Abstract: The invention discloses a method of creating a polymerized composition in a well bore: providing a polymerizable composition made of a polymerization initiator and a monomer polymerizable by frontal polymerization; introducing the polymerizable composition into the wellbore; exposing the polymerizable composition to a trigger to activate the frontal polymerization; and creating the polymerized composition.

Abstract: A cementing sub for wellbore annulus cementing that allows certain regions of the wellbore annulus to be cemented while other regions are left open for perforating, activation or controllable ported access. The cementing sub may include a tubular body including a first end, an opposite end and a wall defined between an inner bore extending from the first end to the opposite end and an outer surface; a port through the wall of the tubular body providing communication between the inner bore and the outer surface, the port including an openable closure; a conduit along the wall of the tubular extending from an inlet adjacent the first end and an outlet adjacent the opposite end, the inlet and outlet opening to the outer surface and being isolated from communication with the inner bore; a first annular packer encircling the tubular body and positioned between the port and the inlet; and a second annular packer encircling the tubular body and positioned between the port and the outlet.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus and methods for use with downhole tools are described. An example apparatus includes a cooling apparatus for use with a downhole tool. The cooling apparatus includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is configured for fluid communication with a wellbore and the inlet is spaced from the outlet. The cooling apparatus also includes a pump configured to convey at least one of a drilling fluid or a formation fluid between the inlet and the outlet. Additionally, the cooling apparatus includes a heat exchanger coupled to a surface adjacent the flow passage and a component of the downhole tool to convey heat from the component to the cooling fluid.

Abstract: Treatments and compounds useful in subterranean formations are discussed, with particular attention to those formations where surfaces may be subject to silica scale build-up. Certain embodiments pertain to utilizing silica scale control additives with remediation and stimulation treatments. One example of a suitable method includes providing an acidic treatment fluid comprising: a base fluid, an acid, and a silica scale control additive; contacting at least a portion of a subterranean formation with the acidic treatment fluid; and allowing the acidic treatment fluid to interact with silica scale buildup in the subterranean formation so that at least a portion of the silica scale buildup is removed.

Abstract: A circulation control valve. A method of controlling circulation flow between an interior flow passage of a tubular string and an annulus external to the tubular string in a subterranean well includes the steps of: interconnecting a valve in the tubular string, the valve including at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the interior flow passage and the annulus; applying an increased pressure to the interior flow passage while fluid communication through the opening between the interior flow passage and the annulus is prevented, thereby permitting fluid communication through the opening between the interior flow passage and the annulus; and then applying another increased pressure to the interior flow passage while fluid communication through the opening between the interior flow passage and the annulus is permitted, thereby preventing fluid communication through the opening between the interior flow passage and the annulus.

Abstract: A downhole valve that operates on turning of a member having a passage through it with a control system also features a passage from above an uphole seat for the member which communicates to the isolated passage within the member when the valve is closed. The passage features a check valve assembly that preferably has redundant sealing features and filters to prevent debris entry. Pressure applied from above the closed member gets through the check valve assembly to equalize the higher pressure below the ball with the pressure raised in the ball from pressure application at the surface. Removal of the applied pressure reseats the check valve or valves to allow the hydraulic system to rotate the member while the member is no longer subject to a high differential pressure.

Abstract: A technique enables a simplified approach for providing subsea hydraulic control. A subsea installation comprises one or more devices that are actuated hydraulically. A simple signal carrier, such as a wireline logging cable, can be routed down to the subsea installation. However, hydraulic fluid for controlling the one or more hydraulic devices in the subsea installation is delivered via an open water umbilical that extends to the subsea installation from a separate workover control system.

Abstract: A method of making a flow control device for controlling flow of fluid between a formation and a wellbore is provided, which method in one aspect may include: providing a member suitable for placement in a wellbore for receiving formation fluid; selecting a geometry for a flow-through region configured to substantially increase value of a selected parameter relating to the flow-through region when a selected property of the formation fluid is in a first range changes and maintain a substantially constant pressure drop across the flow-through region when the selected property of the fluid is in a second range; and forming the flow-through region on the member to provide the flow control device.

Abstract: A method of drilling a slim hole and inserting a slotted liner into such hole drilled in an underground reservoir using jet-drilling. The method enables jet-drilling to be effective in unconsolidated subterranean formations, such as some petroleum reservoirs. The method enables fluid injection or production to be undertaken on individual jet-drilled holes or on groups of holes drilled laterally at different vertical intervals in a vertical well within an underground formation.

Abstract: An intelligent completion system includes a production tubing configured for production from multiple zones in a wellbore; at least one flow control valve disposed on the production tubing for each of the multiple zones, wherein the at least one flow control valve regulates flow of a wellbore fluid into the production tubing; a chemical injection mandrel disposed on the production tubing adjacent the at least one flow control valve in the each of the multiple zones, wherein the chemical injection mandrel is connected to at least one chemical injection line for injecting one or more chemicals into the wellbore; and a control mechanism connected to the at least one flow control valve and the chemical injection mandrel such that the injection mandrel and the at least one flow control valve are operated in a coordinated manner.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector for a wellhead hub is provided that includes a piston and a bottom portion configured to move in an axial direction via hydraulic pressure applied to one or more hydraulic ports in the connector. The movement of the piston and the bottom portion moves a ring and a segment of the connector in a radial direction to engage recesses in the wellhead hub. The connector may be unlocked by applying hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic port of the connector. A system and method of operating the connector are also provided.

Abstract: An installation system and method configured to install a lower completion section is provided. The installation system may comprise an installation drill pipe configured to releasably couple with a lower completion section. The installation system may comprise an electrical wet connect. The electrical wet connect may be coupled with a connector configured to establish a communication pathway between the electrical wet connect and components of the lower completion section. The lower completion section may be run in hole. Communications between a surface location and the lower completion components may be established via the electrical wet connect. The lower completion components may be tested prior to setting a lower completion section packer.

Abstract: The invention is related in general to wellbore-telemetry technology. In particular, the invention relates to improved equipment and methods for deploying line in a wellbore. A continuous line is dispensed from two apparatuses. One apparatus is attached to a device such as a wiper plug that travels through a tubular body such as casing. The other apparatus is fixed either inside or outside a wellhead. As a process fluid is pumped into the tubular body, forcing the first apparatus and the device through the tubular body, line may unfurl from the first apparatus, the second apparatus, or both. In this way, stress on the line during deployment is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for directionally disposing an elongated flexible member in a pressurized conduit. The method includes inserting a bent end portion of an elongated hollow body through an opening in fluid communication with a well valve and defined by a pressurized conduit, the bent end portion being disposed in a pre-determined direction and location within the pressurized conduit; inserting a lead portion of an elongated flexible member into a fluid passageway defined by a primary valve, the fluid passageway of the primary valve being in sealed fluid relationship with the elongated hollow body which, in turn, is in sealed fluid relationship with the pressurized conduit, so that the lead portion of the elongated flexible member is inserted through the bend end portion and into the pressurized conduit by a pre-determined distance; and thereafter retaining in place the inserted elongated flexible member, whereby the elongated flexible member is directionally disposed in the pressurized conduit.

Abstract: The present invention features a fire safety apparatus for a high-pressure gas fuel tank of a vehicle, comprising a pressure relief device that is disposed between a tank connection channel and an outside connection channel in a tank valve of a high-pressure fuel tank and that connects the tank connection channel with the outside connection channel when the tank valve increases in temperature over a predetermined level in a fire, and a suitable intumescent that is hydrate disposed with the high-pressure fuel tank to increase in volume and absorbs heat, with the water from evaporation in a fire, and delay the flames spreading over the high-pressure fuel tank by producing a heat insulation barrier after the water evaporates.

Abstract: A digging tool has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has at least one beveled surface for engaging with a drill chuck. An eggbeater-shaped digging body is coupled to the shaft. The digging body is formed from a plurality of bands that intersect each other at an intersection region at the distal end of the shaft. The bands are welded to each other and to the shaft at the intersection region and form a plurality of substantially U-shaped digging surfaces. Each U-shaped digging surface has a distal arm coupled to the intersection region and a proximal arm coupled to the shaft between the intersection region and the proximal end of the shaft. A protective cover is welded to the intersection region to cover the intersection region. The protective cover preferably includes a distally extending non-puncturing tip.

Abstract: An implement wheel assembly includes two individual wheel arms tied together by a linkage that pivots about a fore-and-aft extending axis at a location above the wheels and generally above the plane of the implement frame. The linkage constrains the wheel arms to pivot in opposite vertical directions as the implement moves over irregular ground surfaces to improve weight distribution on the wheels. Spring structure may be interposed between the ends of a pivoting linkage and the individual wheel arms to lower frame impact forces. The structure allows two wheels to be placed side-by-side with their axes generally aligned and reduces under-frame hardware to improve crop and soil and trash flow.

Abstract: An electric assembly device for tightening of fastener includes a housing and a rotation motor which is drivingly connected to an output shaft. The output shaft has a forward portion extending out of the housing, and is adapted to carry a coupling device for releasable coupling with a fastener during tightening, which is to be performed along a first rotation axis. The device is adapted to determine an angular displacement of the housing with respect to the first rotation axis during tightening of the fastener, and to control the rotation speed of the motor during tightening based on the determined angular displacement of the housing.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotary striking tool, including: a motor; an impact unit having a driving part being driven by the motor and an output part; a tip-tool side output shaft that is coupled to the output part; an impact detection unit that detects an impact generated at the impact unit; and a control unit programmed to: control the impact unit to perform a confirmation striking when the impact detected by the impact detection unit reaches a prescribed value, detect a rotation angle of the output shaft at the confirmation striking, determine whether a fastening operation is completed when the detected rotation angle is equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle, and continue the fastening operation when the detected rotation angle is larger than the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A handheld power tool with a shiftable mechanism, which is adjustable between two operating positions, has a coupling spring that is coupled with an adjustable shifting member of the mechanism. The coupling spring is embodied as a metastable spring.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for reducing the load of user's fingers in a power tool. A representative power tool includes a body, a tool bit, a driving means and a handgrip that extends from a grip proximal end on the side of the body to a grip distal end in a direction that crosses the axial direction of the tool bit. The power tool includes a holding optimization region that is arranged on the handgrip and shaped to match with the holding form of the fingers of the user when the user holds the handgrip. Specifically, the holding optimization region at least includes the rear end surface of the grip distal end region such that a normal on the rear end surface crosses an axis of the tool bit forward of the handgrip. As a result, according to the invention, the force of the user's fingers and palm on the handgrip can be optimized.

Abstract: A shielded cable includes a core comprising an insulated wire including an inner conductor and an insulation layer formed on an outer periphery of the inner conductor, a shield layer formed on an outer periphery of the core, and a jacket layer formed on an outer periphery of the shield layer. The shield layer includes a stranded conductor shield layer including a stranded conductor spirally wound around the core, and the stranded conductor includes a plurality of conductor strands stranded together. The shield layer may further include a tinsel copper braided shield layer or a metal plated strand braided shield layer that is formed between the core and the stranded conductor shield layer.

Abstract: An insulating spacer 10 includes a molded insulator 11 having a central conductor 12. The molded insulator 11 part is disposed between the flanges 1A, 2A of metal containers 1, 2 and is coupled by through bolts 5. The peripheral dimension of the molded insulator 11 is smaller than the flanges 1A, 2A, and the insulating spacer 10 is provided with a thin section 11A, one lateral side of which is formed into a thin ring shape. A ring-shaped metal fitting 14 having a cross-sectional L-shape is fitted onto the thin section 11A of the molded insulator 11, the ring-shaped metal fitting 14 defining the dimensions of the space between the flanges 1A, 2A and forming a current path between the metal containers 1, 2. The ring-shaped metal fitting 14 is affixed to the thin section 11A of the molded insulator 11 by multiple tightening bolts 15.

Abstract: A ceramic material composition comprising from 20 to 50 mass % of a borosilicate glass powder, from 25 to 55 mass % of an alumina filler powder and from 10 to 45 mass % of a filler powder (a high refractive index filler powder) having a refractive index higher than the alumina filler powder, wherein the borosilicate glass powder comprises, as calculated as oxides, from 30 to 70 mass % of SiO2, from 5 to 28 mass % of B2O3, from 5 to 30 mass % of Al2O3, from 3 to 35 mass % of CaO, from 0 to 25 mass % of SrO, from 0 to 25 mass % of BaO, from 0 to 10 mass % of Na2O, from 0 to 10 mass % of K2O, from 0.5 to 10 mass % of Na2O+K2O and from 3 to 40 mass % of CaO+SrO+BaO, and satisfies the following conditions: in the borosilicate glass powder, as represented by mass %, the value of “three times the B2O3 content”+“twice (the CaO content+the SrO content+the BaO content)”+“ten times (the Na2O content+the K2O content)”, is within a range of from 105 to 165.

Abstract: A terminal box comprises a box casing 2 including terminal elements incorporated into the interior thereof; a lid element 4 for closing an opening of the box casing; and an engaging mechanism 7 for fixedly engaging an engaging element 5 provided in the lid element with an engaged element 6 provided in the box casing by pressing the lid element against the box casing. The engaging element includes a projecting piece 21 extending in a pressing direction of the lid member, and an engaging pawl 23 extending in a direction vertical to the extending direction of the projecting piece and provided in part of the projecting piece other than a distal end portion 22 of the projecting piece. The engaged element has a receiving hole 24 opening toward an outer side of the box casing and allowing the distal end portion of the projecting piece to be exposed to the outside when engaged with the engaging pawl.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant self-contained receptacle (TRSCR) provides two sets of contacts for connecting two separate cables in a daisy-chain configuration. A TRSCR is configured for insertion into a single bore hole and is compatible with both metal-clad (MC) and non-metal sheath (NMS) cable. A base providing two sets of contacts, each having hot, neutral and ground contacts, can couple to two doors so that each set is covered. A ground contact can include an extended clip for connection to the metal clad of an MC cable. A door can be configured to receive an MC cable or a NMS cable; or a universal door can be provided. Thus, a TRSCR is configured to provide a separate entry and a separate strain relief for each connected cable. A TRSCR can be coupled to a floor ring when installed in flooring, or an adapter collar when installed in a stone surface.

Abstract: A hook and loop rope includes a flexible tube, a strip of loop tape wrapping around the flexible tube in a spiral configuration, and a strip of hook tape wrapping around the flexible tube in a spiral configuration. Optionally, a plurality of internal supporting members can be disposed within the flexible tube. A plurality of internal supporting members can be electrical wire. A stiff tip can be formed on an end of the flexible tube. A first and second slick band can be used for providing slick surfaces on the hook and loop rope. A plurality of internal supporting members disposed within the flexible tube can be electrical wire. A stiff tip can be formed on an end of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A hydrous water absorbent polymer-dispersed ultraviolet curable resin composition includes a hydrous water absorbent polymer preliminarily hydrated, swollen and dispersed in the resin composition, and a hydrophilic monomer. The hydrophilic monomer is added not less than 10 mass % to the resin composition.

Abstract: Even if a wire harness that passes a grommet is bent sharply, a vehicle body latch recess of the grommet is not deformed, thereby enhancing a sealing function. A grommet includes: an inner tube for passing electrical cables in said wire harness in a close contact manner; and an outer tube contiguous with an outer peripheral surface of said inner tube and provided with a slant wall section. The slant wall section of the outer tube is provided with a curved portion at an outer diametrical position having an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the through-hole. The curved portion has a different inclination angle from the slant wall section. An inclination angle of an outer peripheral surface of the slant wall section at a larger diameter side with respect to the curved portion is set to be smaller than an inclination angle at a smaller diameter side with respect to the curved portion.

Abstract: A ceramic wiring board comprises a ceramic substrate and a copper layer formed on the ceramic substrate. The average copper grain radius in the copper layer is approximately equal to or larger than 10 ?m.

Abstract: The wiring board includes: a base material; a copper pattern which is formed in one surface of the base material, and made of a first metal; and a first nickel land and a second nickel land which are formed over the copper pattern in contact with the copper pattern, and made of a second metal having a higher ionization tendency than that of the first metal, wherein a groove reaching the base material is formed in the copper pattern around a region overlapping the first nickel land at least when seen in a plan view.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-layered ceramic substrate including a first insulating sheet having a first via contact; and a second insulating sheet joined to the first insulating sheet, wherein the second insulating sheet has a second via contact aligned with the first via contact up and down to be joined to the first via contact, wherein the first via contact has a form extended to the inside of the second via contact.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printed circuit board, including: a base substrate; insulation layers which are formed on both sides of the base substrate and in which trenches are formed; and circuit layers including circuit patterns and vias formed in the trenches using a plating process. The printed circuit board is advantageous in that trenches are formed in both sides of a base substrate, so that a fine circuit pattern can be simultaneously formed on both sides thereof, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process thereof.

Abstract: A multilayer substrate is provided with a conductor plane region in which a plurality of conductor planes are disposed; a clearance region disposed adjacent to the conductor plane region so that the plurality of conductor planes are excluded from the clearance region. A plurality of signal vias are disposed through the clearance region so that the plurality of signal vias are isolated from the plurality of conductor planes. A conductor post is connected to one of the plurality of conductor planes and disposed between two of the signal vias in the clearance region.

Abstract: An implantable lead is provided that includes a lead body configured to be implanted in a patient. The lead body has a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends and includes a connector assembly provided at the proximal end of the lead body. The connector assembly is configured to connect to an implantable medical device and includes an electrode provided proximate to the distal end of the lead body with the electrode configured to at least one of deliver stimulating pulses and sense electrical activity. A multi-layer coil is located within the lumen and extends at least partially along a length of the lead body. The coil includes a first winding formed with multiple winding turns, the winding turns being segmented in an alternating pattern of insulated segments and non-insulated segments along the length of the lead body.

Abstract: A wildlife guard assembly for use with an electrical insulator body includes first and second guard members and an actuator member. The first and second guard members define a seat to receive the insulator body and are connected to one another to permit relative movement between an open position. The first and second guard members define a sideward opening to laterally receive the insulator body into the seat, and a closed position, wherein the first and second guard members at least partially encircle the insulator body to capture the insulator body in the seat. The actuator member is configured to be inserted between the first and second guard members in the open position and, when forcibly displaced radially to an installed position, to force the first and second guard members to move from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A treatment method for a getter material, comprising at least one oxidation and/or nitriding step of getter material conducted under dry atmosphere of dioxygen and/or dinitrogen at pressure greater than approximately 10?2 mbar and at a temperature between approximately 50° C. and 120° C. and over a period between approximately 1 minute and 10 minutes, forming a protective layer composed of oxide and/or nitride of getter material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a heat sensitive component from high temperature, mechanical shock and moisture are provided. An enclosure includes an outer housing surrounding an inner cavity configured to receive a heat sensitive component therein, a cover configured to matingly engage the outer housing such that the inner cavity is sealed from an environment external to the enclosure, wherein at least one of the outer housing and the cover are formed from a ceramic material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a covered conductor comprising a conductor and a covering, wherein the covering is disposed over the conductor, wherein the conductor comprises aluminum or an alloy comprising aluminum, wherein the covering comprises a poly(arylene ether) composition, wherein optionally, the covering comprises a poly(arylene ether) composition selected from the group consisting of Noryl resins from SABIC Innovative Plastics, Xyron resins from Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation, Iupiace resins from Mitsubishi, Lemalloy resins from Mitsubishi, Polyphenyl Ether resins from Bluestar, Acnor resins from Aquafil Technopolymers, Ashlene resins from Ashley Polymers, Vestoran resins from Evonik Degussa. Further disclosed herein is a wire harness assembly comprising the covered conductor, and an end use equipment comprising the wire harness assembly.

Abstract: A flame-retardant composition with excellent wear resistance and cold resistance, an insulated electric wire and a wiring harness using the same. The flame-retardant composition includes a base resin that has a flexural modulus of 500 MPa or more and a Charpy impact strength at ?20° C. of 1 KJ/m2 or more, and a flame retardant that is a pulverized natural mineral containing magnesium hydroxide as a main ingredient. The base resin preferably contains polypropylene as a main ingredient, and the content of the magnesium hydroxide is preferably 30 to 250 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base resin. The insulated electric wire includes a conductor and the flame-retardant composition that covers the conductor. The wiring harness includes the insulated electric wire.

Abstract: Device for holding the cables of an aircraft onto the structure of the said aircraft, the said device having substantially the shape of a first trunking element, forming a basic trunking element, comprising means for coupling to the aircraft structure that are positioned on the side of its bottom and arranged to receive at least one cable running along the structure of the said aircraft and to provide an electrical continuity over the whole of its length, characterized in that the said basic trunking element comprises first attachment means capable of interacting with corresponding attachment means of a second trunking element, forming a lateral extension trunking element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a Rotating Control Device (RCD) and RCD insert during drilling operations are described. The system includes a body for connection between the RCD and a hot drilling fluid return outlet of a well head, the body including an inlet for injecting cool drilling fluid adjacent the RCD insert and an outlet for removing partially warmed drilling fluid. During operation, cool drilling fluid is circulated through the inlet and outlet such that cool drilling fluid is in direct contact with hot drilling fluid recovered from the well in a buffer zone adjacent the hot drilling fluid return outlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a plurality of densely packed wells to efficiently utilize available drilling space. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling densely packed wells may include drilling a second well using magnetic ranging while drilling to control a distance between the second well and a first well (the first well being either existing or drilled immediately prior to starting to drill the second well), and drilling a third well using magnetic ranging while drilling to control a distance between the third well and the first and second wells.

Abstract: A method in core drilling, wherein a tubular drill bit (8) being arranged at the end of a tubular drill string (6) is driven under rotation against a material intended for drilling, and wherein for the purpose of core retrieving, a tool (17, 20) is brought inside the drill string to an operative position in the area of the drill bit. Acoustic vibrations (24, 25) from the drill string are sensed when the tool is brought to its operative position, sensed acoustic vibrations are analysed for detecting the occurrence of acoustic vibrations characteristic for when the tool has reached its operative position, and an output signal is emitted when the occurrence of vibrations characteristic of when the tool has reached its operative position has been detected. The invention also concerns a device and a drill rig.

Abstract: An assembly may be disposed within a drill string. The assembly may be moved within and along the drill string using hydraulic pressure. A core sample may be collected within the assembly, and the assembly may be retrieved to obtain the core sample. The assembly may include a seal that may be configured to form a seal with different inner diameters of a variable-diameter drill rod of the drill string.

Abstract: A pipe handling system includes a frame removably coupled to a drilling mast, a gripping arm moveably coupled to the frame, and a grip jaw extending from the gripping arm to engage a drill pipe, wherein the gripping arm and the grip jaw are operable to move a drill pipe from within the drilling mast to a pipe storage area adjacent the drilling mast. Other embodiments include a pipe racker and a setback handling system disposed below the pipe racker to engage a lower end of the drill pipe, the setback handling system including a moveable pipe guide and a rotating table supporting the pipe guide. In some embodiments, the rotating table also supports a pipe mover for moving the drill pipe to desired storage positions in a setback rack. Pipe handling methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. The driven latch mechanism can further include a refracted groove adapted to lock the plurality of wedge members radially within the core barrel assembly, thereby allowing for faster travel within the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling and completing a lateral borehole from a main borehole comprises a liner unit for storing one or more prefabricated liners for installation into the lateral borehole; and a drilling unit operable to drill the lateral borehole into the formation surrounding the main borehole and to install the prefabricated liner in the lateral borehole after drilling. A method of drilling a lateral borehole from a main borehole using such a drilling system comprises positioning the system in the main borehole at a location of interest; operating the drilling unit to drill a lateral borehole from the main borehole; completing the lateral borehole by deploying the liner from the liner unit into the lateral borehole.

Abstract: A drill bit may include a bit body including at least one blade extending at least partially over a cone region of the bit body. Additionally, the drill bit may include a plurality of cutting structures mounted to the at least one blade and a rubbing zone within the cone region of the at least one blade, wherein cutting structures within the rubbing zone have a reduced average exposure. Additionally, a method of directional drilling may include positioning a depth-of-cut controlling feature of a drill bit away from a formation to prevent substantial contact between the depth-of-cut controlling feature and rotating the drill bit off-center to form a substantially straight borehole segment. The method may also include positioning the depth-of-cut controlling feature of the drill bit into contact with the formation to control the depth-of-cut and rotating the drill bit on-center to form a substantially nonlinear borehole segment.