Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and selectively tensioning a sheet material display on a billboard which includes a base plate, a handle connected to the base plate, a draw bar operationally associated with the handle, a spring detachably connected to the draw bar, and a chain with one end connected to the spring and the other end capable of being detachably connected to the sheet material display. The draw bar is selectively positioned about the handle in at least two different positions to exert a different amount of tension to the sheet material display when the handle is place in a sheet material display tensioned position.

Abstract: Access control devices are implemented at an access point of a plurality of remote properties. Each access control device has information unique to the access control device including the access control device unique identifier as well as a time determined, by an internal clock located at each access control device. A user can obtain a generated electronic key by forwarding a requesting application to a key generation system. The key generation system will generate the key and return it to the user for input to the access control device at the user desired property. The requesting application may comprise a property identifier indicative of an access control device at the user desired location. When generating the electronic key, the key generation system executes an encryption algorithm to convert some of the information in the requesting application into cyphertext.

Abstract: A valve apparatus. The valve apparatus is disposed within a well so that an annulus is formed between an outer portion of the valve and an inner portion of the well. In one preferred embodiment, the valve apparatus comprises an outer mandrel containing an annulus port; an inner mandrel slidably disposed within the outer mandrel, and wherein the inner mandrel contains a production and equalizing port. The valve contains a seal assembly so that pressure from the annulus is isolated from the inner portion of the inner mandrel. In one preferred embodiment, the seal assembly comprises: a first header seal; a first seal ring, abutting the header seal, for sealing with the outer portion of the inner mandrel; a follower seal abutting the seal ring; a second seal ring, abutting the follower seal, for sealing with the outer portion of the inner mandrel; a second header seal; and an equalizing seal abutting the second seal ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing down a fluid level in a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a first tubular disposed within the wellbore so that a wellbore annulus is formed. The apparatus further includes an annular nozzle operatively attached to the first tubular, and wherein the annular nozzle comprises: an annular adapter; and, a suction tube that extends from the annular member into an inner portion of the first tubular. The apparatus further comprises a second tubular concentrically disposed within the first tubular so that a micro annulus is formed therein. The apparatus may further contain a jetting device for delivering an injected medium injected from the micro annulus into the wellbore annulus, and a stabilizer that stabilizes the second tubular within the first tubular. A method of drawing down a fluid level is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular connection having a first joint having outer threads and an inner bore, and a second joint having outer threads and an inner bore. The tubular connection further includes an outer nut having inner threads that cooperate with the outer threads of the first joint and the second joint. The tubular connection further includes an inner sleeve positioned within the first inner bore and the second inner bore. In one embodiment, the first inner bore contains a first groove having first seal disposed therein and the second inner bore contains a second groove having second seal disposed therein, wherein the first and second seal prevents a pressure from exiting the first and second inner bore.

Abstract: A percussion apparatus and method of using the percussion apparatus. The apparatus may be used for delivering an impact to a tubular string. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical member having an internal bore containing an anvil and a first guide profile. The apparatus further includes a rotor disposed within the internal bore, and wherein the rotor member comprises a body having an outer circumference with a second guide profile thereon, and wherein the rotor contains a radial hammer face. In a first position, the second external guide profile of the rotor will engage with the first guide profile of the cylindrical member so that the radial hammer face can contact the anvil. In a second position, the second guide profile of the rotor will engage with the first guide profile of the cylindrical member so that the radial hammer face is separated from the anvil shoulder. Multiple rotors and multiple stators may be employed. The rotor may be operatively associated with a stator that directs flow into the rotor.

Abstract: A wireless data communication system for a down hole environment. The system includes a housing containing a sensor, positioned within a tubular, for collecting information and processing the information, a modulator for modulating the information from the sensor into an analog signal, and a sensor antenna electrically connected to the first modulator for generating a modulated electromagnetic wave. The system further includes a probe housing, concentrically disposed within the tubular, comprising a probe antenna for receiving the modulated electromagnetic wave and generating an output, and a demodulator for demodulating the electromagnetic wave received from the sensor to a digital record. A method of wirelessly communicating between a probe and a remote sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for telemetering a downhole parameter from a well. The apparatus comprises a housing having a bore. The apparatus further comprises an annular main valve with an enlarged end positioned within the bore, with the main valve having a center of axis. A restrictor is concentrically disposed within the bore, the restrictor configured to define an annular passage with the main valve. The apparatus also includes: a pressure device for supplying hydraulic pressure to the main valve; a control valve, operatively associated with the restrictor member, for controlling pressure to the main valve; and a solenoid control valve assembly for activating the control valve.

Abstract: A tubular handling device. The device includes a plurality of slips, and wherein the slips have an arcuate inner face that has a longitudinally disposed slot and a ledge therein. The device further comprises an insert having a shoulder that is configured to fit within the ledge, and wherein the insert is capable of transferring a load from the shoulder to the ledge. In one preferred embodiment, the outer portion of the slips have a taper of greater than 11 degrees and a complementary bowl insert is provided that has a matching taper. A method of handling tubular members on a drilling rig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roller sub system for reducing friction between a tool string and a wall in a well bore for use in the oil and gas industry. The apparatus has a roller body and wheel sub system, which is configured to have removably mounted wheels of variable diameters. A plurality of different diameter wheel sets are described for mounting on the roller sub axles and orientating the system in the well bore. The wheels are fixed to the roller sub axles through a quick-release mechanism. A single apparatus can thus be employed with different diameter wheels to operate in well bores of variable diameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering wireline into a well. The apparatus comprises a sleeve having a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a first plurality of wedges and the second end contains a second plurality of wedges. The apparatus further includes an upper mandrel having a third plurality of wedges that are configured to engage the first plurality of wedges and a first sub configured to engage the upper mandrel, wherein the upper mandrel contains a first and second passage, and wherein the first passage is configured to receive the wireline. The apparatus further comprises a lower mandrel having a fourth plurality of wedges that engage with the second plurality of wedges, and a second sub configured to engage the lower mandrel, wherein the second sub contains an opening that has the lower mandrel disposed there through.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing onto vials. The vials may be connected in a series, the vials having an open end and a closed end. The apparatus comprises a conveyor for moving the vials, the conveyor having a mandrel for receiving the open end of the vials. The mandrel may contain a plurality of receiving post, for capturing the vials. The apparatus may further include a vial depressor for depressing the vials onto the receiving post of the mandrel, a first offset inking transfer device for printing a first ink pattern onto the vials, and a first ultra violet dryer positioned to receive the vials from the first offset inking transfer device and provide for curing of the ink pattern from the first offset inking transfer device.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the load applied to a rig. The rig is positioned over a well, with the well having a tubular string disposed therein. A landing string is connected to the tubular string such as casing, production and/or testing assemblies. The apparatus comprises a floatation module attached to the landing string and a clamp for clamping the floatation module onto the landing string. In one embodiment, the floatation module comprises a tubular sleeve having a buoyant material applied thereto. The tubular sleeve includes slots. The clamp may contain a set of dies adapted to engage the slots of the tubular sleeve. A method of landing a work string into a sub-sea well head from a floating drilling rig is also disclosed, wherein a marine riser connects the rig to the sub-sea well head.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering wireline into a well. The apparatus comprises a sleeve having a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a first plurality of wedges and the second end contains a second plurality of wedges. The apparatus further includes an upper mandrel having a third plurality of wedges that are configured to engage the first plurality of wedges and a first cap configured to engage the upper mandrel, wherein the first cap contains a first and second passage, and wherein the first passage is configured to receive the wireline. The apparatus further comprises a lower mandrel having a fourth plurality of wedges that engage with the second plurality of wedges, and a second cap configured to engage the lower mandrel, wherein the second cap contains an opening that has the lower mandrel disposed there through.

Abstract: Method and system for processing natural gas containing contaminants through the use of one or more rotary screw compressors. A natural gas containing a contaminant (e.g., water or carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide) and a contaminant removing agent are combined and processed within a rotary screw compressor. The contaminant removing agent may be a dehydrating agent such as a glycol or a carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide removing agent such an amine. The method and system of the present invention also may employ a series of rotary screw compressors to process natural gas containing a plurality of contaminants.

Abstract: A remote control caddy which is detachably affixed to a sofa or chair and has one or more pockets for the placement and storage of remote control devices, such as t.v. or stereo remote control units. The remote control caddy is made of upholstery fabric, lined with an upholstery fabric liner, which preferably matches the fabric of the sofa or chair to which it is affixed.

Abstract: A method for implanting a one-piece hybrid tibial tray component of a knee replacement prosthesis is disclosed. The method includes cutting an upper end of a tibia to accommodate the shape of the hybrid tibial tray and then punch fitting a tibial baseplate template having an imprint into the tibia. Next, cement is applied to the peripheral surface and the hybrid tibial tray is pressed down into the upper end of the tibia. Also, a temporary partition may be included, with the temporary barrier forming a barrier between the central area of the tibia and the peripheral area of the tibia.