Abstract: A reinforced workover rig mast (40) is disclosed. A top section (60) of the mast (40) telescopes relative to a mid section (44), and includes a scoping cylinder area (72) for receiving a scoping cylinder (90) that may be used to extend and retract the top section (60). A number of external gussets (78) are located within this scoping cylinder area (72) to structurally reinforce the upper section (60). Other reinforcement features are incorporated by the mast (40) as well, including an increased width and depth, along with a reduced vertical spacing between adjacent cross supports (50b, 66b, 74).

Abstract: A drill pipe assembly includes an elongate drill pipe and a drill pipe extension. The elongate drill pipe has a first threaded end and a second threaded end. The drill pipe extension has a first threaded end and a second threaded end. The second threaded end matingly engaging the first threaded end of the elongate drill pipe. The first threaded end being adapted to matingly engage an additional component of a drill string. The drill pipe extension has an external upset. The external upset has recessed flow paths.

Abstract: A method (and corresponding apparatus) for downhole fluid analysis of petroleum formation fluids. The method includes capturing in a chamber of a downhole tool at least two immiscible formation fluids in a generally segregated state (the fluids including petroleum), activating a fluid mixing means to mix the fluids in the chamber to create an emulsion therefrom, and allowing the emulsified fluids to segregate while measuring light transmittance through the segregating fluids in order to calculate a transition time period based on the light transmittance through the fluids in the chamber. The transition time period is preferably bounded by the time required for the light transmittance values measured by the light detector to reach a baseline light transmittance. The transition time period characterizes the stability of an emulsion formed by the captured fluids. The methods and apparatus can also be used for other fluid testing applications beyond downhole formation fluid testing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides an analytical processing system for enhancing the recovery of heavy oil in an underground, near-surface crude oil extraction environment, comprising: a data collection engine configured for receiving data relating to the underground, near-surface crude oil extraction environment, wherein the data includes in situ microbial species data, oil properties data and in situ nutrient information that are identified as being germane to the underground, near-surface crude oil extraction environment; a data warehouse for storing data collected from the data collection engine; and a data modeling system for analyzing data stored in the data warehouse and facilitating an identity of a preferred microbial species from the underground, near-surface crude oil extraction environment that can transform the heavy oil into a lighter oil.

Abstract: A seismic fluid prediction data, e.g., a dataset, is generated for a subsurface region by preconditioning seismic data for amplitude-versus-offset (AVO) analysis. Seismic AVO attribute data is generated for the subsurface region, including creating intercept (A) and gradient (B) seismic data using two or more angle stacks of seismic data. Lithology prediction data is generated with the intercept (A) and gradient (B) seismic data, and an AVO crossplot for fluids is generated to identify an initial AVO anomaly. Seismic fluid prediction data is generated based on the generated AVO crossplot and lithology prediction data.

Abstract: A logging tool for use within a work string within a wellbore. The logging tool includes one or more sensors which detect operational conditions within the wellbore and a processing and storage means for recording data relating to these conditions.

Abstract: A process for mineral oil production, especially Winsor type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation which comprises at least one nonionic surfactant having 8 to 30 ethoxy units, which has a polydispersity of from 1.01 to 1.12, and at least one further surfactant is forced through injection wells into a mineral oil deposit and crude oil is removed from the deposit through production wells.

Abstract: A process for mineral oil production, especially Winsor type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation which comprises at least one alkylpolyalkoxysulfate comprising propoxy groups, and at least one further surfactant differing therefrom is used, is forced through injection wells into a mineral oil deposit and crude oil is removed from the deposit through production wells. The alkylpolyalkoxysulfate comprising propoxy groups is prepared in this case by sulfating an alkoxylated alcohol, the alkoxylated alcohol being prepared by alkoxylating an alcohol using double metal cyanide catalysts or double hydroxide clays.

Abstract: A process for mineral oil production especially Winsor type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation which comprises at least one nonionic surfactant having 11 to 40 ethoxy units and a hydrophobic radical having 8 to 32 carbon atoms and at least one further surfactant differing therefrom is forced through injection wells into a mineral oil deposit and crude oil is removed from the deposit through production wells.

Abstract: A method of heterogeneous proppant placement in a subterranean fracture is disclosed. The method comprises injecting a first treatment fluid comprising a gas and substantially free of macroscopic particles through a wellbore to initiate a fracture in a subterranean formation; injecting a second treatment fluid comprising proppant and channelant through the wellbore into the fracture; placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters forming pillars spaced apart by the channelant; and removing the channelant to form open channels around the pillars for fluid flow from the subterranean formation through the fracture toward the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to the oil-and-gas production industry and can be used for enhancement of the production of oilfield wells as it prevents the fracture from closing by pumping of propping granules (proppant) during the hydraulic fracturing of oil-producing formations. Higher stimulation of a reservoir through using hydraulic fracturing is provided with the proppant as particulate with spherical or elliptic form, made of ceramic, polymer, metal, or glass and having higher roughness than regular proppant, wherein the surface roughness is nonuniform and described by two criteria A and B, varying in the intervals: A =0.0085?0.85; B=0.001?1.0. The proppant manufacturing method comprising the preparation of raw material, mixing, granulation, drying, firing, wherein an additional stage of creation of surface roughness is added at the granulation stage and/or the firing stage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a jar used to dislodge tools stuck in a well. The jar includes two housing portions movable with respect to each other. A release collet forms a portion of one of the housings. A release sleeve is carried by a mandrel and is located within the release collet. After a given amount of movement of the housing with respect to the mandrel, the release mechanism is activated and the two housing sections rapidly move with respect to each other. A hammer portion of the mandrel then strikes an anvil in the anvil housing, thus applying an upward force to the tool lodged in the well.

Abstract: There is provided a frac adapter configured to couple a frac tree to a wellhead component. The frac adapter may couple the frac tree to a casing head without a tubing head, thereby enabling the well to be fractured before the tubing head is installed. As a result, the tubing head used in well production may be pressure-rated for production pressures rather than for fracing pressures. The frac adapter may be coupled to or integral with the frac tree. In addition, a union-nut coupling may be employed to quickly and easily assemble and disassemble the frac adapter from the wellhead component, such as the casing head. The union-nut coupling may further enable the components to be pressure-tested before the fracturing process is initiated.

Abstract: An inertia transition terminal pipe element having a main rigid pipe element including at one of its ends an inertia transition piece that is constituted by at least one and preferably a plurality “n” of coaxial reinforcing pipe elements placed coaxially around the main pipe element, each reinforcing pipe element presenting an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the main pipe element. The various main and reinforcing pipe elements each being positioned with one end situated at the same level along the axis of symmetry of the pipe elements, and each reinforcing pipe element presenting a length that is less than the height of the main pipe element. The annular gap between the various pipe elements being filled with a solid filler material. A rigid undersea pipe is also disclosed including at at least one of its ends, an inertia transition pipe element.

Abstract: A casing hanger nesting indicator generates a signal to notify personnel on the surface that a wellhead member has properly landed on a predetermined surface within the wellbore. The casing hanger nesting indicator comprises a signaling device such as an explosive charge or a frequency shift key wherein the noise or vibration of the signaling device travels through the wellbore, via the drilling conduit in some embodiments, up to the surface platform.

Abstract: Gas injection control devices are provided, particularly for deployment in a well-bore to control injection of a gas into a tube or pipe to lift a liquid up the tube, such as crude oil for example. A gas control device is described which comprises a housing, and at least two control valve arrangements within the housing. Each arrangement has an inlet for receiving gas from a pressurized supply, an outlet for supplying pressurized gas for injection into the tube, an inlet valve in a fluid path between the inlet and outlet, and an actuator associated with the inlet valve. Each actuator is independently controllable to switch the respective inlet valve between its open and closed configurations. This allows the gas injection to be switched on and off, and facilitates control of the injection gas flow rate.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for deploying and retrieving sensors downhole are provided. The apparatus can include an outer tubular member disposed about one or more inner tubular members coupled to a fluid directional controller. The fluid directional controller may include a housing separating an interior cavity from an external environment of the wellbore. One end of the outer tubular member and at least one end of an inner tubular member may communicate with the interior cavity. The housing may also include a passageway configured to provide fluid communication between the interior cavity and the external environment. A flow control device may selectively facilitate fluid flow through the passageway. Accordingly, a sensor located in the interior cavity may be selectively exposed to fluid from the external environment. Sensors may be deployed by flowing fluid through a particular tubular member in one direction and retrieved by flowing fluid in another direction.

Abstract: A bypass valve for use in tubing string which can be repeatedly opened and closed to selectively provide bypass fluid flow between the interior of the tubing string and the annulus to assist in flowing debris. The valve uses hardened valve elements which can be opened and closed while flowing fluids under pressure through the tubing string. The valve is actuated by placing the tubing string in a sufficient weight down condition to operate the valve. A trigger is provided to prevent unintended actuation of the bypass valve during use.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a downhole tool includes one or more actuator apparatuses to facilitate actuation of the downhole tool. The actuation apparatus includes a piston that is dynamically coupled to a tool actuator by an actuator connector in a manner that the piston and the tool actuator necessarily move in unison in response to movement of the piston in a first direction and the piston and the tool actuator do not necessarily move in unison in response to movement of the piston in the second direction.

Abstract: A tool that is usable with a well includes a valve element, a mechanical operator, a pressure chamber and a regulator. The valve element has a first state and a second state. The mechanical operator responds to a predetermined signature in an annulus pressure relative to a baseline level of the annulus pressure to transition the valve element from the first state to the second state. The pressure chamber exerts a chamber pressure to bias the mechanical operator to transition from the second state to the first state. The baseline level is capable of varying over time, and the regulator regulates the chamber pressure based on the baseline level.

Abstract: A flow control screen (100) includes a base pipe (102) having a blank pipe section (104) and a perforated section (106). A filter medium (112) is positioned around a portion of the blank pipe section (104). A housing (114, 118, 120, 122, 124) is positioned around another portion of the blank pipe section (104) and the perforated section (106). A deformable element (150) is positioned between the housing and a portion of the perforated section including at least one production port (108) but not including at least one closure port (110) to define a production path (154) between the production port (108) and the filter medium (112) such that application of a sufficient pressure to the closure port (110) acts on the deformable element (150) to deform the deformable element (150) to substantially close the production path (154).

Abstract: A well tool including swellable material and integrated fluid for initiating swelling. A well tool includes a swellable material and a reservoir for containing a fluid of a type which causes the swellable material to swell. A method of swelling a swellable material included in a well tool includes the steps of: positioning the well tool in a well; and then activating a fluid to cause swelling of the swellable material. A method of swelling a swellable material includes the steps of: providing the swellable material which is capable of swelling when contacted by a fluid; positioning the swellable material in an environment in which the swellable material is contacted by another fluid which does not cause the material to swell; and swelling the swellable material by contacting the swellable material with the first fluid while the swellable material remains in contact with the other fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining a cylindrical object may include a frame having a base configured to receive one end of the cylindrical object and a top opposite the base, a first web mounted to the frame and having a free end configured to extend over at least a portion of an opposite end of the cylindrical object when the cylindrical object is received in the frame and a second web mounted to the frame having a free end configured to extend over at least another portion of the opposite end of the cylindrical object when the cylindrical object is received in the frame. One or more suitable structures are provided for engaging the free ends of the first and second webs with the frame to thereby restrain the cylindrical object relative to the frame.

Abstract: A drain nozzle for fire fighting including a nozzle barrel and bafflehead, a floor grating providing the bafflehead, the nozzle barrel adjustably attached by an adjustment ring to the grating, the nozzle barrel not touching the bafflehead, the grating and bafflehead directing the discharge into an appropriate pattern.

Abstract: A fire detection system includes a detection tube and a sensing device. The detection tube contains a sensing fluid having a first physical condition and a second physical condition. The sensing fluid is in the first physical condition below a temperature threshold, and is in the second physical condition above the temperature threshold. The sensing fluid is at least partially liquid in the first physical condition. The sensing device is movable to open in response to a transition of a portion of the sensing fluid from the first physical condition to the second physical condition.

Abstract: Included are embodiments of a power assisted garden tool. Some embodiments include a handle and an interchangeable tool implement including a garden tool end, a connection end, and an impact platform. Similarly, some embodiments include a drive mechanism coupled to the handle, the drive mechanism including a power source, a motor that provides rotational motion to a rotary shaft, and a piston coupled to the rotary shaft, the piston exhibiting reciprocating motion from the rotational motion, the piston making contact with the interchangeable tool implement, such that the reciprocating motion of the piston causes motion of the interchangeable tool implement.

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: Embodiments of the inventive technology present novel methods of controlling the movement, in several degrees of freedom, of an implement mounted to and supported by a motor vehicle (e.g., a tractor). Particular embodiments may focus on the use of actuators attached (at an end) to a movable frame (which may have a shaft running at least partially therethrough) to control the motion of an implement assembly. A related novel method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a power tool, a housing is composed of two divisional housings to be combined together; two receptacle blocks are provided on inner surfaces of the two divisional housings, respectively, and configured to protrude opposite to each other from the inner surfaces of the two divisional housings to surround an electric component and to hold the electric component in place when the two divisional housings are combined together into the housing; and a seal layer of an elastic material is formed integrally with one or each of the two receptacle blocks. The seal layer formed on a first receptacle block is pressed against a second receptacle block or another seal layer formed on the second receptacle block to provide sealing between opposed surfaces of the two receptacle blocks when the two divisional housings are combined together.

Abstract: A quick assembly pneumatic tool may be connected to a tool bit and has a housing, an anvil casing, a rear cover, an air inlet assembly, a rotor assembly and an impact assembly. The housing has a handle and a rotor casing. The rotor casing is formed on the handle and has a front chamber and a rear chamber. The anvil casing and rear cover respectively cover the front and rear chambers. The rotor assembly is mounted in the rear chamber and is selectively driven by the air inlet assembly. The impact assembly is mounted in the front chamber and the anvil casing and is selectively rotated by the rotor assembly. The separate rotor and anvil casings allow the rotor and impact assemblies to be inserted respectively in the front and rear chambers so that assembling the pneumatic is easy and quick.

Abstract: An impacting tool, such as a jackhammer or electric hammer is proposed to be modified by a high modulus polymeric material, or metal of lower relative modulus than surrounding metal such as that of a piston. An interchangeable tool head is proposed to have inserted in a cavity in the impacted end such a high modulus polymeric material. Thus the term relatively lower modulus inclusion (“RLMI”) has been selected for the descriptive term. By using such relatively lower modulus material for an inclusion, which inclusion can be an insert, and modification of the piston or ram or impacting end of the tool, and additionally, if desired, the stop end of the piston or ram, the invention enables reduction of noise and vibration without substantially diminishing impact effectiveness and working time. Additionally, the working end of a cutting or impacting tool can be modified to a sharper angle because of diminished force through such relatively lower modulus inclusion.

Abstract: An electrical box may include a top side and a bottom side that are connected to one another by panels. Each of the top side and bottom side may include a front portion with a side edge, a front edge and a back edge, a back portion with a side edge, a front edge and a back edge, and an angled portion connecting the front portion to the back portion, the back portion being offset with respect to the front portion. The angled portion may include a transition edge that joins the back edge of the front portion to the back edge of the back portion. The transition edge may provide for space for maneuvering the electrical box aligned to a wall stud in a wall assembly out of the wall assembly through a hole in a drywall of the wall assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a crossing bus support apparatus and connectors thereof. The crossing bus support apparatus includes a body structure having a first portion with a plurality of phase bus slots, the phase bus slots adapted to receive a plurality of crossing buses, a first connector on a first end having dual protrusions each protrusion having an interlockable feature; and a second connector on a second end having dual protrusions each protrusion having an interlockable feature. The crossing bus support apparatus may be used in pairs to capture crossing buses into the phase bus slots. Systems, assemblies, connectors, and methods of installing and utilizing the crossing bus support apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A fitting system for sealing an opening in a top cap of a network cabinet includes a grommet and at least one of a fitting assembly and a cover. The grommet is secured to the opening in the top cap of the network cabinet. The fitting assembly and the cover are secured to the grommet and may include at least one finger lift. A sleeve or a tube may be secured to the fitting assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode, including a conductive layer containing a conductive component selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, iron, cobalt, titanium, lead, aluminum, tin, and alloys comprising one of these metals as the principal ingredient thereof, and an oxidation protection layer containing boron oxide, said oxidation protection layer covering the top surface of the conductive layer, or covering both the top surface and the sides of the conductive layer, or covering all locations where the conductive layer has been formed; the electrode being formed by air firing the conductive layer and the oxidation protection layer simultaneously.

Abstract: An EXTERIOR UTILITY GUARD that is a protector and or shield for low voltage irrigation wire and more particularly to protect the wires from lawn equipment, particularly weed and grass trimmers. It is made of heavy gauge metal, 14 gauge steel, to withstand repeated blows from weed and grass trimmers. It is long enough (16? + or ?) to extend both into and above ground level to protect the low voltage wires from the strike zone of weed and grass trimmers. It is designed with three elongated slots at the bottom to accommodate low voltage wires. It has four holes at the top sides to accommodate a mounting bracket. It is designed so it can be mounted over the irrigation wires and or PCV pipe without having to disconnect the wires from the control box. This design will reduce installation labor and cost.

Abstract: A cable includes several metal leads and a metal wire set adjacent to the metal leads. Each metal lead is spaced with the metal wire by flexible insulating material. The metal wire can be deformed without automatic restoring.

Abstract: A differential signaling cable according to the present invention comprises: a pair of signal conductors provided in parallel; an insulator which covers the periphery of the pair of signal conductors in a batch; and a shield conductor provided on the outer periphery of the insulator, in which an interval between the pair of signal conductors is specified so that even-mode impedance becomes 1.5 to 1.9 times odd-mode impedance.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to cables suitable for use in plenum applications. In particular, the present invention relates to coaxial cables suitable for use in plenum applications (which exhibit flame spread and smoke generation properties that comply with industry standards, e.g., UL 910 or NFPA 262) without compromising electrical performance. The cable has two or more layers of insulation where the inner layer is made of a material having a high melt flow index and the outer layer is made of a material having a low melt flow index.

Abstract: A textile sleeve for routing and protecting elongate members and method of construction thereof is provided. The textile sleeve has an elongate textile wall constructed from interlaced yarn. An emulsion of acrylic binder and water-based silicon resin is applied to coat the interlaced yarn, with the acrylic binder providing resistance to end fray of the textile sleeve at temperatures below 150° C., and the silicone resin providing resistance to end fray between about 150-500° C.

Abstract: A support member of a circuit board includes a columnar portion capable of reducing an outer shape by elastic deformation and capable of passing through an opening provided on the circuit board, and a plurality of projecting portions provided to protrude from an outer circumferential surface of the columnar portion, arranged at a prescribed interval in an axial direction of the columnar portion, and passing through the opening of the circuit board when the columnar portion is elastically deformed to reduce the outer shape. The circuit board is arranged between the projecting portions adjacent in the axial direction of the columnar portion in a state where the columnar portion passes through the opening of the circuit board, so that a plurality of the circuit boards are held at the prescribed interval along the axial direction of the columnar portion.

Abstract: A multilayer circuit device having electrically isolated tightly spaced electrical current carrying traces and including a first nonconductive substrate having a first conductive material affixed to a first side thereof to form a first ground plane, a plurality of elongated first conductive traces formed on a second side of the first non-conductive substrate and having transverse widths of 50 microns or less and rising above the upper surface of the first substrate to a height equal to or greater than the widths thereof such that a transverse cross section of the first conductive traces has a height-to-width ratio equal to or exceeding 1, adjacent ones of the first traces being separated from each other by first elongated spaces, the first conductive traces being variously useful as ground lines, signal lines and/or power lines.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a conductive structure. The conductive structure includes a first conductive layer, a conductive unit, a circuit board and a conductive material. The conductive unit is disposed on the first conductive layer. The circuit board having a first through hole is disposed on the first conductive layer. The conductive unit is exposed to the first through hole. The first through hole is filled with a conductive material, such that the conductive material is electrically connected to the conductive unit.

Abstract: A circuit board provided with a first resin layer and with a first conductive layer formed on the first resin layer. The first conductive layer has a metal carbide layer containing a carbide of a transition metal selected from Group IV, Group V, or Group VI in the Periodic Table and bonded to the first resin layer. The first resin layer has a first region to which the metal carbide layer is bonded and a second region located in an inner portion of the first resin layer from the first region. The first region has a larger ratio of number of atoms of nitrogen relative to number of atoms of carbon than in the second region.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide (a) a polyimide precursor solution which is curable at low temperatures (not more than 200° C.) and which has excellent long-term storage stability, (b) a photosensitive resin composition, a photosensitive resin film, a thermosetting resin composition, and a polyimide insulating film, each of which is obtainable from the polyimide precursor solution and each of which is preferably usable as an insulating material for electric and electronic purposes, and (c) a printed wiring board provided with the insulating film. The above object is achievable by use of a polyimide precursor composition solution containing at least a partially imidized polyimide precursor having a urethane bond.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal wiring structure, including: an electroless nickel plating layer formed on an insulation layer; and a surface treatment layer formed on the electroless nickel plating layer, and a method of fabricating the same. The metal wiring structure has excellent adhesivity without regard to the kind of substrate and can be easily fabricated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an electrode substrate, by which a film-shape electrode substrate including a carbon nanotube layer, which does not include a dispersant, is not related to the kind of binder and is strongly attached to the electrode substrate, can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: Silsesquioxane polymers that cure to porous silsesquioxane polymers, silsesquioxane polymers that cure to porous silsesquioxane polymers in negative tone photo-patternable dielectric formulations, methods of forming structures using negative tone photo-patternable dielectric formulations containing silsesquioxane polymers that cure to porous silsesquioxane polymers, structures containing porous silsesquioxane polymers and monomers and method of preparing monomers for silsesquioxane polymers that cure to porous silsesquioxane polymers.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered ceramic package comprises: a plurality of signal layers, each having one or more signal lines; a plurality of vias, each providing one of a voltage (Vdd) power connection or a ground (Gnd) connection; at least one reference mesh layer adjacent to one or more signal layers; and a plurality of via-connected coplanar-type shield (VCS) lines, with a first VCS line extending on a first side of a first signal line within the plurality of signal layers and a second VCS line extending on a second opposing side of the first signal line. Each of the plurality of VCS lines interconnect with and extend past one or more vias that are located along the directional path in which the VCS lines runs. The placement of the VCS lines relative to the signal lines reduces coupling noise and controls impedance discontinuity in the ceramic package.

Abstract: A bridge connector for interconnecting two connectors mounted on circuit boards together includes a planar substrate that supports a length of flexible printed circuit, the substrate has engagement arms that are chamfered to act as male connector portions and be received within receptacle portions for the board connectors to effect a reliable connection between the two connectors.