Abstract: A reusable dunnage system employing a weatherproof outer cover is disclosed. The dunnage comprises specially manufactured high density foam that will return to its original condition after suffering compression forces and the required properties of the foam are given. The outer cover is, of necessity, fire retardant, biologically inert, hypoallergenic, and provides the required weatherproofing.

Abstract: A gas lift system for use in marginal well and small diameter production tubing is disclosed. The system uses compressed natural (produced) gas to lift formation fluids thereby enhancing produced gas. Incorporated in the system is a plurality of differential pressure control valves which provide the required lift capability for a standard jet pump, located at the bottom of the wellbore, to continue to lift produced fluids. The methods of use are described.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for adaptive communication with a downhole device is disclosed. The instant invention proposes an adaptive system of communicating information from the surface of the earth to a device located downhole; thereby optimizing the drilling process by adaptively fitting the talkdown protocol around the existing drillstring RPM. A further economic benefit is that with this adaptive system the ?RPM Offset between the optimized drilling condition and the RPM required for data transmission can be monitored and adjusted in real-time, resulting in less disruption to the drilling process. Several embodiments are given.

Abstract: Swage end-connector for high pressure reinforced flexible hose particularly suitable in the petrochemical and drilling industries for hoses. Two connectors are disclosed one for intermediate hose pressure burst ratings up to 12,500 psi and internal diameters up to 3½ inches and higher hose pressure burst ratings up to 18,750 psi and internal diameters up to 4 inches. Both embodiment connectors will withstand the rated burst pressure of the hose to which they are connected and will withstand a pump-off force that exceeds the burst pressure of the hose. That is, the hose will fail before the connector pops off the hose.

Abstract: An environmentally safe composition of matter for use as a promoter chemical in flotation separation of carbonates from industrial sand is disclosed. The promoter chemical replaces the standard petroleum sulfonate, glycol ether and nonphenol used in promoter chemicals with biodegradable substitutes permitting the waste from flotation separation to be disposed without fear of contamination of ground water. The biodegradable promoter is technically sound and causes little change to the flotation process.

Abstract: A safety seatback for mounting to the rear of a watercraft is disclosed. The seatback rotates about the seat of the watercraft from an upright position to a boarding position. In the upright position the seatback prevents the passenger/rider from falling backward from the watercraft. In the boarding position the seatback does not interfere with a passenger/rider attempting to board the watercraft from the water and aids the person boarding the craft from the water. The seatback may be rotated by the passenger/rider from within the water or, in an alternate embodiment, may be remotely operated by the driver.

Abstract: A device utilizing a catalytic alloy, preferably the Walker Alloy, to reduced scale and paraffin buildup in surface hydrocarbon piping is disclosed. The device is presented in a basket filter configuration for ready servicing. A series of alternate embodiments for the fundamental filter device is discussed.

Abstract: An adapter for reducing echo and noise in internet telephony for use with personal computers. The device employs analog circuitry to provide signal filters and delay which act together to reduce line induced echo and background noise, thus providing a clear voice communication channel. The device is readily inserted between standard microphones and speakers employed in the personal computer.

Abstract: A molded plastic spine board having specialized padding strategically located in the board and stiffing members. The specialized padding reduces patient discomfort and aids perfusion in the regions that are in contact with the board while the patient is immobilized on the board thereby helping to prevent tissue ischemia and pressure ulcer formation. The stiffening members strengthen the board eliminating deflection of the board thereby keeping the patient immobilized while eliminating artifacts (shadows and interference) in x-rays thereby ensuring good x-ray examination.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump vent-dump and methods of use for utilization in the hydrocarbon industry. The device is preferably used with barrel pumps although it may be used with tubing pumps. The device is positioned at the bottom of the wellbore immediately above the stinger and immediately below above the standing valve and comprises a sliding piston within an outer housing. The device may be opened pulling upwards on the pump drive mechanism thereby allowing fluid within the production tubing to drain back into the formation as long as the pump drive mechanism is held up. The device closes when the pump is returned to normal operation. The method of spotting chemicals requires a pre-measured quantity of chemicals at the surface which is sucked into the tubing string when the valve is opened followed by a pre-measured quantity of make-up fluid which is drawn into the well thereby placing the chemicals at the required point.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in drilling or producing from a well bore, the apparatus comprising a downhole member such as a drilling device or a production device which is capable of being attached to a tubular such as a drill string, production string or the like, means for rotating a tubular, control means for controlling the rotation of said tubular in order to transmit information along said tubular and means for monitoring the rotation of said tubular and for decoding said information transmitted along said tubular such that a magnitude of a parameter can be determined by the drilling member from the rotation or said tubular. The invention also relates to a method for communicating with a downhole tool using the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively controlling the direction of a well bore comprising a mandrel rotatable about a rotation axis; a direction controller means comprising at least two parts configured to apply a force to said mandrel with a component perpendicular to the said rotation axis; a housing having an eccentric longitudinal bore forming a weighted side and being configured to freely rotate under gravity; and a driver for selectively varying the angle of the force relative to the weighted side of the housing about said rotation axis, the driver being configured to move the two parts independently of one another.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system is provided to produce a smoothed or near sinusoidal output flow characteristic for reciprocating piston pumps. The device occupies a smaller footprint than conventional mechanical reciprocating pumps and allows a standard reciprocating pump to operate at its maximum rated pressure while retaining its maximum rated flow. Several embodiments are disclosed and the drive system may be coupled to standard duplex and triplex pumps. A solution to hydraulic hammer caused by rapid flow reversal in the hydraulic control valves used within the system is presented.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump dump valve and methods of use for utilization in the hydrocarbon industry. The device is preferably used with barrel pumps although it may be used with tubing pumps. The device is positioned at the bottom of the wellbore immediately above the stinger and immediately below the standing valve and allows for complete dumping of the hydrostatic head in the production tubing whenever the tubing must be pulled.