Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing the process of heat and/or mass transfer operations in packed beds and embodiments of applications of the methods are disclosed herein below. In one instance, the method results in the profile of the quantity representative of the heat and/or mass transfer operation having a propagating substantially sharp front.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a terminal apparatus of a superconducting device that is capable of minimizing the use of dividing members for dividing a liquid refrigerant, a vapor refrigerant or a room temperature insulating material, thereby preventing sealing members like O-rings mounted on the respective dividing members from being damaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and controlling windshield washer fluid temperature is provided, comprising a washer fluid reservoir; a hollow conductive tube in the reservoir containing a heated working fluid for delivering heat to the washer fluid; a valve for controlling the flow rate of the working fluid through the tube; and a control system for controlling the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir. A method for controlling the heating of the washer fluid and for storing heated washer fluid is also disclosed. The apparatus may be installed at the time of manufacture of the vehicle or installed after market as a retro-fit kit. The windshield washer apparatus and control system permits vehicles to operate in cold environments for sustained periods of time at various speeds without thermal shock to the windshield during cleaning with washer fluid.

Abstract: An aircraft cooling system including a cooler which is adapted to supply cooling energy to an aircraft device to be cooled, and a heat transfer arrangement which is adapted to transfer waste heat generated by the cooler to a cabin air extraction system. The heat transfer arrangement comprises a heat transfer circuit, in which a liquid heat transfer medium heated by the waste heat of the cooler circulates.

Abstract: A gravel packing assembly has first and second joints each including a sand control screen assembly having a filter medium positioned exteriorly of a base pipe and a slurry delivery subassembly rotatably mounted exteriorly on the sand control screen assembly. The slurry delivery subassembly includes at least one transport tube extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the sand control screen assembly. At least one jumper tube is coupled to and extends between the at least one transport tube of the first joint and the at least one transport tube of the second joint. The at least one transport tube of the first joint is axially aligned with the at least one transport tube of the second joint by rotating the slurry delivery subassembly of the first joint relative to the sand control screen of the first joint after the two joints are coupled together.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically-enhanced oil recovery from an oil-bearing subterranean formation are provided. An isolation opening extends around the circumference of a casing to provide a separation of the inflow section from an adjacent section of the casing. A portion of the oil-bearing formation disposed on the outside of the isolation opening is removed to form a void in the oil-bearing formation adjacent the isolation opening. A material having less electrical conductivity than the casing is inserted into the void and the isolation opening to form an insulative barrier.

Abstract: A clamp assembly which includes two spaced apart jaw systems each of which has two sets of spaced apart relatively pivotal grip formations, wherein the jaw systems are relatively pivotally movable to position the four sets of grip formations at spaced apart locations on a circumference of a circle, wherein the size of the circumference is determined at least by the extent of relative pivotal movement of the jaw systems.

Abstract: A method of controlling sulfides in a fluid including determining selected conditions of the fluid and selecting a nitrogen reducing bacteria (NRB) based on those conditions. The method further includes injecting an NRB into the fluid and injecting an inorganic nitrate into the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for performing stimulation operations at a wellsite having a subterranean formation with a reservoir therein. The method involves acquiring integrated wellsite data (e.g., geomechanical, geological, and/or geophysical properties of the formation, and/or geometrical properties of the mechanical discontinuities in the formation). The method also involves generating a mechanical earth model using the integrated wellsite data, and identifying a crossing behavior between an induced hydraulic fracture and at least one discontinuity in the formation. The method also involves optimizing a stimulation plan to achieve an optimized crossing behavior. The stimulation plan includes at least one of fluid viscosity, rate of injection of the fracturing fluid, and concentration of a fluid loss additive. The optimization may further include adjusting the stimulation plan to achieve the optimized crossing behavior between the induced hydraulic fracture and the discontinuity in the formation.

Abstract: A method of pressure testing a well tool can include applying positive or negative pressure to an internal chamber of the well tool, or determining a reference pressure, and monitoring the pressure in the internal chamber using a pressure sensor in the internal chamber. Another method can include applying pressure to an internal chamber of a well tool at a surface location, thereby creating a pressure differential in one direction across a seal, and installing the well tool in a well, thereby creating another pressure differential in a possibly opposite direction across the seal. A well system can include a well tool including an internal chamber, and a pressure sensor disposed in the chamber, whereby the pressure sensor detects pressure within the chamber.

Abstract: An improvement over known hydraulic fracturing fluids. Boundary layer kinetic mixing material is added to components of fracturing fluid wherein kinetic mixing material is a plurality of particles wherein at least 25% of particles are several types, i.e., having surface characteristics of thin walls, three dimensional wedge-like sharp blades, points, jagged bladelike surfaces, thin blade surfaces, three-dimensional blade shapes that may have shapes similar to a “Y”, “V” or “X” shape or other geometric shape, slightly curved thin walls having a shape similar to an egg shell shape, crushed hollow spheres, sharp bladelike features, 90° corners that are well defined, conglomerated protruding arms in various shapes, such as cylinders, rectangles, Y-shaped particles, X-shaped particles, octagons, pentagon, triangles, and diamonds.

Abstract: A complex fracture network within a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation is created by first pumping a first fluid into the formation to create or enlarge a primary fracture and then pumping a second fluid into the formation wherein the second fluid contains a viscous material and the first fluid. By diverting the flow of the second flow, a secondary fracture is created having a directional orientation distinct from the directional orientation of the primary fracture.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively activating a plurality of downhole pathways is disclosed. The method includes a casing segment which includes a plurality of casing ribs, a valve which includes a sleeve coupled for movement between an open and normally closed position, a rocker member mounted to the sleeve, a dart for pumping in hole including a dart profile matched to the rocker member profile such that the dart profile couples to the rocker member profile when in close proximity and, in turn, the sleeve moves from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A wave-inducing device for cementing a casing in a borehole. The wave-inducing device is designed for arrangement in the casing and includes a movable element which, when the wave-inducing device is arranged in the casing, is designed to be moved by cement and/or another fluid flowing through the casing so that wave motions and/or vibrations are provided in the cement during the cementing of the casing.

Abstract: Fracturing slurries are prepared on the fly using a solids pump to feed the solid such as a gel into a liquid stream of normally water for pumping downhole with a large capacity triplex pump. The solids pump is preferably a Posimetric® style which delivers the solid into the fluid pipeline in a manner that keeps fluid from backing into the solids hopper above the solids pump. A separate fluid tank is connected to a fluid pump to pressurize a suction line to a boost pump before reaching the triplex pump and pumping into the subterranean formation. The solids pump can deliver between the fluid and boost pumps in which case the solids go through the triplex pump or alternatively the solids can be delivered into the higher pressure discharge line of the triplex pump.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in a wellbore during a perforating operation is disclosed. The method can include positioning a perforating tool within the wellbore, where the perforating tool comprises a gun and an energetic chamber. The method can also include igniting an energetic within the energetic chamber to generate a propellant. The method can further include igniting at least one charge within the gun, where the at least one charge is ignited toward a wall of the wellbore adjacent to the gun. The method can also include directing the propellant from the energetic chamber into the gun.

Abstract: A downhole tool mechanism for applying a driving force, such as a cutter tool for cutting a line captured within the tool, comprises a resiliently compressible member for storing a compressive force; a retaining device for maintaining storage of the compressive force until released; a trigger mechanism for releasing the compressive force when the trigger mechanism is activated. In one form the resiliently compressible member comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged spring washers each having a radial slot therein for receiving a line along the length of the resiliently compressible member. In the cutter form, there is a cutter arranged to cut the line when the trigger mechanism is activated, and the trigger mechanism is activated when the tool receives a shock force to one or both ends.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drilling a drain hole from a well are provided. A flexible tubing used for conveying fluid to a jet bit is confined radially by a reduced-diameter tubing piece or a liner in production tubing near the diverter used to direct the flexible tubing. Concentric tubing pieces allow location of the bit in a well by measuring weight of a work string.

Abstract: A well treatment composition is well-designed for the simultaneous enhancement of the production of both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons from the same reservoir on a non-selective basis. The well treatment composition includes a first surfactant and a second surfactant, wherein the second surfactant is selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated alkylene amines, ethoxylated alkyl amines, propoxylated alkylene amines, propoxylated alkyl amines, ethoxylated-propoxylated alkylene amines and ethoxylated-propoxylated alkyl amines. The well treatment composition also includes a first solvent, a second solvent and water. Methods for using the well treatment composition include the steps of emplacing the well treatment composition into wells having high and low gas-to-oil ratios.

Abstract: Relatively high viscosity materials and methods for introducing them as discrete bodies or masses into relatively low viscosity fluids, such as brine, give fracturing fluids that help control the diversion and distribution of fluids as they are pumped downhole against a subterranean formation, particularly shale, to fracture it. A wide range of relatively viscous materials may be used, including polymers, crosslinked polymers and/or surfactant gels, for instance gels created with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). Once the fracturing fluids containing these bodies or masses are within the hydraulic fracture, the processes of paths of least resistance, flow deviation, viscous material flow displacement, total fluid diversion, in situ fluid viscosity generation and distribution of delayed release treatment additives may be deployed.

Abstract: The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly comprising a casing housing and a casing extending down inside the well, and a tubing hanger. The tubing hanger comprises first and second valves, each valve being a fail safe valve.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method of operation thereof is provided. The downhole tool may be configured to permit fluid communication between a combined flowbore of the casing string and the downhole tool and the subterranean formation or wellbore, or both, after a pressure test has been completed, a second threshold pressure is reached or applied, and a third threshold pressure has been applied to the downhole tool.

Abstract: A wireless actuation system comprises a transmitter, an actuation system comprising a receiving antenna, and one or more sliding members transitional from a first position to a second position. The transmitter is configured to transmit an electromagnetic signal, and the sliding member prevents a route of fluid communication via one or more ports of a housing when the sliding member is in the first position. The sliding member allows fluid communication via the one or more ports of the housing when the sliding member is in the second position, and the actuation system is configured to allow the sliding member to transition from the first position to the second position in response to recognition of the electromagnetic signal by the receiving antenna.

Abstract: An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position.

Abstract: A barrel slip for a packer assembly operable for use in a wellbore. The barrel slip includes a radially expandable barrel slip body having a first end and a second end. A substantially cylindrical directional gripping surface is disposed on an exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the first end. A substantially cylindrical non directional contact surface is disposed on the exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the second end. In a set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a gripping engagement between the directional gripping surface and the wellbore that opposes movement of the barrel slip body in a first direction. Also, in the set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a contact engagement between the non directional contact surface and the wellbore that diverts force acting on the barrel slip body in a second direction to the wellbore.

Abstract: Application of a photocurable lining to a downhole fixed surface surrounding the axis of a wellbore is carried out by skimming an applicator over the downhole surface while delivering a porous tape impregnated with a photocurable liquid composition between the applicator and the downhole surface so that the tape lies on the downhole surface and directing light of wavelength in a range from 100 nm to 1500 nm onto the curable composition impregnating the tape so as to initiate curing of the composition and thereby attach the tape to the downhole surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier for providing zone isolation between a first zone and a second zone in a borehole or a casing downhole, the annular barrier comprising a tubular part and an expandable element made of metal surrounding the tubular part, and the annular barrier having a circumference, a longitudinal extension and an outer face and further comprising an annular seal comprising a sealing material, the sealing material extending around the outer face of the annular barrier and having a bundle of strands wherein at least one strand comprises graphite and/or carbon.

Abstract: A nail for a horse shoe. The nail comprises a shaft with a head at one end of the shaft. The other end of the shaft is provided with a point opposite of the head. The head is arranged via a neck on the shaft and comprises a convex element, where the neck defines a pitch. The horse shoe nail comprises a convex curvature in an orientation where the curvature extends in a plane defined by both the longitudinal directions of the head and of the shaft.

Abstract: A fire suppression device includes a container body having a discharge orifice. A cooling assembly is coupled along an inner wall of the container body and includes a cooling housing body and an agent cup seat. An agent assembly coupled along the inner wall includes an agent cup with a fire suppression agent generator therein. An agent cup fitting is near an end of the agent cup and is coupled with the agent cup seat. Spacing members extend between the inner wall and at least one of the cooling housing body and the agent cup. The plurality of spacing members space the cooling housing body and the agent cup from the inner wall. An insulation layer is coupled between the inner wall and the plurality of spacing members, and a portion of the insulation layer is clamped between the spacing members and the inner wall.

Abstract: A unique method for suppressing the spread of and extinguishing underground electrical fires in confined areas such as tunnels and conduits. A super absorbent polymer is mixed with water to form a hydrated super absorbent polymer and this admixture is applied to an electrical fire. The admixture has superior fire suppression and extinguishing properties than the fire suppression and extinguishing properties of plain water. The admixture has the ability to cling to the object(s) to which it has been applied and both cool down the object(s) and block the fire from reaching the object(s). The super absorbent polymer and water admixture also encapsulates the noxious and toxic gases produced by electrical fires and prevents the release of these toxic gases into the atmosphere. Finally, the super absorbent polymer and water mixture retains the ash, particulates, and other byproducts of the electrical fire to enable a thorough cleanup.

Abstract: A mobile system and method of use thereof for containment of a fire event is provided in accordance with various embodiments of the current invention. The system herein designated “Rain Maker” is composed of a plurality of conduits with a manifold of fire nozzle connections in various configurations to discharge at extensive pressures specific fire suppressants. Each conduit can be operated individually, or connected to another conduit by a hose having a predetermined length forming a contiguous system thereby efficiently traversing large areas of land. The system can be operated either remotely as well as manually. An alternative embodiment can be installed in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Each system can be custom designed based on environmental engineering requirements and system application.

Abstract: A novel flame retardant and fire extinguishing product for preventing and fighting fires in solid materials is disclosed herein. The product is thixotropic and comprises water, one or more flame retardants, one or more stabilizers, and one or more preservatives. In some embodiments, the product further comprises one or more thickeners, one or more binders, one or more fining agents, one or more firming agents, one or more water retention agents, one or more polymers, one or more detergents, and/or one or more surfactants. The product may be used as a flame retardant to prevent fires and in active firefighting. The product may be biodegradable in a natural environment, may be readily cleaned off equipment and materials using water, and may also provide other features which render it safe for the environment as compared to other commonly used products in fire prevention and firefighting.

Abstract: A device for removing plants or portions of plants from the plant bed includes a frame having forward and rearward ends, and first and second containment coulters attached to the frame in side-by-side alignment. The first and second containment coulters define a space between them. A rotary cutter is rotatably attached to the frame rearward of the first and second containment coulters. A portion of the rotary cutter extends into the space between the first and second containment coulters. The rotary cutter includes a plurality of teeth along a peripheral edge thereof. A shroud is attached to the frame and extends over at least a portion of the containment coulter pair and the rotary cutter. The shroud includes side walls that extend downward from the top of the shroud along at least a portion of the height of the pair of containment coulters and the rotary cutter.

Abstract: An adjustable row cleaner includes a row cleaner assembly that functions to clear material from the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner includes, in one embodiment, a connector that is in mechanical communication with both a row cleaner frame, to which row cleaner wheels may be pivotally mounted, and a first end of a translator member. The translator member may pivot with respect to the row unit frame and/or row unit sub-frame about a translator member pivot. The position of a translator member second end may be manipulated, thereby adjusting the maximum depth to which the row cleaner wheels penetrate the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner may be powered or manually adjusted, and the position of the row cleaner wheels may be monitored and automatically adjusted via a control system.

Abstract: A root dividing tool is disclosed, comprising a pair of tubular handles with a forked assembly attached to the end of said tubular handles. The forked end, in a closed position, is pushed into a root ball already removed from the soil. Moving the handles outward causes the forked end to separate and divide the root ball.

Abstract: An agricultural disc having a one piece metal plate is adapted to be rotated about a rotational axis. An inner circular section of the disc is disposed generally along a first plane. A outer section of the disc is disposed generally radially outwardly from the inner circular section, the outer section has an outer periphery which does not lie in the first plane. A transitional section of the one piece metal plate has an inner portion thereof connected to the inner circular section, the transitional section also having an outer circular portion thereof connected to an inner periphery of the outer section. The disc can be, but is not limited to, a flat or wavy coulter or a disc which can be concave/convex, with or without cut out portions.

Abstract: A ripper shoe for a plough vehicle, the ripper shoe comprising a nose portion connected to a series of teeth; a trailing portion located behind the nose portion; the trailing portion having an trailing upper section and a trailing lower section; and an attachment portion to at least attach the trailing portion to a sword of the plough vehicle; wherein the width of the upper section is greater than width of the lower section.

Abstract: A hand-held oscillating tool has a linear motor and an accessory attachment mechanism configured for releasable coupling to an accessory blade.

Abstract: A line-jumper apparatus typically includes a first connector, a second connector, and a housing attached to the first connector and the second connector. In a closed position, the housing provides a low-resistance current path and a high-resistance current path between the first connector and the second connector. In an open position, the housing inhibits current from flowing between the first connector and the second connector. The housing is configured so that, when the housing is transitioned from the closed position to the open position, the low-resistance current path is opened before the high-resistance current path. The housing typically includes a safety mechanism that prevents the low-resistance current path from being opened unless the high-resistance current path is closed.

Abstract: The cords, such as electrical and/or cable wiring, extending from many domestic and commercial appliances generally hang from the appliances in a loose or unorganized manner, creating an unattractive appearance. The present invention relates generally to a curved cord cover and holder as well as to a system of curved cord cover and holders units used in conjunction to create a substantially continuous channel through which a cord or wire can be run between a source and an intended device in a systematic and organized manner. The curved cord cover and holder units comprises a bottom portion, at least one top portion, at least one connecting portion, and an attachment means for attaching the curved cord cover and holder to an external surface, wherein the curved cord cover and holder unit is curved at an angle.

Abstract: A data transmission cable includes four bundles (10) each having 19 copper conductor wires and each covered with an insulating layer (12). A shielding (14) has a metallic copper fabric and an outer sheath (15). The diameter of each bundle (10) is equal to 0.625 mm with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.007 mm, where the insulating layer (12) includes an aerated material, this aeration representing 40% of its total volume. The cable has no central mechanical support strength member for the bundles (10) and no separating tape around the bundles (10).

Abstract: A high-speed signal transmission cable includes a coaxial wire assembly, a shield layer arranged around an outer periphery of the coaxial wire assembly, and a sheath, arranged around as the outermost layer. Each coaxial wire includes an inner conductor, a hollow core member, and an outer conductor. The outer conductor is formed by longitudinally adding a metal foil or a plastic tape having a metal layer on an outer periphery of the hollow core member. The high-speed signal transmission cable can suitably transmit a high-speed digital signal of 10 Gbps and above, and its characteristics do not degrade easily even if it is used on multiple cores twist structure or bending. Therefore, the high-speed signal transmission cable can be used in environments that require high-speed transmission of digital signals.

Abstract: An insulated wire used under a condition where the insulated wire is brought into contact with ester-based synthetic oil includes a conductor and an insulating film on a periphery of the conductor. The insulating film is composed of an insulating paint including at least one resin component selected from polyamide imide, polyester imide, and polyimide and inorganic fine particles including alkali metal ion or alkaline-earth metal ion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact element for a solder-free electrical connection. The contact element has at least one contact section that is designed to produce an electrical contact, in particular by means of insulation displacement terminations and/or a spring contact and/or crimping and/or riveting and/or screwing and/or caulking and/or folding and/or bending of a stamped grid. The invention also relates to a stannous surface coating that covers the contact element at least in sections. In order to provide a contact element having a lead-free surface coating that prevents whisker growth or minimizes such growth to a large extent, the surface coating contains between 15 and 73 mass percent of silver.

Abstract: A cable separator comprising a preshaped article having a longitudinal length, wherein said preshaped article is substantially entirely formed of a foamed polymer material having a glass transition temperature greater than 160° C. and being halogen-free is provided. A data communications cable comprising a plurality of conductors and the cable separator of the present invention, wherein said cable separator separates the plurality of conductors is provided. A method of manufacturing a cable comprising the separator of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A waterproofing structure in a core wire includes a covered electric wire in which a plurality of core wires are covered with an insulating covering, a core wire bundle expanded portion in which the core wires of an intermediate core wire exposed portion are separated from each other and expanded in diameter by removing a part of the insulating covering, and a mold portion that is molded to surround the core wire bundle expanded portion by cooling and solidifying a thermoplastic adhesive filling between the core wires in the core wire bundle expanded portion by hot melting, together with the insulating coverings at both sides between which the intermediate core wire exposed portion is interposed.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including fabricating custom cables using a custom cable technology, wherein the custom cables include a universal flat cable including a plurality of flexible conduits including a plurality of cable pods, an ultra-flat cable and a flat series cable, and wherein the custom cables include reinforced cable jackets, and wherein the custom cables include reduced weight cable jackets including a microcell jacket.

Abstract: A transmission line section of a flat cable includes a dielectric element including a signal conductor at an intermediate position of a thickness direction, a first ground conductor, and a second ground conductor. The first ground conductor includes elongated conductors that are spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the dielectric element, and extend in a longitudinal direction, and bridge conductors that connect the elongated conductors at spaced points along the longitudinal direction. A widened portion having a width larger than the width of the elongated conductors is located at the intermediate position between bridge conductors that are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction. The widened portion is configured to project in a direction in which the elongated conductors are opposed to each other. An interlayer connection conductor is located in the widened portion.