Abstract: A drilling flange and an independent screwed wellhead provides a metal-to-metal seal that supplements the traditional elastomeric O-rings for providing a fluid seal between the drilling flange and the wellhead. The metal-to-metal seal may be achieved using a metal ring gasket or two contacting metal surfaces that are machined to required tolerances and are configured to be forced together when the drilling flange is mounted to the wellhead. The metal-to-metal seal ensures a fluid seal between the flange body and the wellhead in the event that the O-rings malfunction or are destroyed by fire.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for communicating from within a wellbore to the surface of the wellbore, as well as communicating from the surface of the wellbore to downhole within the wellbore. More specifically, the present invention involves a method and apparatus for protecting and controlling cables or lines which connect surface equipment to downhole equipment. A spacer sub comprising a tubular body with a helical groove therearound is used to house one or more downhole cables. In one aspect, the spacer sub has a recess within the helical groove for housing one or more cable connectors. In another aspect, multiple helical grooves are disposed around the spacer sub to protect and house cables of different length.

Abstract: A member having a body, the body having two spaced-apart ends, wave energizable identification apparatus which, in one aspect, is radio frequency identification apparatus with integrated circuit apparatus and antenna apparatus on the exterior of the body, and encasement structure encasing the identification apparatus, the encasement structure, in certain aspects, including one or a plurality of layers of heat resistant material and, in certain aspects, at least one layer of heat resistant material, and methods for producing such a member.

Abstract: A formulation containing a copolymer derived from a cationic monomer effectively inhibits and controls the formation of inorganic scales. The formulation has particular application in the removal of zinc sulfide and iron sulfide scales formed when zinc bromide brines are used as completion fluids. The copolymer exhibit high solubility in high-density brines, such as zinc bromide brines. The polymers may be introduced into an oil or gas well as a portion of a carrier fluid or with brine. The preferred copolymer for use in the invention contains an acrylamide unit and a diallyldimethylammonium salt and, optionally, an acrylic acid or a salt thereof. The weight average molecular weight of such inhibitor copolymers is generally between from about 500,000 to about 5,000,000.

Abstract: Methods of temporarily reducing the permeability of one or more selected sections of a subterranean formation penetrated by a horizontal well bore and the flow of water or water and hydrocarbons or hydrocarbons therefrom are provided. The methods comprise the steps of preparing or providing an aqueous treating fluid comprising water and a water-soluble formation permeability reducing agent, introducing the aqueous treating fluid into one or more selected sections and when required, contacting the one or more selected sections with an aqueous treating fluid comprising water and a formation permeability restoring chemical.

Abstract: The loading tube comprises cups forming cup cavities for enclosing an explosive charge within each of the cups. The loading tube has ridges and valleys providing longitudinal and lateral strength to the loading tube. The loading tube is constructed of a formed material such as paper pulp, high-density polystyrene, plastic or sheet metal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for breaking treatment fluids utilized in the stimulation of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Provided are treatment fluids that comprise an aqueous base fluid, an acid, and a methyl ester sulfonate surfactant, and associated methods of use. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of acidizing a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, an acid, and a methyl ester sulfonate surfactant; introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation; and allowing at least a portion of the treatment fluid to react with at least a portion of the subterranean formation so that at least one void is formed in the subterranean formation. In some instances, the treatment fluids exhibit viscoelastic behavior which may be due, at least in part, to the association of at least a portion of the methyl ester sulfonate surfactant into a plurality of micellar structures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fracturing a subterranean formation which use a fracturing tool. The fracturing tool includes a hydrajet tool, with at least one fluid jet and at least one fracturing port extending through the liner. The fracturing tool further includes a rotating sleeve with at least one interior fracturing port and at least one interior fluid jet port. Finally, the fracturing tool may include a power unit capable of changing the orientation of the rotating sleeve. During fracturing operations, fracturing fluid is pressured through the fluid jet to form microfractures. The orientation of the rotating sleeve may then be changed and fluid may be forced through the fracturing ports to form fractures by the stagnation pressure of the fracturing fluid.

Abstract: A multilateral completion system utilizing an alternate passage. In a described embodiment, a wellbore junction includes a first passage extending from a first opposite end to a second opposite end of the wellbore junction. A window is formed through a sidewall of the wellbore junction and provides fluid communication between the first passage and an exterior of the wellbore junction. A second passage is in communication with the first passage on a first side of the window, and in communication with the first passage on a second side of the window.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and various methods of using same. In one illustrative embodiment, the system comprises a first hydraulic cylinder, an isolated supply of fluid provided to the first hydraulic cylinder, the isolated supply of fluid positioned in an environment that is at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure, an actuator device coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder, the actuator device adapted to drive the first hydraulic cylinder to create the sufficient pressure in the fluid, and at least one hydraulic line operatively intermediate the first hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic line supplying the sufficient pressure in the fluid to the hydraulic actuator in the remote locale.

Abstract: A hybrid wellhead system is assembled using a plurality of threaded unions, such as spanner nuts or hammer unions, for securing respective tubular heads and a flanged connection for securing a flow control stack to a top of a tubing head spool. The tubing head spool is secured by a threaded union to an intermediate head spool. The intermediate head spool is secured by another threaded union to a wellhead. Each tubular head secures and suspends a tubular string in the well bore. The hybrid wellhead system is capable of withstanding higher fluid pressures than a conventional independent screwed wellhead, while providing a more economical alternative to a flanged, or ranged, wellhead system because it is less expensive to construct and faster to assemble.

Abstract: A method of extending an insulated wire through a wellhead opening of a well that includes casing having a top. The method makes use of an annular cap sized to engage and be retained by the top of the casing, the annular cap having smooth top and radially inward surfaces and defining an aperture. The annular cap is placed onto the top of the casing and the insulated wire is passed through the aperture, wherein should the insulated wire touch the annular cap the insulated wire will remain undamaged by the smooth top and radially inward surfaces.

Abstract: A wellbore casing formed by extruding a tubular liner off of a mandrel. The tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within a new section of a wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with an existing casing. A hardenable fluidic material is injected into the new section of the wellbore below the level of the mandrel and into the annular region between the tubular liner and the new section of the wellbore. The inner and outer regions of the tubular liner are then fluidicly isolated. A non hardenable fluidic material is then injected into a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner to pressurize the portion of the interior region of the tubular liner below the mandrel. The tubular liner is then extruded off of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method to install a cylindrical pipe in a wellbore through a previously installed casing forming a reduced opening by running a pipe within the casing, the pipe having a first shape having dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the reduced opening; then deforming the pipe to convert the pipe from the first shape to a substantially cylindrical second shape in a cavity having larger dimensions than both the reduced opening and the second shape, and last displacing an expansion mandrel having a circular section to expand, in the plastic range, the pipe having a substantially cylindrical second shape to a cylindrical third shape.

Abstract: First and second members, representatively first and second portions of a collet assembly, are removably coupled to one another by aligning slots in the first member with slots in the second members to form opposing slot pairs into which coupling members are inserted in first directions. The inserted coupling members are removed from the slot pairs, in second directions opposite from the first directions, in response to the generation of a fluid pressure.

Abstract: A centralizer 10 for mounting on a tubular member such as a section of casing, together with one or more stops 42, 48 for retaining the centralizer thereon. The stops 42, 48 are provided with profiles for engaging the centralizer to restrict rotation thereof. The centralizer 10 may be selectively permitted or restricted from rotation by selection of appropriate stops, and by relative movement of the stops and centralizer on the tubular. Certain embodiments of the centralizer 10 may also include blades 14 on the body thereof, the blades being formed such that the velocity and kinetic energy of fluid flow across the blades is altered, so reducing settling of drill cuttings within the bore and on the centralizer.

Abstract: A holding member provides for releasably positioning a rotating control head assembly in a subsea housing. The holding member engages an internal formation in the subsea housing to resist movement of the rotating control head assembly relative to the subsea housing. The rotating control head assembly is sealed with the subsea housing when the holding member engages the internal formation. An extendible portion of the holding member assembly extrudes an elastomer between an upper portion and a lower portion of the internal housing to seal the rotating control head assembly with the subsea housing. Pressure relief mechanisms release excess pressure in the subsea housing and a pressure compensation mechanism pressurize bearings in the bearing assembly at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Horseshoe-like hoof pad lining configuered as an essentially flat plate comprised of flexible plastic material which can be placed within the space defined by the hoof plate between the hoof plate and the hoof sole in order to avoid adhesion of especially snow and ice on the hoof sole, wherein the hoof pad lining is provided with a tube-like hump defining at least partly the enclosed space, which hump comprises a hollow space at least partly filled with air, wherein moreover the hump stands upright on the plastic material plate and extends internally up to the upper end of the hoof pad.

Abstract: A power tool comprises a housing (10) with a cylindrical outer surface (11), a rotation motor, and a power train including a reverse gearing (14, 24) with a first planetary gearing (14) for “forward” operation and a second planetary gearing (24) for “reverse” operation, and a ring gear mechanism (19, 26, 40) for establishing a reaction torque support relative to the housing (10) by coupling either one of the first planetary gearing (14) and the second planetary gearing (24) to the housing (10) to thereby shift the power transmission from a “forward” operation mode to a “reverse” operation mode, wherein the gear ring mechanism comprises a separate rotatable ring gear (19, 26) for each planetary gearing (14, 24) and an axially displaceable coupling ring (40) for alternative engagement with the ring gears (19, 26).

Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated methods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.

Abstract: A drilling system and method for drilling a borehole into an earth formation is provided. The drilling system has a drill string having a lower section provided with a sleeve which is radially expandable from a retracted mode in which the sleeve extends around the lower drill string section and is releasably connected thereto, to an expanded mode in which the sleeve is released from the lower drill string section and is expanded against the borehole wall. The drilling system further has a control means for selectively releasing the sleeve from the lower drill string section and expanding the sleeve against the borehole wall.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for directional drilling of a hole, in particular when drilling curved holes for mining, drift mining or similar, whereby a drill support is used in the form of a flexible continuous drill tube with a proximal end and a distal end, that at the end of the drill support distal end is connected a down hole assembly comprising a drill bit for forming a drill string, which is fed into the gradually forming hole. To avoid and minimize the occurrence of “stick slip” during directional drilling, according to the method, the drill support while drilling is taking place is held fixed at its proximal end against rotation outside the borehole and the rotating motion for indexing the drill bit around an axis extending in the direction of drilling is performed in the area between the drill support's distal end and the drill bit while drilling is in progress.

Abstract: A method of drilling a borehole in an earth formation wherein a plurality of selected solid magnetisable particles is inserted into the borehole, the particles being susceptible of forming a filter cake layer at the borehole wall and being made of a material susceptible of being exposed to magnetic forces when subjected to a magnetic field. A section of the borehole is drilled, and at least part of the filter-cake layer is removed from the wall of the drilled borehole section by inducing a selected magnetic field in the borehole. The magnetic field exerts magnetic forces to the particles, thereby withdrawing the particles from the wall.

Abstract: A fluid distributor device is for a percussive drill assembly including a generally tubular casing (2) having a longitudinal centerline and a piston (6) disposed within the casing so as to define a reservoir chamber (27) in the casing. The distributor device comprises a generally cylindrical body (12) disposed within the casing and including a central axis, two opposing ends spaced apart along the axis, first and second interior chambers and a port fluidly connecting the two chambers. The body further has a plurality of fluid passages extending between the two ends and fluidly connecting the first chamber with the reservoir chamber and a deflectable retainer portion (16) releasably engaged with the casing so as to retain the body at a desired position with respect to the casing centerline. A valve (7) is disposed within the body and is configured to permit fluid flow through the port and to alternatively prevent fluid flow through the port.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight drive mechanism for an electrically powered vehicle such as a wheelchair or a scooter. The compact drive mechanism includes a gearmotor combining a motor and a gearbox. High strength rare earth magnets and a large diameter enable the motor to generate a high torque. Gearmotor efficiency is maximized by placing the motor and gearbox in a direct drive relationship, with the shafts of both motor and gearbox parallel to one another. The compact drive mechanism weighs less than conventional drive mechanisms and occupies less space. The compact drive mechanism therefore improves efficiency and lowers power requirements over conventional systems.

Abstract: An air cleaner device is provided for a scooter-type vehicle which can prevent foreign substances from entering an air intake port of an air cleaner even when the air cleaner is arranged at a position out of protection of the vehicle body cover. An air intake port cover covers the air intake port of the air cleaner and also covers a cooling air suction port of the power unit. The leakage of suction sound from the cooling air suction port can be prevented simultaneously.

Abstract: A motorcycle comprising a frame, a front wheel coupled to the frame, a rear wheel coupled to the frame and an engine adapted to propel the motorcycle. The motorcycle also includes a cruise control system including an off condition, an on condition, and a set condition operable to maintain the motorcycle at a desired speed. A cruise control indicator is electrically connected to the cruise control system and is operable to emit light of a first color when the cruise control is in the on condition and light of a second color when the cruise control is in the set condition.

Abstract: A snowmobile with arrangement of a four cycle engine is disclosed providing a relatively low center of gravity for improved handling and maneuverability. The engine comprises a cylinder unit slanted to the back of the snowmobile and an improved packaging of auxiliary components in order to optimize the location of the center of gravity on the snowmobile. The engine has a balancer shaft rotatably coupled to the crankshaft and the balancer shaft axis is positioned above the crankshaft axis.

Abstract: A four-wheel personal transporter having a collapsible shell and a seat mounted on at least one shaft disposed at the rear end of the device, such shaft(s) movable approximately 90 degrees rearward from an upright position to a storage position and maneuvered into a receipt slot defined in the top portion of the rear shell, and a steering column disposed at the front end of the personal transporter in an upright position for use and rotatable approximately 90 degrees downward to a storage position against the top of the shell when such shell is in its collapsed storage mode, such steering column having a handle usable to pull the device on its front wheels in its storage mode.

Abstract: A motorcycle is provided having front and rear wheels. A chassis is supported on and connected to the front and rear wheels. An engine is mounted to the chassis and includes front and rear cylinder heads joined to an engine block. Front and rear mounting assemblies are provided for mounting the engine to the chassis. The rear mounting assembly includes a pair of laterally spaced-apart support plates secured between the engine and a top frame structure of the chassis. The support plates are disposed rearward of the rear cylinder head. A radiator is mounted to the chassis. A thermostat is connected between the engine and the radiator and is operable to control coolant flow from the engine to the radiator. The thermostat is disposed between the support plates.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an electric seat adjuster for a seat and an occupant protection system with a belt assigned to the seat. In the buckled condition, the belt restrains an occupant in the event of a vehicle impact. The adjusting range of the seat adjuster changed as a function of the buckling condition of the belt. In preferred arrangements, the adjusting range is limited to a narrow adjusting range if the belt is not buckled and is limited to a wide adjusting range if the belt is buckled.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine is provided and includes an operator actuable input assembly and a sensor coupled to the input assembly. The sensor is configured to provide a signal indicative of operator presence on an operator platform. The control system also includes a controller operably coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the signal provided by the sensor. The controller is further configured to manipulate at least one function of the work machine based on the signal.

Abstract: Safety arrangement comprising a unit to be located beneath a bonnet of a motor vehicle. The unit is adapted to become of increased length in response to a signal from a sensor and may comprise a bellows-sleeve and a gas generator. The unit has a catch arrangement adapted to engage part of the bonnet structure so that part of the bonnet structure is engaged and retained when the length of the unit is increased.

Abstract: A universal anchor for a vehicle, comprising: a magnet being fixedly secured to an anchor portion defining an opening; a flux deflector movably mounted to the anchor for movement in a range defined by a first position and a second position, the flux deflector effectively blocking said opening when said flux deflector is in said first position; a magnet fixedly secured to the anchor; a sensing switch configured to detect the magnetic field of the magnet, wherein the magnetic field is increased as the flux deflector moves from the first position towards the second position, the sensing switch providing a detectable signal when the magnetic field is increased.

Abstract: A tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. The driver's console is rotated in the cab with the steering and speed control elements moved with the seat for the driver to face forwards and its position is detected by switches. In the engine forward position for transportation, the control system detects the seat position and operates the controls for higher speed drive and to prevent operation of the header. A vehicle emblem SMV is located on the back of the driver's seat so that it is visible to a person behind regardless of the direction of travel.

Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus that urges a steering shaft or a rack shaft with an assist load using the drive force of a motor by a transmission mechanism via reduction gears, the reduction gears includes a rotation angle sensor assembled integrally therewith.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus comprises: a pinion provided on a shaft co-rotatable with a steering member; a steering shaft including a rack meshed with the pinion, the steering shaft being movable in an axial direction thereof; a steering shaft guiding device; and a motion converting mechanism. The steering shaft guiding device guides the steering shaft for axial movement, and biases the steering shaft toward the pinion. The motion converting mechanism includes a rotary cylinder surrounding the steering shaft and driven by a steering assist electric motor, and converts rotation of the rotary cylinder into the axial movement of the steering shaft. The steering shaft is supported by the rotary cylinder, the pinion and a guide. The pinion is located between the rotary cylinder and the guide axially of the steering shaft.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus comprises a rack shaft movable in the axial direction. The rack shaft is meshed with a pinion rotated in response to the operation of a steering member. The rotation of the output shaft in an electric motor is decelerated by first and second gears which are meshed with each other. A motion conversion mechanism for converting the rotation of the second gear into the axial movement of the rack shaft comprises a rotating cylinder rotated in synchronization with the second gear and a screw shaft. The screw shaft is integrally provided coaxially with the rack shaft and is screwed into the rotating cylinder through a rolling member. A screw groove in the screw shaft and the teeth in the first gear are twisted in the same direction.

Abstract: Conventional leaf blowers have a supporting frame to where the different components are attached. In order to reduce the noise from the tool and protect some of the components are they provided with covers. This makes the tool heavy and complicated for the operator to use. The claimed invention is a covering casing (10) that also is the supporting structure for the different components in the tool. The casing reduces the amount of noise spread from the tool and protects the components inside the casing (10).

Abstract: A silencer that comprises a casing, one or more pipes or passages leading a flow of gas to the casing and a device for leading gas from the casing. The silencer further has at least one internal chamber, one or more flow inlets to the chamber and one or more flow outlets from the chamber, and one or more flow distributing devices connected to the flow inlet(s) and/or to the flow outlet(s). The flow distributing device comprises one or more walls or profiles extending on a geometrical surface that defines a boundary between an inner volume of the flow distributing device and the chamber. The silencer further has one or more apertures for a flow of gas through the apertures and for leading gas either out of the inner volume into the chamber, or into the inner volume from the chamber. The apertures have a smallest cross-sectional transverse dimension s and a length L, the dimension s being at the maximum 0.2 times the smallest cross-sectional dimension D of the inlet or outlet.

Abstract: A novel escape system comprised of a plurality of escape devices each which resemble a window shutter, are mounted on the outside of a building, adjacent the windows vertically above the next lower escape device. Since these take up no space inside of the building, and are aesthetically pleasing, they are less likely to be removed or overridden making them functional a greater percentage of the time. Each is comprised of a frame to hold a plurality of slats connected to a collapsible vertical connecting means a predetermined distance apart from the others. In its storage position, the slats are held in the frame in an angled position resembling louvers. When in the operational position, the slats are allowed to drop down out of the frame and extend down to the next lower escape device with the slats acting as steps of a ladder. The bottommost end of the escape device connects to the top of the next lower escape device to create a continuous escape system allowing egress from any floor to the ground.

Abstract: A step stool includes a frame and a tray coupled to the frame. The tray includes a pair of container receivers. Each container receiver is adapted to receive a container on the container receiver.

Abstract: A dolly wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a dolly wheel and a dolly wheel spindle fixedly secured to the dolly wheel such that the dolly wheel and the dolly wheel spindle rotate together as a single unit. The dolly wheel spindle is in communication with a dampening device so as to apply a resisting force to the dolly wheel spindle. Application of the resisting or braking force restricts or prevents free rotation of the dolly wheel about an axis defined by the dolly wheel spindle. The dampening device is in communication with a controller which causes the dampening device to apply the resisting or braking force or to remove application of the resisting or braking force upon demand to satisfy a variety of different conditions encountered with the vehicle operation considering functional implication of the dolly wheel assembly.

Abstract: A pressure generating apparatus includes a first piston moved in response to operation of a brake pedal, an elastic member for providing a stroke of the first piston in response to braking operation force of the brake pedal, a second piston accommodated in a housing for defining a master chamber in front of it and a simulator chamber behind it, and an atmospheric pressure reservoir for storing brake fluid. A changeover device is provided for selectively communicating the simulator chamber with the reservoir, or blocking the communication between them. And, a stroke restriction device is provided for restricting a maximal stroke of the first piston relative to the housing to be smaller than the sum of a maximal stroke of the second piston relative to the housing and a maximal stroke of the first piston relative to the second piston.

Abstract: A wheel hub having pilots to guide the installation of a braking device on the wheel hub, wherein the pilots are provided with guide surfaces that are made of a different material than the wheel hub.

Abstract: A disc brake rotor assembly has a central carrier with a first side and a second side. At least two wear surfaces are releasably secured to the first side and at least two wear surfaces are releasably secured to the second side. A locking mechanism disposed within the central carrier selectively engages and releases the wear surfaces.

Abstract: A shock absorber is provided and includes a first end adapted for connection to a vehicle, a second end adapted for connection to the vehicle, a case containing a piston rod and a piston valve and a compression adjustment device disposed exterior to the case, wherein the compression adjustment device includes a movable portion associated with an adjustment rod and wherein the adjustment rod is associated with the piston rod such that a flow of fluid within the shock absorber is affected in a manner responsive to a movement of the movable portion.

Abstract: A computer peripheral with cable reeling device has a reeling device and an input device. The reeling device has a housing and a communication cable extensibly retracted in the housing. The communication cable has an extractable end. The input device is detachably coupled with a front portion of the reeling device, and electrically connected with the reeling device. The reeling device can thereby couple with a computer peripheral and the communication cable is extendable. The reeling device can also be separated from the computer peripheral for independent use.

Abstract: Improvement in a drag brake assembly for a power take-off unit, for use on trucks and the like, including a first reaction member axially located on an output shaft thereon; a brake disc rotatably affixed to and axially movable on the output shaft; a second reaction member forming an inner surface portion of one of the bearing caps; and a spring member interposed between the first reaction member and the brake disc, for normally biasing the brake disc into an engaged position wherein the brake disc engages the second reaction member inner surface portion, with the brake disc including a first frusto-conical outer surface portion and the second reaction member inner surface being provided with a complementary second frusto-conical surface, with the engagement therebetween keeping the output shaft from rotating.