Abstract: A casing patch includes a deformable seal configurable to a deformed and undeformed position for sealing and unsealing respectively with a target stub and a pressure based subsystem in operable communication with the deformable seal. The patch may also contain a stop ring to prevent overcompression of the seal.

Abstract: This invention relates to the selective ring opening of naphthenic and aromatic rings, and more particularly, to any petroleum or hydrocarbon streams derived from crudes containing naphthene and aromatic species.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for upgrading petroleum streams which have been treated with peroxide, extracted to remove oxidized sulfur and nitrogen compounds, dewaxed and hydrofinished. More particularly, peroxides are generated in-situ by combining the petroleum stream with a high neutralization number (HNN) crude and adding an oxygen-containing stream. Alternatively, the oxidation of sulfur and nitrogen compounds may be accomplished by adding peroxides in the presence of oil soluble metal catalysts. The peroxides oxidize nitrogen and sulfur compounds in the petroleum stream to more polar compounds which are solvent extracted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for generating peroxides in petroleum streams. More particularly, peroxides may be generated in-situ by combining the petroleum stream with a high neutralization number (HNN) crude and adding an oxygen-containing stream. HNN crudes contain molecules sufficient for peroxide generation. Peroxides may also be added directly to the petroleum stream without the need for addition of a HNN crude. Oil soluble metal catalysts are added to aid in peroxide formation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for generating peroxides in petroleum streams. More particularly, peroxides are generated in-situ by combining the petroleum stream with a high neutralization number (HNN) crude and adding an oxygen-containing stream. HNN crudes contain molecules sufficient for peroxide generation.

Abstract: Materials and methods for treating hepatocellular carcinoma in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf3 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Zvegf3 antagonists include anti-zvegf3 antibodies, mitogenically inactive receptor-binding zvegf3 variant polypeptides, and inhibitory polynucleotides.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drawing fluid from a subterranean formation into a downhole tool positioned in a wellbore penetrating the formation is provided. A probe body is extended from the downhole tool for engagement with the wellbore wall. The probe body has at least one inlet extending therethrough for receiving downhole fluids. At least one packer is positioned on an external end of the probe body and adapted to create a seal with the wellbore wall. The packer has an inner surface defining an aperture therethrough in fluid communication with the at least one inlet, and a peripheral surface. An internal packer support is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the packer, and an external packer support is positioned about the peripheral surface of the packer whereby at least a portion of the at least one packer is supported as it is pressed against the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating window regulators of the type having a reversible electric motor connected to a slide/carrier plate by means of cables. The apparatus comprises a first transducer such as a piezoelectric accelerometer or a laser for generating a first signal quantity related to periodic noise produced by the motor during operation thereof, a second transducer such as a piezoelectric accelerometer for producing a second signal quantity representing transient noise produced by irregularities in the slide/carrier plate assembly during travel of the carrier plate along the slide, and a processor for decoding the first and second waveforms and using data derived therefrom as a basis for identifying unacceptably noisy window regulator assemblies. The method comprises placing the window regulators on a test fixture, operating the window regulator with a simulated glass load, and generating and processing the first and second signal quantities as described above.

Abstract: Materials and methods for treating hepatocellular carcinoma in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf3 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Zvegf3 antagonists include anti-zvegf3 antibodies, mitogenically inactive receptor-binding zvegf3 variant polypeptides, and inhibitory polynucleotides.

Abstract: An apparatus for air classification and drying of particulate matter, and method of use thereof, for removal of moisture from particulate matter, wherein the particulate matter is first accelerated to a high velocity and permitted to impinge normally upon a steel plate, or at an angle against a tube wall. Water adsorbed by the particulate matter is atomized and then may be classified and removed via a cyclone separator.

Abstract: A system and method is directed to providing an n-dimensional entity for encoding and storing data securely. A user provides a cursor position within the n-dimensional entity, and a user seed to a pseudo-random number generator. The user seed may be combined with a fingerprint of a computing system in which the invention operates. The n-dimensional entity is populated with bits from the pseudo-random number generator. Bits within the n-dimensional entity are associated with actions to be performed at each cursor position. Subsequent cursor directions within the n-dimensional entity are determined using a random number generator. Plaintext is bitwise translated to a direction and an offset from the cursor position to a bit matching the plaintext bit within the n-dimensional entity. The offset is employed to modify a row of truly random bits in an encoded array.

Abstract: An orthotic walker comprises an orthosis (60) mounted on a wheeled frame (10) which includes a first or rearward transverse frame member (11) having thereon an attachment device (17) for releasably mounting a support member (20) adapted to carry said orthosis (60) and a connection assembly (13, 33) for the releasable connection of forwardly extending lateral frame members (30) with an optional removable forward transverse frame member (50). The first frame member (11) carries a pair of laterally spaced wheels (16) and the lateral frame members (30) each carry a further wheel (41) at the forward end thereof. Several interchangeable lateral frame members (30, 30A) are provided whereby the overall width of the frame (10) can be varied by selecting lateral frame members (32, 32A) of differing size. The support member (20) which carries the orthosis (60) is one of a plurality of interchangeable support members (20, 20A) provided in a range of sizes to suit patients of differing height and weight.

Abstract: A pig for evacuating pipelines is disclosed. The pig includes a body of a deformable material having an outer surface configured to contour to a pipeline to be evacuated. At least a portion of the deformable material is impregnated with a quantity of magnetic or magnetizable metallic particals.

Abstract: A tool for removal of magnetic debris from a well bore, having a plurality of magnets retained in a plurality of recesses by a plurality of retainer caps which are threadable into the recesses. The retainer caps can be made of non-magnetic material, and non-magnetic spacers can be used, to isolate the magnets from the tool body and the surroundings. The retainer caps can be positioned entirely within the recesses, to streamline the tool body. The magnets can be removed from the recesses and replaced.

Abstract: A method for driving a ramped drive assembly longitudinally, to drive a penetrator transversely, to cause the penetrator to penetrate and withdraw from a downhole tubular element. An anchor holds the tubing punch assembly in place in the downhole tubular element. A double piston assembly drives the drive assembly hydraulically in the downhole direction, thereby driving the ramp downhole, to force the penetrator outwardly to penetrate the tubular element. Thereafter, pulling uphole on the work string shears a shear sleeve, separating the housing of the tubing punch assembly from the work string. Further pulling on the work string partially withdraws the ramped drive assembly from the tubing punch assembly, thereby withdrawing the penetrator into the tubing punch assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve 10,30 for connecting first and second conduits 12,14. The valve 10,30 comprises; a valve member 16 rotatably mounted in a housing 18, to define a space 22 between the valve member 16 and the housing 18; and inflatable seal means 20,32, operable to provide a seal between the valve member 16 and the housing 18. The invention further provides a valve assembly 40 for connecting first and second conduits 12,14. The assembly 40 comprises: a valve member 16 movably mounted in a housing 18, to define a space 22 between the valve member 16 and the housing 18; inflatable seal means 20,32, operable to provide a seal between the valve member 16 and the housing 18; and an air inlet controller 42 for supplying compressed air into the space 22, for driving a pig 44 along the conduits 12,14. The invention also provides methods of cleaning the valve 10,30 and assembly 40 in situ by in-line fluid flow.

Abstract: A tube printer and method for printing information on an interior surface of a tube. The tube printer including a housing, an ink wheel assembly and a print wheel. The housing having at least two side members interconnected by a top plate extending there between and including spring biased guide wheels that cooperatively center the housing within the tube. An operating handle is operatively attached to an end of the housing to provide a means to push and pull the tube printer within the tube. The ink wheel assembly is operatively positioned between the side members of the housing and the print wheel is operatively positioned between the side members of the housing and adjacent the ink wheel and includes a raised surface containing the information to be printed on the interior surface of the tube.

Abstract: A valve arrangement is provided for connecting first and second conduits. The valve arrangement comprises a valve member mounted in a socket for movement between a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition, the valve member communicatively connects the first and second conduits. In the second condition, the valve member communicatively connects the first conduit to the interior of the socket. When the valve member is in the second condition, cleaning fluid can be passed along the first conduit to clean inside the socket.

Abstract: A pipeline evacuating device includes a first relatively rigid portion and a second relatively deformable portion. The deformable portion is arranged to be compressable against the rigid portion when the device is forced through a pipeline by the reaction of the material in the pipeline against the force of movement of the device. The compression causes the second portion to deform to at least substantially slidingly seal against the inside of the pipeline. Efficient evacuation of the material from the pipeline is provided as the device is forced therealong.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a ramped drive assembly longitudinally, to drive a penetrator transversely, to cause the penetrator to penetrate and withdraw from a downhole tubular element. An anchor holds the tubing punch assembly in place in the downhole tubular element. A double piston assembly drives the drive assembly hydraulically in the downhole direction, thereby driving the ramp downhole, to force the penetrator outwardly to penetrate the tubular element. Thereafter, pulling uphole on the work string shears a shear sleeve, separating the housing of the tubing punch assembly from the work string. Further pulling on the work string partially withdraws the ramped drive assembly from the tubing punch assembly, thereby withdrawing the penetrator into the tubing punch assembly.