Abstract: The present invention includes methods of cementing in subterranean formations using cement kiln dust in compositions having reduced Portland cement content. An embodiment of a method comprises placing a sealant composition that comprises cement kiln dust and is essentially free of Portland cement in a subterranean formation; and allowing the sealant composition to set.

Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer may be grown from the metal substrate, by anodizing, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. Alternatively the layer may be deposited by electroplating, followed by diffusion bonding so as to become integral with the metal substrate. In either case, silver is a suitable biocidal material; and both the release rate and the quantity of biocidal material should be low to avoid toxic effects on body cells. Electropolishing the surface before formation of the surface layer is also beneficial, and this may be achieved by electropolishing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning and aiming a firearm include a firearm alignment device. In an embodiment, the firearm alignment device includes a reflective surface. The reflective surface provides an image. The firearm alignment device also includes an opening in the reflective surface. A barrel of a firearm is disposable in the opening. In addition, the firearm alignment device includes a removeable band. The removeable band is horizontally disposed on the reflective surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding tubulars are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes an expansion swage. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one anchoring device for selective and releasable anchoring of selected parts of the apparatus to an inner surface of the tubular. The apparatus also includes a thruster providing a force for longitudinal movement of the expansion swage inside the tubular. Moreover, the apparatus includes a hydraulic valve for selective control of a flow of operating fluid to the thruster. The hydraulic valve includes a valve cylinder slidably positioned on a shaft and a position control device for selective and releasable securing a position of the valve cylinder on the shaft. The hydraulic valve also includes an elastic device for shifting the valve cylinder between two end positions.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to improving the performance of anionic friction reducing polymers in water containing multivalent ions. Exemplary embodiments relate to methods of improving the performance of anionic friction reducing polymers in a subterranean treatment, wherein the method comprises adding a complexing agent to water comprising multivalent ions. The method comprises adding the anionic friction reducing polymer to the water comprising the multivalent ions, wherein the anionic friction reducing polymer is added in an amount less than or equal to about 0.15% by weight of the water. The method comprises introducing the water comprising the multivalent ions, the complexing agent and the anionic friction reducing polymer into at least a portion of the subterranean formation such that the friction reducing polymer reduces energy loss due to turbulence in the water.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the cement compositions comprise water, a cement, and a fluid loss control additive, the fluid loss control additive comprising a graft copolymer. The graft copolymer comprises a backbone and at least four grafted monomers selected from the group consisting of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, acrylamide, acrylic acid, vinylphosphonic acid, diallyldimethylammonium chloride, and salts thereof. The backbone of the graft copolymer comprises a humic acid salt. Methods of cementing using exemplary embodiments of the cement compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tubular expansion are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular comprises at least two expansion swages. At least one expansion swage is axially movable relative to other expansion swages. In addition, the apparatus includes sealing means capable of providing fluid tight pressure chambers between the expansion swages and an expanded portion of the tubular.