Abstract: A multi-use tool with a shaped blade, a retractable tool, and handle with an angled hammering section that allows for a single user to complete varied tasks with just the one multi-use tool.

Abstract: A texting while driving caution system for a vehicle includes a vehicle control system operable to communicate with a personal electronic device via a wireless communication protocol. The control system is operable to display a caution in response to a text message being generated on the personal electronic device while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A texting while driving caution system for a vehicle includes a vehicle control system operable to communicate with a personal electronic device via a wireless communication protocol. The control system is operable to display a caution in response to a text message being generated on the personal electronic device while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A bleeder circuit includes a first resistor, a thermistor, a transistor, a second resistor, and a diode section. The first resistor biases the transistor into an always-on status. The second resistor prevents current from flowing through the thermistor responsive to a voltage at the positive terminal being greater than a minimum forward voltage of a load. The thermistor increases in electrical resistance, limiting the current flowing therethrough and preventing damage to the load responsive to the load short-circuiting.

Abstract: A bleeder circuit includes a first resistor, a thermistor, a transistor, a second resistor, and a diode section. The first resistor biases the transistor into an always-on status. The second resistor prevents current from flowing through the thermistor responsive to a voltage at the positive terminal being greater than a minimum forward voltage of a load. The thermistor increases in electrical resistance, limiting the current flowing therethrough and preventing damage to the load responsive to the load short-circuiting.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling drill string vibrations and applying a force to a drill bit include a body having a first piston at an uphole end in association with a drill string and a second piston at a downhole end in association with a drill bit. A first biasing member urges the first piston outward to provide a first force in an uphole direction to the drill string. A second biasing member urges the second piston outward to provide a second force in a downhole direction to the drill bit. When vibration from the drill string compresses the first biasing member, the first force resists the vibration and maintains the apparatus and drill bit in a consistent orientation. When an uphole force from the drill string or the drill bit compresses the second biasing member, the second force prevents movement of the drill bit in an uphole direction.

Abstract: A process and system may be employed to produce large, defect-free oxide crystals with high melting points which may utilize a water-cooled horizontal furnace with a hot zone design comprising multiple independently controllable heaters surrounded by a vapor shield and various layers of thermal insulation of varying thickness and composition. Raw materials such as sapphire crystals or alumina powder may be placed in a crucible or boat that may be positioned to ride on rollers. The crucible may be pulled (or pushed) through a furnace environment surrounded by a vapor shield and insulation at a controlled rate to melt and then crystallize the raw material into a sapphire crystal. The vacuum level may be controlled by a vacuum system attached to the furnace. Process parameters such as power, temperature, pulling speed (i.e.

Abstract: A package assembly for packaging a replacement mower blade is provided. The package assembly includes a blade hang tab removably attached to an end of a mower blade. A shrink film tube is positioned about the mower blade and blade hang tab, wherein the shrink film is heated to shrink the shrink film and secure the blade hang tab to the mower blade. In another embodiment, the package assembly includes multiple blades encased within shrink film with a blade hang tab attached to one of the blades within the shrink film.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling drill string vibrations and applying a force to a drill bit include a body having a first piston at an uphole end in association with a drill string and a second piston at a downhole end in association with a drill bit. A first biasing member urges the first piston outward to provide a first force in an uphole direction to the drill string. A second biasing member urges the second piston outward to provide a second force in a downhole direction to the drill bit. When vibration from the drill string compresses the first biasing member, the first force resists the vibration and maintains the apparatus and drill bit in a consistent orientation. When an uphole force from the drill string or the drill bit compresses the second biasing member, the second force prevents movement of the drill bit in an uphole direction.

Abstract: An exhaust diffuser system and method for a turbine engine includes an inner boundary and an outer boundary with a flow path defined therebetween. The inner boundary is defined at least in part by a hub structure that has an upstream end and a downstream end. The outer boundary may include a region in which the outer boundary extends radially inward toward the hub structure and may direct at least a portion of an exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the hub structure. The hub structure includes at least one jet exit located on the hub structure adjacent to the upstream end of the tail cone. The jet exit discharges a flow of gas substantially tangential to an outer surface of the tail cone to produce a Coanda effect and direct a portion of the exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the inner boundary.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for forming a curved portion of a borehole include a first plurality of cutting elements, such as tungsten carbide inserts, positioned at the outer or perimeter region of a bit face and oriented to bore in a direction generally perpendicular to the bit face. A second plurality of cutting elements, such as polycrystalline diamond compact cutters, are positioned at the inner region of the bit face and oriented to bore in a direction generally parallel to the bit face. When forming a curved portion of a borehole, the first plurality of cutting elements engage the formation to allow the drill bit to reorient at sharper angles than conventional methods for forming a curve, while when forming a linear portion of a borehole, the second plurality of cutting elements engage the formation to provide stability to the drill bit and a rapid rate of penetration.

Abstract: An airfoil for use as rotor blades in compressors for turbomachines, such as gas turbine engines. The airfoil includes increased forward sweep and forward dihedral effective to reduce losses generated by interaction of tip clearance flow, secondary flows and passage shocks.

Abstract: A transition duct for routing a gas flow from a combustor to the first stage of a turbine section in a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The transition duct may have an internal passage extending between an inlet to an outlet. An axis of the transition duct body may be generally linear such that gases expelled from the transition duct body flow in a proper direction into the downstream turbine blades.

Abstract: An exhaust diffuser system and method for a turbine engine includes an inner boundary and an outer boundary with a flow path defined therebetween. The inner boundary is defined at least in part by a hub structure that has an upstream end and a downstream end. The outer boundary may include a region in which the outer boundary extends radially inward toward the hub structure and may direct at least a portion of an exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the hub structure. The hub structure includes at least one jet exit located on the hub structure adjacent to the upstream end of the tail cone. The jet exit discharges a flow of gas substantially tangential to an outer surface of the tail cone to produce a Coanda effect and direct a portion of the exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the inner boundary.

Abstract: An airfoil for use as rotor blades in compressors for turbomachines, such as gas turbine engines. The airfoil includes increased forward sweep and forward dihedral effective to reduce losses generated by interaction of tip clearance flow, secondary flows and passage shocks.

Abstract: A transition duct for routing a gas flow from a combustor to the first stage of a turbine section in a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The transition duct may have an internal passage extending between an inlet to an outlet. An axis of the transition duct body may be generally linear such that gases expelled from the transition duct body flow in a proper direction into the downstream turbine blades.

Abstract: A slope level for measuring the slope of a surface is provided. The slope level includes a body having a front face and a back face and defining a first planar measurement surface. A transparent arced tube is disposed in an opening in the body. An aperture in at least one side of the level frame can allow for viewing of an arced tube through a clear cover protecting the tube. The clear cover may comprise a plastic material positioned between the side of the frame and filler material inside the frame and defining the groove, with the portion of the clear cover at the aperture extending outward so that the clear cover is flush with the side of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an array of flow directing elements having increased flutter stability for use in turbomachinery devices. The array comprises at least one high frequency flow directing element and at least one low frequency flow directing element. In a preferred embodiment, the array comprises a plurality of alternating high frequency and low frequency flow directing elements. Each high frequency flow directing element has its three lowest frequency vibratory modes at least 2.0% higher in frequency than the three lowest frequency vibratory modes of each low frequency flow directing element. The array of the present invention has particular utility in a turbomachinery device as part of a rotor stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved array of flow directing elements for incorporation in turbomachinery. In accordance with the present invention, an array of flow directing elements comprises a plurality of flow directing elements mounted to a rotor disk. The plurality of flow directing elements includes a first set of first flow directing elements whose natural vibration frequency has been modified by having material removed from a leading edge tip region and a second set of second flow directing elements whose natural vibration frequency has been modified by having material removed from a midspan leading edge region. The array may further comprise unmodified flow directing elements arranged with the modified flow directing elements.