Abstract: A central control system that affords intuitive and easy control of numerous subsystems associated with a police car or other emergency vehicle and reduces the cockpit clutter associated with present control systems. An emergency response system is described that rapidly coordinates and controls operation of a plurality of emergency subsystems associated with a predetermined scheme of operation for the devices. In one preferred embodiment, the controller receives a single input command and, in response, provides specific device control commands to several individual controlled devices on a relatively simultaneous basis.

Abstract: An intelligent intersection control system features an internal controller that receives digital messages containing detailed information items concerning, for example, the direction, speed, length and identity of a train. The controller generates appropriate commands that coordinate the functions of crossing safety devices. A controller is capable of receiving and using much more detailed train information than is possible with conventional warning systems. Railroad crossing warning features are capable of responding more flexibly to this more detailed train information. The controller also continuously adjusts the activation state for safety devices associated with the crossing. In particular embodiments, the control system provides and displays crossing status information including the amount of time remaining until a crossing is cleared of train traffic, the approach of a second train during blocking of the crossing by a first train, or a suggested alternate route for waiting road vehicles.

Abstract: A collapsible crash barrier for use as and end treatment for a commonly known “Jersey Barrier” provides a frame assembly having a tubular construction and circular guides to control axial collapse of the barrier. A saddle is provided to rest upon and end section of a “Jersey Barrier” and slides along the top of a barrier when axially impacted by a vehicle in order to further control the collapse of the barrier.

Abstract: Improvements for an ALERT.RTM.-type vehicle-based control system are described. The improvements encompass the use of a multiple control unit architecture for more efficient processing of user interface functions and device commands. The improved architecture allows one control unit to manage the control functions for a first device set. The second, or subsequent, control unit offloads the management of device control functions from the first control unit. Devices and methods are also described for incorporating the control system into a vehicle data bus, such as the IDB.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described relating to barrel crash cushions which readily collapse when impacted from a substantially end-on direction, and are more capable than conventional designs of substantially redirecting vehicles impacting from non-end-on directions and reducing the chance of these vehicles tearing through the crash cushion. The described configurations also substantially reduce the harm associated with "coffin corner" impacts through a structurally reinforced portion that increases the ability of the barrel cushion to withstand impacts from directions other than substantially end-on.In some exemplary embodiments, the structural reinforcement is provided by a telescoping bracket assembly which surrounds some of the barrels of the crash cushion. In another embodiment, the reinforcement is provided by a plurality of interconnected cable sleeves which are carried on cables disposed along the longitudinal sides of the crash cushion to form a linear brace.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for treating multiple production zones includes a completion string having a plurality of sets of tools including a closing sleeve, indicator collar, and production screens with an isolation packer disposed between each adjacent set. An inner service tool is disposed within the outer completion string and includes an upper portion with a crossover tool and a lower portion with a closing sleeve shifter and a weight-down collet with the upper and lower portions being connected. The apparatus is assembled by assembling an initial length of the outer completion string which does not includes any of the closing sleeves or indicator collars. After the initial length is assembled, the lower portion of the service tool with the closing sleeve shifter and weight-down collet are assembled and inserted into the initial length of completion string. The remainder of the completion string is then assembled with all closing sleeves in the closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing and substantially destroying a fluid-type plug which is substantially dissolvable in fluid. A means for selectively opening a fluid port to the plug member is described which causes dissolution of the plug to occur. The plug member is maintained within a plug housing which also contains the fluid port. The plug housing is received within an annular sleeve which serves to seal the plug housing port against fluid intrusion into the plug housing port. The sleeve also contains an aperture which will become generally aligned with the plug housing port as the plug housing is axially separated from the annular sleeve. Axial separation of the plug housing and sleeve is accomplished by selectively pressurizing and depressurizing the flowbore containing the plug assembly to remove support for the plug housing.

Abstract: A well control valve assembly prevents flow from or to completion segments further downhole from the well control valve assembly once the stimulation stimulation/shifter string has been removed from the production tubing string. The well control valve assembly features a shaped flapper plate which, when opened, conforms closely to the shape and size of the production tubing string's interior diameter. The flapper plate is biased toward a closed position by a compression spring arrangement that includes an arm which levers the plate upward toward a seating surface. The valve assembly's closure is mechanically induced and is not responsive to a sensed well condition.

Abstract: An improved mechanical system selectively locks the tester valve of an annulus pressure responsive tester valve in position for an indeterminate number of well annulus pressure cycles. The tester valve can be closed upon demand. The forces which accomplish opening of the ball valve act across a power piston, but the forces which close the valve act across an actuating piston. The tester valve can be run into a well with an operating element of the tester valve, in a first position such as a closed position. Upon reaching the desired depth within the well and setting of an associated packer system, well annul us pressure is then increased to a first level above hydrostatic pressure to move the power piston and thus move the tester valve to an open position. During a normal mode of operation, well annulus pressure can be cycled between hydrostatic pressure and the first level to open and close the tester valve.

Abstract: A buffer insert is emplaceable within a memory gauge system buffer chamber. The buffer insert includes a reduced diameter, extended inlet conduit that attaches to the buffer chamber opening. The inlet conduit employs capillary repulsion to impede entrance of wellbore fluid into the buffer chamber. The inlet conduit forces infiltrating fluids to enter proximate the top of the chamber rather than its bottom. The insert further includes an extended curled capillary allowing restricted fluid communication between the chamber and the transducer. Entrance to the curled capillary is located proximate the bottom of the buffer chamber, thereby forcing infiltrating fluids to travel downward through the more viscous silicon oil. Testing has shown the system of the present invention to greatly reduce contact with the transducer components by infiltrating wellbore fluids.

Abstract: A retrievable well lock for use within a subterranean member is used in cooperation with a tool for setting the lock. The lock will include an actuation assembly which is operable in response to longitudinal movement between portions of the lock. The setting tool will preferably include a power source within a housing assembly which can be selectively coupled to or decoupled from the lock assembly. The power source is associated with the setting tool through an activation assembly which will cause movement of a movable mandrel within the setting tool facilitating the selective actuation of the lock.

Abstract: An actuating tool which is conveyed into a tubing string to attach to portions of an emplaced perforating gun. The tool includes an actuator with an electronic delay timer and an explosive device. The tool attaches to an emplaced perforating gun and detonates it by initiating an explosive charge along a complete explosive pathway formed between the actuator and gun, the actuator includes a tandem piston arrangement functional at most existing hydrostatic pressure levels, but nonfunctional at or near the surface of the wellbore. The tool may be withdrawn from the tubing string for a backup detonation tool to be placed into the tubing string to detonate a secondary firing head.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive tool of the type which contains lateral circulation ports and a ball valve, each operable between open and closed positions to configure the tool into different modes of operation. These modes include a well test position in which the ball valve is open and the circulation ports are closed, a blank position in which the ball valve and circulation ports are both closed, and a circulating position in which the ball valve is closed and the circulating ports are open. Through manipulation of annulus pressure, the tool mode can be changed during the annulus pressure release to move out of the well test position and into the blank and circulating positions. An operating mandrel assembly is slidably disposed within the exterior housing of the tool and its movement dictates the positions of both the circulation ports and the ball valve.

Abstract: A sleeve valve assembly featuring a cylindrical housing within which a sleeve valve is axially slidable within a radially expanded section of the housing. The radially expanded section of the housing presents an inwardly extending stop shoulder at one point along its length and an annular expansion notch at another point. The sleeve valve includes a radially projecting chamfered boss about its circumference. A portion of the sleeve valve is longitudinally slotted so as to form collets. An outwardly biased C-ring is disposed about the sleeve valve within the radially expanded section. The C-ring is initially disposed to be free to travel axially along the radially expanded section between the boss and the stop shoulder. As the sleeve valve is moved toward an open position, the boss, C-ring and stop shoulder engage each other such that the sleeve valve is releasably snagged against further axial movement toward the open position. A significant axial force upon the sleeve valve is required to effect unsnagging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a fluid plug within a well bore which can then be substantially destroyed upon demand to permit reestablishment of the well within a short period of time thereafter. Increased pressure actuates a plug rupture mechanism which destroys the integrity of the plug and allows the plug to be substantially eliminated from the wellbore within a short period of time thereafter. In described preferred embodiments, the plug is comprised of a salt and sand mixture which is highly resistant to fluid compressive forces but is subject to destruction under shear tension forces. The plug may be encased within a plug sleeve which is, in turn, encased within a plug housing which may be disposed within the well bore. The sleeve is associated within the housing so that fluid may be displaced about the plug sleeve as the housing is disposed into the well bore.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which permit stage cementing within a well bore by means of a well tool which includes a cementer having cementing ports which may be responsively opened and closed by means of a knife gate valve. The knife gate valve is disposed within the housing between outer and inner cylindrical walls and being slidable therein between an open position, wherein the cementing port is open and fluid may be communicated therethrough, and a closed position, wherein the cementing port is closed thus blocking fluid communication through said port. The knife gate valve is further operationally associated with a driver assembly and trigger device adapted to receive a trigger signal and actuate the driver assembly in response thereto. In alternate exemplary embodiments, the trigger signal may comprise an acoustical, magnetic, electromagnetic wave, electrical or other suitable signal which is received by the trigger device.

Abstract: An improved cementing tool, and more particularly an improved stage packer collar, having a tubular housing with an inner passage defined longitudinally therethrough and having a radially outer surface. The housing also has a cementing port and a longitudinal slot, both of which are disposed through a wall thereof. An outer closure sleeve is slidably received about the outer surface of the housing and is movable relative to the housing between an open position wherein the cementing port is not covered by the closure sleeve and a closed position wherein the cementing port is closed by the closure sleeve. An inner operating sleeve is slidably received in the inner passage of the housing and slidable between a first and second position relative to the housing.