Abstract: Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter.

Abstract: A door operator system capable of detecting a current-time position of a movable barrier comprises a current-time position detecting device comprising a first gear, a first angular position sensing unit, a revolution counting unit and an arithmetic unit. The first gear is coupled to an output shaft of a motor or a winding shaft. The first angular position sensing unit is provided for detecting a first angular position of the first gear. The revolution counting unit counts the number of revolutions of the first gear. The arithmetic unit calculates a number of total circumferential intervals of the output shaft of the motor or the winding shaft based on D=(La*X)+A/(360/X), where D is the number of the total circumferential intervals, La is the number of revolutions of the first gear, A is the first angular position, X is a number of circumferential intervals per revolution of the first gear.

Abstract: A modular safe system that can include a door unit and a pair of modular cap extension units that can be coupled on opposing sides of the door unit. The modular safe system can further include a corner-extension unit and a straight extension unit.

Abstract: A door bottom system is used with an entryway system having a door panel movable between open and closed positions. The door bottom system includes a door sweep movable with the door panel between first and second positions corresponding with the open and closed positions, respectively. The door bottom system includes a threshold assembly including a sill that defines a channel adapted for accepting a fluid. The threshold assembly includes a seal extending downwardly toward the sill to a distal end and movable between initial and sealed positions. The door sweep selectively engages and moves the seal from the initial position in the first position to the sealed position in the second position. The seal extends over and covers the channel in the initial position. The seal at least partially uncovers the channel in the sealed position such that the distal end of the seal is positioned above the channel.

Abstract: Methods of forming polarized panes for variable transmission windows are disclosed. The polarized panes are formed from transparent substrates that are brushed with a brushing pattern that varies continuously in a select direction over each of one or more periods. A layer of polarizable material such as POLARCOAT material can be deposited on and responds to the brushed surface by forming a polarization pattern that substantially matches the brushing pattern and thus also includes one or more periods.

Abstract: The present invention involves an entry door having a window glass situated in a door slab and a space between the window glass and the door slab. A plugless locking system is configured to fit in the space between the window glass and the door slab. The plugless locking system has a first plugless lock is configured to receive an external trim and is configured to mate with a second plugless lock. The second plugless lock is configured to receive an interior trim. The combination of the mated first and second plugless lock fit within the space between the window glass and door slab and secure interior and exterior trim to the entry door. Also disclosed is a method for using the plugless locking system in an entry door.

Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A temperature sensor communicates with the controller and monitors temperature proximate a window associated with the window covering. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the window, temperature external to the window, temperature internal to the window, temperature within a headrail of the window covering, or the like. The controller is further configured to relay at least one of commands and information to an HVAC controller to regulate room temperature in accordance with the monitored temperature. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A driving head for telescopic drill rods has a frame, a cylindrical collar rotatably coupled with said frame, and provided at least with one internal surface comprising at least one driving rack adapted to be coupled with corresponding driven racks of telescopic drill rods, and actuation means to drive said cylindrical collar into rotation, said driving rack being coupled with said cylindrical collar by means of removable connection means. A machine provided with said driving head is also disclosed.

Abstract: A choke assembly for controlling air flow into a piston of a percussion tool for downhole drilling includes a choke and a choke adapter. The choke comprises a choke body and a choke opening in the choke body for fluid to flow therethrough. The choke further includes one or more arm slots formed into the choke body between an inner wall of the choke body and an outer wall of the choke body. The one or more arm slots are designed to receive one or more arms of a choke change tool. The choke adapter has an adapter opening extending through the choke adapter. The choke is sized to fit in the adapter opening. The choke is removable from the choke adapter after the choke is inserted into the adapter opening.

Abstract: A human-powered borehole drill bridges the gap between large drilling rigs and the other less-effective manual methods. Intended mainly for developing countries, the design is affordable and also extremely simple, as very little product support or spare parts will be needed. The drill uses conventional drill pipe and drill bits allowing the drill system to mimic more conventional methods of drilling and existing hardware to maintain uniformity in drilling and easier access to more drilling products.

Abstract: A method of steering a drill bit while drilling a wellbore can include periodically delivering an impact to the drill bit as the drill bit is rotated by a drill string. The impact may be delivered to the drill bit when an axis of the drill bit is oriented in a desired azimuthal direction relative to an axis of the drill string. Another method of steering a drill bit while drilling a wellbore may include interconnecting a bend in a drill string between an impact tool and the drill bit, and periodically delivering an impact from the impact tool to the drill bit as the drill bit is rotated by the drill string. A directional drilling system can include a drill string having a bend interconnected therein, an impact tool, and a drill bit, the bend being interconnected in the drill string between the drill bit and the impact tool.

Abstract: An apparatus with a high power laser-mechanical bit for use with a laser drilling system and a method for advancing a borehole. The laser-mechanical bit has a beam path and mechanical removal devices that provide for the removal of laser-affected rock to advance a borehole.

Abstract: A retrievable kinetic penetrator includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a nose coupled to the first end of the tubular body, and a retrieval system. The nose is configured to penetrate a ground surface and subsurface materials of a subterranean ground volume. The retrieval system includes a tether coupled to the tubular body and is configured to facilitate recovery of the tubular body from the subterranean ground volume.

Abstract: An underreamer for connection with a rotary pipe string includes inner and outer body sections which form a body structure to provide a fluid flow path therethrough for communicating with piston and cylinder means formed between the body sections for receiving drilling fluid to effect telescopic movement between the body sections permitting engagement of cutter arms and support of said cutter arms on the outer body of the underreamer utilizing a slideable, non-pivoting stop block. Cutter arms are pivotally mounted on the inner body section and, upon engagement of the cutter arms to effect underreaming are fully supported on the outer body section thereby minimizing damage from vibration and repeated use on the threaded inner body sections.

Abstract: A modular cutting-teeth bit having controllable specific pressure for drilling includes: a module (1), a modular unit (2), a bit body (3), conventional cutting teeth (4) and a nozzle (5). According to mechanical performance of the rocks in the strata drilled and requirements of drilling well, a combination of shapes, sizes and numbers of the module and the modular unit is optimized; effective abrasion edge length of the cutting unit on a certain portion of the bit is controlled; and a constant specific pressure of the cutting unit of the bit during the drilling process is maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bundling flexible risers uses a vertically-hanging riser support shaft extending below the turret of a turret-moored FPSO to manage the motions of the risers. The risers may transition to a catenary configuration as they exit a bottom structure at the lower end of the riser support shaft and connect to wellheads or flowlines on the seafloor. Certain embodiments are suitable for use with a disconnectable buoyant turret mooring system while other embodiments may be used with spread-moored FPSOs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a threaded tubular component for drilling or working hydrocarbon wells, said tubular component having at one of its ends (1; 2) a threaded zone (3; 4) produced on its outer or inner peripheral surface depending on whether the threaded end is male or female in type, characterized in that at least a portion of the end (1; 2) is coated with a lubricating dry film (12) the matrix (13) of which comprises at least one migrating sliding agent (9) belonging to the oils or waxes family and principally distributed at the surface of the lubricating dry film (12) such that the coefficient of friction of the film (12) is less than 0.07 at loads of less than 40 N while the coefficient of friction of the film (12) is more than 0.1 at loads of more than 200 N.

Abstract: A drilling rig with mini-stabilizer tool for connecting to a measurement while drilling (MWD) system. The mini-stabilizer tool centralizes components in the wellbore for a more accurate measurement to protect measurement while drilling components from wear on shoulders of the measurement while drilling components. The mini-stabilizer tool accomplishes wear prevention by positioning the measurement while drilling components away from edges of the wellbore.

Abstract: Embodiments of a shunt tube connector assembly generally include a jumper tube assembly and a cooperative shroud assembly. In one embodiment, the jumper tube assembly includes a jumper tube having two tube connectors slideable thereon, where the tube connectors are fluidly connectable to shunt tubes. In one embodiment, the shroud assembly includes shroud segments, and corresponding shroud connection collars that include openings for shunt tubes and a transverse dove tail in the surface thereof, where shroud segments have a dove pin extending inwardly therefrom and adapted to engage a collar dove tail. Embodiments of a method for connecting and shrouding connectable pipe segments equipped with exterior shunt tubes generally include providing fluidly connected pipe segments having collars comprising an exterior surface opened dove tail, fluidly connecting shunt tubes, and attaching shroud segments around at least a portion of each said pipe segment by engaging a dove pin with the dovetail.

Abstract: A top-tensioned riser system comprises a substantially vertical riser extending upward from the seafloor; a conductor surrounding an upper portion of the riser in spaced-apart relation; a coaxial keel guide surrounding a lower portion of the conductor; a tensioner attached to the conductor and the riser; a keel guide support structure attached to the keel guide and connected to the keel of a dry-tree, semi-submersible vessel; and, a keel joint centralizer attached to the riser proximate the keel guide and sized to prevent radial movement of the riser relative to the conductor. Side loads on the riser (such as those arising from displacement of the vessel from its nominal position or currents acting on the riser) are reacted from the riser to the conductor via the keel joint centralizer and then to the keel of the vessel via the keel guide.

Abstract: A well tool adapted to be connected with and disconnected from a well tubing using a power tong device having a pair of tongs, a gripping span between the pair of tongs, and a maximum clearance diameter for an object passing through the tongs. The well tool includes a tubular mandrel. The tubular mandrel has a maximum mandrel diameter which is no greater than the maximum clearance diameter. The tubular mandrel includes a first mandrel connector which is adapted for connecting the tubular mandrel with a first well tubing in order to provide a first connection. The tubular mandrel is configured so that when the power tong device grips a tong gripping surface on the tubular mandrel and the first well tubing in order to connect the tubular mandrel and the first well tubing, the first connection is located within the gripping span.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting and lowering of pipe continuously, during the drilling, repair or maintenance of wells, without interruption to connect or disconnect pipe.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a well service rig for tripping rods and tubulars. The well service rig includes a service rig base unit, a mast coupled to the well service rig base unit movable between a folded position and an upright position, a vertical guide mounted to the mast, and a traveling block system coupled to the vertical guide at a first end and configured to travel up and down at least a portion of a length of the vertical guide. The traveling block system is couplable to a rod, a tubular, or both at a second end.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an x-direction support structure extending in the same direction as a line extending between a well center and a V-door on a drilling rig and include a y-direction support structure moveable along the x-direction support structure. The y-direction support structure extends on a drilling rig in a direction transverse to the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig. A racker device is carried by the y-direction support structure and is configured to connect to and carry a tubular stand used in a well drilling process, the racker device being moveable along the y-direction support structure from a position inline with the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig to a position offline from the line to provide space for additional drilling processes along the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig.

Abstract: A tubular string is run into a wellbore with a remotely actuated valve near a lower end adjacent a cementing shoe. The valve is triggered to operate without intervention such as by mud pulses generated at the surface and recognized by a sensor linked to a processor adjacent the valve to trigger the valve to close. Alternative actuation systems are envisioned for the valve that is located near the cementing shoe.

Abstract: A system for fracturing a subterranean formation includes a housing having one or more radially directed ports therein. A valve disposed within the housing proximate the one or more ports. A seat member interactive with the valve to rapidly prevent or substantially retard fluid flow therethrough. A method for initiating a fracture in a subterranean formation is included.

Abstract: A slip design has segments that move relatively axially before moving in tandem up a ramp for radial extension. Due to the fact of the relative movement the segments interlock due to their geometric configuration or their surface treatment such that at the conclusion of such relative movement the load carrying thickness is effectively increased. The extended position minimizes radial extension of the slips for a smaller tool drift dimension while still allowing the needed radial extension and actually extending the radial reach of the slip assembly. The segment can have triangular or trapezoidal tapered interfaces that provide bearing areas between slip segments and adjacent spacer segment. Alternatively, the slips segments can have opposing wickers so that after riding up an underlying support member can interact with that member for load transfer. The supporting members can also be secured to an underlying mandrel for further load transfer.

Abstract: A packer for a well comprises a seal element and seal setting apparatus. The seal setting apparatus is moveable with respect to the seal element in a setting direction to apply a setting force to the seal element to move the seal element from a run-in configuration to a set configuration in which the seal element forms a contact seal with a conduit wall. The packer is arranged such that, in the set configuration, a pressure differential across the packer, which creates a force in the setting direction, will increase the setting force applied by the seal setting apparatus to the seal element to maintain the seal.

Abstract: Offshore and onshore oil well blowouts can bring serious environmental damages which can cause serious economic loses. Oil wells under blowout conditions can be gushing fluids for months before the well is capped and plugged. Placing a capping device on the top of the well head can be challenged. In this paper it is presented a detachable capping device and a method that will help to control the well, or to plug it. The gushing fluids will be redirect through pipe to a surface vessel where they will be collected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plugging device (1) comprising a housing (10), a packer device (2), a first supporting assembly (3) supporting a first side (2a) of the packer device (2) in the expanded state and a second supporting assembly (4) supporting a second side (2b) of the packer device (2) in the expanded state. The packer device (2) is provided circumferentially around the housing (10); where the packer device (2) is configured to be provided in a retracted state and an expanded state, where the radial radius (R2) of the packer body (20) in the expanded state is larger than the radial radius (R1) of the packer body (20) in the retracted state. The packer device (2) comprises a packer body (20) and a supporting device (30) for supporting the packer body (20) in the expanded state.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to an isolation assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The isolation assembly can include one joint of a tubing section, at least two inflow control devices, and an isolation element. The joint of the tubing section can include at least two ports. Each inflow control device can be coupled to the tubing section at a respective port. The isolation element can be positioned between the inflow control devices. The isolation element can be configured to fluidly isolate the ports from each other.

Abstract: A configurable insert for a downhole tool. The configurable insert can have a body having a bore formed therethrough, at least one shear groove disposed on the body, wherein the body separates at the shear groove when exposed to a predetermined force, applied by a threadably engaged component therewith, at least one shoulder disposed within the bore, the shoulder formed by a transition between a larger inner diameter and a smaller inner diameter of the bore, wherein the shoulder is adapted to receive one or more impediments at least partially within the bore, and one or more threads disposed on an outer surface of the body for connecting the body to a downhole tool.

Abstract: Embodiments pertain to a downhole tool that includes a mandrel made of composite material; a first slip disposed around the mandrel; a first cone disposed around the mandrel, proximate to the first slip; a second slip disposed around the mandrel; a second cone disposed around the mandrel, proximate to a first side of the second slip; a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, between the first cone and the second cone; and a lower sleeve disposed around the mandrel, proximate to a second side of the second slip, wherein the first slip comprises a circular slip body having one-piece configuration with at least partial connectivity around the entire circular slip body; and at least two grooves disposed therein, wherein the circular slip body is made from filament wound material, wherein the circular slip body comprises a plurality of inserts disposed therein, and wherein at least one of inserts comprises a flat surface.

Abstract: A sealing device is for sealing fluid transmittable openings in well components. The sealing device includes an elastic element which is arranged between two shoulders. The elastic element, before being placed in the fluid transmittable opening, has a larger external dimension than the fluid transmittable opening to be sealed. A gap is arranged between at least one of the shoulders and the elastic element, allowing liquid to enter between the shoulder and the elastic element. The ridge is arranged on an intermediate piece which is located between the shoulder and the elastic element. The intermediate piece is constituted by as ring in which the ridge is surrounding and divided, and projects from an end surface opposite an abutment surface facing the elastic element.

Abstract: A valve with a shuttle for use in a flow management system includes a spill port and bypasses a backflow.

Abstract: A downhole tool that selectively opens and closes an axial/lateral bore of a tubular string positioned in a wellbore used to produce hydrocarbons or other fluids. When integrated into a tubular string, the downhole tool allows individual producing zones within a wellbore to be isolated between stimulation stages while simultaneously allowing a selected formation to be accessed. The downhole tools and methods can be used in vertical or directional wells, and additionally in cased or open-hole wellbores.

Abstract: A fracturing pump transport comprising a first pump configured to pressurize and pump fracturing fluid, a second pump configured to pressurize and pump the fracturing fluid, and a dual shaft electric motor comprising a shaft and configured to receive electric power from a power source and drive in parallel, both the first pump and the second pump with the shaft.

Abstract: A limited entry perforating phased gun system and method for accurate perforation in a deviated/horizontal wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a gun string assembly (GSA) deployed in a wellbore with shaped charge clusters. The charges are spaced and angled such that, when perforated, they intersect at a preferred fracturing plane. Upon fracturing, the fractures initiate at least principal stress location in a preferred fracturing plane perpendicular to the wellbore from an upward and downward location of the wellbore. Thereafter, the fractures connect radially about the wellbore in the preferred fracturing plane. The fracture treatment in the preferred fracturing plane creates minimal tortuosity paths for longer extension of fractures that enables efficient oil and gas flow rates during production.

Abstract: Methods and systems of treating hydrocarbon containing formations are described herein. A system for treating a subterranean hydrocarbon containing formation includes a wellbore, and one or more packers positioned in the wellbore. At least one of the packers allows fluid to be injected in a subterranean hydrocarbon containing formation while allowing fluid to be produced from the wellbore.

Abstract: Some embodiments herein comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, an acid, a permeability modifier, and a permeability modifier deactivator; providing an injection well having a first treatment zone comprising a first aqueous formation permeability, wherein the first treatment zone comprises formation damage; introducing the treatment fluid into the injection well, so as to contact the acid, the permeability modifier, and the permeability modifier deactivator with the first treatment zone; reacting the acid with the first treatment zone so as to repair a portion of the formation damage; reacting the permeability modifier with the first treatment zone so as to cause the first aqueous formation permeability to adopt a second, lesser aqueous formation permeability; and contacting the permeability modifier deactivator with the permeability modifier so as to deactivate the permeability modifier and restore the first treatment zone to about the first aqueous formation permeability.

Abstract: A method of producing heated water from a reservoir having a hot bitumen-depleted zone adjacent to an aqueous mobile zone. The method includes generating fluid communication between the aqueous mobile zone and the hot bitumen-depleted zone. The method further includes driving water from the aqueous mobile zone through a portion of the hot bitumen-depleted zone to heat the water to produce heated water from a heated water production well.

Abstract: Methods of treating subterranean formations comprising providing a wellbore in a subterranean formation having at least one fracture therein; providing a first treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and an acid generating inert agent; providing a second treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, and an acid generating activator; introducing the first treatment fluid into the at least one fracture; and introducing the second treatment fluid into the at least one fracture, wherein the acid generating inert agent in the first treatment fluid reacts with the acid generating activator in the second treatment fluid so as to generate an acid in the at least one fracture and create or enhance at least one microfracture therein.

Abstract: Providing high energy materials that can be placed in previously created fractures and activating them in place to extend or change an existing fracture system. Also detecting the location of fractures or permeable pathways and a means to assess the extent and efficiency of proppant emplacement.

Abstract: A net oil and gas well test system for a set of oil and gas wells includes at least two net oil and gas measurement systems and a plurality of valves that are in fluid communication with the individual wells in the set and independently configurable between a first state, in which the valve routes flow to a first net oil and gas measurement system, and a second state, in which the valve routes flow to a second net oil and gas measurement system. Each net oil and gas measurement system suitably has the capability to measure a multiphase flow including oil, gas, and water without separation. For example, each measurement system can include a multiphase Coriolis meter and a water cut meter. Each measurement system suitably includes the capability to provide dynamic uncertainty estimates related to measurement of the multiphase flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a first property in a borehole penetrating the earth is described. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole. The apparatus also includes a first sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to perform a first measurement of the first property, the first sensor having a first direction of sensitivity; a second sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to perform a second measurement of a second property, the second sensor having a second direction of sensitivity; and a processor configured to receive the first and second measurements and to correct the first measurement using the second measurement in order to estimate the first property.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising one or more wellbore tool nodes disposed within a wellbore, wherein each of the one or more wellbore tool nodes is configurable from a first configuration to a second configuration, and a controller node, wherein the controller node communicates with the wellbore tool node via a near field communication (NFC) signal.

Abstract: A method of detecting an analyte includes vaporizing at least a portion of a fluid within a wellbore, passing the vaporized fluid adjacent a chemiresistive sensing element coupled to a drill string within the wellbore and sensing a resistivity of the chemiresistive sensing element. A sensor for detecting an analyte includes an expansion device for vaporizing a portion of a fluid within a wellbore, a chemiresistive sensing element configured to contact the vaporized fluid within the wellbore and a controller configured to pass a current through the chemiresistive sensing element and calculate a resistance of the chemiresistive sensing element in contact with the gaseous portion of the fluid. An earth-boring tool may include a bit body coupled to a drill string and the sensor.

Abstract: A tip for a pick tool, comprising a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) structure joined to a substrate body. The PCD structure has a strike surface including an apex opposite a boundary with the substrate body. At least an outer volume of the PCD structure contains filler material between diamond grains, the content of the filler material being more than 5 weight percent of the PCD material in the outer volume. The outer volume is proximate at least an area of the strike surface including the apex, and the thickness of the PCD structure between the apex and the boundary with the substrate body is at least 2.5 mm.

Abstract: Example inflatable air barriers are disclosed herein. Some example barriers disclosed herein include one or more inflatable tubes for maintaining a sealed airlock leading to an underground shelter. Such shelters provide miners with temporary refuge in the event of a mining incident involving the release of contaminated air. Some example barriers disclosed herein include one or more of the following: an inflatable tube with an air permeable section, a resiliently compressible foam body or other resilient member for supporting a deflated tube, a magnet for providing a secure seal, an inflatable tube with interchangeable end caps, elastic bands for securing the position of an inflatable tube, or an inflatable tube with one or more windows.

Abstract: An oscillating foil turbine has a foil having a first fluid dynamic surface for producing lift in a fluid flow, a support for the foil, and a second fluid dynamic surface, wherein the support allows for cyclic motion of the first and second surfaces with respect to each other. A driven member is provided to tap energy from flow throughout each cycle. Throughout at least part of the cyclic translation, the fluid dynamic surfaces are oriented sufficiently parallel, and separated by a distance that is sufficiently small, to achieve a substantial wing-in-ground effect.