An electro-catalytic honeycomb for controlling exhaust emissions, which adopts to purify a lean-burn exhaust, comprises a honeycomb structural body, a solid-oxide layer and a cathode layer. The honeycomb structural body includes an anode, a plurality of gas channels, and a shell. The anode is formed as a backbone, the gas channels are formed inside the backbone for passing the exhaust, and the shell covers an outer surface of the anode. The solid-oxide layer is adhered to an inner surface of the anode and connects the shell so as to encapsulate the anode. The cathode layer is adhered to a tube wall of the solid-oxide layer and has an oxidizing environment. The anode has a reducing environment. The reducing and the oxidizing environment facilitate an electromotive force to occur between the anode and the cathode layer to promote a decomposition of nitrogen oxides of the exhaust into nitrogen and oxygen.

This technology is a method and apparatus for the semi-continuous measurement of the concentration of constituents of airborne particles which couples a laminar flow, water condensation particle collector to a microfluidic device for assay of particle chemical composition by electrophoresis. The technology has been used for the assay of sulfates, nitrates, chlorides, and organic acids contained in fine and submicrometer atmospheric particles. For these compounds the apparatus and method described is capable of one-minute time resolution at concentrations at the level of micrograms of analyte species per cubic meter of air. Extension to other analytes is possible.

Methods and systems for measuring the oxidation-reduction potential of a fluid sample are provided. The system includes a test strip with a sample chamber adapted to receive a fluid sample. The sample chamber can be associated with a filter membrane. The test strip also includes a reference cell. The oxidation-reduction potential of a fluid sample placed in the sample chamber can be read by a readout device interconnected to a test lead that is in electrical contact with the sample chamber, and a reference lead that is in electrical contact with the reference cell. Electrical contact between a fluid sample placed in the sample chamber and the reference cell can be established by a bridge. The oxidation-reduction potential may be read as an electrical potential between the test lead and the reference lead of the test strip.

The present invention provides methods, devices, and kits for separating and selecting top sperm from a sperm sample of a subject. In one aspect, for example, such a method can include removing a portion of negatively charged protein from sperm in the sperm sample, immobilizing the sperm, electrophoretically separating the sperm, and selecting mature sperm based on electromotility properties.

The present invention is configured to be provided with: a bottom-equipped tubular cell main body that forms an internal space S1 that extends in a longer direction, and has one end part that is opened; a pair of applying electrodes that are arranged so as to face to each other in the internal space; and a fixing spacer that intervenes between the pair of applying electrodes to thereby define a distance between the applying electrodes, and fixes the pair of applying electrodes, wherein in a state where the fixing spacer is inserted into the cell main body, in a lower part of the internal space of the cell main body, a zeta potential measuring space in which the pair of applying electrodes are exposed is formed.

Methods and apparatus for applying pulsed DC power to a plasma processing chamber are disclosed. In some implementations, frequency of the applied power is varied to achieve desired processing effects such as deposition rate, arc rate, and film characteristics. In addition, a method and apparatus are disclosed that utilize a relatively high potential during a reverse-potential portion of a particular cycle to mitigate possible nodule formation on the target. The relative durations of the reverse-potential portion, a sputtering portion, and a recovery portion of the cycle are adjustable to effectuate desired processing effects.

A method for producing a transparent and conductive metal oxide layer on a substrate, includes atomizing at least one component of the metal oxide layer by highly ionized, high power pulsed magnetron sputtering to condense on the substrate. The pulses of the magnetron have a peak power density of more than 1.5 kW/cm2, the pulses of the magnetron have a duration of ≦200 μs, and the average increase in current density during ignition of the plasma within an interval, which is ≦0.025 ms, is at least 106 A/(ms cm2).

A metal material is provided with a bismuth coating which enables the subsequent coating to be accomplished at a high throwing power, and has excellent corrosion resistance, coating adhesion and is able to be produced with reduced damage to the environment. The metal material has a surface and a bismuth-containing layer deposited on at least a part of the surface of the metal material, wherein the percentage of bismuth atoms in the number of atoms in the surface layer of the metal material with a bismuth coating is at least 10%.

A biological sample measuring device including a mounting portion to which a biological sample measuring sensor is mounted, a voltage application section that applies voltage to a counter electrode of the biological sample measuring sensor mounted to the mounting portion, amplifiers that are selectively connected to a working electrode of the biological sample measuring sensor, and a determination section that is connected to these amplifiers. The determination section has a threshold determination section that determines a voltage value obtained by voltage conversion of the current value of the working electrode, a same determination section that selectively connects the amplifiers to the working electrode depending on the determination of the threshold determination section, and identifies the sample deposited on the biological sample measuring sensor from the output of the selected amplifier, and an output section that outputs a measurement value corresponding to the identified sample.

A system for determining a cut location at a work surface includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller stores a final design plane of the work surface and determines an actual profile of the work surface. A plurality of target profiles extending along a path are determined, each corresponding to a cut location. The target profiles are based at least in part upon the cut location, a loading profile, slot parameters, and the actual profile of the work surface. The controller is further configured to determine a lowest cost target profile and the lowest cost target profile defines an optimized cut location. A method is also provided.

A ripping mechanism for a vehicle has a support frame. A ripping member has an engagement head that is configured for plowing a groove in the ground. The ripping member is preferably positionable in a selected working position and working orientation by adjustment of the support frame. The ripping member is preferably movable relative to the support frame to cause reciprocating movement of the engagement head at least partially longitudinally. A tilt adjustment cylinder is preferably operable to orient the ripping member in the selected orientation. A vibrator mechanism is preferably operatively connected to the ripping member and activatable to cause reciprocating movement of the engagement head at least partially longitudinally.

A machine includes a plurality of ground engaging elements and an operator control station supported on a frame. A work tool is pivotably attached to the frame using a lift arm assembly and a tilt linkage. At least one device measures a quantity associated with at least one of the lift arm assembly, the tilt linkage, and the work tool. An electronic controller, in communication with an operator display and the at least one device. The electronic controller is configured to store an operator selected orientation of the work tool, calculate a current orientation of the work tool based on the quantity, and calculate a deviation of the current orientation from the operator selected orientation. A visual representation of the deviation is displayed on the operator display.

The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a system and method for controlling a rotation angle of a blade of a motor grader having a front frame operatively coupled to a rear frame at a point defining an articulation angle between the front and rear frames. The control system includes at least one sensor operatively associated with the blade, at least one sensor operatively associated with a wheel, at least one sensor operatively associated with at least one of the front frame or the rear frame, and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one sensors. The controller is adapted to determine a current position of the blade, determine a wheel steering angle, determine an articulation angle, and control the rotation angle of the blade based in part on the wheel steering angle and the articulation angle.

An agricultural machine (101; 201; 301) comprising two mainly parallel, in the direction of travel, cross-running disc implement rows (102a, 102c; 202a, 202b; 304a, 304b), wherein the orientation of the disc implements (102b, 102d; 203a, 203b; 302a, 302b) contained in the mentioned disc implement rows is arranged so that the fore row (102a; 202a; 304a) has disc implements that are mounted on a frame beam (110; 211; 303) and that are angled outwards and backwards towards the sides of the machine and in a dividing line mainly parallel to the direction of travel of the machine form a first point of change (208a, 304c), and the rear row (102c, 202b; 304b) has disc implements (102d; 203b; 302b) that are mounted on a frame beam (110; 211; 303) and that are angled inwards and backwards from the sides of the machine and in the dividing line form a second point of change (208b, 304a), wherein the fore row is adapted to throw soil from the first point of change outwards towards the sides of the machine and the other row is adapted to throw soil from the sides of the machine inwards towards the second point of change. The dividing line with the first point of change (208a, 304c), and with the second point of change (208b, 304) is arranged at a predetermined distance from the centre line of the machine (101; 201; 301) across the direction of travel.

A swing control apparatus and a swing control method for a construction machine are provided. The swing control apparatus includes a start position estimation unit, a stop target position calculation unit, and a swing motor position control unit. Even if an operator releases a lever or commands a stop at different times, an upper swing structure of the construction machine (for example, excavator) can be stopped within a predetermined range, and thus the inconvenience caused by an additional driving operation, which is required as the stop position differs according to the time point where the stop command starts, can be solved.

A system for determining a cut location at a work surface includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller stores a desired operating parameter and a final design plane of the work surface and determines an actual profile of the work surface. The controller determines a plurality of target profiles corresponding to different cut locations. The target profiles are based at least in part upon the cut location, a loading profile, slot parameters, and the actual profile of the work surface. The controller further determines an optimized target profile relative to the desired operating parameter and the optimized target profile defines an optimized cut location.

A hitch on a vehicle is raised and lowered by a hydraulic actuator controlled by an electrically operated valve. A control system receives a command that indicates a designated velocity and uses the command to operate the valve. Based on a reference external force exerted on the hitch, the control system is configured with relationships for converting a plurality of command values to corresponding electric current levels for operating the valve. The control system compensates for effects due to differences between the actual force acting on the hitch and the reference external force. Velocity feedback adjusts the electric current level applied to the valve. The passive load force control provides a predictor of the hitch load force to eliminate overshoot/undershoot of hitch motion. During hitch motion, the velocity feedback also compensates for effects due to load and hitch geometry changes that occur.

An apparatus for extracting and collecting particulate infill from an infilled artificial turf field. A vehicle has a first forward end and a second rearward end. An infill extractor is located at the first end of the vehicle and adapted to extract infill from a strip of infilled athletic turf. Extracted infill falls into a bottom section of the infill extractor. An infill mover is secured to the vehicle and adapted to move the extracted infill from the bottom section of the infill extractor toward the second end of the vehicle. An infill collector is connected to the second end of the vehicle and operable to cooperate with the infill mover to collect the moved infill. The infill collector includes a frame that is laterally movable relative to the vehicle from an operative “in use” position to a stowed position.

An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display a includes: a substrate; an organic light emitting element on the substrate and including a first electrode, a light emission layer, and a second electrode; and an encapsulation layer on the substrate while covering the organic light emitting element. The encapsulation layer includes an organic layer and an inorganic layer. A mixed area, where organic materials forming the organic layer and inorganic materials forming the inorganic layer co-exist along a plane direction of the encapsulation layer, is formed at the boundary between the organic layer and the inorganic layer.

A package includes a first die and a second die underlying the first die and in a same first die stack as the first die. The second die includes a first portion overlapped by the first die, and a second portion not overlapped by the first die. A first Thermal Interface Material (TIM) is over and contacting a top surface of the first die. A heat dissipating lid has a first bottom surface contacting the first TIM. A second TIM is over and contacting the second portion of the second die. A heat dissipating ring is over and contacting the second TIM.

A method and a semiconductor device for incorporating defect mitigation structures are provided. The semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a defect mitigation structure comprising a combination of layers of doped or undoped group IV alloys and metal or non-metal nitrides disposed over the substrate, and a device active layer disposed over the defect mitigation structure. The defect mitigation structure is fabricated by depositing one or more defect mitigation layers comprising a substrate nucleation layer disposed over the substrate, a substrate intermediate layer disposed over the substrate nucleation layer, a substrate top layer disposed over the substrate intermediate layer, a device nucleation layer disposed over the substrate top layer, a device intermediate layer disposed over the device nucleation layer, and a device top layer disposed over the device intermediate layer. The substrate intermediate layer and the device intermediate layer comprise a distribution in their compositions along a thickness coordinate.

Provided are three-dimensional nonvolatile memory devices and methods of fabricating the same. The memory devices include semiconductor pillars penetrating interlayer insulating layers and conductive layers alternately stacked on a substrate and electrically connected to the substrate and floating gates selectively interposed between the semiconductor pillars and the conductive layers. The floating gates are formed in recesses in the conductive layers.

An electronic device includes a silicon carbide layer including an n-type drift region therein, a contact forming a junction, such as a Schottky junction, with the drift region, and a p-type junction barrier region on the silicon carbide layer. The p-type junction barrier region includes a p-type polysilicon region forming a P-N heterojunction with the drift region, and the p-type junction barrier region is electrically connected to the contact. Related methods are also disclosed.

The present invention has an object of providing a light-emitting device including an OLED formed on a plastic substrate, which prevents degradation due to penetration of moisture or oxygen. On a plastic substrate, a plurality of films for preventing oxygen or moisture from penetrating into an organic light-emitting layer in the OLED (“barrier films”) and a film having a smaller stress than the barrier films (“stress relaxing film”), the film being interposed between the barrier films, are provided. Owing to a laminate structure, if a crack occurs in one of the barrier films, the other barrier film(s) can prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the organic light emitting layer. The stress relaxing film, which has a smaller stress than the barrier films, is interposed between the barrier films, making it possible to reduce stress of the entire sealing film. Therefore, a crack due to stress hardly occurs.

Some embodiments include transistors having a channel region under a gate, having a source/drain region laterally spaced from the channel region by an active region, and having one or more dielectric features extending through the active region in a configuration which precludes any straight-line lateral conductive path from the channel region to the source/drain region. The dielectric features may be spaced-apart islands in some configurations. The dielectric features may be multi-branched interlocking structures in some configurations.

A seat cushion airbag apparatus is applied to a vehicle seat including a seat unit having a seat cushion supported, from a lower side thereof, by a supporting portion of a seat frame, and an air blowing duct having a blow-out port below the seat cushion, wherein a conditioning air flowing through the air blowing duct is blown out upward from the blow-out port. An inflator is disposed at a location, which is spaced from the blow-out port in a front and rear direction of a vehicle, and an airbag is inflated between the supporting portion and the seat cushion by an inflation gas supplied from the inflator so that a seat face of the seat unit is raised to prevent a subject to be restrained on the seat unit from being moved forward.

A vehicle collision damage mitigation system includes: a vehicle having a crashable zone on a front side of a dash panel in a vehicle longitudinal direction; a body airbag device that inflates a body airbag that is provided on a front surface of the dash panel by a pressure of gas generated by a gas generating device; a detector that detects whether a mode of a frontal collision of the vehicle is a full-overlap collision or another collision; and a control unit that operates the gas generating device when detecting a collision other than the full-overlap collision on the basis of a detection result of the detector and that does not operate the gas generating device when detecting the full-overlap collision.

A partition for separating front and rear occupant areas of a vehicle comprises a frame and multiple panel members. The frame is attached to the vehicle and has an upper lateral member, respective angled side tubular members and a window. The multiple panel members are configured to fit vertically between the window and a floor pan and horizontally between first and second sides. The multiple panel members comprise a first panel member for positioning adjacent the first side, a second panel member for positioning adjacent the second side and a center section laterally adjacent and separating the first and second panel members. The center section protrudes rearwardly relative to the first panel member and the second panel member. The second panel member is recessed forwardly of the first panel member and forwardly of the center section to increase space available in a rear seat aligned with the second panel member.

A four-wheel independent suspension system for an electric wheelchair includes a chassis, two front wheels each fixed to a front rod respectively, and two rear wheels each fixed to a rear rod respectively. The chassis includes a rail extending in a width direction of the chassis, each of the front and rear rods has one end connected to a square first connecting sleeve, in the first connecting sleeve is disposed a first shock absorber which includes a rectangular outer pipe, and a rectangular inner pipe disposed in and rotated degrees with respect to the outer pipe, the edges of the inner pipe are abutted against the inner surface of the outer pipe, between each of the edges of the inner pipe and the inner space of the outer pipe is disposed an elastic rubber, the inner pipe of each of the first shock absorbers is sleeved on the rail.

A control arrangement for a hydropneumatic suspension system and a hydropneumatic suspension system are provided. The control arrangement has a pressure supply connection, a return connection, a piston chamber connection adapted to be connected to the piston chamber of a suspension cylinder of the hydropneumatic suspension system, an annular chamber connection adapted to be connected to the annular chamber of the suspension cylinder, and at least one controllable valve arrangement comprising a plurality of switch positions via which the pressure supply connection and the return connection are connectable to the piston chamber connection and the annular chamber connection. The annular chamber connection is in flow connection with the return connection via a pressure-limiting line having a hydraulically controllable pressure-limiting element. The pressure-limiting element has a control input adapted to be acted upon via a control line by a control pressure which is limitable to a predefinable pressure limit.

A reconfigurable fixed position suspension and support structure attached to the trailer body using a locking device consisting of pins, bolts and/or other fastening devices. The support structure has a removable locking device that when attached to the support structure locks the support structure and suspension into a fixed position relative to the trailer body. When the trailer is not in operation, the locking device can be removed allowing the suspension group to be reconfigured, and each suspension to be repositioned relative to the trailer body. The removable locking device is then reattached to the suspension support structure locking the support structure and suspension into a new fixed position relative to the trailer body.

An embodiment of the invention includes a three-component rear-wheel suspension system for interconnecting to a bicycle frame and a shock absorbing device. The three components are an upper stay pivotally attached to the frame, a lower stay having a rear wheel mount and pivotally connected to the upper stay at a location generally above the rear wheel mount, and a link pivotally connected to the frame at a location below where the upper stay is attached to the frame and pivotally coupled to the lower stay. The general arrangement of the linkages between the three components permit compression of the suspension system (i.e. relative upward movement of the rear wheel) with limited chainstay lengthening.

A suspension system for a vehicle includes a frame mounting bracket for mounting to the vehicle. The suspension includes front and rear rubber torsion axle assemblies. Front and rear lever assemblies are respectively pivotally attached to the vehicle at front and rear lever pivot points. Outer housings of the rubber torsion axle assemblies are each respectively rigidly mounted to the front and rear lever assemblies. A rigid control arm is pivotally connected at one end to the front lever assembly at a front control arm pivot point and its other end is pivotally connected to the rear lever assembly at a rear control arm pivot point. When the suspension assembly encounters a force causing the front lever assembly to rotate in one direction about the front lever pivot point the rigid control arm causes the rear lever assembly to rotate about the rear lever pivot in an opposite direction.

Interior panels having integrated airbag doors for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided herein. In one example, an interior panel comprises a substrate having outer and inner surfaces and an opening extending therethrough. A multi-shot injection molded airbag chute-door assembly is mounted to the substrate and comprises a chute wall that at least partially surrounds an interior space. A door flap portion is pivotally connected to the chute wall and at least partially covers the opening. A perimeter flange extends from the chute wall and has a flange section that overlies the outer surface of the substrate. A molded-in lip feature extends from the flange section and contacts the outer surface to form a seal between the flange section and the substrate. A skin covering extends over the substrate and a foam is disposed between the skin covering and the substrate.

There is provided a behavior control device for the prevention of a jackknife phenomenon of a combination vehicle including a tractor and a trailer pivotably coupled with the tractor, taking into account that the relative pivoting action of the trailer and tractor varies according to the magnitudes of a vehicle speed or a deceleration. The inventive behavior control device comprises a braking-driving force control portion which controls a braking-driving force of the tractor or the trailer to reduce a difference between a yaw rate of the tractor and a yaw rate of the trailer and a judgment portion which judges whether or not a braking-driving force control of the tractor or the trailer by the braking-driving force control portion is necessary; wherein the judgment portion changes based on a vehicle speed or a deceleration of the vehicle the judgment of whether or not the braking-driving force control is necessary.

A lightweight folding motorized chair with mechanical traction steering and braking. A folding frame supports the traction wheels and the drive system with hinged frame members configured to mechanically fold the control levers, wheels and periphery components into a substantially flat configuration for easy storage in small spaces. A mix of weight saving choices including: structural materials; mechanical traction control system; lithium ion battery; and overall lightweight design keeps the folding motorized chair at a size and weight that a person can lift into the trunk of a car.

A tubular string is advanced with a bottom hole assembly as the hole is drilled and reamed in a desired direction with the aid of directional drilling equipment adjacent the bit. When the advanced tubular forms the desired lap to the existing tubular, the assembly can be configured to cement the tubular and expansion can then be accomplished to fill the annular space and enhance the cement bonding. The expansion equipment can create a bottom bell on the expanded tubular and expand the top end into a bell of the existing tubular so that a monobore is created as the process is repeated with each added string. Numerous variations are contemplated for each single trip including but not limited to the direction of expansion, whether cementing or expansion occurs first, reforming folded tubing in the hole as well as the nature of the expansion tool and pressure control when drilling.

Methods and systems are described for improved drilling operations through the use of real-time drilling data to predict bit wear, lithology, pore pressure, a rotating friction coefficient, permeability, and cost in real-time and to adjust drilling parameters in real-time based on the predictions. The real-time lithology prediction is made by processing the real-time drilling data through a multilayer neural network. The real-time bit wear prediction is made by using the real-time drilling data to predict a bit efficiency factor and to detect changes in the bit efficiency factor over time. These predictions may be used to adjust drilling parameters in the drilling operation in real-time, subject to override by the operator. The methods and systems may also include determining various downhole hydraulics parameters and a rotary friction factor. Historical data may be used in combination with real-time data to provide expert system assistance and to identify safety concerns.

An attitude hold controller method includes receiving at a navigable apparatus a demand inclination and a demand azimuth with respect to a global coordinate system and determining at the navigable apparatus a demand attitude vector according to the received demand inclination and the demand azimuth. Determining at the navigable apparatus a current navigable apparatus attitude vector. Evaluating a control law using the current navigable apparatus vector and the navigable apparatus demand attitude to derive a control law tool face, converting the control law tool face to an equivalent tool face, and applying the equivalent tool face with the navigable apparatus to control the navigable apparatus attitude.

In some example embodiments, a system includes a drill string having a drill bit. The drill string extends through at least part of a well bore. The system also includes a first vibrational sensor, positioned on the drill bit to measure, at a first location on the drill string, an amplitude of one or more of an axial vibration and a lateral vibration. The system also includes a second vibrational sensor, positioned above the drill bit and on the drill string. The second vibration sensor is to measure, at a second location on the drill string, one or more of an axial vibration and a lateral vibration. The system includes a processor unit to determine a type of vibration based on a comparison of the amplitude at the first location to the amplitude at the second location, wherein the type of vibration is at least one of bit whirl of the drill bit and a while of a bottom hole assembly that is part of the drill string.

In one aspect, an apparatus for drilling a wellbore into an earth formation is disclosed, which apparatus, according to one embodiment, may include a drill string configured to be conveyed into a wellbore, wherein an annulus is formed between the drill string and a wellbore wall, a first flow device configured to circulate a first fluid from an annulus to a bore of the drill string, and a second flow device positioned downhole of the first flow device, the second flow device configured to circulate a second fluid from the bore of the drill string to the annulus.

According to an embodiment, a drilling fluid comprises: water and a set accelerator, wherein the drilling fluid has a 10 minute gel strength of less than 20 lb*ft/100 sq ft, wherein the drilling fluid has a density in the range of about 9 to about 14 pounds per gallon, wherein the drilling fluid remains pourable for at least 5 days, and wherein when at least one part of the drilling fluid mixes with three parts of a cement composition consisting of water and cement, the drilling fluid cement composition mixture develops a compressive strength of at least 1,200 psi. According to another embodiment, a method of using the drilling fluid comprises the steps of: introducing the drilling fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein at least a portion of the drilling fluid is capable of mixing with a cement composition.

Diamond bonded constructions comprise a diamond body attached to a substrate, wherein the body includes a first diamond bonded volume, and a second diamond bonded volume attached thereto. The second volume may be provided in the form of a powder or a presintered mass prior to attachment, and the first volume may be provided in the form of presintered pieces when combined with the second volume. The first volume diamond volume content is greater than about 94 percent, and is the same or greater than that of the second volume. The first volume is sintered during a first HPHT process, and the second volume is sintered and/or attached to the first volume during a second HPHT process. The first HPHT pressure is greater than the second HPHT pressure. The substrate is not an infiltration substrate used to form the first diamond volume. The diamond body may be thermally stable.

An arrangement having a piston configured to move along an axial pathway a rotating seal configured to seal an inside environment from an outside environment, the rotating seal configured to be acted upon by a pressure exerted from the piston, a differential pressure sensor measuring a pressure difference between a first fluid from the outside environment and a second fluid on the inside environment, a motor connected to the piston, the motor configured to actuate the piston to a position along an axial pathway and an electronic feedback control system connected to the motor, the electronic feedback system configured to interface with the differential pressure sensor and maintain a pressure generated by the piston onto the rotating seal to a desired pressure.

This invention provides a structure for gunpowder charge for charging gunpowders of different rates in combined fracturing perforation devices. The structure for gunpowder charge is convenient to mount and transport. In one embodiment, said structure for gunpowder charge comprises an inner gunpowder box located between adjacent perforating charges in the charge frame of a perforation device, and an outer gunpowder box attached to the outer wall of the charge frame, wherein said outer gunpowder box comprises one or two box units (2 or 4) with at least one claw at the inner side of said box unit, said claw can be locked into a groove or installation hole of the charge frame, and wherein said inner gunpowder box and said outer gunpowder box are charged with gunpowders of different burning rates.

A control and monitoring system controls and monitors a high power laser system for performing high power laser operations. The control and monitoring system is configured to perform high power laser operation on, and in, remote and difficult to access locations.

A method for managing a drilling operation, including generating, by a first sensor and a second sensor of a bottom hole assembly (BHA), a first time based data log and a second time based data log, respectively, representing a borehole parameter along a drilling trajectory, determining, by a computer processor of the BHA and during the drilling operation, a time shift by comparing the first time based data log and the second time based data log, where offsetting the first and second time based data logs by the time shift maximizes a correlation factor of the first and second time based data logs, and determining, within a pre-determined time period from generating the first and second time based data logs, a drilling speed based on the time shift and a pre-determined distance between the first sensor and the second sensor.

Apparatus and method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting at least one control variable. A drilling performance objective having a value that is influenced by drilling of the borehole using the at least one control variable is defined. A first interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a first value. A second interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a second value. A third interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a third value. The third value is selected based on a comparison of the values of the drilling performance objective while drilling the first interval and second interval to a predetermined optimal value of the drilling performance objective.

A method for reducing the friction forces between tubulars, for example coiled tubing in casing includes mixing a selected suspending agent and surfactant and polymer particles in oil, then adding the mixture to water and pumping the mixture down the tubing. The mixture is particularly useful in coiled tubular drilling inside casing of an oil or gas well. The formulation has also been found to reduce corrosion on metal surfaces.

Methods and apparatus are described to drill and complete wellbores. Such wellbores include extended reach horizontal wellbores, for example in shales, deep subsea extended reach wellbores, and multilateral wellbores. Specifically, the invention provides simple threaded subassemblies that are added to existing threaded tubular drilling and completion equipment which are used to dramatically increase the lateral reach using that existing on-site equipment. These subassemblies extract power from downward flowing clean mud, or other fluids, in an annulus to provide additional force or torque on tubular elements within the wellbore, while maintaining circulation, to extend the lateral reach of the drilling equipment and completion equipment. These added elements include combinations of The Leaky Seal™, a Cross-Over, The Force Sub™ and The Torque Sub™. The use of such additional simple elements allow lighter drilling equipment to be used to reach a given lateral distance, therefore reducing drilling costs.