Abstract: We disclose a window blind which purifies the surrounding air using electrostatic interactions. The window blind includes slats which may have a strip of positively charged material, a strip of negatively charged material, or both attached to the top of the slat. In some embodiments, the positively charged material and the negatively charged material are attached to alternating slats. In other embodiments, the positively charged material and the negatively charged material are attached to the top of the same slate with a strip of insulating material positioned between them. The window blind may include an air-moving device which moves air past the slats so that dust particles with either a net positive charge or net negative charge may be attracted to the oppositely charged material on the slat. The air-moving device may be a vacuum or a fan. The positively and negatively charged materials may be removeable for cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system for an architectural covering comprising a roller and a bearing for rotatably mounting the roller to a holding member. The bearing comprises a length variation member which is biased to be in a first state yielding a bearing length which allows the roller to be held by the holding member, and which can be manipulated into a second state, in which the bearing length is reduced such that the roller is removable from the holding member. The length variation member comprises at least one sloped portion that extends along at least part of its outer circumference and in the first state extends largely or completely outside the roller. The sloped portion is dimensioned such that the length variation member can be urged to the second state by applying a force on the sloped portion in a single direction.

Abstract: A screen system includes a screen system having a screen assembly including a screen member with a plurality of equidistantly spaced apertures. The screen member may be mountable to a bottom portion of a door or a window for allowing airflow to pass through the apertures while inhibiting a passage of bugs and insects. The screen member has a sufficient rigidity for preventing damage from at least one pet attempting to pass through the screen member.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings including a roller; a shade wrapped around the roller, the shade configured to extend from or retract onto the roller when the roller rotates; a retraction motor operably coupled to the roller for biasing the roller in a direction to retract the shade, wherein the retraction motor includes a spring having a first end rotatable with the roller and a second end fixed against rotation of the roller, wherein rotation of the roller unwraps or further wraps the spring to store energy therein; and a positioning device including: a circumferential track including at least one seat; and a pin engaging the circumferential track, wherein the pin selectively enters the at least one seat of the circumferential track to hold the shade, and is selectively releasable therefrom for additional extension or retraction.

Abstract: A safety assembly for ladders includes a pair of angled guide rails and a pair of hollow mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket is configured to receive an end of an angled guide rail. Each guide rail has a first section and a second section connected to the first section. The first and second sections are joined at an angle ranging from about 155 degrees to about 168 degrees. The second section has a length less than a length of the first section.

Abstract: A multifunction stabilizer for attachment to a ladder includes: a frame including a base, a first arm connected to a first lateral side of the base and extending in a forward direction, a second arm connected to a second lateral side of the base opposite the first lateral side and extending in the forward direction, and a bracket-engagement member connected to the base and extending in a rearward direction opposite the forward direction; a rearward bracket including a base-engagement member, a first ladder-engagement wing extending from a first lateral end of the base-engagement member, and a second ladder-engagement wing extending from a second lateral end of the base-engagement member opposite the first lateral end; and a fastener for selectively locking the bracket-engagement member into engagement with the base-engagement member such that capture channels for receiving the rails of a ladder are defined between the arms and the ladder-engagement wings.

Abstract: A multifunctional articulated drilling machine, particularly but not exclusively adapted for excavation and drilling operations in galleries and tunnels, includes a vehicle equipped with tracks and a drilling member, a connection arm adapted to connect the drilling member to the vehicle, a first constraining system constraining the lower end of the arm to the vehicle, and a second constraining system constraining the guide of the drilling member to the upper end of the arm. The tracks can be translated crosswise in order to vary the distance between them.

Abstract: A whipstock assembly includes a whipstock providing a ramped surface, and a mill releasably coupled to the whipstock with a shear bolt and providing a mill profile. A tension arm is pivotably coupled to the whipstock and movable between a stowed position, where the tension arm is received within a cavity defined in the ramped surface, and an engaged position, where an engagement head of the tension arm mates with the mill profile to assume at least a portion of a tensile load assumed by the shear bolt.

Abstract: A downhole tool orienting subassembly includes a latch assembly having one or more latch keys and an orienting key coupled to an outer housing of the latch assembly. A latch coupling has a body and an internal latch profile defined on an inner radial surface of the body to receive the one or more latch keys and thereby secure the latch assembly to the latch coupling. A guide slot is defined on the inner radial surface to receive the orienting key and thereby rotationally orient the latch assembly with respect to the latch coupling.

Abstract: A drilling assembly disposed on a drillstring deviates a borehole (i.e., changes the trajectory of the borehole) advanced by a drill bit. A housing disposed on the drillstring transfers first rotation to the drill bit, and one or more directors are disposed on the housing to rotate therewith. Each of the directors is independently movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition relative to the housing. An actuator is disposed on the assembly and is operable provide a second rotation relative to the first rotation. An internal component is disposed in the housing and is rotatable by the second rotation of the actuator to have first and second conditions relative to each of the one or more directors rotating with the first rotation of the housing. The internal component in the first condition extends a given one of the one or more directors toward the extended condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to reamers used in downhole oil well operations, particularly in reaming while drilling applications. Presented is a reamer having an interior channel which runs axisymmetric to an elongate axis of the entire body of the reamer, wherein there are openings along both ends of the reamer, exposing the interior channel. Additionally presented in the reamer are a plurality of paths extending parallel to the interior channel along the exterior of the body of the reamer, and running in a helical pattern along the entirety of the exterior of the body of the reamer. Disposed within the helical paths are a plurality of cutting inserts, which cutting inserts are enabled to provide a uniform cutting surface against a well bore, which preferably improves cutting action and reduces strain on the reamer.

Abstract: A hybrid bit includes an earth-boring element and a percussion element. The earth-boring element and the percussion element are coaxially arranged, with the earth-boring element surrounding the percussion element. A reciprocating member of the percussion element may oscillate in a manner that enables a bottom end of the reciprocating member to repeatedly protrude from a bottom end of the earth-boring element and to be repeatedly withdrawn. A configuration of the earth-boring element may enable it to drill into and remove some materials from an earth formation, while the percussion element may enable the hybrid bit to drill into and remove difficult-to-drill materials, including abrasive materials and/or materials with high compressive forces, such as chert.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool may comprise at least one cavity formed in a face thereof. At least one retractable pad residing in the at least one cavity may be coupled to a piston located at least partially within the at least one cavity. Additionally, a valve may be positioned within the earth-boring tool and configured to regulate flow of an incompressible fluid in contact with the piston through an opening of a reservoir. A cartridge may comprise a barrel wall defining a first bore, and a piston comprising at least one retractable pad positioned at least partially within the first bore. The barrel wall and the piston may define a first reservoir within the first bore, and a valve may be positioned and configured to regulate flow through an opening to the first reservoir. Related methods and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool may include a tool body, a plurality of blades extending from the tool body, and a plurality of cutting elements coupled to the blades. The plurality of cutting elements may include one or more cutting elements having a working end of a first geometry (e.g., a pointed geometry) and one or more cutting elements having a working end of a second geometry (e.g., a planar geometry).

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a cutting element comprising a hard material and at least one of a signal generator configured to provide an electromagnetic or acoustic signal to an interface between a surface of the hard material and a surface of a subterranean formation, and a sensor configured to receive an electromagnetic or acoustic signal from the interface. A method of forming a wellbore includes rotating the earth-boring tool within a wellbore and cutting formation material with a cutting element, transmitting a signal through the cutting element to an interface between the cutting element and the formation material, and measuring a response received at a sensor. A cutting element includes a transmitter oriented and configured to dispense a signal to an interface between the cutting surface and a surface of a formation and a sensor oriented and configured to measure a signal from the interface.

Abstract: A cutting element includes a sleeve, a rotatable cutting element, and at least one retaining ring. The sleeve has a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter, wherein the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter and located at a lower axial position than the first inner diameter. The rotatable cutting element has an axis of rotation extending therethrough, a cutting face, a body extending axially downward from the cutting face, wherein the body has a shaft that is disposed within the sleeve, and a circumferential groove formed around an outer surface of the shaft. The at least one retaining ring is disposed in the circumferential groove and extends at least around the entire circumference of the shaft, wherein the at least one retaining ring protrudes from the circumferential groove, thereby retaining the rotatable cutting element within the sleeve.

Abstract: A screw joint for a pipe comprising (1) a pin member, the raw pipe portion of which has an outer diameter set to 168.

Abstract: A downhole cable includes a central core. The central core includes a metal tube having a plurality of optical fibers therein or a copper wire. The downhole cable further includes an extruded aluminum tube surrounding the central core.

Abstract: A top interface for subsea riser on offshore, floating vessel has an upper funnel and a co-axial lower funnel in spaced-apart relation. Tension loads on the riser are reacted at the upper funnel while lateral and bending loads are reacted at the lower funnel. The riser top interface may be used with flexible risers or steel catenary risers.

Abstract: A motion compensator system for use on a floating vessel including a compensator cylinder assembly, a guide cylinder assembly, an upper carriage affixed to an upper end of both cylinder assemblies, a lower carriage affixed to a lower end of both cylinder assemblies, and a safety shutoff assembly. The compensator cylinder assembly includes three or more compensator cylinders. The safety shutoff assembly includes a compensator manifold and three or more compensator valves. Each compensator valve is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source through the compensator manifold and in fluid communication with a lower chamber of one of the compensator cylinders. The safety shutoff assembly is configured to isolate a failed compensator cylinder by setting the associated compensator valve to a vent setting and continuing normal operation of the remaining compensator cylinders. The motion compensator system optionally includes a lock system for securing the system in a retracted position.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus is provided. The drilling apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: first and second moving modules; first to third drawworks for vertically moving the first and second moving modules; a wire for successively connecting the first drawwork, the first moving module, the second drawwork, the second moving module and the third drawwork; a first fixing drum positioned between the first drawwork and the first moving module so as to support the wire; and a second fixing drum positioned between the second moving module and the third drawwork so as to support the wire.

Abstract: A tubular transfer system comprising a boom structure having a first frame telescopically coupled to a second frame. A first actuator is configured to extend and retract the first frame relative to the second frame. A clamp mechanism is coupled to the first frame and configured to grip and lift a tubular. A second actuator is configured to raise and lower the clamp mechanism relative to the first frame.

Abstract: A tubular clamp system comprising a carriage assembly coupled to a gripper assembly. The gripper assembly includes a pair of jaws movable into engagement with a tubular by a lead screw that is rotated by a first actuator. The pair of jaws are configured to grip and lift the tubular by a thrust nut that is coupled to the lead screw and is rotatable by a second actuator.

Abstract: A tooling rack (1) for storing slender objects, such as pipes (4), comprises at least one rack element (6) which is provided with at least one slot (7). Each slot is bordered by resilient opposite holding elements (10, 11) between which an object is to be accommodated. The resilient opposite holding elements (10, 11) exert a holding force on the object (4), respectively give way to release the object against said holding force. Furthermore, with the aim of securing the objects against shocks and the like, locking means (12-16) are provided. These locking means in a locking state engage the resilient opposite holding elements (10, 11) and prevent said resilient opposite holding elements from giving way and from releasing the holding force exerted on the object (4), and an idle state in which said resilient opposite holding elements are allowed to give way and release the object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide combined multi-coupler assembly for quickly connecting a top drive to a tool. The combined multi-coupler assembly includes a drive stem and a tool dock that may be coupled to each other. When the drive stem and the tool dock are connected, axial loads, torsional loads, and hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, optical, or other types of communications may be transferred between the drive stem and the tool dock.

Abstract: A tong and method, in which the tong includes a first plate, and a gear that is rotatable relative to the first plate. The gear defines a slot laterally therethrough. An inner surface of the gear includes at least three cam surface. The tong also includes at least three jaws coupled to the first plate such that the at least three jaws are radially movable with respect to the first plate and are prevented from circumferential movement with respect thereto. The at least three jaws are engageable with the at least three cam surfaces such that rotation of the gear relative to the first plate causes the at least three jaws to move in a radial direction between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed provide a pump assembly including a first pump for delivering at least one fluid. The first pump may include a first inlet coupled to the first pump for delivering at least one first fluid to the first pump, a second inlet coupled to the first pump for delivering at least one second fluid to the first pump, a first discharge coupled to the first pump for delivering the at least one first fluid at a first pressure, and a second discharge coupled to the first pump for delivering the at least one second fluid at a second pressure. In some embodiments, the first discharge and the second discharge are isolated from each other.

Abstract: A system and methods of using air compressors to create a jet vacuum to accelerate the drilling fluid circulation, which is located on the surface, or down the hole through passages along the well casings or drilling pipes. The jet vacuum is applied to help suck up the drilling fluids with cuttings. They are used in addition to the pumps and boosters to push and circulate the drilling mud or aerated-compound fluid. The invention accelerates the drilling fluid circulation and reduces the number of pumps and boosters.

Abstract: Actuatable valve tool including a tubular housing forming an axial flowbore. A slidable flow tube disposed within the housing and a shear sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the slidable flow tube. One or more valves disposed within the housing, each having an open position and a closed position. In the open position the one or more valves permit fluid flow within the axial flowbore, and in the closed position the one or more valves block fluid flow therethrough. The slidable flow tube moveable within the housing to transition the one or more valves between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A method of controllably disintegrating a downhole article comprises disposing the downhole article in a downhole environment, the downhole article containing a matrix material; a first chemical; and a second chemical physically isolated from the first chemical, and allowing the first chemical to contact and react with the second chemical generating an acid, a salt, heat, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing that accelerates the degradation of the matrix material in a downhole fluid.

Abstract: A “back-off” tool comprises a magazine cylinder having one distal end of a long mast rod secured to the lower end-face of a magazine cylinder. The magazine cylinder is attached to an electrically detonated firing head. A first plurality of blind hole cavities penetrate the magazine cylinder end-face around the mast rod junction. A second plurality of elongated detonation cord ends are inserted into high temperature grease filled magazine cylinder cavities. From the cavities, the detonation cord lengths are bound to the rod surface along the rod length by non-metallic cord. The tool assembly is secured to the end of a wireline or tubing string for downhole placement and detonation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating a downhole impact. The apparatus may be an impact tool operable to be coupled between portions of a tool string conveyable within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The impact tool may include a housing, a chamber within the housing, a piston slidably disposed within the chamber and dividing the chamber into a first chamber volume and a second chamber volume, and a shaft connected with the piston and axially movable with respect to the housing. The first chamber volume may be open to a space external to the housing and the second chamber volume may be fluidly isolated from the space external to the housing. The piston may be maintained in a predetermined position within the chamber to maintain pressure within the second chamber volume appreciably lower than pressure within the first chamber volume while the impact tool is conveyed along the wellbore.

Abstract: A system includes a running tool that has a tool body, a first piston configured to move a sealing member of a seal assembly between sealed and unsealed positions between the seal assembly and a first tubular, and a second piston configured to move a lock member between locked and unlocked positions between the seal assembly and a second tubular.

Abstract: A system includes a hanger running tool that has a first lock ring configured to secure the hanger running tool to a hanger when a first axial force is applied to the hanger running tool and a tool body configured to direct a push ring of the hanger in an axial direction when a second axial force is applied to the hanger running tool, where the push ring is configured to direct a second lock ring of the hanger radially outward toward a tubular, and where the hanger running tool is configured to secure the hanger to the tubular without rotating the hanger running tool.

Abstract: A system includes a running tool having a tool body configured to couple to a hanger assembly, a first sleeve disposed around the tool body and configured to move in an axial direction with respect to the tool body, a torque sleeve disposed around the tool body and configured to move in the axial direction as a result of movement of the first sleeve in the axial direction, where the torque sleeve has a first torque transfer interface configured to interlock with a second torque transfer interface of the hanger assembly to enable torque transfer from the running tool to the hanger assembly, and a second sleeve configured to couple to the first sleeve, where the second sleeve is configured to move to engage a lock member of the hanger assembly and to move the lock member between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: An annular blowout preventer includes a housing, an annular packer positioned within the housing, and an annular piston assembly positioned within the housing. An annular contacting surface of the annular piston is configured to contact the annular packer while the annular blowout preventer is in the open position. The annular blowout preventer also includes a plurality of inserts extending axially through the annular packer and arranged circumferentially within the annular packer.

Abstract: A well system and method including applying suction to a wellhead housing outlet (8) to divert the flow of subterranean gas from flowing through a gas conduit through the wellhead housing (4). An operation can then safely be performed on a component (e.g. removing a hanger) of the wellhead apparatus. Well gas can be diverted to a flare system (200). Suction can be applied by a venturi system including eductors (104,106). The method may include opening the gas conduit outlet once a pressure sensed at the conduit outlet is negative. Suction may also be applied to an upper outlet (14).

Abstract: An integrated rotating control device and gas handling system for a marine drilling system is disclosed. The system includes a flow spool; a riser sealing tool coupled to the flow spool; a rotating control device coupled to the riser sealing tool below a tension ring of a riser section of a drilling riser, the rotating control device fluidically coupled to the flow spool; and an auxiliary line routed around the rotating control device between the riser sealing tool and the riser section.

Abstract: A subsurface release plug system includes a plug mandrel body and a plug. The plug mandrel body includes a bore, a flow port fluidly connected to the bore, and a sleeve adjustable from a first position to a second position. The sleeve prevents fluid flow through the flow port when in the first position and allows fluid flow through the flow port when in the second position. The plug is releasably connected to the plug mandrel body, wherein the plug is configured to be released from the plug mandrel body by fluid flowing through the flow port.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for a composite fastener that can withstand the required shear stresses during operation of a downhole oil field device similar to a metal fastener until activated and yet be easily removable after shear or other intended failure. The composite fastener can act as a replacement for a typical metal fastener due to the enhanced strength of the composite fastener.

Abstract: A tool system is provided that can seal perforations or entrance points in a wellbore and reinforce the structure of the wellbore in a single run before a new, nearby wellbore is drilled and stimulated. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a body and bladder combination that is lowered into a wellbore to a predetermined position. In some embodiments, the bladder is positioned around an outer surface of the body and then inflated to seal and reinforce the wellbore. In various embodiments, the bladder is positioned in the body and then flushed to a second predetermined position and filled with a fluid to seal perforations and reinforce the wellbore. A two-reel system can be used to lower the combined body and bladder as well as only the bladder. The bladder-on-body embodiments and the bladder-in-body embodiments can be used in either vertical or horizontal wellbores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting and pulling a casing string from a well. a downhole casing pulling tool includes a tubular housing having a bore therethrough, a packer assembly configured to isolate an annulus between a casing and the tool, a slip assembly configured to engage the casing, and a piston assembly disposed in the bore of the tubular housing. The piston assembly is configured to operate an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to operate at least one of the packer assembly and the slip assembly and modify a fluid pressure in the bore of the tubular housing.

Abstract: A method for creating access to annular spacing during P&A operations is described. Specifically, helical coils are cut into one or more casings before the plugging material is set. The plugging material is able to exit the helical coils, forming multiple, small rock-to-rock seals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling wellsite equipment, including a cementing unit comprising a plurality of sensors operable to generate information related to operational status of the cementing unit and a controller comprising a processor and a memory including computer program code. Communication is established between the cementing unit and the controller. The controller is operable to operate the cementing unit to automatically perform: a pressure calibration of the cementing unit, a pressure test of the cementing unit, an over pressure shut-down test of the cementing unit, a low rate pumping test of the cementing unit, a hydraulic horsepower test of the cementing unit, and/or a mixing test of the cementing unit.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe fracturing methods and systems, wherein pressure differentials and fluid flow rates may be utilized to stimulate multiple zones, sleeves, or ports with the same tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for avoiding fluid loss during installation of a lower completion in an open hole oil, gas or water well. A lower completion assembly 3, 33 comprising tubing with production perforations, for example in a sand screen, is run into the well on drill pipe 8, 38. The lower completion 3, 33 is hung from a packer 4, 34, together with a wash pipe 9, 39 which extends through the inner of the lower completion 3, 33. At the proximal end of the lower completion is a seal 15, 45 through which the wash pipe 9, 39 extends. An aggressive breaker fluid is circulated through the wash pipe, through a float shoe 11, 41 at the end of the completion. Once circulation is completed, the aggressive breaker removes all filter cake from the formation in 30 minutes. The wash pipe 9 is withdrawn but, because the wash pipe 9 seals against the seal 14 as it is withdrawn, fluid is not lost into the formation via the lower completion.

Abstract: A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.

Abstract: Arrangements for retaining coiled battery internals in a coiled orientation within a cell casing, in which end caps and/or sleeves are provided with at least one inward-facing protuberance for engaging and securing the coiled battery internals, and means for securing and aligning pouch cell batteries within a sleeve.

Abstract: A device for retrieving a control pod from a subsea BOP stack or deploying a control pod to a subsea BOP stack includes a base having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end axially opposite the first end. The base includes a plurality of axially adjacent bays positioned side-by-side between the first end and the second end. Each bay is sized to hold one control pod. In addition, the device includes a trolley moveably coupled to the base. The trolley includes a first stall and a second stall axially adjacent the first stall. Each stall is configured to hold one control pod. Further, the device includes a housing fixably coupled to the base. Still further, the device includes a control pod actuation assembly coupled to the housing. The control pod actuation assembly is configured to move the trolley axially relative to the base and the housing to align each stall of the trolley with at least one bay of the base.

Abstract: A modular, subsea hydrocarbon production hub 36 comprises a primary manifold 22 and a plurality of co-located extension structures 26, 30, 34. The primary manifold 22 has first connections 23 for connection a top-side facility 21, second connections 27, 35 for connection to at least one extension structure 26, 34, and third connections 25 for connection to at least one well 24. The extension structures 26, 30, 34 may comprise a secondary manifold 26, 30, having first connections 27, 31 for connection to the primary manifold 22 or another secondary manifold 26, 30, second connections 31 for connection to at least one further extension structure 26, 30, 36, and third connections 28, 31 for connection to further wells 29, 32. The extension structures 26, 30, 34 may also comprise one or more functional units, such as a pumping unit 34 or a separator unit 51.