Abstract: A heat exchange system utilizing flow reducers at 180 degree bends in the tubes includes a first set of media tubes in which heating/cooling media flows, and a set of product tubes positioned concentrically within the media tubes and in which liquid product flows in a counter direction to the heating/cooling media. The tubes are arranged in a serpentine, back and forth manner, and U-shaped tubes interconnect successive pairs of product tubes to achieve the 180-degree change in flow direction. The U-shaped tubes are of a cross-sectional diameter greater than the product pipes. Tapering flow reducers extend between the opposing ends of the U-shaped tubes and the product tubes. The exit flow reducer is eccentrically formed to facilitate a smooth transition of the product from the U-shaped bend to the product tube and prevent liquid product from becoming entrapped along the bottom of the flow reducer.

Abstract: A highly efficient heat sink, comprised of a seat, a heat insulation plate, a heat conduction plate and heat dispersion plates. The heat insulation plate and the heat conduction plate are respectively extended from both ends of the seat, the heat insulation plates and heat conduction plate are each curved inward to form heat dispersion plates. An air conduction outlet is provided where the heat dispersion plate is respectively connected to the heat insulation plate and heat conduction plate, and an air vent is provided in the inner side to allow air circulation on each plane of the heat dispersion plate, the heat insulation plate and the conduction plate without heat accumulation inside the sink.

Abstract: A downhole tool hydraulic firing head includes an automatic drain that is opened when the piston is driven to fire. The automatic drain includes a vent opening from the bore and a sleeve disposed within the bore to move axially with the piston. The sleeve is moveable from a position covering the vent opening to a position clear of the vent opening. A locking collet is disposed between the sleeve and the housing, which locks the sleeve into the position, clear of the vent opening, when the sleeve is moved into that position. This locks the sleeve against returning to the position covering the vent opening when it is urged to move in that direction such as, for example, by venturi forces of the evacuating fluid or by pressure generated from the explosive charges. The firing head is useful to detonate downhole explosive charges, such as those in a perforating gun.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.

Abstract: A metal seal for a wellhead assembly has upper and lower legs extending in opposite directions from each other and a rib extending radially outward from a junction of the legs. A first conical band on the upper leg extends uninterrupted from the rib a selected distance toward a tip of the upper leg. A second conical band on the upper leg extends uninterrupted from the tip of the upper leg toward the first conical band. An annular recess is located between the first and second conical bands. The lower leg also has two conical seal bands separated by a recess.

Abstract: The inventions provide apparatus and methods for radially expanding a tubular deployed in a subterranean well by moving an expansion tool axially through the well. An expansion tool apparatus may have wear faces attached to at least a portion of the outer periphery of a mandrel for contacting the interior surface of the pipe, tube, or screen during expansion. According to another aspect of the invention, an expansion tool has a controlled egress seal between the outer surface of the tool and the inside surface of the expandable tubular. According to another aspect of the invention, an automatically variable diameter expansion tool is provided having a variable diameter cone, which expands, and contracts based on input from one or more sensors. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus and method for expanding a length of screen assembly in a subterranean wellbore is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus suspends a pipe from the lower end of a tubular body positioned concentrically within an outer casing. Pockets are formed about the outer circumference of the body, each to receive a cone having an inner conical side adjacent the inner wall of each pocket, and a slip having an inner conical side adjacent an outer conical side of the cone. Slots are formed in side walls of the pocket for guiding the slip an securing the slip and cone with respect to the body.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. An unpyrolyzed section may be left between two substantially pyrolyzed sections to inhibit subsidence of the formation.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A formation may be selected that will produce a relatively large amount of condensable hydrocarbons and/or a relatively large amount of non-condensable hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons within the formation may have a relatively low initial elemental oxygen weight percentage. The formation to be treated may be selected based on initial elemental oxygen to carbon ratio of the formation.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to a first portion of the formation to mobilize hydrocarbons within the formation. Heat may be applied to a second portion of the formation to raise a temperature of the second portion to a pyrolysis temperature. Vaporized hydrocarbons and pyrolysis fluids may be produced from the formation.

Abstract: A tool that is usable in a subterranean well to sample well fluid from a zone does not include a pump to remove well fluid from the zone for purposes of sampling. Instead, the tool includes a flow path that is in communication with the zone and a region of the well above the zone to use a pressure differential created or naturally occurring between the zone and the region of the well above the zone to flow well fluid from the zone. The tool may also include a flow path that is in communication with the region of the well above the zone and the region of the well below the zone to equalize pressure along the tool and thereby prevent unintended axial movement of the tool. A fluid sampler of the tool samples a composition of the well fluid from the zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compressible foamed sealing compositions for sealing expandable pipe in well bores. The compressible sealant compositions for sealing expandable pipe are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, a rubber latex, a rubber latex stabilizer, a gas and a mixture of foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants.

Abstract: Improved methods of generating gas in and foaming well treating fluids introduced into a subterranean zone are provided. A method of the invention includes the steps of combining one or more gas generating chemicals with the well treating fluid and combining one or more delayed encapsulated activators having selected release times with the well treating fluid containing the gas generating chemicals so that the gas generating chemicals react with the delayed encapsulated oxidizing agent activators and gas and foam are formed in the treating fluid while the treating fluid is being pumped and after being placed in the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A tool containing a solid combustible material is used to provide a pipe-cutting flame and to direct a pipe-cutting flame against a casing or tubular. The nozzles can be configured in any desired array and intensity. In the preferred embodiment, a rectangular window is burned away completely if the nozzles are sufficiently intense or the window is formed in segments if other distributions are used. The device can be anchored by a packer or anchor and can be run in the wellbore on tubing, wireline or electric line. The window can be produced in a single trip. The tool can be removed and a kick-off diverter installed adjacent the window for drilling the lateral.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine to reduce the presence of free oxygen in the exhaust gas of the engine. The method and apparatus provides for the internal combustion engine to be operated with a fuel-to-air ratio in excess of the stoichiometric ratio such that the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is devoid or substantially devoid of all free oxygen and excess unburned hydrocarbon fuel is expelled with the exhaust gas from the engine.

Abstract: A technique for stimulating production of fluids from a subterranean formation. The technique utilizes a tubular member disposed within a wellbore. The tubular member comprises transverse openings that facilitate a formation fracturing process. Subsequent to fracturing, a completion element may be deployed within the tubular element. In some applications, the completion element is an expandable element.

Abstract: A method of removing formation damage through the controlled injection of fluids into the formation, followed by a controlled sudden release of pressure in the formation, an under-balanced surge, which causes fluid and damaging materials to flow back into the well bore. This method is most effective when repeated more than once.

Abstract: A downhole choke in the form of a sliding sleeve valve operable in a plurality of positions including fully open, fully closed, and positions in between, is disclosed. It features a hydraulic control system that, in one embodiment, provides the motive force to move the sliding sleeve a predetermined amount for a given applied control pressure. Further increments in applied pressure result in further predetermined movements of the sliding sleeve. In another embodiment, the sliding sleeve lands in a series of grooves in the surrounding housing depending on the degree of pressure applied to the control system.

Abstract: A string for completing a well, the string having several parts including: a base pipe with a hole; a packer in mechanical communication with the base pipe; a screen in mechanical communication with the base pipe, wherein the screen is proximate the hole in the base pipe; an isolation pipe concentric within the base pipe and proximate to the hole in the base pipe, wherein an annulus is defined between the base pipe and the isolation pipe; and an annular flow valve in mechanical communication with the base pipe and the isolation pipe, wherein the annular flow valve controls longitudinal fluid flow through the annulus.

Abstract: An apparatus for translating an expander tool within a wellbore. The apparatus enables an expander tool to be moved axially within a wellbore during an expansion operation without raising or lowering the working string during the expansion operation. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a shaft, a nut member which rides along the shaft when the shaft is rotated, and a recess connected to the nut member for receiving the shaft as the nut member travels axially along the shaft. The expander tool is connected at an end to the nut member such that translation of the nut member along the shaft serves to translate the expander tool axially within the wellbore. In one aspect, the shaft employs helical threads for incrementally advancing the nut member upon rotation of the shaft. In a further aspect, the apparatus includes a nut housing for holding the nut member, and a key member disposed within the circumference of the nut and the nut housing.

Abstract: A subsurface apparatus in the form a tractor is adapted for travel through a bore containing a moving fluid stream. The tractor comprises a body, a drive arrangement for moving the body in a desired direction, a member mounted on the body and adapted to be driven by the moving fluid, and a conversion arrangement for converting movement of the member to drive for the drive arrangement. The drive arrangement may include a contactless magnetic coupling and a harmonic drive.

Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement (10) comprises two expandable tubing sections (12, 14), each tubing section comprising a filter screen (16, 18) sandwiched between inner expandable tubing (20, 22) and outer expandable tubing (24, 26). The filter screen of one tubing section overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens. On expansion of the tubing sections, the overlapping filter screens, restrained by the outer tubing, ensure the integrity of the filter between the tubing sections.

Abstract: A rotary hand-held tilling and weed removing device comprises a shaft; a “T” shaped handle and two lock collars and is attachable to the chuck of a power drill. The shaft is provided with rotary arms which allow tilling and weed removal in very confined areas and precision control from the shaft handle adds to the ease of use. This gardening tool has a simple design and does not require blade or tiller bar replacement making it very cost effective.

Abstract: Front-rotary working machine employs a vertical engine having an output shaft projecting downward, and a transmission case, provided beneath the vertical engine, has a flat underside so as to extend generally parallel to the ground surface to be cultivated. Distance between left and right transporting wheels, connected to a driving shaft at a rear end portion of the transmission case, can be reduced as necessary. With these arrangements, it is possible to reduce the overall width of the front-rotary working machine.

Abstract: A machine for controlling and eventually eradicating cactus and other succulent plants in farm and ranch pastures and other lands and land uses. This apparatus for mechanically controlling and eradicating cactus and other succulent plants uses a cutter deck on the machine to break off cactus pads near ground level. The tool uses a crushing rail to crush and mangle cactus pads and large portions of other succulents increasing the probability that the plant parts will not reroot. The machine in its preferred embodiment is towed by a tractor or other vehicle. A preferred embodiment includes a ballast rail to increase the weight of the tool and enhance the crushing action and a chain tow bridle to attach the tool to the towing vehicle. Another preferred embodiment includes a loop forming bolt to hold the bridle.

Abstract: A power feed apparatus for applying a thrust force to an output shaft of a motor driven tool to drive the output shaft linearly towards and away from a workpiece without applying off-axis forces to the output shaft that would cause it to move out of perfect perpendicular alignment to the outer surface of the workpiece. The apparatus includes a first tubular member which is fixedly secured to a jig or other like mounting structure associated with the workpiece. A second tubular member is disposed for sliding linear movement along the first tubular member. Spaced apart annular fluid chambers are formed within the apparatus along with associated fluid ports for allowing a pressurized fluid to be used to both extend and retract the output shaft of the tool. The tool itself is supported on the second tubular member and thus moves linearly along with the second tubular member.

Abstract: A driving tool includes a block and an impactor received in a front and a rear chambers of a handle, a driving shank attached to the block, and a plunger engaged between the block and the impactor. The impactor includes a cavity formed in one end for selectively receiving the tip of the plunger and for impacting onto the plunger and the block and the driving shank when the tip of the plunger is aligned with and engaged into the cavity of the impactor. The block has a guide device for guiding the block and the driving shank to rotate relative to the handle.

Abstract: A machine tool, in particular to a hand-operated hammer drill, having a compartment containing lubricant and a device for compensation of the pressure in the compartment in the area of a bearing of a component able to be driven so as to allow rotation. It is proposed that the bearing form at least a part of a lubricant seal of the pressure-compensation device via which a pressure in the compartment as able to be compensated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and reporting downhole bit failure. Sensors are located on a sub assembly (which is removable from the drill bit) and send data to neural net or other adaptive filter. The neural net uses past sensor readings to predict future sensor readings. The value predicted for the sensors is subtracted from the actual value to produce a prediction error. Increases in prediction error are used to indicate bit failure. The results of this are transmitted to the operator by varying the pressure in the drilling mud flow.

Abstract: A method to deliver an expandable casing string to an uncased borehole coaxially upon a composite coiled tubing drilling string is presented. Once the drilling operation is completed, the casing string is expanded by supplying pressure between the coaxially positioned strings to expand the casing string to the borehole. Preferably, the outer diameter of the casing string contains an adhesive agent designed to be activated by the expansion of the casing string against the borehole wall. Alternatively, the mechanical structure of the casing string itself may be configured to prevent the casing string from collapsing once it has been expanded. Once expanded, the casing string is left behind to isolate the well formation from drilling and production fluids that may subsequently flow therethrough.

Abstract: An underreamer for forming a cavity within a well bore includes a housing adapted to be rotatably disposed within the well bore and a piston slidably coupled to the housing. The underreamer also includes a first cutter having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first cutter is pivotally coupled to the housing. The underreamer further includes a second cutter having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second cutter is coupled to the piston. The second end of the first cutter is coupled to the second cutter such that an axial force applied to the piston is operable to slide the piston relative to the housing and extend the second end of the second cutter radially outward relative to the housing from a retracted position to form the cavity when the housing is rotated relative to the well bore.

Abstract: A downhole drilling motor comprises a housing including an integral stabilizing configuration. The stabilizing configuration may include a number of ribs which project from the surface of the housing and run longitudinally or helically along the housing. The stabilizing configuration may be a result of the cross-sectional shape of the housing which may be substantially triangular or square such that the diameter of a circle which circumscribes the cross section of the housing is substantially the same as the diameter of the borehole within which the motor may be used.

Abstract: A device for drilling holes, including a drill bit with a drilling or breaking surface, a drill rod for introducing a rotary or percussive force and for introducing a rinsing or cooling fluid into the drill bit and a sheath pipe which defines a hollow space between the drill rod and the inside of the sheath pipe and which is supported on the drill rod or which can be connected to the drill bit. In a drilling position, the sheath pipe is situated at a distance from the rear side of the drill bit facing away from the breaking surface and the drill bit can be introduced into a rinsing position for the hollow space between the sheath pipe and the drill rod with its rear side resting on the front end of the sheath pipe facing towards the drill bit or can be connected to the front end of the sheath pipe.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for both flotational and oscillatory movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The middle axle is restrained longitudinally by support links that are pivotally connected to the frame at a location that is forward of the rear drive axle. The middle axle is formed by a pair of stub axles interconnected by a support beam that is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the bogey beam. Vertical movement of the middle axle support wheels results in a corresponding vertical movement of the rearward end of the bogey beam and a rotation of the support beam about its pivotal connection on the bogey beam. The oscillatory movement is accomplished by a pivotal connection via a ball joint between a central support bracket mounting the transverse support beam to the longitudinally extending bogey beam.

Abstract: To realize a determination whether or not a failure has occurred in a one-way clutch, a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine 11, a generator motor 16, an output shaft coupled to a driving wheel 41, a differential gear unit that is provided with at least three gear elements, the elements coupled to the engine 11, the generator motor 16, and the output shaft, respectively, a one-way clutch that is placed in a free state when the engine 11 rotates in a forward direction and in a locked state when the engine 11 begins to rotate in a backward direction, and a failure occurrence determination process means 91 that determines that a failure has occurred in the one-way clutch if an engine speed is a negative value. Since it is determined that a failure has occurred in the one-way clutch when the engine speed is a negative value, a damage of the one-way clutch can be prevented from being aggravated.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and a first electric motor mechanically connected to the engine and to a drive wheel. The engine is startable by the first electric motor. The hybrid vehicle further includes: start condition satisfaction determination processing system and method for determining whether a variable that varies corresponding to the rotation of the drive wheel is equal to or greater than a threshold set within a range that does not exceed an upper limit value prescribed by a maximum torque of the first electric motor and a torque of the first electric motor needed to start the engine; and engine start instruction output processing system and method for outputting an engine start instruction if the variable is equal to or greater than the threshold. If the variable is greater than or equal to the threshold, the engine start instruction is outputted, and the engine is immediately started.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle includes wheel-carrying first and second axles; a storage battery; and a motor/generator selectively operable in motor or generator modes. The motor/generator is connected to the storage battery and cooperates with one of the axles for applying electric energy to the battery when operating in the generator mode and for applying a driving torque to the axle when operating in the motor mode. The drive system further has first and second internal-combustion engines; a transmission connected to the first engine; a first clutch for selectively connecting the transmission to or disconnecting the transmission from, one of the axles; and a second clutch for selectively connecting the second engine to or disconnecting the second engine from, the transmission.

Abstract: An axle, preferably for driving a low-platform omnibus, has a bridge (15) arranged at a distance from the wheel axle. The housing (14) of a driving engine (1) is connected with the bridge (15) and with suspension elements (19), on one side of the axle, to secure the axle to the vehicle and, on the other side, with a hub carrier (8) to receive forces of the wheel. The driving engine (1) has a sufficient axial distance from the wheel axle so as to create a space, in a direction opposite to the axial distance, so that a disk brake (11) and portion of the actuation device (12) of the disk brake (11) can be located within the wheel rim.

Abstract: An electric scooter includes a scooter frame having a rear cover inside which a fuel cell stack is mounted in an inclined manner and a center cover connected to the rear cover by a footstep section. A front cover is mounted to a front side of the scooter frame and forms an interior space with the center cover. A hydrogen canister holder is mounted in the interior space for retaining a number of hydrogen storage canisters in an inclined manner for supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. The canisters are arranged in pair on opposite sides of a centerline of the scooter frame. A heat dissipation system including a coolant container, a heat exchanger, and a pump is further provided in the interior space to maintain the hydrogen storage canisters at a proper operation temperature.

Abstract: An interval between an attachment portion of a rear shock absorber on a side of a swing arm and an attachment portion thereof on a side of a vehicle body can be reduced with the present invention. When the rear shock absorber is attached between the swing arm and the vehicle body side, a new space can be formed at an area surrounding an end portion of the rear shock absorber. One end of the swing arm is swingably attached to a pivotal shaft provided at a power unit. A rear wheel is attached to other end of the swing arm. A side face of a cylinder portion of the rear shock absorber is attached to the swing arm via an attachment member and a lower end of the rear shock absorber is attached to the power unit.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system and a method for operating the same are disclosed as including an impact detector unit (3) having two impact sensors (6a, 6b), which detect impact to produce sensory outputs representing impact status that is classified into three discriminating factors including an actuation demand timing judgment factor, calculation enabling judgment factor and an operation enabling judgment factor, and outputting data representative of ON/OFF states of the discriminating factors. A control unit (4) receives data, transmitted from the impact detector unit and representing ON/OFF states of the discriminating factors, and detects transition processes of received data for outputting an actuation signal to operate an occupant restraint device (2) when detected transition process is determined to be correct. Thus, the operation of the occupant restraint device is precisely controlled without being adversely affected by noise.

Abstract: A motor mounting system for a vehicle is provided comprising a motor carrier frame and a resilient flexible member connecting the motor carrier frame to a chassis of the vehicle. The motor carrier frame comprises an overtravel cage with a portion of the chassis projecting into the cage and being movable in the cage.

Abstract: A frameless type working vehicle includes an intermediate vehicle body 5 acting as a body forming member for interconnecting a front vehicle body 3 and a rear vehicle body 4. The intermediate vehicle body is formed of a case block 10 housing a hydrostatic stepless transmission (HST) 20. The case block 10 includes, formed integral with one another, a small diameter portion 11 connected to the rear vehicle body 4 and providing case walls for a pump P and a motor M of HST 20, a large diameter portion 12 connected to the front vehicle body 3 and having an upper edge at a higher level than an upper surface of the small diameter portion 11, and a transitional portion 12A disposed between the small diameter portion 11 and the large diameter portion 12. The large diameter portion 12 defines an accommodating space S1 for a main clutch 9 that receives drive from an engine E.

Abstract: A steering system (10) has a rack housing (12) formed of a first tube (14) and a pinion housing (16) formed of a second tube (18). A first opening (31) is provided in the first tube (14) and a second opening (33) is formed in the second tube (18). The first opening (31) and second opening (33) expose a respective fillet (32), (34). The relative position of first opening (31) and second opening (33) determine the position of the first tube (14) with respect to the second tube (18). A first bushing (40) and a second bushing (42) are used to support a rack (36) within first tube (14). A pinion shaft (60) positioned within second tube (18) has a pinion gear (62) for coupling with rack (36). Preferably a first bracket (26) and second bracket (28) are positioned on first tube (14) adjacent to first bushing (40) and second bushing (42), respectively.

Abstract: An acoustic blanket is disclosed for an industrial machine including a plurality of flexible panels, wherein each panel includes at least one layer of a fiber glass material, an outer casing of a chemically resistant material and an attachment for connecting the panel to an adjacent panel, and the plurality of flexible panels are each assigned a position in said blanket corresponding to a location on the industrial machine.

Abstract: A sound attenuation system for a compressor of a direct fuel injected engine of an outboard motor comprises a discharge sound attenuator connected in fluid communication with an air distribution manifold outlet and a suction sound attenuator connected in fluid communication with the suction port of a compressor. In a typical application of the present invention, the air distribution manifold is connected in fluid communication with a discharge port of the compressor. Both the discharge sound attenuator and the suction sound attenuator can further include filter media disposed within their internal cavities.

Abstract: A suspended scaffolding system and method of use employs a plurality of scaffolding brackets that are hung from the framework of a building under construction to support a plurality of scaffolding planks to form a walkway therebetween. The scaffolding brackets include an anchor assembly, which is specially designed to wrap around the building's framework such that construction workers can complete their work without removing the brackets.

Abstract: A guard plate and safety anchor for securing a portable ladder and protecting the edge of a roof from mechanical forces generated by the weight of the user and the ladder, including a rigid flat plate sized for installation between a roof and a roof covering and having a mechanism for attaching the plate to the roof and a recess for receiving the ladder.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a lifeline includes a support member for the lifeline. The support member includes a first connector to attach the support member to a first type of anchorage. The system preferably further includes at least one adapter having a second connector to attach the adapter to a second type of anchorage. The adapter includes an anchorage of the first type to which the support member can be attached.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for construction of scaffold structures having improved safety characteristics. In various embodiments, the apparatuses comprise a set of structures, including connecting rails, fencing, gates, and ladders. The structures are adapted to be used with locking-cup type scaffold designs. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a scaffold joint comprising a vertical post comprising first and second joint sections. At least one structural brace is disposed within the joint sections having a mounting flange disposed at an angle to the principal axis of the structural brace.