Abstract: The invention provides a crane assembly for lifting a load comprising: a pair of guides (2) positioned parallel to one another; a carriage (4,40) associated with each guide (2) and movable along each guide (2); a bridge (1) having an attachment point (8) for attaching the load, the bridge (1) being attached between the carriages (4,40) through connector arms (3), each connector arm (3) being attached through a lower end (31) to the bridge (1) and pivotable (5) at least about an axis perpendicular to the bridge, each connector arm (3) being attached at an upper end (32) to the corresponding carriage (4,40) through a multi-axis joint (33,35); wherein each multiaxis joint (33,35) is connected to the corresponding carriage (4,40) through a low friction thrust bearing (6) configured to rotate with initial movement of the corresponding carriage (4,40).

Abstract: The invention provides a crane assembly for lifting a load comprising: a pair of guides (2) positioned parallel to one another; a carriage (4,40) associated with each guide (2) and movable along each guide (2); a bridge (1) having an attachment point (8) for attaching the load, the bridge (1) being attached between the carriages (4,40) through connector arms (3), each connector arm (3) being attached through a lower end (31) to the bridge (1) and pivotable (5) at least about an axis perpendicular to the bridge, each connector arm (3) being attached at an upper end (32) to the corresponding carriage (4,40) through a multi-axis joint (33,35); wherein each multiaxis joint (33,35) is connected to the corresponding carriage (4,40) through a low friction thrust bearing (6)configured to rotate with initial movement of the corresponding carriage (4,40).

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus for wireless communications in a drilling operations environment. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an instrument hub that is inline with drill pipe of a drill string. The instrument hub includes a sensor to receive downhole communications from downhole. The instrument hub also includes a transmitter to wireless transmit data representative of the downhole communications to a data processor unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a clamp and trolley system for moveably attaching a power cable, hose or tube (104) of a lifting apparatus to a guiding cable or track, the clamp 100) comprising: a first clamp component (102) having a first engagement surface (106,116) adapted to engage with the power cable, hose or tube (104); and a second clamp component (114) having a second engagement surface (132,133) adapted to engage with the power cable, hose or tube, the second clamp component (114) being pivotally attachable to the first clamp component and rigidly fastenable to it in a range of relative orientations; wherein the first and second engagement surfaces (106,116;132,233) are shaped so as to clamp the power cable, hose or tube (104) between the first (102) and second (114) clamp components as the second clamp component (124) is pivoted towards a more closed orientation.

Abstract: The invention provides a clamp and trolley system for moveably attaching a power cable, hose or tube (104) of a lifting apparatus to a guiding cable or track, the clamp 100) comprising: a first clamp component (102) having a first engagement surface (106,116) adapted to engage with the power cable, hose or tube (104); and a second clamp component (114) having a second engagement surface (132,133) adapted to engage with the power cable, hose or tube, the second clamp component (114) being pivotally attachable to the first clamp component and rigidly fastenable to it in a range of relative orientations; wherein the first and second engagement surfaces (106,116;132,233) are shaped so as to clamp the power cable, hose or tube (104) between the first (102) and second (114) clamp components as the second clamp component (124) is pivoted towards a more closed orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chain hook which reduces the risk of disengagement of one or more chains connected thereto. The chain hook comprises an elongate body, a first hook at a first end of the elongate body for connection to a load and a second hook at a second end of the elongate body for connection to at least one chain, wherein the first and second hooks are in different planes.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus for wireless communications in a drilling operations environment. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an instrument hub that is inline with drill pipe of a drill string. The instrument hub includes a sensor to receive downhole communications from downhole. The instrument hub also includes a transmitter to wireless transmit data representative of the downhole communications to a data processor unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for wireless communications in a drilling operations environment can include an instrument hub that is inline with drill pipe of a drill string. The instrument hub includes a sensor to receive downhole communications from downhole. The instrument hub also includes a transmitter to wireless transmit data representative of the downhole communications to a data processor unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chain hook which reduces the risk of disengagement of one or more chains connected thereto. The chain hook comprises an elongate body, a first hook at a first end of the elongate body for connection to a load and a second hook at a second end of the elongate body for connection to at least one chain, wherein the first and second hooks are in different planes.

Abstract: A borehole formation testing system that measures resistivity of near borehole formation in situ rather than the measuring resistivity of fluid drawn into a formation tester tool. A radially extendable probe assembly contacts and forms a hydraulic seal with the wall of a borehole using a pad. Electrode contacts are disposed on the contact surface of the pad and electrically contact the near borehole formation. Response of the electrode contacts are used to determine resistivity of the near borehole formation. This resistivity is with a deeper formation resistivity measurement to determine if virgin formation fluid is at or in the vicinity of the pad. Alternately, a plurality of resistivity measurements is made at the formation tester pad and virgin formation fluid at or near the pad is determined from the rate of change of the plurality of resistivity measurements.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for downhole sampling are presented. The sampling system includes a control unit and a housing to engage a conduit. The housing at least partially encloses at least one formation sampler to collect a formation sample. The formation sampler is stored in a sampler carousel. A sampler propulsion system forces the formation sampler into the formation. The propulsion system is in communication with the control unit.

Abstract: Bridge crane assemblies, trapezoidal strong back beam systems and carriages for bridge crane assemblies are disclosed. According to some embodiments, a bridge crane assembly comprises a trapezoidal beam and a bridge attachable to an underside of the trapezoidal beam. The bridge comprises an attachment means for supporting a lifting device for the crane assembly. At least one guide track is attachable to a support structure and at least one carriage is longitudinally movable along the at least one guide track. Each carriage comprises a pair of spaced apart mounting plates and a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted to the mounting plates in a substantially vertical orientation. An axle extends between and is pivotally secured to the mounting plates. A displacement arm has a first end pivotally coupled to the axle and at least one second end for pivotal connection to the bridge.

Abstract: A lifting assembly comprising parallel guides (18, 20), a carriage (26, 28) associated with each parallel guide (18, 20) and movable along the length of the parallel guides, a displacement arm (40) pivotally connected to each carriage (26, 28) and pivotally supporting a bridge (14), preferably a trolley (13) located on the bridge (14) including attachment means (12) for supporting a lifting device.

Abstract: A borehole formation testing system that measures resistivity of near borehole formation in situ rather than the measuring resistivity of fluid drawn into a formation tester tool. A radially extendable probe assembly contacts and forms a hydraulic seal with the wall of a borehole using a pad. Electrode contacts are disposed on the contact surface of the pad and electrically contact the near borehole formation. Response of the electrode contacts are used to determine resistivity of the near borehole formation. This resistivity is with a deeper formation resistivity measurement to determine if virgin formation fluid is at or in the vicinity of the pad. Alternately, a plurality of resistivity measurements is made at the formation tester pad and virgin formation fluid at or near the pad is determined from the rate of change of the plurality of resistivity measurements.

Abstract: A tubular gas guide element for a side curtain airbag for guiding gas coming from a gas generator comprising at least two layers of fabric. With the use of such a gas guide, thrust of the gas inflowing into an airbag can be balanced.

Abstract: A downhole, extendable apparatus and methods of use are described and claimed herein. In one embodiment, the extendable apparatus includes a piston that extends toward a borehole wall, the piston having an inner sampling member that is also extendable. The sampling member may be further extended to engage the borehole wall and penetrate the formation. The sampling member may also include a screen and an inner scraper or wiper that frictionally engages the screen and reciprocates to remove debris from the screen. The piston may comprise a seal pad having an internal cavity for receiving a volume of fluid. In another embodiment, the extendable apparatus comprises multiple, concentric pistons for extending the sampling member further toward the borehole wall than is possible with a single piston. The extendable apparatus may also include a retraction contact switch and position indicator.

Abstract: A tubular gas guide element for a side curtain airbag for guiding gas coming from a gas generator comprising at least two layers of fabric. With the use of such a gas guide, thrust of the gas inflowing into an airbag can be balanced.

Abstract: A trapezoidal strong back beam system for securing a bridge crane to a structure. The trapezoidal strong back beam system has at least one guide attachable to a support structure, at least one carriage associated with the guide and moveable along the length of the guide, a bridge beam attachable to the carriage, and at least one attachment means associated with the guide track of the bridge beam. The bridge beam has a guide track and a trapezoidal beam attached to the guide track. The guide track is attachable to the carriage. The attachment means is adapted to support a lifting device. The trapezoidal beam has a top section, a first side rigidly secured to the top section, and a second side rigidly secured to the top section opposite the first side. The first and second sides taper inwardly toward each other from the top section to the guide track.

Abstract: A downhole, extendable testing apparatus and methods of use are described and claimed herein. In one embodiment, an extendable sample device is connected to a draw down piston assembly. A position indicator may be used to show the position of the draw down piston during movement, and the draw down piston may be stopped and re-started, and moved at different rates. A filter may be used to clean fluids drawn into the extendable sample device. In another embodiment, the extendable sample device may connected to a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit may include accumulators for accumulating fluid pressures and operating the apparatus. Further apparatus and methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: This application relates to various methods and apparatus for rapidly obtaining accurate formation property data from a drilled earthen borehole. Once obtained, the formation property data, including formation fluid pressure, may be corrected, calibrated and supplemented using various other data and techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the formation property data may be used for numerous other purposes. For example, the data may be used to correct or supplement other information gathered from the borehole; it may be used to supplement formation images or models; or, it may be used to adjust a drilling or producing parameter. Various other uses of accurately and quickly obtained formation property data are also disclosed.