Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure fluid accumulator which includes a housing with a pressure fluid port and a body which is movably arranged in the housing and isolates at least two chambers in the pressure fluid accumulator from one another. The body is configured as a metal pleated bellows which is movable in the housing and encloses the one chamber.

Abstract: A stopper for covering a mounting fitting of the type used to hold a chair, table or similar object in an operative position on the floor or other surface of a boat or recreational vehicle is usable with a range of different sized fittings. The stopper is made of an elastomer and has a generally conical plug which fits into the central hole of the fitting and a thin, flat cover extending radially outward from the plug to cover the top of the fitting. The upper end of the plug is slightly greater in diameter than the smallest hole with which the stopper is intended for use, and the lower is slightly greater in diameter than the largest hole with which the stopper is intended for use. The lower end of the plug is cut off at the correct distance below the cover to leave a newly cut lower end with a diameter of the proper size to provide a snug fit within the interior of the mounting fitting hole.

Abstract: A flexible tube for an endoscope is provided with a tubular sheath. An outer circumferential surface of the sheath is provided with an indicator that indicates at least one of an orientation of the sheath about an axis thereof and axial length information. The indicator includes at least one striation extending in the axial direction of the sheath. The striation is formed to be perceptible by touch.

Abstract: A recoverable article comprising an inner resilient tubular member that is held out in a laterally expanded configuration by engagement with outer holdout structure, wherein the outer surface of the inner member is provided with a plurality of cavities, and wherein the holdout structure occupies the cavities so as to provide the holdout engagement, wherein the holdout structure comprises at least one initiating portion that is structurally different from the remaining portion that engages at least one associated cavity, whereby release of the initiating portion from its cavity facilitates subsequent release of the remaining portion of the holdout structure.

Abstract: An apparatus moves a warp thread in a controlled manner by a punctuate compulsory guidance between three positions, namely a middle, an upper and a lower position. It comprises a pendulum which is pivotal about an axis and into which an electrical coil is integrated and stationary permanent magnets. The named positions are given by equilibrium positions of the pendulum, with forces which act on the pendulum in these positions being in each case in an equilibrium. The equilibrium positions for the upper or the lower position respectively can be produced by forces between the permanent magnets and the currently carrying coil; the equilibrium position for the middle position is given by the pendulum with a current-less coil.

Abstract: A method for weaving a papermakers fabric having a system of flat monofilament machine direction yarns (hereinafter MD yarns) which are stacked to control the permeability of the fabric. The system of MD yarns comprises at least upper and lower layers of yarns. Preferably, each upper MD yarn is paired in a vertically stacked orientation with a lower MD yarn. In a low permeability embodiment, at least the upper MD yarns are flat monofilament yarns woven contiguous with each other.

Abstract: A filling system for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid product under counter pressure has a plurality of filling elements. Each filling element has a liquid valve for the controlled dispensing of the product as well as a plurality of gas ducts realized in a housing, by means of which ducts at least three separate and individually controlled control valves for each filling element can be controlled so that a wide variety of processes can be conducted for the bottling of the product, and namely merely by varying the actuation of the control valves or by varying a corresponding program for a microprocessor-assisted or computer-assisted control device.

Abstract: A pipe is connected to a panel of a plasma display panel. Non-porization type getters are arranged in the pipe. The panel, getters, and a portion of the pipe located between the panel and the gatters are heated. The inner space of the heated panel is evacuated through the heated pipe. After evacuation, the heating is stopped and the panel is cooled. A discharge gas is introduced into the panel through the pipe. The impurity gases contained in the discharge gas are absorbed and removed by the activated getters which is actavated by the heat. During the evacuation, impurity gases are not absorbed in the inner wall of the heated portion of the pipe. Therefore, no impurity gases are mixed to the discharge gas whose impurity gases are absorbed by the getters. Therefore, no impurity gases are introduced into the panel. After the panel is filled with the discharge gas, the pipe is cut and sealed.

Abstract: The improved vial transfer assembly or vial transferset may be attached to a vial under sterile conditions and used to transfer fluid to or from a conventional vial. The transferset includes a tubular transfer member which is sealingly supported on the rim portion of a vial stopper, a piercing member having a piercing end reciprocally supported by an internal surface of the transfer member, a cap enclosing the tubular transfer member and a collar preferably formed of a malleable material which secures the assembly on the stopper, which is crimped beneath the vial rim. The piercing member has a generally longitudinal external channel which, upon piercing the planar portion of the stopper, establishes fluid communication with the vial through the tubular transfer member. The distal end of the tubular transfer member includes a Luer lock for establishing fluid communication to a syringe, IV set or the like.

Abstract: A fuel tank filler apparatus includes a fuel tank filler neck, a pressure-relief valve coupled to the fuel tank filler neck, and a filler neck closure coupled to the fuel tank filler neck. The filler neck closure includes a drainage basin configured to collect liquid fuel, a retention chamber configured to store liquid fuel, and a fuel conductor configured to communicate liquid fuel between the drainage basin and the retention chamber. The filler neck closure can also include a blocker positioned to pivot about a pivot axis between a normally closed position blocking a fuel-receiving passage and an opened position permitting liquid fuel to flow through the fuel-receiving passage to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A memory cell and a method of fabricating the memory cell having a small active area. By forming a spacer in a window that is sized at the photolithographic limit, a pore may be formed in dielectric layer which is smaller than the photolithographic limit. Electrode material is deposited into the pore, and a layer of structure changing material, such as chalcogenide, is deposited onto the lower electrode, thus creating a memory element having an extremely small and reproducible active area.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing bark from a wood and bark containing log flow. The apparatus includes a number of bark separation units, each of the bark separation units comprising an aggregate of a toothed disc mounted on a first disc shaft and a smooth-surface disc mounted on a second disc shaft. The disc shafts are set crosswise relative to a feeding direction A applied to the log flow by the toothed disc upon the rotation thereof and at a distance from each other. The toothed disc and the substantially smooth-surface disc of a bark separation unit are set in a staggered fashion relative to each other in the axial direction of the disc shafts.

Abstract: A disposable carbide cutting blade assembly for a universal rotary molding cutter head. The assembly comprises a disposable carbide blade blank having its cutting surface contoured to the desired configuration, a smooth rear, bottom, and front surface, and a hole extending through the carbide blade blank. The carbide blank is positioned against a steel backer plate, which in turn is provided with a ledge for supporting the carbide blank from below, and a smooth front surface against which the rear surface of the carbide blank rests when in position. A safety pin protrudes from the front face of the steel backer plate, and extends into the hole within the carbide blank to properly seat the carbide blank against the steel backer plate. The rear surface of the steel backer plate is provided corrugations along its entire height for mating with the corrugations on the inner wall of a slot of a universal rotary cutter head.

Abstract: A single-grip harvester head comprises a frame (1, 2), which defines a tree feeding path, and two feeding roller arms (5), which are pivotable in relation to the frame (1, 2) about a pivot axis (A1) each defined by a pivot pin (6) and which support a rotatable feeding roller (7) each. Each feeding roller arm (5) is formed as an angular lever with two lever legs (5a, 5b), the feeding roller (7) being supported at the free end of one of the legs (5a) and the pivot pin (6) of the feeding roller arm (5) being positioned in the angular area between the legs. The two pivot axes (A1) are located in a common plane perpendicular to the tree feeding path. Each pivot pin (6) is articulated to the frame (1, 2) at one of its ends by means of a ball joint (13) and controlled at its other end, in such a way that the pivot axis (A1) is movable in said plane but fixed in a direction perpendicular to this plane.

Abstract: An aggressive on/off-road pneumatic tire tread design for recreational vehicles which is highly durable, self cleaning, improves rolling resistance on paved roads, has excellent tread wear characteristics, and is relatively quiet on paved roads. The tread design includes a side wall tread portion including a scuff bar and the area between it and the ground contacting tread is further provided with raised emblems and distinctive markings which provide traction and reduce mud caking, The tire's tread includes a pair of parallel rows of opposing chevron shaped lugs, defining a zigzag channel therebetween, and an outer row of polyhedron shoulder lugs outboard of the chevron rows, the polyhedron lugs being three different sizes, a short, intermediate and long, sequentially arranged in sets of three with a short lug between each long and intermediate lug. Root risers in the lateral channel between each chevron shaped lug are provided to prevent stress crack running in the tread.

Abstract: A multi-roll automatic tape splicing device includes a platen which is rotatably mounted on a support frame via a shaft. Two or more tape mandrels are rotatably disposed on the platen at a substantially equal distance from the shaft, and substantially equally spaced from each other, each mandrel being capable of receiving a respective roll of tape. An index drive is operatively coupled to the platen, for selectively rotating the platen so as to successively move each mandrel into a predetermined operating position at which a web of tape can be drawn from a respective roll of tape disposed on the mandrel, and for moving a mandrel out of the operating position when the respective roll of tape is depleted. A first sensor is operatively mounted on the support frame and capable of detecting a depleted condition of a roll of tape mounted on a respective mandrel in the operating position.

Abstract: Between the binding tape taking out section 7 and the tape cutting section 4 the tape reel 2 for keeping a wound tape 1 is disposed horizontally with each other. Thereby, the total length of the simple binding device is shortened to contribute to lower the total height of it, make it miniaturized and light-weighted and easier in mounting on a human body.

Abstract: In a method and molding apparatus for laminated molded bodies, a thermal-molding felt and a thermoplastic resin sheet, respectively in hot and soft condition, are set or placed on a mold face of cold-pressing-molding lower mold. A cold-pressing-molding upper mold lowers onto the lower mold to press the the thermal-molding felt and thermoplastic resin sheet. Simultaneously, cooling air is supplied to center portion of the thermal-molding felt through a blowing pipe protruding from mold face of the thermal-molding felt side and intruding into the felt accelerating circulation of cooling air and cooling of the thermoplastic resin sheet.

Abstract: An improved disk label sticking device includes an annular label bearing seat configured to have a lower side pressing against elastic elements on a movable base below. The edges of the label-bearing seat are formed with guide flanges extending into slanting guide slots of a base. Furthermore, the label-bearing seat is centrally provided with a circular through hole having guide slots or guide tracks on its edges. A circular receiving seat has a guide track or guide groove that matches the circular through hole and presses against a central elastic element on the lower base. The receiving seat can be slidably inserted into the through hole. An adhesive-backed annular label can be placed reversely on the label-bearing seat, and a compact disk or an optical disk can be placed reversely on the receiving seat. When the receiving seat is pressed to displace downwardly, the disk will adhere to the label.

Abstract: A wafer sheet expanding apparatus comprises an expanding mechanism, a rotating mechanism for the expanding mechanism, a motor, a power transfer mechanism. The expanding mechanism has a support ring, an expanding ring, and a movement mechanism. The support ring has a hole at a central part thereof and a circular annulus portion formed projectively on an outer-peripheral portion of the hole and an upper end for supporting a wafer sheet retained by a wafer ring. The expanding ring is disposed opposite the support ring and has an annular portion that is loosely fitted over the circular annulus portion. The movement mechanism causes relative movement of the support ring and the expanding ring. The expanding mechanism stretches the wafer sheet by relative movement of the support ring and the expanding ring. The power transfer mechanism connects the movement mechanism and the rotating mechanism to a motor selectively.

Abstract: A roll-up shade is doubled and its ends suspended from a head rail that is mounted above a window. One end is attached to a roller tube and the other end is attached to a stationary tube, with a bight being formed between the tubes. A first sheet is defined from the bight to the roller tube and a second sheet is defined from the bight to the stationary tube. A weighty rod is positioned in the bight to cause the bight to sag away from the head rail, and a shade guide surrounds the rod to guide the shade. With this structure, the roller tube can be rotated to pull up the first sheet and raise the bight or to lower the first sheet with bight, with the second sheet (i.e., the sheet that is directly attached to the stationary tube) remaining unmoving above the bight. The shade is patterned such that when the shade is raised and lowered, the relative motion between the two sheets causes the shade to alternatingly assume high and low opacity configurations. The roller tube can be motorized if desired.

Abstract: The present invention is a security closure for a rolling security gate having a plurality of parallel rods. The security closure generally includes a first hollow conduit, a second hollow conduit, and a curved connector piece connecting the first hollow conduit to the second hollow conduit.

Abstract: A portable display case includes two centermost and two outermost panel members mounted for pivotal movement relative to each other between panel face-to-panel face opposing relationship in substantially parallel planes in a closed position and in substantially side-by-side relationship in an open position. A carrying handle is mounted for reciprocal sliding movement relative to one of the panel members to permit the portable display case to be carried much in the manner in a briefcase or an attaché case. The outermost panels are each of an identical construction and the innermost or centermost panels are each of an identical construction providing interchangeability thereof. To the latter end, latches associated with side edges of the outermost panels are in asymmetrical relationship to each other.

Abstract: A cord lock engaged with a vertically moveable handle for selectively engaging and disengaging a cord for transporting vanes in a blind. A rotatable mechanism is proximate with a vertically moveable handle. An extension is attached to the rotatable mechanism, and a cord lock is engaged with the upper end of the extension so that rotation of the rotatable mechanism and extension operates the cord lock to selectively engage the cord. Following such engagement, the handle can be pulled to move the cord and to transport the vanes. The rotatable mechanism can be rotated in the opposite direction to disengage the cord lock from the cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved structure of a driving mechanism for a venetian blind, wherein the frame body is provided with fixing seats having being mounted with blind slat control element. The control element is driven by a control shaft and a pulling cord is connected to the blind slats. A suspension cord passes through individual blind slat and combines with the base slat at the bottom of the blind slat such that the suspension cord can pull the base slat to close or open the individual blind slat.

Abstract: A curtain with a hanger ring assembly for mounting onto a supporting rod includes a sheet material and a plurality of hanger units. The sheet material has a plurality of hanger openings formed along a top edge, and a plurality of edge gap each extending from the top edge to an upper portion of the respective hanger opening. Each of the opening portions defines a section of connecting tab adjacent to the respective edge gap. Each of the hanger units includes a hanger ring which has a ring slit separating two ends thereof and defines a section of ring tab adjacent to the ring slit. Each of the hanger rings is attached to one side of the respective opening portion and coaxially extended around the respective hanger opening with the ring slit of the respective hanger ring staggering with the edge gap of the respective opening portion. The connecting tabs of the opening portions of the sheet material are detachably overlapped with the ring tabs of the hanger rings respectively.

Abstract: Fold defects are reduced or eliminated in lost foam castings by contacting a destructible polymeric pattern surface proximate to which deleterious fold defects comprising unbonded seams are prone to form in the solidifying molten metal with a material that reduces or eliminates fold defects in the casting proximate the pattern surface. The material can comprise a silicone layer that is anti-sticking relative to a gas permeable refractory layer on the pattern or foundry sand directly contacting the pattern surface depending on casting configuration. The pattern is cleaned prior to contact with the material. Lower melt casting temperatures can be used with concomitant improvements in casting microstructure (e.g. finer dendritic arm spacing) and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method and machine for forming an open riser in a mold includes a resiliently compressible plug received into the upper end of a riser sleeve, which projects above the riser sleeve and cope sand level so as to be advanced into the riser sleeve during squeezing of the mold sand. The plug is fixed to the upper squeeze plate to be withdrawn from the riser sleeve as the squeeze plates are separated, creating an open riser.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a formed article of amorphous alloy by a simple process are disclosed. A molding apparatus comprises a forced cooling casting mold which is provided with a sprue and at least one molding cavity communicating with the sprue and further with a cutting member disposed in the casting mold movably in the direction of the sprue, a melting vessel movable in the direction of the sprue, and a molten metal transferring member disposed slidably in the melting vessel or the molding cavity of the casting mold.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat sink for cooling and electronic device. The heat sink includes a member, and a heat pipe secured to the member. The member has a first portion, a second portion, and a plurality of fins on the second portion. The heat pipe has a first, evaporator section and a second, condenser section. The first section is located at the first portion so that heat can be transferred thereto from a heat generating component of the electronic device. The second section is located at the second portion so that heat can be transferred therefrom to the second portion.

Abstract: A portable electronic device such as a portable personal computer has a first part such as a main unit incorporating a heat-generating component, e.g., a CPU, a second part such as a display unit, and a connector for pivotally connecting the first and second parts. The connector includes hinges that provide mechanical connection between the first and the second parts, while conducting heat from the heat-generating component in the first part to the second part, so that the heat is dissipated from the second part. The electronic device this has enhanced heat dissipation without being required to have a greater size.

Abstract: A double heat exchanger includes a radiator having a radiator tank and a radiator core portion, and a condenser having a condenser tank and a condenser core portion. The radiator tank and the condenser tank are integrally connected by a connection portion protruding from the radiator and the condenser tanks toward the radiator and condenser core portions. Therefore, the connection portion is cooled by air passing through the radiator and condenser core portions. Thus, the connection portion restricts heat from the radiator tank from being transmitted to the condenser tank through the connection portion, thereby preventing heat-exchanging capacity of the condenser from being decreased in the double heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in which refrigerant flows has a first core portion disposed in a first air passage for exchanging heat with inside air and a second core portion for exchanging heat with outside air. The second core portion is disposed at a downstream side of the first core portion in a refrigerant flow direction. Accordingly, refrigerant exchanges heat with inside air, first, and then exchanges heat with outside air, a temperature of which is lower than that of inside air. Further, refrigerant flows to form an opposed flow with respect to an air flow direction in the respective first and second core portions. As a result, heating performance of the heat exchanger is improved.

Abstract: Device for cooling fluid, comprising: an inlet for infeed of the fluid; a through-flow space through which the fluid flows; a discharge for outfeed of the fluid; and a number of pipes containing coolant which extend helically in the interior of the through-flow space and the pitch of which is such that the upward angle at least equals the angle of fall of solid particles present in the fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid box-manifold assembly for a heat exchanger comprising at least a single-piece housing produced by swaging a sheet metal and including; a cap comprising a base linked to a peripheral wall defining an open surface, and a cover including a base provided with holes for receiving the tube ends of a tube bundle and linked to a peripheral edge matching in shape the cap peripheral wall, the cap and the cover being linked by a material strip forming a bend line, such that the cap and the cover can be mutually brought together up to an interlocking position to define an internal volume of the fluid box. The invention is applicable to motor vehicle heat exchanger.

Abstract: A multi-flow type heat exchanger includes a pair of headers and a plurality of heat transfer tubes interconnecting the headers. The flow direction of the heat exchange medium through the whole of the heat transfer tubes is only one direction. A flow division parameter &ggr; is defined as a ratio of a resistance parameter &bgr; of the heat transfer tubes to a resistance parameter &agr; of an entrance side header and is set to at least about 0.5. The flow division parameter is calculated, such that &ggr;=&bgr;/&agr;, where &bgr;=Lt/(Dt·n), and &agr;=Lh/Dh. The equation variables are defined as follows: Lt equals a length of each tube, Dt equals a hydraulic diameter of one tube, n equals a number of tubes, Lh equals a length of an entrance side header, and Dh equals a hydraulic diameter of the header. The flow division from the header to the tubes may be chosen at an optimum condition, and the heat exchanger may have superior performance.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus comprising an air-cooled heat exchanger, a plurality of louvres to control a cooling air flow passing the heat exchanger, a mechanism for operating the louvres and means for actuating the operating mechanism according to temperature of the heat exchanger. The actuating means comprises a bar having a first end and a second end and being of a material having a considerably lower thermal expansion coefficient than that of the heat exchanger, said bar being attached by its first end substantially at a first end of the heat exchanger, and means for controlling the position of the operating mechanism in dependence on a difference in displacements of the second end.

Abstract: A gripper block for use in an endless chain in a device for moving a generally cylindrical object longitudinally, as into or out of a well. The block has a first portion adapted to engage the endless chain and a second portion adapted to frictionally engage the object. At least a portion of the block is made from a resilient material that engages the tubing.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device prevents right-hand rotation of a tubing string within a stationary well casing. The device includes a tubular housing connected inline with the tubing string. A fixed jaw configured for gripping the well casing projects outwardly from the housing. A pair of collars free to rotate about the housing support two floating jaws, which are also configured for gripping the well casing. The floating jaws rotate about the housing between a free position in which the floating jaws are positioned adjacent the fixed jaw and the overall diameter of the device is less than the diameter of the well casing and an engaged position with the floating jaws and the fixed jaws situated on opposing sides of the housing and the overall diameter of the device is greater than the diameter of the well casing.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for autogenic generation of a subterranean fluid flow, such as may be applied, for example, to enhance oil recovery or pollution abatement. In general, the method and system includes placing an electromagnetic apparatus down the borehole of an applicator well, and radiating energy into a permeable formation to achieve displacement flooding effects.

Abstract: Subsurface wellbore conditions are measured directly in the wellbore while the fluid circulation system is not pumping. The measured values are recorded at the subsurface location and subsequently transmitted to the well surface when circulation is resumed using fluid pulse telemetry (FPT). Real-time measurements made when the fluids are circulating are transmitted real time using FPT. Axially spaced measurements are used to obtain differential values. The apparatus of the invention comprises an assembly carried by a drill string that is used to selectively isolate the area within the well that is to be evaluated. The apparatus includes an assembly having axially spaced inflatable well packers that are used to isolate an uncased section of the wellbore. The apparatus is equipped with self-contained measuring and recording equipment, a fluid receiving reservoir, circulation valving, measurement while drilling equipment, and automated controls.

Abstract: A downhole oil/water separation apparatus and process which separates solids from total production fluid prior to oil/water separation is disclosed. Production fluid is passed to a downhole solid/liquid cyclone which separates the fluid into a solids enriched stream and an oil/water stream. The oil is then commingled with the solids enriched stream and brought to surface. The water is reinjected downhole. The method effectively removes solids from the disposal fluid and thus avoids injectivity impairment caused by solids plugging.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a mixed gas-oil stream through a wellbore wherein at least a portion of the gas is separated from the stream downhole and is compressed (e.g. using a SPARC) before both the compressed gas and the remainder of the stream is brought to the surface through separate flowpaths. The system includes a string of tubing which provides the flowpath for the remainder of the stream while the annulus, formed between the tubing string and the wellbore provides the flowpath for the compressed gas.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing the permeability of or fluid mobility within a carbonate-containing treatment region in or proximate to a hydrocarbon-bearing formation below an earthen surface penetrated by a well bore. The process is initiated by preparing a gelation solution at the earthen surface which includes an acrylamide polymer, a crosslinking agent, a stabilizing agent and an aqueous solvent. The stabilizing agent is an acid additive, acidic pH buffer system, or delayed acid generator. The crosslinking agent is a chromium(III) complex having one or more chromium(III) cations and one or more carboxylate anions. The gelation solution is injected into the well bore and displaced into the treatment region where it is gelled in situ to form a gel which substantially reduces the permeability of or fluid mobility within the treatment region.

Abstract: Multiple wellbores are interconnected utilizing a deflection device having a guide layer of lower hardness than the body of the deflection device, and a cutting tool having a guide portion and being operative to cut through the deflection device guide layer and a tubular structure lining a wellbore.

Abstract: A sand-capturing tool is disclosed, as well as a method. The tool relies on an eductor. The eductor is supplied by pumped fluid from the surface through a coiled tubing support for the tool. The eductor induces flow into a central tube in the tool which brings in with it the sand to be captured. Ultimately, the cross-sectional area of the induced fluid flow is increased to reduce its velocity and to further induce the sand which has been brought through the narrow inner tube to drop out into an annular area around the inner tube. The clean fluid exits through a screen and goes around the eductor and uphole to the surface. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly can be supported on an electric line employing a downhole pump which provides the motive fluid force for the eductor jet. In this embodiment, the remaining operation is the same.

Abstract: A wash nozzle for wellbore washing operations has been invented, the wash nozzle, in one aspect having a central mandrel with a top, a bottom, and a fluid flow bore therethrough from top to bottom, at least one mandrel port through the central mandrel for fluid flow from within the central mandrel's fluid flow bore to an exterior of the central mandrel, a hollow sleeve rotatably mounted around the central mandrel, and at least one sleeve port through the sleeve for fluid flow from within the sleeve from the exterior of the central mandrel to an exterior of the sleeve, the at least one sleeve port defined by a wall on the sleeve. In one aspect the wash nozzle includes apparatus for selective rotation of the sleeve about the mandrel. In one aspect flow through the wash nozzle is stopped to effect sleeve rotation and, in one particular aspect, flow through the nozzle is then re-established. Methods have been invented using such wash nozzles for wellbore washing operations and/or cuttings removal.

Abstract: Two sliding sleeves are carried in a tubular pipe assembly for controlling the opening and closing of flow passages extending through the pipe wall. The pipe assembly is placed at the lower end of a tubing string disposed in a well to regulate the flow of fluid from the string into a subsurface well formation. The first sleeve extends between upper and lower seals disposed above and below the flow passage to close the flow passages to flow. A shifting tool operated from the well surface moves the sleeve axially down through the pipe assembly to open the flow passages, leaving the upper seal exposed. The shifting tool then moves the second sleeve axially down through the pipe to cover the exposed seal. Fluid pumped through the pipe exits freely through the flow passages without first having to flow through radial flow passages in the sliding sleeve to prevent erosion of the flow passages and the sleeve structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling safety valves used for shutting off high pressure upward flow through drill pipe or tubing. The apparatus includes an adjustable clamp assembly for holding the safety valve; a three-stage double-acting hydraulic extension system to provide horizontal (and optionally, rotational) movement of the safety valve; a stable track assembly for vertical movement of the apparatus; and a positioning arm with a yoke for placement against the drill pipe or tubing, providing a distance measurement used to vertically align the safety valve with the drill pipe or tubing.

Abstract: Smart shuttles are used to complete oil and gas wells. Following drilling operations into a geological formation, a steel pipe is disposed in the wellbore. The steel pipe may be a standard casing installed into the wellbore using typical industry practices. Alternatively, the steel pipe may be a drill string attached to a rotary drill bit that is to remain in the wellbore following completion during so-called “one-pass drilling operations”. Using typical procedures in the industry, the well is “completed” by placing into the steel pipe various standard completion devices, many of which are conveyed into place using the drilling rig. Instead, with this invention, smart shuttles are used to convey into the steel pipe the various smart completion devices necessary to complete the oil and gas well. Smart shuttles may be attached to a wireline, to a coiled tubing, or to a wireline installed within coiled tubing.