Abstract: A rotating blowout preventer and method is disclosed that includes a flexible bladder that defines a pressure chamber radially outwardly of the bladder for direct activation of the bladder to allow for gas tight sealing along the variable profile of drill pipe and the irregular shape of the kelly. The pressure chamber for activating the bladder is preferably defined within the rotating seal assembly. As well, the rotating seal assembly includes both the bladder and the bearings. A pressure drop element is included within the hydraulic flow line through the rotating seal assembly so that the upper seal and bearing have a significantly reduced pressure drop for increased lifetime operation. The rotating seal assembly is hydraulically secured within the rotating blow-out preventer housing, preferably by remote control, by means of a preferred single cylindrical latch piston that moves upwardly and downwardly substantially parallel to the well bore axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a valve seat wherein the geometry of the seat is such that the resultant axial forces due to the differential between internal and external pressure across the valve seat result in a resultant axial force that urges the valve seat into sealing engagement with the plug or other type of closure member, regardless of the direction of the differential pressure. Thus the valve seat is urged against the closure member regardless of whether the line pressure or bonnet pressure is higher. In the same manner, a resultant axial force urges a seal seat of the preferred embodiment into sealing engagement with the valve body. An axially moveable seal bearing ring is positioned between the valve seat and the seal seat that alters the effective geometry of the seat elements when it moves between a first position and a second position. The seal bearing ring moves responsively to the direction of the differential pressure across the seat elements.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed organizer and method is disclosed that comprises tubular elements designed to slip into one another so as to be adjustable in length for mating to virtually all models of pickup trucks. Four, five, and six-way connectors include multiple tubular plugs extending therefrom. Leg members that telescopingly interconnect with the tubular plugs can be combined with the connectors to form a wide variety of different frames for the organizer as desired by the pickup truck operator. Locking members are provided for locking/unlocking the frame of the organizer in the selected configuration. The locking members are operable without the need for tools so that the organizer can be installed and uninstalled without the need for tools. One of many benefits/methods of the organizer is the ability to load cargo in the pickup truck bed directly over the rear wheels so as to use the cargo to increase traction of the pickup truck. Rubber feet are utilized on the feet and arms so as to protect the pickup bed.

Abstract: The valve operator of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for reducing torque necessary for opening and closing a valve, such as a quarter-turn rotary valve. In the preferred embodiment, an outer handle adaptor has inner curved tracks that drive balls positioned in straight slots of a middle cylinder. As the balls move in the straight slots, they transfer torque energy to a valve shaft adaptor mounted within the middle cylinder and having outer curved threads that mesh with the balls. The pitch of the curved tracks of the outer handle differ from the pitch the curved tracks of the valve shaft adaptor to thereby effect a desired torque reduction ratio. The valve operator has relatively few components, at least three or more relatively rotatable components, preferably arranged in meshing configuration so as to effect a small size operator without the use of a gear box.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator and method for a gate valve are disclosed which provide for stepped guide connections between upper and lower cylinder plates for a pneumatic cylinder to thereby automatically centralize and locate the relatively heavy pneumatic cylinder and upper/lower plates with respect to each other to increase the speed and ease of the assembly of the pneumatic actuator. Each major metallic sliding component of the actuator is mounted on a wear ring that prevents metal-to-metal contact to thereby prevent friction wear and galling. A wear ring is provided in the operator stem packing assembly that provides for more reliable sealing due to lack of wear on the operator stem in the region of the stem packing wherein the operator stem reciprocates. A smaller diameter spring housing is provided to house that portion of the spring assembly that extends beyond the stroke of the piston to reduce cost of the larger diameter pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A subsea actuator and method is disclosed that includes a removable monolithic cap/hydraulic chamber that seals the actuator housing top with seals placed around the monolithic cap, defines a straight hydraulic line and port for control line hydraulic fluid, and provides for fasteners to secure the top of the subsea actuator. The monolithic cap/hydraulic chamber is so limited in metal and machine time that it can be a throw-away maintenance item. A preferably cup-shaped spring lifter is provided in telescoping relationship to the hydraulic chamber. Several short hydraulic fluid passageways are provided in the bottom cup portion of the spring lifter to permit assist hydraulic control fluid into the hydraulic chamber below the piston. The driving stem provides a removable connection to the hydraulic piston from the top of the actuator housing and a quick disconnect permits disconnection of the driving stem from the valve stem.

Abstract: A filter press frame and method, operable for compressing a stack of filter plates, provides a very light frame as compared to the iron, steel and stainless steel filter press frames that have been used for the last one hundred years. The filter press frame of the present invention is formed of material much more resistant to corrosion for a much wider pH spectrum of acids and bases than iron, steel, and stainless steel frames. In a preferred embodiment, the filter press tail, follower, and head, referred to generally as head members, are comprised of core material inserts encapsulated with fiber reinforced plastic. Laminates have a thickness and fibers are oriented to optimize the construction strength of the components based on stresses that are preferably anticipated through techniques such as finite element analysis.

Abstract: A structural member connection and method is disclosed for quickly securing/unsecuring pipe connections wherein the respective pipes are typically in orthogonal relationship with each other. The pipes to be connected may be of different diameter and/or cross-sectional shape. The connection includes at least one preferably fitted pipe strap member for each pipe and at least four fasteners with one fastener being located in each quadrant formed by the orthogonal intersection of two pipes. The pipe strap member is selected to mate to the diameter pipe used. In the alternative, U-bolt members selected to mate to the respective pipes may be used in place of one set of pipe straps. Tubular standoffs may be used in conjunction with the fasteners to provide adjustable clamping strength.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus and method are disclosed which provide for a bi-flow coil housing having air flow connection ends that are substantially identical. These coil housing features allow the coil housing to be configured to have either a right-hand or left-hand coil configuration to thereby allow installation flexibility so that the coil refrigerant and drain connections are readily available. In furtherance of this feature, a transition member and a plenum have substantially similar or identical ends for connection to the coil housing and may be connected to either end of the coil housing. Because there is only one end of the transition member that will vary in size thereby greatly reducing the number of different possible combinations of connection sizes the transition member must accord, a plurality of prefabricated transition members are preferably stored in the warehouse based on the type of heater.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for handling, storing, transporting and dispensing cryogenic fluids, liquid natural gas, compressed natural gas, and their equivalents. A fuel injection system is disclosed for directly injecting LNG into an engine's combustion chamber. Such systems include a railroad system in which a container of fuel is carried on a flat car behind a locomotive and the, e.g. liquid natural gas, is conveyed to the locomotive with appropriate valves, conduits, pumps, and controls. In one aspect a fuel fluid, liquid, or vapor is injected into an intake (e.g., an air intake) of an engine. In one aspect a fueling station has been invented for providing services of dispensing LNG and/or CNG for engines.

Abstract: Hand-held printing apparatus and method are disclosed that provide a replaceable ink cartridge with an ink reservoir defined therein to store wet ink that may typically have a paste like consistency. A piston movable within the ink cartridge is operably connected to the tape spool for compressing the wet ink through a nozzle of the ink cartridge onto the first of a series of printing rollers that smooth out the ink for transfer to a printing roller to effect offset printing of a desired image onto the adhesive side of clear adhesive tape. The cartridge is provided in a low cost throw away package for disposal after the ink is depleted. Multiple color logos or images can be printed by using two to four different color ink cartridges.

Abstract: Heat blocker system and methods are provided for preventing heat flow into the passenger compartment (118) of a vehicle (10) to reduce a heat buildup therein. A hole (12) may be formed in the door jamb region (16) or other convenient place that is not visible. A tubular insertion member (66) may then be inserted through the hole (12) to an exterior panel cavity (26). Insulation material (68), such as liquid polyurethane resin or other suitable materials, is injected into the panel cavity (26) and allowed to expand and harden. The hole (12) is then anodized or otherwise cleaned. A plug (62 or 64) may be used to cover the hole (12). The type of plug chosen depends on the location of the hole. A heat reflective cover (110) is secured on the exterior surface (112) of the windshield (114) to prevent heat from entering through the windshield (114). The cover (110) has a heat reflective coating (116) such as a metallic silver coating.

Abstract: A putting apparatus and method are disclosed which provide for an elongate sighting member disposed directly behind a striking face that has a diameter about the same as that of a golf ball. The elongate sighting member is oriented in the direction of the hole. A fin member extends radially outwardly from the body of the elongate sighting member. The fin member is designed for engagement with the surface of the putting green and is spaced so that it places the striking face at the desired vertical orientation so as to impart overspin on the ball.

Abstract: A jar apparatus (jar) 10 includes a plurality of pistons 16 that are secured together to form a piston assembly 23. Piston assembly 23 is movable axially in response to an actuating pressure differential between the jar bore 17 and the portion of borehole 19 that surrounds jar 10. Biasing spring 28 biases piston assembly 23 to return to a closed position when the actuating pressure differential is reduced by a predetermined amount. Piston assembly 23 forces a hammer member 32 and a movable anvil portion 30A axially to cock the jar in response to the applied actuating pressure differential. When the pressure differential is reduced, biasing spring 28 moves movable anvil portion 30A against anvil support portion 30B. Detent assembly 47 temporarily limits the velocity of hammer member 32 towards movable anvil portion 30A after the pressure differential is reduced. Compressed nitrogen 64 in nitrogen chamber 31 biases hammer member towards movable anvil portion 30A to deliver a jar impact.