Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door facing blank having a first major surface with a design element formed therein, and an opposite second major surface. At least three longitudinally extending spaced stile receiving areas are disposed on the second major surface. Two of the stile receiving areas define a first width, and three of the stile receiving areas define a second width greater than the first width. The door facing blank may be trimmed to form a door facing having a selected width. A method of forming a door facing blank, and a mold press for forming a door facing blank are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water prevention device which can be installed into any window size opening. The unit is easily installed on the inside and once situated atop of the window sill it slides open and hugs the sides of the window frame tightly. The arms are then folded outward and the unit is angled inward. Once the window is rested atop of the arms rain or other water sources cannot enter and fresh air is allowed to flow in and out unimpeded.

Abstract: The system includes information and data from analysis systems about optimal window covering positions that is communicated to building occupants. The analysis system communicates information to the occupant via the occupant's client computer to allow the occupant to fully or partially adjust the position of a manual shade or motorized shade, without the need for the analysis system to fully or partially electronically control the shades. The system may also adjust window covering systems and other systems to ensure desired or optimal daylight exposure in order promote optimal circadian functionality in the occupants.

Abstract: In one aspect, a shade assembly may generally include a shade fabric having a front side and a back side. The shade assembly may also include two or more batten spacers, with each batten spacer being coupled to the shade fabric at spaced apart locations along a vertical length of the fabric. Moreover, the batten spacers may be substantially aligned with one another horizontally along the back side of the shade fabric. When the shade fabric is moved to an opened position, the batten spacers may be configured to vertically engage one another to form a vertical spacer stack along the back side of the shade fabric.

Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.

Abstract: A roller door system (100) particularly for opening and closing a doorway (120) defined in the wall of a lightweight structure (110) such as a marquee, hangar, field hospital, emergency shelter and the like. The door system comprises a rollable door (150) secured, in use, along one edge of the doorway (152); a roller (140) for rolling and unrolling the rollable door about the roller; an opening mechanism and a closing mechanism for controlling the deployment of the rollable door by translating the roller across the doorway; and reusable sealing means (135, 136, 155, 156) for sealing between the lateral margins of the rollable door and the doorway; characterised in that the rollable door comprises a plurality of collapsible hoses (165, 166) connected to a pressurised fluid power system (160, 161, 163) such that in use a positive pressure applied to the fluid power system causes the rollable door to unroll from the roller and controls the deployment of the rollable door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screen device (10) comprising a screen (16) movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, bearing on a load bar (12), and motorized by an installation comprising at least two winding units (24), each comprising a winding coil (26) associated with a driving gear motor (28), the winding coils (26) being guided to rotate relative to the box (18) mechanically independently from one another. A control circuit (32) synchronizes the two winding units (24) by driving each gear motor (28) so as to ensure the horizontal position of the load bar. To that end, the control circuit (32) is connected to one or more sensors (34), for example accelerometers, delivering a signal representative of the levelness of the load bar.

Abstract: A ladder assembly defines a work station for a tank having a vertically extending side wall and a top of a convex curved profile, with an access point near the top center of the convex curved top, the ladder having a pair of parallel side rails, each side rail having a straight section at one end and a curved section at the other end, the curved section extending over the top of the tank and toward the access point, with plurality of rungs extending between and secured to the side rails, with at least one rung positioned in the straight section of the side rails and at least one rung positioned in the curved section of the side rails. A separate hand grip is provided and may be mounted on the tank between the ladder and the access point of the tank.

Abstract: A mast system includes a first leg of a mast pivotally connected to a pivot support and a second leg of the mast pivotally connected to a leg support. The leg support has a first support end with a surface connector to attach to a rig surface and a second support end with a leg connector to connect to the second leg to form a joint. A cable with a first cable end is attached to the leg support, and a force is exerted on the leg support through the cable that causes the leg support to rotate about the joint when the mast is lowered.

Abstract: A drilling machine and method of removing a material from a surface therewith including a frame, a drill secured to the frame, means for removably coupling the frame to a first anchor point comprising a first vehicle adapted to transport the frame, optional means for removably coupling the frame to a second anchor point, and means for forcing the frame in a direction away from the surface such that the frame is rigidly secured between the surface and at least the first anchor point.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A fluid dispenser is disposed in a void defined between the outer tube and the body.

Abstract: Adjustable drill string housings are described for use in the directional drilling of wellbores, e.g. wellbores for hydrocarbon recovery wells. The adjustable drill string housings permit adjustment of a bend angle in the housings without removing the housings from a wellbore. In some exemplary embodiments, the bend angle can be adjusted by changing the internal stresses in a support member carried by the housings. In other embodiments, the bend angle may be adjusted by causing failure of sacrificial support members carried by the housings, and the failure may be caused by delivering chemicals through a chemical delivery system to the sacrificial support members. Methods of operating the adjustable drill string housings include multi-lateral drilling operations wherein the bend angle is adjusted when a casing window has been detected.

Abstract: A technique facilitates steering during, for example, a borehole drilling operation. The technique employs a drill string comprising a drill bit and a steering tool for controlling the trajectory of a borehole formed by rotating the drill bit. The steering tool includes a main body and a steering sleeve pivotably mounted to the main body by a joint located to enable pushing contact via the steering sleeve against a surrounding borehole wall at a location between the joint and the drill bit. The steering sleeve is selectively pivoted by a plurality of actuators disposed between the main body and the steering sleeve.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit is disclosed. The drill bit includes a bit body with a support arm extending therefrom, and a cone assembly mounted on a journal extending from the support arm. The drill bit further includes a lubricant chamber in the support arm, and a compensator assembly in the lubricant chamber. The compensator assembly includes a lubricant container with a securing end. The compensator assembly further includes a clip ring coupled to the lubricant container and configured to retain the lubricant container in the lubricant chamber. Additionally, the compensator assembly includes a ring cap with a securing hole configured to couple to the securing end of the lubricant container. The ring cap includes a shoulder configured to retain the clip ring.

Abstract: An expandable diameter drill bit includes a cutting blade having receiving and contacting ends, the receiving end having a pivot shaft and the contacting end having a tip. A drill bit includes a drill head body having an upper attachment portion and a lower body portion, the lower body portion defining a blade opening for receiving the receiving end of the cutting blade and a bolt receiving hole on opposing sides transverse the blade opening. The drill bit includes a torsion spring, a first blade leg, and a second body leg. The blade bolt passes through the bolt receiving holes and the pivot shaft and secured with a set screw. The first blade leg is coupled to the cutting blade with a spring retainer bolt, the second body leg is coupled to the drill head body, and the torsion spring biases the blade outwardly from the drill head body.

Abstract: Polycrystalline compacts include non-catalytic nanoparticles in interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline hard material. Cutting elements and earth-boring tools include such polycrystalline compacts. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts include sintering hard particles and non-catalytic nanoparticles to form a polycrystalline material. Methods of forming cutting elements include infiltrating interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline material with a plurality of non-catalytic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A coring bit for use on a coring tool for extracting a sample of subterranean formation from a well bore includes a bit body having a cavity, wherein a throat portion of the cavity extends into the bit body from a face of the bit body. The coring bit includes a sleeve disposed within the cavity of the bit body, the sleeve configured to separate a face discharge channel and a throat discharge channel. The face discharge channel is located radially outward of the sleeve and the throat discharge channel is located radially inward of the sleeve. A method of repairing a such a coring includes removing the sleeve from the cavity of a bit body.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a formation-engaging structure with a formation-engaging surface at a distal end and a side surface between a proximal end and the distal end along a central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally linear recess may be formed in the side surface along an axis oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally helical recess may be formed in the side surface, and the generally helical recess may intersect the generally linear recess. Earth-boring tools may include such formation-engaging structures. Methods may be used to form such formation-engaging structures.

Abstract: A box substructure for a drill rig has a box frame including a medial side oriented towards a space located under a drill floor of the drill rig. A trolley structure is connected to the box frame and protrudes away from the medial side. The trolley structure also has an overhanging end opposite of the medial side.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a housing that includes a bore therethrough to receive a portion of a downhole conveyance that extends linearly through the bore from a first opening in the housing to a second opening in the housing, the downhole conveyance including a communication line sized to communicate instructions that includes at least one of logic or data; and a grip assembly at least partially positioned in the bore to engagingly hold the portion of the downhole conveyance at a tension at least equal to a breaking strength of the downhole conveyance.

Abstract: An example casing joint assembly includes a casing joint having an upper end and a lower end, an upper coupling joint having a first portion configured to be coupled to an upper casing section and a second portion coupled to the casing joint at the upper end, a joint interface securing the first portion to the second portion, wherein the first portion is made of a first material and the second portion is made of a second material dissimilar to the first material, and an inner coating applied on an inner radial surface of the upper coupling joint and extending axially across at least the joint interface.

Abstract: An automated locking joint is provided. The automated locking joint can include a first member, a second member, a joint, a locking structure, and a positioning device. The joint can connect the first member with the second member. The second member can be pivotable about the joint relative to the first member. The locking structure can be positionable between a lock position that prevents pivoting of the second member about the joint and an unlock position that allows pivoting of the second member about the joint. The positioning device can automatically move the locking structure from the lock position to the unlock position or from the unlock position to the lock position.

Abstract: A multiple control line travel joint is disclosed having at least one non-coiled, fluid control line and at least one internal control line, such as a hydraulic, electrical, or fiber optic control line. The fluid control line can include an upper control line that enters the travel joint at a top port and a lower control line that exits out a bottom port of the travel joint. The top port and bottom port can be fluidly coupled through a sealed chamber in the travel joint. The second control line can be coiled within the sealed chamber. As the travel joint expands and contracts, the sealed chamber expands and contracts while remaining sealed, maintaining sealed fluid coupling between the top port and the bottom port.

Abstract: A centralizer for centralizing a pipe is provided which collaborates the spring force of its bow springs. The centralizer includes a pair of end collars, and at least one center collar. Each of the collars has a center hole for coaxially receiving a pipe. In addition, the centralizer includes a plurality of longitudinally extending and arcuate bow springs having ends which affix to the end collars. The centralizer includes linkage arms which connect the center collar to the bow springs. The linkage arms may provide additional outward spring force against the bow springs. Preferably, the centralizer includes a mechanism for forcing the bow springs radially inward from their at rest position.

Abstract: Dual-walled coiled tubing assemblies are used to dispose an electric device, such as an electric submersible pump into a wellbore. Dual-walled coiled tubing assemblies include an inner coiled tubing string and an outer coiled tubing string as well as a power cable.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly for use as a cylinder comprises an upper outer tubular cylinder and a lower outer tubular cylinder and a stationary sealing ring retained between the upper and lower outer cylinders slideably receiving an inner tubular piston having upper and lower sealing flanges to create upper and lower fluid chambers. Pressurized fluid is selectively directed through flow conduits in the sealing ring into the upper or lower fluid chamber as desired to move the inner tubular piston upward and downward. The upper tubular cylinder supports an attached bearing table and travelling slips. A pipe guide for supporting a length of pipe is positioned in the lower outer tubular cylinder. A mechanism rotating a pipe and pipe string is also provided.

Abstract: Inside blowout preventer release tool having an upper section and a tubular lower section. The upper section includes a pair of longitudinal members defining a central open region, and a formed lifting feature accepting a manipulator. The lifting feature is positioned such that when the release tool body and an inside blowout preventer connected thereto are lifted by the rig hoist they are easily moved over, aligned with, and connected with a working drillpipe while minimizing possibility of slipping off cables or chains. The lower section includes a threaded end mating with a mating end of an inside blowout preventer, a central longitudinal bore to accept a length-adjustable release rod, and an upper end formed to mate with the upper section. Slots in each longitudinal member may define one or more manipulating handles for a rig worker, machine, or tool, or a pair of generally horizontal hand holds are provided.

Abstract: An element pressure release system includes a mandrel having at least one groove or recess and a retainer having at least one window passing through the retainer. The retainer extends around a perimeter of the at least one window. A lug is positioned in the at least one window of the retainer, and a wedge is configured to engage a casing slip and the lug such that, when the element pressure release system is in a coupled position, the lug is capable of transferring a force from the retainer to the wedge and the casing slip. The element pressure release system is positionable in a decoupled position in which the mandrel is moved to align the at least one groove or recess with the lug to allow the lug to become disengaged from the wedge and thereby no longer transfer the force from the retainer to the wedge.

Abstract: A system for installing a band around a rigid subsea structure includes a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having a main body. A set of jaws extendable beyond an outer perimeter of the main body are coupled to the ROV. The system also includes a band distribution system operatively and a band installation mechanism operatively coupled to the ROV.

Abstract: An example whipstock assembly includes a whipstock providing a ramped surface and a longitudinal groove defined in the ramped surface. A lead mill is coupled to the whipstock with a shear bolt and having a slot defined therein, and a torque key is movable between an extended position, where the torque key is partially positioned within both the slot and the longitudinal groove, and a retracted position, where the torque key retracts into the slot. When the torque key is in the extended position, the torque key prevents the lead mill from rotating with respect to the whipstock.

Abstract: An example whipstock assembly includes a whipstock providing a ramped surface and a longitudinal groove defined in the ramped surface. A lead mill is coupled to the whipstock with a shear bolt and providing one or more blades, and a bearing support is arranged within the longitudinal groove and provides opposing sidewalls that define a slot configured to receive one of the one or more blades and thereby prevent the lead mill from rotating with respect to the whipstock.

Abstract: A blowout preventer may be used for shearing a tubular positioned in a bore extending through the blowout preventer. The blowout preventer includes a first shear ram movable towards the tubular, the first shear ram including a first blade, and the first blade including an outer cutting profile and an inner cutting profile. The blowout preventer further includes a second shear ram positioned opposite the first shear ram with respect to the tubular and movable towards the tubular, the second shear ram including a second blade, and the second blade including the outer cutting profile and the inner cutting profile. The outer cutting profile includes blade portions on opposite sides of the inner cutting profile, and positioned between an angle of about 120 degrees and an angle of about 140 degrees from each other.

Abstract: A bearing assembly can be releasably secured relative to an outer housing of a rotating control device without using fluid pressure. An example method includes inserting the bearing assembly into an outer housing to outwardly displace a latch engagement member. The engagement member is inwardly biased without fluid pressure, such as with a spring. The assembly is moved to an operative position in the outer housing, at which the inwardly-biased engagement member displaces inwardly to engage a recess on the bearing assembly. Fluid pressure may subsequently be used once the bearing assembly is latched, to optionally help maintain the engagement member in the recess or to move the engagement member out of the recess to unlatch the bearing assembly.

Abstract: Downhole tools comprising a body, wherein at least a portion of the body is degradable when exposed to a wellbore environment; and at least one oil-degradable sealing element composed of an oil-degradable elastomer, wherein the oil-degradable sealing element degrades in the wellbore environment. The oil-degradable elastomer is selected from the group consisting of an oil-degradable natural rubber, an oil-degradable synthetic rubber, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprising a body and a sealing element, wherein the sealing element is composed of a composite material comprising a rubber and a degradable acrylate-based polymer, and wherein at least a portion of the degradable acrylate-based polymer degrades when exposed to an aqueous fluid in a wellbore environment.

Abstract: A downhole tool, including at least one body defining a surface, the at least one body having a plurality of cavities sealed from an outside of the at least one body by the surface. A plurality of the plurality of cavities being in fluidic communication with others of the plurality of cavities through a plurality of openings. A method of forming a downhole tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic dump valve (10) for use with an inflatable packer (38) in a downhole (32) installation. The hydraulic dump valve (10) includes disc springs (102, 118) to adjust the pressure of operation of the valve (10) to allow use of liquid operated packers (38) in boreholes (32) with low static water levels by isolating the hydrostatic pressure in an inflation line (51) from the packers (38) and at the same time provide communication from the inflatable packer (38) to the well annulus (30) to allow downhole deflation of the packer (38).

Abstract: A downhole tool, packer, and method for manufacturing a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a first sealing element, and a second sealing element spaced axially apart from the first sealing element. The downhole tool also includes a back-up member disposed at least partially around the first sealing element and the second sealing element, and positioned axially therebetween. The back-up member includes one or more anti-swab features that are configured to prevent migration of fluid at least between the first sealing element and the back-up member.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for accommodating thermal expansion in a tool string are disclosed. Exemplary systems include one or more sacrificial members placed between or adjacent elements of the tool string that are expected to expand when subjected to high temperatures. The sacrificial members are configured to destruct upon exposure to a control signal or a critical temperature or load. Destruction of the sacrificial members provides additional clearance for adjacent elements to expand.

Abstract: Methods of formulating a cement slurry for use in a subterranean salt formation, including methods for formulating a cement slurry capable of providing long-term zonal isolation within a subterranean salt formation. The methods also take into account the effects of treatment fluids on the cement slurry, such as drilling fluids, spacer fluids, flush fluids, or other relevant fluids used to perform a subterranean formation operation.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes a tubular housing assembly having a housing sidewall, an axial bore, and a housing annulus passage extending from the axial bore through the housing sidewall. A tubing hanger is secured to a string of tubing and is selectively landed in the housing assembly. The tubing hanger has a vertical bore in fluid communication with the axial bore. A vertical tree assembly is selectively landed on the housing assembly, the vertical tree assembly having a tree member located axially above the tubing hanger. The tree member has a lateral bore for directing a flow of production fluid from a well. A tree annulus passage extends through a sidewall of the tree member. An external annulus passage extends external of the tree member and the housing assembly and is in fluid communication with the housing annulus passage and the tree annulus passage.

Abstract: An assembly includes a fastener deployable in a wellbore and actuated by a shape-memory alloy. The shape-memory alloy releaseably interlocks multiple components deployed in the wellbore. The physical shape of the shape-memory alloy can be selectively changed between a first shape and a second shape.

Abstract: A cementing port collar has an opening sleeve biased from a closed position to an opened position relative to the collar's exit port, and a first restraint temporarily holds the opening sleeve closed. The collar also has a closing sleeve biased from an opened position to a closed position, and a second restraint temporarily holds the closing sleeve opened. During cementing, the first restraint is electronically activated with a first trigger to release the opening sleeve opened so cement slurry can pass out of the collar's exit port to the borehole annulus. When cementing is completed, the second restraint is electronically activated with a second trigger to release the closing sleeve closed to close off the collar to the borehole so the cement can set. The restraints can include bands of synthetic fiber, which are burned by fuses activated by a controller of the collar responding to passage of RFID tags.

Abstract: A safety valve includes a housing defining first and secondary piston bores in fluid communication with each other via a port, a first piston movably arranged within the first piston bore and having a first piston rod extending longitudinally therefrom and coupled to a flow tube, and a second piston movably arranged within the secondary piston bore and having a secondary piston rod extending longitudinally therefrom and axially engageable with the flow tube, wherein hydraulic fluid pressure acts on the first piston until the first piston axially moves and exposes the port, whereby the hydraulic fluid pressure is then able to enter the secondary piston bore and also act on the second piston.

Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to devices designed to lock shifting sleeves. In a particular aspect, there is provided a shifting sleeve with a mechanical lockout feature, comprising: a shifting sleeve comprising a shifting profile and a locking feature; a housing comprising a corresponding locking feature, wherein application of pressure or torque or both to the shifting profile of the shifting sleeve causes movement of the shifting sleeve and a mechanical lock with the housing.

Abstract: A downhole assembly for tool actuation using pressure delay is provided. The downhole assembly can include a chamber, a pressure path, a pressure damper, a pressure source, and a member. The pressure path can be positioned between first and second ends of the chamber. The pressure damper can reduce a rate at which pressure is communicated in the pressure path. Pressure from the pressure source can be communicated to the first end of the chamber and the second end of the chamber at different rates. The member can be positioned in the chamber between the first end and the second end. The member can actuate a downhole tool in response to a pressure difference between the first end and the second end. The pressure difference can result from a difference in between the first rate and the second rate.

Abstract: A lock ring for use as a one way movement restrictor between two telescopingly arranged tubulars to permit movement in one direction and prevent movement in the other direction of one tubular relative to the other tubular; the lock ring comprising: a profile having one or more formations formed on the outer circumference for engagement with a suitable formation profile formed on the inner circumference of the outer telescopic tubular; and one or more teeth formed on its inner circumference, the teeth being adapted to dig into the outer surface of the inner telescopic member; such that the profile having one or more formations on the outer circumference and/or the said one or more teeth permits the lock ring to be pushed along the outer surface of the inner telescopic tubular when pushed by the outer telescopic tubular in one direction; and is further adapted to dig the teeth into the outer surface of the inner telescopic tubular when the push in said one direction is removed or when it is pushed by the outer

Abstract: A system for harvesting energy from the operation of a downhole jar is disclosed. The system converts the kinetic energy associated with the operation of the jar to electrical energy by associating the relative movement between a magnet and a coil to the relative movement between a movable member and a stationary member in the jar. Electrical energy is generated in the coil as a result of the relative motion between the magnets and the coil. This electrical energy may be stored in an electrical energy storage subsystem and provided to a downhole tool for use in the wellbore. The downhole tool may be used to power other tools, to take measurements, to communicate with other devices, to actuate other devices, and to otherwise control such other devices.

Abstract: A system for reducing buildup of solids in pipes used in underwater oil operations is disclosed. The system includes an annular pipe having an inner pipe wall and an outer pipe wall. The inner pipe wall defines an inner pipe configured to transport an oil. The outer pipe wall is displaced from the inner pipe wall. The outer pipe wall defines an outer pipe between the outer pipe wall and the inner pipe wall. The system includes an oxidizer delivery pipe having an oxidizer delivery outlet. The oxidizer delivery pipe is configured to supply an oxidizer to the outer pipe. The system further includes a fuel delivery pipe having a fuel delivery outlet. The fuel delivery pipe is configured to supply a fuel to the outer pipe. The oxidizer and the fuel release thermal energy in an exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sand control screen assembly includes determining an anatomy of a facsimile sand control screen assembly, the sand control screen assembly including one or more component parts. A virtual three-dimensional (3D) model of the facsimile sand control screen assembly is then generated based on the anatomy. The virtual 3D model of the facsimile sand control screen assembly is provided to a 3D printer, and the 3D printer forms at least a portion of the facsimile sand control screen assembly based on the virtual 3D model.