Abstract: Various embodiments of a cutting deck assembly and a grounds maintenance vehicle that includes such assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a top surface and a sidewall extending from the top surface. The top surface and the sidewall partially surround a first cutting chamber and a second cutting chamber. The assembly further includes a channel disposed adjacent a rear portion of the sidewall and extending along a channel axis between a first end and a second end of the channel, where the first end of the channel is connected to an outlet of the first cutting chamber; and a ramp disposed at least partially within the channel and adjacent the second end of the channel. The ramp includes a directing surface that is adapted to deflect at least a portion of clippings that enter the channel from the outlet of the first cutting chamber.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cutting deck assembly and a grounds maintenance vehicle that includes such assembly. The assembly includes a top surface and a sidewall extending from the top surface. The top surface and the sidewall partially surround a first cutting chamber and a second cutting chamber. The assembly further includes a channel disposed adjacent a rear portion of the sidewall and extending along a channel axis between a first end and a second end of the channel, where the first end of the channel is connected to an outlet of the first cutting chamber; and a ramp disposed at least partially within the channel and adjacent the second end of the channel. The ramp includes a directing surface that is adapted to deflect at least a portion of clippings that enter the channel from the outlet of the first cutting chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a stepwise depressurization of a high-pressure fluid (liquid) filled chamber are shown and described. At least two valves are controllably opened and closed in a sequence to release a predetermined amount of pressure from the high-pressure chamber. At least some of the pressurized fluid released from the high-pressure chamber is stored, at least temporarily, in a second pressure chamber. The second pressure chamber is located between the two controllable valves. A control system controls the valves in response to a signal from at least one pressure sensor coupled to the high-pressure chamber. Additional components can be included in the system such as a pressure intensifier and a high-pressure pump, both coupled to the high-pressure chamber, and at least one other pressure sensor to improve the accuracy of the measured pressure in the high-pressure chamber.

Abstract: A case for carrying and storing flexible objects including elongated and small objects in a manner which prevents or reduces the objects from becoming tangled. The case is a two sided case with a central plate or base with each side having an openable lid. The lids are hinged at one side of the case and the lids and base include a latching mechanism for each lid. The exterior of the lids are rigid while the interior of the base and the lids include flexible materials that secure the objects within the case when the lids are closed and provide ease of access to objects when the a lid is open. The latching mechanism includes cooperating elements that permit opening one lid only when that lid is above the base and prevent opening a lid when another lid is open. A locking system secures the lids in closed position.

Abstract: A case for carrying and storing flexible objects including elongated and small objects in a manner which prevents or reduces the objects from becoming tangled. The case is a two sided case with a central plate or base with each side having an openable lid. The lids are hinged at one side of the case and the lids and base include a latching mechanism for each lid. The exterior of the lids are rigid while the interior of the base and the lids include flexible materials that secure the objects within the case when the lids are closed and provide ease of access to objects when the a lid is open. The latching mechanism includes cooperating elements that premit opening one lid only when that lid is above the base and prevent opening a lid when another lid is open. A locking system secures the lids in closed position.

Abstract: An improved and tunable ultrahigh-pressure nozzle for use in generating ultrahigh-pressure fluid jets is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a nozzle body is provided with a first conical bore that extends from an entrance orifice to an exit orifice, the bore transitioning into a second conical bore that is formed in a seal. The seal is formed to capture a nozzle orifice and position it in the nozzle body adjacent the exit orifice. By selecting the geometry of the nozzle, namely the diameter of the entrance orifice, and an included angle of the first and second conical bores, it is possible to optimize performance of a fluid jet generated by the nozzle for a selected task and operating parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting metal casings with an ultrahigh-pressure abrasive fluid jet is shown and described. Examples of such casings include piles and conductors of offshore oil production platforms. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated herein, the apparatus is lowered inside the casing to be cut to a desired depth where it is secured to an inner surface of the casing. An ultrahigh-pressure stream of fluid is forced through a nozzle provided in a jet manifold of the apparatus to produce an ultrahigh-pressure fluid jet, into which a volume of abrasives is entrained, thereby generating an abrasive fluid jet. A drive mechanism is provided to rotate the abrasive fluid jet in a substantially horizontal plane to produce a circumferential cut in the casing. The abrasive fluid jet may also be moved in a vertical plane if necessary to complete the cut, for example if the initial cut is in the form of a helix.

Abstract: An energy-dissipating receptacle is disclosed for use with fluid jet cutting systems. The receptacle includes a volume of suspensoids which circulate within the cavity to at least substantially dissipate the kinetic energy of the fluid jet, together with means for automatically maintaining an effective volume of suspensoids in the cavity as the suspensoid volume is decreased by the wearing action of the fluid jet impingement.The effective volume of suspensoids are preferably maintained by means of a filler tube having a discharge end positioned within the receptacle to effectively regulate the suspensoid volume.By including means for maintaining an effective volume of suspensoids during the cutting process, the receptacle may be fabricated with compact dimensions for enhanced maneuverability when coupled to a fluid jet nozzle for coordinated movement therewith.