Abstract: A through-air-drying (TAD) fabric for producing tissue paper and related products on a papermaking machine comprising a plurality of warp yarns interwoven with a plurality of weft yarns to produce a paper-side surface pattern characterized by alternating first pockets and second pockets. The first and second pockets are bounded by raised warp yarns and raised weft yarns produced by knuckles in the fabric pattern. The first pockets are preferably larger in area than the second pockets. The fabric base weave in the interior of the first pocket is preferably a plain weave pattern. The interior of the second pocket may also be bisected by a raised weft yarn.

Abstract: Forming fabric that includes a top layer including top weft yarns and a bottom layer including bottom weft yarns. Binding warp yarns weave with the top weft yarns and bind to the bottom layer.

Abstract: A device and method for vacuuming solid particles out of a chemical reactor tube. One embodiment comprises the step of substantially reducing the vacuum level applied to the vacuum conduit when the conduit reaches a desired depth within the reactor tube by using means responsive to the depth to which the vacuum conduit is inserted into the reactor tube.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a continuously-operating machine for filling containers with at least one granular product, each container is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device, which withdraws the product from a tank, feeds the withdrawn product into the container, and has a metering cylinder defined at the bottom by a piston which moves, along the metering cylinder, to and from a feed position in which to feed the product in the metering cylinder to a drop chute for unloading the product into the relative container; the piston having a cam follower which is maintained contacting a cam by a pneumatic push assembly.

Abstract: A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from the impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A heavy-duty tire comprises a tread portion provided with at least three circumferentially continuously extending ribs divided by at least two circumferential grooves extending straight in the tire circumferential direction, wherein the ribs have side edges adjacent to the circumferential grooves; each of the side edges is provided with edge sipes at intervals in the tire circumferential direction; each of the edge sipes extends parallel with the tire axial direction from the adjacent circumferential groove and terminates in the rib; each of the edge sipe has an axial length in a range of not less than 5% but not more than 15% of the axial width of the rib, a thickness in a range of not less than 0.3 mm but not more than 1.0 mm and a depth in a range of not less than 50% but not more than 100% of the depth of the circumferential groove; and the total number of the edge sipes per tire is in a range of from 4 to 8 times the value of the tire diameter in millimeter.

Abstract: Introduction guides 12 are provided above and below a sheet-introduction opening portion of a pressure-reduced chamber 10, and heating means 17 is provided between the introduction guides. Each resin sheet 3 is attracted and attached respectively to the circumferential surface of a corresponding emboss roller 11 by reducing pressure. Pins 112 of the emboss roller 11 are truncated cone-shaped. The ratio of the total area of the lower bases of the pins 112 to the area of the circumferential surface of the emboss roller is 0.5 or more. The rising angle ? of the pin side face, in the vertical plane including the central axis of the pins 112, is in the range from 50 degrees to 70 degrees. Furthermore, a multilayered hollow structure plate 140 is formed by attaching non-air-permeable sheets 130 onto both the front and back of a core member obtained by fusing together hollow protrusions 112 in two thermoplastic resin sheets.

Abstract: A door hoist includes a bracket, drive sprocket, ring gear, hub assembly, set of planetary gears, and governor shaft. The drive sprocket has a drive sprocket axis. The ring gear is fastened to the drive sprocket. The ring gear has a ring gear axis that is in alignment with the drive sprocket axis. The hub assembly includes a connector to receive a door drive shaft and secure the door drive shaft in a fixed rotational alignment with the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is rotationally mounted to the hub assembly. The set of planetary gears is configured to mate with the ring gear. The governor shaft includes a sun gear, brake assembly, and link. The sun gear is configured to mate with the set of planetary gears. The brake assembly has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The sun gear is rotationally fixed relative to the bracket in response to the brake assembly being in the engaged position.

Abstract: The piping with a coolant inlet is provided with a partition wall within a body part. In the body part, a flow path having a U-turn region changing the flow direction of a coolant by about 180° degrees is defined. Much of the air contained in the coolant returning from a communicating hole to the body part floats up in a region leading to the U-turn region and is released from an inlet to the outside. By using this configuration, it is possible to provide a piping with a coolant inlet having a structure capable of efficiently releasing the air generated in a coolant circulation path.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) includes one or more light emitting chips (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) and a support (13, 14, 114, 214, 314, 414) on which the light emitting chips are disposed. The support includes a first side on which the light emitting chips are attached and a second side opposite the first side. A thermally superconducting heat transfer medium (22, 122, 222, 322, 422) is disposed in an interior volume of the support and thermally connects the first and second sides of the support. The thermally superconducting heat transfer medium has a thermal conductivity at least 1500 times greater than the thermal conductivity of copper.

Abstract: An air-to-air aftercooler may include at least one tube body configured to direct a flow of charged air, wherein the at least one tube body includes a first material. The air-to-air aftercooler may also include a header assembly coupled to ends of the at least one tube body. The header assembly may include a second different material.

Abstract: An evaporator comprises tubes, configured for coolant flow, stacked in regularly spaced relation to one another, each of the tubes formed by coupled tube plates. Also comprising a tank in fluid communication with the tubes at an upper or lower side; inlet and outlet end-plates which respectively have an inflow part and an outflow part at an upstream side of coolant flow and positioned at respective end sides of the stacked tubes; and inlet and outlet manifolds in fluid communication with the tank and coupled to the inflow and outflow parts to define a coolant flow passage. The outlet manifold has a coolant movement preventing part isolating a rear portion from the coolant flow passage and comprises a closed space formed by joining the outlet end-plate and the outlet manifold to prevent formation of a dead zone where the coolant from the tank flows into a downstream side of the outlet manifold and is whirled therein.

Abstract: A vehicle rear air conditioner includes an air conditioning case connected with a blower and having a face vent, a floor vent and a vent door for controlling opening and closing of the vents. An evaporator and a heater core are embedded in the air conditioning case and a temperature control door controls opening and closing of a cold and a hot air passageway. The rear air conditioner includes a passageway member in order to discharge part of air flowing through the cold air passageway or the hot air passageway toward one of the vents. The passageway member has an inlet for inducing the part of air and an outlet for discharging the part of air and the vent door includes at least one interference preventing part.

Abstract: In an HVAC system in which ambient air is supplied by the system to a building through an ambient air intake airstream and is exhausted from the building through an exhaust airstream energy is conserved by transferring heat between the intake airstream and the exhaust airstream. A heat exchange fluid is circulated between heat exchangers located in the intake airstream and in the exhaust airstream. An air turbine is placed in the exhaust airstream for being driven by the exhaust airstream, and the air turbine is coupled with a pump arranged to circulate the heat exchange fluid between the heat exchangers such that upon being driven by the exhaust airstream, the air turbine, in turn, drives the pump to circulate the heat exchange fluid between the heat exchangers and thereby effects the transfer of heat from one to the other of the intake airstream and the exhaust airstream and a concomitant conservation of energy in the HVAC system.

Abstract: An actuation system for a tubular handling mechanism of a tubular handling assembly has a mud flow path passing through rotating parts and non-rotating parts of the tubular handling assembly. A ball drop assembly has an opening to the mud flow path through which a ball is released. The ball drop assembly opening is positioned in a non-rotating part. A lateral passage joins the mud flow path downstream of where the ball is released. A valve is positioned in the mud flow path at the lateral passage for selectively directing a purge fluid from the mud flow path out the lateral passage.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning the inner surface of an oil or gas production tubing is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a tubular body, one or more cleaning elements mounted on the outer surface of the body and an elastically deformable stabiliser. The elastically deformable stabiliser is rotatably mounted on the body to centralise the apparatus in the tubing whilst also allowing the body to pass though areas of reduced diameter in the production tubing. Preferably, there are a pair of spaced apart stabilisers having a web arrangement of spars with a flange at each end.

Abstract: A fluid collecting apparatus inserted in a borehole for collecting fluid in the borehole. The fluid collecting apparatus may include a first packer and a second packer which are selectively adhered to an inside of the borehole, a first supply pipe and a second supply pipe which supply expansion fluid to each of the first packer and the second packer, and a guide tube which guides fluid in a collecting space between the first packer and the second packer to an outside of the borehole. Also, the second supply pipe moves with the second packer in a longitudinal direction of the borehole, and a passage which does not communicate with the first supply pipe is formed. Accordingly, the fluid collecting apparatus may independently control the first and second packers, and thus fluid in a desired depth and region within the borehole may be easily collected.

Abstract: A downhole swaging system includes, a tubular having an area of strength with a different resistance to swaging as compared to areas of the tubular outside of the area of strength, and a swaging tool. The swaging tool has a first swage, and a second swage with an adjustable swaging dimension, the second swage is in functional communication with the first swage such that the adjustable swaging dimension is adjusted in response to the first swage encountering a change in resistance to swaging.

Abstract: A close-tolerance expandable bow spring centralizer 8 having a first expandable collar 10A coupled to and spaced apart from a second expandable collar 10B through a plurality of bow springs 30 wherein expandable collars 10A, 10B comprise a plurality of slidably coupled links 16 that separate to expand the diameter of the collars 10A, 10B, e.g., upon expansion of an expandable pipe string 80 on which the centralizer 8 is received. Expandable bow spring centralizer 8 may grip the expandable pipe string 80 when in the collapsed configuration to eliminate the need for a stop collar. Additionally or alternatively, a fin 32 may be connected to each bow spring 30, and then connected to one or more adjacent fins 32 upon collapse of the bow springs 30 to form a restraining band 39 that may be ruptured, e.g., upon expansion of the expandable pipe string 80.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and/or apparatus for deploying wireline tools with a non-electric string. In one embodiment, a method of determining a free point of a tubular string stuck in a wellbore includes deploying a tool string in the stuck tubular with a non-electric string. The free point assembly includes a battery, a controller, and a free point tool. The method further includes activating the free point tool by the controller. The free point tool contacts an inner surface of the stuck tubular string. The method further includes applying a tensile force and/or torque to the stuck tubular string; and measuring a response of the tubular string with the free point tool.

Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with a drill which drills into the formation in a manner perpendicular or oblique to the borehole wall. The tool comprises a mechanism for enhancing the mobility of the reservoir fluid, such as a heating element on the drill, hot fluid which is generated in the tool and injected into the drilled hole, or a solvent which is stored in the tool and injected by the tool into the drilled hole.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform focused sampling of reservoir fluid are described. An example method couples a sampling probe to a subterranean formation and, while the sampling probe is coupled to the subterranean formation, varies a pumping ratio of at least two displacement units to reduce a contamination level of a formation flu id extracted via the sampling probe from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions, including, in one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising introducing a treatment fluid into a well bore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a particulate elastomer having a specific gravity of at least about 1.6. Another method of treating a subterranean formation comprises introducing a treatment fluid into a well bore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a particulate elastomer having a specific gravity of at least about 1.05, wherein the particulate elastomer comprises a halogenated thermoplastic.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for perforating a well with a perforating fluid comprising a viscoelastic surfactant that essentially stops fluid leak-off after perforation in an overbalanced condition. Another aspect of the invention provides the perforating fluid in itself. The well has a wellbore defined by a generally cylindrical casing in at least a portion of the wellbore (i.e., the wellbore is cased, although it is not necessary cased in its entire length). The wellbore passes through a subterranean formation that comprises hydrocarbon formation fluids (such as oil and/or gas), at least in certain strata. The method comprises placing a perforating device in a wellbore which includes at least one explosive perforating charge that can be detonated in order to perforate the casing and allow the formation fluids to enter the wellbore. The casing is located between the subterranean formation and the perforating device.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning out horizontal wellbores using coiled tubing are provided for use during downhole operations. A coiled tubing having a bottom hole assembly is deployed into a horizontal wellbore. Fluid is circulated down the annulus of the wellbore and up the bottom hole assembly while the bottom hole assembly is moved upward at a selected rate and distance. This method may be used to remove downhole solids, such as formation sands and proppant.

Abstract: A method includes hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation with a first treatment fluid and allowing the hydraulic fracture to close. The method includes preparing a second treatment fluid having a damage removal agent including carbon dioxide. The second treatment fluid further includes a proppant pack damage removal agent including an oxidizer, a radical initiator, an acid, a solvent, and/or other damage removal agents. The method further includes injecting the second treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at a downhole pressure below a fracturing pressure for the subterranean formation. The method includes holding pressure on the formation while the second treatment fluid enhances formation and proppant pack permeability, and flowing the second treatment fluid back to the surface.

Abstract: To perform communications in a multilateral well, a first communication unit having an electromagnetic (EM) field generating element is provided to generate an EM field in a formation between a main bore and a lateral bore of the multilateral well. The EM field generating element includes a component creating a voltage difference along the wellbore. A second communication unit is for positioning in one of the main bore and lateral bore to receive the EM field propagated through the formation between the main bore and the lateral bore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus and systems for automating or metering fluid recovered at a well. According to one example, a system is described for automating the fluid recovery of oil wells using a pump jack or oil extractor. A communications device is installed with each system to allow remote bi-directional communications to monitor, control, and diagnose problems with the device or system.

Abstract: A multiple stage tool for use with plunger lift is disclosed. The disclosed device can be removably positioned at a desired position in a well's tubing, thus providing an upper limit for the travel distance of a first plunger. Subsequent well tubing partitions can be established with the introduction of subsequent plungers followed by the disclosed device.

Abstract: A control system for a surface controlled sub-surface safety valve has first and second control lines. The first control line communicates control fluid to the sub-surface safety valve and preferably has a sump and in-line filters. Hydraulic pressure applied to the safety valve with this first control line can open the safety valve. The second control line also communicates control fluid to the sub-surface safety valve and preferably has a sump. A connecting valve is connected between the first and second control lines. The connecting valve allows control fluid to communicate from the first control line to the safety valve but prevents fluid communication from the second control line to the first control line. To open the valve, the second control line is exhausted to a reservoir. The dual control lines provide redundant control of the safety valve and can also be cycled to remove debris from the system.

Abstract: An affixation and release arrangement includes a first component having a fluid pressure chamber. A piston is mounted in the first component and exposed to the fluid pressure chamber. A second component is affixed to the first component through the piston, the piston being responsive to fluid pressure increase within the chamber to unaffix the second component from the first component.

Abstract: A robotic system coupled to a racking platform of an oil well service or drilling rig comprising a base coupled to the racking platform at a fixed location, a mast pivotally coupled to the base by a mast pivot joint allowing rotation of the mast about a mast axis, a mast actuator for controllably rotating the mast about the mast pivot joint, an arm coupled to the mast and moveable along a radial direction with respect to the mast axis, an arm actuator for controllably moving the arm along the radial direction, an end effector pivotally coupled to an end of the arm by an end effector pivot joint allowing rotation of the end effector about an end effector axis oriented generally parallel to the mast axis, and an end effector actuator for controllably rotating the end effector about the end effector pivot joint. The end effector comprises at least one grabbing member operable to selectively grab an elongated object under control of a grabbing member actuator.

Abstract: The downhole tool assembly has a sleeve with a continuous j-slot, a lug rotator ring configured to move axially relative to the sleeve and having a lug configured to move within the continuous j-slot, and a rupture disk configured to prevent the lug from moving within the continuous j-slot during run-in. The method includes lowering the downhole tool assembly into a well bore on a tool string, rupturing the rupture disk, allowing the lug to move within the continuous j-slot, and setting the downhole tool assembly by lifting upward and pushing downward on the tool string.

Abstract: A burst plug for positioning in a downhole fluid passage has: a shear disc installable in a sealing position in the fluid passage. The shear disc is openable by applying fluid at a burst pressure against the shear disc. The burst plug has a retainer and sleeve formed to retain the shear disc in a fluid flow blocking position after the shear disc is removed from its sealing position. The sleeve has a shear disc retaining position in locking engagement with the retainer when fluid at burst pressure is in communication therewith. The sleeve thereafter assumes a shear disc removal position when fluid in communication therewith is reduced to a selected pressure lower than the burst pressure. In the shear disc removal position, the sleeve and retainer disengage from the blocking position, allowing the shear disc and retainer to be expelled from the fluid passage.

Abstract: A downhole trigger mechanism and method for using the same are provided. The downhole trigger mechanism can include at least two contact points spaced a longitudinal distance from one another. The trigger mechanism can be actuated when the contact points of the trigger mechanism are simultaneously contacted by at least two contact points of an actuator. The contact points of the actuator can be spaced a longitudinal distance from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire protection installation (30) comprising a mist sprayer system with at least one nozzle (5, 10) through which extinguishing medium in the form of liquid is arranged to be sprayed out at high pressure, so that a mist is created for achieving fire extinguishing by means of cooling of combustion gases and the seat of the fire. The distinguishing characteristics are that the fire protection installation is portable and has a modular construction comprising a basic system (31) and a number of customized additional systems, which additional systems comprise different additional units that are adapted to a particular function profile that is set in the actual fire protection installation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a hand-held fire extinguisher including: a tube having an open outlet end, an outer surface, and an inner surface; a fire suppressant composition provided within the tube; a propellant source containing a propellant, having a propellant outlet, where the propellant outlet is distal from the open outlet end of the tube and from the fire suppressant composition, and where the propellant outlet is in fluid communication with the fire suppressant composition and the open outlet end of the tube; and an actuator for the propellant source. In such apparatus, actuation of the actuator allows propellant flow from the propellant outlet passing through the fire suppressant composition and out through the open outlet end of the tube.

Abstract: A tiller with chassis, pair of handles, and tines, wherein simultaneously raising one handle and lowering the other twists the chassis to lower one tine and raise the other. The tines comprise pairs of blades, each blade having a pair of upturned tips. The height of tines is adjusted by adjusting the support for a wheel. The tiller is supported by an arm having a single ground engaging wheel, pivoting the arm and locking in position to adjust the height of the tiller. The tiller includes a third handle located along its chassis. The chassis is formed from two longitudinally split components. A blade cover for the tiller is thin and curved to lie in an arc spaced from the rotating tips of the tines. An attachment for the tiller has a V-shaped tip and shaped to form a furrow.

Abstract: An operating apparatus for a work vehicle with a detachable implement provided with a hydraulic actuator, comprising: a control valve and a link mechanism for operatively connecting the control valve to an operating lever, both the control valve and link mechanism being disposed beneath a driver seat of the work vehicle; and a locking lever configured to be switched between a locked position for holding the operating lever in a neutral position, and a lock-releasing position for releasing the hold on the operating lever, wherein the locking lever is disposed between the driver seat and a rear fender positioned laterally of the driver seat.

Abstract: A coulter or disc having a plurality of directional notches therein is used in one rotational direction for one use and an opposite rotational direction for a different use. The notches are selected from many arcuate shapes and sizes. The notches taper from sharp to dull from one end to the other, but in use one can chose to lead with the dull or the sharp end of the notches. A method of making and using such coulters or discs is described and shown.

Abstract: A pressure-fluid-operated percussion device includes a frame allowing a tool to be arranged movably in its longitudinal direction. Pressure liquid is fed to the percussion device and returned to a pressure liquid tank. A stress pulse is produced in the tool utilizing pressure of the pressure liquid. A pressure liquid source maintains pressure in the working pressure chamber. Pressure liquid is intermittently fed to the percussion device such that the pressure liquid pushes a transmission piston into a predetermined backward position. Pressure liquid is alternately discharged rapidly from the percussion device so that the pressure of the pressure liquid in the working pressure chamber and the pressure liquid flowing from the pressure liquid source pushes the transmission piston towards the tool, generating a stress pulse in the tool.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes two vibration-damped handles (21), two handle attachment axles (31) for securing the two handles (21) on the tool outer housing (12), respectively, and extending at an angle to respective longitudinal axes (23) of respective handles (21), each handle attachment axle being surrounded, at least in some areas, by the mounting section (24) of the respective handle (21), a damping sleeve (31) formed of an elastic material and provided between the mounting section (24) of the respective handle (21) and the respective handle attachment axle (30), with the damping sleeve (31) forming a first damping element, and a damping body (36) provided on a free end (26) of each handle (21) and forming a second damping element and having an extension (D) in a radial, with respect to the handle longitudinal axis, direction that is greater than a minimal radial extension (T) of the handle (21) at its free, second end.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique for a reduction of an impact force cased by rebound of a tool bit after its striking movement in an impact power tool. The representative impact power tool includes a tool body, a hammer actuating member, a striker, a weight and an elastic element. A reaction force is transmitted from the hammer actuating member to the weight and the elastic element is elastically deformed when the weight moves ward by the reaction to absorb the reaction force. The invention is characterized in that the mass of the weight is set to about 40% or more of the mass of the striker.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring forces acting on a tubing string within a wellbore, comprising a body including a central passage and an internal void radially offset from the central passage. End portions extending from the body each include an internal passage and an interface configured to detachably couple to the tubing string for conveyance within the wellbore. A clamp is detachably coupled to one end portion, and first sensors coupled to the clamp are configured to detect strain induced by forces acting on the tubing string. At least one second sensor coupled to the body is configured to detect pressure and temperature within the wellbore. A memory device coupled to the body within the internal void is configured to log measurements detected by the first and second sensors. An electrical power supply coupled to the body within the internal void is configured to provide electrical power to the memory device.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a drill string is disclosed herein, the apparatus comprising a drilling motor comprising a rotor, a stator, and at least one fluid passage for flowing drilling fluid to the stator. A blade is fixedly disposed on the exterior surface of the stator. A diverter valve controls the flow rate of drilling fluid to the stator, to provide counter rotational movement to the stator with respect to the rotor. Placement and movement of the blade is thereby controlled. When the blade is rotated such that it remains stationary with respect to a fixed point in a borehole, the drill bit is turned. When the blade is counter-rotated in a constant motion with respect to the rotor, the drill bit continues to drill in a straight direction.

Abstract: A system for performing a drilling operation for an oilfield. The system includes a drilling system for advancing a drilling tool into a subterranean formation, a repository storing multiple survey factors for at least one wellsite of the oilfield and multiple drilling factors corresponding to at least one section of a planned trajectory of the at least one wellsite, and a processor and memory storing instructions when executed by the processor. The instructions include functionality to configure a drilling model for each of the at least one wellsite based on the plurality of survey factors and the plurality of drilling factors and selectively adjust the drilling model with respect to a plurality of drilling scenarios to generate an optimal drilling plan.

Abstract: An apparatus and method obtains a sample from a subterranean formation. The coring apparatus includes an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and sensors adapted to provide data relating to downhole conditions. The sensors includes: a strain sensor adapted to measure tension and/or compression experienced by the inner core barrel; a first pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure out with the inner barrel and a second pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure within the inner barrel; a rotation sensor adapted to measure relative rotation between the inner core barrel and the outer core barrel; and a vibration sensor adapted to measure vibration experienced by the inner barrel.

Abstract: A borehole network including first and second end surface locations and at least one intermediate surface location interconnected by a subterranean path, and a method for connecting a subterranean path between a first borehole including a directional section and a second borehole including a directional section. A directional drilling component is drilled in at least one of the directional sections to obtain a required proximity between the first and second boreholes. An intersecting component is drilled, utilizing magnetic ranging techniques, from one directional section to provide a borehole intersection between the first and second boreholes, thereby connecting the subterranean path.

Abstract: A drill bit (20) for connection to a casing string (R), wherein the bit (20) comprises an annular bit face (21) which is built-up by a matrix and which comprises a sintered diamond-metal powder mixture, wherein the bit face (21) includes a plurality of radially orientated liquid delivery slots (16, 23, 26) for cooling and cleansing the bit face (21), wherein at least one of the liquid delivery slots is comprised of an inner slot (23) which extends radially outwards from the inside (24) of the bit face (21), wherein the slot (23) is terminated with an inner bottom (24) in the bit face (21), wherein a further liquid delivery slot comprises an outer slot (26) that extends radially inwards from the outside (27) of the bit face, and wherein said outer slot is terminated with an outer bottom (28) in the bit face (21).

Abstract: A downhole tool including a purely mechanical stabilizer is disclosed. The stabilizer includes a plurality of fixed blades, each of which includes at least one automatically extendable and retractable piston. In use, a balance of forces determines the radial position of each piston; a hydraulic force urging the piston outward, a spring force urging the piston inward, and external forces acting on the tool (e.g., the force of the borehole wall urging the pistons inward). The stabilizer is further configured such that a balance of forces between the pistons causes the tool to be advantageously automatically and continuously centered during rotation of the tool in the borehole. As such, the invention is suitable for use in boreholes that rapidly change size and shape.