Abstract: A rubber sheet jointing apparatus is provided with a first holding member for releasably holding a joint end portion of one of two rubber sheets; a second holding member provided movably relative to the first holding member for releasably holding a joint end portion of the other of the two rubber sheets; and an operating member for pressure-contacting the end surfaces of the two rubber sheets respectively held by the first and second holding member by moving the second holding member relative to the first holding member. Mutually facing surfaces of the first and second holding member are respectively provided with holder portions which are formed as rugged portions each taking a comb tooth shape and which are able to partly overlap to mesh with each other.

Abstract: A method of jointing a cord fabric when the cord fabric for topping is alternately drawn from two supply positions for continuous supply. During drawing to supply of the cord fabric on one side, a start end portion of the cord fabric on other side is locked to hold by a locking pin of a jointing holder, and is set to a jointing mounting portion in a state where an unvulcanized jointing rubber member is pasted thereto. When a final end of the cord fabric on the one side comes closer, a finish end portion thereof is pasted to the start end portion of the cord fabric held by the holder by interposing the rubber member therebetween. The finish end portion and the start end portion are squeezed for joint from upper and lower sides by press members, thereafter, the holder is removed, and the cord fabric on the other side is drawn to supply continuously to the cord fabric on the one side.

Abstract: A lay-up head receives a prepreg bonded to a support tape, and the prepreg is separated from its support tape by peeling, by means of a separator just upstream of a depositing member for depositing the prepreg tape on a deposition tool; the head includes, downstream of the separator, a retractable device for moving the prepreg away from the support tape, allowing the prepreg to be moved away just upstream of the separator, by means of which the prepreg can be separated earlier when the retractable device is activated.

Abstract: Techniques for producing optical medium that can be read at substantially high speeds with greater stability and accuracy are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, a molding station includes an optimized stampler which does not have an exact inverse image of a replica. To account for an inherent distortion in a substrate after being stamped, a stampler is pre-distorted so that the pit geometry in the stamped substrate becomes nearly perfect after the inherent distortion. In one embodiment, the injection of a molten material, the mold position and compression are respectively controlled to account for possible non-uniform density distribution of the material. To provide an effective bonding process, a bonding station is employed with what is referred to as index bonding technique and/or pulse bonding technique. The index bonding is provided to ensure that non-flatness of substrates is compensated when two substrates are bonded together so as to minimize possible dynamic imbalance of a disc.

Abstract: Present invention teaches to make a Roman shade window curtain where a sliding locking mechanism is provided at the bottom beam of the rolling spool at the back side of the Roman shade, where the engaging positions between the rolling spool bottom beam and the pair of auxiliary rods can be set according to user preference, by sliding the locking tubes towards the middle to move the engaging point up and down, and by sliding the licking tubes to the left and right extremities for engaging the bottom to the desired fold line on the Roman shade.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a tire forming mold in which an annular mold portion is constituted by a combination of sectors includes a step of manufacturing a circular arc shaped inner segment provided with a concavo-convex shape, a step of dividing the inner segment by a non-flat surface division so as to obtain a first segment piece and a second segment piece, and a step of incorporating the first segment piece into an inner peripheral side of a back segment of one sector out of a pair of sectors which are adjacent to each other in the tire circumferential direction, incorporating the second segment piece into an inner peripheral side of a back segment of the other sector, and arranging the non-flat surface divided surface in an end surface of the sector.

Abstract: A casting apparatus includes a hermetically sealed chamber, wherein the chamber includes: a melt-heating portion to melt external uranium deposits, the melt-heating portion being tiltable to allow the resulting liquid molten material to be discharged to the outside, an ingot-forming portion to receive the molten material discharged from the melt-heating portion and to cool-solidify the molten material, and a salt-capturing portion provided on the melt-heating portion, to solidify a salt gas produced when the uranium deposits are molten, and thereby recover the salt gas, wherein the ingot-forming portion includes: a horizontal turn-table rotated by an operating means, and a plurality of molds mounted on the edge of the turn-table, each containing the molten material, which is then cooled.

Abstract: An automatic pouring method without using a servomotor having a vertical output shaft, establishing the pouring at a low level, eliminating the unstable pouring, sand inclusion, and gaseous defects. An automatic pouring method using a ladle to be tilted for pouring molten metal into a pouring cup of a flaskless or tight-flask mold in at least one pouring device movable along an X-axis parallel to a molding line in which the mold is transferred, wherein the ladle is moved along a Y-axis perpendicular to the molding line in a horizontal plane and is tilted about a first axis of rotation and further about a second axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting tool for producing workpieces from light metal alloys. The system includes a positioning element, a core part, a first mold part structured to carry the positioning element and be movable toward the core part, and a core part support structured to support the core part. The system also includes at least one stop structured to limit movement of the front mold part toward the core part and to allow the positioning element to be introduced into the core part, whereby the positioning element holds the core part in a predetermined position for casting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cast steel strip of preferably hot crack-sensitive or hot-brittle steel quality by means of a strip casting plant and to a strip casting plant for carrying out this method. In this case, steel melt is conducted into a melt space formed by two casting rolls and two sideplates, slab shells are formed in the melt space on cooled surface areas of the casting rolls and are brought together in the strip forming cross section between the casting rolls to form an at least partly solidified steel strip, the cast steel strip is then guided along the surface area of one of the two casting rolls from a vertical casting direction into an essentially horizontal transport direction, and the cast steel strip is supplied essentially horizontally on a transport device to a strip winding device and is wound there into a coil.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for direct chill casting of metals includes a mold, a bottom block assembly and a coolant. The mold is configured to surround a molten metal with a mold wall and the mold wall has an outer surface and an inner surface being in contact with the molten metal. The bottom block assembly is arranged at the bottom of the mold and includes a direct chill casting block configured to move away from the mold as the casting forms a solidifying shell of the molten metal. The coolant surrounds the outer surface of the mold wall and is arranged to remove heat away from the molten metal via the inner surface of the mold wall. The outer surface of the mold wall has a circumferential groove filled with a brazing alloy.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in fluid operated equipment to provide air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid in airstreams on a stream side of a wall. An actuator is mounted to be substantially located on a side of the wall opposite the stream side thereof having a positionable motion effector. A heat exchanger core having a plurality of passageway structures therein to enable providing the working fluid to, and removal therefrom. The heat exchanger core is mounted on the motion effector so as to be extendable and retractable thereby through the opening for selected distances into that region to be occupied by the airstreams.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes one or more passages and one or more metal foam sections adjacent the passage to promote an exchange of heat relative to the passage. The metal foam section includes a nominal thermal conductivity gradient there though to provide a desirable balance of heat exchange properties within the metal foam section.

Abstract: An air conditioner is disclosed which includes a case including an external air inlet opening formed in a side of the case, a heat exchanger provided in the case, and a guide part which guides external air which enters the case through the external air inlet opening into an interior of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons including a wellbore that accesses a subsurface reservoir; a production tubing string disposed within the wellbore; and sand control devices coupled to the production tubing string. At least one of the sand control devices includes a first tubular member having a permeable section and a non permeable section; a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a plurality of openings and an inflow control device that provides a flow path to the interior. The sand control devices include a sealing mechanism disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member to provide pressure loss during gravel packing operations that is less than the pressure loss during production operations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for stimulating oil or gas wells using material cemented outside the casing. Reaction agents, usually comprising oxygen-rich material and a coil of high order explosive, are positioned around the outside of the well casing at a desired level in a carrier and reacted later. The stimulation operation is initiated by firing a shaped charge into the high order explosive material. The combination of the explosive force of the high order explosive and burning of the oxygen-rich material fractures and cleans the formation adjacent to the well casing. The reaction agents may be provided in a sleeve supported on the casing joint at the time it is inserted into the well. In another embodiment, all components would be cemented externally to the casing and reacted remotely by a coded signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for harvesting energy while moving a tool through a well are shown and described. The harvested energy can be used by the tool to perform work once it reaches an intended location in the well, or along the way. A considerable amount of potential energy is typically lost by oilfield tools as they move down through a borehole. Methods and apparatus described herein recover and/or store some of the energy during the downward movement of the tool.

Abstract: An actuator control system includes a housing assembly having at least one line therein for controlling operation of an actuator, and a modular controller attached externally to the housing assembly and interconnected to the line. A method of constructing an actuator control system includes the steps of: assembling a modular controller, the modular controller including a control valve therein for controlling operation of an actuator via a hydraulic line; testing the modular controller, including functionally testing the control valve; and then attaching the modular controller to a housing assembly having the line formed therein. Another actuator control system includes a housing assembly having at least one line therein for controlling operation of an actuator, and a modular controller attached separately to the housing assembly and interconnected to the line via a manifold of the modular controller, the manifold including a concave interface surface which receives the housing assembly therein.

Abstract: A hanger system is provided for supporting a cable-supported dewatering pump in a gas well. A dewatering pump is supported in a downhole location by a cable. A cable hanger bears the weight of the cable and the weight of the dewatering pump. A pulling tool is configured to detachably connect to the cable hanger and to support the weight of the cable hanger, cable and gas well dewatering system as it is pulled out of a seated position in the well.

Abstract: A top drive for engagement with a travelling block with a hook can include an airlift thread compensator connected to a bail. An enclosure can be connected to the bail with an airbag disposed therein. A bail pin can be engaged through the enclosure, and can be connected to the airbag. The airbag can support weight of the top drive. Upper links can be connected to the enclosure and to a top drive housing. The top drive housing can support a stem connected to a motor, and a bearing can be disposed about the stem. Lower links can be connected to the top drive housing and to an elevator for moving tubulars. An inside blow out preventer can be connected to the stem and to a saver sub. A torque wrench assembly can be connected to the top drive housing for gripping tubulars.

Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The well cellar system also includes at least one substantially inflexible side member attached to the base, the at least one side member and the base defining a cavity. A seal between the at least one side member and the base substantially prevents the flow of fluids between the at least one side member and the base. The attachment between the base and the conductor pipe substantially prevents the flow of fluids between the base and the conductor. An additional embodiment incorporates an extension ring to minimize/eliminate runoff entering the cellar. One version of the extension ring includes a telescoping section which moves between an extended and retracted position representing its to operative positions. Yet a further embodiment provides a rain cap to reduce the amount of precipitation which enters the cellar and becomes hazardous waste.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing leaks from a stuffing box on a wellhead production assembly is provided. The apparatus comprises a containment vessel consisting of two half shells that are joined below the stuffing box. The apparatus further comprises a seal subassembly. The components of the seal subassembly are positioned one the nipple and pumping tee below the stuffing box. The half shells are positioned about and joined to the seal subassembly in a manner that provides a liquid tight seal. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a transparent topper having an upper opening to receive a polished rod extending from the stuffing box. The topper is secured to the containment vessel in a liquid tight manner such that the stuffing box is substantially isolated from the environment. As such, any leaks originating from the stuffing box will be contained in the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems for enhanced in-situ or perhaps even ex-situ biogenic methane production from hydrocarbon-bearing formations (1) including coal seam, oil shale, coal, coal derivates and the like are presented in embodiments such as but not limited to: increasing and perhaps even selection of microbial populations (2), amending CBM water and other microbe-containing media, diminishing sulfate reduction competition, enhancing organic matter concentrations and generation of biogenic methane (10), universally treating hydrocarbon-bearing formations, and introducing amendments (3) to hydrocarbon-bearing formations.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a method to liquefy the viscous oil of oil wells and also to clean the paraffin off the walls of tubing and other production equipment. The method consists in using heat produced by a thermal generator, and also using steam produced by the contact between the thermal generator and water. The thermal generator is a metallic shielded container of cylindrical shape holding individual units of already encapsulated Strontium-90 sources able to generate a temperature of 100 degree Celsius or a combination of encapsulated Strontium-90 sources able to generate 100 degree Celsius each in order to obtain, according to necessities, up to or over 600 degree Celsius. The thermal generator is transported in a metal housing.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring any incursion of particulate matter from a gas hydrate formation into a well casing used for the production of the gas hydrate and determining the degree of incursion of particulate material within the distal end of the well casing.

Abstract: A method for the production of a CO2 rich stream for sequestration in depleted oil sand reservoirs. The method comprises the steps of: a) purging non-condensable gases from an oil sand reservoir with steam; b) contacting a gaseous oxidant stream comprising oxygen, carbon dioxide, and steam with bitumen in an oil reservoir; c) separating the production well product from the oil sand reservoir into bitumen, water, sand and fuel gas streams; d) producing a carbon dioxide rich gas by combustion of the said fuel gas with substantially pure oxygen; e) utilizing substantially pure oxygen and a portion of said carbon dioxide rich gas as constituents of said gaseous oxidant stream; and f) sequestering a balance of said carbon dioxide rich gas into a depleted oil said reservoir.

Abstract: Solidification of water treatment wastewater brines from oil production operations. Concentrated wastewater brines from water treatment systems in heavy oil recovery operations are converted to solids suitable for landfill using Portland cement. The solidification process eliminates expensive drying equipment for wastewater brine solids, as well as the associated operation and maintenance of expensive dewatering equipment.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of operating at least one pressure vessel to inject a particulate slurry into a high-pressure line, comprises a first operating cycle comprising: isolating the at least one pressure vessel from the high-pressure line; introducing particulate solids into the pressure vessel through a particulate solids inlet aperture; a second operating cycle comprising: providing high-pressure flow into the pressure vessel; and providing a high-pressure slurry flow from the pressure vessel into the high-pressure line. The method further comprises operating the at least one pressure vessel in the second operating cycle to create a heterogeneous flow of slurry into the high-pressure line.

Abstract: Methods and systems for completing multi-zone formations. The method can include placing a gravel pack assembly within a borehole. The gravel pack assembly can include a first sand control extension. A first sand control screen can be disposed adjacent the first sand control extension. The first sand control extension can have a flowpath that is selectively opened and closed. A first isolation packer can be disposed adjacent the first sand control screen. A second isolation packer can be disposed adjacent the first isolation packer. A second sand control extension can be disposed adjacent the second isolation packer. The second sand control extension can include at least a second flowpath that is selectively opened and closed. A second sand control screen can be disposed adjacent the second sand control extension. A lower seal can be disposed adjacent the second sand control screen.

Abstract: A method and system for cementing and perforating a wellbore in a single step by coupling a perforating gun with a wiper plug. The method includes injecting cement in a wellbore having casing therein and an annulus between the casing and wellbore. A wiper plug is dropped on the cement having a perforating gun attached to the wiper plug. The plug is forced downward pulling the perforating gun along. The downward motion of the plug in turn pushes the cement out the bottom end of the casing and into the annulus. The cement in the annulus is allowed to set and the perforating gun is activated.

Abstract: A completion tubular is placed in position adjacent the zone or zones to be fractured and produced. It features preferably sliding sleeve valves one series of which can be put in the wide open position after run in for gravel packing and fracturing zones one at a time or in any desired order. These valves are then closed and another series of valves can be opened wide but with a screen material juxtaposed in the flow passage to selectively produce from one or more fractured zones. An annular path behind the gravel is provided by an offset screen to promote flow to the screened production port. The path can be a closed annulus that comes short of the production port or goes over it. For short runs an exterior screen or shroud is eliminated for a sliding sleeve with multiple screened ports that can be opened in tandem.

Abstract: A method of perforating a wellbore by forming a perforation that is aligned with a reservoir characteristic, such as direction of maximum stress, lines of constant formation properties, and the formation dip. The wellbore can be perforated using a perforating system employing a shaped charge, a mechanical device, or a high pressure fluid. The perforating system can be aligned by asymmetric weights, a motor, or manipulation from the wellbore surface.

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: An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails: (i.) the density differential between the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage is greater than or equal to 0.2 g/cc; (ii.) both the first proppant stage and the second proppant stage contain a ULW proppant; (iii.) the rate of injection of the second proppant stage into the fracture is different from the rate of injection of the first proppant stage; or (iv.) the particle size of the second proppant stage is different from the particle size of the first proppant stage.

Abstract: A system used to remove multiple isolation plugs from a wellbore. The system is efficient in fluidizing and circulating proppant located below an upper plug resting on top of proppant settled above a lower plug. The system uses a central port of the mill that is in communication with coiled tubing to fluidize and circulate the proppant around the perimeter of the upper plug. Once the proppant has been circulated from underneath the upper plug, the upper plug may mate and rotationally lock with a lower plug set within the wellbore. Upon locking, the system is able to rapidly mill out the upper plug and the lower plug until the lower plug is no longer set within the wellbore. The system provides for the rapid removal of multiple plugs positioned within a wellbore where an amount of proppant is present between the plugs.

Abstract: A method for connecting a lower marine riser package to a lower blowout preventer stack. The method includes lowering a frame of the lower marine riser package toward a frame of the lower blowout preventer stack such that a first half of a feed-thru component contacts a second half of the feed-thru component; floating at least one of the first half of the feed-thru component or the second half of the feed-thru component while the frame of the lower marine package is further lowered toward the frame of the lower blowout preventer stack; and engaging the first half of the feed-thru component to the second half of the feed-thru component after further lowering the lower marine riser package toward the lower blowout preventer stack.

Abstract: A tieback connector connects a tieback conduit from an offshore platform to a subsea wellhead assembly. The tieback connector has a mandrel that is connected to a string of tieback conduit and a sleeve and load ring that are carried by the mandrel. The load ring is radially expansible and has a conical portion with internal threads. The load ring has an external grooved profile that engages an internal grooved profile in the subsea assembly. The mandrel is rotatable relative to the sleeve while in its lower position, causing the load ring to further expand outward into engagement with the internal profile. A locking member is carried below the load ring on an exterior cam surface of the mandrel. The cam surface moves the locking member outward when the mandrel moves downward into engagement with an internal profile in the subsea assembly.

Abstract: A gas and oil recovery system including a vessel, platform or rig, with a rig floor, a riser including a pipe that extends from the vessel, platform or rig to a x-mas tree on top of a well head and via which a wire or coiled tubing is fed down into a well. The riser is movable through an opening in the rig floor, and a surface flow head connected to the riser and to a wire line or coiled tubing equipment. The surface flow head is arranged to be run through the opening in the rig floor.

Abstract: A fluid extraction system and method for the removal of fluid from subterranean wells. The system comprising: an upper extraction unit; an extraction container; a valve assembly engaged to the extraction container; a drainage tray engaged to the upper extraction unit; a curvilinear gear engaged to the upper extraction unit and the drainage tray; and, a linear gear engaged to the extraction container.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in completing a well includes a plug body selectively securable to a wellbore at a desired elevation and having a flowbore. A non-dissolvable flow restrictor is operably disposed in the flowbore and operates to restrict fluid flow through the flowbore, and a time-dissolvable retainer or spacer is operably coupled to the flow restrictor to retain the flow restrictor in a first position within the flowbore. The retainer is dissolvable within a predetermined passage of time to release the flow restrictor to move between the first position and a second position within the flowbore to control the flow of fluid through the downhole tool.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method to apply tension to completion tubing in a wellbore. The system, apparatus, and method comprises an inner and outer tubing hanger, with the string of tubing attached to the inner tubing hanger. A running tool lands the outer tubing hanger on a landing shoulder and continues to lower the inner tubing hanger into the wellbore until the lower end of the inner tubing hanger latches into a retaining device. The running tool then sets a seal which holds the outer tubing hanger in position and causes a ratcheting mechanism to move to an engaged position. The running tool then withdraws the inner tubing hanger a predetermined distance until the inner tubing hanger engages the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: An anchoring system including a housing; a chamber defined by the housing; and one or more telescopic assemblies disposed in contact with a wall of the housing and responsive to pressure within the chamber and a method for anchoring a tool in a wellbore.

Abstract: A method of sealing an annulus formed between a casing string and a surface in a well may include: positioning a seal element in the annulus with a swellable material of the seal element positioned between the casing string and the surface; and flowing cement through a channel formed between the swellable material and the casing string. A method of sealing in a well may include the steps of: positioning an annular seal element in the well, wherein the element may include a swellable material; and flowing cement into at least one channel formed longitudinally through the seal element. A method of sealing an annulus between two casing strings may include: providing multiple arcuate segments that may include a swellable material; and installing the segments in the annulus, wherein each of the segments may occupy a respective circumferential portion of the annulus.

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

Abstract: A forwardly folding agricultural implement frame includes a tongue having a forward section and a rearward section telescopically extendable relative to the forward section. A carriage having support wheels is mounted on the forward tongue section. Left and right wings are pivotally connected to the rearward tongue section and foldable between a field position wherein the wings are generally perpendicular to the tongue and a transport position wherein the wings are generally parallel to the tongue. During the folding process, the carriage remains generally centered under the frame such that the majority of the weight of the implement is carried by the wheels and not shifted forwardly to the tractor drawbar.

Abstract: A power tool capable of performing vibration damping action in working operation, without an increase in size. The working tool includes a motor, a housing in which an internal mechanism driven by the motor is stored, a tool bit disposed on one end of the housing, a hand grip continuously connected to the other end of the housing, and a dynamic damper. The dynamic damper is disposed by utilizing a space between the housing and the internal mechanism so that the damping direction of the dynamic damper faces the longitudinal direction of the tool bit.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations comprising a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face. In addition, the drill bit comprises a primary blade extending radially along the bit face, the primary blade including a cutter-supporting surface that defines a blade profile in rotated profile view extending from the bit axis to an outer radius of the bit body. The blade profile is continuously contoured and includes a plurality of concave regions. Further, the drill bit comprises a plurality of cutter elements mounted to the cutter-supporting surface of the primary blade. Each cutter element on the primary blade has a forward-facing cutting face with a cutting edge adapted to penetrate and shear the earthen formation.

Abstract: A down-the-hole assembly includes a housing assembly having a head end and a bit end. The housing assembly further includes an inlet joint having an inlet channel defined therein, a sealing portion positioned toward the bit end relative to the inlet joint, and an outlet portion positioned toward the bit end relative to the sealing portion. A hammer assembly including a piston has a piston channel defined therein that includes an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet channel and an outlet in fluid communication with the housing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a selection process for installing underground workspace in or near a hydrocarbon deposit that is an appropriate workspace from which to drill, operate and service wells applicable to any of a number of methods of recovering hydrocarbons. The present invention includes a number of innovative methods for developing workspace for drilling from a shaft installed above, into or below a hydrocarbon deposit, particularly when the hydrocarbon reservoir is at significant formation pressure or has fluids (water oil or gases) that can enter the workspace. These methods can also be used for developing workspace for drilling from a tunnel installed above, into or below a hydrocarbon deposit. The present invention also discloses a procedure for evaluating the geology in and around the reservoir and using this information to select the most appropriate method of developing workspace for drilling from a shaft and/or tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention is an air injection collar for use in the drilling industry that is used to reduce the weight of the column of returning drilling mud and debris without causing unnecessary frictional wear on the drill pipe. The invention is a unique sleeve that is coupled to a drill casing that includes an input port for receiving the pressurized air or other fluid from the surface, an annular plenum extending around the drill casing, and a series of openings in the plenum leading to the inside of the drill casing. These openings disperse the pressurized air or other fluid into the upflowing mud around the central drill pipe so that it is not concentrated in one place, especially the center of the casing, where it could cause frictional damage to the drill pipe.