Abstract: A guardrail structure having a plurality of vertical support posts supporting a plurality of guardrail beams. Each post includes a pair of flanges having free edge portions with edge folds defining tubular beads on the free edge portions to provide reinforcement that result in a minimum amount of material usage for the posts. Spacers or blockouts may be mounted between the guardrail beams and the posts to offset the posts from the guardrail beams.

Abstract: A spray coating device (14) for coating a pipeline (12) comprises an upper frame (42) having a pair of arms (62, 64) pivotally mounted on opposed sides of the pipeline. Each arm (62, 64) has radially spaced inner and outer guides (86, 88) and a flexible endless drive member (94) is mounted on each arm and extends between the ends of the arm for over 180 degrees. A spray nozzle carriage (124) with a spray nozzle (142) is mounted on each arm (62, 64) for movement along the inner and outer guides (86, 88) of the associated arm between the ends of the arm.

Abstract: A cargo loader platform having an array of roller assemblies on the deck thereof which are capable of moving a container longitudinally or laterally or rotating it includes several independently driven groups of roller assemblies. The groups include groups along the sides of the platform having drive axes parallel to the loader axis, groups near the center of the platform having a separate drive axes that are perpendicular to the loader axis, and groups down the center of the platform having drive axes parallel to the loader axis. Large diameter, driven cylindrical rollers are mounted on the outer sides of the sides and rear end of the platform to assist in moving cargo onto the deck.

Abstract: A downhole injector 10, 26, 38 and 54 is provided at the lower end of the production tubing string TS for passing liquids from a downhole formation into the tubing string while preventing gases from passing through the injector. The injector of the present invention may be used with one or more lift valves LV for raising slugs of liquid upward to the surface through the production tubing string. The present invention may also be used with horizontal bore hole technology for increased hydrocarbon recovery by retaining the gases downhole to act upon liquid hydrocarbons and maintaining a driven force for pushing the liquids toward the injector for recovery. The injector may be used to enhance recovery of liquids at the surface of a well.

Abstract: A system for forming a patch in a well at a location along a tubular string which has lost sealing integrity includes a central patch body 60, an upper expander body 52 carrying an upper seal 50 or 56, and a lower expander body 98 carrying a lower seal 102, 104. The running tool includes an inner mandrel 14 axially moveable relative to the central patch body, and one or more pistons 20, 30, 20A axially moveable relative to the inner mandrel in response to fluid pressure within the running tool. Top expander 48 is axially moveable downward relative to the upper expander body in response to movement of the one or more pistons, and a bottom expander 120 is axially moveable upward relative to a lower expander body. After the upper expander body and a lower expander body have been moved radially outward into sealing engagement with a downhole tubular string, the running tool is retrieved to the surface.

Abstract: An acoustic measurement system detects solids within a fluid includes a sample cell 10 for containing the fluid, a first transducer 20 for outputting a first acoustic detection signal at a first frequency, a first acoustic receiver 20 responsive to the first acoustic detection signal, and a second acoustic transducer 20 for outputting an acoustic second mixing signal at a second frequency to mix the solids in the fluid within the sample cell. Controller 40 may vary the “on” time of the second transducer with respect to the measurement of the first acoustic signal. The fluid within the cell may be tested under a wide range of temperatures and pressures. The acoustic measurement system may also be used to measure the bulk modulus of the liquid. The method of the invention allows for the detection of crystallization for a portion of the fluid in the sample cell under widely varying conditions.

Abstract: A connector for connecting the lower tubular member of a tie-back to the upper tubular member of a subsea wellhead is disclosed as having a first sleeve carried about the upper member for axial reciprocation with respect thereto and extension over the lower member, and a second sleeve also carried by the upper tubular member for axial reciprocation thereto within the first sleeve. Each of the tubular members has locking grooves formed about its ends, and a normally expanded lock ring has about its ends to engage the grooves, as well as outer cam surfaces carried within inner cam surfaces on the inner sides of the sleeves for radial movement between a normally expanded unlocking position and a contracted locking position, as the sleeves are axially reciprocated in opposite directions with respect response to one another. A fluid operator is formed between the upper portions of the sleeves for moving them in opposite axial directions.

Abstract: A linear pump for pumping a fluid includes a generally tubular shaped bladder 50 sealingly engaged on each end to an end cap 20, 25, forming an inner chamber 14, and including each of an inlet 70 and an outlet 75 inner chamber check valve to fluidly interconnect the inner chamber with the fluid. Each of a plurality of linear motors 40 each may be connected on one end to a respective support rib 30 and on an opposing end pivotally connected to one of the end caps. The support ribs are flexible and have a central portion of the rib engaged with a central portion of the bladder. The plurality of linear motors may be selectively actuated to cause the plurality of support ribs to alternately flex and/or straighten out such that the bladder is condensed or expanded respectively to effect a change in volume of the inner chamber, thereby drawing in or displacing fluid. Bladder extensions 160 may be used to slidably connect the bladder to a respective rib.

Abstract: A wellhead apparatus which includes a spool for use in a horizontal tree and having a vertical bore therethrough, and a tubing hanger adapted to be lowered into and landed within the bore of the spool to suspend a tubing string on the lower end of the tubing hanger within the wellbore. The spool has a radial opening therethrough to receive a bellows which forms a fluid passageway removably mounted within the opening by means of a flange on the outer end of the bellows releasably connected to the outer side of the spool. The tubing hanger has an opening therethrough which includes a lateral portion connecting with its outer diameter and a vertical portion leading to a pressure responsive operator for a tubing safety valve. The passageways have seal surfaces on their opposing ends, and the end of the stem is engaged by the seal surface of the bellows to open the poppet as the hanger is lowered.

Abstract: A reinforcing support structure for an automotive vehicle body having a sheet structure (10) including a pair of side sheet structures (11, 12). Upper stiffener (17) and lower stiffener (18) are secured to the interior of side sheet structures (11,12). Stiffeners 17 and 18 may have a cross-sectional shape as illustrated by stiffener (39) in FIG. 6. Stiffener (39) includes a mounting flange (41) and an opposed flange (42) which have free edge portions. Beads or curls (44,46) are formed on the free edge portions for reinforcement.

Abstract: A method and system for drilling or cutting a subterranean well or formation 52 using a drilling rig 5, a drill string 55, a plurality of solid material impactors 100, a drilling fluid and a drill bit 60 is disclosed. This invention may have particular utility in drilling wells for the petroleum industry and for cutting formation in the mining and tunnel boring industries. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of solid material impactors are introduced into the drilling fluid and pumped through the drill string and drill bit to impact the formation ahead of the bit. At the point of impact, a substantial portion by weight of the impactors may have sufficient energy to structurally alter, excavate, and/or fracture the impacted formation. The majority by weight of the plurality of solid material impactors may have a mean diameter of at least 0.100 inches, and may structurally alter the formation to a depth of at least twice the mean diameter of the particles comprising the impacted formation.

Abstract: The blood sampling assembly includes a retractable double-ended needle so that a vial may be passed through an opposed end of the needle to obtain a blood sample. The assembly includes a hollow cylinder including circumferentially spaced seat tabs which allow a needle seat and the needle supported thereon to be released upon rotation of tube with respect to hollow cylinder. The extractor assembly includes a stopper for maintaining a vacuum within tube to withdraw the needle to a retracted position within the tube upon rotation of the tube, the end cap, and the stopper retainer. A stopper tab positioner rotationally connects the stopper to the cylinder.

Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor includes a conveyor base 12 and a tray 16 movable in a forward direction to move goods with the tray and in a backward direction to slide goods along the tray. A pair of tray support members 18, 20, 192, 200, 222 interconnect the conveyor base in the tray. Each tray support member may be pivotally connected at a lower end of the conveyor base and pivotally connected at an upper end of the tray. An electrically powered linear motor 30, 82, 95, 135, 145, 225 moves the tray forward and rearward. A connector support 20 for interconnecting the base and the tray, or for interconnecting any stationary member and a movable member, may include a linear bearing having an end surface with a radius for rolling engagement with a contact surface having a radius twice of that of the end surface to achieve the desired linear motion of the tray or movable member.

Abstract: An improved float valve according to the present invention includes a packer 10 for positioning within a joint of the casing C while at the surface of the well, the packer including a float valve receptacle therein for at least partially receiving a float valve. The float valve body includes a valve seat 56 and a valve member 54 is positioned for selective engagement and disengagement with the valve seat. A guide nose 58 may be optionally provided for positioning within the casing joint between the valve body and the pin end of the casing joint. The float valve body may be reliably fixed and sealed to the packer body. After the packer setting operation, the casing joint and the packer and the float valve may then be positioned as an assembly within the well.

Abstract: A shaft extending from a housing is rotatably sealed with the housing using a split seal assembly. During installation of the assembly, an alignment pin on one half of the assembly engages an oblong recess with planar sides in the other half of the assembly to permit radial movement of the two halves toward each other while preventing relative axial movement between the two halves. The permitted radial movement facilitates the assembly of the seal to the shaft while the limitation on relative axial movement maintains the correct positions, of the two halves. The permitted radial movement allows the two halves to assume fill circular engagement with the shaft to optimize the seal and the mechanical engagement with the shaft.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for hydraulic fracturing of subterranean reservoir formations using various combinations of gelled fluid, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide base components, in association with proppant and other additives. Selected base components are pumped down a wellbore tubing while other selected base components are simultaneously pumped down the wellbore tubing-casing annulus for downhole mixing into a composite fracturing fluid in the downhole region of the wellbore proximal to the reservoir objective. Thereby, changes may be timely effected in the composite fluid composition and fluid properties, substantially immediately prior to the composite fluid entering the formation. Such real-time modifications may be effected to readily preempt screenout occurrences and may facilitate composite fluid compositions which otherwise are frequently undesirable to pump from the surface. Such composite fluid combinations include components phases of each of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and a base fluid.

Abstract: A power tong 10 for making up and breaking apart threaded oilfield tubular connections includes a frame 11 having an open throat 20, a rotary ring 16 having an open throat 22, and a door 24 for closing over the open throat for safety. Hydraulic motor 42 is regulated by a control valve 52 for rotating the ring 16 which in turn rotates the oilfield tubular. A switch 46 responsive to the position of the door 24 controls the flow of air pressure to a cylinder 50, which renders active valve operator 54 which controls valve 52. According to the method of the invention, the door 24 must first be closed so that the switch 46 renders the valve operator 52 active, and the valve operator 52 must be reset once the door is opened before it can be manipulated to operate the motor control valve 52.

Abstract: A laparoscopic port adapter assembly 10 for conducting bile duct and related procedures, including a laparoscopic port 11, an introducer sheath 12 and a multiple conduit instrument guide 13. The instrument guide 13 may be inserted into a bile duct 14 to facilitate concurrent introduction of multiple instruments directly into the bile duct 14 without need for forceps manipulation of instruments through additional laparoscopic ports. The procedure may be conducted and viewed in real-time video to improve procedural efficiency and safety. Inventive related useful instruments and procedures are included to complement use and flexibility of the laparoscopic port adapter assembly 10. A preferred embodiment may include use of a three-conduit instrument guide 13 and concurrent introduction of a lithotripter 32, choledochoscope 31 and irrigative catheter 34 directly in the bile duct 14.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH3. The system includes a control station 12 on the vehicle with a tachometer 12A or a GPS system for providing a vehicle speed signal to a control panel 13. The control panel includes a toggle switch 17 for adjusting the opening or closing of a valve 52 in the flow line to regulate the flow through the system, although the control panel alternatively may automatically control the valve 52. The vehicle transports a tank 20 containing liquid NH3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40, 60, 130, the NH3 is conducted to the soil through a series of hoses, fittings, a distributor, and tubing. The flow meter transmits a signal to the control panel, which is converted to a corrected flow rate signal in response to a fixed value vaporization correction factor.