Abstract: Novel hydraulic actuators and hydraulic setting assemblies are provided for use in downhole, oil and gas well tools. The novel hydraulic actuators include a cylindrical mandrel and an annular stationary sealing member connected to the mandrel. A hydraulic cylinder is slidably supported on the mandrel and stationary sealing member and is releasably fixed in position on the mandrel. The stationary sealing member divides the interior of the cylinder into a bottom hydraulic chamber and a top hydraulic chamber. An inlet port provides fluid communication into the bottom hydraulic chamber, and an outlet port provides fluid communication into the top hydraulic chamber. A balance piston is slidably supported within the top hydraulic chamber of the actuator. The piston includes an axially extending passageway. Fluid communication through the piston and between its upper and lower sides is controlled by a normally shut valve in the passageway.

Abstract: A liner hanger includes a mandrel and a slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, wherein the slip assembly includes an expandable non-frangible slip ring and a plurality of gripping members. A liner top packer includes a mandrel, a slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, and a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, wherein the slip assembly includes an expandable non-frangible slip ring and a plurality of gripping members disposed circumferentially around the expandable non-frangible slip ring. A method for setting a tool in a wellbore includes running the tool having a slip assembly disposed around a mandrel of the tool into the wellbore, positioning the tool at a predetermined wellbore location, actuating the tool to impart a force on the slip assembly, and expanding the expandable non-frangible slip ring from a first diameter to a second diameter to displace the gripping members radially outward into engagement with a surrounding surface.

Abstract: A pressurizing device includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough and a ball drop module removably disposed within the main housing, the ball drop module including a ball seat hingedly attached within the ball drop module and configured to receive a dropped ball, wherein the ball seat is configured to rotate about a hinge from a closed position to an open position when a pressure above the ball seat exceeds a preset limit.

Abstract: Novel anchor assemblies are provided for installation within an existing conduit. They comprise a nondeformable mandrel, an expandable metal sleeve, and a swage. The expandable metal sleeve is carried on the outer surface of the mandrel. The swage is supported for axial movement across the mandrel outer surface from a first position axially proximate to the sleeve to a second position under the sleeve. The movement of the swage from the first position to the second position expands the sleeve radially outward into contact with the existing conduit.

Abstract: Novel hydraulic actuators and hydraulic setting assemblies are provided for use in downhole, oil and gas well tools. The novel hydraulic actuators include a cylindrical mandrel and an annular stationary' sealing member connected to the mandrel. A hydraulic cylinder is slidably supported on the mandrel and stationary sealing member and is releasably fixed in position on the mandrel. The stationary sealing member divides the interior of the cylinder into a bottom hydraulic chamber and a top hydraulic chamber. An inlet port provides fluid communication into the bottom hydraulic chamber, and an outlet port provides fluid communication into the top hydraulic chamber. A balance piston is slidably supported within the top hydraulic chamber of the actuator. The piston includes an axially extending passageway. Fluid communication through the piston and between its upper and lower sides is controlled by a normally shut valve in the passageway.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a virtual network between a first processor and a second processor using at least one additional processor separate from the first and second processors. The additional processor may determine a first virtual address that identifies the first processor in the virtual network and provide the first virtual address to the first processor. When a tunnel between the first processor and the second processor is requested from the additional processor, the additional processor may authenticate the request based on the first virtual address and determine a second virtual address that identifies the second processor in the virtual network.

Abstract: A power entry apparatus includes a plurality of bus bars and a plurality of conductor terminations. At least one of the plurality of the conductor terminations is mounted to at least one of the plurality of bus bars at a plurality of mounting points. The power entry apparatus also includes a circuit breaker electrically connected to the plurality of bus bars.

Abstract: A call time usage system for a portable telephone allows entering call time usage information into the portable telephone. The limits include limits on total airtime and airtime per call for a specified interval. After the specified interval, the limits are reset. A list of exempt numbers is also stored so that the user can call those exempt numbers even after the limit is exceeded.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a virtual network between a first processor and a second processor using at least one additional processor separate from the first and second processors. The additional processor may determine a first virtual address that identifies the first processor in the virtual network and provide the first virtual address to the first processor. When a tunnel between the first processor and the second processor is requested from the additional processor, the additional processor may authenticate the request based on the first virtual address and determine a second virtual address that identifies the second processor in the virtual network.

Abstract: A text message originated ringer operates to carry out some operation based on an embedded control code in the message. The message includes all text, but some of the text characters are reserved. A control sequence, also in text, is contained between two reserved text characters. That control sequence is used to control the ringer in the remote phone. The control sequence is not displayed as part of the text message, but instead is only used as the control.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of and apparatus for, introducing into a bath of molten metal (e.g. ferrous metal) contained in a vessel an alloying component (e.g. lead) or a reagent. The method includes the steps of connecting a plurality of plugs or nozzles located in the bottom and/or sides of the vessel to supplies of gas (e.g. argon) under pressure, and causing gas to be introduced simultaneously through the plugs or nozzles to produce individual gas flows which pass upwardly through the metal bath to create areas of turbulence on the bath surface. The areas of turbulence interact to produce on the bath surface a relatively quiescent region and it is into this relatively quiescent region that the required quantity of alloying component or reagent is added.

Abstract: A reel brake apparatus including an arbor, a hub structure on the arbor to support a reel for axial rotation while limiting axial movement of the reel, a friction plate for movement with the reel at one end thereof, a fixed pressure plate, and pressure pad assemblies extending from the pressure plate into resiliently yieldable frictional engagement with a friction plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a closure member in the form of a hollow tubular outlet member and a cap fitting over the outlet member and rotatable relative thereto, the outlet member and cap having complementary conical end portions, an aperture in each conical end portion which can be aligned to define an opening which can be closed by rotation of the cap and wherein the cap and outlet have a co-axial tubular portion, one of such tubular portions being provided with at least one formation directed towards the other tubular portion and co-operating with a cam surface on the said other tubular portion, said cam surface being shaped such that the conical end portions are urged axially into tighter engagement with each other during rotation of the cap to close the opening.