Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for separating gas from a composite fluid. The apparatus includes a main body defining a flow path formed from a separations chamber at an upstream end of the flow path and a head space chamber at the downstream end of the flow path. The main body includes a first set of apertures disposed about the separations chamber and a second set of apertures disposed about the head space chamber. An agitator is housed within the main body at an upstream end of the separations chamber and is configured to generate a vortex that conveys the composite fluid through the flow path. The vortex expels a liquid fraction and a solids fraction of the composite fluid from the first set of apertures, and the vortex conveys a gaseous fraction of the composite fluid into the head space chamber for extraction from the second set of apertures.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling production fluid flow between an annular chamber extending between a casing disposed in a downhole bore and production tubing disposed in the casing. An electrically down hole control valve which includes a motor, a position sensor, a gearbox and a linear actuator coupled to the gearbox to convert rotational movement to an axial movement. The control valve further includes a connecting rod coupled to the linear actuator and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a gate that can translate in an axial direction to a plurality of continuously variable positions between a fully closed position and a fully open position. A plurality of such control valves can be disposed in respective openings formed in the production tubing, and a passage is formed in each valve for connecting the annular chamber and the production tubing interior.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow between an annular chamber extending between a casing disposed in a downhole bore and production tubing disposed in the casing. A down hole control valve is disclosed which includes a motor, a position sensor, a gearbox and a linear actuator coupled to the gearbox to convert rotational movement to an axial movement. The control valve further includes a connecting rod coupled to the linear actuator and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a gate that can translate in an axial direction to a plurality of continuously variable positions between a fully closed position and a fully open position. A plurality of such control valves can be disposed along the production tubing and can be selectively closed and selectively opened to permit fluid flow to and from the chamber and to and from the interior of the production tubing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.

Abstract: A combination tailgate cover and seat cushion has a slip cover which covers a front side and a rear side of a tailgate. Cushion material is placed inside the slip cover so that the slip cover has characteristics of a pillow or seat cushion. An attachment device is coupled to the slip cover for attaching the slip cover to the tailgate.

Abstract: The combination of a mineral mining pick and a pick holder. The pick 1 has a shank 4 by which it is received in a socket 6 of a pick holder 2. Extending within the socket 6 is a spigot 13 which mates with a coupling socket 14 in the shank 4 automatically as the shank is inserted into the pick holder. During insertion of the spigot 13 into the socket 14, a frusto conical head 26 on the spigot passes through a resilient ring 25 mounted in an annular recess 24 of the coupling socket so that abutment of a shoulder 27 on the head 26 against the ring 25 retains the pick in the holder.The spigot 13 may be tubular to provide a water coupling from chamber 23 in the holder to passage 11 and ports 12 in the pick for flushing, cooling or dust suppression water supply. The resilient retaining ring 25 may provide a water seal between the spigot 13 and the socket 14.In an alternative arrangement the spigot can be carried by the shank 4 to engage in a coupling socket in the holder 2.

Abstract: Mineral mining apparatus comprising a pick head 1 mounted on a pick holder 4 for displacement of a cutting part 5 in the direction of arrow A has a nozzle 9 in the head 1 through which nozzle water is sprayed for dust suppression, cooling or flushing purposes. The characteristics of the nozzle 9 provide the spray 22 with a flat configuration where the width y of the spray is greater than its depth x. Preferably the width y lies in the cutting plane 20 of the cutting part and the spray follows the cutting part to alleviate incendive sparking.In a modification the nozzle 9 can be mounted on the holder 4.