Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe tapping apparatus to couple new pipes to an existing pipe. The pipe tapping apparatus includes a base pipe, having a saddle-shaped socket part to be in close contact with the main pipe to pass a fluid therein; and a bending part coupled to the saddle-shaped socket part. The pipe tapping apparatus further includes a coupling pipe to be coupled to the sub-pipe extending to a predetermined place in which the supplied fluid is used, with a ball valve provided in the coupling pipe to control the flow of fluid passing through the coupling pipe. The pipe tapping apparatus further includes an electric heat-welding pipe to couple the coupling pipe to the base pipe. The electric heat-welding pipe has a first heating wire which is provided in the electric heat-welding pipe to weld the electric heat-welding pipe to the base pipe, and a second heating wire which is provided in the electric heat-welding pipe to integrate the coupling pipe with the electric heat-welding pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for flood relief comprising a bell shaped hollow body having a top, a bottom, a top opening suitable for attaching a hose, and a bottom opening; a base ring having a center opening, a bottom surface, a side, an adhesive material on the bottom surface, and a protective sheet attached to the adhesive material; and a hose having the means for attaching said hose to the top opening of the body, whereby the protective sheet is removed from the adhesive material on the bottom surface of the base ring and the base ring is placed on the floor of a basement so that the center opening of the base ring is juxtaposed with a drain opening and the body is screwed on the base ring and the hose is attached to the body whereby water that rises through a basement trap will pass through the body and the hose and will be deposited onto a yard of a house.

Abstract: An intelligent seal support management system includes a device for automatically compensating for increased heat or decreased heat in a vessel.

Abstract: A first retainer and a second retainer are provided between a diaphragm and an upper housing. A first spring urges the diaphragm downward between the first retainer and the diaphragm. A second spring having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first spring urges the diaphragm downward between the first retainer and the second retainer.

Abstract: In order to solve the problem of a conventional attachment structure of a fuel tank made of resin, the present invention is an attachment structure of a component of a fuel tank made of resin where a connection portion with a tank main body made of resin is formed of a thermally depositable material, and which tank comprises a joint portion connected with the tank main body by a thermal deposition and an inner tubular member supported by the joint portion and housed in the tank main body, wherein a movement regulation mechanism for regulating a movement in an axial direction of the inner tubular member for the joint portion is provided at least at one of the joint portion and the inner tubular member, and the joint portion and the inner tubular member are formed by an integral molding.

Abstract: A solenoid control valve for use in actuation of a manual hydraulic clutch in a vehicle. The solenoid control valve has an electronically operated solenoid with armature and actuator rod displaced through a channel in the solenoid. A spool valve has a valve body that is coupled at one end to the solenoid. A spool is slidably disposed in the control channel. A first and second dampener chambers are located at the two ends of the spool. The dampeners function to improve the stability in the control system and balance the transient flow forces of the hydraulic fluid as it moves through the valve member. The spool also has a control portion located between the first end and the second end of the spool. The control portion allows the control portion to communicate with a supply, control and exhaust passages in the valve body.

Abstract: A water-flow guide device of faucet, which comprises a hollow space, a water outlet mounted with a positioning ring having a hole; one end thereof is riveted with a threaded connector, and then is inserted into the other end of the faucet; the other end of the water-supply pipe is riveted with a ring-shaped fastener, which is attached to the outer surface of a positioning ring; then, a washer and a bubble head are fastened to the outer end of the pipe; the other end of the water-supply pipe is connected with a T-shaped connector via a threaded connector so as to enable a cold-water valve and a hot-water valve to control the water to flow out of the water pipe without contact with the body of the faucet.

Abstract: An umbrella valve includes an elastic cap, and an elastic stem formed integrally with the cap, having a center hollow portion, having an enlarged hollow portion proximate the cap, and having a bottom. The valve has a needle having an enlarged head at a proximal end thereof for being snugly secured in the enlarged hollow portion of the stem, having a lower lateral hole in a distal portion, having an upper lateral hole proximate the bottom of the stem, and having a lengthwise center passageway connecting the upper and lower lateral holes. A method includes providing a needle for being snugly secured in one of a plurality of elastic caps, the needle having a lengthwise center passageway connecting upper and lower lateral holes. The method includes selecting a cap from among the plurality of elastic caps by determining opening pressure factors.

Abstract: A magazine strip of tie ratchets (1) which are provided for holding the ends of ties for binding elongated articles such as cable harnesses and are connected to one another by webs (10), the width of which is not greater than half the ratchet width and which are arranged adjacent to the tie entry side (7) of the ratchets (1). The webs have a length of not more than 1.3 mm and/or one sixth of the ratchet dimension in the direction of the magazine strip. The width of the essentially parallel wall sections which carry the webs is expediently not greater than three quarters of the entire width of the ratchets. The thickness/width ratio of the webs should be not greater than ?. The invention also relates to a tool for binding cable harnesses which ensures that the webs are cut exactly in the center.

Abstract: A closed loop system is disclosed for transferring fluid from a fluid storage vessel to a fluid receiving container. The system is adapted to vent the fluid receiving container while preventing discharge of both vapor and fluid into the surrounding environment. The system includes an enclosed fluid receiving container having upper and lower portions. A fluid flow receiving unit is mounted proximate the fluid receiving container. The receiving unit has a pair of spaced fluid ports and a pair of non-spill coupling connectors extending from the fluid ports, one port being a fluid inlet port and one being a vapor-fluid exit port. A movable cover element is provided for selectively covering and protecting the fluid ports and coupling connectors from contaminants when not in use.

Abstract: Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a liquid level within a receptacle such as a Christmas-tree stand water basin or a pet's water dish includes: a) a liquid reservoir adapted to be positioned above a height of a liquid holding basin of the receptacle, where the reservoir includes an open upper end and a lower end, where the open upper end includes a threaded, cylindrical outer surface and the lower end includes a reservoir outlet orifice; b) a cap including a cylindrical wall having an enclosed top end and an open bottom end, where the cylindrical wall includes a threaded inner surface from gauging with a threaded outer surface of the liquid reservoir; c) a valve assembly provided approximate the reservoir outlet orifice of the reservoir and operatively coupled to the cap to open the reservoir outlet orifice when the cap is threaded downwardly on the reservoir to a valve-open height below an actuating height an operative to close the reservoir outlet orifice when the cap is threaded upwardly to a valve-closed heigh

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle has a body with a spout, which together define a passageway for flow of fuel from a hose connected to a fuel dispenser, through the spout, and into a vehicle fuel tank fill pipe. A boot surrounding the spout defines an outer rim that engages a surface surrounding the fill pipe. A valve within the nozzle body starts and stops flow of fuel through the passageway. An anti-spitting lockout assembly resists opening of the valve, but a linkage mechanism triggers release of the lockout assembly when the boot rim engages the surface surrounding the fill pipe, signaling insertion of the spout into the fill pipe, to permit actuation of valve.

Abstract: Sealing and safety device made from flexible elastomer material, for filling a hollow body with a liquid using a delivery nozzle, comprising an annular seal for surrounding the nozzle and preventing the exit of gases from the hollow body and also a valve capable of opening, in the event of excess overpressure in the hollow body, only towards the external atmosphere so as to create a passage allowing the escape of liquid and/or of gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting dados in two boards used to form a box joint includes a support member and a rear member adapted for securing the apparatus to a miter of a table saw or to another type of a woodworking power tool. An insert assembly in the support member includes an adjustable elliptical pin having an oval shaped cross-section. The elliptical pin is adapted for rotational placement into a dado cut and, subsequent to its rotation sufficient to remove all slack intermediate the pin and the boards followed by a tightening thereof, for securing the boards in place for subsequent dado cuts. An insert is placed in the insert assembly and is used to establish the proper offset from the elliptical pin to a dado blade or other type of a cutting instrument. Different sized elliptical pins and inserts are used with different sized dado blades or cutting instruments. The step sequence necessary to make all of the dado cuts in both boards is described.

Abstract: The method of bending wood materials inserts cylindrical or board shaped wood material of uniform lateral cross-section into a bending template shaping channel via a driving mechanism to bend the wood material in the shaping channel. Further, the bending method of this invention applies pressure to the front end of the wood material via a braking mechanism to limit its movement in the shaping channel and prevent tension fracture on the stretched side of the curved wood material. Wood material, which is pushed from its aft end and movement limited at its front end, is compressed to control the amount of stretching of the extended outer periphery of the wood material undergoing bending and prevent tension fracture.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a rubber member at least partially constituting a tread portion, which member is formed of at least two layers of an outer layer on a tire surface side and an inner layer on a carcass side. A blended amount (X) of an antioxidant in the outer layer is in a range of 0.4–1.6 weight % of an entire composition, and the blended amount (X) of the antioxidant in the outer layer and a blended amount (Y) of the antioxidant in the inner layer satisfy the expression: Y??0.4 X2+2X. Thus, a pneumatic tire suffering less rubber degradation and alleviated in discoloring of the tire surface in prolonged use is provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes two or more carcass layers for reinforcing between a pair of annular beads, and a reinforcing layer having a cord arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the carcass layer below a tread surface in a circumferential direction of a tire. The pneumatic tire has a flattening of 70% or less. The cord constituting the carcass layers are arranged substantially in a radial direction in a region of the tire from the bead to a position near a tire maximum width, and from that position to a grounding end. The angle with respect to a circumferential direction of the tire is gradually changed between 20° and 60° in the vicinity of the grounding end, and between 20° and 50° at the tread surface.

Abstract: A strip of tire ply stock is reinforced with steel cords wherein the steel cords are constructed of high strength wire filament having at least a tensile strength of ?2000×D+4400 MPa where D is the filament diameter in mm. Tires are constructed with the ply stock in the belt and/or carcass.

Abstract: A heat sealing wheel assembly of a shrink wrap machine reduces thermoplastic film waste during the side cutting and sealing process. The relative diameters of the heat wheel and heating hub of the heat sealing wheel assembly are configured to create an annular region towards the outer circumference of the heat wheel. This creates a space to permit closer engagement of the gripping mechanism for grasping and guiding the edge of thermoplastic film next to the point of contact of the opposing heat wheel edges, and avoids the obstruction normally caused by the heating hub. The closer gripping engagement reduces the amount of film that must extend out from the point of sealing contact of the heat wheels, resulting in less waste during the side sealing process.

Abstract: A binding process includes the application of respective parts of a two-part binding adhesive as strips at either side of a page to be bound. Part A of a two-part adhesive is applied to one side of a page and Part B of the two-part adhesive is applied to the reverse side of the page. A stack of pages with the respective parts of the two-part adhesive applied to facing surfaces is then pressed by a binding press so as to combined the two parts of the adhesive which then set.

Abstract: The retractable pet guard has a screen or net extending retractably from a housing which is temporarily secured to either the latch edge of a door or to the latch side of a door frame. The extension edge of the net secures removably to the opposite member of the door assembly, extending across the doorway when the door is opened. The device extends from the floor upwardly to about the level of the doorknob and latch, thereby preventing the escape of pets and/or small children while still permitting a transaction(s) to take place through the open doorway above the screen or net. A stop may be provided to prevent door closure due to the pull of the retraction mechanism, and/or a retraction stop may be provided to prevent retraction as desired. The device may also be installed in a window opening to serve as a window screen, if desired.

Abstract: A retrofit blind assembly for a doorlight. The assembly includes a frame, a transparent panel, and a blind snap-fitted to the frame. The blind actuator includes gears and a toothed belt for positive, non-slip actuation. A pair of blind guides are mounted on the opposite sides of the frame to receive and guide the opposite ends of the blind. The mounting system includes a pair of brackets that can be secured between the doorlight and the door and upon which the assembly can be hung. The mounting system also includes a pair of movable catches on the lower portion of the frame snap that can be locked behind the doorlight to secure the lower end of the assembly.

Abstract: A window shade component group which includes a window shade supporting windup shaft with bearing devices for rotatably supporting opposite ends of the windup shaft. At least one of the bearing devices is provided with a blocking device, which is effective for maintaining a spring drive of the windup shaft in the wound position after assembly of the windup shaft. Following installation of the window shade component group in a motor vehicle or appropriate housing, the blocking device is releasable as an incident to actuation of the windup shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for casting a part having a complex shape or having a complex shape thereon. The method includes providing a pattern and securing at least one core to the pattern. A conformable material is located about the pattern and the core to create a complementary shape to the pattern and core in the conformable material. The pattern is removed and the core is left behind in the conformable material. The core leaves space, or an empty form, for a negative draw that cannot be formed in known casting methods. A mold is located adjacent the shaped, conformable material. A hardenable material is located between the mold and the shaped, conformable material and into the core. The hardenable material is allowed to harden and then it is removed. A cast part having a complex shape, or having a complex shape integrally formed with the part, results.

Abstract: A moulding apparatus (10) for moulding a strap on to a group of battery plates including a mould block (14) with moulds (24), each of which has an inlet weir (28) and an outlet weir (29). The ridge (30) of these weirs is effectively a knife edge but includes a thermal break. This construction allows rapid processing whilst avoiding the formation of solid tails.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and manipulating solidification of a molten material includes a substrate on which the molten material is deposited and a writing system that generates a gradient pattern on at least a portion of the substrate on which the molten material is deposited.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchanger includes a rotor having primary vanes 14 extending between the hub and the periphery of the rotor, and additional secondary vanes 15 between said primary vanes and extending over an outer annulus of the rotor. Such an arrangement facilitates having several of the primary and secondary vanes sealed with respect to a sector plate over the outer annulus as compared with the number of primary vanes sealing with the same sector plate over the inner annulus.

Abstract: A heat exchange section (1) composed of a fuel supply part (7); core (5), and steam collecting part (9). A heat exchange section (1) composed of the fuel supply part (7), core (5) and steam collecting part (9) is secured to a side wall plate (37). Three faces of the heat exchange section (1) except for the side wall plate side, high temperature gas inlet side and outlet side are covered by the housing body (43). Heat resistant filler (45), intervenes between the housing body (43) and the heat exchange section (1). An upper and lower portions (43b, 43c) of the housing body (43) are prevented from deforming due to thermal expansion of the core (1) by a heat deformation absorbing mechanism (47) which is formed by bending the joint of the flange (43a) of the housing body (43) and an upper and lower end portions (37a) of the side wall plate (37).

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided in which high heat transfer efficiency has been attained by optimizing the slit array and setting an optimum range for the width of a slit and the spacing between slits. Slits 51 and 52 formed in front of the heat transfer coil 4 and slits 55 and 56 formed behind the heat transfer coil are arranged so as to provide a mutually different length among adjoining partitioned slits in the vertical direction, as well as a mutually different length between directly opposite partitioned slits in the horizontal direction. As a result, the position at which the slit is partitioned is staggered.

Abstract: An interior of an air conditioning case is partitioned into a first air passage extending from an inside air suction port to a foot opening portion and a second air passage extending from an outside air suction port is disposed at a side of the first air passage to detect a temperature of air blown out from the evaporator disposed in the first air passage and the second air passage. An operation of the compressor for supplying the refrigerant to the evaporator is intermitted by comparing the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the set temperature set in advance, and the set temperature is changed to be higher according to an increase in the temperature of outside air. In this way, it is possible to prevent the frosting of the evaporator in winter season, when the inside air is introduced into the first air passage and the outside air is introduced into the second air passage.

Abstract: In order to prevent premature separation of the slip and slip spring and to simplify production of the slip casing, a self-centering spring engageable with a packer tool slip is modified according to the present invention. A groove located at a lower center of the slip below the pocket of the slip cooperates with the spring to retain the spring against the slip and is centered within the pocket without requiring partitions or further welding of lugs to retain the springs.

Abstract: An oil well steel pipe for embedding-expanding excellent in the SSC resistance after expanding. The pipe is made of a steel consisting of, by mass %, C: 0.05 to 0.45%, Si: 0.1 to 1.5%, Mn: 0.1 to 3.0%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.01% or less, sol.Al: 0.05% or less, and the balance being Fe and impurities, with a soluble N content of 40 ppm or less. The steel can comprise one or more selected from V, Ti, Nb, B, Cr, Mo, Ni, Cu and Ca.

Abstract: A method is given of fracturing a subterranean formation including the step of a) pumping at least one device actively transmitting data that provide information on the device position, and further comprising the step of assessing the fracture geometry based on the positions of said at least one device, or b) pumping metallic elements, preferably as proppant agents, and further locating the position of said metallic elements with a tool selected from the group consisting of magnetometers, resistivity tools, electromagnetic devices and ultra-long arrays of electrodes, and further comprising the step of assessing the fracture geometry based on the positions of said metallic elements. The method allows monitoring of the fracture geometry and proppant placement.

Abstract: A method for logging a wellbore includes actuating a positioning device to adjust the position of a module relative to a reference point or object such as a wellbore axis or proximally positioned downhole device. With respect to a wellbore, an exemplary positioning device can set the measurement tool such as an acoustic device to successive radial positions (e.g., substantial concentricity or substantial eccentricity relative to an axis of the wellbore). In one embodiment, the module includes a measurement tool to measure different parameters of interest (e.g., acoustic logging data, check-shot data measurement, bonding of cement to casing). With respect to an adjacent downhole device, the positioning device can provide a selected relative orientation (e.g., azimuth, inclination, radial displacement) between the module and the adjacent downhole device. The positioning device can also be adapted to apply a jarring force to a wall of the wellbore to free a downhole device.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the viscosity of a viscosified treatment fluid are provided which comprise the steps of: providing a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises water, a crosslinked gelling agent, and a delinking composition capable of delinking at least a portion of the crosslinked gelling agent wherein the delinking composition comprises a delinking agent; and allowing the crosslinked gelling agent and the delinking composition to interact so as to delink at least a portion of the crosslinked gelling agent. Also provided are methods of reusing viscosified treatment fluids, methods of fracturing subterranean formations, and methods of gravel packing subterranean formations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a small diameter continuous hydraulic conduit or capillary tube down a well bore is presented. The methods and apparatus allow either the injection of chemicals to enhance production of oil and gas, or to provide a conduit for production up through the small diameter tubing in marginal wells, into a hanger below a well valve to permit its removal from below the valve if the valve should be required to be closed and its reinsertion without pulling the tubing from the well bore.

Abstract: A crimpable centralizer has been invented for installation on pipe, such as would be useful in well bore drilling and casing operations. The present invention provides a centralizer having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of the cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the centralizer and the pipe can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the centralizer on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or completing well bores.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing a tubular, braided sleeve in a well bore. The sleeve is positioned within an interior of a carrier configured to hold the sleeve in an undeployed position, followed by lowering the carrier into the well bore. The sleeve may be used in conjunction with a curable resin that can be solidified to set the sleeve into a tubular cross section. After securing the sleeve to the well bore, the carrier may be moved away from the bottom of the well bore, deploying the sleeve and extending it along the contour of the well bore. The tubular sleeve may then be subsequently expanded in situ to increase its diameter. The curable resin can then cured to make the sleeve substantially rigid.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes a gas generator for pressurizing a suppressant. The generator includes an ignition cord within a flexible tube extending within an interior of an extinguisher bottle. Advantageously, there is additional generant between the tube and the ignition cord. The extinguisher may be manufactured as a retrofit of an existing hand-held supercharged extinguisher.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing and fire retarding method is provided comprising the step of confining a fire extinguishing and fire retarding agent in slurry, liquid or gaseous form within a shell wherein the shell comprises such an agent in solid form. An agent such as ice water, or liquid carbon dioxide is useful when employing the shell as “non-lethal” device. The solid shell is sublimable and will burst upon impact or upon exposure to the environmental conditions at the target site to release the contents of the shell as well as the fragments of the shell onto the target site.

Abstract: A handle is attached to a multipurpose gardening implement that has six narrow, parallel (in full length) tines, separated by no less than 6 mm nor more than 7 mm, on one side of the implement head and two narrow, parallel (in full length) tines, separated by no less than 2 mm nor more than 3 mm, on the opposite side. The implement heads are each attached at 90-degree angles to the handle and 180-degrees relative to each other. When used to extract weeds, the side with multiple tines is employed for those with fibrous root systems while the opposite side is used to aid in the extraction of weeds with singular ‘taproot’ root structure. Rotation of the handle 180 degrees allows alternate use of either side depending on the type of weed to extract.

Abstract: A blade mounting structure of a bulldozer capable of enhancing visibility and operability of a blade is provided. A left portion and a right portion of a blade and a vehicle main body are swingably connected with a set of left and right straight frames. The straight frames and the blade are swingably connected respectively by a hydraulic cylinder and a support member. The blade mounting structure includes an arm for connecting a single one of the straight frames and the blade to be swingable up and down and to the left and the right. A connecting point of the arm and the blade is provided on an axis line connecting horizontal axes of rotation of connecting points of the set of left and right straight frames and the blade in plane view.

Abstract: A rotary tool includes a housing structure with a plurality of apertures therein, drive mechanism disposed within the housing structure, a detachable drive end mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism, and a retaining structure received by the apertures. The drive mechanism is coupled to the detachable drive end mechanism by a splined sleeve. The detachable drive end mechanism includes a detachable drive end and a collar which engages the retaining structure. Several embodiments of collars and retaining structure are disclosed. In one embodiment, the retaining structure includes a generally U-shaped flexible and resilient spring clip which is flexed when installed to frictionally hold itself and the drive end and collar in place.

Abstract: A drilling rig having a deck capable of being used offshore and a method for commissioning a well using the drilling rig and a method for decommissioning a well using the drilling rig, wherein the drilling rig comprises: a cantilever which is mounted so as to be moveable in a first direction and a second direction; a Multi Purpose Tower mounted on the cantilever; a supporting cart disposed between the cantilever and the deck which in turn is movably fixed on the deck of the drilling rig; at least two friction reducing devices attached to the supporting cart; and wherein the cantilever can slide relative to the drilling platform.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for drilling a subsea wellbore and landing a casing mandrel in a subsea wellhead. In one aspect, a method of drilling a subsea wellbore with casing is provided. The method includes placing a string of casing with a drill bit at the lower end thereof in a riser system and urging the string of casing axially downward. The method further includes reducing the axial length of the string of casing to land a wellbore component in a subsea wellhead. In this manner, the wellbore is formed and lined with the string of casing in a single run. In another aspect, a method of forming and lining a subsea wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of landing a casing mandrel in a casing hanger disposed in a subsea wellhead is provided.

Abstract: An MWD method and apparatus for determining parameters of interest in a formation has a sensor assembly mounted on a slidable sleeve slidably coupled to a longitudinal member, such as a section of drill pipe. When the sensor assembly is held in a non-rotating position, for instance for obtaining the measurements, the longitudinal member is free to rotate and continue drilling the borehole, wherein downhole measurements can be obtained with substantially no sensor movement or vibration. This is particularly useful in making NMR measurements due to their susceptibility to errors due caused by tool vibration. In addition, the substantially non-rotating arrangement of sensors makes it possible to efficiently carry out VSPs, reverse VSPs and looking ahead of the drill bit. A clamping device is used, for instance, to hold the sensor assembly is held in the non-rotating position.

Abstract: A fingerboard having at least one fingerboard row for storing a plurality of threaded tubulars is provided. A plurality of latches are connected to the at least one fingerboard row for lockingly retaining at least one threaded tubular, wherein each of the plurality of latches is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A row controller is connected to each of the latches for individually and sequentially moving the latches between the locked and unlocked positions, wherein the row controller is manually operable from a location remote from the latches such that the latches are manually and remotely controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method are useful for compensating the pressure of drilling fluid in a drill collar disposed in a borehole. The apparatus includes a stator adapted for being secured within the drill collar against rotation relative to the drill collar, and a shaft rotatably carried within the stator so as to define a fluid-conducting annular gap between the shaft and the stator. The shaft has a fluid-conducting channel extending axially therethrough. A rotor is secured about the shaft for rotation therewith. A portion of the rotor is disposed adjacent a portion of the stator so as to define an inlet between the rotor and stator portions through which drilling fluid in the drill collar will be conducted. The rotor portion further cooperates with the stator and the shaft to define a first annular cavity that fluidly communicates with the gap and the inlet. A rotary seal is disposed in the first cavity for isolating the gap from the inlet.

Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool including at least one sample tank mounted in a tool collar. The tool collar includes a through bore and is disposed to be operatively coupled with a drill string such that each sample tank may receive a correspondingly preselected formation fluid sample without removing the drill string from a well bore. At least one of the sample tanks further includes an internal fluid separator movably disposed therein. The separator separates a sample chamber from a pressure balancing chamber in the sample tank. The pressure balancing chamber is disposed to be in fluid communication with drilling fluid exterior thereto. The sampling tool further includes a sample inlet port connected to the sample chamber by an inlet passageway.