Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments a hose reel system including a layout guide is provided.

Abstract: A power tong assembly has a transmission box having a plurality of speeds. A gear train completely encircles a rotary gear by including idler gears, fluid lines and actuating mechanisms within a tong door, which itself can be remotely operated. Cam roller assemblies can be inversely mounted into cage plates and a support race can be mounted into an opening, thereby eliminating the need to cut a groove in a rotary gear. Filler blocks can be inserted adjacent to gears to catch and redirect slung grease from gears back to said gears, while dampening noise and reducing the misuse of grease, thereby increasing effectiveness of lubrication. A make and break actuator assembly can be housed on the power tong body such that it is completely covered from external damage except when momentarily activated. A symmetric rotary gear, rotary gear inserts, cam shoe inserts and over-travel cam stops are provided.

Abstract: An improved cementing tool is presented which allows for relatively easy removal and insertion of the tool through the use of non-threaded low-torque connections. The cementing tool uses a combination of threaded connections and non-threaded, low-torque connections configured to create a stack of components including plug launchers, ball launchers and plug launch indicator/counters. Use of non-threaded low-torque connections allows for breaking down the tool by hand, requiring no special torquing equipment.

Abstract: A convertible trailer includes a frame including a tongue portion arranged to facilitate towing by a vehicle, a main portion supported by the frame and defining a portion of a space, and an end portion coupled to the main portion and cooperating with the main portion to define the space. A porch cover is pivotably coupled to the main portion for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position and a porch floor is pivotably coupled to the main portion for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, the porch cover and the porch floor cooperating to define a porch when in the deployed position. A front door is formed as part of the main portion and provides a passage between the space and the porch. An end door is formed as part of the end portion and is arranged to provide access to the space. A plurality of removable support members is positioned beneath the porch floor and arranged to support the porch floor in the deployed position.

Abstract: A casing running tool capable of handling pipe and tubing has fluid power conducting channels leading from stationary to rotating components, through a swivel. The swivel has a plurality of fluid channels, each confined by dynamic seals that rub peripherally on mating seal surfaces. The seals are carried on at least one piston that is movable, on command, to carry the seals out of contact with the peripherally rubbing surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid powered pipe tong fluid supply has a shunt that fluidly connects the tong input fluid line to the tong output fluid line. A flow control valve is installed in the shunt and is open when pipe joint make-up begins. The valve is slowly closed and the resulting fluid power made available to the tong causes it to make the low-resistance turns required of the pipe during the thread run. As the valve continues to close, the resulting pipe turn increases the resistance and causes the tong motor to demand more pressure, to achieve more turn. Torque demand continues to develop as the valve continues to close. Options include computer control, a graph reader to direct the computer, a recorder, a manually set by-pass relief valve to parallel the flow control valve as a secondary pressure limit assurance.

Abstract: A vertical pipe column assembly procedure involves the simultaneous welding and ultrasonic testing activity by using a plurality of welders progressing peripherally around a joint with the ultrasonic testing work similarly progressing peripherally around the joint between the welders. The temperature rise from welding activity is reduced by only partially completing the weld at a selected joint, then lowering the joint by the usual process of lowering or driving it downward one section length and completing the weld deposit at a lower work station. At the lower work station, ultrasonic testing again proceeds simultaneously between the peripherally progressing welders. An optional step used to improve joint strength, usable at selected joints needing the most strength, involves the application of an axial pull on the section above the finish welding activity. This axial pull places an axial stress in the partially completed weld.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is presented for the performance of refractive surgery. The success of refractive surgery, particularly astigmatic refractive surgery varies with the intuition and skill of the surgeon yielding a consistency of results more typical of art than science. In the described embodiments methods and apparatus that quantify refractive surgery by determining the nature of incisions are based upon traceable and repeatable factors. The described embodiments incorporate hardware and software for use in the data management.

Abstract: The invention relates to the art of corneal topography. More specifically, the invention provides many methods and apparatuses for advancing the ease and accuracy of corneal topography. In addition to a front-view camera, one embodiment provides a side (temporal) view camera for viewing the cornea or other reflective surface. The side-view camera may capture a true image of the cornea as well as a reflected placido pattern. The information contained in these images provides capability to automatically find the apex, location of the limbus, vertical profile and curvature out to the limbus. These abilities lead to improved methods for autocalibration and autopositioning as well as other advantages in the field of corneal mapping.

Abstract: Improved welding method and padeye processing speeds up the connection of individual joints by peripheral fusion welding while the joint to be added stands vertically atop an existing pipe string also standing vertical in the rig floor. A plurality of welders can operate to speed up completion of the weld by removing heat from the pipe during the welding process. Heat is removed by the use of fluid cuffs near the weld area and, optionally, by using a spool within the pipe string to dispense expansion cooled air against the inner pipe wall in the vicinity of the weld. A special improved padeye is provided for welding near the pipe ends for handling. The padeye has a divided profile, a hole for a lifting shackle, and it will be accepted within the skirt of the lead system of the driving hammer. The upper end of the padeye can be cut from the pipe while the pipe is resting, on rig related structure, on the lower surface of the padeye.

Abstract: Improved welding method and padeye processing speeds up the connection of individual joints by peripheral fusion welding while the joint to be added stands vertically atop an existing pipe string also standing vertical in the rig floor. A plurality of welders can operate to speed up completion of the weld by removing heat from the pipe during the welding process. Heat is removed by the use of fluid cuffs near the weld area and, optionally, by using a spool within the pipe string to dispense expansion cooled air against the inner pipe wall in the vicinity of the weld. A special improved padeye is provided for welding near the pipe ends for handling. The padeye has a divided profile, a hole for a lifting shackle, and it will be accepted within the skirt of the lead system of the driving hammer. The upper end of the padeye can be cut from the pipe while the pipe is resting, on rig related structure, on the lower surface of the padeye.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber product and method for manufacturing a ceramic fiber product for severe refractory environments. The method includes the steps of saturating a dry ceramic fiber material having an initial thickness with water or a nonbinding aqueous solution and squeezing the wetted ceramic fiber material to a latent compressed state having a thickness less than the initial dry thickness and removing liquid from the ceramic fiber material during the compressing step. The ceramic fiber is made of a material that springs back towards its initial dry thickness after drying. A monolithic ceramic fiber structure made from the ceramic fiber product is also described, as well as a kit for making a ceramic fiber structure and fasteners for attaching the product to a support form of the structure.