Abstract: A system and method for controlling an automatic operation of a power door of a vehicle is presented. An actuation of an interior switch by a user is detected and, upon detecting the actuation of the interior switch, whether at least one door of the vehicle is locked is determined. When the at least one door of the vehicle is locked, whether a vehicle security is set is determined. When the at least one door of the vehicle is locked and the vehicle security is set, the automatic operation of the power door is prohibited. When the at least one door of the vehicle is not locked or the vehicle security is not set, the automatic operation of the power door is permitted.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors.

Abstract: A lid lock apparatus having a housing to be fixed to a vehicle body with limited space. The lid lock apparatus includes a locking pin, a cable, a linking member, a housing, a mating and fixing part, and a coil spring. The housing includes a locking pin housing part, which houses the locking pin, and a link housing part, which houses the linking member. The housing further includes a space that is interposed between the locking pin housing part and the link housing part is formed, and when the housing is rotated and thereby fixed to a fixed target, the link housing part is, at a fixed ending period, moved into a position of the space which has been defined at a fixed starting period.

Abstract: A vehicle door fixing apparatus includes a door lock striker configured to be provided at one of a vehicle body panel and a door panel, a door lock assembly configured to be provided at the other one of the vehicle body panel and the door panel, a latch mechanism, a wedge member, and a fastening member including a fastening member head portion configured to protrude from a panel surface, the fastening member fastening the door lock assembly, the fastening member head portion including a contact portion which comes in contact with an inclined surface of the wedge member in response to a closing operation of the vehicle door, wherein a vehicle door is fixed in a closed state in a case where the door lock striker engages with the latch mechanism in response to the closing operation of the vehicle door.

Abstract: One embodiment of window opening control device that limits the maximum amount by which a window can be opened includes a spool assembly for varying the amount by which the window can be opened and a slider assembly for engaging the spool assembly such that the amount by which the window can be opened does not exceed the maximum amount.

Abstract: A sliding door panel and assembly is described, such that when in the door panel is in an open arrangement there is a functional cooperation or coupling between at least a first unit and a second unit of the assembly. The second unit is generally affixed to the sliding door and the first unit is fixedly mounted with a sliding door guide system or to a header/footer or frame. A third unit may be included with the assembly such that when the sliding door panel is positioned in the open arrangement, the third unit limits engagement between the first and second units. In addition, the third unit is positioned to limit linear movement of a slideable portion of the first unit thereby preventing damage.

Abstract: A locking device for containers with a container lock housing and with a locking hook. The locking hook has a pivot axis, which is stationary relative to the container lock housing and which can pivot about the locking hook into a standby position and a locking position. An activation mechanism is included for the locking hook, which has a first actuating element and a second actuating element as well as a release mechanism. The first actuating element holds the locking hook in its standby position, while the second actuating element is configured such that it blocks and clamps the locking hook in its locking position. The release mechanism after the releasing acts on the first actuating element and/or on the second actuating element, which automatically brings about the clamping and blocking of the locking hook in its locking position by the second actuating element.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing having an external surface and a magnet within the housing that moves from a first position where the magnetic axis is substantially parallel to the external surface to a second position where the magnetic axis is substantially perpendicular to the external surface. The magnet may be configured to move in the presence of an external magnetic field of another magnet, thereby engaging the two magnets.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism with multiple preset positions is described. According to various embodiments, the hinge mechanism enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. In at least some embodiments, the hinge mechanism utilizes preset hinge positions that enable the support component to be placed at different preset positions. For instance, the hinge mechanism is configured such that an attached support component tends to “snap” into various preset positions. In at least some embodiments, the hinge mechanism includes an emergency escape position that enables the support component to be rotated beyond normal operating positions without damaging the support component.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting multiple panel assemblies comprising a first bracketing body having a first bearing member and at least one planar member; a second bracketing body having a second bearing member pivotally engaged with the first bearing member and at least one planar member; a third bracketing body having at least one planar member; a fourth bracketing body having at least one planar member; a first panel receiving volume at least partially defined by the at least one planar member of the first and third bracketing bodies; a second panel receiving volume at least partially defined by the at least one planar members of the second and fourth bracketing bodies; and wherein the at least one planar members of the second and fourth bracketing bodies at least partially define a second panel receiving volume.

Abstract: A door actuating device, including a housing, at least one drive unit which is disposed in the housing and can be coupled to a door leaf, and at least one spring energy accumulator, which is in operative connection with the drive unit, and which includes a spring disposed therein under spring pretension, wherein the spring pretension of the spring is realized by means of a spring adjusting device, which includes at least one screwed sealing plug, which can be connected to the housing, and an adjusting nut, where a cylinder is configured at the screwed sealing plug and oriented towards the spring, at which cylinder the adjusting nut is linearly guided, where a setting element which is guided by means of the screwed sealing plug and, at least in sections, can be brought non-positively and positively into engagement with the cylinder, and which bears against the adjusting nut, serves for adjusting the spring pretension.

Abstract: A door checker includes a stopper provided to a tip portion of a check lever and defining a door opening limit by engaging with stopper surfaces provided to an outer surface of a peripheral edge of a through-hole in a support body. The stopper is formed from paired first stopper portions engageable with paired first stopper surfaces arranged side-by-side with the through-hole therebetween, and paired second stopper portions engageable with paired second stopper surfaces. The first stopper portions are formed from metal-made protrusions integrally projecting from opposite sides of a tip portion of a lever core plate, and projecting from an outer surface of a synthetic resin-made covering portion. The second stopper portions are formed from synthetic resin-made portions of the outer surface located between the first stopper portions and swollen on opposite sides in a direction orthogonal to an arrangement direction of the first stopper portions.

Abstract: A step-plate mechanism is provided for a door-opening/closing device that is powered by the downward movement of a step plate caused by a stepping force of a pedestrian, with the step plate being disposed on a floor at both the front and back of a door as seen by a pedestrian, including a return mechanism is provided to bias the step plate, which moves downward by the stepping force of the pedestrian, to return to its original position after the pedestrian passes.

Abstract: A door lock system includes a door having an inner edge, an outer edge, an inner surface and an outer surface. A frame includes a first vertical section and a second vertical section. The inner edge is hingedly coupled to the first vertical section. The door extends between the first and second vertical sections to define a closed position. A drive assembly is attached to the door and to the frame. The drive assembly is actuated in a first direction to move the door to the closed position and in a second direction to move the door to an open position. An outer switch mounted on an outside surface of the frame is engaged to actuate the drive assembly in the second direction. An inner switch mounted on an inside surface of the frame is engaged to actuate the drive assembly in the first direction.

Abstract: A method for forming a sill pan is provided that includes the measurement of a width and length of an opening sill to be sealed. A piece of flexible sill pan material is cut based on the measured opening sill. Fold lines and cuts are created in the piece to form the sill pan. The resulting sill pan is readily formed to have at least one attribute of self-adherence, draining without shims, nail hole self-sealing, and provision of dams without resort to frame cutting.

Abstract: A window assembly may include a vacuum insulated glass unit and a frame assembly. The vacuum insulated glass unit may include first and second glass substrates defining a space therebetween that is at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. One of the first and second glass substrates may include a vacuum port extending outward therefrom. The vacuum port may define a passage in communication with the space. The frame assembly supports the glass unit and may include a base member and a glazing member. The base member and the glazing member cooperate to define a slot in which an edge portion of the glass unit is received. The glazing member may include a cavity receiving the vacuum port. The glazing member and the base member may define a plurality of pockets that hinder thermal conductivity through the frame assembly.

Abstract: Elongated, flexible polymer gasket include a tubular flexible polymer material body, a hollow chamber within the body extending uniformly the length of the body, and a plurality of individual openings through the sidewall forming the body and spaced apart from one another along its length. Each further includes a plurality of individual spring clip fasteners, each a length of metal wire bent to form an elongated, generally planar base portion with opposing major sides and an elongated, engagement portion extending transversely away from one of the opposing major sides. The maximum width dimensions of the base and engagement portions being greater than a maximum nominal dimension of the opening whereby the each individual spring clip member is captured in a separate one of the openings with the base portion within the hollow chamber and the engagement portion projecting traversely away from the base portion and the body.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a strip gasket with one or more adhesive strips on the gasket. The strip gasket resists stretching because a non-stretchable carrier is located within an adhesive strip on the gasket which helps prevent the gasket from being stretched. The strip gasket is also able to create a tight seal when it is installed against a desired surface. This tight seal prevents water and other particulate matter from passing around the strip gasket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detachably supporting a decorative or graphic panel or covering upon a frame or door without leaving a mark or other visible evidence of the presence of the panel. The panel may be used to install a decorative panel on a door or a decorative image on a frame to be hung on a wall, for example. Specially designed corner supports are attached to the panel and looped over the respective corners of the door or frame. The decorative image or graphic may be applied to the visible face of the panel or covering by any practical process.

Abstract: A pet door assembly that includes a support structure that defines an access opening through which a pet can pass. A connecting arrangement is positioned on the support structure to permit the support structure to be connected to at least one connector fastenable to an inwardly facing surface of a closure frame. A self-closing door is mounted on the support structure to be displaceable between a closed position in which the door closes the access opening and an open position.

Abstract: A window shade lifting apparatus that includes a tube disposed vertically on the window shade; a lifting cord disposed in the compression tube; a ladder structure including a vertical leg and a plurality of rungs, the ladder structure being connected to the tube; and connection rings, each connection ring connecting the ladder structure to the window shade.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for rolling up and unrolling a material web (2) on a shaft (1, 15). The device is distinguished by the fact that a first radial spacing (R1) of the material web (2) from a rotational axis of the shaft (1, 15), which first radial spacing (R1) is assigned to any desired unrolled length (L) of the material web (2), differs from a second radial spacing (R2) of a tensioning cable (3, 16) from the rotational axis of the shaft (1, 15), which second radial spacing (R2) is assigned to said unrolled length (L), with the result that the direction and magnitude of a first torque which is exerted on the shaft (1, 15) via the material web (2) differ from those of a second torque which is exerted on the shaft (1, 15) via the tensioning cables (3, 16), in such a way that, on account of the torque difference between the first torque and the second torque, the shaft (1, 15) is driven by a force (F) which is transmitted by means of the tensioning cables (3, 16).

Abstract: A window covering is provided. The window covering may include a frame mountable within a window return. The frame includes up to four frame members. The four frame members include a first side member having a first light stop, a second side member having a second light stop, a top member having a top light stop, and a bottom member having a bottom light stop. The top member may be coupled between top ends of the first side member and the second side member and the bottom member may be coupled between bottom ends of the first side member and the second side member to form a rectilinear shaped frame. A window covering may be coupled within the frame, wherein the light stops reduce a light gap between the window covering and the frame.

Abstract: Presented is a motorized roller shade system. The system includes a flexible shade material, a roller tube configured for windingly receiving the flexible shade material, a shade motor coupled to the roller tube, a motor controller in communication with the shade motor, and a sun angle sensor. The sun angle sensor is configured for determining the angle of the sun and transmitting the angle of the sun to the motor controller. The motor controller is configured for driving the shade motor to rotate the roller tube to wind or unwind the flexible shade material in response to the transmitted angle of the sun to limit sunlight penetration to a predetermined maximum distance into a room.

Abstract: A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.

Abstract: A foldable ladder for providing access to an opening including: a first motorized drive mechanism for moving a cover for the opening between a closed position and an open position; a second motorized drive mechanism coupled to a plurality of foldable ladder portions for moving the ladder portions between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration; such that, in moving the cover between the closed and an open position, the first motorized drive mechanism triggers the second motorized drive mechanism to move the ladder portions between the folded configuration and unfolded configuration.

Abstract: An access device that provides access between a substrate surface and an elevated surface includes a first ladder member that is operatively attached to a mounting via a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable member having three pivotal connectors spaced apart in a triangular arrangement. A first of the connectors is pivotally attached to the mounting. A second of the connectors is pivotally attached to the first ladder member via a control arm. A third of the connectors is pivotally attached to an extremity of the mounting via an extendible arm. The extendible arm causes the rotatable member to rotate about the first connector, and consequently effect movement of the access device. The access device further includes a second ladder member, a first end of which is pivotally attached to a second end of the first ladder member.

Abstract: A ladder safety device, systems and methods of arresting falls from ladders are provided. The ladder safety device includes a safety guide that extends along the length of an extension ladder. The length of the guide along the length of the ladder extends and contracts in unison with the extension and retraction of the extension ladder, and a tension is maintained on the guide to maintain a load during use of the ladder for climbing.

Abstract: A directional drilling tool which comprises a pair of shafts with an eccentric bore to vary the radial position of a stabilizer, such tool including one or more eccentric couplings which are used to transmit torque between a pair of elements of the tool which are intended to be movable relative to each other in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling tool with an electromagnetic steering system can include a drill collar, a bit shaft, an orientation control module, a mud tube, a mud tube coupler, a universal joint, a mud sealing device, and a drill bit. The bit shaft can be mechanically coupled to the drill collar through the universal joint and the orientation control module and rotate about the universal joint. The orientation and the inclination angle of the bit shaft against the drill collar can be controlled by the orientation control module with the electromagnetic steering system. The orientation control module can include a guide track mounted on the inside wall of the drill collar, arrays of electromagnets mounted on the guide track, a positioning frame, a permanent magnet mounted on the positioning frame, a coupling tube, and at least two bearing wheels. A corresponding electromagnetic steering method is also provided.

Abstract: A cutting element that includes a substrate; and an outer layer of polycrystalline diamond material disposed upon the outermost end of the cutting element, wherein the polycrystalline diamond material: a plurality of interconnected diamond particles; and a plurality of interstitial regions disposed among the bonded diamond particles, wherein the plurality of interstitial regions contain a plurality of metal carbide phases and a plurality of metal binder phases together forming a plurality of metallic phases, wherein the plurality of metal carbide phases are formed from a plurality of metal carbide particles; wherein the plurality of interconnected diamond particles form at least about 60 to at most about 85% by weight of the polycrystalline diamond material; and wherein the plurality of metal carbide phases represent at least 35% by weight of the plurality of metallic phases is disclosed.

Abstract: An aircraft-transportable platform component for supporting a drilling rig includes a buoyant body supported by a frame and lifting members coupled to the frame for engagement by an aircraft. A portion of the frame protrudes from an underside surface of the frame for anchoring the platform component in unstable ground. The buoyant body maintains a top surface of the aircraft-transportable platform component above the unstable ground.

Abstract: A tubular component for a drill stem that can be cabled includes a first end zone, a second end zone, a sheath, the sheath extends between the first end zone and the second end zone, and a liner fixed in a bore of the first end zone. The liner includes at least one take-up chamber for a cable disposed in the sheath.

Abstract: Break out wrench assemblies are provided that can include: a first subassembly, the first subassembly including a first pair of opposing arms linked by a first actuator configured to extend or compress a distance between the first pair of opposing arms; a second subassembly aligned with the first subassembly to receive a longitudinal member there between and rotate axially along the longitudinal member in relation to the first subassembly, the second subassembly including a second pair of opposing arms linked by a second actuator configured to extend or compress another distance between the second pair of opposing arms; at least one axial actuator coupled to the second subassembly and configured to rotate the second subassembly axially in relation to the first subassembly along the longitudinal member; and a controller coupled to the actuators and mechanically coupled to at least one of the subassemblies. Methods for separating linked longitudinal sections are also provided.

Abstract: A combination unit for vacuuming, cleaning and conditioning fluids. The unit may comprise a vacuum pump circuit and tank, a mixing tank and a centrifuge system. The invention also includes a combination tank comprising a vacuum tank partially incorporated into a mixing tank. A mixing tank may comprise a system of mixing conduits and mixing apparatuses to shear drilling fluids and additives, the mixing tank including a rounded base and a drain to cycle the fluid back through to the mixing tank.

Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to change flow through an annulus formed radially between a drill string and a wellbore, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting. A well drilling system can include a flow control device which varies flow through a drill string, and a control system which changes a pressure setpoint in response to an instruction for the flow control device to change the flow through the drill string. A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to divert flow from a drill string, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting.

Abstract: A gripper mechanism for a downhole tool is disclosed that includes a linkage mechanism. In operation, an axial force generated by a power section of the gripper expands the linkage mechanism, which applies a radial force to the interior surface of a wellbore or passage. For certain expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted from a roller-ramp interface expanding the linkage. For other expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily provided by expansion of the linkage, in which during a first stage the expansion force is primarily provided by a first link and during a second stage the expansion force is primarily provided by a second link. Thus, the gripper can provide a desired expansion force over a large range of expansion diameters.

Abstract: A packer system including a packer and a setting mechanism. The setting mechanism has a setting piston that is actuatable in response to a fluid pressure in order to set the packer with the setting piston. The setting mechanism prevents actuation of the setting piston until the pressure is decreased below a threshold pressure from a value greater than the threshold pressure. A method of setting a packer is also included.

Abstract: A milling system includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a mill window defined through a portion of the body between the first and second ends. A mill is movably arranged within the body, and a whipstock assembly is arranged at least partially within the body and configured to guide the mill out of the body through the mill window in order to mill a casing exit. A torque sleeve is coupled to the body and extends over a portion of the body between the first and second ends so as to increase a torsional resistance of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sealing method for sealing a zone of a casing in a well, the zone comprising several leaks, perforations and/or weakened casing parts, or other irregularities having a casing characteristic which, when measured, is found to be outside a predetermined interval. The sealing method comprises the steps of measuring the characteristics of the casing, determining a position of the zone, determining an extent of the zone in a longitudinal direction of the casing, determining a part of the zone and an extent of the part whose casing characteristic when measured is within the predetermined interval, the part extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing, positioning a first liner overlapping the first area of the part of the casing, positioning a second liner overlapping the second area of the part of the casing, expanding the first liner, and expanding the second liner.

Abstract: An improved ball drop apparatus including an atmosphere-to-pressure frac ball injection chamber. A ball is first inserted into the atmosphere-to-pressure ball injection chamber from a ball feeding apparatus. The ball is then pushed into a pressure equalization section through a first seal pack. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure equalization section is connected to a pressure equalization apparatus and also to the wellbore through a second seal pack. Once the ball is injected into the pressure equalization section, the pressure equalization apparatus applies pressure, thereby causing the pressure of the pressure equalization section to increase until it reaches close to wellbore pressure. Once the pressures of the pressure equalization section and the wellbore are close, the atmosphere-to-pressure frac ball injection chamber and the frac ball are pushed through the second seal pack and into the wellbore, where the frac ball can be pumped downhole.

Abstract: A permanent inflatable packer enabling wellbore isolation in both open hole and cased hole wells expands multiple times its original diameter to conform to borehole irregularities and eccentricities. Cement, water based mud or oil based mud activation fluid under prerequisite fluid pressure causes retainer to slide upon a mandrel causing fracture of shearing screws and compression of Belleville metal ring washers to enable activation fluid to flow around an O-ring and into a recess area to effectuate inflation of ribs sandwiched between rubber layers.

Abstract: A downhole circulating valve includes a generally tubular outer housing having a generally axially extending internal passageway. At least one generally longitudinally extending circulating passageway is formed through at least a portion of the housing. At least one exterior port and at least one interior port are in fluid communication with the circulating passageway. At least one seal plug is disposed within the circulating passageway. The seal plug has a first position relative to the housing wherein the seal plug is remote from the exterior port and the interior port, thereby allowing fluid flow between the exterior port and the interior port through the circulating passageway. The seal plug has a second position relative to the housing wherein the seal plug is between the exterior port and the interior port and wherein the seal plug forms at least one metal-to-metal seal with the circulating passageway, thereby preventing fluid flow between the exterior port and the interior port.

Abstract: A system comprises a casing; a liner that is disposed in the casing and that is concentric with the casing; and a layer of material disposed between the liner and the casing; where the layer of material forms a first bond with the liner and a second bond with the casing thereby enabling the liner to hang from the casing. A method for hanging the liner from the casing comprises disposing in a borehole a system comprising a casing; a liner that is disposed in the casing and being concentric with the casing; and a layer of material disposed between the liner and the casing; heating the system at a point proximate to the layer of material; and forming a first bond between the layer of material and the liner and a second bond between the layer of material and the casing.

Abstract: A BOP heating method includes operating a coiled tubing unit (CTU) using hydraulic fluid. The fluid is supplied from the CTU to an exchange tube and returned from the exchange tube to the CTU. The method includes transmitting heat from the fluid to an inner plate. Heat is transmitted from the inner plate to a BOP on which the inner plate is temporarily mounted. A BOP heating system includes a CTU configured to use hydraulic fluid, a supply tube configured to supply fluid from the CTU to an exchange tube, and a return tube configured to return fluid from the exchange tube to the CTU. A BOP heat exchange unit includes an outer plate and an inner plate, an exchange tube between the outer plate and the inner plate, and a heat spreading material between the exchange tube and the inner plate. The exchange unit lacks any electrical component.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for inhibiting scale formation or precipitate formation in oil field flow lines and processing equipment exposed to fluid containing components that form scale or precipitates on surfaces of oil field flow lines and processing equipment, especially in highly paraffinic crude oils, where the method and system include applying an electric field across the fluid flowing through a flow line, where the fluid includes a scale or precipitate inhibitor and where the fluid strength and the inhibitor concentration is sufficient to reduce or prevent scale or precipitant formation.

Abstract: A shut off system for a hydrocarbon recovery mandrel includes an inline valve assembly that contains a nipple that includes a chemical flow line. The chemical flow line is operative to transfer fluids from outside the wellbore to a mandrel channel; where the mandrel channel is disposed in the mandrel. A valve assembly includes a cylinder and a piston shaft; where the cylinder contacts the chemical flow line; where the piston shaft reciprocates in the cylinder in response to opposing applied pressures. The piston shaft contacts a sealing object that is operative to facilitate or to prevent fluid flow from the chemical flow line to the mandrel channel. The cylinder includes a port that provides fluid communication from the cylinder to the mandrel channel and an actuating assembly; where the actuating assembly is operative to displace the piston shaft in the cylinder to prevent fluid communication between the chemical flow line and the mandrel channel.

Abstract: A tool for unseizing and/or lubricating a valve having a protruding valve stem on an exterior periphery. The tool possesses a hollow tubular member, having at one end thereof an open, hollow, cylindrical flexible member adapted to be placed over and contain therewithin a portion of the valve stem. A circumferential tightening member, encircling one end of the flexible member, is provided, to permit the flexible member to sealingly engage the valve stem about the outer periphery thereof when the flexible member is placed over the valve stem. The tool further possesses a fluid inlet port, situated along a length of the tubular member, in fluid communication with an interior of the tubular member, and a pressurized fluid inlet port likewise in fluid communication with the interior of the tool. A method for un-seizing and/or lubricating such valve, making use of the above tool, is further disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A subsea containment system for capturing fluids leaking from a subsea well includes a clamping assembly and a storage system. The clamp assembly includes an annular clamp body configured to be disposed about the upper end of the well and a fluid outlet extending from the clamp body. The fluid outlet is in fluid communication with an inner cavity of the clamp body. The storage system is coupled to the fluid outlet of the clamping assembly. The storage system includes a first storage tank having an inlet in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the clamp body and a plurality of vertically spaced outlets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow gravel pack slurry to be placed in a borehole annulus from the toe towards the heel to reduce the pressure acting upon the heel of the borehole during the gravel placement operation. By reducing the pressure on the heel, the gravel pack slurry may be placed in longer sections of the borehole in a single operation. Additionally, excess slurry in the inner string can be disposed in the borehole annulus around the shoe track of the apparatus, and fluid returns can flow up the apparatus through a bypass.