Abstract: A filtering apparatus for use in a hydrocarbon producing well for reducing water production therein includes a filtering medium treated with a relative permeability modifier such that the relative permeability modifier reduces the permeability of the filtering medium if the relative permeability modifier contacts water production. The relative permeability modifier may be used to treat a metal portion of the filtering medium in the case of a wire wrap screen or a wire mesh screen or may be use treat a metal portion or the prepacked component of a prepacked screen. The relative permeability modifier may be a polymer of at least one hydrophilic monomer and at least one hydrophobically modified hydrophilic monomer, a hydrophobically modified polymer, a hydrophobically modified water-soluble polymer, hydrophobically modified copolymers thereof or the like.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing unconsolidated or weakly consolidated portions of a subterranean formation and controlling the production of water in those portions include introducing a consolidating agent into the subterranean formation so as to transform a portion of the subterranean formation surrounding the well bore into a consolidated region; and introducing a relative permeability modifier fluid into the subterranean formation so as to penetrate at least a portion of the consolidated region. Fracturing steps may be used to reconnect the well bore to portions of the formation (e.g., formation reservoirs) in certain embodiments. Optionally, preflush fluids, after-flush fluids, and shutting-in periods may be used as desired.

Abstract: A method for installing a heat exchange pipe loop in a borehole, the method, in at least certain aspects, including drilling a borehole with a sonic drill system having a head and casing connected thereto, a drill apparatus on a lower end of the casing movable by the sonic drill head to drill the borehole, pumping fluid into the casing and up to earth surface in an annular space in the borehole so that drilled material flows to the earth surface, lowering a heat exchange pipe loop down into the casing, introducing grout into the casing around the heat exchange pipe loop, and extracting the casing from the borehole.

Abstract: A sealant composition comprising an inverse emulsion polymer and methods of servicing a wellbore using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of servicing a wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation is disclosed. The method comprises placing a sealant composition comprising an inverse emulsion polymer into the wellbore to reduce a loss of fluid to the subterranean formation during placement of the fluid in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fluid pressure applied to a cementing plug comprises disposing the cementing plug within a casing string to define a trapped volume of fluid within the casing string, isolating a portion of the trapped volume of fluid adjacent the cementing plug to define an isolated volume of fluid, and relieving the fluid pressure within the isolated volume of fluid at a first rate sufficient to prevent damage to or inadvertent release of the cementing plug. An apparatus for relieving fluid pressure within a casing string being run into a well bore comprises at least one equalizer valve connected to a work string extending into the casing string, and a sealing device disposed above the equalizer valve to seal an annular space formed between the work string and the casing string.

Abstract: A wireline cutter comprises a primary housing with a first axial bore configured to receive a wireline positioned within a well bore, and a first blade mounted within the primary housing and operable to cut the wireline. A method of cutting a wireline in a well bore comprises running a wireline cutter into the well bore, receiving the wireline within the wireline cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter. A one-trip cutting system for use in a well bore comprises a wireline cutter, and a coiled tubing cutter. A method for cutting a coiled tubing with a wireline disposed therein comprises running a system comprising a wireline cutter and a coiled tubing cutter into the well bore, cutting the coiled tubing with the coiled tubing cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter, wherein both cutting steps are performed in one trip into the well bore.

Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a means to intake hydrocarbon fluid from a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir, including any accompanying ground water or earthen contaminants, into the subsurface lower end of a tubing system. Compressed gas is then used to purge the hydrocarbon fluid and earthen contaminants from within the tubing system to a hydrocarbon production fluid storage tank or other handling facility at surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flowline-riser production system for the recovery of hydrocarbons from offshore wells, and a method for pigging the interior surfaces of the riser and flowlines. More particularly, this invention is a piggable flowline-riser system in which a pig is launched from or near a host production facility, down a riser into a looped flowline and returned up through the same riser. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a piggable flowline-riser system for producing hydrocarbons comprising a riser, a “Y” joint and a looped flowline, wherein the looped flowline is in fluid communication with at least one subsea well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a system for limiting vortex-induced vibrations on a riser suspended at one end from a support and subjected to substantially transverse fluid flows. The system comprises suspension means (10) for hanging the riser from the support, which include displacement means for moving the end in a transverse direction in relation to the principal axis of the riser.

Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring wellbore conditions while conducting hydrocarbon production within a wellbore, particularly an open-hole wellbore, having multiple zones within. A production tubing string assembly is made up having a plurality of packers for sealing within an open-hole wellbore having multiple individual zones. The production tubing string includes production nipples and one or more fiber optic sensor lines disposed upon the outside of the production tubing string. The sensor line or lines are disposed through the packers using a pass-through system so as to provide unbroken sensing line(s) to the surface of the wellbore. This allows temperature, pressure or other wellbore conditions to be monitored at the surface in each of the individual zones of interest.

Abstract: A flow control valve for use inside a wellbore. In one implementation, the flow control valve may include a housing, a chamber disposed inside the housing and an entry port disposed at a first end of the chamber. The entry port may be configured to allow fluid to enter into the chamber. The flow control valve may further include an exit port disposed at a second end of the chamber. The second end may be opposite of the first end and the exit port is configured to allow fluid to flow out of the chamber. The flow control valve may further include a check valve assembly disposed between the entry port and the exit port. The check valve may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the entry port to the exit port and to prevent fluid to flow from the exit port to the entry port.

Abstract: A method and associated system for setting downhole control pressure. A method of setting a downhole control pressure includes the steps of: installing a pressure control system with a pressure source; connecting a proximal end of a line to the pressure source and a distal end to a well tool; and calibrating the system by applying an overshoot pressure to the proximal end, then sensing a settled pressure in the proximal end resulting from the overshoot pressure, and determining a mathematical relationship between the overshoot and settled pressures. A system for setting a downhole control pressure includes a pressure source, a pressure limiter and an interface for applying pressure to a proximal end of a control line and a well tool connected to a distal end of the control line.

Abstract: A wellbore casing.

Abstract: A formation isolation valve for underbalanced drilling applications. A system for operating a formation isolation valve includes the valve interconnected in a casing string. An assembly displaces through the casing string, thereby causing the valve to open prior to the assembly reaching the valve. An operating system includes a well tool with an actuator positioned downhole. A device for causing the actuator to operate the well tool is also positioned downhole remote from the actuator. A method of operating a well tool includes the steps of: positioning the well tool in a well, the well tool including an actuator; positioning a power source for the actuator in the well; and at a downhole position remote from the actuator, causing the actuator to operate the well tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a more reliable variable choke flow control valve. In one embodiment, a variable choke valve for use in a wellbore is provided. The valve includes a tubular housing having an axial bore therethrough and a port through a wall thereof. The valve further includes a tubular sleeve having an axial bore therethrough and first and second holes through a wall thereof and disposed within the housing. The first hole is larger than the second hole, and the sleeve is actuatable among three positions: a first position where the first hole is aligned with the port, a second position where the second hole is aligned with the port, and a third position where the sleeve wall is aligned with the port.

Abstract: A method for repeatably providing large operating forces to actuate a remote device in a well which includes well production means penetrating to some depth, surface means for restricting or closing-off flow of product from the well and changing well pressure during an operating sequence of the well, at least one downhole pressure storage chamber, a valve communicating between the pressure storage chamber and prevailing well pressure, a piston/cylinder device coupled with the remote device to actuate the latter, and isolation valve for controlling the supply of pressure energy from the storage chamber to the piston/cylinder device. The method includes the steps of replenishably storing pressure in the storage chamber during the operating sequence, such stored pressure being derived from fluid flow permitted by the valve, and repeatably operating the isolation valve to apply differential pressure to the piston/cylinder device to actuate the remote device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for disposing electric, hydraulic and/or optical cables or conduits axially through a hydrostatically-set packer mechanism. Radial fluid communication is also provided through the inner mandrel so that the packer mechanism may be set using hydrostatic pressure within the flowbore. Feed-through paths for the cables or conduits isolate the cables/conduits from fluid pressure as well as axial or torsional tensile forces.

Abstract: A packer assembly requires only forces applied axially along an actuating means such as production tubing (either pushing down or pulling up) to actuate it between its operational states, such as a set state, a bypassed state, and a released state. The packer includes a tubular member that has a lug guide formed substantially within its inner surface. The packer further includes a mandrel that can be coupled to an actuating means and disposed within the tubular member, the mandrel further comprising a lug ring having at least one lug disposed in the lug guide. The tubular member is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the mandrel once the packer is initially set within a well-bore. The lug ring is free to rotate in response to forces applied to the tubing once the packer tool assembly is initially set.

Abstract: A cutter guard in the form of housing, enclosing the volume generated by the rotating cutter blades of a lawn edge trimmer, golf bunker trimmer or like cutting implement. The housing is provided with at least one viewing port through which the plane of rotation of the cutter blades can be observed by the operator. To prevent egress of cutting debris, each viewing port is occluded by means of either transparent material or mesh material. A supporting wheel arrangement for a golf bunker edge trimmer includes a support wheel provided with a coaxial disc which engages the grass adjacent the edge of the bunker. The disc prevents the wheel and trimmer slipping downhill towards the bunker whilst traversing steeply sloping grass uphill of the bunker. Dual wheels and an independently rotating disc can be used.

Abstract: A system and method of cutting a core out of a finished surface for keyhole excavation provides a truck with a turret to which a support arm supporting the cutter assembly is mounted, and a stabilizing member remote from the turret, which allows the turret to be rotated about its complete arc of motion while stabilizing the support arm at any desired position about the truck. In a first embodiment the invention comprises an upstanding support rim affixed to or integrated into the bed of the truck. In a further embodiment the invention comprises a support member affixed to the horizontal arm and supported by the truck bed. This makes the keyhole excavation procedure safer and more precise, and allows a larger-depth cutting head to be used in order to penetrate thicker finished surfaces. In the preferred embodiment the cutter head is provided with a pilot which creates a pilot hole in the core that facilitates removal, manipulation and replacement of the core, and improves the integrity of the reinstated core.

Abstract: A spreading and grading apparatus comprised preferably of a multiplicity of elongated and inverted rigid channel or u-shaped members substantially in a planar and parallel orientation attached to a supporting structure to maintain the orientation of the members and provide a preferable attachment surface for connection to a device to push or pull the apparatus.

Abstract: A support structure for an implement lift cylinder on an earth-working machine. The support structure includes first and second implement lift cylinder supports. The first implement lift cylinder support mounts to the work machine and the second implement lift cylinder support rotatably connects thereto about a first axis of rotation. The second implement lift cylinder support receives the implement lift cylinder and allows rotational movement thereof about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes are located within a single plane. The dual axes provide stability and adjustability of the implement lift cylinder for different angle configurations of a work implement, such as an earth-working blade.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for generating hammering impulses for a power tool such as a hammer, rotary hammer, or chisel. The drive mechanism comprises two parts, a first part comprising a barrel and a second part comprising a sleeve which surrounds at least part of the barrel one part being rotatingly driven by the motor relative to the other part; wherein the at least one striker s slideably mounted on or within the barrel which comprises a cam co-operatively connected to a cam follower connected to the sleeve so that rotation of one part relative to the other part results in the striker being driven in at least one direction along its axis of travel over at least part of the reciprocating cycle.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulated wire having a conductor and an insulator of paste extruded PTFE fine powder around the conductor. The paste extruded insulator has at least one closed continuous longitudinal air channel spaced apart from the conductor. The invention further provides a process for forming an insulator around a conductor by paste extruding lubricated PTFE fine powder in an extrusion device comprising a die, mandrel, and at least one channel-forming member. The die and mandrel form a converging chamber leading to an extrusion orifice and the channel-forming member is positioned in the orifice. The mandrel has a central bore for supplying the conductor. Lubricated PTFE fine powder is forced through the chamber and out of the exit of the orifice as a lubricated green extrudate around the conductor forming an insulator with at least one closed longitudinal air channel spaced apart from the conductor.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed to semi-conductive power cable shields, cables with such shield and compositions for making such shields. The semi-conductive shields are strippable from power cable insulation, resistant to thermal aging, have improved processability during cable extrusion and include little or no butyl nitrile rubber (NBR).

Abstract: A conduit includes an elongate member with an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner passage for enclosing one or more electrical signal conductors therein, and an electromagnetic shield disposed coaxially with the elongate member to block electromagnetic radiation emitted by the one or more electrical signal conductors.

Abstract: The fire resistant electrical cable splice joins two electrical cables. The two electrical cables are joined by at least one connection. The connection is formed between at least two conductors, at least one conductor from each of the electrical cables. The connection connects the conductors mechanically and electrically. An insulating polymer, which is electrically nonconductive at temperatures normally associated with the presence of a fire, is substantially applied over the connection. The insulating polymer may be a ceramifiable silicone rubber.

Abstract: A multilayer insulation-coated electric conductor for a coil constituting a circuit by forming a welded portion in the coil, wherein at least one layer of the multilayer insulation-coating layers of the coated metal conductor is composed of at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a polyimide resin, a polyesterimide resin, and an H-class polyester resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for preventing electrically induced gas fires involving Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST). Connectors for coupling the CSST to gas lines and appliance are affixed at each end of the tubing. These connectors are made of a conductive material such as brass. Conductive ground wire, such as #8 AWG copper, provides a direct electrical contact between the end connectors. The ground wire can be either a single wire or a wire mesh. If an electrical charge goes to ground via the CSST, such as from a lightning strike or an appliance short, the majority of the current is carried by the conductive wire rather than the CSST itself, thus preventing damage to the CSST from the current.

Abstract: A cover and system are provided for protecting an electrical enclosure during intense storms. The cover includes a top wall and a sidewall parametrically bounding the top wall and that is attached thereto. The cover further includes at least one vent disposed in the sidewall for allowing heat to escape from the enclosure. Loops are attached to the sidewall for receiving an adjustable length cable tie. An adhesive is provided for releasably coupling the cover to the enclosure thereby securing the cover to the enclosure along with the tightened cable tie. The cover, vent, adjustable length cable tie, and adhesive form the system for protecting the electrical enclosure.

Abstract: To assist in searching, the following abstract includes a receptacle system used to keep a receptacle cap secure through use of an enhanced retaining strap with its associated wall plate when the receptacle cap is unscrewed. The enhanced retaining strap is a separate individual component and is separably coupled to the rest of the receptacle system so that if it is pulled with sufficient force, the strap will break free from the rest of the receptacle system before associated members such as gaskets are damaged or loosened.

Abstract: In a flex-rigid wiring board in which a rigid substrate formed from a rigid base material and a flexible substrate formed from a flexible base material are stack-joined and electrically connected to each other, the flexible substrate including a conductive layer having interconnecting electrode pads provided on at least one surface thereof, and the rigid substrate including a conductive layer having interconnecting electrode pads provided on at least one surface thereof in a position opposite to the interconnecting electrode pads on the rigid substrate, are locally connected electrically to each other with an anisotropic conductive adhesive layer interposed between conductive layers of substrate portions each including at least the interconnecting electrode pads. In this flex-rigid wiring board, transmission of high-frequency signals can be prevented from being delayed, noises can be suppressed, and an excellent electrical connection and connection reliability be assured.

Abstract: A circuit board includes a pad, a transmitting trace and a plating bar. The plating bar is used for forming an electroplating metallic layer on the pad, the pad and the transmitting trace are used for the signal transmission. Due to the plating bar causes a noise during the signal transmission, a dielectric layer having at least one opening is adjacent to at least one side of the plating bar to reduce the equivalent dielectric permittivity thereof and to maintain signal transmitting quality.

Abstract: An electronic component is mounted on the surface of a printed wiring board. A heat conductive member is received on the surface of the electronic component. A joint material is interposed between the electronic component and the heat conductive member. The joint material is made of material containing Ag in a range exceeding 3 wt % and In. The inventors have demonstrated that voids decrease at the boundary between the joint material and the electronic component as well as at the boundary between the joint material and the heat conductive member as the content of Ag increases in the overall weight of the joint material. The joint material is allowed to enjoy a higher heat conductivity as compared with a conventional solder material. The joint material allows the heat conductive member to efficiently receive heat from the electronic component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of securing a reliable electrical contact between two adjacent surfaces by means of a contact spring (30) of a contact spring assembly (1). The secure and reliable contact is achieved by providing excellent conditions for maintaining the contact spring fully operable at all times and is accomplished by providing a shelter (12) for the contact spring (30) on a carrier (10) therefore, thereby protecting the contact spring by eliminating the possibility of the contact spring being overloaded and plastically deformed during installation.

Abstract: The electromagnetic shielding device includes a frame and a lid. The frame includes sidewalls and upstanding male detent elements with outwardly extending detent protrusions. The lid includes a generally planar top with peripheral lip portions. Slots are formed at the intersection of the lid and the peripheral lip portions so that upstanding male detent elements can extend therethrough and detent engage the frame to the lid. Variations of the detent engagement are shown in different embodiments, by which can be achieved a reduced height of the electromagnetic shielding device.

Abstract: An apparatus for organizing a number of cables with respective bodies connected to ends thereof for use with an electronic device with a back wall. The back wall has a number of connectors with which the ends of the cables are connectable. The apparatus includes a body having a number of apertures for positioning each cable respectively in a predetermined arrangement. The apparatus also includes one or more reflective surfaces for use in inserting the ends of the cables in the connectors respectively on the back wall.

Abstract: A printed circuit board/sheathing bond structure with a sheathing enclosing a printed circuit board (11) includes two plastic-half-shells (12, 13) whose edges are closely bonded to each other in order to hermetically seal the printed circuit board (11).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for boring, particularly percussion boring or rotary percussion boring, a hole (2) in soil or rock material and for forming an anchoring. According to the invention, a borehole (2) is formed by inserting a drill bit (4), and a casing tube (7) is placed inside the borehole (2) during the boring process. Once the borehole (2) is completed, the boring rods (5) are detached from the drill bit (4) and removed from the borehole (2). The periphery of the casing tube (7) is provided with a number of passage openings (23) for discharging hardenable material. A tensioning device (13, 14) for the anchor, particularly an anchor plate and a screw that can be screwed onto the casing tube (7), can be fixed to the end of the casing tube (7) protruding from the borehole (2).

Abstract: A system for monitoring the position and orientation of a downhole tool assembly having multiple beacons. In a preferred embodiment the first and second beacons are supported by the downhole tool assembly. Both beacons are adapted to transmit signals that are indicative of the orientation and position of the downhole tool assembly. A receiving assembly detects the signals transmitted from the first and second beacons. The receiving assembly transmits the detected signals to a processor that processes the signals to produce a composite of the relative positions and orientations of the receiving assembly and the downhole tool assembly. The composite of the relative positions of the receiving assembly and the downhole tool assembly are communicated to the operator using a display. The orientations of the first and second beacons are also communicated to the operator using the display.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for boring, particularly percussion boring or rotary percussion boring, a hole (2) in soil or rock material and for forming an anchoring. According to the invention, a borehole (2) is formed by inserting a drill bit (4), and tensioning elements (10) coupled to the drill bit (4) are introduced into the borehole (2) during the boring process; Once the borehole (2) is completed, the boring rods (5) are detached from the drill bit (4) and removed from the borehole (2). The boring rods (5) are provided with a hollow space (22) extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the boring rods (5) and serving to introduce a hardenable fluid into the borehole (2) as the boring rods (5) are removed from the borehole (2). Anchoring or fixing elements (14) for anchoring on the inner wall of the borehole are provided on the drill bit (4) at the end opposite the drilling surface and/or on the tensioning elements (10).

Abstract: A pulling tool for use in the placing of equipment and acquisition of data from pipes and boreholes used in the production of oil and gas. For this purpose the tool is constructed round a central, elongate, cylindrical main element (1) to which there are arranged radially movable links (2), (4) and (5) with chains (3) arranged thereto, running in grooves (11). Radial movement of the links is provided by subjecting a terminal element (9) for the links (5) to an axial movement by means of an actuator (24). The chains (3) are rotated by an electric motor (8) transferring, through the axle (9) connected to the bevel gears (18) and (17), propulsive force to the chain wheel (15) on which the chains (3) are running.

Abstract: A slip spool includes radially disposed actuators for radially moving slip blocks between a loose encirclement position in which they surround the tubing string and a cached position in which the slip blocks clear an axial passage of the slip spool. The slip spool further includes axially disposed actuators for axially displacing the slip blocks between the loose encirclement position and an engagement position in which the slip blocks are seated within a slip bowl of the slip spool so that a weight of the suspended tubing string causes the slip blocks to tightly grip the tubing string. The slip spool facilitates positioning and repositioning of the tubing string in the wellbore and can be used for supporting or snubbing a tubing string in a live well bore.

Abstract: The underframe of a motor vehicle seat is equipped with weight sensors for sensing a weight load on the motor vehicle seat. The weight sensors are interposed between a first structure part, such as a seat profile of a longitudinal guide, and a second structure part, such as a console or a seat shell, and sense the weight exerted through the second structure part on the first structure part. The weight sensors are fastened to the first structure part and comprise sensor bolts projecting upward. Holes for the sensor bolts are provided in the second structure part. The sensor bolts extend through the holes and one nut, which forms a surrounding grip around the holes, is associated with each of the sensor bolts. The holes of the second structure part each comprise one hole region that surrounds the holes and is configured as a cap.

Abstract: A draft protection device for a balance and a balance equipped with the draft protection device, wherein the draft protection device includes front and rear panels, two side panels and a top panel, and four posts which are fixedly mounted on a top cover of the balance, and wherein the posts extend vertically. The front and rear panels rest against the posts and are held in place by grooves provided in front and rear top frames which are connected to the top ends of the posts. The side panels are slidable while the front and rear panels are stationary. A friction reduction device mounted in the scale top cover so that the side panels slide along the friction reduction device.

Abstract: A display device includes a display module and a flexible circuit film. The display module includes a display panel for displaying images and a light supplying unit for supplying the display panel with a light. The flexible circuit film is electrically connected to the display panel and is disposed on a surface of the display module. The flexible circuit film includes a conductive pattern of driving circuits for driving the display module. The conductive pattern includes multiple conductive layers no less than three. The flexible circuit film also has a light source driving circuit to drive a light emitting diode.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems for a user interface to receive electromagnetic radiation as input are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a fixation device for use in supporting and/or stretching an injured body part. An exemplary disclosed fixation device uses a thumb wheel control element to provide controlled rotational micromovements of a joint. The control element and its associated drive system allow for movement along a particular axis, while the position remains fixed with relation to the other axis. In addition, the fixation device may incorporate a drive system that introduces a simultaneous longitudinal translation with rotation, in order to provide for a common point of origin of rotation between the fixation device and the affected body part supported by the fixation device.

Abstract: A switch/power conditioning module may be added to a hybrid vehicle to selectively supply power from an AC power bus to a load, providing on-vehicle standby power generating capability with a minimum of added hardware and/or when the vehicle is stationary.

Abstract: With the growing demand of oil products in the world, this invention can help curb the fuel consumption rate of trucks/large motor vehicles without reducing peak power outputs. A vehicle having a “dual series” hybrid power systems includes two liquid fueled internal combustion engines, each engine having a generator directly connected. There is an electric motor for drivability directly connected to one or more ground engaging wheels. A first electrical storage device (battery pack) stores electricity that powers the electric motor. Two voltage reducers are coupled between both of the generators and the first electrical storage device and has an accessory voltage output, which has a lower voltage than the charging power output of the generators, to keep the accessory second electrical storage device fully charged.