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: 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 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 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.

Abstract: A novel, high-efficiency, extremely light-weight, robust stretched Fresnel lens solar concentrator for space power is described. It consists of a flexible Fresnel lens attached to end supports, wherein said end supports stretch the lens to maintain its proper position and shape on orbit in space. One embodiment of the new concentrator includes means for lens deployment on orbit in space. In this embodiment, prior to deployment, the flexible lens and end supports are folded into a flat, low-volume package for efficient launch into space. Another embodiment of the new concentrator includes non-deployable means of stretching the lens to maintain its proper position and shape in space. Both embodiments of the new concentrator approach will provide significant advantages over the prior art in space photovoltaic concentrator arrays. Photovoltaic concentrator arrays using the new stretched lens will be much lighter and more economical than prior space concentrator arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to energize a fluid. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a housing defining a bore therethrough within which is disposed an antenna so as to define an annulus between the housing and the antenna, the antenna being electrically coupled to both the housing and an electrical power source so as to create an electrical field through which water or other fluids may be passed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dual utility support and fastening system which comprises a first body member which is slidably engageable in a housing where the first member includes at least one selectively removable support element. In one embodiment the support element includes an internally threaded bore where the bore extends through the support element into the body.

Abstract: A color-mixing lens for use in a concentrator system and methods of manufacture and operation thereof. The color-mixing lens includes: (1) a light-transmissive substrate that receives broad spectrum light from a source, (2) a first plurality of prisms, located on the substrate, that refract and chromatically disperse the light received therein toward a first plurality of locations on an active region of a target cell, and (3) a second plurality of prisms located on the substrate that refract and chromatically disperse the light received therein toward a second plurality of locations on the active region. Relative dimensions of the first and second pluralities of prisms are preselected to cause the chromatically-dispersed light to mix and thereby increase a power output of the target cell by reducing inter-junction currents therein.

Abstract: An improved disc-shaped cutting element including first and second major flat surfaces and a cutting edge, said element comprised of a hard metal substrate defining an irregular interface bonded to a polycrystalline diamond, where said interface includes a plurality of concentric and redial grooves adapted to receive corresponding protrusions formed on the diamond layer so as to enhance wear like and impact resistance.

Abstract: A coring assembly comprising a body securable at its upper end to a mandrel add at its lower end to a core catcher housing, a ball sleeve slidably disposed about said mandrel and moveable between a first and a second position, a ball closure valve disposed in said body and moveable with said mandrel between the first and second position, the combination operable to remotely cut and collect a loosely consolidated core sample.