Abstract: The pneumatic launching assembly includes a launching body with a front end and a rear end. A first chamber is positioned in the rear end of the launching body for isolating a gas supply. A bolt is positioned in the front end of the launching body for moving a projectile into a launching position. A second chamber is coaxially forward of the first chamber for isolating the gas supply until the bolt is in a fully forward position. A firing plunger is slidably mounted in the launching body and moveable within the bolt and first chamber for regulating gas flow. In operation, the bolt moves forwardly to position the projectile into a launching position, meanwhile, the firing plunger moves rearwardly to release an gas to propel the projectile. The bolt and firing plunger are coaxially moving in opposite directions to minimize any recoil of the pneumatic launching assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a one-piece, self-contained air-heating, slide-in residential fireplace insert system comprising three sections: a control/base section, a front closure system and a tubing system; in particular to a system containing a plurality of individual tubularly confined columns of moving air (under fan pressure) surrounding a heat-radiating source on five sides, (excluding the front closure), where-in the said columns of moving air are heated within the said tubing system by radiation from the said heat-radiating source through the metal walls of the said confined columns of moving air before the said heated air is exited into an attending room.

Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister, the flashlight including an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received within the housing. At least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a device for attachment to tubular connections that serves to ensure the securing of the connection and the avoidance of inadvertent disconnections. Also provided is an endotracheal tube having a releasable locking device component that serves to ensure security of the connection of the endotracheal tube to a breathing system. Also provided is a breathing system having a releasable locking device component that when employed ensures the security of the connection.

Abstract: A pressure driver for a ventilation system comprises a gas source, an inspiration flow control valve and a patient pressure sensor to form a closed loop control system. The inspiration flow control valve may be mounted within a housing and is operative to open and close in response to patient pressure measurements in order to produce a desired pressure at the patient. The pressure driver may further include a mixture control for allowing selective adjustment of the oxygen concentration in pressurized gas delivered to the patient. An oxygen mixer is connected between the gas source and the mixture control and is operative to deliver the desired mixture of oxygen and air to the inspiration flow control valve for delivery to the patient. An oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen concentration in the gas provided by the oxygen mixer.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: In an automatic machine for processing tobacco articles, and having a supporting frame having a vertical front wall, at which are located a number of operating devices located along a production line for processing a succession of articles, an inner first casing is provided which can be opened and covers at least some of the operating devices, and an outer second casing is provided which can be opened, is independent of the inner first casing, and covers at least part of the inner first casing in the form of a shell; the outer second casing has a front panel facing the vertical front wall of the frame and movable, with respect to the frame, between a closed or bottom limit position, in which the front panel contacts the floor supporting the frame and is separated from the inner first casing by a distance defining the depth of a soundproofing air chamber, and an open or top limit position, in which the front panel exposes and permits access to the vertical front wall of the frame and the inner first casing.

Abstract: Cigarettes and cigarette components such as tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, and methods for making cigarette components are provided that comprise nanostructured fibrils. The nanostructured fibrils, which can be formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler and/or cigarette paper by laser vaporization controlled condensation or chemical reaction, are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Cigarettes are provided that comprise tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, wherein nanostructured fibrils are deposited on, or incorporated in, at least one of the tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper.

Abstract: A method and control system for treating a hafnium-based dielectric processing system in which a system component of the processing system is exposed to a chlorine-containing gas. A residual hafnium by-product remaining in the processing system after a hafnium removal process is reacted with a chlorine-containing etchant derived from the chlorine-containing gas. A chlorinated hafnium product is volatilized for exhaustion from the processing system. The control system can utilize a computer readable medium to introduce a chlorine-containing gas to the processing system, to adjust at least one of a temperature and a pressure in the processing system to produce from the chlorine-containing gas a chlorine-containing etchant for dissolution of a residual hafnium by-product remaining in the processing system after a hafnium silicate, hafnium oxide, or hafnium oxynitride removal process, and to exhaust a chlorinated hafnium product from the processing system.

Abstract: An washing machine for washing trays. The machine includes a housing, a frame, a water system, and an air system. The frame is rigidly mounted in the housing and holds the trays to be washed at a tilted angle so that fluids completely drain there from and accordingly facilitate the washing and drying processes. The water system is contained in the housing and supplies water to wash the trays. The air system is contained in the housing and supplies air to dry the trays.

Abstract: An automotive glass washer arrangement includes a washer pump having an outlet in fluid connection with at least one automotive glass washer nozzle. The arrangement comprises a fluid coupling having a female element with a chamber therein. A replaceable filter is disposed in the chamber. The fluid coupling further has a male element connected to the female element wherein the female element is in fluid communication with the washer pump and the male element is in fluid communication with the at least one nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the female element is connected to the washer pump with a first hose and the male element is connected to the washer nozzle with a second hose.

Abstract: A ventilated umbrella includes a foldable frame, upper canopy and lower canopy. An upper and lower stopping rings with certain interval there between are disposed under the upper notched ring of the main shaft while a notched ring for string is slidable between the two stopping rings and a compression spring is between the notched ring for string and the lower stopping ring. A plurality of radial vertical slots with larger inner slots and smaller outer slots are disposed evenly on the notched ring for string so that one end of a plurality of strings is set into the vertical slot and restrained by a ring while the other end is connected to upper circumference of the lower canopy. And the connection point is located under a horizontal line formed by joints between the main ribs and the stretchers. Thereby a plurality of strings is easy to attach on the notched ring for string.

Abstract: A step-up assist device having a base with an extendable and retractable platform, an actuator operably engaged with linkage connected to the platform, the linkage configured to extend and retract the platform upon operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A frame for automatic umbrella style canopy tents and a tent including the frame are disclosed. In the tent frame, the spreaders, which expand or collapse the upper ribs in radial directions, are configured as extendible members, thus reliably locking the tent frame in an expanded state and securely maintaining a pitched state of the tent. In the tent frame of the present invention, each of the spreaders includes a first spreader part coupled to the upper rib and a second spreader part which is coupled to a spreader holder and into which the first spreader part is inserted such that the first spreader part is extendible, with a spring installed in the second spreader part and causing the first spreader part to be extended.

Abstract: An on-board inert gas generating system includes a flow control valve modulated according to changes in ambient conditions to minimize changes to oxygen content within a fuel tank. The quality of the nitrogen-enriched air stream that is provided by the air separation module varies in response to flow. Higher flow rates through the air separation module removes less oxygen relative to lower flow rates. The amount of flow through the air separation module that produces the least amount of oxygen within the fuel tank is determined for an ambient pressure and provided by modulating the flow control valve.

Abstract: A two-way check valve includes a sleeve, a connection head, a valve stem eject-rod, a first valve body, a second valve body, a first pressure adjustment module, a second pressure adjustment module and an intake connector. The sleeve is threaded over the valve stem eject-rod and the intake connector at opposite ends thereof, respectively. The connection head is disposed at the valve stem eject-rod. The sleeve has a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion. A first receiving chamber and a second receiving chamber are respectively defined in the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion. The first receiving chamber receives the second valve body therein. The second valve body is defined with a receiving room therein for receiving the first valve body and the first pressure adjustment module. The second receiving chamber receives the second pressure adjustment module.

Abstract: Improvements in present day fire hydrants are presented. The improvement relates to a fire hydrant where the above ground structure is essentially removed and is replaced with an adaptable connection. The connection uses the same mounting hole pattern as used in the above ground hydrant. In operation, the adaptable connection is protected by a hinged cover that is opened to provide access to the adaptable connection. The adaptable connection includes a bayonet type connection where a portable fire hydrant is secured and rotated to start the flow of water. The adaptable fire connection eliminates the appearance of the fire hydrant, the potential of a vehicle hitting a fire hydrant and the material cost associated with above ground fire hydrants.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes flexible coupling between a handle and a valve stem which allows the components of the assembly on one side of a wall to be angularly misaligned with the components on the opposing side. Because the components adjacent to the room side of the wall can be mounted perpendicular to the wall, a decorative escutcheon can be mounted flush against the mounting wall when the wall or the valve is out of plumb.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve with lockout for controlling the flow of a fluid includes a housing, a fluid flow passage extending through the housing between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a valve movable along an axis to open and close the flow passage. A pneumatic actuator is operable to move the valve to open and close the flow passage. A manual lockout device is actuable to selectively enable and disable the valve. The device includes a locking member movable to prevent actuation of the lockout device when the valve is disabled. A fitting on the housing to convey a pressurized gas to the pneumatic actuator is mounted to swivel about the housing for connection to an air source on any radial within 360°. The valve is compact, simple to connect in a system and safe.

Abstract: A system to prevent an excess flow of water to a toilet tank in the event of a failure of a primary flow control assembly including a novel secondary shut-off valve which is automatically disposed into an initialized configuration upon completion of a normal flush cycle, but which is disposed into a closed configuration in the event of a failed flush cycle.

Abstract: A metallic ball has a sliding sleeve, a shell, at least one magnet and a mounting bracket. The sliding sleeve has an open upper end, an open lower end and an outer surface. The shell is spherical, is mounted securely around the sliding sleeve between the open upper end and the open lower end of the sliding sleeve and has a reinforcing disk mounted around the outer surface of the sliding sleeve and has a top surface and may have a protruding portion. The magnet is on the top surface of the reinforcing disk. The mounting bracket is mounted around the sliding sleeve and on the top surface of the reinforcing disk to cover the magnet and has a wall extending toward and engaging the reinforcing disk and completely covering the magnet to effectively avoid the magnet being broken or damaged.

Abstract: Fluid sensing shut-off devices with timer and methods of operation to shut off fluid flow if a primary shutoff valve sticks in the on condition. An embodiment is disclosed using a microphone to sense fluid flow, with a microprocessor periodically awakening from a sleep mode to power the sensor and determine if there is flow. If there is flow, the microprocessor times flow, and if flow is not shut off within a predetermined length of time, the microprocessor shuts off the valve. The valve itself normally held in a magnetically latched, valve open state, but may be unlatched by a current pulse to close the valve. Various embodiments and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing that defines a fluid inlet and three outlets. A cartridge defining a fluid chamber includes an inlet boss that is inserted within an inlet port. The cartridge includes outlet seats engagable with any one or a combination of two outlet ports. Rotation of the cartridge selectively engages the outlet seats with any one or combination of two outlet ports. A cap retains the cartridge within the bore and is moveable between a first position that holds the cartridge in fluid communication with the inlet port to direct the fluid to specific designated outlet ports and a second position where the cartridge is free from the inlet port and allows fluid flow between the inlet port and all of the outlet ports independent of the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Devices and methods for evenly distributing sludge, including manure and industrial sludge, to numerous hoses, over a large range of sludge supply pressures. Some devices include a housing having an inlet for receiving sludge under pressure and several outlets disposed outwardly through the housing cylindrical wall for coupling to hoses. The devices can include a rotating plate within the housing sweeping one or more baffles over the outlets to momentarily occlude the outlets and reduce flow through the occluded outlets. The baffles can include a first portion secured to the plate and a second portion removably secured to the first portion and/or the plate. Changing the total length of the baffles can change the affective cross-sectional area of the outlets available for flow at any instant in time.

Abstract: A non-return device (10) comprises a flat silicone rubber tubing (50) defining a pair of walls (70, 90) which separate to admit fluid in a forward direction but remain together to block fluid flow in a reverse direction. A tubular body (30) surrounds the tubing (50) and comprises an off-set outlet (34) to provide an uninterrupted fluid flow surface for use in a non-vertical orientation. The tubing (50) is mounted on a cartridge (130) which moves axially within the tubular body and compresses the tubing against the tubular body to effect a seal when the device is mounted on an outlet. The tubing (50) provides good operational characteristics and sensitivity as a consequence of having a wall thickness which is 0.3% to 3% of its width.

Abstract: A device for slowing down and disintegrating a plug of liquid plunging forward in a duct includes a container having a bottom and an opposite inlet, which is connectable to the duct and through which the plug of liquid can be directed into a central, axial trajectory in the container. Inside the container is an inner tube, open towards the bottom, which separates an inner hollow space from an outer, cross-section-wise ring-shaped hollow space, a distributor body being arranged in the trajectory of the entering plug of liquid for splitting and disintegrating the plug of liquid as well as throwing out the disintegrated constituent parts of liquid in the direction outwards from the center. The bottom includes a concavely curved guide surface for diverting the liquid from one of the hollow spaces to the other to reverse the direction of motion of the liquid. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ventilation tubing comprising, from the inside to the outside, a bush (1), an insulating layer (2) and a cover sheet (3). Said ventilation tubing is characterized in that the insulating layer is a quartz fiber wool of which the specific surface weight illustratively is between 65 and 140 g/m2. The bush (1) and/or the cover sheet (3) may be a plastic sheet exhibiting a weave of interlacing filaments. In particular the present invention applies to aircraft ventilation circuit tubings.

Abstract: The invention concerns a frame comprising two posts (4, 4?) and two cross-members (6, 6?), a catching member (8, 8?) adapted to receive one corresponding end of at least one heald (10), and damping means (12, 12?) against which at least one end of the heald is urged to be pressed. At least when the frame is stationary, the heald being substantially rectilinear, when one first end of the or each heald (10) is pressed, either on a first catching member (8) at the traction zone (S1) thereof, or on a first damping means (12) at the compression zone (C1) thereof, the other end of the or each heald (10) is pressed, either on other damping means (12?) at the compression zone (C?1) thereof, or on another catching member (8?) at the traction zone (S?1) thereof.

Abstract: A fueling and associated vapor recovery system maintains the same, or lower, vacuum level in the vapor hose during ORVR vehicle refueling as that seen during a non-ORVR refueling. A valve assembly is made as either a part of the end of the vapor recovery hose assembly, a separate unit that is placed between the hose assembly and the nozzle, or incorporated directly into the nozzle. The valve assembly is biased to one position by a spring to which is attached a sliding valve member. The force of the spring is sufficient to keep the valve member in the original position when refueling non-ORVR vehicles so that the vapor hose is unobstructed and an air bleed hole is closed. When refueling an ORVR vehicle, the elevated vacuum level moves the valve member to a second position which blocks off the vapor hose from the vacuum pump and opens up the vapor hose to the air bleed hole.

Abstract: A system for filling a vented tank without spilling is disclosed. A fuel or similar liquid tank typically includes a filling tube and a vent tube secured thereto. A vent hole and the vent tube of the tank are in fluid communication with each other. A tube is in fluid communication with the vent hole for transporting any liquid located within the vent tube to a remote location. A vacuum source is connected to the tube. The vacuum source is adapted to draw the liquid through the tube and into a receptacle attached to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A power tool and accessories therefor including a variable speed motor for a mortiser, an integrated chisel positioning tool for positioning a chisel in a desired position, and an integrated tool sharpening device mounted directly on the power tool to permit ease and efficiency in the sharpening of tools. Additionally, an improved clamping arrangement is provided that permits firm clamping of a work piece without slippage. Greater flexibility in the hold down may be achieved by using arms for the hold down that are both rotatable about and can be translated along respective horizontal axes.

Abstract: A handbag or hand-carried container formed with successive tiers of a spiraled compound tape having attachment means on each side edge of the tape. The spiraled tape is adapted for securely fastening successive tiers of the spiraled tape together to form a hand carried container. The compound tape is configured to repeatedly form and disassemble a handbag of a specific size and shape and to provide a protective lining within the fully formed handbag or container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tire wheel assembly allowed to enhance working efficiency in rim assembling without destabilizing mounting of a run-flat support member, and furthermore, allowed to realize noise reduction by improving a vibration characteristic during normal traveling. The tire wheel assembly is one where, while a pneumatic tire is fitted to a rim of a wheel, inserted into a cavity portion of the pneumatic tire is a run-flat support member formed of a pair of elastic rings fitted to the rim; and an annular shell straddling between the elastic rings. In the tire wheel assembly, inner diameters of the pair of elastic rings are made different from each other to make an inner diameter of one elastic ring fitted to the rim in a back side of the wheel smaller than an inner diameter of the other elastic ring fitted to the rim in a front side of the wheel.

Abstract: A tire having an outside-in ply construction is provided which torques the tire bead into the rim of the wheel to which it is mounted. The tire has first and second axially-spaced bead cores, a carcass having at least one belt extending under a tread, and a first ply layer having first and second ends. A first end is located axially outside and adjacent a first bead core, and a second end folds from a position axially outside a second bead core to a position axially inside and around the second bead core. The carcass further comprises a second ply layer having first and second ends, a first end is located axially outside and adjacent the second bead core, and a second end that folds from a position axially outside a first bead core to a position axially inside and around the first bead core.

Abstract: A manual device, for use in tire changing without power equipment, provides a frame with two gripping wheels that engage the rim of a wheel. The frame adjusts in a direction along a radius of a wheel. The adjustable frame allows the present invention to grip wheels of various diameters in a dogging pattern on a stand or rack. The wheels are non-marring and have a perimeter groove that allows a rim to partially seat within the wheel for a firm grip of the frame in a clamping action with other frames of the present invention. Three of the present invention, operated simultaneously, secure a rim of a wheel to a stand or rack without marring the wheel.

Abstract: A unique window blind system has two triangular panels. Each panel has a plurality of foldable sections bundled together at one fixed end and the remainder portion are unfoldable to cover a diagonally opposite triangular half portion of the window opening. The panels are mounted in the window frame in an inverted manner relative to one another with the fixed end adjacent to diagonally opposite corners of the window frame. Pull cords are provided for folding the sections in a fanfold manner to obtain selectively an opening covering partially or completely the window opening. Additional pull cords are provided for unfolding the sections of the two panels to cover selectively the window opening partially or completely from the opened state.

Abstract: The present invention is a garage door shade assembly to be used in conjunction with an overhead, garage door that moves on tracks from open to closed position. The shade is frameless and it upper edge is affixed to the lowest edge of the garage door. When the shade is retracted, the lower edge of the shade is removable secured to an upper boundary of the lowest garage door panel. When the shade is extended, that lower edge is released from its association with the upper boundary of the lowest garage door panel, and the door is raised the desired level. Finally, the lower edge of the shade can be secured in its vertical position by associating it with the tracks of the door.

Abstract: A parking area entrance or exit barrier includes a control system which receives inputs from various accessories associated with the operation of the barrier, and which provides control signals to the various accessories of the barrier. One of the accessories includes a sensor attached to the barrier. The sensor senses an accident event, such as contact between the barrier and a vehicle. Whenever an accident event is sensed, the control system creates an accident event log of information concerning the accident event. The accident event log may include video images of the barrier, a position of the barrier, a movement direction and speed of the barrier, and an approximated speed of the vehicle. The control system may also monitor a performance of the various accessories of the barrier and create a performance log relating to any malfunction of the accessories.

Abstract: A Kabuki device to positionally maintain and release a stage setting responsive to electric current from a power source. A box-like body, defining a medial chamber with a slot communicating therewith, carries a solenoid in the chamber. A movable solenoid arm communicates with a spring biased lever arm that pivots on an offset axle to provide mechanical advantage to one end of the solenoid arm. One metal ring interconnected to the stage setting is inserted through the slot and is positionally maintained by a ring support pin carried by the pivoting lever arm. A finger hole defined in one end of the body allows manual manipulation of the lever arm for resetting. Jumper cables having plural electrical leads allow a plurality of devices to be interconnected in series in multiple predetermined groupings.

Abstract: A metal matrix nanocomposite is formed by heating a metal above its liquidus temperature, adding nanoparticles, and then agitating the mixture with high-frequency (and preferably ultrasonic) vibration. The mixture can then be cooled below the liquidus of the metal to a semisolid state, and placed in a mold to form it into some desired shape. The formed mixture can then be quenched or otherwise allowed to cool to provide an article in finished (or nearly so) form.

Abstract: A casting shakeout apparatus comprises: a first unit for vibrating a supporting member on which a casting is placed and a second unit for applying impact or vibration to the casting, wherein the second unit can move between two positions, one of which is an evacuation position for allowing the casting to be loaded and unloaded and a work position for applying impact or vibration.

Abstract: A heat dissipation element for cooling an electronic device is disclosed. The heat dissipation element has a top surface and a bottom surface for mounting the electronic device to be cooled thereto. The top surface defines a heat dissipation area for dissipating heat from the electronic device and a plurality of heat transfer fins project upwardly from the top surface and are coextensive with the heat dissipation area. Each of the heat transfer fins defines a plurality of steps having a rise and a run and each of the steps extend across the heat dissipation area for maximizing an amount of heat dissipated from the electronic device. The heat dissipation element is particularly useful in either one of a cold plate assembly used with a liquid cooled unit (LCU) or a boiler plate assembly used with a thermosiphon cooling unit (TCU).

Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a heat spreader (100), a fin assembly (300) located above the heat spreader and a heat pipe (400). The heat spreader has a bottom (110) for contacting a heat-generating component (500) and an upper surface (120) with a groove (122) defined therein. The fin assembly includes a plurality of horizontal fins stacked on each other. The heat pipe includes a first section (410) accommodated in the groove of the heat spreader, a pair of first legs (422) extending from opposite ends of the first section, respectively, and away from the heat spreader, and a second leg (424) bent from each of the first legs towards the heat spreader. The first and second legs pass through the horizontal fins and are fixed to and thermally connected with the horizontal fins.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a first array of fins defining a plurality of first channels therebetween, a second array of fins disposed at opposite sides of the first array of fins, and a plurality of grooves extending through the first array of fins and the second array of fins. The second array of fins defines a plurality of second channels therebetween. The grooves are intersected with the first channels and the second channels. A bottom extremity of each groove has a curved shape facing upwardly and laterally. A portion of an airflow generated by a fan mounted on a top of the heat sink flows laterally and downwardly through the grooves to leave the heat sink.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the temperature and aromatically conditioning the air and surfaces within a bed environment. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a self-contained, forced air bed warmer or bed warmer/cooler and aromatic infuser which pre-heats, pre-cools and infuses aromatic influences into the interior sheets and covers of a bed to provide a controlled micro-environment that facilitates relaxation into restful sleep on cold or hot nights.

Abstract: An arrangement, for heat dissipation from a component that is to be cooled, features: a pump for pumping a coolant, which pump comprises a pump rotor; a fan that comprises a fan rotor associated with which is an electric motor to drive it, the pump rotor and the fan rotor being separated from one another in fluid-tight fashion and drivingly connected to one another via a magnetic coupling. A corresponding method for heat dissipation from a component that is to be cooled, uses a fan having a fan rotor and a drive motor, a pump having a pump rotor, a coolant that is pumpable by means of the pump, to perform the steps of A) imparting a rotational motion to the fan rotor by means of the drive motor; B) imparting a rotational motion to the pump rotor via the magnetic coupling; and C) causing the coolant to flow by the rotational motion of the pump.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation. The method includes applying electrical current to one or more electrical conductors located in an opening in the formation to provide an electrically resistive heat output. The heat is allowed to transfer from the electrical conductors to a part of the formation containing hydrocarbons so that a viscosity of fluids in the part and at or near the opening in the formation is reduced. Gas is provided at one or more locations in the opening such that the fluids are lifted in the opening towards the surface of the formation. The fluids are produced through the opening.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein involve apparatuses for actuating a downhole tool. In one implementation, the apparatus may include a pressure sensor for receiving one or more pressure pulses and an electronics module in communication with the pressure sensor. The electronics module may be configured to determine whether the pressure pulses are indicative of a command to actuate the downhole tool. The apparatus may further include a motor in communication with the electronics module. The motor may be configured to provide a rotational motion. The apparatus may further include a coupling mechanism coupled to the motor. The coupling mechanism may be configured to translate the rotational motion to a linear motion. The apparatus may further include a valve system coupled to the coupling mechanism. The valve system may be configured to actuate the downhole tool when the valve system is in an open phase.

Abstract: An improved valve for sealing a wellbore and method of use, in particular for prevention of well blow outs. In one embodiment, the apparatus is designed to seal a well through rotation of rams. The rams may be actuated to seal the well without having to work against full well pressure as fluid volumes in the apparatus housing, which also contains the rams, are preserved. This functionality allows the apparatus to be constructed with smaller dimensions than existing prior art blow out prevention valves aiding handling and manoeuvrability. The improved valve according to one embodiment also has a mechanism that guides a wireline or a pipeline being run in the wellbore to the centre of the bore and allows a seal to be formed around the wireline or pipeline.