Abstract: A casing vent security device includes an in-line section in communication with a casing vent, the in-line section having an ambient air passageway for selectively allowing ambient air to pass through the in-line section and into the vent. The device further includes a plurality of sensors disposed within the in-line section for monitoring the ambient air passing through the in-line section. The device still further includes at least one mechanism for selectively occluding the passage of ambient air into the vent upon receiving a signal from the sensors. The device provides information on the plurality of sensors and the vent.

Abstract: An integral bodied composite packer is constructed entirely of a composite material. It can include an expandable middle portion with an elastomeric cover to engage an exterior surface of a well bore. The expandable portion can include continuous strands of polymeric fibers to reinforce the body and prevent extrusion. The packer body can have longitudinal cuts or slats to provide rigidity of the body after expansion. The slats can overlap. The packer can include an elastomeric cover or layer therein to engage the well bore. The expandable portion can include a reinforcement member in a laminar portion of the body made from high strength alloys, fiber-reinforced polymers and/or elastomers, nanofiber, nanoparticle, and nanotube reinforced polymers and/or elastomers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating integrated circuits at temperatures higher than expected ambient temperatures. The heating may be of entire circuit boards, portions of the circuit boards (such as the components within a multiple-chip module) and/or single devices. Methods and related systems may be used in any high temperature environment such as downhole logging tools, and the devices so heated are preferably of silicon on insulator semiconductor technology.

Abstract: A method for testing petroleum or water wells. A tool is secured to a tubing and run into the well and to the reservoir zone to be explored. An upper and a lower seal isolate the reservoir zone. A piston is run into the tubing and pumped down to the tool. When sampling is to take place, a valve is opened and the reservoir fluid, together with drilling fluid filling the well, is allowed to enter the tool while displacing the piston. At the same time, measuring is carried out to identify a tracer added to the drilling fluid. When the tracer no longer can be traced, the drilling fluid contaminated reservoir fluid is displaced out of the tool by the piston and clean reservoir fluid is allowed to enter the tool. The invention also relates to an apparatus for practising the method.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon bearing formation having an extraction chamber where the extraction chamber has an extraction surface. The process has the steps of heating a solvent, such as propane, and then placing the solvent into the extraction chamber at a temperature and a pressure sufficient for the solvent to be in a vapor state in the chamber and to condense on the extraction surface. The next step is to produce a liquid blend of solvent and heavy oil and then to separate the solvent from said heavy oil. Then the solvent is purified, before being re-injected into the formation again. The purification step removes less condensable fractions from the solvent to ensure a purity that is high enough to support continued heat transfer at extraction conditions. The pressure and temperature are set to levels to cause less condensable fractions to drain away with the liquid bitumen and solvent blend that is produced, thus mitigating heat transfer poisoning.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a slurry through a shunt flow path and operating a control device to isolate slurry from being communicated to an ancillary flow path. The system may include a shunt tube and a diverter. The shunt tube is adapted to communicate a slurry flow within the well to form a gravel pack. The diverter is located in a passageway of the shunt tube to divert at least part of the flow. A slurry may be communicated through the shunt flow path, and a control device may be operated to isolate the slurry from being communicated to the ancillary flow path.

Abstract: A settable and unsettable seal arrangement includes a metal-to-metal seal element; a setting/releasing sleeve in operable communication with the seal element; a retraction ring fixedly attached to the setting/releasing sleeve; a load preservation and unsetting sleeve fixedly attached to the seal element; and a resilient member operably disposed between the setting/releasing sleeve and the load preservation and unsetting sleeve and method for setting and unsetting.

Abstract: A method of remediation of a well is provided utilizing a cement and cement activator plugging composition, in which one of the components is first placed in the well at the desired remediation depth. Next, the other component is placed in the well above the first placed component. Densities of the components have been selected such that the density of the second placed component is sufficiently higher then the density of the first placed component to facilitate gravity mixing of the two components as the second placed component moves through the first placed component and in the process activation occurs.

Abstract: The prevention of latex inversion in saltwater cement compositions for use in subterranean formations by inclusion of a combination of latex stabilizers and associated methods of cementing. Saltwater cement compositions comprising saltwater, a cement, a latex, a first latex stabilizer comprising a surfactant having the formula: R—O—(OCH2CH2)mXM wherein R is an alkyl group having in the range of from about 10 carbons to about 20 carbons, m is an integer in the range of from about 10 to about 40, X is OSO3 or SO3, and M is a compatible cation, and a second latex stabilizer comprising an alcohol ether sulfate having the formula: R1—O—(OCH2CH2)nOSO3M wherein R1 is an alkyl group having in the range of from about 4 carbons to about 12 carbons, n is an integer in the range of from about 1 to about 10, and M is a compatible cation.

Abstract: Novel uses of reactive surfactants in treating subterranean formations and/or proppant particulates are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a reactive surfactant; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the reactive surfactant to interact with a surface in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A down hole heating system for use with oil and gas wells which exhibit less than optimally achievable flow rates because of high oil viscosity and/or blockage by paraffin (or similar meltable petroleum byproducts). The heating unit the present invention includes shielding to prevent physical damage and shortages to electrical connections within the heating unit while down hole (a previously unrecognized source of system failures in prior art systems). The over-all heating system also includes heat retaining components to focus and contain heat in the production zone to promote flow to, and not just within, the production tubing.

Abstract: Flow control apparatus, for placement in a downhole location in the tubing string of a well. The apparatus comprises a valve element and a lock element. Application and removal of annulus pressure (on the annulus between the tubing and the casing) permits the apparatus to be cycled between a sensitive-to-flow mode, in which it opens to permit fluids to be injected down the tubing into a subsurface formation, but closes to prevent fluid backflow from the subsurface formation into the tubing; and an insensitive-to-flow mode, in which the apparatus is open to permit unimpeded fluid flow in either direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a tool for use in a wellbore is provided. The seal is configured to be disposed in a tool comprising a ported sliding sleeve and a ported housing. The tool may be actuable between a closed and an open position. The seal is configured so that one side of the seal acts as a flow restrictor to protect the other side of the seal from damage during actuation of the tool under pressurized conditions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for flowing a subsea well. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a multi-phase medium from a subsea tree 18 to a removable separator package 10; separating the multi-phase flow into one or more phases at the desired pressures, the pressures being controlled by one or more pressure control devices 51, 67, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 on one or more outlets from the separator package 10; and analysing each of the one or more phases to determine the amount and quality of products produced by the well.

Abstract: A well production system has a string of production tubing with a junction having two legs. A first leg is sealed to the casing by a packer located above well perforations. A submersible pump assembly is secured to a second leg, the pump having an intake in the tubing annulus surrounding the first leg. A gas lift valve is secured to the tubing. A port in the first leg allows well fluid to flow out of the first leg to the intake while in the pumping mode. In the pumping mode, a barrier is placed in the first leg above the port and the port opened to cause well fluid to the pump intake. In the gas lift mode, the port is closed and a barrier is placed between the second leg and the first leg.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member. The apparatus includes a tubular support member, an expansion device coupled to the tubular support member, a tubular expansion launcher that receives and mates with the expansion device, an expandable tubular member coupled to an end of the tubular expansion launcher; and one or more cup seals coupled to the tubular support member.

Abstract: An hydraulic latch for selectively securing and, when necessary, automatically releasing capillary tubing suspended in a well bore in a manner affording clearance of a subsurface safety valve through which the suspended capillary tubing is suspended prior to release.

Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.

Abstract: In the system or method for sprinklering a building, the building has a water delivery pipe for delivery of water to at least two different floors of the building. On at least two floors, a respective sprinkler pipe with a plurality of sprinklers is installed. Also a respective pump is installed whose outlet is connected to the respective sprinkler pipe, and whose inlet is connected to the water delivery pipe. A respective sensor for the respective pump automatically activates the pump when at least one of the sprinklers is activated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for downhole processing of measurements made in a wellbore during the construction of the wellbore. The system includes a sensors located downhole adapted to measure a two downhole parameters. The system uses a downhole processor to calculate a statistical relationship, preferably covariance, between the two downhole parameters. A transmitter located downhole and in communication with the downhole processor is used to transmit the calculated statistical relationship to the surface. At the surface the statistical relationship is compared with surface acquired data and surface drilling operating parameters are altered based on the statistical relationship.

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 cutting device for sinking a cut hole in the ground, having a support on which are mounted in rotary manner about in each case one cutting wheel rotation axis at least two cutting wheels, at least one cutting wheel drive mechanism for the rotary driving of the cutting wheels on the support and a drive mechanism for the rotary driving of the support together with the cutting wheels about a support rotation axis directed roughly parallel to the sinking direction. A method for producing a cut hole in the ground using the cutting device.

Abstract: A system and method for lifting and translating extended length objects includes a power roller assembly attached to an extendable mast. When a roller on the power roller assembly contacts the outer surface of the extended length object, extension or retraction of the extendable mast enables lifting or lowering of the end of the extended length object. Rotation of the roller on the power roller assembly translates the position of the extended length object in a direction parallel to the long axis of the extended length object.

Abstract: Improved cutter design as well as an improved design for downhole cutters, such as mandrel cutters and rotary cutter mills. A cutter is described with a rectangular, rounded “lozenge” shape. The cutter presents a cross-sectional cutting area having a pair of curvilinear end sections and an elongated central section. Preferably, the overall length of the cutter is 1.5 times the width. The cutter may also include a raised cutter edge for chip breaking during cutting.

Abstract: A traveling apparatus suitable for use in a two-wheeled traveling vehicle on which a man rides, and a method for controlling thereof, are provided. An abrupt turn, which can make a rider fall down, is prevented, and stable traveling is obtained without fail. Specifically, the apparatus and method efficiently charge regenerative energy that is generated when decelerating or traveling on a downward slope. The apparatus and method include motors for driving a plurality of wheels independently, a chassis for connecting the plurality of wheels, in which sensors for detecting a shift of barycenter of a rider are provided, and a controller for restricting a rotational velocity of each of the plurality of wheels to a predetermined limited value, wherein turning is performed in accordance with the shift of a barycentric position.

Abstract: A wheeled platform 100 is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility and reliability, and which can be used in a wide range of applications including transport and robotic devices. The wheeled platform 100 has fore and aft body portions 130, 132, each body portion 130, 132 having first and second sides 106, 108. Overlapping wheels 112, 114, 116, 118 are rotatably attached to the first side 106 and overlapping wheels 120, 122, 124, 126 are rotatably attached to the second side 108. The fore body portion 130 can be connected to the aft body portion 132 via an articulation element 133.

Abstract: A suspension module with a suspension component, wheel hubs coupled to the suspension component, and a drive system. The drive system has a pair of units that selectively provide drive torque to an associated one of the wheel hubs. Each unit includes a motor, a first reduction gearset and an overrunning clutch. The first reduction gearset is disposed between the motor and its wheel hub and multiplies torque output from the motor. The clutch disconnects the motor from the associated wheel hub so that an output shaft of the motor is not drivingly coupled to the associated wheel hub when a rotational speed of the first portion does not exceed a rotational speed of the second portion. The clutch can be selectively operated to drivingly couple the motor to its wheel hub to permit the motor to be back-driven. A method for operating a hybrid power train is also provided.

Abstract: A second electric motor is arranged on a first axis on which an output shaft of the engine is arranged, a transmission is arranged on a second axis which is parallel with the first axis, and a clutch is arranged on the first axis to selectively connect and disconnect the second electric motor and the transmission to and from the engine. Power on the first axis is transmitted to an input shaft of the transmission via a power transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: The fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell for generating electric power by electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and a hydrogen tank which stores pressurized hydrogen to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell, the fuel cell and the hydrogen tank being arranged at an underfloor region of the vehicle. Based on the detection results in a side G sensor arranged on the side of the fuel cell and a rear G sensor arranged on the side of the hydrogen tank, a side air bag device is made expandable and a cut-off valve and a contactor are operated to cut off.

Abstract: A walk-substituting cart includes a front chassis, and a rear chassis; the front chassis has an upright tube, insulating plates on the rear, and an engaging plate, which is secured behind the upright tube, and has a hole; the rear chassis has an upright rod, insulating plates on the front, and a fixing mechanism positioned on top of the upright rod; the fixing mechanism has a spring-biased fixing rod, which will snap into the hole of the engaging plate when the front and the rear chassis are coupled; each insulating plate has a powerful magnet and contacting terminals secured thereon; when the front and the rear chassis are coupled, each of the magnets will attract the corresponding magnets, and each of the contacting terminals will closely touch the corresponding terminals so as to electrically connect the power supply unit to the actuating motor of the cart.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided which has a CVT drive unit. A housing for the drive unit provides an enclosure for the CVT drive components and defines an air flow path. An inlet port associated with the CVT housing includes a fan assembly which provides a source for filtered ambient air flow into the CVT housing. An outlet port associated with the CVT housing provides an exit for the air flow path and equalizes pressure within the enclosure. The interior of the housing is pressurized with ambient air in order to cool the CVT components therein. The pressurized air also creates an air curtain which prevents moisture and debris from intruding into the housing. Preferably the fan is powered separately from the engine of the utility vehicle to ensure positive air flow into the CVT housing even when the engine is in idle mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a suspension apparatus of a vehicle comprising a base end portion of a swing arm pivotally attached to a vehicle body so as to freely oscillate, and a wheel which is rotatably supported to a leading end portion of the swing arm. A first link is pivotally attached to a portion between the base end portion and the leading end portion of the swing arm. A second link is pivotally attached to a position which is below a pivot point to which the base end portion of the swing arm is pivotally attached in the vehicle body, and the first link and the second link are pivotally attached. One end of a cushion unit is pivotally attached to the vehicle body. Another end of the cushion unit is pivotally attached to one of the first link and the second link, in which the first link or the second link comprises an expandable link. The expandable link is energized in a contracting direction.

Abstract: A motorcycle has an engine mounting structure in which a rear wheel supporting swing arm is vertically swung together with a rear wheel, and in which both sides in the vehicle body width direction of a vehicle body side bracket provided in a vehicle body frame are clamped between a left-right pair of engine-side brackets provided on an engine and the engine is mounted to the vehicle body side bracket through elastic members. The vehicle body frame includes a left-right pair of auxiliary brackets disposed on both sides of the vehicle body side bracket, with an interval therebetween. The left and right engine-side brackets are clamped by the auxiliary brackets. An engine supporting bolt is made to penetrate through the vehicle body side bracket, the left and right engine-side brackets and the left and right auxiliary brackets, whereby the brackets are connected to each other.

Abstract: At the underside of a vehicle body, a fuel tank and an exhaust muffler are disposed alongside of each other along a vehicle body longitudinal direction, with a drive shaft being disposed between the fuel tank and the exhaust muffler. The front and rear of the fuel tank are attached with tank bands to two cross members. The exhaust muffler is attached to the two cross members via rubber supports. Because the exhaust muffler and the fuel tank are attached to common cross members, the noise vibration characteristics of the vehicle body are improved while suppressing an increase in the weight of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A system for mitigating hop in a propelled machine is provided. A controller is operable to receive an aggressiveness command based on an operator input. A sensor is operable to measure a parameter indicative of hop and output a hop signal indicative of a magnitude of machine hop, based on the measurement. A manager is operable to reduce an aggressiveness indicated by the aggressiveness command in proportion to the indicated magnitude of machine hop.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels (14, 16) includes a hydraulic power steering motor (12). A pump (26) is operable to supply hydraulic fluid to the power steering motor (12). A gearset (50) is connected with the engine of the vehicle and the pump (26). The gearset (50) is operable to drive the pump at a first speed during turning of the steerable vehicle wheels (14, 16) at relatively low vehicle speeds. The gearset (50) is operable drive the pump at a second speed during turning of the steerable vehicle wheels at relatively high vehicle speeds. The second speed which is less than the first speed. The gearset is a differential gear mechanism.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a shaft that is rotatably mounted on a frame in a bearing, the shaft being functionally linked with a steered wheel for adjusting the steering angle thereof, and a structure for axially positioning the shaft in the frame. In order to allow for the shaft of the steering system to be free of backlash in an inexpensive and simple manner, the structure for axially positioning the shaft is configured as a pressure pad which is axially supported on the frame and on the bearing sitting on the shaft without play and which retains the bearing on the frame.

Abstract: A power assist steering system including a valve housing and a proportional control valve supported within the valve housing, further includes a pressure transducer arranged with respect to the proportional control valve for determining an amount of actuation of the proportional control valve. A pressure signal is sent from the pressure transducer to a control for determining an amount of current to be sent to an electromagnetic apparatus within the power assist steering system for overcoming a pull force.

Abstract: Acoustic transducers configured with integrated electronics technology are adapted to digitize signal data close to the transducer. The transducers are packaged with a reduced number of elements and sealed for exposure to harsh environments, without oil compensation. A transducer assembly includes a frame, an acoustic transducer element disposed on the frame, and an electronics module disposed on the frame and linked to the acoustic transducer element. The pressure and temperature tolerant electronics module is adapted to process a signal associated with the transducer element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for imparting a precise amount of impulse energy to be delivered to the ground. The apparatus includes an anvil for operative deployment against the earth a hammer operatively connected to the anvil for striking the anvil; and a control system operatively connected to the hammer for controlling the impulse energy of the hammer striking the anvil. The control system includes a linear feedback system for measuring the linear position of the hammer with respect to the anvil during a force stroke and a processor for receiving linear position data from the linear feedback system for controlling the relative speed of the hammer with respect to the anvil during a force stroke through an actuation system.

Abstract: A loudspeaker mounting frame (1) for an electronic appliance has a central opening for receiving a loudspeaker membrane (24), and a plurality of through holes (11) surrounding said central opening for receiving fixing means (25). The through holes (11) are tapered so as to accommodate the fixing means (25) in varying orientations. Spherical bosses (6) surrounding said through holes (11) are formed at a rear side (5) of the mounting frame (1).

Abstract: A motorcycle, having both left and right mufflers, has an exhaust structure which enables an increase in the allowable margin through which the rear wheel is permitted to rise. A main exhaust pipe extends from an engine to one side of a shock absorber disposed on the rear side of the engine. The main exhaust pipe is branched in the vicinity of the shock absorber into a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe. The first branch pipe is connected to a first muffler disposed on the same side as the main exhaust pipe, and the second branch pipe is connected to a second muffler after passing between the shock absorber and a rear wheel to the opposed side of the vehicle body. The second branch pipe does not interfere with the rising motion of the rear wheel, and a sufficient allowable margin is secured for the rear wheel.

Abstract: The present invention includes a power booster pipe suitable for attenuating sound associated with the intake or exhaust of an internal combustion engine and reducing pressure drop associated with movement of gases during operation of the engine. Generally, a diffuser portion is combined with an attenuation portion. One or more tubes of perforated material, such as steel and perforated flutes running the length of the tube increases the surface area of sound attenuating material exposed to combustion gases and the accompanying noise. The perforated flutes and tube can be encircled with sound reducing infill material. A low pressure drop design can be incorporated which includes a gradually increasing diameter tube utilized to route the combustion gases.

Abstract: A resonator and method of designing a resonator including a cavity having an effective length that exceeds ?/8 such that a standing wave having an anti-node will form in the cavity. First and second necks each having first ends are attached to and in fluid communication with the cavity, the first neck being positioned adjacent the anti-node and thereby operable to interfere with said standing wave.

Abstract: The shell main body for a muffler includes an inner shell in a cylindrical shape with a cross-section of an imperfect circle defined by small arc portions alternating with large arc portions; and an outer shell wrapping the inner shell and formed in a cylindrical shape similar to the inner shell. An end portion of the inner shell and an end portion of the outer shell are overlapped in a circumstantial direction of the shell main body to form a shell overlap portion that is capable of discharging vapor in a gap of the large arc portions formed between the inner shell and the outer shell into one of an outside and an inside of the shell main body. This shell overlapping portion is located in one of the small arc portions.

Abstract: A sound absorbing body 40 has a molded body 44 including two unexpanded layers 41, 42 and an expanded layer 43 having a number of voids and held between these unexpanded layers 41, 42, a plurality of holes 41A of a depth that passes through the unexpanded layer 41 and does not reach the other unexpanded layer 42 are formed at any positions on the molded body 44, a cross-sectional area of the hole 41A is in the range from 0.785 to 314 mm2, and the pitch is 1 mm or larger. Laminating a plurality of materials is not required, and both the sound absorbing capability and sound insulating capability can be secured by integral molding, and further, only unpleasant sounds can selectively be absorbed.

Abstract: An acoustical panel comprising a continuous phase of an interlocking set gypsum matrix and a method of preparing an acoustical panel are disclosed.

Abstract: A fall arrest safety anchorage device, which can be mounted to a wide variety of rigid planar substrates by utilizing fasteners which pass through apertures in a mounting plate and into a substrate. Angularly extending from the mounting plate is a first positioning member, which projects away from the mounting area to a predetermined position where a second positioning member is attached. The second positioning member angularly extends from the first positioning member to another predetermined position where a safety equipment receiver is attached. Utilizing angles of varying degree at the points of attachment of the positioning members and varying the lengths of the positioning members, the safety equipment receiver can be positioned virtually anywhere.

Abstract: Ladder configurations and components are provided including an outer rail assembly which is longitudinally adjustable relative to an inner rail assembly. The outer rail assembly may include a pair of spaced apart outer rails each fixedly coupled to an associated sleeve or sliding mechanism. Each sleeve is in turn slidably coupled to an inner rail of the inner rail assembly. The outer rails may be positioned and oriented at an acute angle relative to the inner rails so as to provide an increased base distance between the two outer rails. Support structures are also disclosed which are coupled at multiple locations along a rail member and at least one location of a rung. Additionally, ladder hinges are disclosed including hinge components configured to effectively transmit loads from associated rails. In one embodiment the hinge may include a pinch prevention mechanism.

Abstract: An oil pump drive assembly for an automobile engine includes an oil pump and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is rotatably secured to the oil pump for actuating the oil pump in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The drive shaft extends between a pump end secured to the oil pump and a distal end. A sprocket is secured to the distal end of the drive shaft. A drive gear is secured to the drive shaft between the pump end and the distal end. A driven gear is engaged with the drive gear for rotation of the driven gear in response to rotation of the drive shaft. A balance shaft extends axially from the driven gear for rotation with the driven gear in response to rotation of the drive shaft for dampening vibrations associated with the operation of the automobile engine.