Abstract: A gripping tool includes a body assembly and gripping assembly with a grip surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged position to radially engage a work piece in response to relative axial displacement. A linkage is provided to act between the body assembly and the gripping assembly which, upon relative rotation in at least one direction, of the body relative to the grip surface results in relative axial displacement of the grip surface to activate the gripping elements. This tool was developed for use on drilling and service rigs having top drives, and supports rapid engagement and release, hoisting, pushing, and rotating.

Abstract: A technique is provided for pumping fluids from a wellbore. An electric submersible pumping system is deployed in a wellbore on a tubing. Free gas can potentially accumulate around the electric submersible pumping system, but a gas vent is positioned to remove free gas.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.

Abstract: A tool having a first lower sub end, a second upper sub end, and an extensible joint connecting the first and second sub ends is disclosed. The joint has a first inner latch piece connected to the lower sub end, and a second outer latch piece connected to the upper sub end, and a stationary restraining collar. The joint, in a latched position, has the outer latch piece latched to the inner latch piece and the inner and outer latch pieces restrained from unlatching by the restraining collar. The joint, under tensile force, unlatches into an unlatched position by the inner latch piece pulling the outer latch piece through the restraining collar into a position where the inner and outer latch pieces are free to separate. An impact force is generated from the tensile force when the joint unlatches and reaches a maximum extension.

Abstract: A jarring tool having an extensible joint connecting first and second sub ends is disclosed. A first inner latch piece connects to the upper sub end, and a second outer latch piece connects to the lower sub end. The joint, in a latched position, has the outer latch piece latched to the inner latch piece and the inner and outer latch pieces restrained from unlatching by a stationary restraining collar. Under tensile force the joint unlatches into an unlatched position by the outer latch piece pulling the inner latch piece through the restraining collar into a position where the inner and outer latch pieces are free to separate. An impact force is generated from the tensile force when the joint unlatches and reaches a maximum extension.

Abstract: A plurality of zones is gravel packed together and then isolated from each other in the gravel annulus by formation of a barrier in the gravel annulus. The screen assembly carries a series of chambers internally that are located between the producing zones generally in the area of blank pipe between the zones. The wash pipe has a shifter associated with it so that extraction of the wash pipe after gravel packing will serially shift pistons that reduce chamber volume where the chemical is stored. The chemical will exit through a rupture disc and nozzle and will commingle with the gravel and make an impervious annular barrier.

Abstract: A method for spacing heater wells for an in situ conversion process includes the steps of determining a direction along which thermal energy will travel most efficiently through a subsurface formation, and completing a plurality of heater wells in the subsurface formation, with the heater wells being spaced farther apart in the determined direction than in a direction transverse to the determined direction. In one aspect, the step of determining a direction along which thermal energy will travel most efficiently is performed based upon a review of geological data pertaining to the subsurface formation. The geological data may comprise the direction of least horizontal principal stress in the subsurface formation. Alternatively, the geological data may comprise the direction of bedding in the subsurface formation, the tilt of the subsurface formation relative to the surface topography, the organic carbon content of the kerogen, the initial formation permeability, and other factors.

Abstract: A formation evaluation system and method. A formation evaluation system includes an assembly interconnected as part of a tubular string and displaceable to multiple positions proximate each of multiple zones intersected by a wellbore. The assembly includes at least one formation evaluation instrument for determining a characteristic of formation fluid, and a pump which draws the fluid into the assembly. A method of evaluating multiple subterranean zones during a single trip into a wellbore includes the steps of: interconnecting a formation evaluation assembly in a coiled tubing string; for each of the multiple zones, displacing the formation evaluation assembly to a position proximate the respective zone, receiving formation fluid from the respective zone into the formation evaluation assembly, and determining at least one characteristic of the formation fluid; and performing the multiple displacing, receiving and determining steps during the single trip of the coiled tubing string into the wellbore.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of a sulfur containing compound into a formation; a first mechanism for converting at least a portion of the sulfur containing compound into a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation, the first mechanism for converting within the formation; and a second mechanism for converting at least a portion of the carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation into another compound, the second mechanism for converting within the formation.

Abstract: A slurry discharge device for use in a subterranean well can include a slurry flow passage extending longitudinally in the device. The slurry flow passage has flow passage sections. One flow passage section is positioned downstream of, and is laterally offset relative to, another flow passage section. Another slurry discharge device can include the slurry flow passage having multiple flow areas. One flow area is positioned in a downstream direction from, and is greater than, another flow area. A method of delivering a slurry into a subterranean well can include discharging the slurry from a tubular string through a first sidewall section of a slurry discharge device; and flowing only a returned fluid portion of the slurry through a second sidewall section of the slurry discharge device. The second sidewall section has a lateral thickness greater than a lateral thickness of the first sidewall section.

Abstract: Lightweight polyamide particulates may be used in treatment of subterranean formations, including hydraulic fracturing and sand control methods, such as gravel packing. The polyamide particulates typically have an apparent specific gravity (ASG) between from about 1.05 to about 2.0 and are stable at temperatures up to 500° C. The polyamide particulates may be used in combination with a filler which further serves to increase the strength and temperature stability of the resulting composite. Fracture conductivity may be increased by the placement of the low density polyamide particulates as a partial monolayer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are directed to a cement composition for use in a subterranean formation. In an embodiment the cement composition comprises: (A) cement; (B) water; and (C) a polymer, wherein the polymer: (i) consists essentially of a monomer or monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, esters of acrylic acid, maleic acid, methacrylic acid, esters of methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, fumeric acid, citraconic acid, mesoconic acid, and any alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammonium salt of any of the foregoing, and any combination of any of the foregoing; (ii) has the following characteristics: (a) is water soluble; and (b) is biodegradable; and (iii) is capable of providing: (a) a thickening time of at least 2 hours for a test composition maintained under a temperature condition of 190° F. and a pressure of 5,160 psi; and (b) an initial setting time of less than 24 hours for the test composition maintained under a temperature condition of 217° F.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing additive into cement pumped into an annular space between a wall of a wellbore and a casing inserted into the wellbore include a cement additive enclosed in a container disposed in the annular space at at least one selected position along the wellbore. The container is configured to release the additive at a selected time.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes providing a string that includes a tubing conveyed perforating (TCP) gun. The technique includes using a downhole component of the string to communicate uphole an indication of at least a depth or an orientation of the gun.

Abstract: A downhole tool assembly for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body carrying an explosive which is selectively detonated to create a dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect in the wellbore. The tubular body has opposite ends provided with plug assemblies including plug elements movable between a normally collapsed state and an actuable expanded state. The plug elements are adapted to be actuated to the expanded state between the tubular body and an outer extent of the wellbore before the creation of the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect to isolate a discrete segment of the wellbore to which the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect is confined.

Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with reactants which are carried downhole and which are combined in order to generate heat energy which is applied to the formation adjacent the borehole. By applying heat energy to the formation, the formation fluids are heated, thereby increasing mobility, and fluid sampling is expedited.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing ceramic microspheres from industrial slag. The microspheres have a particle size of about 38 microns to about 150 microns. The microspheres are used to create a cement slurry having a density of at least about 11 lbs/g. The resultant cement slurry may then be used to treat subterranean wells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a completion device that includes an interior layer that swells when exposed to a wellbore fluid; and an exterior layer encasing the interior layer and configured to be impermeable to the wellbore fluid at temperatures below an activation depth temperature, and configured to be permeable to the wellbore fluid at temperatures above the activation depth temperature. Also disclosed herein is a method of deploying a completion device that includes encasing an interior layer of the device in a temperature-sensitive exterior layer that is impermeable to a fluid in the wellbore at temperatures below an activation depth temperature; attaching the device on a tube string; inserting the tube string into the wellbore; creating a leak path in the temperature-sensitive exterior layer in response to the device being exposed to the activation depth temperature in the wellbore; and swelling the interior layer with the wellbore fluid.

Abstract: A telescopic member includes, at least a central component and a barrier disposed within the central component, the barrier has a selectively tailorable dissolution rate curve and has structural properties enabling the containment of high pressure prior to structural failure of the barrier through dissolution.

Abstract: A crossover for gravel packing has multiple outlets that are selectively covered as they wear from erosion with the covering of an outlet exposing another for slurry flow to continue. Outlets are selected by a series of balls that get larger and land on progressively higher and larger seats on sleeves. As a sleeve shifts to cover a spent outlet it moves away from a new outlet for continuation of slurry flow to the outlet opened by virtue of the shifting sleeve.

Abstract: A unique landing nipple has spaced control line connections and external control lines running from the surface to those connections. A hydraulic barrier valve, such as a ball valve, is run in to a predetermined landing nipple and latched in position where the control line connections are in the right locations to operate the valve. A landing nipple with a latching groove alone can be used with a wireline run barrier valve to latch it into position at the desired location. A shifting tool is used to operate the mechanically actuated valve. More than one valve can be positioned or used in the string at a time or the same valve can also be positioned at different landing nipples at different times to meet the production needs of the well operator.

Abstract: A method of drilling and producing from an offshore structure, comprising drilling a first well from the offshore structure with a drilling riser; completing the first well with a first subsurface tree; connecting the first subsurface tree to a manifold; drilling a second well from the offshore structure with a drilling riser; completing the second well with a second subsurface tree; connecting the second subsurface tree to the manifold; and connecting a production riser to the manifold and the offshore structure.

Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a formation comprising a mixture of oil and/or gas and an enhanced oil recovery mixture comprising an additive to increase an auto-ignition temperature of the mixture and a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation; and a mechanism for recovering at least a portion of the oil and/or gas.

Abstract: A technique facilitates control over a multi-position well tool. A hydraulic control module may be engaged with a multi-position well tool for controlling actuation of the multi-position well tool through a plurality of actuation positions. The multi-position well tool is moved through the plurality of actuation positions by applying pressurized fluid through a first control line. A metering piston is uniquely arranged within the hydraulic control module to control actuation of the multi-position well tool from an initial actuation position through a plurality of incremental actuation positions. Additionally, a single pressurization of actuation fluid delivered through a second control line may be used to return the multi-position well tool back to the initial actuation position from any incremental position.

Abstract: A method of dissolving a tool includes, exposing an outer surface of the tool to an environment reactive with the tool, reacting the tool with the environment, applying stress to the tool, concentrating stress on the tool at stress risers in the outer surface, and initiating fracturing the tool at the stress risers.

Abstract: A method of dissolving a tool includes, positioning the tool within an environment reactive with at least a portion of the tool, introducing the environment below a surface of the tool through at least one perforation formed therein, reacting at least a portion of the tool exposed to the environment through the at least one perforation, weakening the tool to mechanical stress, and fracturing the tool.

Abstract: A tripping ball including two or more relatively dissolution resistant parts of a ball and an adherent dissolvable material binding the two or more parts of the ball together and method for making a tripping ball as described.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for installing a liner string (102) in a wellbore casing (40). The apparatus (100) includes a tubular mandrel subassembly (110), a load transfer subassembly (140) and an expander cone subassembly (142). The load transfer subassembly (140) is carried on the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) and is operable to apply a force in the downhole direction to the liner string (102). The expander cone subassembly (142) is carried on the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) and is operable to radially expand at least a portion of the liner string (102) into contact with the wellbore casing (40) when axially moved through the liner string (102). In operation, decoupling of the load transfer subassembly (140) from the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) enables release of the apparatus (100) from the liner string (102).

Abstract: A setting tool has an expansion cone drive sub-assembly operable to axially move an expansion cone of the setting tool through the liner to radially, plastically expand the liner. With the wellbore liner residing outside of a wellbore, the setting tool is changed to enable decoupling the wellbore liner from the setting tool while leaving at least the expansion cone drive sub-assembly substantially assembled.

Abstract: The method of installing a plurality of casing sections in a well, that includes providing a hanger supporting the casing sections to extend longitudinally in the well, landing the hanger on structure in the well, whereby weight of the casing sections longitudinally compresses the hanger, cementing the casing sections in position in the well, below the hanger, adjusting the hanger to provide for controllable longitudinal shortening of hanger length, thereby removing exertion of casing weight on the hanger, and removing at least part of the hanger away from the well head.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an instrument usable with a well comprises at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one actuator operable to change a perimeter dimension of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one instrument disposed interior of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, and having an axial dimension, and tractoring fluid disposed between the at least one reversibly expandable structure and the at least one instrument. The apparatus is operable to perform at least one of exerting thrust to convey the at least one instrument with respect to at least one adjacent surface, creating compensating pressure between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface, and sealing between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are mounting means for agricultural tools, for example tillage assemblies, that comprise a resilient element and a horizontal pivot axis. This allows upward and rearward deflection of a tillage blade of the assembly in response to impact with obstacles. Tillage implements comprising the foregoing assemblies are also disclosed. In certain embodiments, the assemblies advantageously allow lateral deflection of at least a support arm of the assembly in response to impact with obstacles, which may be enhanced by providing a pivot means of the assembly with a resilient bushing. The resilient element and/or the resilient bushing may comprise elastomeric materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are tillage blade assemblies comprising a coil spring with a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection of a concave tillage blade in response to impact with obstacles. The mounting assembly provides for mounting the tillage blades in a particular orientation relative to the ground and the direction of travel of the implement in order that forces acting on the assembly due to movement of the blade through the soil are balanced such that there is little or no distortion of the coil spring relative to its spring axis. This prevents an off-axis load from acting on the spring when the assembly is in use and allows the blade to track through the soil at a desired angle. Impact with obstacles, such as rocks, is absorbed by deflection of the coil spring, thereby mitigating damage to the assembly. Tillage implements comprising the blade assemblies are able to operate at higher speeds than can usually be obtained for tillage implements, due to the absorption of impact energy by the spring.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods for adjusting tension in a harrowing chain. The system includes a tension adjustment assembly, and the tension adjustment assembly includes a slider assembly. A first end of the slider assembly is coupled to a first end of the harrowing chain, and the slider assembly is configured to slide horizontally. The tension adjustment assembly also includes a compression plate that is configured to apply a compression force to a first spring, which is configured to apply a spring force to the slider assembly. A height adjustment assembly is also coupled to the slider assembly. The height adjustment assembly is configured to vertically adjust the first end of the harrowing chain.

Abstract: A screw fastening device having a compact clutch that is directly connected to an output side of a DC motor. The output of the DC motor can be suppressed so that the DC motor and the clutch can be made compact. Accordingly, the device main body is more compact and lighter.

Abstract: A cryogenically-cooled HTS cable is configured to be included within a utility power grid having a maximum fault current that would occur in the absence of the cryogenically-cooled HTS cable. The cryogenically-cooled HTS cable includes a continuous liquid cryogen coolant path for circulating a liquid cryogen. A continuously flexible arrangement of HTS wires has an impedance characteristic that attenuates the maximum fault current by at least 10%. The continuously flexible arrangement of HTS wires is configured to allow the cryogenically-cooled HTS cable to operate, during the occurrence of a maximum fault condition, with a maximum temperature rise within the HTS wires that is low enough to prevent the formation of gas bubbles within the liquid cryogen.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the gas insulated device has a grounded metal container that covers a high-voltage conductor with a space interposed between itself and the high-voltage conductor; and an insulating spacer that is held and fixed between an end flanges on its outer side and supports the high-voltage conductor on its inner side. The insulating spacer has an internal shield that is buried in the insulating portion so as to surround the high-voltage conductor; grounding bars having conductivity whose one end is electrically connected to the internal shield and the other end extends to the outside of the insulating portion so as to be connected to the grounded metal container; a measurement bar having conductivity whose one end is electrically connected to the internal shield and other end extends to the outside of the insulating portion so as to be connected to the partial discharge measurement terminal.

Abstract: A protective jacket in a coaxial cable. In one example embodiment, a coaxial cable includes two or more internal components and a jacket surrounding the internal components. The internal components include an electrical conductor configured to propagate a signal and an outer conductor surrounding the electrical conductor. The jacket includes two or more protruding portions and two or more recessed portions. Each recessed portion is positioned between two of the protruding portions. Each of the protruding portions makes contact with the outer conductor and each of the recessed portions does not make contact with the outer conductor. A method for manufacturing a coaxial cable with a protective jacket is also disclosed.

Abstract: An outlet cover may comprise a plate member adapted to cover and be secured to a power outlet, the plate portion including at least one fastener aperture and at least one outlet aperture; and at least one supporting structure extending from the plate portion, the supporting structure selected from the group consisting of a shelf portion, a hook, and a recess configured to receive an electronic device. If the supporting structure is a shelf member, the shelf member may extend approximately ninety degrees from the plate member, may be monolithic with the plate member, and/or may include a non-slip surface. The shelf portion further may comprise an extension member, which increases the distance between the shelf and the plate member.

Abstract: A bus assembly and bus assembly connector include one or more insulated members that have axial sleeves that fit within one another during assembly to form a nesting arrangement. The nesting arrangement of the axial sleeves allow reduction of the overall size of the bus assembly connector while satisfying power rating standards and dielectric clearances as well as allowing bolting of the bus assembly to thereby clamp and secure the bus assembly. The axial sleeves can be distinctively designed such that the phase members must be assembled in a predetermined order, with no components being omitted, to form the bus assembly connector or clamp the bus assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a double water-tight structure protecting device for an electric charging part of an electric facility. The double water-tight structure protecting device includes: an insulator (300) attached on the outer peripheral surface of the electric charging part of the electric facility; a first tube-shaped protective cover (100) located at an upper portion of the insulator (300) in such a way as to surround an outer face of the insulator (300); a first waterproof member (110) interposed between the insulator (300) and the first protective cover (100); and a second waterproof member (120) interposed between the insulator (300) and the first protective cover (100) and located between a lower end portion of the first water-proof member (110) and a lower end portion of the first protective cover (100).

Abstract: A conductive resin composition which allows a resin electrode which is favorable in terms of shape and adhesion to a ceramic device to be formed reliably, and a chip-type electronic component including resin electrodes formed with the conductive resin component are described. The conductive resin composition contains a linear bifunctional epoxy resin having a molecular weight of 11000 to 40000 and a terminal glycidyl group, a conductive silver powder, and a solvent, and has a yield value of 3.6 Pa or less. In addition, the conductive powder can have a surface attached to a fatty acid or a salt thereof, and the ratio of the fatty acid or salt thereof to the conductive powder is 0.5 wt % or less. Furthermore, the conductive powder can be spherical, and the ratio of the conductive powder in solids constituting the conductive resin composition can be 42 to 54 vol %.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a protector capable of discharging water into an outside and a wire harness including the protector [Means for Solving Problem] A drainage hole 46 is formed as a portion so as to discharge water collecting in an electrical wire receiving portion 45 into an outside. The drainage hole 46 is formed so as to penetrate through the electrical wire receiving portion 45 and toward the rear of a vehicle. Further, the drainage hole 46 is formed so as to gradually slope from the electrical wire receiving portion 45 toward the ground surface. The drainage hole 46 is a through hole which is formed at a position near an end portion of a protection member for the vehicle interior 27. The drainage hole 46 is formed and located in a portion of the wire harness which is the closest to the ground surface.

Abstract: A method produces an undercoat-covered smoothed printed wiring board, requiring no step of polishing the surface of the printed wiring board. A method for producing a solder-resist-covered printed wiring board causes no depression in an area between circuit traces. A printed wiring board so produced is also described. The method for producing a printed wiring board includes applying a photo- and heat-curable resin composition onto at least a part of a surface of a printed wiring substrate; placing an optically transparent smoothing member on the resin layer; moving a hard roller on the smoothing member to thin the applied resin layer to a thickness of interest; placing a negative-image mask on the smoothing member; exposing the applied resin layer to light via the negative-image mask; removing the optically transparent smoothing member; removing a light-unexposed portion of the applied resin layer through development; and completely heat-curing the cured light-exposed portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printed wiring board having signal layers each interposed between a power supply layer and a ground layer, wherein the signal layer includes at least one of a wiring region for a ground potential and a wiring region for a power supply potential.

Abstract: A flexible cable for carrying RF signals and method of manufacturing same. The cable includes an elongate base substrate including a dielectric layer with an upper metal layer deposited on one side and a lower metal layer deposited on its other side. It further includes two parallel spaced-apart series of vias formed along the length of the base substrate, each via electrically interconnecting the upper metal layer and the lower metal layer, whereby a rectangular cross-sectional waveguide is provided between the upper metal layer, the lower metal layer and the two series of vias.

Abstract: A plurality of protruding substrate portions (12) is extended from positions placed at an interval from each other along a peripheral edge of a wiring substrate (10). Each of the protruding substrate portions (12) is provided with wiring terminals (15), (16) electrically connected to each of a plurality of electrode terminals provided to an electrical instrument substrate. A cut-out part (18) is formed in a peripheral edge (13a) between the protruding substrate portions (12) in the wiring substrate (10).

Abstract: Provided are a flexible circuit board with excellent bendability and durability against hard conditions particularly in a repeated bend portion having a small curvature radius, and a method of producing the same. The flexible circuit board includes a resin layer and a wiring formed of a metal foil and is used with a bend portion provided at least one position of the wiring. The metal foil is made of a metal having a cubic crystal structure, and a cross section of the wiring cut in a thickness direction from a ridge line in the bend portion forms a principal orientation on any one of planes within a range of (20 1 0) to (1 20 0) in a rotation direction from (100) to (110) with [001] set as a zone axis. The wiring is formed so that the metal foil is made of a metal having a cubic crystal structure, and that the ridge line in the bend portion has an angle in a range of 2.9° to 87.1° relative to one of fundamental crystal axes <100> in a surface of the metal foil.