Abstract: Methods of using invertible oil external-water internal emulsions in drilling, hydraulic fracturing, gravel packing and completion and then inverting the emulsion to a water external-oil internal emulsion are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of contacting the oil external-water internal emulsion with an aqueous acid solution containing an anionic sulfonate surfactant for preventing aqueous acid solution-crude oil emulsions and crude oil sludging and a chemical for preventing the anionic sulfonate surfactant from reacting with the emulsifier in the oil external-water internal emulsion.

Abstract: A tubing injector apparatus for use with variable diameter tubing. The apparatus comprises a pair of carriages which may be moved transversely and pivotally with respect to one another by actuating hydraulic actuator cylinders. A hydraulic control system uses relief valves to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the actuator cylinders when a tapered connector in the tubing passes between the carriages. A gripper chain in each carriage has gripper blocks to grippingly engage the tubing. A linear beam supports the gripper chain and has a plurality of resiliently biased segments therein to help maintain better contact with the tubing when the tapered connector passes through.

Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.

Abstract: A process for increasing the bulk density of an aerated powder is provided. The powder is placed in a container. The container is then closed and the gas pressure within the container is increased to a level above atmospheric pressure and at a rate sufficient to cause the powder to compact before a substantial portion of said pressurization gas diffuses into said powder. In one embodiment, the process is utilized to increase the bulk density of an aerated, free-flowing titanium dioxide pigment. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.

Abstract: A feed table with force reaction system for counteracting clamping forces on a shuttle vise used to move a workpiece toward a machine tool. In a first embodiment, lever arms are attached to an upper guide rail between two vertical columns. A reaction actuator interconnects upper ends of the lever arms such that when actuated, a reaction force is applied to the vertical columns by lower ends of the lever arms to counteract clamping forces created by a clamping actuator attached to one of the vertical columns. In a second embodiment, lever arms are also used and interconnected at the upper ends thereof by a reaction bar. A reaction actuator is attached to a lower end of each of the lever arms to apply the reaction force. In third and fourth embodiments, a clamping force bar is positioned above the upper guide beam. A clamping actuator is attached to the clamping force bar such that clamping forces are not transmitted to the vertical columns.

Abstract: A back pressure valve assembly for use in a well casing string. The valve assembly comprises a housing with a stationary and a floating plate therein. The floating plate is moveable between an open position spaced from the stationary plate and a closed position engaging the stationary plate. Fluid flow downwardly through the valve assembly tends to move the floating plate toward the open position, and fluid flow upwardly through the valve assembly tends to move the floating plate toward the closed position. A finger or key may be used to prevent rotation of the floating plate with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A disposable sterile surgical drape with pre-attached disposable sterile instruments for use in a selected surgical procedure is provided. The disposable sterile surgical drape basically comprises a drape having a size for covering an operating table and a patient thereon and having an incision opening formed therein, a patient heat distributing pad pre-attached to the bottom side of the drape, an absorbent cloth surrounding the incision opening pre-attached to the bottom side of the drape, a cover for the incision opening in the drape pre-attached to the top side of the drape, and the surgical instruments and connecting tubes or wires required to accomplish the surgical procedure pre-attached to the drape.

Abstract: A fishing tool apparatus for retrieving an object from within a well bore, wherein the object has an opening for receiving the apparatus, comprises a support rod, an expandable sleeve, and a biasing means. The expandable sleeve may be externally threaded for engaging the object, is slidably mounted on the support rod, and is movable from a narrow diameter insertion position to an expanded engaging position. Once inserted, the biasing means biases the expandable sleeve to the expanded engaging position, thus facilitating engagement. Thus the expandable sleeve is inserted and engaged without applying torque thereto.

Abstract: An automated analysis method and tool for a digitally imaged financial item can digitally recognize a plurality of characters across an area of a digital image containing character indicia at predetermined positions in the area and also possibly containing non-character indicia in the area. This finds exemplification in an automated check processing method and check sorting system in which a check's MICR line that has been read and interpreted as invalid can be digitally analyzed, via a digital image of the check, to identify MICR characters that could not be validly read or interpreted by the conventional MICR processing equipment. This includes digitally applying character recognition processing to an invalidated MICR line in a digital image of the financial item (e.g., a check). Previously invalidated MICR line data can then be corrected.

Abstract: A martial arts practice device that is freestanding and can be used by one or more practitioners. The device has a base which can be filled with liquid for weighting, a stem extending upwardly from the base and a plurality of rails attached to the stem. A plurality of target adapter assemblies are slidably mounted on the rails. A target is attached to each target adapter assembly by a target attachment assembly. The target attachment assemblies include an elastomeric pivot so that the targets can pivot in any direction with respect to the target adapter assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.

Abstract: A tool positioning assembly for positioning downhole tools at desired locations within a wellbore. The current invention further provides methods for using a tool positioning assembly. The tool positioning assembly and methods for using the same reduce the number of downhole trips required to perform downhole operations.

Abstract: Methods of cementing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores and well cement compositions. A well cement composition of the invention basically comprises a hydraulic cement, water in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry and a fluid loss control polymer additive comprising 77.9 weight % of the calcium salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, 8 weight % of the calcium salt of maleic acid, 11 weight % of N-vinyl caprolactam, 3 weight % of 4-hydroxybutyl vinyl ether and 0.1 weight % of methylene bisacrylamide.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a threaded tightening device includes a guide and an anvil utilized to impact a lug on the threaded tightening device to rotate the tightening device onto or off of a threaded member. The guide has a frame with a support sleeve attached thereto. A reciprocating device is received in and is supported by the support sleeve. The anvil is attached to the reciprocating device. When the reciprocating device is received in and is supported by the support sleeve, actuation of the reciprocating device will cause the anvil to repeatedly impact a lug to rotate the threaded tightening device in the desired direction.

Abstract: A seal and bearing assembly for use in rotating machinery of the type having a rotor which turns within a stationary housing. The rotor and housing define a seal cavity therein in which the seal and bearing assembly is positioned. The assembly comprises a first bearing race adapted for engagement with a rotating surface on the rotor or a stationary surface, a second race adapted for engagement with the other of the rotating or stationary surfaces, and a plurality of bearing elements disposed between the first and second races. A bearing cage may be used which defines a plurality of bearing openings therein disposed between the first and second races, wherein the bearing elements are disposed in the bearing openings. Preferably, the bearing elements are rollers.

Abstract: The current invention provides improved methods and compositions for completing a well bore. In one aspect, the current invention provides a process for preparing a foamed well composition. The process utilizes air to foam the composition after the air has been treated to lower the oxygen content below that concentration necessary to support combustion. Additionally, the current invention provides a process for completing and/or treating a well bore using a foamed composition wherein the foam is generated with reduced oxygen content air. Finally, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides a foamed cement composition wherein the gaseous portion of the composition is air having a reduced oxygen content.

Abstract: Slips slidably disposed on a mandrel for lowering into a well inside a tubular to be removed from the well move outwardly to engage the tubular upon withdrawing the mandrel carrying the slips from the well. In one implementation there is a conical surface such that movement between the slips and the conical surface expands the slips outwardly. These inner and outer bodies are relatively moved in the well such that the outer body expands against an inner surface of the tubular in the well preparatory to removing the tubular from the well. After removing the tool string and at least part of the tubular engaged by the slips out of the well, inner structure of the removal tool can be pulled, in a direction opposite to which the lifting force was applied, to disengage the slips from the removed portion of the tubular.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle for delivering liquids to a storage location and a liquid delivery control system therefor. The apparatus comprises manual and remote actuation of a clutch controller for engaging and disengaging a clutch of the vehicle, remote and manual actuation of a throttle controller for opening and closing a throttle of the vehicle, actuation of a power take-off controller for engaging and disengaging a power take-off on the vehicle, and actuation of a valve controller for opening and closing an internal flow valve in a cargo tank on the vehicle. The apparatus also may include actuation of a reel controller for unwinding a liquid delivery hose from a reel and rewinding the hose on the reel. A method of delivering a liquid to a storage location is also disclosed.