Abstract: A column-and-beam join structure comprises connecting the column and beam with a pair of split tees. At least one split tee has a web with a portion of the web having a reduced cross-sectional area. The web with the reduced cross-sectional area is located between a flange of the beam and a buckling restraint. The buckling restraint is connected to the flange of the beam with bolts. The sides of the bolts are in the proximity to the side surface of the portion of the web of the split tee having the reduced cross-sectional area. Annular members may be arranged surrounding portions of the bolts that are in proximity to the side surface of the portion of the web having the reduced cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A climbing tree stand having a continuous length adjustment for the tensile member passing around the tree. FIG. 1 shows the stand, incorporating a foot platform and a seat platform. Each platform is bound to the tree by a flexible tensile member. Each tensile member is removably connected to a first and second slider. Each slider rides along a bar. The slider is ordinarily clamped firmly to the bar. It can only be moved by the user pressing a lock plate and sliding it along. Thus, the tensile member can be adjusted without ever releasing it from the platform. In addition, if the user should accidentally release his or her grip on the slider, the slider will lock itself in position and prevent the platform dislodging.

Abstract: An expandable downhole tool comprises a tubular body, at least one moveable arm disposed within the tubular body and being radially translatable between a retracted position and a wellbore engaging position, and at least one piston operable to mechanically support the at least one moveable arm in the wellbore engaging position when an opposing force is exerted. A method of reaming a formation to form an enlarged borehole in a wellbore comprising disposing an expandable reamer in a retracted position in the wellbore, expanding at least one movable arm of the expandable reamer radially outwardly into engagement with the formation, reaming the formation with the at least one moveable arm to form the enlarged borehole; and mechanically supporting the at least one moveable arm in the radially outward direction during reaming.

Abstract: A system and associated method for forming a window opening in a poured concrete wall and installing a window therein includes a one-piece reusable window buck having a number of retainers temporarily coupled thereto. An anchor portion of each retainer becomes embedded in the poured concrete wall and after the window buck is removed from the window opening formed in the wall, the window is easily and conveniently installed in the window opening and secured therein by the window retainer and cooperating clip on the window frame without the need for additional mechanical fasteners or tools.

Abstract: A method is provided that allows the operator to re-enter a primary wellbore from a lateral wellbore after the lateral wellbore has been completed. The method generally comprises the steps of locating a cutting device such as a milling bit adjacent a tubular such as a liner within a wellbore, rotating the milling bit while maintaining an axial position of the milling bit relative to the liner to initiate an opening, and rotating and axially advancing the milling bit to complete the opening. In addition, a bottom hole assembly that facilitates re-entry into the primary wellbore from a lateral wellbore is provided. The bottom hole assembly generally includes a drill collar or other heavy pipe structure, and a mill. The mill has a body and cutting structures. The cutting structures apply lateral force against a surrounding pipe to form an initial lip through the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a borehole are provided. One system includes a continuously variable transmission. An input shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to a power supply. An output shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to one or more system components such that the continuously variable transmission controls rotation of the one or more system components. One method for drilling a borehole includes supplying power to an input shaft of a continuously variable transmission. The method also includes controlling rotation of one or more system components using the continuously variable transmission during drilling of the borehole. The one or more system components are coupled to an output shaft of the continuously variable transmission. Also provided is a borehole that is drilled by this method.

Abstract: Various embodiments for high directionals and kits for high directionals are disclosed. A high directional having an articulated, separable head is disclosed. A high directional having a height adjustable both by altering the length of the legs and by adjusting the leg connection to the head is disclosed. A kit for a high directional including a head, legs, and multiple sets of feet for the high directional is disclosed. The feet of each set are configured for different surfaces. Another kit for a high directional includes a first head component, a second head component, and a plurality of legs.

Abstract: A flexible connection joint for inflatable structures such as life rafts, evacuation slides, and the like, includes a flexible connection member to join walls of the inflatable structure together. The flexible connection member includes first and second strip portions that are bonded together at one end to from three legs that can be joined to two or three walls of the structure or to other connecting elements or strips. In this manner, a tensile force acting on at least one of the walls of the structure causes generation of shear forces between the flexible legs and walls to thereby resist their separation.

Abstract: Walls and other structures can be made from blocks assembled from relatively light-weight standard panels that fit together like a puzzle. The blocks are held together without the use of mortar. Each block is formed of six rectangular panels fitted together by sliding capturable elements into cooperating receiving grooves. All of the panels have a common thickness and each panel has two parallel faces. Three types of panels are involved in making the block.

Abstract: A thermal protection system for an ISO container includes roof panels attached to factory installed corner fittings on the container roof. The roof panels may be level or inclined and may include cavities for insulation. The standoff distance between the roof panels and the container roof is adjustable in certain embodiments. The roof panels may be layered to enhance thermal protection. Reflective coatings applied to the panels further enhance thermal protection from solar radiation.

Abstract: Cutting elements are provided having multiple diameter sections. Also provided are bits incorporating such cutting elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the operation of a downhole flow control device using a snorkel tube.

Abstract: A wall anchoring system is used to secure a stud wall to a foundation of a building. An anchor has an open bottom for receiving a connector which threadably receives an anchor bolt and an open top that is covered by a removable seal tab, the seal tab having a depth gauge to control the level of anchor bolt insertion. A clip is attached to the anchor and is used to secure the device to a concrete block header prior to foundation pour. Once the foundation is poured, the seal tab is removed, either by being detached along a frangible connection or by being punctured in order to expose the open top of the anchor. A securement bolt is passed through the base plate of the stud wall and is received within the anchor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing gas from a subterranean formation containing a coal seam. The method includes the steps of drilling a substantially vertical well bore into the subterranean formation, which intersects the coal seam and fracturing the coal seam using a hydrajetting tool to produce at least one pair of opposed bi-wing fractures substantially along a plane of maximum stress. One or more horizontal well bores may also be drilled into the coal seam along which the coal seam can be further fractured.

Abstract: A device for fixing glasses on a curtain wall or roofing, capable of being applied to a curtain wall and a covering layer adopting a rigid plate, especially a single-layer glass plate or a hollow laminated glass plate. The device comprises: a glass supporting beam having a special cross section, which has a base portion for rooting the fixing nails and two shoulders for supporting two adjacent glasses; a pressing bar inserted into the side seam of the hollow gum-sandwiched glass having a bar-like slot; and a pressing block fixed on the base portion having a pressing head extending into the bar-like slot. Furthermore, an adjustable block is disposed between the shoulders of the supporting beams and the glasses. The adjustable block has an upper surface for supporting glass and a bar-like hinge head, which is provided on the bottom surface and hinged on a bar-like hinge base provided on the shoulders of the supporting beams.

Abstract: A tie anchor for strip-type tension members includes an anchor body disposed on at least one side of the tension member. The anchor body includes a plurality of clamping blocks arranged at a distance from each other in a longitudinal direction of the tension member. The clamping blocks are connected to tension member by adhesive and/or friction (clamping friction). An end-most (final) one of the clamping blocks is attached to a fixed abutment. Adjacent clamping blocks are interconnected by expansion members whose spring stiffness becomes progressively stronger toward the end-most clamping block.

Abstract: A method of forming a wellhead including: drilling a wellbore; positioning an outer casing at least partially within an upper portion of the wellbore; positioning a first tubular member within the outer casing; expanding at least a portion of the first tubular member into contact with an interior surface of the outer casing; positioning a second tubular member within the outer casing and the first tubular member; and expanding at least a portion of the second tubular member into contact with an interior portion of the outer casing; wherein, after expanding the portions of the first and second tubular members into contact with the interior portion of the outer casing, at least a portion of the second tubular member is positioned within the first tubular member; and wherein, after expanding the portions of the first and second tubular members into contact with the interior portion of the outer casing, the first tubular member and the second tubular member define a passage there between.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hunting in leaning and non-leaning trees is disclosed. The apparatus includes an adjustable tree stand having top and/or bottom adjustment. Adjustment is provided through the use of an adjustment device attached to a support or a cross-member. The apparatus also includes a measuring device for use in measuring tree “lean.” The measuring device connects to the bottom of the tree stand. The method includes making a gross adjustment of the tree stand based upon measurement of tree lean using the measuring device.

Abstract: A protection system for an artificial lift device including but not limited to electrical submersible pump (ESP) and an electrical submersible progressing cavity pup (ESPCP). The artificial lift device is suspended on a tubing string into a wellbore where the artificial lift device contacts well fluids. The artificial lift device is provided with a barrier such as an intake barrier or output barrier that deters an ingress of well fluids into the artificial lift device. As a result, the artificial lift device may remain idle and submerged within well fluids for an extended period of time without experiencing degradation of the artificial lift device internals. The intake barrier may include a plug, burst disk, dissolvable material, a selectively openable barrier such as a sleeve or a spring biased member or other member that is capable of providing a suitable barrier. The barrier may be removed once the artificial lift device is ready for operation.

Abstract: A technique includes deploying a spring downhole, energizing the spring and using the energized spring to form an annular barrier in the well. The spring may be energized prior to being run downhole or after being run downhole, depending on the particular embodiment of the invention.