Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising a curved resilient headband to extend from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon. A clip is secured towards one end of the headband. An elongated tubular boom is secured at one end to the clip to extend and hold its position, when in operation from said one end at the clip to another end located at a space in front of, and proximal to the patient's nose and mouth. An oxygen diffuser port is located at the other end of the boom, to deliver oxygen from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: An artificial airway device for use in unconscious patients comprises a laryngo-pharyngeal mask including a roughly elliptical shape, expandable masking ring. The expandable mask sealingly surrounding the laryngeal inlet when expanded to obstruct communication between the laryngeal inlet and oesophagus. One or more airway tubes connected to the mask provide for fluid flow to a portion of the mask facing the laryngeal inlet when said mask sealingly surrounds the laryngeal inlet. A gastro-tube connected to the mask is bonded along most of its length to the airway tube(s) and provides a fluid flow-path to the surface of said mask facing the oesophagus when said mask sealingly surrounds the laryngeal inlet. The cross-section area of said gastro-tube is at least as great as that of the airway tube.

Abstract: This invention is a device (10) for inspiration of a mist from a nebulizer, the device comprising an inlet connector (12, 32) adapted to engage an outlet port of a nebulizer; a hollow mouthpiece element (126, 34) for insertion into a patient's mouth; a conduit (14) forming a fluid connection between the inlet connector, and the hollow mouthpiece element; an exhaust valve (26) for removing expiratory gases which are exhaled into the mouthpiece element to the ambient atmosphere via the exhaust/positive expiratory pressure (PEP) valve (26, 50) positioned on the conduit between the inlet connector, and the mouthpiece element; and a filter housing (44) containing a filter (60) for filtering the exhaled gases passing from the exhaust/PEP valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to the provision in a cigarette filter element of a capsule containing a deodorizer. The capsule is resistant to the handling endured before and during smoking, yet ruptures to release or expose the deodorizer upon extinguishing of the smoked cigarette. The deodorizer may comprise neutralizing or masking agents, or mixtures of both.

Abstract: An artificial nail having a three dimensional feature. The three dimensional feature may be a three dimensional representation of any known or imagined person, place or thing. The three dimensional feature may have a protrusion that is graspable. The protrusion may be used to assist in placing the artificial nail onto a fingernail or toenail. The artificial nail may include a tool or writing implement that may be extendible/retractable, movable and/or rotatable. The artificial nail may include removably attached three dimensional features. The three dimensional feature may include hair. The three dimensional feature may include a sound emitter or be designed to emit sound. The three dimensional feature may be plush or made from fabric. The artificial nail may include a power source and a light emitter to emit light from a portion of the three dimensional feature.

Abstract: A device (1) for applying an additive to hair, comprising a longitudinally extending base part (2) for making contact with the hair during operation, which base part (2) comprises a distribution system (3) for additive. The distribution system (3) has an inlet (4) which is connected to an additive dispenser (5), and which distribution system has outlets (6) for applying the additive to the hair during operation. The distribution system (3) comprises a carrier element (10) with distribution channels (7) which is covered by a covering element (11), while said carrier element (10) and covering element (11) are detachably connected to each other. Detaching of the carrier element (10) from the covering element (11) uncovers the carrier element (10) with the distribution channels (7) so that the distribution system (3) becomes accessible for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A flexible hair curler formed from a gel of crosslinked polyacrylamide including a humectant, and encased in a moisture-permeable flexible sheath, preferably of fabric.

Abstract: A lamp house is located face to face with a substrate which is transferred by a conveyer means. A dielectric barrier discharge lamp is provided in the lamp house to irradiate the substrate with ultraviolet light, while a moistened inert gas, consisting of an inert gas and water vapor, is supplied to a space between the substrate and the dielectric barrier discharge lamp from a moistened inert gas generating means. Under irradiation of ultraviolet light from the dielectric barrier discharge lamp, water vapor in the moistened inert gas is split into a reducing active member [H·] and an oxidative active member [·OH].

Abstract: A cleaning kit for removing process impurities carried on the surface of a NOx reduction catalyst which is installed in the path of a flue gas flow exiting from a fossil fuel burning facility including: a reagent supply grill; a source of supply of liquid cleaning reagent; a reagent collection basin; and a recirculating structure. The reagent supply grid is adapted to be selectively positioned above a portion of a catalyst layer. The source of supply of liquid cleaning reagent adapted to be in communication with the supply grid, and the reagent collection basin being adapted to be selectively positioned below the portion of such catalyst layer to catch cleaning reagent therein after such reagent passes through such portion of the catalyst layer, the recirculating structure recirculates at least a portion of such reagent from the collecting basin for recirculating through such supply grid for further cleaning of such portion of the catalyst layer.

Abstract: An adornment for mounting a crank which is to control extension and folding of an umbrella includes a first shell located between the umbrella shaft and a crank arm of the crank, and a second shell encasing another side of the umbrella shaft and matching and engageable with the first shell. The first and second shell have respectively a matching symmetrical first coupling section and a second coupling section to engage with a matching first fastening cap and a second fastening cap movable on the umbrella shaft for a selected displacement to form a completed adornment for the crank.

Abstract: A universal valve connector for valves of vehicle tires comprises a connector housing, partly connected to a pressure source, preferably a hand or foot pump, and has a coupling hole with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the valve for connection, where the coupling hole has securing means, plus a sealing means against various valve sizes. The sealing means is mounted coaxially in the connector housing and established on at least two parallel levels, having the centre line of the connector housing, where the minor diameters of the sealing means correspond to the major diameter of the valve, where the connector is mounted when used. The sealing means, closest to the coupling hole in the connector housing has the biggest minor diameter, while the sealing means farthest from the coupling hole has the smallest minor diameter, and diameters between the extremes correspond to distance between these extremes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installing a faucet on a top side of a deck. The apparatus includes a threaded member engaged with the faucet and extending through the mounting hole to be rotated from above the deck. A nut is threadedly connected to the threaded member to pass through the mounting hole to the underside of the deck. A second member associated with and parallel to the threaded member engages the nut to prevent rotation thereof during rotation of the threaded member whereby the nut will be shifted up or down along the length of the threaded member. A pair of retaining arms are provided whereby, upon rotation of the threaded member to raise the nut in the direction of the deck, the retaining arms will bend outwardly and engage the underside of the deck to clamp the faucet to the deck.

Abstract: A flow regulator for a water pump, comprising a valve body, a control element, a tube, a spring, and a connecting pipe. The valve body is roughly shaped like a cross, enclosing a first chamber and a second chamber in a vertical direction and having a passageway in a horizontal direction. The control element is glidingly movable in the vertical direction in the first chamber. The tube is placed in said second chamber. The spring is inserted between the control element and the tube and pushes the control element to perform a vertical movement. The connecting pipe is connected with the first tube, transmitting water pressure from a supply pipe to the first tube. The piston block is pushed inward by the water pressure, narrowing the passageway, while being pressed outward by the elastic force, so that controlled water flow and pressure in the supply pipe are achieved.

Abstract: A pump-over fermentation tank has a valve between the pump-over chamber and fermentation chamber providing multi-directional diffusion of the pump-over liquid into the fermentation or extraction chamber. The valve is opened slowly for irrigation of the fermentation cap and is opened rapidly to achieve mixing of the contents in the fermentation chamber. The valve is self-centering in the near-closed position, and in a particular embodiment has diffusers on the perimeter of the valve to direct the pump-over liquid to different regions of the surface of the contents in the fermentation chamber.

Abstract: A fluid line connector assembly includes a first part defining a fluid channel; and a second part including an outer body and a member mounted for adjusting movement relative to the outer body in a direction normal to an axis of engagement in response to relative motion of the first part and the second part when the first part and the second part are connected, the member defining a fluid channel within the body. The first and second parts together define the axis of engagement along which the first and second parts are releasably connectable, the fluid channel of the first part being adapted to connect to the fluid channel of the second part, and, when the first and second parts are connected, the fluid channel of the second part remains in fluid flow connection with the fluid channel of the first part during adjusting movement of the member relative to the outer body of the second part.

Abstract: A dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member is disclosed for protecting an opposing undersea hydraulic coupling member when the hydraulic lines are not operating. The dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member has a water displacement expansion chamber with a piston therein that allows trapped water and/or air to move from the receiving chamber to the water displacement expansion chamber during connection of the dummy coupling member to the opposing coupling member.

Abstract: The sanitary fitting is intended for two different qualities of water and, for this purpose, has outlet connecting branches (20, 21) which are separate from one another and into which two channel systems (50, 56), which are routed separately from one another through a common fitting housing (1), open out. Each channel system (50, 56) is provided with a valve arrangement (53, 17), each valve arrangement being functionally separate from the other and of which the top valve arrangement (17), assigned to the channel system (56), has a closure body (41) which executes a lifting movement and of which the actuating element (44) forms the top termination of the sanitary fitting.

Abstract: A device is used to meter a gaseous medium, in particular air, by means of a plurality of metering valves, into a plurality of components of a fuel cell system used in a motor vehicle. All of the metering valves are arranged on a central middle block. The central middle block has at least one inlet opening for the gaseous medium, which is connected, via at least one passage, to in each case one connection point for each of the metering valves.

Abstract: A device for controlling liquid flow in a conduit which is of a hat-like configuration defined by a cylindrical base part having a flange part at one end and a closure part at another end joined thereto by an integral spring which bends to permit through-flow of liquid through a peripheral gap between the body part and the closure part. The gap is of a stepwise progression including either an abrupt or curved step. The gap has a medial gap portion and opposite gap portion ends which are relatively sized to effect the stepwise progression.

Abstract: A valve or ball reversal orifice provides provide a first flow restriction to a material flowing through the ball reversal orifice and a second flow restriction when the material reverses flow direction. The valve includes a housing having at least first and second walls that define a cavity therein. The cavity is configured such that a cross-sectional area of the cavity taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity decreases from the second wall to the first wall. A first port is provided in the first wall for allowing material to enter or exit a cavity, and a second port is provided in the second wall for allowing material to enter or exit the cavity. A flow restrictor, such as a ball, disposed in the cavity and is movable between a relatively large portion of said cavity and a relatively small portion of said cavity to provide different flow restriction depending on the direction of material flow through the cavity.

Abstract: A pipe liner bag everting nozzle is provided for allowing an operator to freely access a manhole during a lining operation. A pipe liner bag everting nozzle comprises a guide tube fixing end for fixing one end of a guide tube, and a pipe liner bag fixing end for fixing a folded end of an uneverted pipe liner bag passed through the guide tube, wherein the guide tube fixing end has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pipe liner bag fixing end. Since a guide tube having a smaller diameter than that of a pipe line to be repaired (or the pipe liner bag) can be used, a sufficient gap is formed between the guide tube and the manhole, thereby allowing the operator to freely access the manhole during the lining operation for inspection and confirmation of a lining situation.

Abstract: A first tube has an end portion with a socket that is tapered by, a frustoconical wall that ends with a radially extending land. A copper brazing ring is disposed on the land. An end portion of a second tube having a knurled surface is press fitted into the socket to provide a coupling assembly. Upon heating the coupling assembly, the copper brazing ring melts and flows through the grooves in the knurled surface to weld the second tube to first tube and to seal the interface therebetween.

Abstract: A metal-composite corrugated hose having a wall including a metal layer forming its innermost layer and a resin layer surrounding it. Its wall has in its corrugated portion a metal layer thickness (A) of at least 20 &mgr;m, but below 200 &mgr;m, and a resin layer thickness (B) of 80 to 5,000 &mgr;m. Each thickness of A and B has a ratio (A:B) of 1:4 to 1:50. The hose is made by a specific process in which the metal and resin layers are not corrugated simultaneously. Thus, there is a provided a metal-composite corrugated hose having high fuel impermeability, flexibility and strength, and having a reinforcing effect sufficient to protect the metal layer from any fatigue failure.

Abstract: An amount of expansion of a hydraulic pressure hose is decreased and the fatigue characteristic against repeating pressurization, bending and twisting is improved. The hydraulic pressure hose comprising an inner rubber layer, a first braided fiber reinforced layer formed in the outer periphery of the inner rubber layer, an intermediate rubber layer formed in the outer periphery of the first braided fiber reinforced layer, a second braided fiber reinforced layer formed in the outer periphery of the intermediate rubber layer and an outer rubber layer formed in the outer periphery of the second braided fiber reinforced layer, wherein the first braided fiber reinforced layer is formed of fibers having 950 deniers to 1050 deniers, the thickness of the first braided fiber reinforced layer being 0.30 mm to 0.50 mm.

Abstract: A flexible cord-like hollow object for the transportation of media is provided with an inner zone enclosed by a casing. A barrier layer, which is impermeable to volatile molecules of the medium to be transported, is provided on the casing surface facing the inner zone. The barrier layer comprises sub-elements that are arranged in a scale-like manner.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a container includes a dispensing opening, a closure and a plurality of walls. At least one of the walls includes a non-uniform surface structured so that the dispensing closure can be disposed on the surface when the container is in its dispensing position. In another preferred embodiment, the top wall of the container includes a vent, a vent cap forming a closure for the vent, a handle, a pouring aperture and a pouring closure covering the pouring aperture. The top surfaces of the vent cap, the handle and the pouring closure are generally parallel, and the heights of the top surfaces of the vent cap and the pouring closure are within an inch of the height of the top surface of the handle. In another preferred embodiment, the top wall of the container includes a handle extending from a handle base within the top wall. A pouring aperture is surrounded by a pouring aperture base which also extends from the top wall.

Abstract: An arrangement and pull-in method for fluidly coupling a steel riser to a flowline of a turret on a FSO/FPSO. The riser is pulled into a connector by a pull-in line inside the flowline. A pull-in head is releasable secured inside the upper end of the riser. The pull-in head is released from the riser after the riser is locked into the connector. A flex joint is placed above the connector to provide alignment of the connector to the riser during installation.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread having a plurality of spaced tread blocks separated by grooves or slots. A plurality of tie bars extend across the grooves or slots between adjacent tread blocks. The tie bars have a pair of sidewalls and a top surface with an undercut formed in at least one of the sidewalls to reduce tie bar stiffness and provide increased water evacuation as the tread wears. The top surface of the tie bar is lower than the top surfaces of the adjacent tread block and the undercut can be formed in only one or both sidewalls of the tie bar and have various stepped and tapered configurations.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a tire without independent inner tube including two conical metal mounting rings intended to receive the tire beads, positioned and locked on the hub of the vehicle by means of two circular lateral locking rings recessed in a hub, each locking ring being composed of a vulcanized rubber mix reinforced by and coating a reinforcement ring which is circumferentially elastic and radially resistant to compression.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial ply passenger tire (10) having a tread (12), a casing with two sidewalls (20), two radial plies (38, 40) extending from and wrapped about two annular beads (26) and a belt reinforcement structure (36) located radially between the tread and the plies. Inner ply (38) is reinforced with essentially inextensible metal cords and is designed to carry a compressive load during runflat operation. Outer ply (40) is reinforced with organic-fiber cords designed to withstand tensile stresses during runflat operation. A circumferentially deployed insert (42) is disposed between the inner and outer radial plies (38, 40) in each sidewall (20) adjacent to the shoulder of the tread. The metal cords (41) of inner ply (38) have compressive-load-hearing capacity which reduces the mass of the insert material (42). The metal cords (41) also have thermal conductivity properties that dissipate heat buildup from both ply (38) and insert (42).

Abstract: A wind resistant rolling shutter assembly having a flexible barrier made of a plurality of interconnected slats. Each individual slat is hollow, has inner and outer surfaces, two opposing ends and one or more support ribs. Two brackets each having two opposing ends, run internally from one opposing end of each slat to the other. Four slat end retainers, each having a head and a point, are disposed point first one in each bracket end. The flexible barrier rides in two track assemblies positioned vertically on the frame of a door or window. The track assemblies have track channels and retention arms located therein. When the slats are flexed the slat retainers interact with retention arms and prevent the dislodgement of the flexible barrier.

Abstract: A vane for an architectural covering, such as of the type used in a window opening, is designed for vertical suspension so as to resist twisting along its length. The vane is constructed in a tubular configuration and may have one or more internal hollow cells. The external configuration of the vane may simulate an air foil or have other related configurations. The vanes are preferably made of a material having diagonal, dimensional stability or memory, i.e. the ability to resist stretching in a direction diagonal to the length or width of the material. A reinforcing strip can be inserted into an open end of the vane to provide a positive and durable attachment for suspending the vane from an operating system.

Abstract: A garden, patio or other screen or other vertical frame structure has a frame formed of elongate extruded plastic members, which include vertical frame elements, and a panel in the frame. The vertical frame elements have hollow interiors and downwardly open bottom openings. Metal L-shaped support members have vertical portions extending upwardly through the bottom openings into frictional engagement in the hollow interiors of the vertical frame elements, and horizontal portions extending forwardly and rearwardly of the screen from the vertical portions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of improving the die casting process by the application of the inventor's mathematics and physics stored in a computer to control the injection speed and the timing of the excitation of an intensifier. Using either data from a die surface temperature for a selected location detected by a pyrometer, the last instant before the die is closed, or the alloy-die interface boundary data from a thermocouple, the inventor's equations loaded in a computer calculate and graph the solidification pattern for the casting wall and the quantity of heat remaining in the alloy wall vs. time above the dynamic solidus thereby establishing parameters for control of facets of the injection phase. The unique properties of the boundary's transient temperature during solidification have been shown by the inventor's mathematics to be of vital import to the determination of the solidification pattern used to control injection.

Abstract: A casting system and method for producing a metal casting is provided. The metal casting can comprise a fine-grain, homogeneous microstructure that is essentially oxide- and sulfide-free, segregation defect free, and essentially free of voids caused by air entrapped during solidification of the metal from a liquidus state to a solid state. The casting system can comprise an electroslag refining system; a nucleated casting system; and a cooling system that cools the metal casting so as to cool a liquidus portion of the metal casting. The metal casting is cooled in a manner sufficient to provide a microstructure that comprises a fine-grain, homogeneous microstructure that is essentially oxide- and sulfide-free, segregation defect free, and essentially free of voids caused by air entrapped during solidification from a liquidus state to a solid state.

Abstract: Provided is a novel regenerative heat exchanger and a method for heating a gas in the heat exchanger. The regenerative heat exchanger features a chamber separated into a plurality of annular concentric spaces, including: a first, inner annular space defining a hot collection chamber; a second, outer annular space concentric to and around the first space defining a cold collection chamber; and a third annular space defining a heat exchange zone concentric to and between the first and second spaces. The heat exchange zone contains a particulate heat transfer material. The third space is supported on the inside by a concentrically disposed hot grid, and the external diameter of the third annular space is less than about double the internal diameter of the third annular space. The invention has particular applicability to the feeding of hot blast to a blast furnace in the iron making industry.

Abstract: A thermal module with temporary heat storage. The thermal module includes a heat storage, a heat absorber, a heat dissipater, and a heat pipe for rapidly transferring heat from the heat absorber to the heat dissipater. The heat storage includes a phase change material and is in contact with the heat pipe. When heat quantities generated by the system are greater than a predefined reasonable thermal target, heat in excess of the thermal target is temporarily absorbed into the heat storage through the melting of the PCM. When the heat quantities generated by the system are again less than the thermal target, the PCM re-freezes, releasing the stored heat to be dissipated normally.

Abstract: A passive cooling device for removing waste heat from a component is disclosed. The passive cooling device includes a heat mass and a stem extending outward therefrom and including a plurality of fins formed in the stem. The stem includes a plurality of stem fins with stem slots therebetween. A plurality of vanes that include fins formed therein surround the stem and define a chamber. A duct connects with a top face of the vanes and an air flow source that generates an air flow through the chamber, the stem fins, the fins, and the vanes to dissipate heat from the heat mass. The air flow source can supply a positive or a negative air flow.

Abstract: A combined component consists of a heat exchanger and a reactor. The heat exchanger is designed in a plate form, and flow spaces for a first medium and a second medium are alternately defined between successive plates. The plates of the heat exchanger are configured as essentially annular. The heat exchanger has, substantially perpendicularly to the plates, a tubular outer wall and a tubular inner wall. The reactor is surrounded by the inner wall of the heat exchanger. The product of the reactor is conducted through supply orifices on the inner wall of the heat exchanger into the flow spaces for one of the two fluids in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat transfer tube (1) with a finned inner surface, which is divided into at least two zones (Z1 to Zm) in peripheral direction. The fins (2, 3), which extend at an angle of inclination &agr; with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube, are arranged in the individual zones (Z1 to Zm) in any desired periodic combination and sequence of at least two fin heights (H1 to Hn, H1>H2> . . . >Hn). Adjacent zones border thereby on one another so that the fin sequence is staggered for at least one fin in longitudinal direction of the tube. Modifications include the finned inner surface being divided into groups of zones, in which the angle of inclination of the fins is uniform, however, varies between adjacent groups.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding atubular member that includes a support member having an exterior surface, a tubular member having an interior surface coupled to the support member, an annular expansion cone having a continuous outer surface movably coupled to the exterior surface of the support member and the interior surface of the tubular member for radially expanding the tubular member, and a preload assembly coupled to the support member for applying an axial force from the support member to the annular expansion cone to preload the annular expansion cone against the tubular member. The preload assembly including a compressed spring coupled to the support member for applying the axial force to the annular expansion cone.

Abstract: A tie back liner for a well system.

Abstract: A wet electric heating (“WEH”) process involves establishing electrode zones (“e-zones”) around conductors (e.g., wells) for distributing electric current and thereby generating and distributing heat accordingly through a target region in a subterranean formation having hydrocarbons. The inventive WEH process takes into account e-zone geometric shape, spacing and/or spatial orientation to provide a more diffuse distribution of increased temperature values within the target region, compared to conventional electric heating processes, during at least the first 10% of a time interval when an electric potential is applied.

Abstract: An oil well pumping system includes a small positive displacement pump below the fluid interface in a low volume oil well which pumps at a rate to maintain approximately constant fluid level in the well. The system includes at least a pair of sensors in a sensor array that is positioned above the pump and near the fluid interface to unambiguously determine liquid level. By maintaining the pumping rate of the positive displacement pump below that required to lower the liquid level to the pump, the pump will not unload and pump power requirements are reduced to a nearly constant low rate. In addition, the pump off control function is accomplished by a microprocessor which is mounted adjacent to the downhole sensor array. This location allows simple direct control of the downhole electric motor and eliminates the requirement that a control element be placed on the surface far from the pump.

Abstract: A method and a system for testing a borehole in an underground formation by the use of so-called closed chamber testing. When carrying out the method, a test or production pipe (5) is carried down the borehole, where the test pipe can be closed at its upper end and at its lower end is provided with a downhole assembly (6) comprising equipment for testing of fluid flow from the formation (3), the annulus (23) between the test pipe (5) and a casing (20) in the borehole being shut off during the test by a gasket (22) at a desired depth, and fluid from the formation being allowed to flow through the test pipe (5) to a collecting tank (9) coupled to the test pipe via a flow head (4) at the upper end of the test pipe (5).

Abstract: A method of gravel packing a wellbore which has at least one aperture therein that provides a fluid flow path between the wellbore and an adjacent subterranean formation. At least a part of the formation adjacent to the open hole has a filter cake coated thereon that comprises a water and oil emulsion. The method of gravel packing comprises injecting into the wellbore a gravel pack composition that comprises gravel and a carrier fluid. The carrier fluid comprises an aqueous liquid having a pH that is outside the range at which the filter cake emulsion is stable. The aqueous liquid is present in an amount effective to invert the water in oil emulsion in the filter cake when the carrier fluid comes into contact with the filter cake. As a result, gravel is deposited at or adjacent to the aperture in the wellbore and some of the filter cake is removed.

Abstract: A method for securing and sealing one tubular to another downhole facilitates cementing prior to sealing and allows for suspension of one tubular in the other by virtue of pipe expansion techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, lightweight well cement compositions and additives for the well cement compositions. The methods of the invention for sealing pipe in a well bore penetrating a zone or formation which readily fractures at low hydrostatic pressure is basically comprised of the steps of providing a lightweight cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, water and an additive comprising an aqueous suspension of microspheres containing a water swellable clay suspending agent, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the pipe and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: A downhole flow control device is provided for remotely controlling fluid flow of production or injection fluids, and may offer the capacity to pass wireline tools therethrough. In a broad aspect, the device may include: a body member having a first bore extending from a first end of the body member and through an extension member disposed within the body member, a second bore extending from a second end of the body member and into an annular space disposed about the extension member, a first valve seat disposed within the first bore, and at least one flow port in the extension member establishing fluid communication between the annular space and the first bore; and a first sleeve member remotely shiftable within the first bore, and having a second valve seat adapted for cooperable sealing engagement with the first valve seat to regulate fluid flow through the at least one flow port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose apparatus and methods that can be used to mechanically actuate a downhole tool with an expandable shifting tool. One embodiment of the invention is an expandable shifting tool comprising a housing having an outer diameter and a plurality of radially extendable elements. The radially extendable elements are longitudinally separated from each other and each extendable element is at least partially contained within the housing. The extendable elements are capable of moving between an extended position and a retracted position and are biased towards the extended position.