Abstract: The invention is directed to a bi-center drilling tool adapted to fit within and drill through a casing shoe without damage to the surrounding casing. In one embodiment, the tool comprises a bit body having a proximal and a distal end where the distal end defines a pilot bit and an intermediate reamer section, where each the pilot and reamer sections define a bit face including primary and secondary cutting blades and cutting elements disposed on said blades. In this embodiment, the cutting or wear elements disposed on the one or more cutting blades which extend to or are proximate to the pass-through gauge define a selected angle between the line of contact on the cutting or wear elements and the material to be drilled.

Abstract: A voltage protective circuit for an electronic device comprises a metal oxide varistor for eliminating spikes above a first level, and a Zener diode and a transistor connected in series through a resistor with the metal oxide varistor for eliminating spikes above a second level. The voltage protective circuit can be utilized in a separate, plug-in voltage protector for a vending machine with a multi-drop bus.

Abstract: A pump system for the selected injection of one or more fluids is disclosed where the system generally includes a flow meter including a means to translate the flow rate through the meter to one or more pumps coupled to the meter such that upon a selected introduction of fluid flow through the meter a selected amount of fluid is pumped through the one or more pumps.

Abstract: A bi-center downhole drilling bit is disclosed, which bit includes a body defining proximal and distal ends, where said distal end defines a pilot and a reamer where the reamer defines a first cutting face having a selected diameter “d” and the pilot defines a second cutting face having a selected diameter less than “d”, where each the first and second cutting faces includes upsets defining proximal and distal surfaces where the distal surfaces are provided with cutting elements and the proximal surfaces are provided with one or more gauge pads.

Abstract: A battery signalling system is provided which can be used to monitor and/or control a battery (1) having a number of series connected battery cells (Ci). When used to monitor the battery cells, the battery signalling system can comprise a central battery monitoring system (3) for monitoring the industrial battery (1) as a whole, a number of cell monitoring devices (CMi) for monitoring one or more battery cells (Ci) and a communication link (9) for connecting the cell monitoring devices (CMi) in series in a daisy chain configuration to the central battery monitoring system (3). In operation, the central battery monitoring system (3) can poll each of the cell monitoring devices (Cmi) in turn and analyze the data received from a polled cell monitoring device (CMi) to detect malfunctions and/or underperforming cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved cutting element for use with rotating downhole tools. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a compact cutter which includes unique configurations for the interface regions between the substrate the abrasive element to promote superior impact resistance and adhesion.

Abstract: A passive collimating tubular skylight consisting of a radiant energy-collecting aperture, a radiant energy-delivering aperture, and a radiant energy passageway between these two apertures, the passageway having a specularly reflective interior surface and a configuration to improve the collimation of the radiant energy passing therethrough. The skylight can be configured with the radiant energy-collecting aperture located above the roof of a building, oriented to collect sunlight; and equipped with a sealed weatherproof glazing, with the radiant energy-delivering aperture, or luminaire, located at ceiling level within the building, and equipped with a diffusing glazing; and with the reflective tubular light passageway constructed with a larger cross sectional area near the radiant energy-delivering aperture than near the radiant energy-collecting aperture.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a spaced relationship between two energetic sources is disclosed, which system including in a preferred embodiment a clamping means securable to the energetic sources, spacing means disposed between these sources, a pivot mechanism coupled to the spacing means and pivotally engageable to the clamping means, and a shock absorption mechanism coupled to the spacing mechanism and adapted to resiliently deform.

Abstract: A bi-center bit adapted to be consecutively used in casing and in formation without the need of removing the bit from the borehole, the bit comprising a bit body defining a proximal end adapted for connection to a drill string, a distal end and a pass-through gauge, where the distal end defines a pilot bit and an intermediate reamer section, where each the pilot and reamer section define a cutting face. A plurality of cutting or wear elements are situated on cutting blades disposed about the cutting face of the pilot and reamer sections. Cutting or wear elements are disposed on one or more of the blades which extend to or are proximate to the pass-through gauge define an angle between the line of contact on the cutting or wear element and the material to be drilled of between 5-45 degrees.

Abstract: An improved cutting element is disclosed. The cutting element has a disc-shaped body with a front face and a backside. A ring portion formed on the front face extends around a raised central protrusion in formation of a vertical ridge. A plurality of inwardly extending, straight radial slots are formed in the raised central portion and create a plurality of vertical ridge segments. A super-abrasive compound, such as synthetic diamond, is applied to the front face. To aid in stress relief, the ridges have curved corners.

Abstract: A valving system is disclosed which generally comprises a body including an inlet and an outlet where the inlet is disposed in fluid communication with a fluid flow passage and the outlet is disposed in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid member, the body further defining an internal bore in which is slidably disposed a piston moveable between a first and a second position such that fluid communication between the fluid flow passage and the fluid flow member is established when the piston is disposed in the first position but not in the second position, an apparatus and to move the piston from the first position to the second position so as to interrupt fluid flow from the fluid flow passage to the fluid member.

Abstract: A system to allow a visual determination of the rotational position of a rotatable object relative to a stationary object comprising a body defining front and back surfaces where the body includes at least one aperture having a diameter d1 disposed through the front and back surfaces, where the aperture is bounded by radial slots having a length l and extending outwardly from the aperture so as to define a plurality of fingers which may be independently manipulated so as to enable the body to be biased about a rotatable object inserted through the aperture and means co-operable with the body to allow a visual determination of the rotational position of the rotatable object relative to the stationary object.

Abstract: A replaceable seal for a rotor in a rotary fluid machine has a unitary body with integrally formed longitudinal and radial seal portions secured by a friction fit in grooves in the rotor. The longitudinal seal portion includes an outwardly biased seal lip, and an elongated body portion fitting within the groove in the rotor. The elongated body portion has a pair of anchor elements connected by a flat arm element. The radial seal portion has an outwardly biased seal lip, and a retainer post securing the seal in a cavity in the rotor.

Abstract: A method for treating a perishable meat product including the steps of chilling the meat product to within a selected temperature range, exposing the chilled meat product to a chilled gas mixture containing a significant fraction of inert gas, and thereafter removing the chilled gas and exchanging that gas with a gas mixture containing a high oxygen fraction.

Abstract: A system to effect coin discrimination and rejection comprises an arcuate control element pivotably disposed in a coin race with respect to a rejection body. The downstream end of the element is biased across the coin race. A coin passing through the race engages the downstream end of the element, thereby pivoting the element so as to prevent the passage of additional coins down the coin race.

Abstract: Subterranean drill bits and particularly to nozzle features to be incorporated in subterranean bits. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly of the invention defines a wear resistant structure which extends upstream from the terminus of the transition area. In another embodiment, nozzle assemblies are arranged about the transition area at low angles so as to minimize flow turbulence.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for buoyancy compensation. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a selectively deformable buoyancy device and method for its use.

Abstract: A novel, high-efficiency, extremely light-weight, inflatable refractive solar concentrator for space power is described. It consists of a flexible Fresnel lens, flexible sides, and a back surface, together enclosing a volume of space which can be filled with low pressure gas to deploy the concentrator on orbit. The back surface supports the energy receiver/converter located in the focal region of the Fresnel lens. The back surface can also serve as the waste heat radiator. Prior to deployment, the deflated flexible lens and sides are folded against the back surface to form a flat, low-volume package for efficient launch into space. The inflatable concentrator can be configured to provide either a line focus or a point focus of sunlight. The new inflatable concentrator approach will provide significant advantages over the prior art in two different space power areas: photovoltaic concentrator arrays and high-temperature solar thermal conversion systems.

Abstract: A collapsible spray cabinet for containing an abrading device and an article to be abraded includes a flexible cabinet housing having an expanded position for defining an interior blasting chamber and a collapsed position for storage. A folding frame supports the cabinet housing and has an open position in which the cabinet housing is held in the expanded position and a closed position in which the cabinet housing is held in the collapsed position. The frame has a base, vertically disposed support members, horizontal loading members, and spacing members. The spacing members are pivotally connected to the loading members, allowing them to pivot about each other to form a substantially flat unit when in the closed position. Loops suspend the cabinet housing from the loading members of the folding frame. An aperture lets in a current of air into the blasting chamber continuously to clear the area of the blasting chamber between a viewing portal and a member supporting the article to be abraded.

Abstract: A friction welder drill and fuse fitting apparatus. This invention relates generally to a friction welder fitting apparatus and method for combining the operation of drilling a hole into a substrate workpiece and fusing a friction welding fitting onto that substrate in one set-up operation. The friction welding fitting (stud, shaft or other type fitting) to be friction welded to a workpiece, of either similar or dissimilar materials, or two circular shafts, can be friction welded together by use of a friction welder fitting apparatus that can first drill a hole and then weld a fitting in place, in line with that hole. The friction welder drill and fuse fitting apparatus includes the following integrally coupled components: a friction welding fitting, a drilling mechanism, an engagement mechanism, and an attachment means.