Abstract: A vehicle trunk opening device including an approach checking unit which checks whether a user approaches a trunk of a vehicle and outputs the checked result as an access signal; a movement information acquisition unit for acquiring movement information of the user by responding to an acquisition control signal generated when the vehicle is stationary; a movement analysis unit which analyzes whether the user's movement corresponds to a desired target movement of opening a trunk through the acquired movement information, and which outputs the analyzed result; a trunk opening unit for opening the trunk by responding to an opening control signal; and a main control unit which generates the acquisition control signal by responding to the access signal, and which generates the opening control signal by responding to the analyzed result.

Abstract: In a manipulation assisting control apparatus, a manipulation assistance controller causes a switch unit to be in an on-state and which executes control of a motor drive circuit to apply an assisting force, in a case where a manipulation target object is moved in a predetermined direction. A first stop controller causes the switch unit to be in an off-state and stops the control of the motor drive circuit, in a case where the manipulation target object moved in the predetermined direction stops at an end position. A second stop controller causes the switch unit to be in the on-state and stops the control of the motor drive circuit, in a case where the manipulation target object moved in the predetermined direction stops at an intermediate position or in a case where the manipulation target object moves in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A trash collection assembly may include a dumpster housing which may house therein a dumpster to provide a more desirable aesthetic appeal. A garbage truck may be configured to lift the dumpster out of the dumpster housing without the need for the garbage truck driver to get out of the truck. A cover of the dumpster may open and close automatically respectively during the removal of the dumpster from the housing and return of the dumpster to the housing.

Abstract: A trash collection assembly may include a dumpster housing which may house therein a dumpster to provide a more desirable aesthetic appeal. A garbage truck may be configured to lift the dumpster out of the dumpster housing without the need for the garbage truck driver to get out of the truck. A cover of the dumpster may open and close automatically respectively during the removal of the dumpster from the housing and return of the dumpster to the housing.

Abstract: Improvements to movable closure systems which aid installability and reliability of said systems can include wheels running along the top and bottom of individual slidable elements, the wheels oriented horizontally and disposed within a track configured for receiving the horizontal wheels. The horizontal wheels reduce the vertical profile of the track-engaging portions of the slidable elements, enabling more of the slidable element to be used for glass or other aesthetically-preferable transparent materials. A track leveling system enables installers to more easily deploy and properly tune the system between floors and casings which are not perfectly flush. A compression jamb permits closure of the system via slidable elements pressing into the jamb to deflect it in order to better seal the closure comprised of the individual slidable elements. A durable hinge mechanism permits the sliding elements to rotate in order to stack the sliding elements at one end of the system.

Abstract: An anchor for laminated glass includes an expansion dowel that has expansion appendices situated circumferentially, and is preferably made of a flexible material and having a conical cross-section with thickness increasing in the direction of insertion. Above the line of the expansion appendices is a circumferential groove, situated at the height of the edge of transition of the cylindrical hole into the conical hole, forming an empty space.

Abstract: A double-glazed window or door assembly is provided. The double-glazed window or door assembly comprises a first glass pane and a second glass pane spaced apart to form a volume therebetween. A perimeter seal is located between adjacent faces of the first glass pane and the second glass pane to substantially seal said volume. A one-way inlet valve is mounted on the second glass pane to provide fluid communication from atmosphere to the sealed volume. A one-way outlet valve is mounted on the second glass pane to provide fluid communication from the sealed volume to atmosphere.

Abstract: Low-emissivity coatings that are highly reflective to infrared-radiation. The coating includes three infrared-reflection film regions, which may each include silver.

Abstract: A sectional door comprising a plurality of panels which can be stacked on top of each other in a stacked state, and next to each other in a stored state; a drive system with a cable or chain for moving the bottom panel in the height direction; upright rails for guiding the panels in the stacked state; means for guiding the panels in the stored state comprising a worm wheel with helical groove for guiding the panels in the storage room; wherein the drive system further comprises a lifting mechanism for removing the upper panel from the stack, and for transferring it to the storage zone.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible net material comprising a rectangular shape having a width and a height. The width is at least a width of a frame of an entranceway of a building. The height is at least half of a height of the frame. Four corner fastening members are joined to corners of the rectangular shape. The four corner fastening members are configured for removable joining to the frame to cover at least a lower half of the entranceway.

Abstract: A blind for a building opening, and having an upper blind roller, located in an upper region of the head rail, a lower blind attachment located in a lower region of the head rail, an upper blind stored on the upper blind roller, a lower blind stored on the lower blind attachment, a lower blind support wall, and a blind carriage mechanism thereon, for carrying vertical blind slats, so as to provide a head rail having a slim, aesthetically pleasing profile.

Abstract: A locking device for window blind between two panes of glass is disclosed. The window blind is arranged between tow panes of glass through the attraction of the inside magnet and the outside magnet to transmit power to control the operation of the window blind. The locking device may achieve the effects of controlling smoothly and stopping firmly. The locking device may comprise a control shaft and a track. The control shaft includes a locking body, a switch, a hook, a spring, a bearing, and a magnet. The control shaft may be connected with the track through a hook position. The window blind is controlled by attraction of the inside magnet and the outside magnet to achieve the effects of control of raising and lowering the window blind between two panes of glass and light modulation. The locking device is controlled the engagement and disengagement between the hook and the track by the switch to ensure the window blind stopping at any position and without sliding down.

Abstract: A tilt assembly for a blind including a first tilt ring and a second tilt ring, both rotatable about a drive axis for supporting a pair of tilt ladders, an input connector rotatable about the drive axis and configured to receive a drive shaft for rotating a lift spool and the input connector, a secondary input mechanism rotatable about the drive axis and configured to receive the drive shaft for rotating the secondary input mechanism with the input connector, a main clutch mechanism for releasably connecting the first tilt ring to the input connector and configured to release connection at each of two opposite rotational orientations of the first tilt ring, and a secondary clutch mechanism for releasably connecting the second tilt ring to the secondary input mechanism and configured to release connection at each of two opposite rotational orientations of the second tilt ring.

Abstract: A control element for actuating an operating mechanism for a retractable shade. The retractable shade having a flexible operating cord retractable and extendable from the operating mechanism, the flexible operating cord having a free end. The control element is attached to the flexible operating cord and includes a core having a length, the core being stiffened along the length so as to resist becoming entangled and an upper end of the length that is attached to the free end of the flexible operating cord.

Abstract: A window screen that allows for the easy fix of a torn screen. The screen is similar to contemporary window screens. However, this screen contains a grid of squares that can be between 4×4 inches and 8×8 inches in size. The border of each square is a solid fiberglass material which can be 0.5 to 1.0 inch in width. Inside of each square is standard window screen mesh. In the event of a tear, the mesh within the borders of the squares can be cut out. Then, a replacement patch which is the same shape of the removed area can be adhered in place. The patch should be cut so that it contains the surrounding fiberglass border. The border of the patch will be adhered to the window screen so that the borders of the patch overlap the borders on the screen making for a seamless repair.

Abstract: According to some aspects, provided are curtain assemblies configured to operate in high wind environments. The curtain assembly can include first and second track guide including internal security rails. The internal securing rails moveably engage end portions of fabric stiffeners to provide stability in the curtain. In some embodiments, the securing rails include ramp portions to accommodate drift in the curtain and/or fabric stiffeners without compromising operation of the curtain.

Abstract: A wildlife access fence or gate may include at least one pass-through section having a guard attached thereto. The pass-through section may be a jump-through section and a jump guard attached thereto that defines a jump height and jump span that selectively allows wildlife to leap over and/or through the fence while preventing cattle from crossing the fence. The fence or gate may include a crawl-through section and a crawl guard that selectively allows wildlife to crawl under and/or through the fence while preventing cattle from crossing the fence.

Abstract: A climbing apparatus comprising a base, an upright member extending vertically upwardly from the base and having first and second sides and first and second carriages slidably locatable along the first and second side of the upright member. The apparatus further comprises a foot support associated with each of the first and second carriages, the carriages being rotatable supported by the carriage; and an upright engaging member extending from each foot support to selectably engage the upright when the foot support is rotated to a first orientation and to disengage from the column when the foot support is rotated to a second orientation.

Abstract: A detachable tray for a ladder includes a container for retaining supplies, a bracket assembly pivotally coupled to the container that is adapted to be releasably secured to the ladder, and a handle pivotally connected to the container to facilitate tray transport. The bracket assembly includes a rung engaging bracket that is movably connected to a base by a pair of transverse threaded members. A gap is defined between the bracket and the base that is dimensioned to fittingly receive one side rail of the ladder, the width of the gap being adjustable to accommodate side rails of varying widths. A support block is slidably coupled to a side of the base by a pair of posts. Together, the base and the support block apply a firm abutment force against the opposite side of the side rail than the bracket, thereby stabilizing the tray in place on the ladder.

Abstract: The assembly includes a first arcuate tube attached to a ladder. A second arcuate tube is slidably disposed in the first arcuate tube. A lock subassembly is disposed on the first arcuate tube for limiting movement of the second arcuate tube relative to the first arcuate tube. A step lever extends along the first arcuate tube and is coupled with the lock subassembly. A first flange and a second flange each extend radially from the first arcuate tube. An actuating member defines a cam surface abutting the second flange. A bar extends through the flanges and attaches to the actuating member. The step lever attaches to the actuating member to move the actuating member and cause the cam surface to slightly deform the first arcuate tube about the second arcuate tube and engage the second arcuate tube. A foot is pivotably disposed at each end of the second arcuate tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to enhance the reach of coiled tubing in the lateral section of a wellbore. The application of this method may enhance the use of coiled tubing in drilling very deep flowing wells. Similarly, the method may be applied in increasing the reach of the tubing for other coiled tubing well intervention applications. The method involves the use of downhole motor assemblies, stabilizers, and dynamic torque arrestors to rotate coiled-tubing string.

Abstract: A drilling device is brought into an idling state by maintaining the engine speed at a first speed while waiting for a drilling operation. The engine speed is increased to a second speed that is higher than the first speed when any one of a rotation operation, a feeding operation, a rod exchange operation, or a boom operation is performed for a rock drill. The engine speed is increased to a third speed that is higher than the second speed when a striking operation or a flushing operation is performed, and the engine speed is decreased from the third speed to the first speed after the striking operation and the flushing operation finish. For example, the first speed is a low speed, the second speed is a medium speed, and the third speed is a high speed.

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 perforating gun string may include a first perforating gun; a second perforating gun axially offset from the first perforating gun; a connector configured to interpose and couple the first and second perforating guns; and a detonation cord that passes axially through a central bore of the connector; and is connected to the first and second perforating guns. In some instances, the connector may have a body with an inner surface that defines the central bore, wherein the body has a ratio of an average diameter of the outer surface to an average diameter of the inner surface of about 1.2 to about 4.

Abstract: A releasable connector apparatus is provided for permitting a releasable connection with an object. The apparatus comprises a connector assembly which includes a connector member moveable between connection and disconnection configurations to facilitate a releasable connection with an object. A connector mandrel comprising a support surface is movable relative to the connector assembly such that alignment of the support surface and the connector member locks said connector member in its connected configuration, and misalignment of the support surface and the connector member permits the connector member to be moved towards its disconnected configuration.

Abstract: A work string assembly for an oil or gas well has a first and second tubulars, and a torque limiting device connected in the work string. The torque limiting device has a body with an axial bore and two interconnected members that can disconnect to be relatively rotatable. The interconnected members can be repeatedly re-engageable when the torque levels drop below a torque threshold value, or can be connected by a frangible member that is broken when the interconnected members disconnect. A selectively actuable circulation port provided in the string adjacent to and above the torque limiting device allows the annulus between the work string and the casing to be flushed with fluid from the port.

Abstract: A process for treating a pin having an external threaded portion and a box having an internal threaded portion wherein the process provides a threadable joint having a high galling resistance. One embodiment of the present invention includes applying a lubricant on the threaded portion of at least one of the pin and box. The threadable joint is made up by threadably engaging the threaded portions of the pin and box to a recommended torque according to the American Petroleum Institute and then breaking out the threaded joint. The making up and breaking out step with lubricant applied on the threaded portion of at least one of the pin and box is performed a plurality of times. One of the threaded portions of the pin and box is then case hardened. The threadable joint made from this process is highly resistant to galling without the requirement of any lubricant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering a casing section in a wellbore. A centralizer includes a plurality of centralizer bow springs arranged between and around circumferences of end bands. The end bands are arranged over stop collars such that the end bands can rotate about and slide along the stop collars. At least one stop collar includes a radially-inward-extending lug that engages a groove in the stop collar. The groove limits the amount by which the end band can slide relative to the stop collar. When the centralizer is lowered into a wellbore, an interference between the lug in the end band and the groove in the stop collar can pull the centralizer into the wellbore. The pulling force can prevent the centralizer bow springs from expanding radially outward due to contact forces with edges of the wellbore.

Abstract: A compensating cylinder unit for compensating relative movements between a stationary frame and a compensated frame which includes parts of a coiled tubing compensation system. The compensating cylinder unit includes a fluid reservoir configured to connect to the stationary frame, and a compensating cylinder configured to connect to the compensated frame, to at least partly enclose the fluid reservoir, and to be in a fluid communication with the fluid reservoir to allow for an axial displacement of the compensating cylinder relative to the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods useable during well drilling operation. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a drilling rig incorporating a dual top drive apparatus useable for decreasing connection time of pipe segments useable during well drilling or other well operations, and methods of connecting pipe segments useable during well drilling or other operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning tubular members within a subterranean well include inner and outer tubular members extending into the well. An adjustment ring assembly is located between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member and has an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring circumscribes, and is rotatable relative to, the inner ring to adjust the radial offset between a central axis of the wellhead assembly and a central axis of the inner tubular member.

Abstract: An automatic rock debris catching and washing apparatus comprises an acquisition device, a filtration device and a collection device. The filtration device comprises a water collection tank, above which a driving motor is connected with a pendulum bar having an end connected with a filtering scoop for receiving rock debris from the screening cylinder. The water collection tank is provided with a helical conveying rod having one end located at the bottom of the water collection tank and the other end located outside the water collection tank. A delivery pump is provided at the bottom of the water collection tank. The apparatus has a full-automatic collection operation. During use, it is not necessary to real-time monitor working condition of the catching and washing apparatus by manpower. Collecting regularly rock debris collected into the sand storing cylinders is enough. It is adaptable to the harsh environment, accurate in operation and analysis.

Abstract: A craneless MGS vessel and U-tube assembly can be delivered on a winch truck to a drilling site and assembled in a far shorter time and without the need of having a crane and crane operator attend to the movement and placement of the MGS vessel and attached U-tube mud lines to a mud handling system in a drilling rig. The MGS vessel of the present application can be a standard type of MGS vessel well known in the industry. By fabricating this MGS vessel with attached and moveable U-tube connectors for the mud line, the system can be moved and assembled at the drill site without crane intervention.

Abstract: A drilling device with improved fuel efficiency, reduced impact on the environment, and the like is provided. Specifically, a drilling device performs unload control of a compressor when an engine starts up, and brings the air pressure in an air tank to a first air pressure. Moreover, the air pressure in the air tank is kept at the first air pressure while the engine is driven and a flushing mechanism is not driven. In addition, unload control of the compressor is performed when the flushing mechanism starts up, and the air pressure in the air tank is increased to a second air pressure that is higher than the first air pressure. For example, the first air pressure and the second air pressure are a low pressure (0.5 MPa) and a high pressure (1.03 MPa), respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for improving the accuracy of bottom hole pressure control. One example embodiment includes a torque and drag model that calculates the elasticity of the drill string, which is included in a managed pressure drilling control system. The addition of the torque and drag calculations provide more accurate surge/swab effect calculations based on pipe movement corrected for elasticity effects. The results of these calculations will be used in a real-time hydraulics model to determine a setpoint pressure which will be utilized by a MPD choke system. Further, the real-time torque and drag models are calibrated to actual hole conditions in real-time using survey, temperature, pressure and downhole tool data to calculate friction factors in a wellbore.

Abstract: A method for determining formation pressure during exploratory drilling for oil includes generating a series of negative pressure shock waves at successively increasing well pressures to characterize gas kick forming at the bottom of a well. Once the lower end of the gas kick has been formed, the well pressure level as detected by a pressure sensor near the surface of the well is used to calculate the formation pressure along with the weight of the fluid column located in the well.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collecting device (1) for loosening and collecting particulate material from a well. The device includes a first end portion and a second end portion; a feed pipe (6) in the first end portion; a collecting container (8) including at least one container section (10), between the feed pipe (6) and the second end portion. A conveyor (18), in the feed pipe (6), moves the particulate material in toward the collecting device (1). The device further includes a tool (20) at the leading end portion of the conveyor (18) and a fluid outlet (38) at the second end portion; a mono pump (12) driven by a motor (22); and at least one container section (10) in a flow path (40) on the pressure side of the mono pump (12). A method for loosening and collecting particulate materials from a well by means of the collecting device (1) is described as well.

Abstract: In a plug an abandon environment with casing and a tubular string running through the casing a tool is placed at a desired location for a severing of the inner tubular. A first set of blades is extended from a housing to cut radially until the inner tubular is severed. A second set of blades are then extended for axial milling with a reach limit of the outside wall of the severed tubular at a location between upsets. As the axial milling reaches an upset, the second set of blades is allowed to retract and a third set with a longer reach is extended to axially mill the upset. Thereafter the third set of blades is allowed to retract and the second set is extended to continue axial milling. The second and third sets of blades can be reversed so that initial axial milling can be at the upset rather than between the upsets followed by milling between the upsets with the shorter reach blades.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for supporting a tubular member within an outer well member includes a slip bowl that is moveable between an expanded condition with an enlarged diameter and a contracted condition with a reduced diameter, and has a downward facing slip bowl shoulder on an outer diameter of the slip bowl. Slips with teeth on an inner diameter surface are carried by the slip bowl. The slips are moveable between a retracted position, and an extended position where the teeth protrude radially inward from the inner diameter of the slip bowl. A false bowl has a lower upward facing false bowl shoulder located on an inner diameter and is sized to selectively engage the downward facing slip bowl shoulder. The false bowl also has a downward facing landing shoulder located on an outer diameter that is sized to selectively engage a support shoulder of the outer well member.

Abstract: The invention discloses a test joint assembly for testing subsea BOP stack valves and annulars in one trip. The test joint assembly has an outer mandrel and a telescopically extendable inner mandrel. The inner mandrel seals against a bottom sub member using a bullnose sealing member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gripping a polished rod that extends into a hydrocarbon production well include a clamping assembly that is moveable between an unengaged position where the clamping assembly is spaced apart from the polished rod, and an engaged position where the clamping assembly engages the polished rod. The clamping assembly includes a recess located in a moveable clamping member, the recess having a supporting surface. The clamping assembly also includes an adapter sized to fit within the recess and to be supported on the supporting surface, the adapter having a gripping surface facing out of the recess. The adapter is positioned to grip the polished rod with the gripping surface when the clamping assembly is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in a pressure containment device for containing a fluid pressure in an annular space around a drill string whilst allowing the drill string to rotate in the pressure containment device. The seal assembly includes a seal comprising and an inner surface and a tubular body, and a wear sensor embedded in the tubular body. The wear sensor emits an alert signal when the inner surface of the seal has been worn away by a preset amount.

Abstract: In order to overcome the limitation of being able to utilize a limited number of sliding sleeves with progressively more restrictive internal diameters in a particular wellbore when selectively opening the sliding sleeve or tool with progressively smaller balls or darts, an encoding dart may be utilized. A wellbore dart or pill is provided with a lock such that upon reaching a corresponding key, dogs are extended radially outward to engage with a tool within the wellbore. Typically the dart will include a lock section having a number of pins wherein each pin must be depressed a proper amount where the amount includes not being depressed to allow a tumbler within the dart to move either rotationally or axially walking a dog in an outward condition.

Abstract: A swab-resistant downhole tool comprising a body and a sealing element, wherein at least a portion of the sealing element is composed of a shape memory polymer, the shape memory polymer having a glass transition temperature (“Tg”), and exhibiting a resilient characteristic above the Tg and a rigid characteristic below the Tg, and wherein the Tg is in the range of about 50° C. to about 150° C.

Abstract: A packer or plug for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular mandrel made from a composite material including a pyrotechnic composition; an expandable seal disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel; and an igniter operable to initiate combustion of the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods including providing a hydrajetting tool comprising a housing having a top end and a bottom end and having a plurality of jetting nozzles disposed thereon, the top end of the housing fluidly coupled to a tool string; positioning the hydrajetting tool adjacent to a substantially solid target; perforating or cutting the substantially solid target using a cement slurry injected through at least one of the plurality of jetting nozzles, thereby forming at least one perforation or cut.

Abstract: A system including a backpressure valve (BPV) system configured to mount in a hydrocarbon extraction system, wherein the BPV system includes a body comprising a vent port and a test passage, and a plunger configured to form a seal with the body around the vent port wherein the BPV system is configured to test the seal by pumping a fluid into the body through the test passage.

Abstract: A packer and method and apparatus for releasing pressure within a pressurized annulus around the packer. The apparatus comprises a central tubular member having a central bore therethrough extending between first and second ends, an outer plug slidably locatable within a first end of the tubular member and having a central bore therethrough and an inner plug slidably locatable within the central bore of the outer plug. The method comprises longitudinally retracting the inner plug from sealed engagement within the central bore of the outer plug member so as to permit fluid to flow therethrough and engaging the outer plug with a retraction body operably connected to the inner plug extending adapted to engage the inner plug after a predetermined length of travel so as to draw the outer plug out of the central tubular member thereafter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing solid wastes from oil field operations are described, which may include or encompass removal of wastes from oil tanks, solid particle size reduction and recovery, and disposal by injection into a subterranean formation. Removal of liquefied solid wastes from oil tanks may be achieved by a washout and vacuum conveyance system. Solid wastes may be processed through a particle size reduction system. The particle size reduction system may include one or more separators each having an appropriate particle size threshold, one or more slurry tanks, an apparatus such as a grinder configured for reducing particle size, and one or more slurry pumps that transfer the slurry through one or more recirculation circuits or transfer conduits. Particle size may be further reduced by high velocity transport through the recirculation circuits. The processed slurry may be disposed of by re-injection into a subterranean injection zone.

Abstract: System and methods of modeling fluids in a simulation of fluid production in a multi-reservoir system with a common surface network are provided. Pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) data is determined for fluids in each of a plurality of reservoirs coupled to the common surface network. A shared equation of state (EOS) characterization representing each of the fluids across the plurality of reservoirs is generated based on the corresponding PVT data. Data representing properties of the fluids in each reservoir is calculated based on the shared EOS characterization of the fluids. When the calculated data is determined not to match the PVT data associated with the fluids in each reservoir, to the shared EOS characterization is adjusted based on a difference between the calculated data and the PVT data.