Abstract: A method for impregnating a stator of a progressive cavity assembly with nanoparticles. The assembly comprising a stator having an inner core formed on its inner surface, the inner core defining a groove. A primary rotor is disposed within the groove. In operation, the primary rotor is removed from the stator, and a plurality of nanoparticles are distributed throughout the groove. A work rotor is installed within the groove and rotated at a high rate so as to press the nanoparticles into the inner core. The work rotor is removed from the stator and the primary rotor is re-installed into the stator.

Abstract: A micro frac plug used to seal individual perforations formed in a casing installed within a subterranean wellbore. The plug comprises an insert element and a deformable sleeve. The insert element is received and retained within a medial section of the sleeve. The plug is sized to be lodged in or seated on a single perforation. The plug blocks fluid from flowing through the perforation.

Abstract: A circulating sub having an elongate outer member and an elongate inner member positioned within the outer member. Locking members releasably maintain the inner and outer members in a longitudinally fixed relationship. The sub may be activated by a single ball. The ball engages with the locking members and unlocks the inner member from the outer member. The increase of fluid pressure within the sub causes the inner member to move downward within the outer member. Downward movement of the inner member opens exit ports on the outer member to allow fluid to flow into a wellbore surrounding the sub. The decrease of fluid pressure within the sub causes the inner member to move upward within the outer member. Upward movement of the inner member seals the exit ports and deactivates the sub. Once the sub is deactivated, the ball may be expelled from the sub.

Abstract: A jarring tool used to dislodge a stuck tubular string or bottom hole assembly within an underground wellbore. Tubular strings with which the tool may be used may be formed from drill pipe, jointed pipe, or coiled tubing. A funnel element is placed underground either within, or as part of, a tubular string. A deformable ball may be seated within the funnel element to block fluid from passing within the tubular string. Hydraulic pressure may build within the tubular string until it exceeds the pressure the ball can withstand. This will cause the ball to deform and be expelled through the funnel element. With no ball to block its flow, fluid will be rapidly released through the funnel element. The rapid release of fluid will cause a powerful jarring or jolting to the tubular string or bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A syringe measurement marking system for use with a syringe that includes a barrel and a plunger is marked with patient-based numerical measuring indicia on the plunger. The patient-based numerical measuring indicia is non-volumetric in nature and instead indicates patient dosing criteria such as weight, age, height, blood sugar level, or any other patient criteria by which dosing is determined. The plunger may contain more than one set of patient-based numerical measuring indicia, such as one set for adults or one set for pediatrics, or one set for a first dose of a medication and one set for a second dose, or one set based on weight in pounds and one set based on weight in kilograms. The syringe barrel will contain one or more measurement lines.

Abstract: An improved subsurface drilling tool comprises a shank having a cutting end opposite a pin end configured to attach to a drill string. A plurality of ear portions is associated with the proximate end of the shank and configured to form a socket. A ball-shaped cutting tool is configured to fit inside the socket and is rotatably attach to the ear portions via an axle. A locking pin may be installed within one or more of the ear portions and perpendicular to the axle. A plurality of blade inserts is connected to the ball-shaped cutting tool. The blade inserts may be removable and/or configurable to be oriented in varied directions. A series of milling courses may extend longitudinally along an outside length of the shank. A fluid course may extend longitudinally within the shank to deliver drilling fluid to the cutting end.

Abstract: An improved subsurface drill bit includes two rotatable cutters disposed between two ear portions of a shank, each of the rotatable cutters having an arcuate face and cutting elements. Cutting edges of the cutting elements, outer surfaces of the ear portions, and protrusions extending outwardly from the shank collectively define a circular configuration to prevent backflow of drilling debris and to prevent wobble of the drill bit in operation. The two rotatable cutters can have an on-load configuration in which each of the cutters is in contact with each other, and an off-load configuration in which each of the cutters is in contact with one of the ear portions. Several improved rotatable cutters are provided. The rotatable cutters can be interchangeable. The drill bit can further include an improved fluid delivery system, including multiple fluid passageways and reverse jets.

Abstract: A fluid conveyed thruster for use in combination with a bottom hole assembly connected to a drill string during drilling operations. The fluid conveyed thruster comprises a continuous passage comprising a narrowed portion and an intersection. Fluid passing through the continuous passage of the fluid conveyed thruster accelerates as it passes through the narrowed portion and the intersection. The acceleration of fluid exiting the fluid conveyed thruster urges the tool forward and in turn urges the bottom hole assembly forward within a wellbore. The fluid conveyed thruster extends the reach of the bottom hole assembly and the drill string within the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to subsurface drilling tools, and more specifically, to a drill bit comprising a ball shaped cutting tool. The drill bit is configured so that a plurality of cones, forming the ball shaped cutting tool, rotate in opposite directions around an axle while the drill bit is drilling or cutting through the ground, rock, or other material. The drilling or cutting is accomplished by a plurality of blade inserts that fit inside and protrude therefrom a plurality of holes covering the exterior of the ball shaped cutting tool. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new and improved subsurface drilling tool that will efficiently drill hard rock formations.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to subsurface drilling tools, and more specifically, to a drill bit comprising a ball shaped cutting tool. The drill bit is configured so that a plurality of cones, forming the ball shaped cutting tool, rotate in opposite directions around an axle while the drill bit is drilling or cutting through the ground, rock, or other material. The drilling or cutting is accomplished by a plurality of blade inserts that fit inside and protrude therefrom a plurality of holes covering the exterior of the ball shaped cutting tool. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new and improved subsurface drilling tool that will efficiently drill hard rock formations.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a casing; a liner located within an opening of the casing; and an explosive located in the region between the casing and the liner, wherein at least one of the liner and the explosive comprises an intermetallic mixture comprising boron and a reactant metal. The reactant metal is one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Mg, Zr, Mo, and a combination thereof. A method for perforating in a well includes positioning a perforating gun in the well, wherein the perforating gun includes a shaped charge that includes: a casing; a liner located within an opening of the casing; and an explosive located in the region between the casing and the liner, wherein at least one of the liner and the explosive includes an intermetallic mixture that contains boron and a reactant metal; and detonating the shaped charge in the well.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid conveyed thruster for use in combination with a bottom hole assembly connected to a drill string during drilling operations. The fluid conveyed thruster comprises a continuous passage comprising a narrowed portion and an intersection. Fluid passing through the continuous passage of the fluid conveyed thruster accelerates as it passes through the narrowed portion and the intersection. The acceleration of fluid exiting the fluid conveyed thruster urges the tool forward and in turn urges the bottom hole assembly forward within a wellbore. The fluid conveyed thruster extends the reach of the bottom hole assembly and the drill string within the wellbore.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a casing; a liner located within an opening of the casing; and an explosive located in the region between the casing and the liner, wherein at least one of the liner and the explosive comprises an intermetallic mixture comprising boron and a reactant metal. The reactant metal is one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Mg, Zr, Mo, and a combination thereof. A method for perforating in a well includes positioning a perforating gun in the well, wherein the perforating gun includes a shaped charge that includes: a casing; a liner located within an opening of the casing; and an explosive located in the region between the casing and the liner, wherein at least one of the liner and the explosive includes an intermetallic mixture that contains boron and a reactant metal; and detonating the shaped charge in the well.

Abstract: A loyalty redemption system and related methods are disclosed. The loyalty redemption system can include a card.

Abstract: A transaction system having security parameters can authorize transactions based on a merchant category code, a card verification value code, a geographic location, a monetary value range, a transaction mode, an account access parameter, a class of goods, or a class of services, for example.