Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for processing ultramafic material. The system may comprise a reactor for accelerating weathering of said ultramafic material. The reactor may comprise one or more chambers comprising one or more microbes, biological medicators, or enzymatic accelerants to facilitate the weathering of the ultramafic material.

Abstract: A wind turbine system is provided to generate electricity from wind energy. The system locates generator at a bottom portion of the tower. The system rotates either the entire tower, or the nacelle and the generator simultaneously. A flexible power transfer member inside the tower connects a top rotation transfer member and the bottom rotation transfer member to transfer wind energy captured by the turbine rotor from the top rotation transfer member to the bottom rotation transfer member. A pitch mechanism to rotate the rotor blades in a desired angular position about the rotor blades longitudinal axis is also provided.

Abstract: A wind turbine utilizes a rotor assembly rotating about a substantially horizontal shaft, wherein said rotational motion is converted to a substantially vertical rotational motion through a shaft extending down from the nacelle located near the top of the tower structure to a mechanical room located at a lower altitude relative to the top of the tower. Said lower mechanical room houses some of the large heavy operational components of the turbine such that the turbine is not as top heavy as conventional turbines, and maintenance of the turbine is improved through ease of access to the lower altitude mechanical room.

Abstract: A wind turbine system is provided to generate electricity from wind energy. The system locates generator at a bottom portion of the tower. The system rotates either the entire tower, or the nacelle and the generator simultaneously. A flexible power transfer member inside the tower connects a top rotation transfer member and the bottom rotation transfer member to transfer wind energy captured by the turbine rotor from the top rotation transfer member to the bottom rotation transfer member. A pitch mechanism to rotate the rotor blades in a desired angular position about the rotor blades longitudinal axis is also provided.

Abstract: A novel gasket includes at least one gripping element embedded in an annular member for forming a seal between two tubulars. For tubulars having socket and spigot ends, the gripping element includes teeth for gripping an outer surface of the spigot end and a blunt tooth for contacting a front wall of the socket end. The blunt tooth rolls along the front wall during relative movement between the tubulars and can include a contacting face of a specialized geometry to adjust contact dynamics and/or roughened surfaces to increase the frictional contact between the blunt tooth and the front wall. The embedded element can also include at least four teeth arranged such that no more than two teeth normally grip the outer surface of the spigot end. One or more teeth can also include a transverse groove to enhance penetration into the outer surface of the spigot end.

Abstract: A preferred joint restraint includes a dampening force and a restraining force to control relative movement between a pad and gland and between the gland and bolt, respectively. The preferred restraint includes a gland, pads, and bolts. Preferably, a flexible member disposed in the pad selectively provides the dampening and retaining force. A preferred joint restraint also includes a pad and a bolt that coact to provide a controlled wedging action. The wedging action supplies supplemental tooth penetration and/or enhanced clamping force that stabilizes a shifting tubular member (pipe). A preferred tooth arrangement for a restraint pad produces an intermittent penetration pattern in the pipe. A preferred spacing member for a restraint tunes a clamping force generated by the restraint to accommodate variations in pipe geometry and/or materials. A preferred restraint is arranged according to a method that uses pipe expansion to provide an enhanced gripping action.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly is disclosed which comprises a resilient wiper blade having an axial passage through which a flexible support beam is positioned to provide structure. A universal connector element for connecting the blade assembly to a plurality of different wiper arms crimps onto the blade and support beam assembly approximately midway along the wiper blade in a manner which does not puncture nor interfere with the resilient windshield wiper material, while at the same time preventing the relative axial translation of the support beam within the windshield wiper blade as well as translation between the blade and the connector itself.

Abstract: A resilient windshield wiper assembly is disclosed which comprises a resilient wind-deflector portion molded or extruded to provide a receiving hollow for insertion of a support beam. The resilient wind-deflector portion has a feature strategically positioned and structurally effective to prevent the resilient portion from being rotated or twisted around the support beam. The wind deflector is symmetrical with respect to the axial orientation of the support beam. The symmetry allows conversion of the wind force components from lifting forces to normal forces acting to press and/or hold the wiper against the wiper surface even when subjected to side gusts or reverse head-wind forces. The symmetry further provides a strength member acting directly over the top of the wiping lip surface avoiding introducing a twisting force into the support beam.

Abstract: An improved windshield wiper blade assembly having a resilient windscreen wiping element and further comprising a longitudinal passage there through. A support beam having a predetermined curvature and shape is positioned there within the passage having a generally complementary cross section to the longitudinal passage, preventing the rotational twisting of the resilient element around the beam. A further embodiment comprises a longitudinal fluid passage along the support beam in fluid connection to a windshield fluid supply. A plurality of apertures through the resilient member in connection with the fluid passage provide for the selective discharge of the fluid upon the windscreen. A still further embodiment comprises a wind deflector portion running at least partially along the resilient member for enhanced prevention of any twisting of the resilient member around the beam and increased downward force of the wiper assembly against the windscreen.

Abstract: A novel gasket includes at least one gripping element embedded in an annular member for forming a seal between two tubulars. For tubulars having socket and spigot ends, the gripping element includes teeth for gripping an outer surface of the spigot end and a blunt nose for contacting a front wall of a gland that compresses the gasket against surfaces of the socket and spigot ends. The blunt nose rolls along the front wall of the gland during relative movement between the tubulars and can include a contacting face of a specialized geometry to adjust contact dynamics and/or roughened surfaces to increase the frictional contact between the blunt nose and the front wall. The gripping elements can also include at least four teeth arranged such that no more than two teeth normally grip the outer surface of the spigot end. One or more teeth can also include a transverse groove to enhance penetration into the outer surface of the spigot end.

Abstract: A novel gasket includes at least one gripping element embedded in an annular member for forming a seal between two tubulars. For tubulars having socket and spigot ends, the gripping element includes teeth for gripping an outer surface of the spigot end and a blunt tooth for contacting a front wall of the socket end. The blunt tooth rolls along the front wall during relative movement between the tubulars and can include a contacting face of a specialized geometry to adjust contact dynamics and/or roughened surfaces to increase the frictional contact between the blunt tooth and the front wall. The embedded element can also include at least four teeth arranged such that no more than two teeth normally grip the outer surface of the spigot end. One or more teeth can also include a transverse groove to enhance penetration into the outer surface of the spigot end.

Abstract: A preferred joint restraint includes a dampening force and a restraining force to control relative movement between a pad and gland and between the gland and bolt, respectively. The preferred restraint includes a gland, pads, and bolts. Preferably, a flexible member disposed in the pad selectively provides the dampening and retaining force. A preferred joint restraint also includes a pad and a bolt that coact to provide a controlled wedging action. The wedging action supplies supplemental tooth penetration and/or enhanced clamping force that stabilizes a shifting tubular member (pipe). A preferred tooth arrangement for a restraint pad produces an intermittent penetration pattern in the pipe. A preferred spacing member for a restraint tunes a clamping force generated by the restraint to accommodate variations in pipe geometry and/or materials. A preferred restraint is arranged according to a method that uses pipe expansion to provide an enhanced gripping action.