Abstract: A method is disclosed for increased recovery of crude petroleum from a subsurface formation containing petroleum deposits. The method combines steam and gas distillation drive using foam to divert the steam/gas and to establish a thermal barrier against heat loss into the surrounding formations. A noncondensable gas is injected with or after steam to produce a distillate bank which is moved through the formation from an injection well toward a production well. Fluids produced at the production well are monitored to provide information for control of the injected materials at the injection well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for producing viscous petroleum from a subsurface formation. The apparatus includes a generally horizontal cased well through the subsurface formation with injection and production tubings within the well. The casing is perforated and the inner tubings carry a movable packer and a rotatable agitator. The method comprises injecting a heating and drive fluid for moving heated viscous petroleum through the perforations in the casing and into the well for production to the wellhead. Production is monitored for the ratio of produced packer fluid and viscous petroleum. Based on that ratio, the packer is moved within the casing to positions along the horizontal well to maximize production of petroleum. The rotatable agitator assists in removal from the well bore of formation solids produced with the viscous petroleum.

Abstract: An improved insulated tubing string with insulated coupling formed of concentric tubing members insulated from each other to prevent heat from the inner tubing from being conducted to and through the outer tubing. The coupling joins the outer tubing of successive tubing assemblies to provide additional strength to the string and the inner tubing is insulated within the coupling to prevent heat loss at the coupling. The inner tubing is elongated during fabrication and joined to the outer tubing when elongated to reduce heat stress on the string when in use.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle transportation system including improvements in an electrified roadway system and a vehicle for operation on the roadway. The roadway is energized in response to the presence of a vehicle having certain control systems and only when that vehicle satisfies certain predetermined conditions which provide safety features for foot traffic on the roadway system. The vehicle includes means for controlling energization of the roadway in response to actions and demands within the vehicle. Automatic control means are provided to maintain the vehicle in alignment with the roadway energization system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing viscous petroleum from subsurface deposits. The method employs a vertical well and a horizontal well through the petroleum deposit. A combination of injection procedures through the horizontal and vertical well heat the viscous petroleum in the annulus around the horizontal well. Successive completion intervals are installed in the horizontal well to produce the heated petroleum. The petroleum is driven by a drive fluid passing through previously produced intervals.

Abstract: A method for packing particulate material in the annulus surrounding a liner in a subsurface well having a substantial deviation from vertical. Foam carrier fluid is employed for placing the particulate material. The geometry of the apparatus at the location where the material is to be placed is described.

Abstract: An improved insulated tubing string with insulated coupling formed of concentric tubing members insulated from each other to prevent heat from the inner tubing from being conducted to and through the outer tubing. The coupling joins the outer tubing of successive tubing assemblies to provide additional strength to the string and the inner tubing is insulated within the coupling to prevent heat loss at the coupling. The inner tubing is elongated during fabrication and joined to the outer tubing when elongated to reduce heat stress on the string when in use.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine intake valve with an internal heat pipe. The valve stem and valve head are hollow and have a wicking material fixed to the internal hollow surface. A coolant material is contained within the hollow valve. A heat exchanger is provided on the outer surface of the stem at the valve operator end. The portion of the valve in the fuel intake system is maintained at a temperature that will prevent the addition of heat to the fuel charge from the valve thus reducing the possibility of autoignition due to heating of the fuel charge.

Abstract: A method of gravel packing a subsurface well is disclosed wherein particulate material is fluidized in a gas/liquid foam carrier fluid and transported to the subsurface where the particulate material forms the gravel pack and the foam carrier fluid returns to the surface.

Abstract: A free standing transmitting microphone comprising a hollow holder for enclosing a transmitter and a microphone on a base. A cover of conductive material above the holder functions as an antenna for the transmitter. An acoustic pathway between the holder and the cover directs sounds to the microphone.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring physical properties of a sample material at controllable temperatures and pressures. The apparatus includes a sample cell for holding fluid and/or solid samples. The cell includes at least one optically transparent window permitting visual and electromagnetic energy observations of the sample. A probe functions within the cell to collect a subsample for movement to apparatus for measuring properties and for returning the subsample to the cell. One form of optically transparent window is a sapphire. The cell is intended for measurements of physical properties at temperatures from about -40.degree. F. to about +400.degree. F. and at pressures from vacuum to at least 20,000 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: Method for enhancing electron spin resonance signals from crude petroleum by contacting the crude petroleum with a chemical which effects the population of free radical asphaltenes in the crude petroleum. The enhancement is in a positive sense when the chemical is a halogen and particularly iodine. The enhancement is in a negative sense (suppression) when the chemical is ferric chloride.

Abstract: A permanent thermal packer is disclosed for sealing the annulus between an injection tubing string and a well casing. The packer is thermal cement and is placed from within the injection tubing string to seal a substantial portion of the annulus above the injection zone. The packer provides a means for sealing the annulus above the injection zone thus permitting insulating material to be placed in the annulus above the packer with the expectation that it will not be damaged by well bore fluids.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly for wells having tubing carrying hot fluids into or out of the well. The tubing is subject to elongation due to thermal expansion from a fixed portion within the well. The present wellhead accommodates the thermal elongation and provides a noncontacting connection to the tubing from outside the wellhead. The wellhead may also be constructed to accommodate concentric tubing for hot fluids to or from separate portions of the well.

Abstract: A downhole concentric tubing string is disclosed for use in distributing steam, or other hot fluids, to separated subsurface formations along a well bore. The apparatus includes elements for deflecting the steam from one string into the annulus of a cased well for injection through openings into the formation, elements for conducting the steam in another of the concentric string to a second set of openings for injection into another portion of the formation, and elements for isolating and separating the two separate injection intervals.

Abstract: A subsurface well bore completion assembly without convention inflatable or cup packer elements. The completion is effected by cementing a member having an internal sealing surface in place within the well then running tubing string terminating with a sealing adapter having matching sealing face into the cemented member and sealing said well by pressing the surface and face together under the weight of the tubing string.

Abstract: A subsurface wellbore completion assembly for a cased well is disclosed. The assembly includes thermal cup packers which may be set at a subsurface location along the well above a hot fluid injection zone. The assembly is run into the well on a tubing string and, at the desired depth, the assembly is converted to operating condition where the packers and slips are set. The apparatus may be reassembled to running condition for withdrawal from the well or the packers may be drilled-over to permit washover in the well.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering viscous petroleum from subsurface formation, such as tar sands, wherein a substantially horizontal, perforated casing is positioned in the formation and a movable diverter is positioned to direct a hot drive fluid out through the perforations and into the formation to move the viscous petroleum that has been heated by the drive fluid toward a production location. The production is monitored for content of drive fluid and petroleum and the position of the diverter is controlled in accordance with the monitored production to optimize the production of petroleum and to maintain the communication path within the formation between the injection location and the production location.

Abstract: A wheel chocking assembly for a vehicle or vehicle trailer. The chocking assembly includes apparatus mounted to the underside of the vehicle and the chock positioning assembly expands to place the chock in position and contracts into a protected position when not in use. Air actuated pistons operate to expand and contract the chocking assembly.