Abstract: A drum assembly includes a core having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first hub coupled to the core adjacent the first end of the core, a second hub coupled to the core adjacent the second end of the core, a first flange releasably coupled to the first hub, the first flange including a body having an inner surface, an outer support structure, and an aperture formed therethrough, and a second flange releasably coupled to the second hub, the second flange including a body having an inner surface, an outer support structure, and an aperture formed therethrough.

Abstract: A drum assembly includes a core having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first hub coupled to the core adjacent the first end of the core, a second hub coupled to the core adjacent the second end of the core, a first flange releasably coupled to the first hub, the first flange including a body having an inner surface, an outer support structure, and an aperture formed therethrough, and a second flange releasably coupled to the second hub, the second flange including a body having an inner surface, an outer support structure, and an aperture formed therethrough.

Abstract: A radially expandable tool is provided that includes a tool body and a radially moveable member coupled to the tool body and in force receiving relation to a constant force actuator. The radially moveable member is movable by the constant force actuator from an closed position to a plurality of radially expanded open positions, which includes a fully open position. The constant force actuator includes an opening arm having a force transmission member; and a movement control guide in force reacting engagement with the force transmission member. The tool also includes a linear force generator; which applies a linear force to the constant force actuator, which the actuator transfers to a radial force perpendicular to the linear force.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods useful for controlling the traction of a downhole tractor in a borehole include the capability of repeatedly adjusting the normal force applied to at least one component that causes movement of the tractor in the borehole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing inorganic compounds from a section of soil. By regulating an electric voltage applied between two or more electrodes (1, 2) disposed in the section of soil (3) to values equal or below the electrokinetic point (61), inorganic compounds are electrochemically modified in situ in such a manner that they are electrokinetically mobilized and can be directly deposited on the electrodes (1, 2). According to the invention, the electrokinetic point (61) is adjusted and reached by applying a voltage to the electrodes (1, 2) and controlling it, once, after passing a first current/voltage zone (62) of a first gradient, a second current/voltage zone (63) of a second gradient that is smaller than the first gradient is reached.

Abstract: A system is provided for driving a chain or other flexible device. The system may include a power source connected to one or more screws that are engageable with the chain. Rotation of the screw or screws results in linear motion of the chain. The screws may be power screws, lead screws, or other known types of screws. One or more power screws may be used in combination with threaded components, such as split or quarter nuts, which are connected to the chain. One or more lead screws may be used in combination with rollers that are connected to the chain. Two lead screws may be mounted on opposite sides of the chain in generally parallel relationship and engaged with rollers that are mounted on opposite sides of the chain; the two lead screws preferably rotate in opposite directions to impart linear motion to the chain. The system has a variety of applications, such as in downhole tractors for use in oil and gas applications, toys, military tanks, any type of vehicle, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods useful for controlling the traction of a downhole tractor in a borehole include the capability of repeatedly adjusting the normal force applied to at least one component that causes movement of the tractor in the borehole.

Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that may be used in open or cased wells, and is also designed for use in open holes having a variety of soil/formation consistencies (e.g., soft, firm, rigid, etc.), varying diameters and non-uniform and irregular bore profiles. The tractor may include a track assembly including a plurality of idler wheels and a continuous track rotatably disposed around the idler wheels. A motor may be adapted to rotate the track around the idler wheels. Upper and lower arms may be pivotally connected to opposite ends of the track assembly and pivotally connected to a tractor housing. An actuator arm or link assembly may be provided to impart an outward force to the track assembly to move the track assembly outwardly into an open position and a retracting force to retract the track assembly into a closed position. A rotatable screw may be connected to a second motor, or a rod may be connected to a hydraulic system, to actuate the actuator arm or link assembly.

Abstract: An in-well method removes hazardous organic substances including oily phases topping the groundwater (LNAPL) and dense liquid non-aqueous phases (DNAPL) occurring on top of the aquitard, irrespective of the viscosity of the pollutants, from groundwater and/or the perched water. In one embodiment, volatile organic pollutants are stripped from the contaminated water by an injected gas stream inside the well. In a second embodiment, the well acts as an electrode. By imparting an electrolytic current between the electrode well and a counter electrode, the organic pollutants are electrochemically degraded while at the same time within the well the degraded pollutants are stripped from the water. By the same arrangement metal ions and colloids can be caused to precipitate onto the well casing. Apparatus for carrying out these methods is also disclosed.