Abstract: A sliding closure assembly includes a frame assembly, at least one sliding closure panel, a second panel, and a powered actuator. The frame assembly has a first track portion, a second track portion, and a catch portion. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame assembly. The second closure panel is adjacent to the at least one sliding closure panel and is positioned within the second track portion of the frame assembly. The powered actuator assembly is positioned adjacent to the second panel and entirely within the second track portion. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame such that an opening is formed through the sliding closure assembly when the sliding closure panel is in the opened position and the opening is closed when the sliding closure panel is in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating a closure element arrangement in a motor vehicle, wherein the closure element arrangement has a closure element, a drive arrangement associated with the closure element, a control arrangement and a sensor arrangement having at least one sensor element that is particularly in the form of a proximity sensor, wherein operator control event monitoring involves the control arrangement being used to monitor the sensor measured values from the sensor arrangement for whether there is a predetermined operator control event, and the result of the operator control event monitoring is taken as a basis for actuating the drive arrangement, the mechanical configuration of the motor vehicle being able to be altered by an adjusting process and/or by a fitting process during use based on normal operation.

Abstract: A portable, universally fitting, stylish, lockable security box or bag that integrally affixes to a an object such as the support or cross bar on a frame of a beach lounge chair, a stroller, bike, wheelchair or similar member where it is desirable to protect your valuables on a stationary or a larger movable object. The security bag is a device preferably comprised of a flexible flap component and a main bottom component which encloses the valuables of the user. When the security bag is positioned over an elongate object, such as the support bar of a chair, stroller or other object, the security bag can be affixed to the elongate object by employing a locking mechanism to close the security bag around the support object, such that the support object extends through the security bag by passing through specially configured side openings. The security bag includes a secure internal cavity formed by the two main components which makes this device simple and unique.

Abstract: A frame assembly supporting an overhead door has a horizontal header connected to upright columns or posts with splice assemblies. Fasteners mounted on the columns cooperate with retainers on the splice assemblies to position and connect the columns to the header. Hinge assemblies pivotally mount the door on the header for movement between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A frame assembly supporting an overhead door has a horizontal header connected to upright columns or posts with splice assemblies. Fasteners mounted on the columns cooperate with retainers on the splice assemblies to position and connect the columns to the header. Hinge assemblies pivotally mount the door on the header for movement between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood frame using a water soluble adhesive and a manufacturing method thereof. The wood frame is manufactured by coating a metal frame with a wood-plastic composite after application of the water soluble adhesive to the metal frame, and may thus have internal rigidity of metal and excellent external flexibility, elasticity, water resistance and corrosion resistance, have an eco-friendly texture like natural wood and prevent deformation due to thermal expansion.

Abstract: A composite profile for doors, windows, or other facade elements includes a first and second metal profile between which at least one intermediate metal profile is provided. The first metal outer profile is connected to the intermediate metal profile in a first insulating web zone via one or more insulating web(s), and the second metal profile is connected to the intermediate profile in a second insulating web zone via one or more insulating web(s). Both the first and second insulating web zones have different shear strengths orthogonally in relation to the cross-sectional plane of the composite profile.

Abstract: A window assembly is disclosed that includes a double-hung window aesthetic with an alternative opening procedure and mechanism. The window assembly may include various hardware systems. The hardware systems may include locking portions to assist in locking sash members to a frame and balance assembly for moving the sash members. The window assembly may be formed of selected materials.

Abstract: A glazing bead engages a fenestration article and a frame. The glazing bead includes a reinforcement member, at least a portion of which extends along a cross-sectional axis in a substantially linear configuration between a first end and a second end. The glazing bead includes a body at least partially enveloping the reinforcement member and coupled with the reinforcement member. The glazing bead includes a protrusion extending from the body adjacent the first end and a leg having a proximal end adjacent the second end, with the leg extending from the body to a distal end, with the proximal and distal ends forming an angle less than ninety degrees from the cross-sectional axis. A method of manufacturing the glazing member includes steps of providing the reinforcement member and depositing a polymer to form the body, the protrusion, and the leg coupled with the reinforcement member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a spacer frame assembly used in the construction of insulating glass unit windows. The apparatus comprises a head arrangement having a body with first and second ends, the first end for coupling to a cylinder that advances and retracts the head arrangement in a reciprocating motion during operation. The second end includes an annular wedge-shaped ridge for coupling to a second annular wedge-shaped ridge of a die support, collectively the wedge-shaped ridge and second wedge-shaped ridge form a contact region to form a torus surface. The die support has at least one die for engaging a spacer frame assembly during operation. The apparatus further comprises a collar having a torus-shaped recess corresponding with the torus surface to nest and couple the body to the die support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming folds at a corner in a spacer frame assembly used in the construction of insulating glass unit windows. The apparatus comprises a carriage supporting first and second crimping fingers. The crimping fingers are spaced about a path of travel for the passage of metal strips during operation. The apparatus comprises an encoder to determine a velocity of the strips, and a motor coupled to a ball screw assembly. The ball screw assembly moves the carriage during operation along the path of travel. The apparatus comprises an electrical gearing arrangement for accelerating the carriage along the path. The electrical gearing arrangement includes a controller and a double acting rack assembly, the controller being coupled to the motor, the encoder, and the double rack assembly. The double rack assembly simultaneously actuates the fingers at a direction substantially transverse to the path.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit (IGU) assembly line capable of interleaving double and triple pane IGUs in accordance with an IOU production schedule. Visual indicators or prompts instruct operators at the assembly line in configuring a sequence of IGUs. Triple pane IGUs are assembled with minimal contamination of a center glass lite. A non-contact Bernoulli pad is used to lift a glass lite off from a horizontal or vertical support that conveys it from a glass washer to an assembly station. Each of multiple pads has a capacity to lift approximately seven to ten pounds. Use of multiple pads per glass sheet or lite allows lites having dimensions up to 70 by 100 inches (assuming glass thickness of one quarter inch) to be assembled.

Abstract: A door openable in case of structural failure has a front face (2) and a rear face (3), vertical hinge and lock sides (4, 5) with a lock latch (6). The door has a major door portion (8) bearing a lock, and at least one end door portion (9, 30), both being enclosed by said front and rear faces (2, 3), vertical hinge and lock sides (4, 5) and a surface (10) inclined downwardly from the front face (2) to the rear face (3). A plurality of energy absorbers are arranged in correspondence of said inclined surface (10) in order to permit an offset of the end door portions (9, 30) with respect to the major door portion (8). A releasing rod (23) for unlocking the lock latch (6) moves upwards under the action of the springs (27), due to said offset, returns the lock latch (6) into the door lock and retains it in unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid deployment cover system comprising a polycarbonate laminate or a glass-clad polycarbonate laminate in combination with a versatile and cushioned mounting system to yield a highly durable cover which provides protection from forced-entry, blast, ballistics and/or extreme storms in a wide range of climates.

Abstract: A sealing system for doors and windows includes a reservoir device, a sealing tube configured to expand and to contract, and a transfer valve configured to couple the reservoir device to a first end of the sealing tube. Responsive to either of a door or window closing, a medium may be transferred from the reservoir device via the transfer valve to the sealing tube. Responsive to receiving the medium, the sealing tube may expand to substantially seal a gap between an edge of either of the door or the window and a surface in proximity to the edge. Responsive to either of the door or window opening, the medium may be discharged from the sealing tube via the transfer valve. The sealing tube may contract in response to discharging the medium.

Abstract: A shade covering for a blind having a plurality of horizontal slats and at least one cord ladder configured to support the slats may generally include a plurality of attachment portions configured to be spaced apart from one another along a first direction of the shade covering. Each attachment portion may define an insertion slit. The shade covering may also include a plurality of shade portions extending between each adjacent pair of attachment portions. Moreover, the insertion slit may be defined through a rear end of each attachment portion such that an insertion end of the insertion slit is open at the rear end.

Abstract: An involute gear bracket system includes first and second involute gears. Each includes a circular base and a plurality of gear teeth extending outward from an outer region of a surface and evenly spaced apart from each other along a plurality of locations on the outer region of the surface. The shape of each gear tooth is defined by a varying cross-sectional involute profile, wherein starting from a first involute profile that is in a plane parallel to the surface of the circular base and extending outward from a center of the circular base, each location on the first involute profile is rotated about a corresponding axis while traversing a path defined by a corresponding imaginary ray extending from the center of the circular base to that location, the corresponding axis being tangential to an imaginary circle that encompasses the inner region of the surface and perpendicular to the corresponding imaginary ray.

Abstract: A motorized roller shade that detects obstacles in its travel that create excess torque by sensing the current draw from a motor and method by which the motor can calibrate itself to detect excess torque. During the roller shade's travel, it will record the instantaneous torque being generated at various points. For example, it will store the greatest value in the shade motor's non-volatile memory as the normal operating torque.

Abstract: A safety curtain and system includes multiple light emitters and multiple light receivers to detect traffic approaching a doorway. The safety curtain my include pairs of multiple light emitters and receivers positioned on both sides of a passageway (doorway) so as to detect approaching traffic. The multiple light emitters and light receivers may detect a height of an approaching traffic (e.g., person or vehicle) and initiate warning lights of a possible door closing. The detected approach of traffic may cause the door to be stopped, reversed or slow down. The system may include a computer to monitor the signals from the receivers and may control the motion of the door.

Abstract: An arrangement in a rock drilling machine and to a method of mounting the same, the rock drilling machine including a gear module and a percussion module, which are arranged on a same axial line. The modules are pressed towards each other by several first connecting devices and several second connecting devices. The connecting devices generate first axial connecting forces and second axial connecting forces, which receive axial operational forces of the rock drilling machine. The second connecting devices also fasten the rock drilling machine to a carriage provided with support surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a directional wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a drive for rotating a drill bit, a deflection device that enables a lower section a drilling assembly to tilt within a selected plane when the drilling assembly is substantially rotationally stationary to allow drilling of a curved section of the wellbore when the drill bit is rotated by the drive and wherein the tilt is reduced when the drilling assembly is rotated to allow drilling of a straighter section of the wellbore, and a sensor that provides measurements relating a direction of the drilling assembly for drilling the wellbore along a desired direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling directional wellbores is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a drive for rotating a drill bit, a deflection device that enables a lower section of a drilling assembly to tilt about a member of the deflection device within a selected plane when the drilling assembly is substantially rotationally stationary to allow drilling of a curved section of the wellbore when the drill bit is rotated by the drive and wherein the tilt is reduced when the drilling assembly is rotated to allow drilling of a straighter section of the wellbore, and at least one seal that isolates at least a surface of the member from outside environment.

Abstract: This patent application discloses method and apparatus to cut an extended slot connecting a well to a substantial cross section of a desired producing formation whereby material can flow freely between the formation and the wellbore and at least partially overcome the flow limitations of low permeability formations without the environmental issues associated with hydraulic fracturing. It is further disclosed that the connection between said slot and the formation may be further enhanced by explosive or combustive processes that rapidly generate gas pressure within the large surface area of the slot, thereby changing its characteristics and forcing open additional fractures into the cross section of formation exposed to the slot. The method may significantly increase the recoverable percentage or natural gas from low permeability deposits such as shale and coal.

Abstract: Various drill bits, drilling systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a drill bit comprises a bit body having a face and a shank, at least one insert having a convex engagement surface coupled with the face and at least one wear insert coupled with the shank. In one particular embodiment, the at least one wear insert may be positioned immediately adjacent a coupling end of the shank. The at least one wear insert may include a superabrasive table which may be bonded with a substrate. The at least one wear insert includes a wear surface defined in the superabrasive table. In one embodiment, the superabrasive table may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Similarly, the inset having a convex engagement surface may include a superabrasive material, such as polycrystalline diamond, bonded with a substrate. Such a drill bit may be used, for example, in a top hammer percussion drilling operation.

Abstract: A method of designing a drill bit is disclosed. The method includes determining a location of a bit coordinate system in a wellbore coordinate system and generating a bit profile based on an angular coordinate around a wellbore axis of a wellbore and the location of the bit coordinate system. The bit profile is based on a cutting edge of a first cutting element on an exterior portion of a first blade. The method also includes determining a cutting layer volume based on the bit profile and identifying a weak zone based on the cutting layer volume being less than a predefined minimum cutting layer volume. The method includes determining a location for a second cutting element on the exterior portion of a second blade based on the weak zone.

Abstract: Cutting elements for earth-boring tools may include a superhard, polycrystalline material and a substrate adjacent to and secured to the superhard, polycrystalline material at an interface. The substrate may include a first region exhibiting a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second region exhibiting a second, different coefficient of thermal expansion. The first region may be spaced from the superhard, polycrystalline material. The second region may extend from laterally adjacent to at least a portion of the first region to longitudinally between the first region and the superhard, polycrystalline material.

Abstract: An actively controlled self-adjusting earth-boring tool includes a body carrying cutting elements and an actuation device disposed at least partially within the body. The actuation device may include a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, and a reciprocating member dividing the first fluid chamber from the second fluid chamber. A connection member may be attached to the reciprocating member and may have a drilling or bearing element connected thereto. A first fluid flow path may extend from the second fluid chamber to the first fluid chamber. A second fluid flow path may extend from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. A rate controller may control a flowrate of a hydraulic fluid through the first and second fluid flow path. The rate controller may include an electromagnet, and the flowrates of the hydraulic fluid may be adjusted by adjusting fluid properties of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A technique combines a wireless coupler system with casing to communicate signals from and/or to a device external to the casing. The wireless coupler system may comprise an inductive coupler system formed with a female inductive coupler disposed along an exterior of the well casing and a male inductive coupler mounted along tubing disposed within the well casing. The female inductive coupler is operatively coupled with the sensor and the male inductive coupler is operatively coupled with a communication line routed along the tubing. The inductive coupler system is constructed to facilitate alignment of the male inductive coupler with the female inductive coupler as the tubing is moved along an interior of the well casing. Additionally, the inductive coupler system may be constructed with a bypass channel to facilitate the flow of fluid and routing of communication lines through the inductive coupler system.

Abstract: A method for riser string handling on an offshore drilling vessel, the offshore drilling vessel including a multiple firing line hoist system, a riser tensioner system arranged in the second firing line, and a suspended riser transfer device. The method including the steps of lowering a riser string in the first firing line, and simultaneously assembling and preparing a riser tensioner system in the second firing line, wherein the riser hang-off assembly displaces the riser string, leaving the top end of the riser string exposed, from the first firing line to the second firing line to be connected to the riser tensioner system.

Abstract: A wellbore apparatus includes a first component having a first element and a second component having a second element. The first component and the second component are connected by a multi-start thread connection and the first element and the second element being operatively connected to one another.

Abstract: A torque-less threaded connection is shown for connecting a drill tool to a drill string for use in horizontal directional drilling operations. An up-hole end portion has a female, box end opening with a non-threaded, slightly tapered first circumferential surface having a first median inner diameter; a non-threaded, slightly tapered second circumferential surface having a second inner diameter that is larger than the first diameter. A threaded tapered section extends between the first and second circumferential surfaces. The threaded tapered section has threads thereon which make up a multi-lead thread form. The downhole end portion of the coupling has mating external pin surfaces for engaging the internal surfaces of the up-hole end portion. A torque collar slides over portions of the up-hole and downhole end portions and prevents relative rotation between the downhole and up-hole portions and prevents toque from being transmitted to the threaded portions of the connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a riser section (4) equipped with an external locking ring (11). Locking ring (11) cooperates with a male connector element (9) and a female connector element (8) by means of series of studs. The invention also relates to a riser consisting of several sections (4) and to the use of the riser for carrying out an offshore drilling operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a riser section (4) equipped with an inner locking ring (11). According to the invention, auxiliary line elements (7) are secured to one end of main tube (6) and they are mobile with respect to the other end of main tube (6) through the agency of a sliding pivot connection, whose relative translational motion is limited by a clearance adjustment means (15). The invention also relates to a riser consisting of several sections (4) and to the use of the riser for carrying out an offshore drilling operation.

Abstract: A drilling string stabiliser tool comprises a cylindrical body and a plurality of stabiliser blades machined as an integral component forming in this way a monolithic blade stabiliser tool. The stabiliser blades have an elongated shape and are aligned in the direction of the axis of the cylindrical body. The blades are disposed in such a way to result in an almost constant flow-by-area.

Abstract: A centralizer includes a centralizer body to be situated at the outer surface of a pipe string in the form of casing, liner, or the like used while drilling, the centralizer body being formed with a plurality of outer centralizer blades arranged in an inclined manner to the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the centralizer body has an separate split inner tube secured to the pipe string by means of a press fit, and low friction inner surface of the centralizer body and separate center tube facing each other are made from low friction material.

Abstract: An offshore drilling vessel includes a floating hull subjected to heave motion. The hull includes a moonpool and a drilling tower near the moonpool. A drilling tubulars storage rack is provided for storage of drilling tubulars. The vessel includes a heave motion compensation support that is adapted to support a slip device whilst performing heave compensation motion relative to the heaving motion of the vessel. A racking device is provided with a heave motion synchronization system that is adapted to bring a tubular retrieved from the storage rack in heave motion into a vertical motion that is synchronous with the heave compensation motion of the string slip device. The racking device includes vertical rails and at least two separate motion arm assemblies mounted on said vertical rails. Each separate motion arm assembly includes its own vertical drive which is electrically connected to the heave motion synchronization system.

Abstract: Offshore drilling system for performing subsea wellbore related activities including a drilling vessel, with a floating hull subjected to heave motion. A main cable heave compensation sheave is provided for heave compensation of a travelling block. A connection cable heave compensation sheave is provided between a connection cable winch and a top sheave assembly supported on the hull of the vessel in or above the moonpool. The main cable heave compensation cable sheave and the connection cable heave compensation sheave are mechanically interconnected so as to allow for synchronous motion thereof.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are usable for automatically engaging and setting slips of an automatic slip setting apparatus about a tubular, when the automatic slip setting apparatus is properly positioned relative to a desired section of the tubular for gripping, lifting and/or holding, and installing and/or removing the tubular, in or out from a wellbore, while preventing slippage and/or dropping of the tubular. The automatic slip setting apparatus is usable with an elevator or spider assembly, each comprising a main body having a central opening extending therethrough, a plurality of slips, and a yoke. An arm assembly, connected to the elevator or spider assembly, moves when contacted by a tubular moving through the central opening, and a latching member, which is connected to the yoke, can be moved by the arm assembly, thereby causing the plurality of slips to move to a closed position for gripping the tubular.

Abstract: An assembly for hoisting and lowering a drill string of a drilling rig includes a multiple displacement hydraulic cylinder having a blind end, a rod end, and a single piston rod configured for slidable extension and retraction movement within the interior space of the cylinder. The interior space is defined by three chambers, each chamber having a port allowing switchable flow of hydraulic fluid into and out from the cylinder. The assembly also includes a pumping and switching system with hydraulic fluid connections to each port of the cylinder. The pumping and switching system is configured to switch the direction of hydraulic fluid flow through each of the ports of the three chambers, thereby providing the assembly with a plurality of hydraulic fluid flow path combinations. Each flow path combination provides a different speed-to-force ratio for extending or retracting the piston rod, thereby hoisting or lowering the drill string.

Abstract: A pipe centering and washing apparatus comprises a body having an axial bore sized to accommodate a drill string, and pipe moving means. The pipe moving means comprises a ram housing having a radial bore, a pipe ram movable along the radial bore, and a ram actuator to move the pipe ram along the radial bore. When the pipe centering and washing apparatus is mounted on the wellhead, the axial bore is in fluid communication and substantially aligned with the wellhead's internal bore. The pipe centering and washing apparatus is operable between a retracted position and a centering position. When a drill string is present in the axial bore, the pipe moving means is operable to position the drill string in the axial bore between an off-centered position and a substantially centered position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling drill water comprises a funnel (12) and a spillway (16) which act in concert to receive and then separate a slurry mixture into constituent drill cuttings and spent rinse water. The funnel (12) collects the falling slurry mixture, which is channelled via conduit (56) into a spillway (16). The spillway (16) is fitted with a dewatering grate (80) onto which the slurry mixture from the funnel (12) is channelled. The flow of slurry mixture is moderated by a baffle (78) which both catches and discharges slurry mixture delivered by the conduit (56). The slurry mixture is discharged over the dewatering grate (80), which drains the spend rinse water into a section of the spillway (16), and discharges the drill cuttings away from the grate (80).

Abstract: A downhole tool anchor is disclosed. In one implementation, a downhole anchor tool may include a housing, an axial drive in the housing, a rack connected to the axial drive, a pinion in the housing, the pinion having teeth that engage teeth on the rack, a gear tube within the pinion, the gear tube having internal threads, a slip rod having external threads that engage the internal threads within the gear tube, and a radial bearing coupled to the gear tube, the radial bearing having a slip rod alignment member that prevents the slip rod from free spinning in the gear tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a riser system for coupling a surface platform to a wellhead and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a riser flange for coupling adjacent riser sections. A main tube of the riser system forms an annulus for fluid flow between the wellhead and the platform. A flange extends radially from each end of the main tube. The flange includes an offset outer face and a raised inner face. The flange further includes a plurality of bolt and auxiliary line holes distributed about the flange. The bolt holes are all located within the raised inner face of the flange. The bolt holes are angled with respect to the axis of the main tube. A transition between the main tube and riser flange is gradually tapered and convex.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.

Abstract: A penetrator for enabling an electrical cable transition into an underground well. The well has a well casing for containing fluids and pressures from reaching the environment external to the well. The well casing has a wellhead, multiple electrical conductors passing through the penetrator at the wellhead to supply electrical power to down-hole equipment. The wellhead penetrator device provides a reliable sealing solution and which may be quickly installed within wellhead. The penetrator device provides a design which increases the pressure upon the critical sealing surfaces with the electrical conductors as pressure increases within the well casing. The service life of the penetrator seal is maximized to avoid costly downtime to the well operation. The penetrator device is readily installed by maintenance crews and a minimum number of components are utilized. No adhesives or sealants are required in the installation.

Abstract: A rod positioning tool mounts in series between a tubing string and the stuffing box of a drive head. An outer mandrel of the tool mounts to a first flange at the bottom end for connection to the tubing string below and an inner mandral mounts to a second flange for connection to the stuffing box above. The inner mandrel is slidably received within the outer mandrel with primary seals therebetween to vary the overall length of the tool using one or more actuators between the flanges, while maintaining a sealed connection between the tubing string and the stuffing box. Keys on the outer tubular mandrel are longitudinally slidable in keyways on the inner tubular mandrel to resist relative rotation between the mandrels. A secondary seal provides a sealed connection between the second flange and the top end of the outer mandrel in a fully retracted position of the tool.

Abstract: A system for a blowout preventer (BOP) stack assembly includes one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers coupled to a body that is configured to support a movable component of the BOP stack assembly, wherein each pair of ultrasonic transducers comprises a first ultrasonic transducer disposed on a first side of the body and a second ultrasonic transducer disposed on a second side of the body, opposite the first side. The system also includes a controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of a position of the movable component from the one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers, to determine the position of the movable component based on the first signal, and to provide a first output indicative of the position of the movable component.

Abstract: An equalizer valve is hydraulically operated by a pair of control lines running from a remote location such as a well surface. The use of control lines to make a mandrel or piston move in opposed directions removes the need for a spring or compressed gas to act as a spring against the anticipated hydrostatic force in a single control line system that is dependent on setting depth. The equalizer valve with its pair of control lines is insensitive to setting depth. Three seals on the mandrel are used to move the mandrel with the two control lines in opposed directions and to apply a net force to the mandrel. The seal applying the net closure force is exposed to a low or atmospheric chamber to make the second seal operate reliably using a large differential.

Abstract: A circulation mechanism in a subsea assembly is selectively actuated to allow fluid communication between the riser annulus and tubing string to immediately kill the well using heavy-weight fluid in the riser annulus; perform well control operations by adjusting the weight or other properties of fluid in the tubing string or riser annulus; and/or to circulate the riser of a deep-water well undergoing well testing or intervention.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a multi-gradient pressure regime within a wellbore annulus. A plurality of valve subs provided along a drill string with each sub including a port for selectively venting supply fluid from the drill string to the annulus. A valve is coupled to the port to control the supply fluid flow into the annulus. The valve has a stator fixed in relation to the valve sub housing. A rotor is in sealing contact with the stator, the rotor being rotatable with respect to the stator. The stator and rotor each have apertures formed therethrough, so that the rotor may be oriented between a fully shut position in which the stator and rotor apertures are not in alignment and a fully open position in which the stator and rotor apertures are in maximum alignment. The valve allows precise metering between the fully open and shut positions.