Abstract: Venetian blind with horizontal slats suspended via carriers. The carriers extend through openings in the slats and include supports each supporting a slat adjacent one of the openings. The openings and the supports are arranged for providing stable support for each of the slats in at least two, mutually distinct positions. The orientations of individual slats or of subgroups of the slats can be adjusted very quickly by directly engaging the slats to be adjusted with a hand or an operating member between a limited number of predefined orientations. An orderly visual appearance can be achieved easily, even though the orientations of the slats are adjusted individually, since slats intended to be in the same orientation automatically assume mutually identical orientations.

Abstract: A roller shutter that has a carrier and a decorative lining laminated over the carrier. The roller shutter includes at least one stress limiting layer configured to limit stress applied on the decorative lining when bending the roller shutter.

Abstract: A spring assist module for window covering includes a stationary member, at least one torsion spring, and at least one rotatable member. The stationary member may be connectable to an operating member of the window covering. The at least one rotatable member may be keyable to a driven part of the window covering, such that rotation of the driven part rotates the at least one rotatable member. The at least one torsion spring may include a first end operatively coupled to the stationary member and a second end operatively coupled to the at least one rotatable member. The spring assist module may be pre-assembled as a self-contained unit.

Abstract: Quick-release control systems for architectural opening coverings and associated control systems and methods for rapidly deploying the coverings to extended positions. In one embodiment coupling assemblies are provided for controllably coupling and decoupling portions of lifting mechanisms in a variety of covering systems, including roller and cellular shade systems. In yet other embodiments, control systems for controlling a plurality of coverings are provided, which may be configured to remotely and simultaneously deploying each of the plurality of coverings to an extended position in response to a trigger signal.

Abstract: A covering an architectural opening including a support tube and a panel operably connected to the support tube and configured to be wound around the support tube. The panel includes a support sheet and at least one cell operably connected to the support sheet. The at least one cell includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a cell support member operably connected to the vane material and configured to support the vane material at a distance away from the support sheet when the panel is in an extended position with respect to the support tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods of fencing systems are provided that incorporate tri-truss assemblies and/or self-closing gates. A tri-truss assembly may provide stability and support to a gate that is part of a portable or temporary fencing system. A tri-truss assembly may be configured to support a self-closing gate that is part of a pool fence. A tri-truss assembly may include three vertical support members. Two of the three vertical support members may include pins configured to be placed within pre-drilled holes in a surface in order to maintain the tri-truss assembly upright. A third vertical support may be a different length (shorter or longer) than the first two vertical support members and include an adjustable foot, such as a threaded bolt, configured to contact the surface and provide additional stability and/or support.

Abstract: A system is provided for interconnecting a ladder to a vehicle. The system may include a first portion for interconnecting to an upper portion of a vehicle rear door and a second portion for interconnecting to a lower portion of the vehicle rear door. The system provides a ladder interconnection wherein no penetrations are made into the vehicle.

Abstract: A support platform assembly is disclosed. The support platform assembly provides a level surface on which a ladder can be supported, and includes an extendable platform, a first set of legs and a second set of legs. The extendable platform includes a first plate having a flat top surface and a second plate having a flat top surface, the second plate being slidable relative to the first plate between a retracted position and an extended position such that a length of the platform increases as the second plate slides from the retracted position to the extended position. The first set of legs are pivotably coupled to a bottom surface of the first plate, and the second set of legs are pivotably coupled to a bottom surface of the second plate, the first and second sets of legs being configured to vertically support the platform.

Abstract: A ladder stabilization apparatus features a ladder engagement unit, and first and second bracing members attached to the engagement unit at a side thereof that faces outwardly from the ladder and each having a respective contact side for abutting against a structure during. The bracing members are securable to the ladder engagement unit in a first position in which the contact sides diverge away from the ladder, and a second position in which the contact sides converge away from the ladder. Placement of the braces in the first position accommodates diverging walls of an outside corner of the structure, while placement of the braces in the second orientation accommodates converging walls of an inside corner of the structure against the contact sides of the bracing members. A slot between the bracing members in the second position accommodates a wall stud or other dimensional frame unit.

Abstract: An arrangement at a drill includes a drill bit intended to be inserted at its neck into a chuck in a down-the-hole drill, a control means for guiding the drill and a lining pipe, a coupling arrangement in the form of a bayonet coupling or similar with which the drill can be coupled to the control means in a manner that allows them to be separated and that in its freed condition allows the drill, together with the down-the-hole drill, to be withdrawn through the lining pipe, a flushing passage for the supply of flushing agent in front of the drill and an evacuation passage for the removal of drilling cuttings together the flushing agent. It also includes a casing shoe that can be applied at the forward end of the lining pipe and a contact surface arranged at a stationary part of the down-the-hole drill.

Abstract: A polycrystalline compact comprises a plurality of diamond grains of micron size, submicron size, or both, and a plurality of crushed diamond nanoparticles disposed in interstitial spaces between the plurality of diamond grains. A method of forming a polycrystalline compact comprises combining a plurality of micron and/or submicron-sized diamond grains and a plurality of crushed diamond nanoparticles to form a mixture and sintering the mixture in a presence of a binder to form a polycrystalline hard material comprising a plurality of inter-bonded diamond grains and diamond nanoparticles. Cutting elements comprising a polycrystalline compact and earth-boring tools bearing such compacts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table having at least two regions and being bonded to a fine grained cemented tungsten carbide substrate. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a cemented carbide substrate having a cobalt-containing cementing constituent cementing tungsten carbide grains together that exhibit an average grain size of about 1.5 ?m or less, and a PCD table having at least one upper region including diamond grains exhibiting an upper average grain size and at least one lower region adjacent to the upper region a lower average grain size that may be at least two times greater than the upper average grain size. The cemented carbide substrate includes an interfacial surface and a depletion zone depleted of the cementing constituent that extends inwardly from the interfacial surface to a depth of, for example, about 30 ?m to about 60 ?m.

Abstract: A cutting tool may includes a tool body; a plurality of blades extending from the tool body; and a plurality of non-planar cutting elements disposed along each of the plurality of blades, the plurality of non-planar cutting elements form a cutting profile, in a rotated view of the plurality of non-planar cutting elements into a single plane, the cutting profile including a cone region, a nose region, a shoulder region, and a gage region. The plurality of non-planar cutting elements include a first shape in at least one of the cone region, nose region, shoulder region, and gage region, and a second, different shape in at least one other region.

Abstract: A device for connecting sucker, or drive rods, consisting of a threaded coupling, one end of which has a right hand female thread and the other a left hand female, which joins the threaded pins of adjacent rods. The ends of the pins are equipped with dogs, or lugs, that interlock when the connection is made up, firmly linking the rods torsionally. The coupling serves only to keep the dogs, or lugs, engaged and to carry the tensional load on the connection. Such a connection provides a stronger torsional link between rods than connections currently available. The connection also does not require the special make-up procedure of the current systems and cannot over tighten or back off during operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a tubular handling tool. The tool may include a base and a ring or sleeve member. The tool may further include an actuation member configured to move or rotate the ring or sleeve member relative to the base. Additionally, the tool may include a clamp or dog member attached to the base. The clamp or dog member is configured to move between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position as the ring or sleeve member moves or rotates relative to the base.

Abstract: A skate drive and tubular clamping system for a catwalk. The system includes first and second actuators configured to move a skate and a clamp. The system includes a biasing device coupled to the skate and configured to bias the clamp between and open and clamped position based on a tension force between forces applied by the first and second actuators and a clamping threshold force. The first and second actuators may be flexibly coupled to the skate drive and tubular clamping system, such as by cables, and remotely mounted on a trough of the catwalk.

Abstract: A method for extending reach of a coiled tubing string in a deviated wellbore includes determining a frequency of vibration of the tubing string based on a function of the bending resonance of the tubing string and vibrating the tubing string at the determined frequency while the tubing string is inside the wellbore. Embodiments may also include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to execute the foregoing method and a system for extending reach of a coiled tubing string in a deviated wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole-tool stop device (1) and a method of using the same, the stop device (1) comprising a first collar (4) attached to an elongated body (9), characterized by the stop device (1) including a second collar (6) attached to the elongated body (9), and the second collar (6) being displaceably attached to the elongated body (9), and the first collar (4) and the second collar (6) being placed a distance (A1) apart.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tubing string anchor for resisting angular rotation of the tubing string, as when undergoing pumping through the string. The anchor includes a plurality of anchoring members each rotatable about a fulcrum between a locking position and a non-locking position. The anchor housing has a groove formed between adjacent anchoring members through which a string may be run to access below the anchor when the anchor is installed.

Abstract: A section milling device may include a plurality of rotatable arms that each include one or more cutting members. The rotatable arms may be rotated between a retracted position and an extended position. When rotated to the extended position, the rotatable arms may be locked or substantially limited in their movement by one or more hydraulic pistons. The rotatable arms may be held at a predetermined angle during milling operations.

Abstract: A spear head assembly includes a spear point having a proximal end and an opposite pointed end. A sleeve has an axial passage and a first end from which the spear point extends, the spear point coupled to the sleeve wherein the spear point can pivot relative to the sleeve and move axially relative to the sleeve. The first end of the sleeve has a smooth continuous abutment surface for the spear point, and the abutment surface forms a funnel like structure which reduces in inner diameter in a direction inward of the sleeve, with the funnel like structure extending between an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: High pressure seals for pressure control fittings are disclosed, where such pressure control fittings are located at a wellhead, for example. Embodiments of cam lock seals, a spring-driven ball race seal and wedge seals are disclosed.

Abstract: A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-out preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production. The control and supply unit includes a vibration detection means to detect vibrations caused by a conveyed flow. The conveyed flow can be controlled by the actuating device.

Abstract: An apparatus for use subsea includes a container having at least one aperture; a lid securable to the container to cover the at least one aperture, suitable to isolate the inside of the container from the outside of the container when fluid pressure outside the container is at least 5000 kPa. The lid has one or more electrical connections providing electrical communication from a first side of the lid to a second side of the lid. The apparatus further includes one or more wires for providing electrical communication between one or more electrical components in the container and the one or more electrical connections in the lid.

Abstract: A downhole tool member for hydrocarbon resource recovery, comprising a shaped body of a polyglycolic acid resin having a weight average molecular weight of at least 70,000, having an effective thickness which is ½ or more of a critical thickness of surface decomposition, and exhibiting a thickness reduction rate in water which is constant with respect to time. As a result, it has become possible to more accurately design the strength and time up to the collapse of the downhole tool member which forms the whole or a part of a downhole tool for developing or repairing downholes for recovery of hydrocarbon resources, such as oil and gas.

Abstract: A solidification- and extrusion-molded article of polyglycolic acid, which is formed of a resin material containing polyglycolic acid, the polyglycolic acid having a melt viscosity of 200 to 2,000 Pa·s, and has a thickness or diameter of greater than 100 mm but not greater than 500 mm. A downhole tool or a component thereof and a ball sealer for petroleum excavation are formed by cutting the solidification- and extrusion-molded article. A method for manufacturing the solidification- and extrusion-molded article of polyglycolic acid and a method for manufacturing a ball sealer for petroleum excavation.

Abstract: A well (10) comprising a packer apparatus, the packer apparatus comprising: a packer (16) and an activation mechanism; wherein the activation mechanism comprises an expansion mechanism for expanding the packer (16) and a wireless receiver (360) optionally a transceiver. For certain embodiments the wireless receiver may be acoustic and/or electromagnetic. The receiver is adapted to receive a wireless control signal and control the activation mechanism and wherein the packer apparatus is provided downhole in any one of the following locations, (i) on a production tubing; (ii) in a casing annulus between two different casing strings; (iii) between the casing and formation; (iv) on a sub-assembly within an uncased section of the well and (v) on a drill string.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a section of a wall of a wellbore adjoining a target zone containing undesirable fluids for preventing penetration of the undesirable fluids into the wellbore is described. The apparatus includes an inflatable balloon deployable in the wellbore, a coiled tubing for deploying the inflatable balloon into the wellbore and an inflating assembly tool for inflating the balloon to form a seal over the adjacent target zone of the well bore wall.

Abstract: A releasable production packer employs lock ring segments that are biased radially inwardly for engaging a mating pattern external to the packer mandrel. The mandrel has openings aligned with the segments and a release tool that latches to the mandrel for support and then moves the segments radially outwardly away from engagement with the mandrel so that the slips and sealing elements can extend axially and retract radially. After those movements the packer is retrieved. The release tools moves the locking segments only radially for the maximum mechanical advantage without risk of bending or deforming small parts.

Abstract: An expandable anchor/seal is pushed up a ramp until making contact with the surrounding tubular as or after the anchor/seal contacts the same tubular. The setting sleeve is made from high yield steel that has a weakened leading end to reduce the force required to push the leading end and the anchor/seal and an outer surface treatment at a leading end that engages or penetrates the wall of the surrounding tubular. Preferably a plurality of fingers are formed with axially oriented slots starting from a leading end allowing fingers to flex as they ride up the ramp on the mandrel for setting the anchor/seal and locking that set with the setting sleeve exterior surface configuration that can abut or penetrate the surrounding tubular.

Abstract: A secondary cementing apparatus includes a drill string, a coupling coupled to a distal end of the drill string, and a tool coupled to a distal end of the coupling, the tool having a distal portion offset from a central axis of the drill string, and the coupling configured to allow selective rotation of the tool with respect to the drill string. A method for plugging a hole includes rotating a drill string about a central axis of the drill string, wherein a distal end of the drill string is coupled to a tool, the tool having an offset distal portion from a central axis of the drill string; and flowing a fluid down the drill string and out of the offset distal portion of the tool as the drill string is rotated.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, by providing a first acidic treatment fluid comprising fibers to fracture the formation and providing a non-acidic treatment fluid comprising multiple particle size acid precursors having a first average particle size between about 3 mm and 2 cm and a second amount of acid precursors having a second average size between about 1.6 and 20 times smaller than the first average particle size or a second amount of flakes having a second average size up to 10 times smaller than the first average particle size.

Abstract: A tubing string can include a plug blocking fluid flow through a port. The plug can be a frangible component or include a frangible component. When the frangible component is broken, fluid is allowed to flow through the port. An object is releasable from downwell and breaks the frangible component as the object travels towards the surface of the well, propelled by the production fluid. Fluid flow through the port can cause a sleeve to open or close additional ports. Fluid flow through the port can allow for optimized production from the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of completing a well involving remediating a condition of screen-out that has taken place along a zone of interest. The method includes forming a wellbore, and lining at least a lower portion of the wellbore with a string of production casing and placing a valve along the production casing, wherein the valve creates a removable barrier to fluid flow within the bore. The barrier is removed by moving the valve in the event of a screen-out. This overcomes the barrier to fluid flow, thereby exposing ports along the production casing to the subsurface formation at or below the valve. Additional pumping takes place to pump the slurry through the exposed ports, thereby remediating the condition of screen-out.

Abstract: A method for opening a port through the wall of a ported sub includes providing a sub with a port through its tubular side wall and providing a hydraulically actuable valve to cover the port. The valve can be actuable to move away from a position covering the port to thereby open the port. The method also includes increasing pressure within the sub to create a pressure differential across the valve to move the valve toward the low pressure side, while the port remains closed by the valve, and thereafter, reducing pressure within the sub to reduce the pressure differential to move valve away from a position covering the port.

Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to a subsurface safety valve. The subsurface safety valve includes a closure mechanism and a piston assembly for actuating the closure mechanism. The piston assembly includes a first piston disposed in a first chamber, a second piston disposed in a second chamber adjacent to the first chamber, and first and second control lines. The second chamber has a second diameter that is smaller than a first diameter of the first chamber. The first control line selectively communicates pressure to the first piston in a downhole direction. The first piston applies force to the second piston in response to pressure being communicated to the first piston. The force can cause the closure mechanism to be actuated. The second control line communicates a second pressure to the first piston in an uphole direction that reduces an amount of force for displacing the second piston an uphole direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.

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

Abstract: A series of independently operated chokes, using a shift tool in registry with a profile discrete to each choke, have a tubular valve member that aligns or misaligns openings for the fully open or closed positions for the choke and for intermediate positions as the valve opens or closes. The valve member is actuated axially using a reversing screw and a j-slot. A shifting tool latches a unique profile to operate the j-slot to cause a sleeve to rotate in place. The sleeve has a pin in registry with a profile on a profile shaft. The profile shaft can move axially in opposite direction but is restrained against rotation. The profile is shaped so that continuous j-slot operation causes the registered pin to move in the profile to then axially drive the profile shaft which is connected to the valve member.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly for deployment within a wellbore is disclosed. The wellbore string includes a port and a flow control member, wherein the latter is displaceable to open and close the port. The flow control member comprises a first mandrel; a second mandrel including a locator for disposition within a locate profile of the wellbore string to resist displacement of the second mandrel, relative to the locate profile, and locating the bottomhole assembly within the wellbore string. A shifting tool is disclosed, the shifting tool including two gripper surfaces; and two shifting tool actuators, translatable with the first mandrel. The shifting tool actuators displace the shifting tool by displacing the first mandrel downhole or uphole relative to the second mandrel; and the second mandrel includes a retainer for limiting displacement of the shifting tool, relative to second mandrel, in both of downhole and uphole directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a debris barrier assembly having a sleeve, an outer housing assembly coupled to the sleeve, and first and second biasing members disposed within the outer housing assembly. A support member is coupled to the sleeve and is in contact with an end of the first and second biasing members. The debris barrier assembly is coupled to a polished bore receptacle to prevent debris from entering the PBR. The debris barrier assembly is operable to compensate for a pressure differential between the internal region of the PBR and the external region of the surrounding wellbore. The debris barrier assembly and the PBR may be run in the wellbore on a work string, and the sleeve may be actuated to actuate a downhole tool connected to the sleeve to perform a downhole operation. The debris barrier assembly may be retrieved from the wellbore using the work string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wellbore assembly. The wellbore assembly may comprise a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool may comprise lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel Tool Trap that in at least some embodiments can provide means for debris to fall over a Gate into a peripheral Sump and means to move a Gate laterally from a Center Tube to clear debris from the Center Tube that might restrict the Gate from rotating between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An efficient and cost-effective process of carbon dioxide recycling in enhanced oil recovery wells or in fracturing wells is provided. The process comprises recovering a hydrocarbon enriched stream of condensed carbon dioxide from and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) well or a fracturing well; adding to said stream one or more thickeners; and directing the thickened stream to the EOR well or fracturing well for recycled usage in EOR.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of formulating an empirical correlation model that estimates inflow performance relationship (IPR) of a snaky well. The model provisions for determining inclination and azimuth direction of the snaky well. A plurality of grid models is simulated for a predetermined well bottom-hole pressure. The grid models are validated by comparing the response of each grid to the response of a horizontal well. Sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the impact of the snaky well parameters on the IPR of the snaky well. Additionally, regression analysis is performed based on the sensitivity analysis in order to determine Vogel based quadratic coefficient that estimates the IPR of the snaky well. A transformation of the snaky well parameters is performed in order to determine a sum of squared errors, whereafter a linear weighting of the transformed parameters is computed to determine a correlation parameter of the empirical model.

Abstract: A debris removal apparatus includes a housing. The housing has a chamber located therein. The chamber has at least one closed end. The debris removal apparatus can also include a first flow path. The first flow patch can be in communication with an opening in the first end of the housing. The first flow path can also have an exit, and a diverter can be located adjacent to the exit. A port can be located between the diverter and the exit of the first flow path. The port can be in fluid communication with the first flow path and the chamber. The chamber can be in communication with a second flow path, and a screen operatively positioned between the chamber and second flow path.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a flexible liner eversion into, or an inversion out from, a low-permeability borehole. A flexible liner may be installed by eversion down a subterranean borehole in order to selectively seal the borehole. Such a liner may be removed from the borehole by inverting it up the borehole. Water is removed by pumping from the borehole beneath the lowest end of the borehole, to facilitate eversion of the liner. Water is added, by pumping water into the borehole beneath the lowest end of the liner, to permit or facilitate inversion of the liner.

Abstract: A wellbore select fire switch retaining member system and method with an integrated through wire and ground wire in a switch sub. The system/method includes a retaining member that has a form factor acceptable by a conventional switch sub. The retaining member incorporates an electrical connection to the center pin of a pressure switch. The system further includes a secondary piston aligned with a piston in the switch (switch piston) so that external pressure is fully acted upon the entire switch piston creating a reliable switch connection. Another system includes an integrated retaining member and switch module having a form factor compatible with existing switch subs. The integrated module inputs include a ground wire and a through wire and the outputs include a ground wire, through wire and an arming wire.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon production facility includes: a hydrocarbon well; a hydrocarbon production line including: in the well, a production tube, and on the surface, an evacuation tube from the production tube; on the surface, a source of pressurized gas; an injection line of pressurized gas in the hydrocarbon production line, linked to the source of pressurized gas; a pump for circulation of hydrocarbon from the well hydrocarbon circulation; a pneumatic motor for supplying power to the pump, fitted on the injection line of the pressurized gas and adapted to be rotated by expansion of the pressurized gas. A corresponding production method and an upgrade method of a facility are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for artificial lift via a downhole piezoelectric pump including methods of removing a wellbore liquid from a wellbore that extends within a subterranean formation and/or methods of locating the downhole piezoelectric pump within the wellbore. The systems include hydrocarbon wells that include the wellbore, a casing, the downhole piezoelectric pump, and a liquid discharge conduit and the systems may be utilized with and/or configured to perform the methods.