Abstract: A steering tool for use in drilling a borehole, including a tubular housing, a tool actuating device movably supported within the housing, a plurality of hydraulically actuated steering devices circumferentially spaced about the housing, and a hydraulic control system interposed between the tool actuating device and the steering devices for converting an actuating movement of the tool actuating device to independent actuation of the steering devices.

Abstract: A flexible container and a method for constructing the flexible container. The flexible container is comprised of a bottom and a plurality of side walls projecting from the bottom. The side walls and the bottom define a container space and one baffle connection line extends along each of the side walls. A plurality of baffles are contained within the container space, with each baffle being attached to two adjacent side walls of the container along the baffle connection lines for those side walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a thermoplastic rod to a heated chamber. A housing, having a first end for communication with the chamber and a second end, receives the rod. A feeding mechanism applies an advancement force to the rod at a first location in a first direction towards the chamber. A retaining mechanism applies a retaining force to the rod at a second location in response to a force applied to the rod in a second direction opposite the first location. The rod is substantially supported within the housing from at least the first location to the first end. The retaining force is applied to the rod substantially about the entire circumference of the rod. The advancement force is applied to the rod at the first location between the first and second ends and the retaining force is applied to the rod at a second location between the first location and the second end.