Abstract: A fully stabilized excavator tooth attachment. An excavator tooth includes a nose-receiving pocket bounded by an inner end, upper and lower, and opposing side walls, the end wall having a nose-engaging interface surface formed orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tooth, at least one of the side walls having a fastener opening formed therethrough, and each of the upper and lower walls having two spaced apart nose-engaging interface surfaces formed thereon substantially parallel to each other. Another excavator tooth includes side walls having generally planar nose-engaging interface surfaces formed therein, one surface resisting rotation of the tooth about the longitudinal axis in one direction, and another interface surface resisting rotation of the tooth in an opposite direction. An attachment system includes a fastener configured for releasably securing the tooth on the nose, the fastener having a thread which is eccentric relative to a body of the fastener.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A trailer wall construction having reduced weight. A trailer wall construction includes a spherical shaped corner at a juncture of three walls. Each of the walls includes at least one panel having spaced apart inner and outer shells. Another trailer wall construction includes a generally vertically extending front or side wall and a floor. The floor and front or side wall each includes at least one panel comprising spaced apart inner and outer shells. A curved connector connects a lower edge of the front or side wall to an edge of the floor. Yet another trailer wall construction includes a wall with panels attached to one another along opposing edges of the panels, each of the panels including spaced apart inner and outer shells. One connector is attached to each of the panels along a third edge. Another connector is attached to each of the panels along a fourth edge.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a suspension run height includes: pivotably mounting a leveling valve to a hanger bracket; attaching an indicator arm to a suspension component which displaces relative to the hanger bracket; and pivoting the leveling valve relative to the hanger bracket to thereby adjust the run height of the frame relative to the suspension component. A run height adjustment system includes: a leveling valve having a leveling arm pivotably mounted thereto at a first pivot, and an indicator arm being pivotably mounted to the leveling arm at a second pivot; an adjustment lever for pivoting the leveling valve about a third pivot; and the third pivot being positioned longitudinally between the first and second pivots. Another run height adjustment system includes: a leveling arm pivotably mounted to a leveling valve; an adjustment lever for pivoting the leveling valve; and the adjustment lever pivotably mounted to a hanger bracket.

Abstract: A deep water subsea tree completion having a distributed temperature sensing system. In a described embodiment, a method of installing an optical fiber in a well includes the steps of: conveying an optical fiber section into the well; and monitoring a light transmission quality of the optical fiber section while the section is being conveyed into the well.

Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes a debris-resistant escalator flight. A pipeline padding machine includes an escalator assembly with multiple flight sections attached to a track. A gap between leading and trailing edges of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially the same when the track is substantially straight, and when the track is at its maximum curvature. Leading and trailing edge portions of each flight section may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding track section by a same angle as that between adjacent track sections when the track is at its maximum curvature. The edge portions of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially parallel to each other when the track is at its maximum curvature.

Abstract: A suspension system having a composite beam. In a described embodiment, a suspension system for a vehicle having a frame is provided. The suspension system includes an axle and a beam interconnected between the vehicle frame and the axle. The beam has opposite ends, an elongated body extending between the opposite ends, and a metal end connection at one of the opposite ends. The body is made of a composite material.

Abstract: An improved crustacean, fish & animal trap comprising a collapsible hoop and mesh structure to minimize storage size. The invention is unique in that it collapses through the manipulation of flexible hoops to a size minimized in all three dimensions. The primary configurations would be for crab, prawns and lobster/crayfish; however, in slightly different configurations, can be used to catch or cage animals, fish and other crustaceans. Another embodiment of the trap would feature only one hoop and would be used as a “lift trap.

Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes two control station locations. One location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on one side of a ditch, and the other location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on an opposite side of the ditch. Another pipeline padding machine includes a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a material conditioning assembly for conditioning the material. Another pipeline padding machine includes a main frame attached to a transport assembly for transporting the machine, a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a cutting edge for cutting through the material prior to the material being elevated by the escalator assembly. The escalator assembly is pivotable relative to the main frame, and the cutting edge is pivotable relative to the escalator assembly.

Abstract: Dump truck tag axle suspension control. A method of controlling a tag axle suspension includes activating a pusher suspension lift switch; and engaging a steer lock on the tag axle suspension, thereby preventing steering of the tag axle suspension, in response to the lift switch activating step. Another method includes activating a switch to thereby begin operation of a hydraulic pump; and engaging a steer lock of the tag axle suspension, in response to the switch activating step. Yet another method includes applying pressure to a bed lift actuator; sensing the pressure applied to the bed lift actuator; and applying pressure to a tag suspension load actuator, thereby transmitting a load from a frame to a tag axle via the load actuator, in response to the sensed pressure applied to the bed lift actuator reaching a predetermined level.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a hub and a hub temperature indicating device visible from an exterior of the hub and exposed to a temperature within an interior of the hub, and including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in the hub interior temperature. A hub temperature indicating device includes one of a hub cap plug and a hub cap window, including a material which changes color in response to a predetermined change in temperature in the hub interior. Another hub temperature indicating device includes a material which is operative to change color in response to a temperature change in a hub interior, the material comprising an irreversible temperature change indicating material; another material adjacent the first material, and which is operative to transfer heat between the hub interior and the first material; and the device being configured to attach to a hub cap.

Abstract: A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.

Abstract: A spring beam suspension system includes a hanger; a flexible spring beam extending between the hanger and an axle; and a generally U-shaped pivot bracket secured to the spring beam, the pivot bracket including opposing legs which are pivotably attached to the hanger. Another spring beam suspension system includes a lift actuator which lifts the axle by applying a biasing force to a portion of the spring beam which extends forward from the hanger. Yet another suspension system has a bushing secured in the hanger, whereby the beam pivots relative to the bushing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a zipline trolley comprising of two substantially flat side flanges arranged in a parallel configuration, a substantially flat front face attached perpendicularly to the front edges of the side flanges, and a substantially flat back face attached perpendicularly to the rear edges of the side flanges. There are also provided two axles for bearing wheels and four lines for attaching the side flanges to the two spreaders. One set of two lines is attached to the bottom of each of the side flanges. The lines are connected to two spreaders, which are attached to the ends of a handlebar.

Abstract: An attachable and detachable handgrip, primarily used with plastic bags, canvas bags and other items with handles, is disclosed. The attachable handgrip comprises a single piece of flat, pliable material that will hold its shape, yet yield easily to force. The material is rolled upon itself to form a spiral structure. Once formed, the handgrip is attached to the bag handles by placing the bag handles in the longitudinal slit formed along an edge of the spiral structure and rotating the spiral structure until the bag handles are within the spiral structure.

Abstract: Tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore using real time temperature measurements. A method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature in real time in the wellbore; and observing in real time a variation in temperature gradient between fluid compositions in the wellbore. Another method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature along the wellbore; and observing a variation in temperature gradient due to a chemical reaction in the wellbore. Another method includes the step of causing a variation in temperature gradient in the fluid while the fluid flows in the wellbore.

Abstract: Magnetic mail notification apparatus. Apparatus for use with a mailbox having a door pivotably attached to a mail receptacle includes an indicator assembly including an indicator arm positionable in one position when the door is closed, and a magnetic coupling between the door and the indicator arm, the magnetic coupling displacing the indicator arm to another position when the door is opened. Another apparatus includes the indicator arm positionable in one position when the door is closed and in another position when the door is opened, and a magnet holding the indicator arm in the first position until the door is opened, and causing the indicator arm to displace to the second position when the door is opened. Another apparatus includes a base assembly securable to the mail receptacle, an indicator assembly pivotably attached to the base assembly, and a magnetic coupling between the base assembly and the indicator arm.

Abstract: An underreamer for well drilling comprises pivotally extendible roller cutters that extend slightly beyond the diameter of the pilot drill bit but are retained in their retracted position by the casing. Upon encountering an obstruction, the underreamer is pushed out of the casing, allowing the outer edges of the cutters to contact the obstruction. Continued downward pressure of the drill stem causes the roller arms to pivot outward to a fully extended position in which the cutters enlarge the hole to a diameter larger than the casing by rotation of the drilling stem. The advance of the casing relative to the underreamer forces the cutters to retract into the casing.

Abstract: Tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore using real time temperature measurements. A method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature in real time in the wellbore; and observing in real time a variation in temperature gradient between fluid compositions in the wellbore. Another method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature along the wellbore; and observing a variation in temperature gradient due to a chemical reaction in the wellbore. Another method includes the step of causing a variation in temperature gradient in the fluid while the fluid flows in the wellbore.

Abstract: A suspension system having an axle, at least a portion of which is made of a composite material. In a described embodiment, a suspension system includes an axle assembly which has a composite axle portion. Metal spindles are attached at each end of the axle for mounting wheels thereto. Two beams may be attached directly to the composite axle portion, to a sleeve overlying the composite axle portion, or to an axle seat attached to the sleeve or directly to the composite axle portion.