Abstract: A device is described for a plug (12) for pressure testing of bore holes and the like in a formation or the like, and associated pipe (10) in which the plug is installed in a plug-carrying chamber (14), and the plug (12) seals the passage through the pipe by cooperating with sealing bodies (23, 25), with the underside of the plug (12) being arranged (rests) in a seat at the bottom of the chamber. The plug is characterized in that it comprises a number of layer-formed or tier-formed ring disc elements of a given thickness, on fitted on top of the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for the radial expansion and plastic deformation of a tubular member.

Abstract: A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.

Abstract: A gravel pack service tool is lowered into a well. At least one sensor proximate a well region to be gravel packed measures at least one characteristic of the well, where the measuring is performed during a gravel pack operation by the gravel pack service tool. The gravel pack service tool is removed from the well after the gravel pack operation.

Abstract: A laboratory test method employs maximum acoustic wave velocity to determine cure time of a sample of curable resin-coated proppant (CRCP) that are packed in a pressurized chamber to simulate conditions in a reservoir rock formation during fracturing in which the CRCP will be used. The pressurized CRCP is subjected to a varying temperature profile that replicates the reservoir temperature recovery during shut-in of the fractured zone in order to develop maximum proppant pack strength and minimize proppant flow back following completion of the fracturing operation and to determine shut-in time to complete curing of the resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) a receptacle having a cylindrical side wall enclosed by a bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving a fluid to be tested; (b) an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, whereby relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) at least one inward projection extending inward from an inside surface of the receptacle; (d) at least one outward projection extending outward from the axial support; and (e) at least one projection for directing fluid flow that has at least one major surface angled or curved upward. A method of testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) placing a sample of the fluid and the particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; and (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support.

Abstract: A method comprising placing a sealant composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors in a wellbore and allowing the sealant composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a MEMS interrogator tool in the wellbore, beginning placement of a sealant composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors into the wellbore, and terminating placement of the sealant composition into the wellbore upon the interrogator tool coming into close proximity with the one or more MEMS sensors. A method comprising placing a plurality of MEMS sensors in a wellbore servicing fluid. A wellbore composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors, wherein the wellbore composition is a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, a sealant, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for recovering petroleum products from a formation containing heavy crude oil. In one embodiment, a method includes flowing a catalytic material containing the nanocatalyst into the formation containing the heavy crude oil and exposing the heavy crude oil and the catalytic material to a reducing agent (e.g., H2). The method further includes positioning a steam generator within the formation, generating and releasing steam from the steam generator to heat the heavy crude oil containing the catalytic material, forming lighter oil products within the formation, and extracting the lighter oil products from the formation. In another embodiment, a method includes exposing the heavy crude oil and the catalytic material to an oxidizing agent (e.g., O2). The nanocatalyst may contain cobalt, iron, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, titanium, oxides thereof, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (44) having a plurality of openings (45) in a sidewall portion thereof and a swellable material layer (46) disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (44) and having a plurality of openings (47) that correspond to the openings (45) of the base pipe (44). A plurality of telescoping perforations (48) are operably associated with the openings (45) of the base pipe (44) and at least partially disposed within the corresponding openings (47) of the swellable material layer (46). A filter medium (56) is disposed within each of the telescoping perforations (48). In operation, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (46), in response to contact with an activating fluid, causes the telescoping perforations (48) to radially outwardly extend.

Abstract: A pre-stressed annular sealant and method of creating a durable seal in a well bore annulus which is based on hydraulic cement that is designed to be easily pumped and placed into a casing-wellbore annulus, to set into a hardened mass, and to then undergo post-set crystal growth and phase changes in the crystalline matrix to combat inherent volumetric shrinkage and to create internally-generated compressive stress in the cement matrix. This internally-generated compressive pre-stressing compensates for tensile stress induced by well operations. The tensile stress must be greater in magnitude than the magnitude of the compressive pre-stress plus the magnitude of the cement's tensile strength before the cement sheath will fail in tension. This expansion and pre-stressing also creates significantly higher shear bond strengths than those developed with ordinary hydraulic cement.

Abstract: Methods are provided for stabilizing a portion of a subterranean formation or reducing the production of particulates from a portion of a subterranean formation comprising contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a pre-flush fluid; contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a consolidation fluid comprising a resin and an aqueous dissolvable solvent; and, contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with an after-flush fluid. Other methods are provided for fracturing a portion of a subterranean formation while controlling particulates comprising contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a pre-flush fluid; contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a consolidation fluid comprising a resin and an aqueous dissolvable solvent; and, contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a fracturing fluid at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance a fracture in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Method and system for use in a subsurface formation traversed by a wellbore. An energized fluid, which when subjected to a low pressure environment liberates or releases gas from solution, is disposed in the formation. Reduced pressure in a region of the wellbore below pressure in the surrounding formation liberates a gas in the energized fluid near a tunnel created in the formation.

Abstract: The permeability of a subterranean formation is improved by introducing into the formation a water-in-oil emulsion. Unwanted particulates deposited in the formation during the production of oil are dissolved or loosened by the outer phase of the emulsion and dispersed in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid, and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. A composition provided includes a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid.

Abstract: A fluid breaking composition which includes an effective amount of an alkali chlorite and/or hyperchlorite, where the composition reduces a viscosity of a polymer viscosified fluid to a desired low value at down hole conditions within a time period coincident with a formation stimulation time, generally between about 30 minutes and 195 minutes and to methods for making and using the breaking composition.

Abstract: A treatment fluid and a method are disclosed for cleaning borehole filtercake using the treatment fluid, wherein the filtercake contains reservoir drilling fluid (RDF) solids. The method includes pumping the treatment fluid downhole in contact with the filtercake to be removed to establish a differential pressure between the treatment fluid and the formation adjacent the filtercake, and evenly propagating treatment of the filtercake during the differential pressure period to delay breakthrough by the treatment fluid for a period from 1 to 12 hours. The treatment fluid comprises a fluoride source providing a 1.2 to 5 molar fluoride concentration, and another acid or combination of acids to provide a pH between 1.8 and 5. The treatment fluid is balanced for a dissolving power high enough to have significant dissolution of the filtercake, but low enough for even propagation to avoid premature leak-off.

Abstract: A kit for converting an existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (170, 270, 370) into a bypass passageway apparatus (100) allowing the injection of production-enhancing fluid into a wellbore while maintaining the operation of the closure member (374). Bypass passageway (280) can extend between upper (260) and lower (275) adapters external to the existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (270) to allow fluid injection bypass thereof. Conversion kit can include a tubing string hanger to suspend a velocity tubing string (407, 507), a gas lift valve (475) for gas lift operations, a locking mandrel (220), and/or a spacer tube (240).

Abstract: A tool for shifting a sleeve into at least one intermediate position between stops has a shifting key that only can move the sleeve a finite amount before it is forced out of contact with the sleeve. An overpull key is released for engagement with the sleeve before the shifting key is forced out. The overpull key resists movement until a noticeable predetermined force is applied at which point the overpull key is freed from the sliding sleeve for a normal release. If any key fails to release, an emergency release is provided that independently displaces the key so that the tool can be removed. The tool can be operated in either an uphole or a downhole direction to shift the sleeve depending on the orientation of the keys. Embodiments using a single key type are contemplated.

Abstract: A riser for connection between a vessel and a fixed connection point on the seabed, in the form of an “L”, where the bottom riser arm is connected to the fixed point (2) on the seabed and the top riser arm (3) is connected to the vessel at the point (4). An elastic element (5) is connected to the bend (6) between the riser's arms and an anchoring point (7) on the seabed.

Abstract: A choke that is usable with a well includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The choke also includes pressure drop stages between the inlet port and the outlet port. Each of the pressure drop stages is adapted to create part of an overall pressure differential between the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A technique is provided to temporarily protect well system components during transport, movement downhole and/or initial downhole operations. A sacrificial material is formed as a protective sacrificial element disposed proximate susceptible well system components. The protective sacrificial element is at least partially dissolvable in fluids within a wellbore to facilitate removal of the element after a desired time period. Once the temporary, protective sacrificial element is removed, the protected well system component is fully operable.

Abstract: A fire suppressant system having a pipe system, spray nozzles connected to the pipe system and a control system for selectively charging the pipe system with foam. The control system includes a pilot line for generating a signal based upon sensing an environmental parameter and a first control valve for activating the system based upon the signal. Preferably, the first control valve forms i) an interior cavity for mixing the compressed air and compressed air liquid, ii) an outlet in fluid communication with the interior; iii) a first inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to a flow through the outlet, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air; and iv) a second inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air liquid.

Abstract: A method of designing a residential fire protection system in a residential dwelling unit are shown and described. The residential dwelling unit has a plurality of compartments as defined in the 2002 National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. The method can be achieved by: determining a minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers required to determine a hydraulic demand calculation of the residential fire sprinklers of a piping network filled with water and arranged to protect the plurality of compartments; and specifying the minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers in a piping network filled with a gas. Various aspects of the invention are also shown and described.

Abstract: The forward folding tool bar for grain planters includes a main frame. Left and right pivot frames are pivotally attached to the main frame for pivotal movement about vertical axes. Wing assemblies are pivotally connected to the pivot frames for pivotal movement about horizontal fore and aft axes. A tongue assembly includes a rear tube fixed to the main frame. A forward tube is telescopically received in the rear tube. A mast is fixed to the forward end of the forward tube. A pantographic linkage includes draft links pivotally attached to the mast and a hitch member. A hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the mast. The draft links include slots that receive bar portions attached to the rear tube, in a lowered working position. Telescopic tension connector links attached to the mast and the wings prevent pivotal movement of the pivot frames when telescopic movement is blocked.

Abstract: A telescopic feed beam for a rock drill includes a lower beam and an upper beam arranged to move with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction. The cross section of the lower beam is such that there is a groove-like open space at the bottom of the lower beam and a transfer cylinder between the lower beam and the upper beam is mounted in the groove.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for avoiding the influence of reaction during tightening operation in the rotary fastening tool.

Abstract: An electric hammer comprising a hammer bit (313) performing hammering work on a work, a drive motor, a hammering piece (334) driven by the drive motor to apply a hammering force to the hammer bit, and a mechanism (371) for damping vibration generated during hammering. The damping performance of the electric hammer is enhanced by causing the driving amount applied to the damping mechanism (371) to vary between a first mode where the damping mechanism (371) generates vibration of the hammer bit (313) subjected to an external force from the work during the load driving time and thereby optimizes the damping and a second mode where the damping mechanism (371) generates vibration corresponding to the vibration of the hammer bit (313) not subjected to an external force from the work during the no-land driving time and optimizes damping.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a pneumatic percussing mechanism (3) located in the power tool housing (2) and having an anvil (5) and a percussion piston (4) for applying blows to the anvil (5), and at least one oscillation damper (6, 6?) including an oscillation damping mass (7, 7?), at least one spring (8a, 8a?) for compressively preloading the damping mass (7, 7?) against the power tool housing (2), and an axially displaceable excitation member (9) for actively exciting the oscillation damper (6, 6?) in response to the anvil (5) occupying an operational position.

Abstract: A drilling tool (10) includes a pilot bit (14) and a plurality of mills (16) encircling the pilot bit. The pilot bit and the plurality of mills are each driven by a separate, hydraulically powered turbine or positive displacement motor. (20) The drilling tool does not include a transmission for transmitting power from the turbine or motor to any of the plurality of mills or the pilot bit.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly comprising a rotating bearing runner and a stationary bearing carrier, the carrier defining a plurality of thrust pad sites annularly around the carrier, with a thrust pad disposed at a site and with the carrier constraining movement of the thrust pad in a direction generally radial to the longitudinal axis of the runner while allowing the thrust pad to move in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. An embodiment comprises a rotating bearing runner having a wear resistant face and a stationary bearing carrier defining cavities disposed annularly around the carrier. A deflection element (e.g., Belleville washer) is disposed in a cavity and a pad is disposed over the deflection element. The pad is at least partially disposed within the cavity. The wear resistant face contacts the pad. Another embodiment rigidly connects pads disposed on opposite sides of a stationary bearing carrier.

Abstract: A system for forming a subterranean wellbore may include a pump and an additive supply. The pump pumps a drilling fluid into the wellbore while also generating a pressure differential that draws an additive across a supply line connected to the additive supply. The drilling fluid may be a gas or a liquid. A method for forming a wellbore may include drilling the wellbore, circulating a drilling fluid in the wellbore using a pump; and supplying an additive to the drilling fluid by flowing the additive across a supply line using a pressure differential generated by the pump. The pump may generate a vacuum pressure at a supply line outlet and/or create a pressure differential in the supply line. The flow of additive across the supply line may be regulated and/or stopped when the pump is not operating.

Abstract: A water hammer using a drive rod is provided.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter having a body of diamond crystals containing a catalyzing material is coated with a material impervious to a given acid. After the coating has dried, a segment of the coating is removed and acid is supplied to the diamond crystal body through the template in the coating to leach out the catalyzing material contained within the body of diamond crystals.

Abstract: A percussive drill bit provided with an improved chuck assembly for a down-the-hole drill hammer. The bit has a head at its forward end with a shank extending from the head. The shank is screw threaded along its length. A reciprocating chuck is provided as a sleeve with internal screw thread as corresponding to those of the shank. The shank is releasably secured in the chuck with the read end of the shank providing a striking face. An arrangement of external splines on the chuck, and a retaining shoulder at its rear end, provide for the required guided movement of the chuck within a drill hammer wear sleeve.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes first and second pumps, first and second motors, and three valves for selectively creating combined and basic hydraulic flow. The arrangement of valves permits combined flow to be provided to both motors in series to cause high speed operation of the motors, and permits combined flow to be provided to one motor and basic flow to the other motor. When applied to a vehicle, the arrangement provides a steerable high speed series arrangement of the vehicle's drive motors.

Abstract: An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.

Abstract: An endless belt system for a vehicle having a negative trail steering geometry is provided. The endless belt system replaces the wheels that steer a vehicle, particularly an all-terrain vehicle, to provide increased steerability and floatation over soft terrain.

Abstract: The invention is a transporter for moving a rolltainer, a trolley, and various other multi-wheeled containers that roll on a surface. The transporter utilizes lever-assisted rotating forks to lift and position the container to provide maximum traction, stability, and safety. The transporter utilizes hub motors for increased maneuverability and to eliminate drivetrain elements. The transporter is configured to keep transporter structure between the operator and the load during al operative modes to maximize operator safety.

Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of a right front wheel and a left front wheel on a work machine includes receiving a speed command based at least partially on an operator input and monitoring at least one wheel steering angle of at least one front wheel. A first front wheel speed command may be determined based at least partially on the at least one wheel steering angle. In addition, a second front wheel speed command may be determined based at least partially on the at least one wheel steering angle. The first front wheel speed command and the second front wheel speed command may be output to independently control the speed of the right and the left front wheels.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain has motor-generator units and gear units assembled in an efficient configuration with an economy of space. Engine power and motor-generator power are distributed through split-power flow paths to front traction wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A driving wheel structure (100) for a motor vehicle employing an in-wheel motor arrangement includes first (105) and second (108) electric motors for generating drive torques to rotate a wheel (102), a first support member attached to the vehicle body for supporting the first motor on a vehicle body, and a second support member attached to the vehicle body for supporting the second motor on the vehicle body. When the wheel (102) is rotated in one direction by the first motor (105), a reaction torque (F1) is induced in the first support member by the drive torque of the first motor (105) that applies a down-ward bias force (F1) to the wheel (102). When the wheel (102) is rotated in said one direction by the second motor (108), a reaction torque (F2) is induced in the second support member by the drive torque of the second motor that applies an upward bias force (F2) to the wheel (102).

Abstract: The present invention shortens an intake duct while enabling an intake of cleaner air into the inside of an air cleaner. In a vehicle in which vehicle body mounting parts such as an engine, an air cleaner and the like are supported on a vehicle body frame, a cabin is formed by mounting a pair of left and right seats on the vehicle body frame with the engine being arranged below the seats. An air cleaner is arranged behind the engine with an intake duct for sucking outside air being connected to the air cleaner. The intake duct extends frontwardly from the air cleaner while avoiding a cylinder portion of the engine with a distal end portion thereof being opened in a cabin side adjacent to the at least one seat.

Abstract: Battery exchange system for a battery-driven industrial truck, in which the chassis of the industrial truck comprises a battery compartment open to the side of the industrial truck for side installation and removal of a battery container, on the battery container on at least two opposing sides at least one respective laterally projecting support element being attached with a downwardly facing bearing surface and the battery compartment on opposing sides comprising horizontal support surfaces spaced apart from one another in parallel on which the support elements are supported with their bearing surfaces, when the battery container is inserted into the battery compartment.

Abstract: An air box for a motorcycle including a motorcycle engine and a fuel tank. The air box includes a housing having an inlet configured to receive intake air into the housing and an outlet configured to direct the intake air from the housing to the motorcycle engine. A filter element is coupled to the housing and is configured to separate debris from the intake air. A mounting feature is configured to connect the housing below the fuel tank of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A hydro-static transmission travel system for a working machine enables the working machine to travel over a range from low speed to high speed with a simplified circuit arrangement. By referring to a machine traveling speed (vehicle speed) based on a detected signal from a rotation sensor, a controller computes respective target tilting amounts of hydraulic motors 10, 20 and controls the tilting amount for the hydraulic motors and a clutch. Depending on whether the traveling speed exceeds a setting speed as a reference boundary, the controller selectively switches over a drive mode between low-speed four-wheel drive, in which travel units 12, 22 are both driven, and high-speed two-wheel drive, in which the front-wheel side hydraulic motor 10 is controlled to zero displacement and only the rear-wheel side travel unit 22 is driven.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission assembly that is mountable to a bottom bracket shell of a bicycle frame. The bicycle transmission assembly includes an input crank assembly, an output chainring, a planetary gear mechanism, a control system and a mounting system. The input crank assembly is mounted to a rotatable crank axle mounted to the bottom bracket shell. The planetary gear mechanism is mounted to the bottom bracket shell and provides a plurality of transmission paths. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear, a ring gear and a locking element operatively connecting the sun gear and the ring gear. The control system is operatively connected to the planetary gear mechanism for selecting one of the transmission paths.

Abstract: The seat belt retractor is provided that comprises an electric motor; a spool operatively associated with the electric motor for winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint; and a controller. The controller can be configured to control a drive of the electric motor based on a seat belt storage starting condition defined by information about a state of the seat belt relative to a vehicle occupant and information about a state of a vehicle door corresponding to the seat belt. The controller can be configured to control the drive of the electric motor to rotate the spool to wind up the seat belt when the seat belt storage starting condition is satisfied and to temporarily stop the rotation of the spool for a time period when a seat belt load acting on the seat belt exceeds a predetermined amount. The time period can be set according to a satisfaction pattern of the seat belt storage starting condition.

Abstract: A lockout system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system can include a source of input that identifies a status of a driver of the motor vehicle. The system can further include a source of passenger input that indicates if at least one passenger is present in the motor vehicle. The system can also include a lockout control module operable to disable the operation of the motor vehicle if at least one passenger is present in the motor vehicle, based on the status of the driver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device for raising the hood (20) of a motor vehicle during a collision with a pedestrian. The device comprises a retaining member (10) for connecting the hood (20) to the vehicle bodywork (14) and a pyrotechnic explosive unit (16) for detaching the retaining member (10). To guarantee a reliable operation, the device is equipped with lifting means (18) for raising the hood (20) into a collision position, the means being actuated by the energy of the explosive unit (16) released during the detachment of the retaining member (10).

Abstract: A brake assembly configured to bias the master cylinder to rotate upward in a crash which induces the brake pedal to rotate down and away from the driver. This is achieved with a reduced number of parts, an angle reservoir for the initial position, a localized crush zone in the booster all configured to use the assembly's contact with the lower dash panel as a fulcrum point inducing downward rotation of the brake pedal. The present invention takes geometric advantage of its position proximate the lower dash panel to sure that when the engine compartment portion is pushed rearward toward the occupant compartment, the localized crush zone of the booster case induces upward rotation of the master cylinder causing the booster to pivot about the lower dash panel and cause the parallel brackets to rotate downward.