to the neck, and is radially moveable between an open position and a closed position. A seal 26 between the neck and the door maintains fluid-tight integrity. A lever or other hand powered operator may be used for moving the locking member between the open position and the closed position. The locking member may include locking segments interconnected to form the circumferential locking member.

Abstract: A borehole may be drilled utilizing the bottom hole assembly 10, 50 with a downhole motor 14, 110, which may offset at a selected bend angle. A bend for directional drilling may be provided by a PDM, or by a RSD. A gauge section 36 secured to the pilot bit 18 has a uniform diameter bearing surface along an axial length of at least 60% of the pilot bit diameter. The bit or reamer 16 has a bit face defining the cutting diameter of the drilled hole. The axial spacing between the bend and the bit face is controlled to less than fifteen times the bit diameter. The downhole motor, pilot bit and bit may be retrieved from the well while leaving the casing string in the well.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatuses is suspended between the bails of a rig to raise, lower and laterally move a single joint of pipe that is being added to a string of pipe extending into a well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating hydrocarbon deposits includes temperature 16 sensor for measuring earth surface temperature at each of a plurality of locations, and a solar absorption sensor 14 for measuring the absorption coefficient of the earth's surface at each of those plurality of locations. A sky temperature sensor 18 may also be provided. A computer 30 records measurements as a function of location, and outputs a plot of corrected surface temperatures as a function of the geographic location of the measurements. By comparing corrected surface temperature measurements at the plurality of locations, a hydrocarbon deposit may be located and its boundaries determined.

Abstract: A circulation tool 10 for use downhole in a well includes a housing 12 having one or more bypass ports 16 for circulation between a bore in the housing and an annulus surrounding the housing. A sleeve 68 is axially movable within the housing, and axially spaced seals 70, 74 seal between the sleeve and the housing when the sleeve is in the closed position. A ball 52 is rotatably mounted to the sleeve, and includes a seat 54 about a central bore 55 in the ball for engagement with a plug. When the sleeve closes off the circulation ports 16, the ball is rotated to the open position with a substantially full bore diameter.

Abstract: A control system governs fluid level in a well system including a pump positioned downhole for pumping fluid upward through a tubular, a rod positioned within the tubular for driving the pump, a prime mover, and a pumpjack to transmit power from the prime mover to the rod to reciprocate the rod. A sensor senses a position of the rod or a member of the pumpjack and outputting signals in response thereto. A controller receives the signals and computes a plurality of time intervals, each time interval being between signals and occurring during at least a portion of an upstroke of the rod. The controller selectively decreases power output from the prime mover in response to an increase in the computed time interval.

Abstract: A system for the chemical treatment of wastewater may be discharged in a night spray system, an on demand system or a dosing system. Tank 12 receives wastewater, and a discharge pump 16 pumps wastewater from the tank in the night spray system. A sensor 24 deactivates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined low level, and in some applications activates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined high level. A liquid disinfectant pump 38 pumps liquid disinfectant to the tank, and a controller 30 activates a liquid disinfectant pump for a selected time interval as a function of the discharge system.

Abstract: A control system controls a progressive cavity pump driven by a rod. The rod is powered by a prime mover, such as a variable speed drive. A proximity sensor outputs signals responsive to rotational positioning of the rod. A controller receives the signals and computes a time interval between selected signals corresponding to a selected number of rod rotations. The controller references a data set, compares the computed time interval with the data set, and selectively increases, decreases, or cycles power to the prime mover in response thereto, thereby controlling the fluid level within the well.

Abstract: A gardening tool extracts a weed along with a plug of soil. A plurality of blades are circumferentially spaced about an axis of a shaft and extend downwardly beyond the lower end of the shaft for insertion into soil about the roots. Each blade includes a trailing edge and a leading edge that leads the trailing edge during rotation in a selected rotational direction about the axis. An ejector body is positioned between the blades and is axially movable from an upper position to a lower position to eject soil from between the blades. An ejector control member at least substantially surrounding the shaft is axially movable by hand. A plurality of connecting members are circumferentially spaced about the shaft and connect the ejector control member to the ejector body, such that axial movement of the ejector control member causes axial movement of the ejector body.