Abstract: Spin-in and spin-out apparatus and methods are presented wherein an oilfield tubular spinner used in combination with a wrench detects the shouldering-up of tubulars during make-up and tubular thread disengagement during break-out. Sensors are employed to quantify measurables indicative of shouldering-up and thread disengagement, the measurables being used to shutdown spin-in and spin-out operations. Thresholds are employed to detect measurable values of interest. Timers are employed to monitor and control the spin-in and spin-out operations.

Abstract: A pipe-handling apparatus for moving a pipe to and from a drilling floor of a drilling rig includes a main support structure, a ramp extendable between the main support structure and the drilling floor, a pipe carrier mounted on the main support structure for moving relative thereto between a lower position and an elevated position over the ramp, the carrier including a ramp end adjacent the ramp, an far end, and an elongate indentation on its upper surface to accommodate a pipe therein, a lift arm including a first end and a second end, the lift arm being pivotally connected at its first end adjacent the far end of the carrier and operable below the carrier to lift and support the carrier's far end to an elevated position, a track on the main support structure for supporting axial sliding motion of the carrier and the lift arm therealong, the track including a stop for limiting axial movement of the second end of the lift arm along the track toward the ramp, and a drive system for pulling the carrier from th

Abstract: Clay compositions useful for modification of organic and aqueous fluids may be prepared from clays, silicon compounds, onium compounds or combinations thereof. An aqueous clay slurry may be acidified to form an acidic clay slurry. At least one silicon compound may be contacted with the aqueous clay slurry to form a silanated clay composition. In certain embodiments, a silanated clay composition may be contacted with an onium ion to form a silanated organoclay composition. In some embodiments, the silanated clay compositions may be incorporated into monomer and/or polymer systems to make composites with improved performance.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material includes at least one polymeric material and at least one modified nanofiller material having shielded polar groups, wherein the at least one polymeric material is compatible with the modified nanofiller without an external compatibilizing material. The nanocomposite material advantageously exhibits enhanced physical properties.

Abstract: A control system for a variable displacement pump. The control system is operably associated with an engine control unit for passively or actively controlling the output of the pump in response to signals from the engine control unit.

Abstract: A pump system including a control system for controlling a variable flow pump for controlling oil flow and oil pressure in a hydraulic circuit in an engine. The system includes a pump member, an actuating member capable of controlling the flow generated by the pump member, and a solenoid valve system including a solenoid valve portion and a pressure regulator valve portion. The solenoid valve system is operably associated with the pump and the pressure regulator valve portion is operably associated with the actuating member for selectively controlling the flow generated by the pump member. An electronic control unit is operably associated with the solenoid valve portion, wherein the electronic control unit is selectively operable to provide an input control signal to the solenoid valve portion for controlling oil flow and oil pressure.

Abstract: A control system for a variable displacement pump. The control system is operably associated with an engine control unit for passively or actively controlling the output of the pump in response to signals from the engine control unit.

Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, to prevent inlet flow restriction or cavitation, a valve may be provided to permit some of the pump outlet or discharge flow to bleed into the pump inlet to provide needed velocity energy to the fluid flow into the pump inlet.

Abstract: A method for minimizing nanofiller agglomeration within a polymeric material includes the step of introducing the nanofiller at predetermined parameters into an extruder having the polymeric material therein. The nanofiller introduction is downstream of the area of the extruder wherein the polymeric material had been substantially melted and mixed. After the nanofiller introduction, the melted polymeric material has the nanofiller dispersed therewithin substantially without agglomerated nanofiller. Then the melted polymeric material having nanofiller dispersed therewithin exits the extruder before nanofiller agglomeration occurs.

Abstract: A control system for a variable displacement pump. The control system is operably associated with an engine control unit for passively or actively controlling the output of the pump in response to signals from the engine control unit.