Abstract: Starter arrangement for high power rotating equipment strings with multiple compressors driven by a single turbine or motor includes multiple variable fluid drive torque converters (CSTCs) to start the compressors in a pressurized start. The string can use a single CSTC for each compressor or a single CSTC for more than one compressor with at least two CSTCs for a given string. The starting procedure is sequential. After the turbine or motor is started and brought up to speed, successive CSTCs are operated from zero to lock-up speed sequentially to start each compressor or group of compressors in turn. In order to cool the working fluid of the CSTCs, a single heat exchanger is provided and the working fluid of each CSTC in turn is circulated through the heat exchanger as they are sequentially started.

Abstract: A compressor starting torque converter method and apparatus for high power rotating equipment strings includes a compressor starting torque converter (CSTC) (16) and gearing to make the input and output speed conform to the speed and power requirements of the at least one compressor (4) at the end of the string. The string also includes a prime mover (10), either a motor or gas turbine with a starter motor. The CSTC is driven by a prime mover that has been geared down (via 18) to an appropriate speed for efficient power transfer, followed by a gear increasing unit (20) to allow the output of the CSTC to be increased to conform to the necessary requirements of a high speed compressor. The gearing can be two separate units with their own housings, or incorporated in a single housing with the CSTC. The CSTC may be a CSTC used in pressurized starts high compressor load strings for LNG refrigeration service.

Abstract: Starter arrangement for high power rotating equipment strings with multiple compressors driven by a single turbine or motor includes multiple variable fluid drive torque converters (CSTCs) to start the compressors in a pressurized start. The string can use a single CSTC for each compressor or a single CSTC for more than one compressor with at least two CSTCs for a given string. The starting procedure is sequential. After the turbine or motor is started and brought up to speed, successive CSTCs are operated from zero to lock-up speed sequentially to start each compressor or group of compressors in turn. In order to cool the working fluid of the CSTCs, a single heat exchanger is provided and the working fluid of each CSTC in turn is circulated through the heat exchanger as they are sequentially started.

Abstract: A compressor starting torque converter method and apparatus for high power rotating equipment strings includes a compressor starting torque converter (CSTC) (16) and gearing to make the input and output speed conform to the speed and power requirements of the at least one compressor (4) at the end of the string. The string also includes a prime mover (10), either a motor or gas turbine with a starter motor. The CSTC is driven by a prime mover that has been geared down (via 18) to an appropriate speed for efficient power transfer, followed by a gear increasing unit (20) to allow the output of the CSTC to be increased to conform to the necessary requirements of a high speed compressor. The gearing can be two separate units with their own housings, or incorporated in a single housing with the CSTC. The CSTC may be a CSTC used in pressurized starts high compressor load strings for LNG refrigeration service.

Abstract: A baseball cap having mounting structure formed on its crown for securely supporting eye wear thereby preventing loss of the eye wear and rendering the eye wear easily accessible. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting structure takes on the form of pairs of aligned buttonholes on either side of the cap crown.

Abstract: An access controller is placed in series with a subscriber's telephone set and includes an off hook detector, a ring detector, a central office simulator and DTMF circuitry which cooperate with a microcontroller or microprocessor suitably programmed to select one of a multiple providers of services by generating an access code corresponding to one of the service providers in accordance with an algorithm which provides a desired distribution of usage by the subscriber. The controller inserts a five digit prefix, namely the access code into the dialed number. The access code allows the call to be routed through a specific long distance service provider telephone network. By inserting the access code into the dialed number the device selects a particular long distance carrier for the duration of the call. Access codes are stored in a memory list of the access controller.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining quality, pressure, temperature and enthalpy of wet steam at a predetermined depth within a well through which the wet steam flows.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for insulating a well bore to reduce heat transfer between fluids flowing through the well bore and surrounding formations wherein a heat activated gel-forming fluid having heat insulating properties when gelled is introduced into the annular space between the well bore and the tubing string contained therein and caused to be gelled.

Abstract: A zone of increased heat and enhanced fluid mobility is established between an injection well and a production well vertically traversing a heavy oil (bitumen, tar) reservoir by (a) first horizontally hydraulically fracturing between the wells, and (b) then injecting hot water and/or steam into the injection well at a very high rate, at a sufficient pressure, and for a sufficient time (holding sufficient back pressure on the production well if needed) to float the formation along the fracture system between the wells, to effect channel flow of fluids through the floated fracture system (with production from the production well), and to effect effective and uniform heating of substantial reservoir volume perpendicular to the channel flow. Thereupon, other thermal methods such as matrix flow steam flooding can be employed to recover additional oil.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbonaceous liquids and gases from subterranean kerogen-containing oil shale formations comprising (a) penetrating the oil shale deposits with at least two well bores; (b) fracturing the oil shale deposits in a lower vertical portion thereof; (c) igniting the hydrocarbonaceous deposit; (d) introducing through the first well bore a free oxygen-containing gas to the ignited point of the oil shale deposit to effect thermal decomposition of the hydrocarbonaceous material therein and to propagate a combustion zone through the fractured communication area and the second well bore, thereby forming a region of combusted shale between the first well bore and the second well bore; (e) allowing the combustion to continue until a sufficient volume of combusted shale has been formed; (f) then jetting an aqueous liquid into and through the combusted shale zone to remove the mineral residue remaining after combustion; (g) positioning conventional explosives in the oil shale deposit in the vicinit

Abstract: A method for creating a zone of relatively high permeability within a subterranean carbonaceous deposit which includes gasifying a portion of the carbonaceous deposit to provide a cavity, placing at least one explosive device in the deposit in the vicinity of the cavity so that energy generated upon detonation of the explosive device extends into the cavity, and detonating the explosive device thereby causing a portion of the carbonaceous deposit to be fragmented and to collapse into the cavity.