Abstract: An assembly and method for manufacturing a composite reinforcement for unitizing a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a base having a plurality of pins extending outwardly therefrom to define a structure about which a composite fiber is wound to define a composite reinforcement preform. The assembly also includes a plurality of mandrels positioned adjacent to the base and at least a portion of the composite reinforcement preform, and a cap that is positioned over at least a portion of the plurality of mandrels. The cap is configured to engage each of the mandrels to support the mandrels and the composite reinforcement preform during a curing process to form the composite reinforcement.

Abstract: A permeable material compacting method includes, feeding permeable material between at least one set of rollers, decreasing a thickness of the permeable material, and wrapping the permeable material around a mandrel in a helical fashion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for consolidating and curing a composite part places and registers a composite laminate layer of thermoset polymer matrix and reinforcing fibers onto the temperature-controlled curing surface of a heated curing mold and provides a base mold with base surface covered by a rubber mask having a mask surface. Three-dimensional surfaces of the curing, base and mask surfaces complement each other so with the curing and base molds adjacent, a pressure space is formed between the base and curing surfaces that contains the compressed rubber mask, a bleeder layer for removing excess air and polymer matrix, and the composite laminate, the pressure space having a perimeter.

Abstract: A window covering includes a roller attached to a mounting device and an actuation device attached to the roller to rotate the roller in at least one of a first direction and a second direction. A front member is attached to the mounting device. A second member is attached to the roller. A plurality of ballast members are attached to the front member. Each ballast member has a portion that extends to the second member to engage the second member to cause the front member to form substantially parallel folds when the second member is wound about the roller to retract the front member to a retracted position. Preferably, the folds are similar to or exactly like the transverse folds in shade material that are formed when a conventional Roman shade is raised.

Abstract: A spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending above a shooting location comprises an inflatable panel and a plurality of attachment points from which the panel may be suspended. An inflation apparatus directs air into the panel through an air inlet to inflate the panel.

Abstract: A method for spray forming a metal component (11, 17, 21, 27) having an elongated open channel (10, 20, 22, 28) therein comprises firstly spray forming a layer (8, 19, 24) of the desired metal onto a deposition substrate (2), placing then an elongated spray blocking object (9, 18, 26, 29) on the already sprayed layer for forming the channel, and continuing then the spray forming process until the desired total thickness of the component is achieved. According to the present invention, the spray blocking object is a strip (18, 26, 29), the cross-sectional profile of the strip being fully open in the direction of an axis (a) in a cross-sectional plane of the strip, and the strip is placed on the already deposited layer (8, 19, 24) with said axis directed substantially parallel to the direction of the incident metal spray (6).

Abstract: A method for forming a rotor for an induction motor includes providing a rotor core including a plurality of conductor bar grooves having first and second ends corresponding to first and second ends of the rotor core wherein the conductor bar grooves are progressively larger closer to the ends of the conductor bar grooves. The rotor core is placed into a casting mold, and molten metal is introduced into a first end of the casting mold. The molten metal flows from the first end of the casting mold through the plurality of conductor bar grooves to a second end of the casting mold. The molten metal solidifies to form conductor bars in the plurality of conductor bar grooves and to form shorting rings across exterior portions of the end elements within the first and second ends of the casting mold.

Abstract: A pipe for use in a geothermal heat exchange system is disclosed that is insertable into a bore hole having a proximal end and a distal end. The pipe has a proximal end, a distal end and an outer wall member. The outer wall member includes an external surface, and an interior surface defining an interior passageway through which a heat exchange fluid can flow. The pipe also includes a divider extending between opposed points of the interior surface for dividing the interior passageway into an inflow passageway for conducting water from the proximal end to the distal end of the pipe, and an outflow passageway for conducting water from the distal end to the proximal end of the pipe. The divider segregates the water in the outflow passageway from the water in the inflow passageway.

Abstract: Thermal insulating materials and methods of making the thermal insulating material generally include a plurality of thermally reversible crosslinked polymer modified particles. The thermally reversible crosslinked polymer modified particles include a polymer containing a plurality of a first functional group; and a modified particle having a plurality of pendent cross-linking agents containing a second functional group, wherein the first functional group and the second functional group are complementary reactants to a reversible cross-linking reaction.

Abstract: A heat exchange system including a heat exchanger having a housing and a cooling core disposed within in the housing. The cooling core is adapted to receive a flow of a liquid cooling media. The heat exchanger includes at least one iron anode projecting into a flow path of the liquid cooling media. The heat exchange system also includes an electronic control module operatively connected to the iron anode. The electronic control module is adapted to control the selective delivery of electrical current or grounding to the iron anode in response to predetermined conditions indicating the presence of sulfide constituents in the cooling medium.

Abstract: An air conditioner for an automobile includes a foot door (11) and a mixing area. The foot door has a partition wall, and is movable at least between an advanced position where the partition wall reaches a state of blocking an air flow from a merging area to the downstream side in an air passage, and a retreated position where the partition wall retreats from the advanced position in the air passage. The mixing area is provided in the air passage while the partition wall is located in the advanced position, and is designed to cause the air flowing from a cold air passage and the air flowing from a hot air passage into the merging area to mix up more by using the partition wall to block the air flowing from the merging area to the downstream side. Thus, the air conditioner is designed to cause the air to flow into the discharge passage systems via the mixing area.

Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes (methods) for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in an oil and/or gas well and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.) downhole. The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented.

Abstract: A method of operating an insert safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing the insert safety valve in a flow passage which extends longitudinally through an outer safety valve, making electrical contact between the insert safety valve and an electrical connector, and operating the insert safety valve, thereby selectively permitting and preventing flow through the flow passage. An insert safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to another electrical connector external to the insert safety valve.

Abstract: A wellbore cleaning device having a unitary tool mandrel surrounded by a retaining sleeve that is rotatable with respect to the mandrel. A locking ring is used to secure the retaining sleeve to the mandrel. Cleaning blades are retained within recesses in the retaining sleeve and are biased radially outwardly from the recesses by springs.

Abstract: A slip assembly (60) for securing a tool in a well includes an upper and a lower c-ring slip body (12, 14) each including an outer gripping surface (16, 18) and inner gripping surface (20, 22). An actuator member (68) is axially movable relative to both slip bodies and includes a camming surface (70) for engagement with the upper and lower slip bodies. The slip assembly withstands high axial loads, and forces are equally distributed between the slip bodies.

Abstract: A non-rotating downhole sleeve adapted for open hole drilling and/or casing centralization. The sleeve includes a tubular body made of hard plastic with integrally formed helical blades positioned around its outer surface and an inner surface configuration which allows drilling fluid circulation to form a non-rotating fluid bearing between the sleeve and the drill pipe or casing. The helical blades reduce sliding and rotating torque while drilling, with minimal obstruction to drilling fluid passing through the borehole between the blades.

Abstract: A control system for use in extracting hydrocarbons from an underground deposit is disclosed that comprises an electromagnetic heating system and a processor. The electromagnetic heating system is configured to heat the underground deposit to facilitate fluid flow of a resource for extraction from the underground deposit. The processor is configured to control the electromagnetic heating system in response to temperature data and pressure data for the underground deposit. The processor correlates the temperature data and pressure data with predetermined water phase characteristics to control the electromagnetic heating system so that substantially all water in the underground deposit is maintained in a liquid state. The control system may also generate voxel data corresponding to spatial characteristics of the underground deposit. The spatial characteristics may be presented as a map on a display.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a property of a sample of fluid in a borehole. A fluid sample is collected in a downhole tool. While collecting, X-rays are transmitted proximate the fluid from an X-ray source in the tool and an X-ray flux that is a function of a property of the fluid is detected. The detected X-ray flux data is processed to determine the property of the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus having a first outer tubular member and a first inner tubular member. The first outer tubular member and the first inner tubular member can define a first space therebetween. The first inner tubular member can have a first internal bore. The apparatus can further include a second outer tubular member and a second inner tubular member. The second outer tubular member and the second inner tubular member can define a second space therebetween. The second inner tubular member can have a second internal bore. A first coupling flowpath can be positioned between the first and second spaces. A second coupling flowpath can be positioned between the first and second internal bores. A selectively closeable flowpath can be positioned between the first coupling flowpath and the second coupling flowpath.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The system comprises a well bore; a gravel packing slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a solids mixture, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, wherein the solids mixture comprises at least a proppant PSD mode and a fines PSD mode; a pump to circulate the slurry in the wellbore and form a proppant pack; and a dispersant source effective to facilitate fines flowback from the pack. The method comprises circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a proppant pack; contacting fines in the pack with a dispersant; and passing fluid through the pack to remove fines from the pack.

Abstract: A method of determining a permeability profile of a heavy-oil bearing formation includes pre-heating of the formation by circulation of steam in a well, creating an excessive pressure inside the well during the pre-heating stage, stopping circulation of steam in the well, measuring temperature along a well bore of the well using distributed temperature sensors, wherein the measuring is performed from a moment at which steam circulation stops until a thermally stable condition is achieved, creating a conductive heat exchange model relating a quantity of steam penetrated into the formation to a local permeability of the formation, the model being created using the temperature measurement results of the pre-heating stage for solving an inverse problem, and determining the formation permeability profile from the created model.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is provided. The bottom hole assembly comprises an upper component, a lower component and a telescoping assembly disposed between the upper component and the lower component.

Abstract: A method for producing oil and/or gas comprising a method for producing oil from an underground formation comprising injecting an enhanced oil recovery formulation and a gas into a first well in the formation; forming a mixture comprising the enhanced oil recovery formulation and the oil in the formation; forming a gas cap with the injected gas; forcing the formulation and oil mixture towards a second well in the formation; and producing the formulation and oil mixture from the second well.

Abstract: Well apparatus comprises a tower, and a support for supporting well intervention, completion, testing, or drilling equipment, the support being attached to the tower and being movable laterally from a parked position on the tower, where preparation of the equipment can be carried out without occupying an operational area where the equipment is to operate on the well, and an operational position in the operational area, and the support being arranged to be lowered or lifted, the apparatus further comprising a guide mechanism for guiding the support so that as the support is - lowered or lifted it is guided along a path involving lateral movement from the parked position to the operational position in the operational area.

Abstract: A subsea pumping system using a subsea module is installed on the sea bed, preferably away from production wells and intended to pump hydrocarbons having a high associated gas fraction produced by subsea production wells to the surface. The system achieves an advantage by the design of a pumping module (PM) which is linked to pumping equipment already present in a production well and which includes: an inlet pipe (2), separator equipment (3), a first pump (4) and a second pump (8). Another advantage of the subsea pumping system for the production of hydrocarbons with a high gas fraction is that, when oil is pumped from the production well (P), the well pump (13) increases the energy of the fluid in the form of pressure and transmits this increase in energy in the form of an increase in suction pressure in the second pump (8) of the subsea module (PM).

Abstract: A cap is lowered onto and secured to a subsea member with an external flange, effecting a seal between the external flange and cap. The cap includes a tubular outer body defining a cavity, and a tubular inner body defining a bore, wherein the lower end of the inner body resides within the cavity. The cap also includes a lower engaging member coupled to the outer body that is radially movable between an inward state and an outward state and configured to alternately engage and disengage at least one of a backside of the external flange. Finally, the cap includes an upper engaging member coupled to the outer body and being radially movable independently of the lower engaging member between an inward state and an outward state and configured to engage and disengage the inner body.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a backup emergency disconnect signal (EDS) transmission in an offshore oil and gas installation are provided. A backup EDS transmission system includes a pressure pulse generator located close to a water surface and configured to generate a predetermined pressure variation pattern including at least one of positive and negative pressure pulses and corresponding to an emergency disconnect signal, the signal being propagated downwards in a mud column. The pressure pulse generator is located at a surface end of the mud column. The backup EDS transmission system also includes a pressure pulse receptor connected to a controller of blowout preventers and configured to measure a pressure in the mud column, at a subsea location.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly having a completion landing string inside a drilling riser is described herein and comprises a power source for generating an alternating electrical current; a connector for connecting the power source to a receptacle in the subsea well assembly; a first inductor electrically connected to the power source through the connector; a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly; and a second inductor spaced from the first inductor, and located in the subsea control module, the second inductor positioned so that an EMF is produced on the second inductor when the alternating electrical current is passed through the first inductor to thereby generate an alternating current signal on the second inductor.

Abstract: A deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot.

Abstract: A method of coupling segments of a borehole conduit is disclosed. The method includes: positioning a first conduit segment at a location selected from a surface location and a downhole location, the first conduit segment having a first end and a second end, the first conduit segment including a pin connector at the first end; orienting the first conduit segment so that the first end is located uphole relative to the second end; and coupling a second conduit segment in operable communication with the first conduit segment, the second conduit segment having a box connector at an end of the second conduit segment that is configured to engage the pin connector of the first segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swivel sub for connection in a work string between a workstring and a downhole apparatus. The swivel sub includes a first substantially cylindrical body, including a sleeve portion having one or more teeth and a second substantially cylindrical body being partially located within the sleeve portion. The bodies are arranged to rotate relative to each other. The swivel sub also includes a sliding sleeve, having one or more teeth arranged mutually engage with the first teeth is axially moveable between disengaged and engaged positions, in one embodiment by a pressure differential being created in the sub. Further, the present invention provides methods for of running the tool, with particular application to setting and hanging of liners and screens.

Abstract: A slip hanger assembly for installation of casing in a wellhead, the assembly including a slip ring capable of restraining the casing in the wellhead. The assembly including a seal assembly with an inner and outer seal. The assembly also includes a hanger assembly actuator including a load ring flange, a BOP adapter including a horizontal torque provider and the BOP adapter being connectable to the wellhead, and a seal assembly actuator. The hanger assembly actuator can set the inner and outer seals independently of each other.

Abstract: A method for isolating a perforated interval of a well, the well including a casing liner having a wall with a plurality of perforations therethrough forming the perforated interval, the method comprising: providing a tool including a tubular body including an inner diameter and an outer surface, a first open end and a second open end, the first and second open ends providing access to the inner diameter; and a sealing element to isolate a mid region of the outer surface from the first open end and the second open end; positioning the tool in the well with the tubular first open end adjacent and above an uppermost perforation of the perforated interval and the second open end adjacent and below a lowermost perforation of the perforated interval; and installing the tool in the well with the sealing element sealing between the tubular body and the casing wall above the uppermost perforation of the perforated interval and below the lowermost perforation of the perforated interval to isolate fluid flow between th

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a redundant stationary fire fighting system and method for use in a structure coupled to a water supply and a main water pump(s) that generates a water stream. The system includes one or more water flow meters to measure the water stream and generate a water flow signal. The system includes a primary foam proportioning system and a redundant secondary foam proportioning system, each including a foam pump, a motor, a foam flow meter, and a controller. The controller is configured to automatically operate the foam pump based on the water flow signal in order to inject liquid foam concentrate directly into the water stream. The redundant secondary foam proportioning system can be automatically started in case of component failure in the primary foam proportioning system.

Abstract: Aqueous droplets encapsulated in a flame retardant polymer are useful in suppressing combustion. Upon exposure to a flame, the encapsulated aqueous droplets rupture and vaporize, removing heat and displacing oxygen to retard the combustion process. The polymer encapsulant, through decomposition, may further add free radicals to the combustion atmosphere, thereby further retarding the combustion process. The encapsulated aqueous droplets may be used as a replacement to halon, water mist and dry powder flame suppression systems.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system includes a first data bus having respectively first power and command leads. The system has multiple zones, each of which may include one or more detectors, and/or one or more suppressors and activation devices. The first data bus is directly connected and common to the detectors, suppressors and activation devices. A controller is connected to the multiple zones via the first data bus. A fire activation module includes the actuation device. First and second power leads are connected to the actuation device. A capacitor is connected to the actuation device and the power leads. The capacitor is configured to store electricity from the power leads and discharge the electricity to the actuation device during a suppression event. A wiring harness provides a zone identification element in communication with a connector and configured to provide a zone location assignment to the connector.

Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.

Abstract: A hammer drill, in particular a chipper comprises: a body having at least one support handle; an electric motor mounted within the body; an electric switch, capable of being switched on and off by a trigger button connected to it, to activate or deactivate respectively the electric motor, wherein the trigger button is moveable between two positions, a first position where the electric switch is off and a second position where the electric switch is on; a locking arm moveably mounted on the electric switch which, when the trigger button is located in its second position, is moveable between two positions, a first position where it is disengaged from the trigger button and a second position where it engages with the trigger button and holds the trigger button in its second position. When the locking arm is in its second position it causes the hammer to remain switch on even if the operator removes their fingers from the trigger button.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to one or more embodiments and methods to make downhole measurements. Embodiments disclosed herein relate to one or more embodiments and methods to measure the movement generated by a coring tool. The methods and embodiments include disposing a coring tool in a wellbore, coupling a first wave detector to the coring tool, anchoring the coring tool to a formation surrounding the wellbore, operating the coring tool, measuring movement generated by the coring tool with the first wave detector, and outputting a signal based upon the measured movement measured with the first wave detector.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the transmission of 1 kW or more of laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates.

Abstract: In a dual-gradient drilling apparatus, a subsea solids processing unit includes a housing, a solids processing mechanism disposed in the housing between a drilling mud inlet and a drilling mud outlet, and a flushing mechanism configured to flush the solids processing mechanism with a flushing fluid. A subsea solids processing unit may be controlled by rotating the solids processing mechanism in a forward direction and increasing a drive torque when a measured speed of the solids processing mechanism is below a desired rotation speed. The desired rotation speed may be decreased when a measured torque exceeds a selected maximum and a rotation direction of the solids processing mechanism may be reversed when the measured speed falls below a selected minimum.

Abstract: A steerable ground piercing tool includes an elongated outer housing having a lengthwise extending bore and an inner assembly at least in part disposed within the outer housing. The inner assembly includes a rotatable chisel having a longitudinally extending shaft at least in part disposed within the housing bore. The chisel has a first end defining an asymmetric tip and a second end defining a first impact surface for receiving a reciprocating action impact to drive the tool through the ground. The inner assembly further includes a conversion mechanism to selectively convert upon activation thereof at least a first portion of the reciprocating action imparted to the first impact surface into combined reciprocation and rotation of the tool.

Abstract: The Smart Reamer® Tool, Apparatus or Method is used to underream an oil or natural gas well while interlinked calipers and calibration sensors simultaneously record data relating to the geometry of the drilling operation (well diameter, diameter of the underreamed zone) and drilling fluid properties (density). Further sensors provide data on the relative position of the cutting and stabilizing blocks. Other sensors measure vibration data. All the sensors are interlinked by means of microprocessors which compare and correlate said data to automatically verify and deliver a desired wellbore diameter without the need to unnecessarily stop drilling or trip out of the hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drill bit having a bit body and a plurality of cutters, which are configured to disintegrate earthen formation as the bit body is rotated by a connected drill string. At least some of the cutters have a first and second body, first and second cutting faces and first and second cutting edges. The body is comprised of hard metal. The cutting elements are comprised of superhard material. The orientation of the first cutter body is reversible as to the other components to permit variation in the proximity of the first and second cutting elements.

Abstract: A motorized cart, including: a collapsible frame; a handle and a collapsible storage compartment connected to the frame; and at least three wheels, including a front wheel and two rear wheels disposed at a rear of the frame for rotating about a single axis. The cart also includes a drive compartment housing a battery, a drive controller, and at least one motor electrically connected to the battery and the drive controller for driving at least one of the rear wheels. The drive compartment is positioned on the frame to position the battery, the drive controller, and the motor below and forward of the rear wheel rotation axis when the cart is in an expanded, upright mode, thereby positioning a center of gravity of the cart forward of the rear wheel rotation axis to enhance stability.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel cell vehicle with a multi-power source and a multi-drive system includes: a plurality of primary power sources sharing a single main bus terminal and connected in parallel to each other; a plurality of drive systems receiving power from the main bus terminal to generate output torque so as to drive vehicle wheels and connected in parallel to each other; and an auxiliary power source sharing the main bus terminal and disposed between the primary power sources and the drive systems to supplement power shortage of the primary power sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in a vehicle driving apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine 6 and electric motors M1 and M2, a control device that can provide both confined noise reduction and fuel efficiency improvement. A control device 40 includes a confined noise reduction means 98 that controls the electric motor, to reduce confined noise caused by the variation of torque that is provided from the internal combustion engine, so that the electric motor provides variation of torque in opposite phase to the variation of the torque that is provided from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A pressurized air system is provided. The air system includes a compressed air tank, a turbine coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the compressed air tank and structured to convert mechanical energy, an electric motor, the electric motor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine and having an output shaft, an electrical compressor structured to compress air, the electrical compressor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine, the electrical compressor also coupled to, and in fluid communication with the compressed air tank. Wherein the turbine receives compressed air from the tank and the turbine generates electricity. Further, a portion of the electricity is directed to the motor and the remaining electricity is directed to the electrical compressor, and, whereby the electrical compressor provides compressed air to the compressed air tank.