Abstract: A reversible electric door lock includes a clutch unit, a dead bolt unit and a handle unit. The clutch unit has an external driving member, two driving plates mounted at two sides of the external driving member, an internal driving member rotatably mounted in the external driving member, and a clutch pin movably disposed in the external driving member between an engaging position to allow synchronous rotation of the external and internal driving members, and a disengaged position to allow idle rotation of the internal driving member. The external driving member is rotated to actuate the dead bolt unit to switch to an unlatched position. The handle unit includes an internal operating handle coupled with one of the driving plates, and an external operating handle coupled with the internal driving member. The reversible electric door lock can be applied to left-hand and right-hand doors.

Abstract: A device including a doorknob, rotating disc implements, two steel connecting wires, two connecting rods, and weak-link connectors configured to disable the steel connecting wires when an excessive force is applied to the doorknob. One of the connecting rods comprises a spring loaded connecting rod configured to engage a threaded hole of a sliding bolt. The other connecting rod comprises a connecting rod configured to engage a separator pinion in the sliding bolt. The spring loaded sliding bolt enables the device to be positioned in a locked or unlocked condition. The device is configured to be installed in the center of a door to secure the door to a door frame. The door and door frame may each be made of wood or steel.

Abstract: A multi-panel door or window apparatus is provided. The apparatus has at least first and second panels that are foldable relative to one another. An automatic latch arrangement is provided that automatically actuates a shootbolt to engage a track of the apparatus as the first and second panels transition towards a co-planar relationship. Methods of latching the apparatus are provided as well. The automatic latch arrangement independent of the door or window apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first vehicle structure mounted for movement relative to a second vehicle structure between open and closed positions, and a sensing strip placed to surround a substantial portion of at least one of the first and second vehicle structures to detect an obstruction. At least one actuator prevents the first vehicle structure from moving to the closed position in response to a detected obstruction.

Abstract: A vehicle having a door slidably mounted on a shell. The vehicle includes at least one assistance device, comprising both a winder carrying a strap and a receptacle, the winder including a brake for braking unwinding of the strap from the winder, one of the winder and receptacle being fastened to the shell and one of the winder and receptacle being fastened to the door, the strap carrying a latchplate suitable for being reversibly attached to the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new compact clamp for sliding glass doors, which includes two jaws, left jaw and right jaw. One of the jaws has a damper formed by a double-effect damper with gas and oil technology, using a cylinder containing a front gas chamber and a rear gas chamber which are located at the ends of the cylinder, and a central oil tank, the gas chambers and the oil tank being separated by a blind piston and an annular piston, which are both leak tight. In the central oil tank is disposed a non-leak tight damping piston that is connected to a rod of the damper and divides the tank into two oil chambers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bump stop assembly that includes a housing, a stopper, and a biasing device. The stopper is moveable relative to the housing and includes a head, a shaft extending from the head, and a plurality of recesses distributed along the shaft. The biasing device is disposed within the housing, and is operable to engage and disengage with at least one recess based on a load exerted on the stopper.

Abstract: A spacer assembly includes a housing that is configured to couple to a component. The housing includes a central bore. A bumper is coupled to the housing. The bumper includes a bumper support including a shaft that extends within the central bore, and a bumper head coupled to the bumper support.

Abstract: A passenger transport vehicle that includes at least one door, an optical detection module to dynamically detect a current fill value representing a number of occupants in the passenger transport vehicle, and a control module operatively connected to the at least one door and the optical detection module. The control module is configured to automatically initiate a closing sequence that includes movement of the door to a closed position once the detected current fill value reaches a predetermined threshold fill value for the passenger transport vehicle.

Abstract: A track-guided power door operator used to simultaneously open a set of opposing hinged doors is disclosed. The door operator comprises a pair of articulated arm linkages, each pair of which is pivotally mounted at One end to a vertically oriented pivot pin at one end of a guide member and pivotally connected at the other end to a vertically oriented pivot pin of a yoke member of a translating carriage, which is engaged by a horizontal lead screw. Translation of the carriage member due to rotation of the lead screw causes lateral separation between the knuckles of the articulated arm pairs to cause doors contacted by the knuckles to rotate about their respective hinges. The door operator may include a control unit to control operation of the doors. The operator may further include magnetic latches to lock the doors closed.

Abstract: A method of assembling a window includes positioning an insulating material in a frame thermal break defined by a middle portion of a frame intermediate a first side and a second side of the window. The method also includes connecting a cladding to the frame. The frame includes a first material visible on the first side of the window. The cladding includes a second material visible on the second side of the window. The method also includes connecting a first glass pane to a second glass pane to form an insulated glass unit and positioning the insulated glass unit in the frame. The method further includes aligning the frame thermal break and a pocket of the insulated glass unit such that a central plane of the pocket extends through a middle portion of the frame thermal break. The frame thermal break and the pocket define a continuous thermal break extending through the window.

Abstract: An insulating strip (3) connects profiles (2) of a composite profile (1) for doors, windows or façade elements. At least one of the profiles has a roll-in groove (6) and is composed of a first metal material. The insulating strip (3) includes a strip body (4) composed of an insulating material and extending in a longitudinal direction (z). A roll-in head (5) is formed at a longitudinal edge of the strip body (4). The roll-in head (5) has a cross-sectional shape in a plane (x-y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (z) suitable for insertion into the roll-in groove (6). A metal sheet (13) having surface variations (17; 18) covers at least a portion of a surface (10, 11, 12) of the roll-in head (5). At least a portion of the sheet (13) is composed of a second metal material having a tensile strength of 300 N/mm2 or more.

Abstract: A building component includes a frame including a first material and cladding connected to the frame. The building component also includes a thermal break defined by the frame intermediate a first side and a second side of the building component and an insulating material within the thermal break. The building component further includes an insulated glass unit including a first glass pane and a second glass pane spaced from the first glass pane. The first glass pane and the second glass pane define a pocket therebetween. The thermal break and the pocket define a continuous thermal break when the building component is in a closed position.

Abstract: A vent comprises a vent body (1) having at least one air flow channel through the body between a front face and a rear face (2) of the body. At least one float controlled flap valve (13) is pivotably mounted with the body, the or each valve having a first, normal position in which air is permitted to flow through an air flow channel and a second position in which the valve pivots in the presence of water to seal the air flow channel.

Abstract: A window covering includes a fixed rail, a covering material, a lifting cord and a winding mechanism, wherein the covering material is positioned under the fixed rail, and the winding mechanism includes a reel, a rotating member and a stopper. The reel is adapted to wind up or release the lifting cord, in order to drive the covering material to move toward the fixed rail to fold, or to move away from the fixed rail to unfold. The rotating member passes through the reel. The stopper is operably pivoted relative to the rotating member. When the rotating member rotates independently from the reel, the stopper is driven to pivot, and is protruded from a surface of the rotating member, and the stopper would abut against a block of the fixed rail to stop the rotation of the rotating member. Therefore, when a covering material of the window covering is unfolded and meets an obstacle, the covering material could stop unfolding automatically.

Abstract: A roller blind is disclosed which provides horizontal slats for directional shading, enabling the application of a screen fabric which allows a greater portion of visible light to pass therethrough. The disclosed slatted roller blind is free from the usage of ladder cords and is simplistic in design. The disclosed slatted roller blind maintains a compact formation of a roller shade when retracted and has greater resistance to skewing along the longitudinal axis of the roller while being retracted. Furthermore, the disclosed slatted roller blind design is capable of being utilized as an outdoor or indoor blind.

Abstract: A system for controlling motorized window coverings is described herein. The window coverings each have a processor, a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a network. The network is controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input. The mobile devices wirelessly connect to a local area network (LAN) via a hub. One or more hubs are connected via the LAN. The window coverings are networked via a personal area network (PAN). The hubs convert the LAN protocol to the PAN protocol. Sensors send sensor data along with real time weather data to the processor. The processor uses this sensor data to update charts and schedules in memory, then sends commands to the controller based on these updated charts and schedules according to user defined and factory set parameters. The system includes both local and cloud based control.

Abstract: There is provided a screen device that is capable of preventing deformation such as loosening of a horizontally-sliding roll screen due to the weight of the screen. A guide member has a slit that allows a fastener-like member at an upper end of the screen to be slidably engaged therewith in a retained state. In a state in which a space, which allows bending in the vertical direction, is formed above the guide member, both end portions and of the guide member are fixed to an upper horizontal frame of a screen frame, flange portions of the guide member are positioned above protruding walls in the upper horizontal frame, and spring members that apply upward urging forces to the guide member are provided between the protruding walls and the flange portions. Thus, deformation of the screen due to the weight thereof is suppressed by using the guide member.

Abstract: A dual curtain closure system for covering a portal wherein each curtain (18, 38) has a length greater than the length of the lateral margins (12, 13) of the portal (11), a first end (19, 39) fixedly attached across the portal at an upper end thereof, and a second end (23, 43) folded back on itself to define an upwardly opening pocket (25, 45). An elongated rod (34, 35) is supported within each pocket. A first spindle (51) winds and unwinds the first curtain (18) and a second spindle (52) winds and unwinds the second curtain (38). A drive motor (55) is operable to simultaneously rotate the first and second spindles such that the upwardly opening pockets of the curtains are concomitantly raised or lowered. A predetermined distance between the rods is maintained as the pockets are raised or lowered, which facilitates sealing of the curtains to the lateral margins of the portal as the curtains are lowered.

Abstract: A blind control for a window covering having a narrow profile; and particularly relates to a control module for a window shade where the location of the drive mechanism is selected to minimize the gap between the end of the window shade and inside edge of a window opening; locating the drive mechanism in a shell disposed in a housing to rigidity a reduced thickness of the drive so as to minimize the gap; and use a single rod depending from the control module to activate the drive mechanism in a safe and secure manner. The invention also includes a housing with an end wall adjacent one end of the shade; a clutch projecting from said end wall and rotatable about a clutch axis, a drive gear engageable at one end of the clutch for rotatably driving said clutch and shade, said drive gear disposed in said housing adjacent said end wall; and a wand for driving said drive gear.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a retrofitted door brake cam. The retrofitted door brake cam may, in various embodiments, comprise a hub comprising a cylindrical central axle, a plurality of projections extending radially away from an outer circumference of the central axle, and/or a cam comprising a plurality of pins that hold the projections away from a channel wall of a brake housing. The pins may be configured to break away from the cam to release the projections into contact with the channel wall, and the pins may be fitted with a cover, such that the pins are capable of withstanding abrasion and wear. The cover may comprise a cylinder having an axially running aperture, and/or a beveled edge that shaves a layer of the outer surface from one of the plurality of pins as it is fitted over the pin.

Abstract: A door operator comprises a rotary shaft, a chain disk for rotating the rotary shaft, and a locking mechanism for locking the rotary shaft. The locking mechanism comprises a bidirectional rotary block, a plurality of push pins and anti-rotation posts. When the chain disk rotates, the push pins urge the bidirectional rotary block to rotate the rotary shaft, and when the rotary shaft rotates, the of anti-rotation posts lock the bidirectional rotary block, and preclude the rotary shaft from rotating.

Abstract: A method for configuring a motorized drive device for a solar protection home automation unit includes a step of triggering the rolling-up of a screen from an unrolled position, in which the screen is relaxed, towards a rolled-up position. This method further includes a step of measuring a magnitude of an electrical current passing through an electric motor using a measurement device, a step of determining a first maximum value of the measured magnitude, indicative of a position of breakage of the arms of a screening device, and a step of determining a lowered end-of-travel position of the screen. The lowered end-of-travel position of the screen corresponds to a measured-magnitude value lower than the first maximum value. The lowered end-of-travel position of the screen lies before the position of breakage of the arms of the screening device, in the direction of unrolling of the screen.

Abstract: A ladder tube (10, 12) for use in a ladder section of a collapsible ladder (1) is provided. The collapsible ladder comprises several ladder sections (5, 5a-5j), where each ladder section comprises two ladder tubes (10, 12) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by a rung (20) to form the respective ladder section, and where each ladder tube (10, 12) is telescopically inserted into a ladder tube (10, 12) of a lower section to form the collapsible ladder (1). The ladder tube (10, 12) is characterized in that it has a cross-sectional shape comprising at least one straight section (16) which at each end is connected at an angle larger than 90 degrees to at least one additional section (18) of the cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A drilling system for use in rotary coiled tubing drilling of deviated wellbores is provided. The drilling system includes a base, a derrick mounted on the base, a top drive system mounted on the derrick; and a coiled tubing module. The coiled tubing module is adapted to move a coiled tubing in and out of the deviated wellbore and coupled to the top drive system on the derrick. A capsule of the coiled tubing module, which holds a coil of coiled tubing, is carried and rotated by the top drive system to transfer torque to the coiled tubing moving in and out of the deviated wellbore to perform rotary coiled tubing drilling.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a seal groove defined at least partially between a first member and a second member rotatable relative to the first member, an annular sealing element positioned in the seal groove and providing a mud surface, a lubricant surface axially opposite the mud surface, an inner radial surface, and an outer radial surface radially opposite the inner radial surface. One of the inner and outer radial surfaces is a dynamic surface that seals against the first member when the sealing element rotates with the second member, or seals against the second member when the second member rotates relative to the sealing element. A lubricant channel is defined through the sealing element and extending between the lubricant surface and the dynamic surface to provide a lubricant to the dynamic surface.

Abstract: A drilling tip according to the disclosure has a tip body which is provided with a tip portion tapered toward a tip side of the tip body; and a hard layer which is formed on a surface of the tip portion of the tip body, an outermost layer of the hard layer is a cBN sintered material having 70 to 95 vol % of cBN grains, and when a cross-sectional structure of the outermost layer is observed, a binder phase having a width of 1 nm or greater and 30 nm or less and containing Al, B, and N, and in which a ratio of an O content to an Al content is 0.1 or less exists between neighboring cBN grains.

Abstract: Methods of forming cutting elements may involve providing a thermally stable polycrystalline table and a substrate portion located adjacent to the thermally stable polycrystalline table in a mold. A metal material may be provided over the substrate portion on a side of the substrate portion opposing the thermally stable polycrystalline table in the mold, the metal material exhibiting a melting temperature of less than 1,320° C. A mixture of particles may be distributed on the metal material in the mold. The mold and its contents may be exposed to a temperature less than 1,320° C. and pressure may be applied to the mixture of particles to cause the mixture of particles to coalesce and form a substrate and to at least partially melt the metal material to flow, infiltrate the substrate portion, and wet the thermally stable polycrystalline table and the substrate to form an attachment therebetween.

Abstract: A method for making a wired drill pipe joint includes forming an electrically conductive material into a structure that is radially expandable to conform to an interior of the pipe joint substantially without plastic deformation of the electrically conductive material. An electrical connector is coupled to each longitudinal end of the formed electrically conductive material to form an electrical conductor assembly. An interior of the pipe joint is coated with an electrically insulating material. The electrical conductor assembly is inserted into the pipe joint. The electrically conductive material is radially expanded to conform to an interior surface of the pipe joint wherein a bonding material is applied to the interior wall of the pipe joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily connecting a first tool part to a second tool part of a tool includes a plurality of frangible members connecting the first tool part to the second tool part. The frangible members break only after being subjected to a predetermined applied force. The frangible members cooperate to differentially resist loading applied to the tool.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a release assembly (100) disposable axially between two components (A, B) of a percussion drill tool (10), wherein the components (A, B) are connectable together by means of a screw-threaded connection (20). The release assembly (100) comprises a release ring (102), the release ring (102) being tapered on at least a first side (103) in a first radial direction. The release assembly (100) also comprises a first counter element (105) arranged axially adjacent the first side (103) of the release ring (102), the first counter element (105) having a tapered side (106) for engagement with the first side (103) of the release ring (102).

Abstract: A tensioning tool assembly for supporting a string of oil production piping extending through a well bore includes an outer barrel and a telescoping inner mandrel slidably positioned within the outer barrel. The inner mandrel defines a plurality of axially-spaced slots configured to receive protruding members extending from the outer barrel to fix the relative axial position of the inner mandrel and outer barrel. In this manner, a string of production tubing may be axially displaced by moving inner mandrel to the desired axial position or tension and then rotating inner mandrel to lock the tensioning tool assembly and the attached production tubing. The inner mandrel may further define threaded features for attaching a pull rod and/or a central passageway for supplying fluid to control well pressures.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing mechanical shock and vibration in a downhole tool includes a frustum-shaped sleeve configured to be disposed between the downhole tool and another downhole component. The frustum-shaped sleeve is made of a mechanical shock absorbing material and includes a central axis, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface. The radially inner surface or the radially outer surface of the frustum-shaped sleeve includes a pyramidal frustum-shaped surface with four or more circumferentially adjacent sides. The downhole tool or the downhole component has a pyramidal frustum-shaped surface configured to mate with the pyramidal frustum-shaped surface of the frustum-shaped sleeve.

Abstract: A vertical pipe handling system comprising a bellyboard with at least one automated guide for leading tubulars between the fingers of the bellyboard. A method to move a tubular on or above a rig floor comprising automatically moving the tubular with a racking system comprising a bellyboard with at least one automated guide for leading tubulars between the fingers of the bellyboard.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a tool joint connection is disclosed comprising a scanning system configured to scan an exterior of a drill string, at least one distance measuring sensor mounted to a movable platform and a computer connected to the scanning system and the at least one distance measuring sensor, wherein the computer is configured to receive data from a scanning of the exterior of the drill string and compare the data from the scanning to a reference to determine a presence of the tool joint connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for connecting threaded tubulars are presented. One example method generally includes monitoring relative rotation between a backup tong and a tubular clamped in the backup tong to determine slippage of the backup tong.

Abstract: Methods and systems for connecting threaded tubulars are presented. One example method generally includes engaging threads of the tubulars; engaging the first tubular with a clamp of a makeup tool; rotating the clamp of the makeup tool, thereby rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular and making up the threaded connection; measuring turns of the first tubular; measuring turns of the clamp; and evaluating the threaded connection by comparing the measured turns of the first tubular and the measured turns of the clamp. One example system generally includes a makeup tool operable to rotate a first threaded tubular relative to a second threaded tubular. The makeup tool includes a clamp configured to engage the first tubular. The tubular makeup system further includes a first turns counter configured to measure turns of the first tubular; and a second turns counter configured to measure turns of the clamp.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a drilling process that uses a drilling fluid are described. The methods include measuring an initial salinity of a water phase of the drilling fluid, diluting the drilling fluid with a known amount of water to form a diluted drilling fluid, measuring a salinity of a water phase of the diluted drilling fluid, determining an initial relationship between a salt content and a water content in the drilling fluid using the initial salinity of the water phase of the drilling fluid, calculating an initial water content of the drilling fluid using the measured salinity of the diluted drilling fluid and the initial relationship between the salt content and the water content in the drilling fluid, and adjusting one or more drilling parameters in response to the calculated initial water content.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for controlled delivery of unknown fluids that safely and efficiently removes entrained gas from unknown fluids in the wellbore and/or marine riser. A control system automatically controls one or more choke manifold(s), and optionally the flow rate of one or more mud pump(s), to maximize the safe flow rate of returning unknown fluids to one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) without overloading. The control system may receive the state of the one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) to manipulate the choke manifold(s), and optionally the one or more mud pump(s) to maximize the safe flow rate of return fluids and expedite the removal of gases.

Abstract: Aspects of magnetic gradient drilling are described. In one embodiment, a system includes a drill pipe, drilling fluid, and a magnetic assembly tool connected to or integrated with the drill pipe. Among other elements, the magnetic assembly tool can include a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field and create an additional pressure drop in the drilling fluid outside the drill pipe, and a magnetic shielding material configured to shield the magnetic field from inside the drill pipe.

Abstract: A system includes a processor. The processor estimates a pattern of a flow of a mixture of drilling fluid and cuttings in an annulus of a wellbore. The flow is estimated as a stationary bed flow, a dispersed flow, or a transitional flow relative to the stationary bed and dispersed flows. The processor estimates parameters based on the estimated pattern of the flow, and determines a plurality of dimensionless parameters including a first dimensionless parameter corresponding to an effect of turbulence on the flow and a second dimensionless parameter corresponding to an effect of gravity on the flow, based on the estimated parameters. The processor characterizes the pattern of the flow as the stationary bed flow, the dispersed flow, or the transitional flow, based on the dimensionless parameters, and models the flow based on the estimated pattern if it is determined that the characterized pattern matches the estimated pattern.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean wellbore using a drill string includes injecting a drilling fluid into the subterranean well bore via the drill string and removing the drilling fluid from an annular space around the drill string (the annulus) via an annulus return line, oscillating a pressure of the drilling fluid in the annulus, determining a wellbore storage volume and a wellbore storage coefficient for each drilling fluid pressure oscillation, and using the wellbore storage volume and wellbore storage coefficient to determine a proportion by volume of gas and a proportion by volume of liquid in the annulus during that drilling fluid pressure oscillation. The wellbore storage volume is a change in a measured flow rate over a time period. The wellbore storage coefficient is the wellbore storage volume divided by a pressure change over the time period.

Abstract: Plain casing is run for a completion and openings in a desired pattern are added in the borehole. Gamma ray tools or other orientation tools are used to determine depth and orientation of a tool that makes the openings. The openings are created in the borehole in the location and pattern that is desired. The openings can be closed at a later time with a powered tool that inserts an object into the opening and fixates it to the casing to prevent production of undesired fluids. Even after production has started additional openings can be made in the same or connected lateral boreholes to enhance continued production.

Abstract: A modular window mill assembly includes a mill body having a first connection feature and a second connection feature; a mill head having a cutting structure and an engagement feature, the engagement feature configured to matingly engage with the first connection feature of the mill body to replaceably secure the mill head to the mill body; and, a blade having a cutting structure and a coupling feature, the coupling feature of each blade respectively matingly coupled to the second connection feature to replaceably secure the blade to the mill body. The mill body, mill head, and the blade are formed separately from each other prior to assemblage together to form the window mill assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for bridging a section of ruptured casing within an oil well comprising a length of bridging pipe extending between first and second ends sized to be located within the casing so as to span the section of ruptured casing, a first seal located around the bridging pipe proximate to the first end thereof, a second seal located around the bridging pipe proximate to the second end thereof, an installation assembly extending through the bridging pipe operably engaged with the first and second ends of the bridging pipe, wherein the installation assembly is operable to extend each of the first and second seals into engagement with the oil well and wherein the installation assembly is further operable to selectably disengage from the bridging pipe.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for pulling a crown plug from a subsea horizontal christmas tree, the method comprising: (a) providing a subsea lubricator having a longitudinal through bore and a jack attached to the subsea lubricator, the jack having a landing area, and the landing area having an opening which is fluidly connected to the lubricator's through bore; (b) providing a jacking string which includes a landing sub and a crown plug connector, the sub having a landing surface; (c) without the jacking string in step “b”, lowering the subsea lubricator of step “a”, to the horizontal christmas tree and attaching the lubricator to the christmas tree; (d) lowering the jacking string to the lubricator, and, while the landing surface of the landing sub is spaced above and not supported by the landing area of the jack, connecting the plug connector to the crown plug while the landing sub is above and not touching the landing area of the jack; (e) jacking up the jack such that the landing area of the jack c

Abstract: Systems and methods for landing a tubing hanger in a wellhead and then orienting a tree (or spool, or flowline connection body) relative to the tubing hanger while landing the tree on the wellhead are provided. This alignment is accomplished without the use of either a tubing spool or a BOP stack with an orientation pin. The tubing hanger alignment devices may be used to orientate the tree as the tree is landed so that the couplings and stabs between the tree and the tubing hanger line up with each other just at the moment of landing.

Abstract: A tool for launching wiper plugs into a casing string in a gas or oil well during cementing operations employs a collet-like mechanism carrying radially-movable jaws arranged to retain a plug in a fluid flow path when the tool is in a closed position, and to release the plug into the fluid flow path when the tool is in an open position. Selection of the desired operational position of the plug launcher (i.e., open or closed) is effected by actuation of an axially-movable sliding sleeve. Alternative means for actuating the sliding sleeve include rotary actuation about the tool's longitudinal axis, rotary actuation about a radial axis generally normal to the longitudinal axis, rotary actuation about a generally tangent axis, and pneumatic or hydraulic actuation. The tool may be adapted to carry multiple wiper plugs for sequential launching into a casing string.

Abstract: A subsea tree for use with a well includes a master block that has a flow hub located at the top of the subsea tree, a flow bore in fluid communication with the well, a swab valve, and a master valve. A choke block is coupled to a side of the subsea tree and includes a choke in a flow passage of the choke block. The swab valve is selectively closed so that fluid flowing through the master block is directed through the choke in the choke block. A method for operating the subsea tree, includes directing flow of a first fluid into the flow bore of the subsea tree, through the choke of the choke block, and then into the flow bore of the subsea tree. The method includes reversing flow of a direction of a second fluid through the subsea tree.

Abstract: A packer includes a sealing element positioned at least partially around a tubular, the sealing element having an axial end, a gage ring positioned at least partially around the tubular and adjacent to the axial end of the sealing element, and a plurality of petals pivotally coupled to the gage ring, extending at least partially axially therefrom toward the sealing element, and positioned radially outwards of the axial end of the sealing element. The gage ring is movable axially along the tubular, towards the sealing element, such that the gage ring applies an axial force to the sealing element to expand the sealing element radially outwards, and the plurality of petals are configured to pivot radially outwards when the sealing element radially expands.