Abstract: A plug retrieval tool includes a mandrel lowerable into a wellbore. A retrieval head is coupled to the mandrel for selectively latching onto a plug. A shroud is telescopically coupled to the mandrel about the retrieval head and moveable repeatedly between an extended position below the retrieval head for displacing debris on the plug and a retracted position for moving the retrieval head closer to the plug to latch onto the plug. A resistance mechanism provides a resistance to moving the shroud each time the shroud is moved toward the retracted position.

Abstract: Heavy oil recovery using downhole radio frequency radiation heating accelerates SAGD thermal recovery processes. In one embodiment, one or more SAGD well pairs traverse a subterranean formation for recovering heavy oil. The SAGD well pairs each create a steam chamber which, over time, expands to allow each steam chamber to interact with one another and in this way, increases the recovery heavy oil from the formation. One or more antennas may be interposed between the steam chambers to introduce electromagnetic radiation into the formation to heat the fluids therein to accelerate expansion of the steam chambers, particularly where antennas are judiciously situated to optimize steam chamber expansion. Where an infill production well is present, the antennas may be situated to accelerate steam chamber communication with the infill production well. Advantages include lower cost, higher efficiencies, quicker and increased hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: Heavy oil recovery using downhole radio frequency radiation heating accelerates SAGD thermal recovery processes. In one embodiment, one or more SAGD well pairs traverse a subterranean formation for recovering heavy oil. The SAGD well pairs each create a steam chamber which, over time, expands to allow each steam chamber to interact with one another and in this way, increases the recovery heavy oil from the formation. One or more antennas may be interposed between the steam chambers to introduce electromagnetic radiation into the formation to heat the fluids therein to accelerate expansion of the steam chambers, particularly where antennas are judiciously situated to optimize steam chamber expansion. Where an infill production well is present, the antennas may be situated to accelerate steam chamber communication with the infill production well. Advantages include lower cost, higher efficiencies, quicker and increased hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: A permeable-wall sample holder provides ventilation of vapor-phase entities between the sample and the exterior of the holder through its wall. The vapor-phase transport across the holder wall supports equilibrium of the sample with the analysis environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to recovering hydrocarbons from within formations in which hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs are separated from one another by a fluid flow obstructing natural stratum. Relative to the reservoirs, the stratum inhibits or blocks vertical fluid flow within the formation. Drilled bores arranged to intersect the stratum provide an array of fluid flow paths through the stratum. Fluid communication established by the drilled bores enables production utilizing a producer borehole deviated from vertical and processes that rely on techniques such as gravity drainage through the fluid flow paths and/or injection through the fluid flow paths.

Abstract: A combination DSC testing and Raman spectroscopy system is provided for running investigations on a single sample in the same experiment. A DSC instrument includes a set of optics, which allows an associated Raman unit to emit a pulsed laser that intermittently directs a laser signal to the sample and to collect the Raman signal while simultaneously running a DSC experiment on the same sample. The DSC has a vessel adapted to contain the sample, a thermal analysis environment is adapted to hold the vessel. An associated temperature control apparatus changes the temperature of the analysis environment between temperature endpoints to observe the sample at various transitions. The Raman spectroscopy unit is configured to generate laser pulses which stimulate emission of Raman spectra to provide further information about the sample without introducing excessive noise in the DSC aspect of the investigation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to in situ combustion. Configurations of injection and production wells facilitate the in situ combustion. A first production well disposed in a first oil bearing reservoir is spaced from a second production well disposed in a second oil bearing reservoir separated from the first oil bearing reservoir by a stratum having lower permeability than the first and second oil bearing reservoirs. The stratum isolates one of the first and second production wells from one of the first and second oil bearing reservoirs. In situ combustion through the first oil bearing reservoir generates heat that irradiates into the second oil bearing reservoir to enable producing hydrocarbon with the second production well.

Abstract: A lamp mount system for high voltage projector lamps includes only a few parts which fit together without the need for connecting hardware. A single piece clip snaps into a single piece lamp mount and, together with the lamp form a lamp mounting assembly. The lamp mounting assembly in turn slidably engages with a single piece lamp base. The lamp mount assembly may be slideably removed when the lamp burns out.

Abstract: Processes and systems comprising a five-spot pattern of multiple horizontal wells for increasing the efficiency of heated vapor-assisted hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean viscous hydrocarbon formations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to controlling location of inflow into a production well during in situ combustion. The production well includes intervals closable to the inflow at identified times. Once a combustion front from the in situ combustion passes one of the intervals, a blockage conveyed from surface into the production well forms a barrier to the inflow at the interval that has been passed by the combustion front. An example of the blockage includes a cement plug delivered through coiled tubing into the production well, which may include production tubing that defines the intervals based on at least two consecutive alternating lengths of solid wall sections and slotted or perforated sections of the production tubing.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to recovering hydrocarbons from within formations in which hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs are separated from one another by a fluid flow obstructing natural stratum. Relative to the reservoirs, the stratum inhibits or blocks vertical fluid flow within the formation. Drilled bores arranged to intersect the stratum provide an array of fluid flow paths through the stratum. Fluid communication established by the drilled bores enables production utilizing a producer borehole deviated from vertical and processes that rely on techniques such as gravity drainage through the fluid flow paths and/or injection through the fluid flow paths.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to in situ combustion. Configurations of injection and production wells facilitate the in situ combustion. A first production well disposed in a first oil bearing reservoir is spaced from a second production well disposed in a second oil bearing reservoir separated from the first oil bearing reservoir by a stratum having lower permeability than the first and second oil bearing reservoirs. The stratum isolates one of the first and second production wells from one of the first and second oil bearing reservoirs. In situ combustion through the first oil bearing reservoir generates heat that irradiates into the second oil bearing reservoir to enable producing hydrocarbon with the second production well.

Abstract: A permeable-wall sample holder provides ventilation of vapor-phase entities between the sample and the exterior of the holder through its wall. The vapor-phase transport across the holder wall supports equilibrium of the sample with the analysis environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to controlling location of inflow into a production well during in situ combustion. The production well includes intervals closable to the inflow at identified times. Once a combustion front from the in situ combustion passes one of the intervals, a blockage conveyed from surface into the production well forms a barrier to the inflow at the interval that has been passed by the combustion front. An example of the blockage includes a cement plug delivered through coiled tubing into the production well, which may include production tubing that defines the intervals based on at least two consecutive alternating lengths of solid wall sections and slotted or perforated sections of the production tubing.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator utilizes a single magnet and two voice coils to rotate a mirror between two angular positions with respect to a rest state. A magnetic field assembly applies magnetic flux across the voice coils. An upper plate and a lower plate are held together by a permanent magnet, so that each plate forms a magnetic pole. The voice coils are actuated by feeding current to their coils, resulting in an electromagnetic field being formed around the coils. The voice coils have magnetic flux passing across them, caused by the magnet and the two plates. Hence, the coils move upward or downward according to the current applied. A mirror holder includes a fixed periphery and moving arms attached to a torsional beam spanning the periphery. The arms are moved by the adjacent voice coils, twisting the torsional beam, and the attached mirror moves also.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator utilizes a single magnet and two voice coils to rotate a mirror between two angular positions with respect to a rest state. A magnetic field assembly applies magnetic flux across the voice coils. An upper plate and a lower plate are held together by a permanent magnet, so that each plate forms a magnetic pole. The voice coils are actuated by feeding current to their coils, resulting in an electromagnetic field being formed around the coils. The voice coils have magnetic flux passing across them, caused by the magnet and the two plates. Hence, the coils move upward or downward according to the current applied. A mirror holder includes a fixed periphery and moving arms attached to a torsional beam spanning the periphery. The arms are moved by the adjacent voice coils, twisting the torsional beam, and the attached mirror moves also.

Abstract: A lamp mount system for high voltage projector lamps includes only a few parts which fit together without the need for connecting hardware. A single piece clip snaps into a single piece lamp mount and, together with the lamp form a lamp mounting assembly. The lamp mounting assembly in turn slidably engages with a single piece lamp base. The lamp mount assembly may be slideably removed when the lamp burns out.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) receives thermal infrared radiation from a viewed scene and responsively provides a visible image replicating the viewed scene. The imaging device (10) has a main housing with an optical aperture (16) at which a lens assembly (12) is attached. The lens assembly (12) has a number of lenses (200, 204, 208, 212, 216) sequentially mounted within a cylindrical housing (146), and defining an optical axis (199). A field-of-view-change mechanism (228) allows a user to select a wide field of view or a narrow field of view. The field-of-view-change mechanism (228) includes a rotatable field-of-view (FOV) ring (226) which rotates a tumbler (210) with a pair of lenses (208, 212) mounted therein. The tumbler (210) is positioned between a first position providing a wide field of view and a second position providing a narrow field of view.

Abstract: A method apparatus for specifying one of a plurality of special telephone numbers in such a way that different special telephone numbers can be specified for the same type of service according to the numbering plan of the area in which a call is being made. A dialing message from a telephone station contains a special number indicator for specifying a particular type of service, such as emergency, or traveler's information, and the indicator is translated in a service switching system into the local number for that service. Advantageously, a user of mobile telephone service, for example, need not learn the local numbers for these services.