Abstract: The mandrel comprises a body (16) presenting a longitudinal axis (X-X?) together with a radially-expandable annular assembly (18). The annular assembly (18) presents a peripheral surface (39) for pressing against a borehole and a peripheral surface (57) for pressing against the body (16). Around the longitudinal axis (X-X?), the annular assembly (18) comprises a plurality of radial-expansion blocks (40, 42). Each block (40, 42) presents a first bearing surface (44), a second bearing surface (46), and two side surfaces (48A, 48B) disposed respectively facing a side surface (48B, 48A) of at least one adjacent block (42, 40). The blocks (40, 42) are displaceable relative to one another between a radially-contracted configuration, and a radially-expanded, engagement configuration in which each side surface (48A, 48B) of a block (40, 42) is in contact with the side surface (48B, 48A) of the adjacent block (42, 40).

Abstract: A centralizer for an oil well drill casing including at least one strip of ceramic or plastic material applied onto an outer wall of the casing.

Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising nahcolite includes providing a first fluid to a portion of the formation. A second fluid is produced from the portion. The second fluid includes at least some nahcolite dissolved in the first fluid. A controlled amount of oxidant is provided to the portion of the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A gripping apparatus is activated with an actuator having a primary actuator and a redundant safety feature. The redundant safety feature may include one or more redundant fluid operated pistons. The gripping apparatus may include an integrated safety system adapted to prevent damage to the tubulars while making and breaking out connections between the tubulars and the tubular string.

Abstract: A method useful for evaluating the presence and/or the quality of the cement bond of a downhole tubular. The method involves measuring radial resonance modes of the tubular, and comparing those measured values to the unbound tubular resonant values of a calibration ring. For a well bonded tubular, the measured radial resonance should be greater than that of the unbound tubular calibration ring. In regions where a fluid, such as water surrounds the outside of the tubular, or the cement is otherwise not bonded to the outer surface of the tubular, the measured response should be less than the calibrated response. The calibration ring should have the same diameter, wall thickness, and be made of the same material as the tubular.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to measuring depth of well-tools, such as logging tools or the like, in a borehole. Embodiments of the present invention may provide for disposing transponders along a wireline that may be used to suspend and move the well-tool in the borehole, where the transponders may be disposed along the wireline at predetermined locations. A reader may be located at a reference location and may read when a transponder passes through the reference location and this information may be used to determine the depth of the well-tool in the borehole. Additionally, this invention provides for combining depth measurements from the transponders with measurements from odometer wheels in frictional contact with the wireline and/or time of flight measurements of optical pulses passed along a fiber optic cable coupled with the wireline to accurately and robustly measure the depth of the wireline in the borehole.

Abstract: A method for producing alkylated hydrocarbons is disclosed. Formation fluid is produced from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes olefins. The liquid stream is fractionated to produce at least a second gas stream including hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 3. The first gas stream and the second gas stream are introduced into an alkylation unit to produce alkylated hydrocarbons. At least a portion of the olefins in the first gas stream enhance alkylation.

Abstract: A method for producing a crude product is disclosed. Formation fluid is produced from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes olefins. The liquid stream is fractionated to produce one or more crude products. At least one of the crude products has a boiling range distribution from 38° C. and 343° C. as determined by ASTM Method D5307. The crude product having the boiling range distribution from 38° C. and 343° C. is catalytically cracked to produce one or more additional crude products. At least one of the additional crude products is a second gas stream. The second gas stream has a boiling point of at most 38° C. at 0.101 MPa.

Abstract: Multiple pathways are provided by which fluid can enter one or more alternate pathway conduits. Entrance tubes can be arranged such that their spacing prevents all of them from being simultaneously obstructed, covered, or otherwise blocked.

Abstract: A method for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications.

Abstract: A mixture of liquefied carbon dioxide (above about 20 percent) and methanol (less than about 80 percent) is injected into an oil and gas well to fracture the oil bearing formation at suitable pressures. In a second and other following stages, a proppant mixed with a polymer is injected to prop open the fracture. Thereafter the oil and gas is again extracted.

Abstract: The invention provides a proppant for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, wherein a typical specimen of the proppant has a non-globular and non-fibrous shape. The invention also provides a method for stimulating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of forming the treatment fluid and introducing the treatment fluid through the wellbore and into the subterranean formation at a sufficient pressure to fracture the formation.

Abstract: A method for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications.

Abstract: A junk removal tool (10) for use in a well bore. The tool includes a multi-faceted face (42) of tungsten carbide to break up large pieces of junk. The junk is then captured in the tool via large area inlet ports (40) and collected in a trap.(31). In one embodiment, valves (41) are placed at the inlet ports to prevent the out-flow of captured junk. A further embodiment includes a throat portion (52) to jet junk laden fluid into the tool.

Abstract: A system for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. A plurality of heaters are located in the formation. The heaters include at least partially horizontal heating sections at least partially in a hydrocarbon layer of the formation. The heating sections are at least partially arranged in a pattern in the hydrocarbon layer. The heaters are configured to provide heat to the hydrocarbon layer. The provided heat creates a plurality of drainage paths for mobilized fluids. At least two of the drainage paths converge. A production well is located to collect and produce mobilized fluids from at least one of the converged drainage paths in the hydrocarbon layer.

Abstract: A method for producing one or more crude products is disclosed. Formation fluid is produced from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a gas stream. At least a portion of the liquid stream is provided to a nanofiltration system to produce a retentate and a permeate. The retentate includes clogging compositions. The permeate is processed in one or more of processing units downstream of the nanofiltration system to form one or more crude products.

Abstract: A subsea well assembly has a string of casing with perforations leading to a producing zone and perforations leading to an injection zone. A string of production tubing extends into the casing in communication with the producing formation. A barrier separates the interior of the tubing from the injection zone formation. A subsea Christmas tree is located at the upper end of the well. A subsea separator is connected to a production outlet of the tree for separating waste fluid from the well fluid. A subsea injection pump pumps waste fluid from the separator back to the tree and into the injection formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to pumping engineering. The inventive device comprises a ring which is provided with a sealing unit and arranged on a casing string and a smooth pipe column. The pump body is provided with a channel for supplying an active medium, a channel for supplying an active medium pumped out of the well and a stepped through channel which is embodied in such a way that it is possible to mount therein a blocking insert which closes the active medium supply channel or a depression insert whose mounting cuts off the cross section of the pipe column. A logging device is arranged on the lower end of the pipe column, a sealing unit is put on said pipe column between said logging device and the jet pump in such a way that it is axially offsetable with respect to the pipe column, the lower section of the pipe column above the logging device is embodied in such a way that is perforated.

Abstract: A self-lubricating expansion mandrel includes a system for lubricating the interface between the self-lubricating expansion mandrel and a tubular member during the radial expansion of the tubular member.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector system which includes transport trailer components for separate transfer to and from a drilling site. Each component is taken to the site with its own transport tractor, a first component including a coil storage reel and a second component including a tubing injector carried on a mast which is raised from a horizontal transport position, through a stabbing and unstabbing position to a raised working position. When the components are arranged together in an end-to-end with the mast in a stabbing position, a tube gripping member is positioned between the storage reel and tubing injector for controlling the handling of a free end of the stored tubing for stabbing and unstabbing of the tubing injector.

Abstract: A lateral exit in a casing is formed by starting with a shaped charge to produce a semi-circular cut of about 180 degrees in the casing. A spreader tool pushes in opposed directions at opposed ends of the cut making some of the casing wall at the cut curl inwardly. A wedge shaped tool is advanced behind the curled metal to force it to collapse on itself to create a long tapered ramp that act as would a whipstock. A one trip operation is contemplated. The drill is then guided by the doubled and tapered casing wall right into the formation without having to mill a window in the casing wall.

Abstract: A system for use in a well includes plural flow control devices to control fluid flow in respective zones of the well, where each of at least some of the flow control devices includes a membrane having a permeable material to provide a flow restriction. The membranes of the at least some flow control devices have different permeabilities to provide corresponding different flow restrictions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include an aerator that provides a shifting means adapted to alter the path of the aeration tines so that they do not impact the ground surface, the shifting being effected without lifting the entire aerator from the ground surface.

Abstract: A hand held garden tool for at least one of cultivating, tilling, weeding, aerating and fertilizing gardens and other landscaped areas. The hand held garden tool comprises a housing member having a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. The housing member having a handle member disposed therein. There is a first rotatable shaft engageable with a first portion of the housing member and a plurality of tines having a predetermined length and disposed on such first rotatable shaft for cultivating, tilling, weeding, aerating and fertilizing gardens and other landscaped areas. A motor is disposed in the housing member and connected to the first rotatable shaft for rotating such plurality of tines. A power source is disposed one of on and in a rear portion of the housing member and connected to the motor for providing power to the motor.

Abstract: A stand-up, ride-on articulated work vehicle. The vehicle comprises a base unit, a chassis, and a trencher assembly. The base unit has a platform and a plurality of ground drive members, and provides power and mobility to the work vehicle. The platform extends from a back end of the base unit. The chassis is pivotally connected to a front end of the base unit about a substantially vertical axis. The trenching assembly is operatively connected to the chassis, and adapted to pivot a trenching boom about a substantially horizontal axis relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A method of increasing efficiency and avoiding or reducing potential stall conditions is accomplished by configuring a ripper of a track type tractor responsive to a net force vector acting on the ripper. The net force vector is indicative of the various forces and pressures acting on the ripper, and the values indicative of these forces can be sensed. For instance, the force and value indicative of the force magnitude can be sensed by monitoring driveline torque, whereas the force vector angle can be derived from ripper tilt and lift actuator pressures. The ripper is configured responsive to the force vector magnitude and direction either via a control algorithm, or by inputs generated by an operator.

Abstract: A power impact tool includes a main body accommodating a chuck at a front end portion thereof; a clutch handle for setting a torque applied to the chuck; a grip including a base portion; a free end portion; and a reinforcing connecting portion connected to the front end portion of the main body at the back of the clutch handle and to the free end portion of the grip. The reinforcing connecting portion is disposed in front of the grip; and a part protruded most forward among the reinforcing connecting portion is located directly in front of the trigger switch disposed at the base portion of the grip. A part of the reinforcing connecting portion disposed behind the clutch handle retreats backward toward the free end portion of the grip.

Abstract: A power impact tool adapter, for use in installing a bit to be used in a striking-motion-deactivated mode to a power impact tool, includes an SDS type shank portion to be held by a chuck; closed grooves to be mated with sprung balls to prevent the release of the bit; and slide grooves to be slidably mated with wedges applying a rotational force to the bit. An axial length of each slide groove is shorter than that of a slide groove of a standard SDS shank such that the end of the shank portion is prevented from contacting a striking member of the power impact tool which applies a striking force to the bit.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool is operable with a single hand. The pneumatic tool includes a shell defining a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber includes intake and outlet apertures in communication with the first chamber. A cylinder is in the first chamber. A controller is movable in the second chamber between a first position and a second position. The controller includes a first groove and a second groove. In the first position, the first groove communicates with the intake aperture for directing pressurized air to drive the cylinder in a first direction. In the second position, the second groove communicates with the intake aperture for directing pressurized air to drive the cylinder in a second direction. A cover seals the first chamber and the second chamber. The cover defines an opening through which the controller extends from the second chamber so that the controller can be moved.

Abstract: An insulator arrangement for supporting a conductor with an enclosure has an insulator fixedly connected at one end with the conductor. The insulator has another end portion mounted to a first shock absorber. The first shock absorber is further mounted with an access cover to permit displacement of the conductor and the insulator relative to the access cover. The insulator arrangement has second shock absorbers mounting the access cover to the enclosure permitting relative displacement between the access cover, which supports the insulator and conductor, and the enclosure.

Abstract: A combination electrical box and mounting bracket assembly is provided which includes an electrical box and a mounting bracket attached to the electrical box. The mounting bracket is configured and dimensioned for enabling the mounting bracket to be secured to a truss joist, especially to a floor truss joist, such as a TGI floor I truss joist. The mounting bracket is contoured to resemble the shape of a portion of the floor truss joist at which the mounting bracket is secured to. The combination assembly significantly reduces the force applied to the electrical box by electrical equipment and/or devices connected to wires/cable received by the electrical box as compared to prior art mounting brackets by distributing the force to a larger surface area of the mounting bracket and truss joist.

Abstract: A method of sealing a cable penetration includes assembling a cable seal and inserting the cable seal into a cable penetration. Assembling the cable seal includes adhering at least a portion of a heat-shrinkable tubing to at least a portion of a cable outer jacket, and positioning a secondary elastic seal over the heat-shrinkable tubing. An example of a secondary elastic seal could be O-rings. A cap or other means provides the outer sealing surface.

Abstract: A control cord for connecting an auxiliary device to a portable electronic device is provided. The control cord includes a flexible longitudinal housing and a plurality of electrical conductors extending from one end of the housing to which the auxiliary device will be connected, to an other end of the housing. In addition, the control cord includes a connector affixed to the other end of the housing and configured to connect the plurality of electrical conductors to the portable electronic device to enable operation of the portable electronic device in cooperation with the auxiliary device. The connector includes at least one terminal configured to be received by the portable electronic device, and the at least one terminal provides a control input to the portable electronic device, the control input being derived from physical manipulation of the housing.

Abstract: A shielded flat cable 10 is produced by folding a structure 11 on itself at P, the structure having an upper insulating film 12, a plurality of conducting tracks 14 and a lower insulating film 13. The plurality of conducting tracks 14 include a track 15 to be protected surrounded by at least four shielding tracks 16, 17. The folded shape thus formed is maintained by connection elements 18 of the various shielding tracks 16, 17.

Abstract: A wildlife guard for electrical power equipment including a body constructed to mount onto the equipment. The body has an electrically conductive layer thereon. The electrically conductive layer comprises an electrically insulating material with a conductive filler material in quantity sufficient for the guard to maintain an electrostatic charge. The electrically conductive layer is bonded to the body by over-molding or co-molding techniques. The electrically conductive layer can be continuous or can be discrete segments separated by non-conductive segments. The body can be constructed from a conductive or non-conductive material.

Abstract: A circuit board structure includes a heat radiating layer that is integrally pressed to bond to a copper foil layer or a substrate for a circuit board and then machined to form a plurality of erect fins or a specific three-dimensional surface profile, so as to provide the circuit board structure with increased heat dissipating surface area. When electronic elements mounted on the circuit board structure produce heat during operation thereof, the produced heat is quickly transferred from the copper foil layer to the heat radiating layer. With the fins and the large heat dissipating area provided by the heat radiating layer, heat transferred to the heat radiating layer may be highly efficiently dissipated into air.

Abstract: A wired circuit board and a producing method thereof are provided which can precisely form an insulating layer and reduce transmission loss with a simple layer structure and also features excellent long-term reliability by preventing the occurrence of an ion migration phenomenon between a ground layer and a positioning mark layer, and the insulating layer to improve the adhesion therebetween and the conductivity of a conductor. A metal supporting board is prepared and a first metal thin film is formed on the metal supporting board. A resist is formed in a pattern and a ground layer and a positioning mark layer are formed on the first metal thin film exposed from the resist at the same time. A second metal thin film is formed over the ground layer and the positioning mark layer, then the resist is removed. An insulating base layer is formed on the first metal thin film including the upper surface of the second metal thin film, thereafter, a conductive pattern is formed on the insulating base layer.

Abstract: An electrical bushing (1) for connecting a superconducting device (2) to a device located at room temperature has an electrical conductor (9) and an insulating layer (10) surrounding the conductor (9). The conductor (9) has a plurality of tubular sections (9a, 9b, 9c), which are made from an electrically conductive material and are electrically connected to one another at their ends, and the tubular sections (9a, 9b, 9c) having an identical outer diameter D and inner diameters d which are different from one another.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect has an adhesive layer in which is formed an array of apertures, the apertures being of non-circular shape. An electrical circuit apparatus has a first circuit having at least one electrical contact, a second circuit having at least one electrical contact aligned to the electrical contact of the first circuit, and a standoff structure between the first and second circuits having at least one aperture aligned to one electrical contact of the first and second circuits, the aperture being of a non-circular shape.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having via arrangements for reducing crosstalk is disclosed. The printed circuit board includes a first layer and a second layer. The printed circuit board also includes a first via and a second via, both traveling from the first layer to the second layer. The first via is orthogonal to the second via in a three dimensional space. In addition, the printed circuit board may include a third via traveling from the first layer to the second layer, and the third via is orthogonal to the first and second vias in the three dimensional space.

Abstract: An apparatus is used with an impact hammer penetration assemble such as standard penetration test (SPT) in geotechnical engineering. The impact hammer penetration assembly comprises a penetration sample, a series of rods coupled together and an impact hammer apparatus. The drop of the hammer from a constant height hits the coupled rods and sampler in series and forces the sampler deeper into the ground. The apparatus includes a tip depth transducer and sampler to output a first electrical signal that is a function of the sampler tip position. A shock force transducer communicates the axial shock force in the rod to output a second electrical signal that is a function of the rod shock force and hammer blows. A shock penetration transducer communicates the movement of the coupled rods and sampler to output a third electrical signal that is a function of the sampler penetration due to the hammer blows. A micro-process controller monitors and processes the first, second and third signals in real time.

Abstract: A system for handling drill cuttings conveys cuttings slurry into bulk tanks via a conduit. The bulk tanks have an un-pressurized interior volume that receives the slurry. A conveyance member positioned inside the bulk tank forces the slurry out of a discharge port at the bottom of the bulk tank. Once suitable conveyance member is a screw-type conveyor coupled to a motor that applies a vertical motive force to the slurry. The bulk tanks hold the cuttings slurry until it can be discharged via the discharge port to a transport vessel for processing or disposal. For offshore operations, the system includes a separation unit on the rig that forms the cuttings slurry from fluid returning from the wellbore and a cuttings flow unit that conveys the slurry effluent from the separation unit to the bulk tanks. In one arrangement, a controller and sensors controls the flow of slurry into the bulk tanks.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for generating an abrasive jet. The nozzle unit has a first nozzle connected to a pressurized carrier fluid supply; a mixing chamber in which the first nozzle discharges; and a second nozzle connected to the mixing chamber. An abrasive particle inlet discharges in the mixing chamber. A proportion of the cross sectional area of the first nozzle opening (A1) and the cross sectional area of the second nozzle opening (A2) is in a range of 0.50-1.0.

Abstract: A bit for drilling a hole.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling through earthen formations. In an embodiment, the drill bit comprises a bit body having a bit axis. In addition, the drill bit comprises a first rolling cone cutter mounted on the bit body at a first journal angle and adapted for rotation about a first cone axis. Further, the drill bit comprises a second rolling cone cutter mounted on the bit body at a second journal angle and adapted for rotation about a second cone axis, wherein the second journal angle differs from the first journal angle.

Abstract: A cutting element is provided having a substrate and an ultra hard material cutting layer over the substrate. The cutting layer includes a surface portion for making contact with a material to be cut by the cutting element. The surface portion in cross-section has a curvature that has a varying radius of curvature. A bit incorporating such a cutting element is also provided.

Abstract: Thermally stable polycrystalline constructions comprise a body having a polycrystalline ultra-hard phase and a plurality of empty voids. A population of the voids can be filled with a reaction product. The body is substantially free of a catalyst material. The construction comprises a first support member attached to the body by a first braze material. A second support member is attached to the body and the first support member by a second braze material. The construction may include a third support member attached to the body that is integral or separate from one of the other support members. The braze materials used to attached the support members can be the same or different, as can be the materials used to form the different support members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting structure of a carrier roller that can decrease vibration occurred in an endless track chain assembly because a location of a carrier roller installed on a lower frame can be controlled. According to the present invention, the mounting structure of the carrier roller is a mounting structure of a carrier roller installed on a lower frame for supporting an upper side of an endless track chain assembly. Further, the mounting structure of the carrier roller includes a mounting part installed on the lower frame, a support part coupled to the mounting part so as to enable its location to be controlled, and a carrier roller coupled to the support part for supporting the endless track chain assembly.

Abstract: A motorized towing device comprising a chassis, at least one motor, at least two wheels, a controller, and a quick release attachment mechanism. The controller operates the motor to cause the rotation of the wheels and the movement of the chassis over a surface. The quick release attachment mechanism releaseably secures the chassis to an object desired to be towed or moved while permitting rotational movement of the device relative to the object about a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control apparatus for an article such as a suitcase with motorized wheels and with a handle for pushing or pulling the article by the user. The apparatus has transducers to sense force applied to the handle pushing or pulling the article. The apparatus has control units connected to each transducer for controlling the speed of rotation of each motorized wheel. The control units increase the speed of rotation of the wheels when the handle is pulled, and the control units decrease the speed of rotation of the wheels when the handle is pushed.