Abstract: The improved snorkel dry top has a fulcrum to which a float member and a diaphragm yoke are attached. The fulcrum has a blocking tab that rests in an aperture in the float member attaching hook when the snorkel is above the surface of the surrounding water. The diaphragm yoke cannot rotate the diaphragm when the blocking tab is in the hook aperture. Therefore, even when tilted, the snorkel remains open allowing free flow of air into the snorkel tube. Another significant improvement is the connection of the float member, diaphragm and yoke to the snorkel top's splashguard mask. This improvement assures that the delicate structures of these components are not exposed to potentially destructive impact forces in the event that the splashguard mask is removed from the snorkel tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering water vapor to a gas is formed from a plurality of hollow fiber membranes each defining a passage for the flow of gas from an upstream end of the passage and enclosed by an enclosure. The hollow fiber membranes have a combined surface area in the range of about 90 square centimeters to about 110 square centimeters. The enclosure contains an air inlet positioned to direct air to the upstream end of each of the passages of the hollow fiber membranes and an air outlet positioned to direct air from the downstream end of each of the passages of the hollow fiber membranes. The enclosure preferably has a water inlet positioned to direct water toward the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes and a water outlet positioned to direct water from the enclosure.

Abstract: An inhalation device for transpulmonary administration comprises: a chamber (16) for containing a pharmaceutical composition which is pulverized into fine particles by an air-generated impact for dispersal in air; an air inlet flow path (2) for introducing to the chamber (16) outside air to apply the air-generated impact to the pharmaceutical composition and for injecting the outside air toward the pharmaceutical composition; an inhalation flow path (1) for inhaling the pulverized pharmaceutical composition; a housing (9) for accommodating the chamber (16), the air inlet flow path (2), and the inhalation flow path (1); a mouthpiece (10) provided at one end of the housing (9), the mouthpiece (9) being provided with a mouth-side flow path (11) which communicates with the inhalation flow path (1), and an auxiliary flow path (12).

Abstract: A process, system and device are provided for automatically recording pressure-vs.-volume curves during artificial respiration with a respirator. The inspiration pressure is increased during the supply of a breathing gas volume flow under the control of a control unit. The resulting breathing gas volume flow rate is detected and the volume is determined from the latter by integration. The control unit compares the breathing gas volume flow detected during the phase of expiration with a preselected set point and acts on an expiration valve (12) in the expiration line (8) by means of a controller in case of deviation from the set point in order to return the breathing gas volume flow to the set point.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes a delivery valve assembly having a delivery outlet and a delivery valve member engageable with the delivery outlet for controlling flow of a gas from a gas source. A timing gas chamber receives gas from the gas source. Gas pressure within the timing gas chamber controls the operation of the delivery valve member. An adjustment system controls the amount of time required for the gas to fill the timing gas chamber so as to control the length of time that the delivery valve assembly is opened to conserve gas. In other embodiments, a capacity adjustment system can adjust the capacity of a gas reservoir system.

Abstract: A breathing arrangement includes a patient interface, at least one inlet conduit, and a headgear assembly. The patient interface includes a mouth covering assembly including a cushion structured to sealingly engage around exterior of a patient's mouth in use, a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient's nose in use, and an element connecting the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly. The at least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. The headgear assembly is removably connected to at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient's face.

Abstract: The present invention is a mouth guard which is worn to protect a person's teeth when the person is engaged in a sports activity such as football. A strap which has a quick release mating member at each end interconnects the mouth guard with a bar on a helmet worn by the person. One quick release mating member is removably connected to a bar on the helmet and the other quick release mating member is removably connected to a receiving member in the mouth guard. In the event of a collision between participants in the sport which results in the helmet flying off the person's head, one or both of the quick release members will disengage the strap from either the bar on the helmet, the mouth guard, or both to thereby avoid damage to the person's teeth.

Abstract: A spinal restraint device includes a body member with a head support portion, a neck support portion, and a back support portion. Left and right body wrap portions extend from the back support portion, and left and right head wrap portions extend from the neck support portion, and these portions respectively wrap around an individual's torso and head and are secured to each other to secure the torso and head against movement. A chest flap section is provided in the left and right body wrap portions for folding away from the individual's chest, for comfort or for better access to the chest area. Declaration buckles and straps are also provided for securing the spinal restraint device (and individual) to a support board or stretcher. Other benefits are realized from the positioning of securing straps and leg straps and the dimensions of the body wrap portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a smoking article having a controllable static burn rate by virtue of the particle size of a component of the smoking material thereof. The smoking material comprises a non-combustible inorganic filler, a binder, aerosol generating means, the non-combustible filler comprising a proportion of material having a mean particle size in the range of 500 ?m to 20 ?m.

Abstract: A composition and method for simultaneously lightening and coloring hair. The composition generally consists of three components, specifically, a bleaching composition, an oxidizing composition and a dyeing composition. The composition preferably lightens hair color by a plurality of levels and simultaneously deposits tones that are attractive and long lasting. In a preferred embodiment, the bleaching composition is a powder composition based on silicate and/or carbonate salts and/or persulfate salts of ammonium, potassium or sodium. The persulfate bleaching composition can be ammonia-free, if desired. The oxidizing composition is preferably an anhydrous hydrogen peroxide solution, or another source of oxygen. The bleaching composition can be mixed with the oxidizing composition to form an anhydrous creme that is applied to the hair.

Abstract: An umbrella is provided that comprises a support pole, a suspending pole mounted transversely to the support pole, a hub, a canopy, and means for coupling and decoupling the hub from the suspending pole. The suspending pole has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis that defines an arc. The hub is attached to second end of suspending pole. The canopy is suspended in use from the hub. The coupling and decoupling means permits the canopy to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the supporting pole.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) uses first and second flow controls (70, 73). The flow controls maintain first and second flow ranges independent of diluent pressure within a pressure range, wherein the use solution's concentration is maintained over the pressure range. A third flow control (75) may also be utilized in a third diluent passageway for maintaining a third flow range independent of the diluent pressure within the pressure range. A bypass valve assembly (41) is operatively connected to the third incoming diluent passageway. The bypass valve has a temperature control valve. The temperature control valve having a bypass passageway, wherein additional diluent is added to the use solution, thereby controlling the use solution's concentration.

Abstract: A valve comprises a housing, a conduit, and a shut-off member, and a plurality of ribs. The conduit is fixed in position relative to the housing. The ribs are spaced from the conduit. The shut-off member is fixed in position within a cavity of the housing via the ribs. The gate has a fluid passageway extending therethrough and is movable relative to the shut-off member between opened and closed positions. The gate is able to linearly reciprocate between opened and closed positions along the center axis of the conduit. The gate is engaged with the shut-off member when the gate is in the closed position in a manner preventing fluid from flowing through the fluid passageway of the gate. The opened position of the gate allows fluid to flow through the fluid passageway of the gate.

Abstract: A poppet valve member includes a main body, and a cover portion disposed at the first end of the valve member. The cover portion is removable from the main body, the cover portion including a first seal disposed about an outer perimeter of the cover portion. The valve member includes a head portion disposed proximate the first end and behind the cover portion, the head portion including a second seal disposed about an outer perimeter defined by the head portion. A webbing portion is disposed between the cover portion and the head portion, the webbing portion including a fault structure to enable the cover portion to be removed from the main body and broken off from the head portion. The main body is formed of a molded material, and the first and second seals are formed of an overmold material molded onto the main body.

Abstract: Pressure actuated oil jets have long been used to cool the underside of the pistons in such reciprocating engines. The present disclosure is a fluid jet for providing fluid under pressure to a desired location. The fluid jet comprises a valve body, at least one fluid passage extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body, a fluid pressure actuated valve element located within the valve body and moveable longitudinally therein between a valve open position and a valve closed position, and a sleeve extending inwardly within said valve body, wherein said valve element is retained within said sleeve when oil pressure drops below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a first female-side connecting port, a liquid circulation space, and a male-side connecting section communicating with the liquid circulation space, a first valve disk made of elastic material and having a hollow section and a top slit formed in the top and received in the housing, a pin movably installed in the housing, and an urging section for urging the pin axially. In this connector, the top slit spreads and communication is established between a tube interior and the hollow section, and at the same time the top of the pin is pressed to cause the pin to move axially, enlarging the clearance between the hollow section and the pin, thereby establishing communication between the tube interior and the male-side connecting section interior successively through the top slit, the hollow section and the liquid circulation space.

Abstract: A high pressure storage and delivery system having a fail-safe vacuum actuated valve is provided. In particular, through the innovative design of the vacuum actuated check valve, the system can accommodate up to three times the volume of product in similar size cylinders.

Abstract: A coupling member is provided that comprises a valve movable between a closed position and an opening position. The valve is provided with a seal ring fixed in an annular groove formed in the valve and urged against a valve seat in the closed position. The groove has a forward annular groove portion and a rear annular groove portion shallower than the forward annular groove portion. The seal ring has forward and rear annular seal portions fitted in the forward and rear annular groove portions, respectively. The rear ring portion has substantially the same diameter as the forward seal portion.

Abstract: A hydraulic joint articulated device (1) effectively supports a radiator allowing a remarkable freedom of motion and has a pair of articulated connectors (2), each comprising: hinge members (5, 6) apt to be assembled and comprising a respective hydraulic channel (7, 8), in which there is obtained a pin seat (9, 10) with a tubular pin (14) having a respective hydraulic channel (21) forming a hydraulic joint extending between the respective connector seats (11, 12); and a valve seat (22) at one end of said tubular pin (14), and a respective shutter member (23) located in an opening (24) obtained in one (5) of said hinge members (5, 6), further comprising, at each articulated connector (2), a tubular duct (29) extending from the respective connector seat (11) to a mouthpiece section (30) apt to receive a waterworks piping (4), extending inside a masonry.

Abstract: A check valve and method for manufacture of the check valve. The check valve comprises a substrate and a channel in the substrate. The channel has an anchor region, a channel corridor and a valve seat region. There is an elastomeric valve mechanism in the channel. The valve mechanism has an anchor portion anchored in the anchor region, an elastomeric web portion in the channel corridor and a valve plug in the valve seat region. The elastomeric web portion interconnects the anchor portion and the valve plug. The elastomeric web portion is in a stretched state such that the valve plug is forced by the elastomeric web portion against the valve seat region to seal the valve seat region. The force of the elastomeric web portion can be overcome by operative fluid pressure within the channel to separate the valve plug from the valve seat region and thereby open the channel at the valve seat region to allow the fluid to exit the channel via the valve seat region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lining sewer pipes that utilize an adjustable form configured to conform to the shape and dimensions of the interior of a man-entry sized pipe line. The adjustable form can be used to position a sheet of liner material immediately adjacent the inner sewer walls. An air cushion system is utilized to reduce friction and drag between the sheet of liner material and form so that the liner sheet can be easily adjusted prior to bonding to the inner walls of the pipe line.

Abstract: A flexible tubular lining material impregnated with a thermosetting resin is folded and bound with binding members to provide a reduced width. Two elastic and rigid strip members are inserted into loop members attached to the lining material and are removably attached so as to sandwich the lining material. During pipeline lining work, the lining material to which the strip members have been attached is first inserted into a lateral pipe from a main pipe. The strip members are then removed from the lining material so that the lining material may remain inside the pipeline. The strip members are extracted from the pipeline, and the lining material is then made to expand via application of pressure from the inside. While kept in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline, the lining material is heated in order to cure the thermosetting resin thereof.

Abstract: A circular sheet metal duct having a sealant applied across the longitudinal seam. The sealant will improve the efficiency and will reduce or eliminate air leakage from the longitudinal seam. The sealant is applied during the manufacturing processes so that an installer does not have to seal the duct work. The method of manufacturing the sealant is provided.

Abstract: A bottle assembly is provided having a body portion defining a cavity therein, a top lid assembly connectable to the body portion, which includes a selectively deployable and retractable spout, a spout bottom lid; and a resilient tube having a lumen therethrough, wherein the lumen is occluded when the spout is retracted and the resilient tube is kinked, and wherein the lumen is opened when the spout is deployed and the resilient tube is not kinked; a trigger assembly for selectively moving the spout between a deployed and a retracted condition; and a bottom lid assembly selectively connectable to a bottom end of the body portion, the bottom lid assembly including a valve assembly to open and close a fluid path into the cavity of the body portion.

Abstract: An obturating assembly includes a body having an aperture for passage to the pipe of a fuel supply spout of predetermined outer diameter and an obturator that is moveable with respect to the body. In accordance with the invention, the head further includes an access assembly having a shell through which the spout must pass before reaching the obturator, the shell having a plurality of flexible tabs generally forming an assembly of funnel shape of which the minor diameter is less than the outer diameter of the spout and of which the major diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the spout.

Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling a tree. The tree pusher includes (a) a base; (b) a frame mounted on the base; (c) a mechanism for pushing the frame against the tree to fell the tree; and (d) a mechanism for connecting the base of the tree pusher to the tree, so that the base will not move while the tree is being pushed over to fell the tree. The frame includes a detachable pronged head which engages the trunk of the tree, and which disengages itself from the frame of the tree pusher and remains with the trunk of the tree as the tree falls. The frame includes a series of tubes connected end-to-end by locking pins, making it very easy to assemble and disassemble the tree pusher. If a tree has accidentally fallen against a house, a building, or an electrical power line, two tree pushers are positioned on opposite sides of the fallen tree and used to lift the fallen tree.

Abstract: A cutterhead for a peripheral milling machine including a cutterhead body including a generally cylindrical portion and a plurality of circumferential, spaced and offset blade unit mounting cavities extending into the cutterhead body from the periphery of the cylindrical portion for receiving a blade unit. The cutterhead further includes a plurality of blade units each having at least one cutting edge and means for removably securing each of the removable blade units in the corresponding blade unit mounting cavity. The cutting edge of each of the blade units is disposed to align with the cutting edge of each of the other blade units in adjacent mounting cavities to form a substantially helical, stepped blade row when the blade units are secured to the cutterhead body.

Abstract: An apparatus for chipping material, particularly wood, includes a plurality of knife carriers are arranged around a mutual axis that form the boundaries of a cutting chamber while forming a comminution path. On the knife carriers, the slicing knives, under inclusion of a cutting angle ?, are detachably attached to the comminution path. The blades of the slicing knives uniformly project into the cutting chamber. To adjust the cutting angle ? so as to adapt it to the prevailing conditions, a control element for determining the cutting angle ? is detachably arranged between the slicing knives and the knife carriers.

Abstract: A high speed planer head. A threaded member having a frustoconical portion wedges against a knife, to clamp a knife to a hub for rotating the knife about an axis of revolution. The knife has a front and back side, two cutting edges and mirror image symmetry about a mirror plane passing through the knife. To cut both a planar face and two opposed, radiused corners, the cutting edges include respective linear face-cutting portions disposed between two concave, arcuate corner-cutting portions.

Abstract: A component mill for producing wooden construction components has a pair of input rollers spaced from a pair of output rollers, wherein each comprises a pair of vertically-stacked pinch rollers. The mill has an overhead X- and Y-axis track system for scrolling a high speed router bit dangling underneath a high speed motor in X- and Y-directions as the input and/or output rollers pass a board for trimming by the spinning, and perhaps scrolling and not stationed still, router bit. A control system controls the input and output rollers, and X- and Y-axis track system in concert to form a selected design of a wooden construction component output from an inputted board.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus has a source of printed labels that have adhesive backing, a vacuum pickup with two opposable arms, a blower bar to support a label on air. Each opposable arm has its own vacuum head and each head is removably attachable to a respective end portion of the label. The apparatus also has a label position sensor, and the vacuum pickup is movable from a pickup position to a wrap position. Each pickup arm has a plurality of spring loaded pins. A two layer label has a backing strip, an inner layer, and an outer layer, and at least one removable portion of the outer layer. The label has a neck portion and two end portions, such that the label set may be wrapped a container with the two end portions adhered back to back to each other. The neck portion is relatively narrower than either of the two end portions and is relatively offset so that it is closer to a front edge of the label.

Abstract: A device for splicing the free end of a strip of web material to a homologous strip of web material being supplied includes a first moving element and a second moving element, each of which is able to function alternatively as retention structure for the free end and as guiding structure for the web. The moving elements are, at least in part, translatable with respect to one another for connecting the free end to the web, performing the operation of splicing. The first and the second moving elements are selectively orientable between a position of opening, in which the moving element has a gripping formation exposed to receive the free end, and a position of closing, in which the gripping formation faces the other moving element of the device to allow the free end to connect to the web.

Abstract: A molding apparatus of a wet friction material has a pair of guide posts vertically extending on a molding apparatus main body. The pair of the guide posts passes through fifteen stages (sixteen pieces) of molding dies. A pair of pantograph-type open-close mechanisms is attached to opposite side surfaces of the molding dies. Thus, the molding dies are piled up on each other so as to come near to each other (mold clamping) and move apart from each other (mold opening). With the pantograph-type open-close link mechanism, all the molding dies are opened and closed at the same time. If the molding dies are slid at a speed of 200 mm/sec, it takes only 3.75 seconds (50 mm*15/200 mm=3.75 sec). It takes a double of that time or 7.5 seconds, that is a half of the time of a related art.

Abstract: The spindle for fitting vehicle wheel rims on workshop machines, particularly tyre-changing machines or the like, comprises a frame associable in rotation around a work axis with a workshop machine, at least three gripping adapters of the rim of a wheel associable with the frame and moving along respective approach and away movement directions with respect to the work axis, at least a fluid-operated actuator cylinder associated with one of the gripping adapters and suitable for moving the adapter along the corresponding approach and away movement direction, at least three racks, each of which is associated with one gripping adapter and extends substantially parallel with the corresponding approach and away movement directions, and a pinion meshed with the racks.

Abstract: An awning wind deflector adapted for deflecting wind around and away from a rolled up awning structure attached to a recreation vehicle. The wind deflector comprising a disk-shaped flange at one end and an elongated tubular stem at the other end. The wind deflector is mounted at an end of the rolled up awning structure, wherein the flange having a sloping front face faces the head winds. The wind deflector includes an elongated radial slit for mounting over the rolled up structure by flexing the slit and clamping the wind deflector by a hose clamp around the elongated tubular stem.

Abstract: A cellular covering for a roll-up type shade assembly is described. According to one embodiment, the covering typically comprises a plurality of cells vertically disposed on a backing sheet. Each cell is configured to self-inflate when unrolled from a roller of the shade assembly.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: A door system includes a flexible corrugated closure member guided between door open and closed positions in spaced apart opposed vertical and horizontal sets of guide tracks and further guided by transition guide wheels mounted on an enclosure frame for guiding the closure member between the sets of guide tracks. The transition guide wheels are supported for movement between working and non-working positions to facilitate storage or shipping the door system or an enclosure unit including the door system, as a substantially planar stack of wall, ceiling and floor members forming the enclosure.

Abstract: A composite material having a high thermal conductivity and a small thermal expansion coefficient, which is obtained by impregnating a porous graphitized extrudate with a metal; the composite material having such anisotropy that the thermal conductivity and the thermal expansion coefficient are 250 W/mK or more and less than 4×10?6/K, respectively, in an extrusion direction; and that the thermal conductivity and the thermal expansion coefficient are 150 W/mK or more and 10×10?6/K or less, respectively, in a direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction.

Abstract: A physical quantity detector, such as a pressure sensor and a load sensor, includes a cylindrical part of which one end is closed with a strain generating part and a sensor part formed on the strain generating part. The cylindrical part is produced by melting an alloying material having a composition capable of yielding an amorphous alloy, injecting the resultant molten alloy into a metal mold, and cooling the molten alloy in the metal mold to confer amorphousness on the alloy. The metal mold includes a split mold having at least two split parts for forming a cavity and an insert pin to be inserted into the cavity so as to define the inner configuration of the cylindrical part, or further an insert core to be inserted into the mold so as to form the surface of the cavity corresponding to the surface of the strain generating part.

Abstract: A coil support suitable for supporting a coil in a condensing unit includes a body and a protrusion extending from the body. The protrusion is configured to limit movement of the coil in at least one direction.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system includes a cyclical heat exchange system and a heat transfer system coupled to the cyclical heat exchange system to cool a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system. The heat transfer system includes an evaporator including a wall configured to be coupled to a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system and a primary wick coupled to the wall and a condenser coupled to the evaporator to form a closed loop that houses a working fluid.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat exchange core including a plurality of heat exchange tubes, a refrigerant inlet header and a refrigerant outlet header arranged toward one end of each heat exchange tube, and a refrigerant inflow header and a refrigerant outflow header arranged toward the other end of each heat exchange tube. The outlet header has an interior divided into two spaces by a flow dividing resistance plate, and some of the heat exchange tubes are joined to the outlet header so as to communicate with the space. The resistance plate has a plurality of refrigerant passing holes formed therein that are different in shape and/or size. The outlet header is provided on the outer surface thereof with identification marks for discriminating the positions of the refrigerant passing holes and representing the shapes and/or sizes of the holes.

Abstract: An air-conditioner housing comprising an evaporation device, a heating device, and a mixing chamber, out of which air flows to the rear footwell while serving to ventilate the rear passenger compartment. The air-conditioner housing also comprises an air control device that uses mixing flaps to control the air flowing via the evaporation device and the heating device into the mixing chamber. The air-conditioner housing has a separate stratification duct through which cool air can be guided into the ventilation area of the rear passenger compartment.

Abstract: A fan controlling system and method is applicable to an electronic device with a fan for adjusting a temperature of the electronic device. The fan controlling system includes a plurality of temperature sensors installed in different regions inside of the electronic device for sensing temperatures around the regions, a mapping table for mapping a plurality of temperature ranges onto a plurality of rotation speeds, and a processing module for comparing the temperatures sensed by the temperature sensors and controlling the fan to rotate according to one of the rotation speeds onto which the mapping table maps one of the temperature ranges within which a highest one of the sensed temperatures is. Therefore, the fan can operate stably and does not generate a loud noise even when its rotation speed is changing, and has a longer lifespan.

Abstract: A method for inserting a tool into a wellbore includes uncoiling a coiled tubing into the wellbore to a selected depth therein. When the tubing is at the selected depth, the tubing is uncoupled. A tool is inserted into the interior of the tubing. The tubing is reconnected, and the tool is moved along the interior of the tubing.

Abstract: A selectably elevatable coiled tubing injector is described that is suitable for a mobile self-contained unitized coil tubing rig for the drilling and workover of petroleum wells. The selectably elevatable coiled tubing injector includes a mechanism for positioning a trailer mounted coiled tubing injector either in a first stowed position on the deck of the transport trailer or in a second position resting on an elevated rig floor of a drilling rig. Furthermore, the selectably elevatable coiled tubing injector includes a further mechanism for selectably elevating the injector above its second position on the rig floor while clamping the tubing in order to provide additional tension on the tubing string or to raise the tubing deployed within a well.

Abstract: A subsea rotary gas separator system has a separator located adjacent the discharge of the pump for separating gas from the high pressure liquid stream exiting the pump. Some of the high pressure liquid is recycled back to the inlet of the pump to maintain a liquid-rich inlet stream for the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus to protect the mounting area of casing and a locating profile and optionally a sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus when subsequent attachment of an expanded liner is intended and the expanded liner is to be cemented in place. A barrier sleeve, nose, and outer sleeve define a sealed cavity having a loose incompressible material inside that covers the mounting location on the casing. A locating profile and an optional sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus can be provided. The cementing of the casing takes place through the barrier sleeve. After the cementing, the sleeve and nose are drilled out and the incompressible material is removed to the surface with the drill cuttings. A liner is inserted in the casing and is preferably expanded into sealing contact with the mounting location on the casing.

Abstract: A cup tool includes a cup tool tube having a threaded upper end for connection to a high-pressure mandrel, an outer surface over which an elastomeric cup is slidably mounted for reciprocal movement from an unset position for entry into a wellbore to a set position in which an annular gap is obstructed to contain fluid pressure below the elastomeric cup. The outer surface of the cup tool tube has a lower region of a first diameter and an upper region with a second, larger diameter and a tapered region between the upper region and the lower region. The elastomeric cup includes a lip seal that rides against the outer surface of the cup tool tube, and seals against the tapered region of the cup tool tube to provide a high pressure seal between the cup tool tube and the elastomeric cup in the set position.