Abstract: A substrate laminating apparatus which sticks substrates together in vacuum with high accuracy. The apparatus includes a first chamber into which two substrates are carried; a second chamber in which substrates are stuck together; and a third chamber which delivers a substrate laminate. The pressure level in the first chamber and the third chamber is varied from atmospheric to medium vacuum under control and that in the second chamber is varied from medium vacuum to high vacuum under control. In the second chamber, electrostatic adsorption means which can move up and down picks up an upper substrate and holds it on an upper table.

Abstract: A system for processing a composite material may comprise a chamber, a mandrel, an upper ramp, and an upper diaphragm. The chamber generally provides structural support while a vacuum is applied to the system and may have a six-sided generally rectangular box shape. The mandrel generally provides support for the composite material, and may be located within the chamber. The upper ramp generally provides a path for the upper diaphragm to follow under vacuum, and may be located adjacent to the mandrel and tilted at approximately 45 degrees downward thereto. The upper diaphragm may be placed over an opening along one side of the chamber. During processing, a vacuum may be applied to chamber and the upper diaphragm may be pulled inward through the opening to press the composite material against the mandrel.

Abstract: The sheet processing apparatus includes a buffer roller to form a sheet bundle by overlapping a plurality of sheets while respectively displacing an end part of each sheet at one end of the conveying direction toward the conveying direction, a fold conveying path to fold the displaced and overlapped sheet bundle twice into three layers so that the end part at one end covers an end part at the other end and the end parts at the one end are respectively exposed, and a sealer to seal the sheet bundle by adhering the end part at the one end of the twice-folded sheet bundle to a surface of the sheet bundle with a seal. The sealer adheres all of the end parts at the one end and the surface of the sheet bundle with a seal having length longer than exposed length of the end parts at the one end.

Abstract: A binding printer is provided which has a media transport assembly configured to transport individual sheets of media along a media path, a printhead assembly configured to print on the sheets transported along the media path, and a binding assembly configured to bind together the printed sheets transported along the media path. The binding assembly has a binding platen configured to press each printed sheet transported onto a support platen to preceding sheets supported on the support platen to bind the printed sheets together, and a chassis defining an inlet for receiving the transported printed sheets and an exit hatch from which the bound printed sheets are removable.

Abstract: A composite sheet comprising an upper layer 2 and a lower layer 3 both made of a substantially inextensible sheet which are partially bonded to each other at a large number of joints 4. The upper layer 2 forms a large number of outward hollow projections 5 in the area other than the joints 4. The projections 5 and the joints 4 are arranged such that the projections and the joints alternate in one direction to make lines and that the projections in each of the lines are out of alignment with the projections in the adjacent lines.

Abstract: A commercial tape applicator capable of folding at least one side edge of a tape as it is fed to the applicator to provide an easily a gripped edge on the tape after it has been applied to the case. The invention provides a folding station on a dancer platform mounted on a dancer arm that has a nip roll at its free end and the arm is biased so that the nip roll is in contact with the periphery of a tape roll forming the source of tape and is usable to align the tape path through the folding station with the tape leaving the tape roll and accommodate deformation of the roll. A latch and cooperating cog wheel may be used to control the off feeding of the tape for the supply roll.

Abstract: A drywall trim application device that can hold a large role of drywall flex corner trim material and, as the material is being dispensed, pre-crease or form the material for use on an inside or outside corner, or any angle within the range of the trim material, apply a mastic material (drywall mud, adhesive or any other bonding medium) to the flex trim material, and cut the material at any desired length automatically. Measurements may be either input by hand or downloaded from an electronic measurement tool into this device. This invention can generally store multiple measurements such as length and angles, measure the length of flex trim material as it is dispensed from the device, crease the material, apply predetermined amount of mastic, and automatically cut the flex trim material to each length previously input.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems disclosed herein relate to the application of a protective film on a surface of an electronic device that instantly reduces air bubbles and eliminates the waiting time usually required when using a wet fluid solution. In one embodiment, a roller device may include a carriage or housing and one or more rollers coupled or integrated with the housing, configured to apply a protective material to a surface of the electronic device in a first orientation, and configured to function as a device stand in a second orientation. In addition or alternatively, a roller guide apparatus and/or a wedge may be utilized to assist the roller device in applying the protective material to the surface of the electronic device.

Abstract: According to the method of the invention, the movement of movable screen ends for a group of motor-driven screens to a common position is controlled in a grouped manner. The method includes a step (E150) consisting of moving the end of a screen when said end becomes the farthest from the common position after moving the end of at least one other screen to said common position.

Abstract: A shutter of the type having a frame, and louvres extending from side to side within the frame, the louvres being rotatable about parallel axes, the side frames having a hollow interior, and defining longitudinal slots, and having a louvre control member within the frame for operating all louvres, drive connector members connected to the louvre control member for engaging respective louvres, and each drive connector member in turn having a first gear operated by the louvre control member, a second gear supporting and driving an end of a louvre, a drive housing supporting the first and second gears in meshing engagement, and, drive surfaces on the first gear for interengaging with the louvre control member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roll-up shade apparatus for a vehicle with enhanced assemblability. This roll-up shade apparatus includes a shade that opens and closes an internal opened part of a roof; a retractor that rolls up the shade from a base-end thereof; second wire drums disposed in coaxial with the retractor, a wire being wound around each of the second wire drums that winds up or feeds the wire together with an opening/closing of the shade; elastic members that engage the retractor with the second wire drums.

Abstract: A cast metal article is formed with an internal cavity. The internal cavity is formed by a ceramic core which is removed from the cast metal article to leave the cavity. The ceramic core is formed with a cavity to facilitate removal of the core from the cast metal article. To remove the core from the cast metal article, the cavity in the core is filled with a leaching liquid.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a shell comprising a hollow shell body and separate shell end members attached thereto. A number of tubes is disposed within the shell body which is sized to permit both ends of the tubes to project outwardly therefrom to facilitate access for attaching the tubes ends to respective tube header plates, after which time the shell end members are slid over the shell body towards the shell body ends for attachment to respective header plates. The heat exchanger can include an expansion element attached between a shell end member and the shell body, wherein the expansion element is positioned adjacent a slidable joint formed by an overlapping section of the shell body and shell end member. Together, the expansion element accommodates axial movement and the slidable joint carries vibration loads between the shell body and shell end member.

Abstract: A hot water generator which has a high ability to prevent the hot water temperature from rising above a preset temperature when withdrawal of hot water is stopped. A hot water withdrawal pipe 5 of a heat exchanger 1 and a cold water intake pipe 4 thereof are connected through a circulating pipe 40 having a circulating pump 39. A cold water reservoir 42 is provided in the heat exchanger 1 on its cold water intake pipe 4 side. When withdrawal of hot water is stopped, the circulating pump 39 forces hot water in the heat exchanger 1 to circulate through the cold water reservoir 42, cold water intake pipe 4, circulating pipe 40 and hot water withdrawal pipe 5 back to the heat exchanger 1 or the circulating pump 39 forces hot water in the heat exchanger 1 to circulate through the hot water withdrawal pipe 5, circulating pipe 40, cold water intake pipe 4 and cold water reservoir 42 back to the heat exchanger 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stacked-plate heat exchanger, in particular a charge-air cooler, having a plurality of elongate plates (1-3;21-23;51-53) which are stacked on top of one another and are connected, in particular soldered, to one another, which plates (1-3;21-23;51-53) delimit a cavity (55-57) for conducting a medium to be cooled, for example charge air, in the longitudinal direction of the plates, and a further cavity (63-65) for conducting a coolant, wherein the plates (1-3;21-23;51-53) have in each case one inlet port and one outlet port for the medium which is to be cooled. In order to provide a stacked-plate heat exchanger which can be produced cost-effectively and has a long service life even at high temperatures, according to the invention, at least one coolant port (14-16) extends partially around a port (12) for the medium to be cooled.

Abstract: A heat exchanging device includes first and second disk members coupled together to form a disk unit having a chamber. The first disk member has an inlet and the second disk member has an outlet. At least one of the disk members has first and second connecting members coupled to the other disk member. The connecting members are arranged on opposite sides of a line extending axially through the inlet and outlet to define therebetween an inlet flow path above the line and outlet flow path below the line. A medium directing member is disposed within the disk unit. The medium directing member, the first and second connecting members and the chamber are arranged such that heat exchange media is directed to flow from the inlet, through the inlet flow path, through the chamber, through the outlet flow path, and into the outlet.

Abstract: A downhole valve apparatus including a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction. The valve actuator is independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter. A first magnetic assembly is disposed at the force transmitter. A second magnetic assembly is disposed at the valve actuator. The first and second magnetic assemblies are configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.

Abstract: An anchor system includes an anchoring device. The anchoring device is operably connected to at least one of a restriction indicator and a load isolation device each of which include a release member that releases at a selected load in order to ensure setting of the anchor at a desired location. A method is included.

Abstract: A high expansion plug has multiple sealing elements and an extrusion barrier system that uses overlapping petals in a stack of rings. When setting the plug, the petals are elastically moved toward a surrounding tubular wall in an elastic deformation between a housing that surrounds the mandrel and a tapered ring on the mandrel. That sandwich controls the amount of deformation and allows a potential energy force to be stored in the petals that allows them to return toward their initial position when the set of the plug is released and the seals are allowed to relax and extend axially as they shrink radially. The plug can then be removed without milling. Expansions in the order of 25% of the initial seal dimension are contemplated.

Abstract: A running tool includes subassemblies which release the running tool from the liner hanger in response to application of alternating tensile and compressive forces after application of left-hand torque. A running tool includes subassemblies which set the liner hanger in response to left-hand torque followed by increased pressure, and in response to increased pressure without prior left-hand torque being applied. A running tool includes threaded connections, without torque transmitted through the running tool being transmitted by the threaded connections. A method of setting a liner hanger includes applying a compressive force to the running tool; then applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then applying a tensile force to the running tool. A method of releasing a liner hanger includes applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then releasing the running tool from the liner hanger by applying a tensile force to the running tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of rapidly hydrating a hydratable polymer, which method involves irradiating with radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, a mixture of at least the polymer and an aqueous hydrotreating medium to form a viscosified mixture of at least aqueous hydrotreating medium and hydrated polymer. Related methods of treating a subterranean formation and continuously hydrotreating a subterranean formation are also revealed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a dry cement formulation for cementing earth boreholes, in particular oil, gas and/or terrestrial heat boreholes, containing a) about 20 to 99.9 wt. % cement, b) about 0 to 65 wt. % powdered quartz/or quartz dust, c) about 0.1 to 30 wt. % water-redispersible dispersion powder, and d) about 0 to 20 wt. % further additives. Furthermore, the invention pertains to the use of the dry cement formulation for preparing a cement slurry as well as to the use of water-redispersible dispersion powders in a cement slurry for cementing earth boreholes, wherein the cement slurries can be used for reducing the water loss of the cement slurry, for reducing the gas and/or water penetration and/or for sealing off the gas and/or water channels by means of the cement slurry which has been introduced into the borehole and has set.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for one trip perforating and treating a wellbore, the bottom hole assembly including: a tool body including an outer surface and an upper end; a fluid passage extending into the tool body from the upper end; a valve to provide (i) in one orientation fluid access from the fluid passage to an outlet port opening to the outer surface and (ii) in another orientation fluid access from the fluid passage to a perforating gun actuation fluid supply channel while sealing fluid access from the fluid passage to the outer surface; an annular sealing member encircling the outer surface below the outlet port; and a perforating gun carried below the resettable, annular sealing member and hydraulically actuable to detonate by fluid communication through the perforating gun actuation fluid supply channel.

Abstract: A method of mitigating perforating effects produced by well perforating can include causing a shock model to predict perforating effects for a proposed perforating string, optimizing a compliance curve of at least one proposed coupler, thereby mitigating the perforating effects for the proposed perforating string, and providing at least one actual coupler having substantially the same compliance curve as the proposed coupler. A well system can comprise a perforating string including at least one perforating gun and multiple couplers, each of the couplers having a compliance curve, and at least two of the compliance curves being different from each other. A method of mitigating perforating effects produced by well perforating can include interconnecting multiple couplers spaced apart in a perforating string, each of the couplers having a compliance curve, and selecting the compliance curves based on predictions by a shock model of shock generated by the perforating string.

Abstract: Of the many methods provided herein. one method comprises: providing at least a portion of a subterranean formation that comprises a shale; providing a plasticity modification fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and an alkaline embrittlement modification agent; placing a pack completion assembly neighboring the portion of the subterranean formation; and embrittling at least a portion of the shale to form an embrittled shale portion.

Abstract: A process for hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean reservoir formation penetrated by a wellbore includes pumping a fracturing fluid or other aqueous fluid from the surface via the wellbore and into the reservoir. This fluid is an aqueous suspension of particles which each comprise an oilfield chemical distributed within an encapsulating matrix of water-insoluble carrier material. The encapsulating matrix is chosen so as to provide a delayed release of the oilfield chemical from the particles into surrounding fluid, such that oilfield chemical is liberated from the particles after they have entered the fracture. The encapsulating matrix may be a polymer which is at least partially amorphous, with a glass transition temperature below the reservoir temperature.

Abstract: A valve is mounted to a tubular string and has an actuation assembly that is isolated from well fluids. The valve member can be a ball that rotates on a pivot and is actuated by relative rotation of string components that straddle the ball. Rotation of one string component is linked to the closure ball by an external slanted slot with an operating ball that rides in it and connects the rotating string component to the closure ball. Travel stops limit the desired rotation of the closure ball in opposed directions. The closure ball can alternatively be rotated by relative longitudinal string component movement that is converted to relative rotation such as through the use of a j-slot mechanism. Internal seals isolate the slanted slot and operating ball from well fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a tubular string from a subsea well installation. The apparatus includes a heave compensator tensioning the tubular string, a subsea actuator assembly positioned within the tubular string, a subsea controller in communication with the subsea actuator assembly, a subsea safety tree positioned within the subsea well installation and a fluid delivery subsystem. An output signal generated by the subsea controller responsive to receipt of a predetermined input signal releases a piston of the subsea actuator assembly such that the tension in the tubular string shifts the piston relative to a cylinder energizing fluid in the fluid delivery subsystem to actuate the retainer valve, the shut-in valve assembly, the vent sleeve and the latch assembly, thereby safely separating the tubular string from a subsea well installation.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting severe slug flow in a multiphase fluid stream flowing through a pipeline and into a riser, wherein, the device is positioned immediately upstream of the riser and comprises at least one unit comprising (i) an upwardly inclined section of pipe having a lower end and an upper end and (ii) either a substantially horizontal section of pipe having a first end and a second end or a downwardly inclined section of pipe having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end of the upwardly inclined section of pipe is connected either directly or indirectly with the pipeline, the upper end of the upwardly inclined section of pipe is connected either directly or indirectly with the first end of the horizontal section of pipe or with the upper end of the downwardly inclined section of pipe, and the second end of the horizontal section of pipe or the lower end of the downwardly inclined section of pipe is connected either directly or indirectly with the riser, and wherein the angle of inclinati

Abstract: System and method for controlling a blowout preventer (BOP) stack and a tree attached to a wellhead of a well. The system includes at least a MUX pod configured to receive electrical signals and a fluid under pressure, and to provide a first set of functions to the LMRP part, and a second set of functions to a lower BOP part; a pod extension module configured to receive the fluid under pressure from the MUX pod, and to provide a third set of functions to the tree based on the received fluid under pressure; and a control part configured to be attached to the tree and to communicate with the pod extension module. The third set of functions for the tree is different from the second set of functions provided to the lower BOP part.

Abstract: A wellhead or Christmas tree seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead or Christmas tree members. U-shaped metal seals having legs that face in opposite directions, are bonded to a wiping element. During installation of the seal assembly, the ends of the seal legs seal against the wellhead members and the wiping element compensates for defects on the surfaces of the wellhead members. The wiping element can be of an elastomer, metallic, or intercalated graphite material.

Abstract: A liner hanger running tool (10) and method are provided for positioning a liner in a well bore. A tool mandrel (24) is supported from a running string, and a housing (44) surrounds the tool mandrel. A flow annulus between the mandrel and the housing allows fluid to pass upward through the running tool to a position above the liner. A hydraulic release mechanism (78, 79) is activated by fluid pressure within the mandrel to axially move a piston (50) positioned radially outward of the mandrel to release the running tool from the liner.

Abstract: A position reference system (100) for multilateral exit construction in a wellbore (32). The system (100) includes a casing string (34) having a window joint (106) and a pair of latch couplings (102, 104) interconnected therein and positioned in the wellbore (32). The first latch coupling (102) has a first inner profile operably engagable with a mating profile of a first latch assembly (114) to anchor and orient the first latch assembly (114) relative to the window joint (106). The second latch coupling (104) has a second inner profile that is different from the first inner profile of the first latch coupling (102). The second inner profile is operably engagable with a mating profile of a second latch assembly (124) to anchor and orient the second latch assembly (124) relative to the window joint (106).

Abstract: Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a piston axially movable within said valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, a static pressure port for actuating said piston utilizing internal fluid pressure within said valve and a plurality of dynamic pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve during dynamic flow conditions. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure during fluid flow through said valve.

Abstract: A downhole rotary diverter assembly includes multiple passages for selectively aligning with multiple boreholes. The diverter assembly can be selectively actuated to direct a tool or tubing through-passage toward a desired borehole. The primary tool through-passage of the diverter assembly can be alternately and continually aligned and re-aligned with a desired borehole out of multiple boreholes, while the diverter assembly remains in the well. After a single trip into the well, and placement of the diverter assembly in a well junction, the diverter assembly can be actuated to rotate flow passages into alignment with multiple boreholes. An actuation tool may be lowered into the diverter assembly and manipulated to activate a mandrel. The mandrel is guided by an indexing mechanism to rotatably cycle through discrete and predetermined alignment positions that correspond generally with the stop positions of a guide pin in a guide slot of the indexing mechanism.

Abstract: A portable fire-extinguisher comprises a metal casing (3) with an internal chamber (4) for housing a charge (5) of a solid substance which can be transformed, at a predetermined temperature, into an aerosol with flame-extinguishing properties. A delivery opening (7) puts the chamber (4) into communication with the exterior. An explosive cartridge primer (10), associated with a striker mechanism (13), is provided for triggering the reaction of the extinguishing charge (5). The primer (10) and the striker mechanism (13) are located near a distal end (5a) of the charge (5) so as to trigger the chemical reaction of the charge (5) from that end.

Abstract: An improved spreader/grader system, which includes a frame having a pair of parallel sidewalls; a plurality of spreader/grader blades positioned between the sidewalls and secured within a slot along the length of each of the sidewalls, each blade having a lower edge for spreading or grading a surface upon which the spreader/grader rests; a hydraulic cylinder attached to each end of each blade to allow each blade to be moveable along the length of the sidewall in a parallel or non-parallel relationship as desired by the operator; and a hydraulic cylinder system for attaching the frame to a vehicle, such as a tractor, for pulling the spreader/grader during the spreading/grading process. The blades of the spreader/grader may alternatively be secured in fixed positions between the sidewalls of the frame with a bolt/nut combination.

Abstract: Apparatus for clearing crop residue from a field is adapted for attachment to a tool bar of an agricultural implement or to a planter unit such that the apparatus is pulled through a field by the implement. The apparatus includes a support structure extending forward of the tool bar and at least one and preferably a pair of floating arms pivotally attached to a forward portion of the support structure and extending rearwardly, with a toothed wheel rotationally attached to an aft end of the arm(s). A coulter attached to the support structure is disposed between and extends forward of the soil-engaging toothed wheel(s) and in combination with the wheel(s) severs and removes residue in the seeding pathway. An adjustable biasing arrangement urges the toothed wheels, either in unison or independently, downwardly into engagement with the soil. Upper and lower stop limits are provided to limit vertical positioning of the toothed wheel(s).

Abstract: An optical control is disclosed which is particularly suitable for application as a switching device, regulating device or sensor device for a power tool. At least two optical waveguides are provided one of which being configured as a transmitting waveguide is coupled to a light source, a second one of which being configured as a receiving waveguide cooperating therewith is coupled to an evaluation circuitry. Both waveguides cooperate with a control element that is movable at least between two positions in which light signals of different magnitude are transmitted from the transmitting waveguide into the receiving waveguide.

Abstract: An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, a linear motion converter, an air chamber, a compression piston, a striker, a detent and a broach adapter. The compression piston may cause the striker to apply controlled force on a adapter to create a precise opening for subsequently disposing a prosthesis in a patient. The detent may hold the striker in a position until a sufficient pressure is applied to release the striker. The tool allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of the broach and tool from the opening. A force adjustment control of the tool allows a user to increase or decrease the impact force. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool.

Abstract: System for drilling boreholes into subsurface formations. A gyrotron injects millimeter-wave radiation energy into the borehole and pressurization apparatus is provided for pressurizing the borehole whereby a thermal melt front at the end of the borehole propagates into the subsurface formations. In another aspect, a system for fracturing a subsurface formation is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for drilling and treating for lost returns continuously while drilling are provided. High fluid loss drilling fluid is used, along with particulate material that forms an immobile mass in hydraulic fractures to prevent their growth. The particulate material may be selected based on the predicted size of a hydraulic fracture, based on particle size to minimize fines, based on specific gravity to attain high solids content for a selected fluid density, and/or based on permeability of the particles to attain a high spurt loss.

Abstract: A system and method of closed loop control whereby groupings of surface sonic transmitters disposed along the planned path of a well send sonic wave energy to a downhole sonic receiver (or alternatively a downhole sonic transmitter signalling to grouping of surface sonic receivers) in a manner that facilitates the downhole positioning of the well. Subsequent offset well positioning, relative to the first well, may be achieved in a similar manner.

Abstract: A steerable bore hole drilling tool and method of drilling bore holes. The steerable bore hole drilling tool comprise means for mechanically decoupling the sensor unit from the tool body. The method comprises a step of mechanically decoupling the sensor unit form the tool body.

Abstract: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and a sonde. Two detectors can be located at positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive an electromagnetic locating signal from the sonde in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the sonde and the detectors within the region.

Abstract: A subsoil automatic rotary drilling system for drilling oil, mineral and water wells, characterized in that said system comprises, on a single system substructure, at least a triple-transmission hydraulic arrangement for lowering and raising a plurality of pipe elements to be introduced into and removed from a wellbore, said arrangement including a plurality of operating cables, each said cable having a dead end fixed to a cylinder carriage also supporting a plurality of transmission pulleys to handle together, while providing a triple stroke of pulling and pushing cylinders, two, three, four drilling pipe elements, having each a length of about 9.20 m (range 2).

Abstract: There is provided a drilling rig for use on a drilling platform, comprising a drilling mast having at least two segments and a feed carriage, said drilling mast being adapted to be constructed in such a manner that at least one segment is displaced upwardly by means of the feed carriage. A mounting method in accordance with the invention for a drilling mast having at least two segments comprises the following steps: fixing of a feed carriage, providing of a mast segment below the feed carriage, and displacing the mast segment upwardly by means of the feed carriage. Due to this, additional auxiliary devices for constructing the drilling mast are not required, and space may be saved.

Abstract: Sleeves, stabilizers and other well tools may be formed with fluid flow paths or channels extending through one or more blades disposed on the exterior portions of such well tools. The blades and associated fluid flow paths extending therethrough may allow optimum fluid flow rates and volumes to enhance lifting of formation cuttings and downhole debris along with cleaning exterior portions of the well tool and an associated rotary drill bit. Location, configuration, orientation and/or dimensions associated with such blades and associated fluid flow paths or channels may also be modified to provide an enlarged pad or contact surface on exterior portions of one or more blades while maintaining desired fluid flow rates and volumes over exterior portions of the well tool. Such pads or contact surfaces may have optimum surface areas for contacting adjacent portions of a wellbore during directional drilling of the wellbore.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit head and a rotating bit cone. A sealing system for the drill bit includes a seal gland and a seal retained within the seal gland. The seal gland is defined by a radial cone surface, a head sealing surface and an opposed cone sealing surface. At least one of the head sealing surface and opposed cone sealing surface is not cylindrical (i.e., the surface is conical and not parallel to an axis of rotation for the cone). Additionally, the radial cone surface may be conical (i.e., the surface does not extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cone). The seal is radially compressed between the head sealing surface and the opposed cone sealing surface. The use of one or more conical surfaces in the gland is provided to bias the compressed seal into a preferred dynamic sealing zone.

Abstract: A cutting element for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation may comprise a body and laser-generated indicia on at least a portion of the body of the cutting element. The laser-generated indicia may be provided on at least a portion of a substrate of the cutting element and/or at least a portion of a layer of superabrasive material of the cutting element. The laser-generated indicia may be used to indicate a product name of the cutting element, the name of a manufacturer of the cutting element, a preferred alignment for the cutting element relative to a drill bit, or any other useful information. Cutting elements and superabrasive inserts having laser-generated indicia may be employed in rotary drill bits. In addition, laser-generated indicia may be used in a method to distinguish between cutting elements having substantially identical external geometric features.