Abstract: A remotely releasable tow line is provided. The tow line has a releasable latch at a distal end that is removably connected to a race car. The releasable latch is operatively associated with a cable handle adjacent to a proximal end of the tow line. Accordingly, a user disposed on a tow vehicle, to which the proximal end is connected, may manipulate the cable handle so that the release latch disconnects from the race car, in such a way that while the race car is still being towed it is unhooked from the tow vehicle, thereby saving time in getting the race car in a pit area where the race car can be tended to before its soon-approaching next race.

Abstract: Methods for correcting temperatures measured in producing wells are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving formation fluid within a completion string in a well, wherein the formation fluid passes from a formation and radially into the completion string through at least one opening in the completion string. The method also includes measuring temperatures outside the completion string at multiple depths in the well at which the formation fluid passes from the formation and radially into the completion string. The temperatures measured outside the completion string at the multiple depths in the well are converted into axial temperatures inside the completion string at the multiple depths. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The seal apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each of the plurality of elements is a compound element comprising a substrate and at least one seal member disposed on a part of a surface of the element.

Abstract: A torque transfer apparatus and method of use is described. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines a first engagement surface. A structure defining a second engagement surface is rotatable with respect to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements, and movement between the collapsed condition and the expanded condition engages or disengages the first and second engagement surfaces. The apparatus can be configured to transfer a driving torque (e.g. a clutch) or a braking force (e.g. a torque brake).

Abstract: A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of seal elements assembled together to form a ring structure around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of seal elements. The plurality of seal elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each of the plurality of seal elements is each formed from a compliant, compressible or resilient material.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and/or collapsing apparatus and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure, in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The seal apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements; The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each of the plurality of elements is a compound element comprising a substrate and at least one seal member disposed on a part of a surface of the element.

Abstract: A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of seal elements assembled together to form a ring structure around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of seal elements. The plurality of seal elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each of the plurality of seal elements is each formed from a compliant, compressible or resilient material.

Abstract: A remotely releasable tow line is provided. The tow line has a releasable latch at a distal end that is removably connected to a race car. The releasable latch is operatively associated with a cable handle adjacent to a proximal end of the tow line. Accordingly, a user disposed on a tow vehicle, to which the proximal end is connected, may manipulate the cable handle so that the release latch disconnects from the race car, in such a way that while the race care is still being towed it is unhooked from the tow vehicle, thereby saving time in getting the race care in a pit area where the race care can be tended to before its soon-approaching next race.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and/or collapsing apparatus and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure, in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole apparatus and method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis and a drive mechanism for effecting rotation of the ring structure with respect to a wellbore or subterranean formation. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements, and the ring structure comprises one or more surfaces or formations for cutting and/or removal of material from the wellbore or subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing ring apparatus and method of use. The expanding and collapsing ring comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines an inner ring surface configured to be presented to a surface of an object arranged internally to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, connection systems, flow barriers and packers.

Abstract: A method and system for restraining the top plate of ballistic cover systems used during a supercharged engine explosion is provided. The restraining system embodies bushing-pin attachment points along the periphery of the top plate for attaching the restraint straps. The attachment points may be set at an angle of incidence relative to the top plate. Each bushing-pin attachment point includes spaced apart bushings for retaining a retention pin. The retention pin is made of a material more malleable than that of the top plate and the bushings so as to absorb a predominance of the stress through the restraint straps during an explosion. Moreover, the retention pins are easily detachable from the bushings for installation and repair purposes.

Abstract: A torque transfer apparatus and method of use is described. The apparatus (60) comprises a plurality of elements (62) assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines a first engagement surface. A structure (56) defining a second engagement surface is rotatable with respect to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements, and movement between the collapsed condition and the expanded condition engages or disengages the first and second engagement surfaces. The apparatus can be configured to transfer a driving torque (e.g. a clutch) or a braking force (e.g. a torque brake).

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole apparatus (50) and method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements (60) assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis and a drive mechanism for effecting rotation of the ring structure with respect to a wellbore or subterranean formation. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements, and the ring structure comprises one or more surfaces or formations for cutting and/or removal of material from the wellbore or subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing ring apparatus (10) and method of use. The expanding and collapsing ring comprises a plurality of elements (12) assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines an inner ring surface configured to be presented to a surface of an object (19) arranged internally to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, connection systems, flow barriers and packers.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and/or collapsing apparatus (10) and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements (12) assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure, in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: A method and system for restraining the top plate of ballistic cover systems used during a supercharged engine explosion is provided. The restraining system embodies bushing-pin attachment points along the periphery of the top plate for attaching the restraint straps. The attachment points may be set at an angle of incidence relative to the top plate. Each bushing-pin attachment point includes spaced apart bushings for retaining a retention pin. The retention pin is made of a material more malleable than that of the top plate and the bushings so as to absorb a predominance of the stress through the restraint straps during an explosion. Moreover, the retention pins are easily detachable from the bushings for installation and repair purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing ring apparatus (171) and method of use. The expanding and collapsing ring comprises a plurality of elements (177) assembled together to form a ring structure (172, 173a, 173b) oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements on actuation by an axial force. The apparatus further comprises a secondary expanding and collapsing mechanism operable to move the ring structure between its collapsed condition or its first expanded conditions to a second expanded condition on actuation by an axial force. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: Methods for correcting temperatures measured in producing wells are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving formation fluid within a completion string in a well, wherein the formation fluid passes from a formation and radially into the completion string through at least one opening in the completion string. The method also includes measuring temperatures outside the completion string at multiple depths in the well at which the formation fluid passes from the formation and radially into the completion string. The temperatures measured outside the completion string at the multiple depths in the well are converted into axial temperatures inside the completion string at the multiple depths. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.