Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for flow-activated plug assembly flow seat initiation, which in some aspects may comprise sealing a plug within a downhole bore, and may include a plug assembly comprising a frustoconical tube; a tubular mandrel positioned longitudinally through the frustoconical tube and having port(s) fluidly connecting a mandrel bore with the bore of the frustoconical tube, and having a shear ring extending from the mandrel; and a ball configured to fluidly seal the proximal end of the tubular mandrel; wherein the tubular mandrel is configured to move between a first position having a fluid passageway through the ports and a second position wherein the shear ring has been sheared away when a predetermined fluid pressure is applied to the plug assembly and the tubular mandrel is positioned relative to the frustoconical tube such that the port(s) are blocked, closing the fluid passageway.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for flow-activated plug assembly flow seat initiation, which in some aspects may comprise sealing a plug within a downhole bore, and may include a plug assembly comprising a frustoconical tube; a tubular mandrel positioned longitudinally through the frustoconical tube and having port(s) fluidly connecting a mandrel bore with the bore of the frustoconical tube, and having a shear ring extending from the mandrel; and a ball configured to fluidly seal the proximal end of the tubular mandrel; wherein the tubular mandrel is configured to move between a first position having a fluid passageway through the ports and a second position wherein the shear ring has been sheared away when a predetermined fluid pressure is applied to the plug assembly and the tubular mandrel is positioned relative to the frustoconical tube such that the port(s) are blocked, closing the fluid passageway.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for setting and sealing a plug in a casing within a downhole bore, including deploying into the casing a plug assembly comprising a tubular metal seal; deploying into the casing a setting tool; expanding the tubular metal seal radially to a first radial diameter with the setting tool by moving the setting tool longitudinally such that a tapered exterior portion of the first end of the setting tool engages a tapered interior portion of the first end of the tubular metal seal; and removing the setting tool from the casing. The method may comprise expanding the tubular metal seal radially to a second radial diameter by pumping fluid into the plug assembly such that the exterior of the tubular metal seal engages an interior of the casing.

Abstract: A solar air heating module provides heated air to a ventilation system. The solar air heating module includes a collector for heating and drawing in outside air and a housing. The collector includes an absorber plate for absorbing incident sunlight and includes a plurality of perforations therethrough. The perforations are distributed across the absorber plate for allowing passage of air into the collector. The collector also includes a collector tray mounted behind the absorber plate. The collector tray includes an output for allowing the passage of air out of the collector. The collector tray is spaced from the absorber plate to define a cavity therebetween in which air can to flow towards the output. The housing is mounted to the collector tray and forms a plenum therewith for receiving air from the output. The plenum is at a lower pressure than that of the outside air. The plenum is connected to the ventilation system. A plurality of modules may be combined to form a system.

Abstract: A solar thermal system for transporting air is provided. The solar thermal system comprises a backpass collector having collector modules which transport air in parallel. Each collector module includes an intake channel, an air intake, a return channel, a connector connecting the intake channel to the return channel, and an absorber surface for absorbing energy. The solar thermal system also comprises a plenum for receiving air in parallel from each return channel. The plenum has a receiving face which includes a plurality of alternating openings and closures, where each opening is aligned with a respective return channel and each closure is aligned with a respective intake channel. For each collector module, the outside air is drawn into the intake channel, is conveyed out of the intake channel and into the return channel by the connector, and passes from the return channel into the plenum.

Abstract: A solar air heating module provides heated air to a ventilation system. The solar air heating module includes a collector for heating and drawing in outside air and a housing. The collector includes an absorber plate for absorbing incident sunlight and includes a plurality of perforations therethrough. The perforations are distributed across the absorber plate for allowing passage of air into the collector. The collector also includes a collector tray mounted behind the absorber plate. The collector tray includes an output for allowing the passage of air out of the collector. The collector tray is spaced from the absorber plate to define a cavity therebetween in which air can to flow towards the output. The housing is mounted to the collector tray and forms a plenum therewith for receiving air from the output. The plenum is at a lower pressure than that of the outside air. The plenum is connected to the ventilation system. A plurality of modules may be combined to form a system.

Abstract: A solar air heating system for a building having a vertical, south-facing wall. The system has a perforated panel covering the wall. Vertical frame members fasten the panel to the wall to space the panel a short distance away from the wall and to form an air channel between the wall and panel. There is an air collecting space at the bottom of the channel, adjacent the wall. An air inlet in the wall connects the air collecting space to the interior of the building. A fan in the inlet draws outside air into the channel through the perforations in the panel, from the channel into the air collecting space, and from the air collecting space into the building through the air inlet.

Abstract: A tool and a method for sealing a casing or a wellbore according to which a device is supported on a mandrel and expands into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. An explosive cutter is also supported on the mandrel and is adapted to explode to cut the mandrel and the device and release the engagement.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool for packers capable of mechanically setting the packer and opening a valve in the packer in one trip. The tool comprises an outer sleeve and an inner mandrel coaxially disposed within the outer sleeve and adapted to move axially relative to the outer sleeve. The tool further comprises three locking mechnisms that unlock under different fluid pressure loads. Two of the locking mechanisms lock the inner mandrel to the outer sleeve in a run-in position. Once a sufficient fluid pressure has been reached to unlock both of these locking mechanisms, the inner mandrel moves upward relative to the outer sleeve to set the packer. A spring forces the inner mandrel into a third position relative to the outer sleeve, which is maintained by the third locking mechanism. This third position is used to open the packer valve.

Abstract: A foodstuff supplement and method of producing the foodstuff supplement. The method includes forming a liquid phase and adding vitamins to the liquid phase at a temperature below that at which significant depletion and/or degradation of the vitamins will occur. Oil is heated in a vessel and an emulsifier is added to the heated oil. The resultant mixture is cooled and the liquid phase is added.

Abstract: A remote control robot vehicle which includes at least two pairs of wheels, at least one pair of which is driven, said pairs of wheels being mounted on a support secured to the vehicle which supports are each mounted for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the vehicle, those wheels on the same side of the vehicle being capable of being driven synchronously.