Abstract: A roller ball assembly is provided. The assembly includes a primary roller ball supported by a support element that is composed of a superhard material. The assembly includes a cup defining a cavity within which the support element is positioned. A cap is coupled with the cup and positioned to retain the primary roller ball within the cavity. Also, a cup is disclosed for supporting roller halls. Additionally, disclosed are system and apparatus incorporating the assembly, as well as to methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of producing such devices, and elements of such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices configured for vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition that is contained in a reservoir and transported to a heating element by a liquid transport element. The liquid transport element may include a porous monolith.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a transmission may include a housing, a plurality of gears, and an input shaft having a vent with a first opening at a first end of the input shaft and a second opening at an outside diameter of the input shaft. The vent allows air flow between the interior and the exterior of the transmission. A breather tube may have a first opening positioned within the vent and a second opening positioned outside the vent. The first opening of the breather tube can be smaller than the first opening of the vent. A vent cover may be positioned over the second opening of the vent. The vent cover may have a first opening offset from the second opening of the vent.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a transmission may include a housing, a plurality of gears, and an input shaft having a vent with a first opening at a first end of the input shaft and a second opening at an outside diameter of the input shaft. The vent allows air flow between the interior and the exterior of the transmission. A breather tube may have a first opening positioned within the vent and a second opening positioned outside the vent. The first opening of the breather tube can be smaller than the first opening of the vent. A vent cover may be positioned over the second opening of the vent. The vent cover may have a first opening offset from the second opening of the vent.

Abstract: A parking meter receives data indicative of a remote payment being completed and displays an amount of time purchased by the remote payment for a parking session. The parking meter determines an amount of time remaining in the parking session and powers down at least a portion of a meter communication subsystem subsequent to receiving the data indicative of the remote payment being completed. The parking meter wakes up the powered down portion of the communication subsystem upon determining that the amount of time remaining is below a threshold time, and can receive an indication of additional time being paid for remotely, and can update the displayed time remaining to reflect the additional time.

Abstract: A payment system for parking locations communicates with a plurality of parking meters, each of which is associated with a predetermined geographic location corresponding to a parking location. The system receives user identifying information via a communication related to payment for a parking session at a parking location identified by the communication, and determines a user credit/debit card data for payment of the parking session based on the user identifying information. Data related to the parking session at the geographic location of the parking meter is stored in a database associated with a parking history of the user, and determines one or more advertisements to communicate to the user based on the geographic location of the parking meter and previously stored data related to the parking history of the user.

Abstract: A parking meter receives data indicative of a remote payment being completed and displays an amount of time purchased by the remote payment for a parking session. The parking meter determines an amount of time remaining in the parking session and powers down at least a portion of a meter communication subsystem subsequent to receiving the data indicative of the remote payment being completed. The parking meter wakes up the powered down portion of the communication subsystem upon determining that the amount of time remaining is below a threshold time, and can receive an indication of additional time being paid for remotely, and can update the displayed time remaining to reflect the additional time.

Abstract: A payment system for parking locations communicates with a plurality of parking meters, each of which is associated with a predetermined geographic location corresponding to a parking location. The system receives user identifying information via a communication related to payment for a parking session at a parking location identified by the communication, and determines a user credit/debit card data for payment of the parking session based on the user identifying information. Data related to the parking session at the geographic location of the parking meter is stored in a database associated with a parking history of the user, and determines one or more advertisements to communicate to the user based on the geographic location of the parking meter and previously stored data related to the parking history of the user.

Abstract: A method for selecting a parts kit detail for the installation of a pressure transducer on a container such as a pipeline or a vessel, the container for containing a fluid material, the method including two steps. The first step is to establish at least two different installation categories, each such different installation category being defined by the properties of the fluid material. The second step is to establish at least two different parts kit details, at least two of such different parts kit details being applicable to the different installation categories.

Abstract: The present invention is a power lever tactile cueing system for providing tactile alerts to pilots as operational limits of an aircraft are approached. The cueing system generates a tactile cue comprising a variable dive rate and a variable friction force on a power lever of an aircraft. The cueing system provides spring-like tactile cues when power commands reach a predetermined operating limit, without the use of mechanical springs. The cueing system trims down the power lever position and provides the additional friction force based upon aircraft and engine state. The cueing system remains activated until the aircraft is again operated within its operational limits. The pilot may override the cueing system in certain situations.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft (11) has a multi-mode tiltrotor nacelle control system with integrated envelope protection (13). The tiltrotor aircraft (11) has a fuselage (15), a tail section (17), a left wing member (21a), a right wing member (21b), a right engine nacelle (23b), a left engine nacelle (23a), a left proprotor (25a), and a right proprotor (25b). Activation of the nacelle control system causes preselected rotational movement of the tiltrotor assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a power lever tactile cueing system for providing tactile alerts to pilots as operational limits of an aircraft are approached. The cueing system generates a tactile cue comprising a variable dive rate and a variable friction force on a power lever of an aircraft. The cueing system provides spring-like tactile cues when power commands reach a predetermined operating limit, without the use of mechanical springs. The cueing system trims down the power lever position and provides the additional friction force based upon aircraft and engine state. The cueing system remains activated until the aircraft is again operated within its operational limits. The pilot may override the cueing system in certain situations.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft (11) has a multi-mode tiltrotor nacelle control system with integrated envelope protection (13). The tiltrotor aircraft (11) has a fuselage (15), a tail section (17), a left wing member (21a), a right wing member (21b), a right engine nacelle (23b), a left engine nacelle (23a), a left proprotor (25a), and a right proprotor (25b). Activation of the nacelle control system causes preselected rotational movement of the tiltrotor assembly.

Abstract: A bidirection brake for a rotary device prevents a reverse load or an overrunning load at the output of the rotary device from rotating the output in either direction. The brake includes a pair of opposing plates having pockets formed in their surfaces which contain movable balls. A reverse load or an overrunning load causes relative motion between the plates which in turn causes the balls to move to shallower parts of the pockets thereby forcing the plates axially apart. As the plates move apart, they each engage respective skewed roller assemblies which inhibit the rotation of the plates and the shafts which are connected to the plates. The breakout and running friction of the skewed roller assemblies are almost equal so that the brake operates smoothly when it is engaged and when it is released.

Abstract: A wide track vehicle with improved skid steering by having a chassis (1) supported upon two independently drivable tracks (2) by side support wheels (3) engaged with each track adjacent the outer edges only. Downwardly projecting rubbing strips (11, 12, 13) are attached to the underside of the chassis (1) to engage slideably with each track only when the track is upwardly deflected by uneven terrain. The tracks (2) each rotate upon a plurality of full width direction-changing rollers attached to the chassis and each having a rolling surface which is provided with mud-cutting, helical ridges (18).

Abstract: A pair of locking members to releasably lock a rocket in a launch tube. Each locking member has a forward end engaging the rocket and a rear end engaging the tube. A retaining strut engages the two rear ends of the locking members to hold the locking members in locking engagement. When the rocket is fired, the exhaust from the rocket moves the retaining strut out of retaining engagement to permit leaf springs on the locking members to pivot the locking members out of locking engagement and permit the rocket to move out of the tube.

Abstract: An improved wireline borehole shifting tool comprises upwardly extending upper dog means and downwardly extending lower dog means, with the upper dog means being extendable and retractable responsive to slack or tension, respectively, in the wireline; with the lower dog means being extendable and retractible and longitudinally movable relative to the upper dog means responsive to movement of a reciprocator shaft and power means that is disposed within the tool body beneath the lower dog means and with the lower dog means being at all times movable radially inwardly against a spring bias force. Also disclosed is an arrangement utilizing the shifting tool for running a caliper log of the borehole conduit diameter profile for a selected region, with the shifting tool lower dog means acting as the caliper sensing means. Further disclosed are unique methods for utilizing the shifting tool to perform shifting operations on devices that are disposed in wellbore conduits.

Abstract: A wireline latching apparatus and method of use with wireline instruments for measuring temperature and pressure downhole in flowing oil and gas wells. The latching apparatus includes a tubular body for connection to the instrument. Three arms are mounted in the tubular body pivotally so that their upper ends open outward. A downwardly facing shoulder is located in the well pipe in the area where the measurements are to be taken. An actuating mechanism is operable to open and close the arms so that their upper ends bear against the shoulder. The instrument with the latching mechanism is lowered into the well and positioned so that the arms are adjacent the shoulder. The arms are opened to engage the shoulder and the wireline tensioned to prevent whipping of the line as fluid flows past.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods are provided for conducting drill stem and production testing operations. A bypass sub removably receives a wireline tool in sealing engagement within a bypass sub bore, with the bypass sub including bypass passage means and selectively actuable port closure means to permit fluid from below the bypass sub to flow into conduit means above the bypass sub when the wireline tool is seated and secured in the bypass sub. In one embodiment, the means for selectively actuating the port closure means is a motorized shifter means incorporated in the wireline tool. The wireline tool carries selected sensor devices for sensing earth formation characteristics. Improved and unique means are provided for securing the wireline tool in the bypass sub and for selectively engaging the motorized shifter apparatus wih the port closure means.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods are provided for conducting drill stem and production testing operations. A bypass sub removably receives a wireline tool in sealing engagement within a bypass sub bore, with the bypass sub including bypass passage means and selectively actuable port closure means to permit fluid from below the bypass sub to flow into conduit means above the bypass sub when the wireline tool is seated and secured in the bypass sub. In one embodiment, the means for selectively actuating the port closure means is a motorized shifter means incorporated in the wireline tool. The wireline tool carries selected sensor devices for sensing earth formation characteristics. Improved and unique means are provided for securing the wireline tool in the bypass sub and for selectively engaging the motorized shifter apparatus with the port closure means.