Abstract: A suspension system for passenger modules used with high-speed boats, the suspension system including a shock absorbing assembly, for supporting the passenger module relative to the vessel. The passenger module is attached to the vessel via an assembly of pivoting spars. The spars may be configured such that the passenger module moves from an upper at-rest no-load position towards a bottom loaded position, the passenger module tilts. The amount of such tilt may be adjustable. The suspension system may have include means for resisting relative lateral movement (e.g. a panhard rod or a Watts linkage) and an anti-sway device.

Abstract: A wireless communication and drill string telemetry system. The communication system is used for communicating information along a drill string between a boring tool and a boring machine. An insulator assembly provides an electrically insulated gap between the drill string communication path and a soil engaging electrode for the electrical return path. A transmitter assembly includes a data transmitter for encoding and transmitting a data signal. A signal coupler couples the data signal to the drill string and provides a controlled electrical connection between the drill string communication path and the soil engaging electrode. The signal coupler comprises a transformer and a current regulating circuit to adjust a voltage across the transformer's primary winding. A receiver assembly is disposed proximate the drilling machine and includes a toroidal pickup coil and a signal processing assembly.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a tracked vehicle. The present invention provides for adjusting tension of a track by moving the sprocket relative to the rollers in a substantially vertical direction. The system comprises a sprocket assembly, a roller assembly, a track, and a tension adjustment assembly. The tension adjustment assembly includes a tension bolt threaded through a tension nut that is secured to the sprocket assembly. The bolt threads through the nut and contacts the roller assembly. As the bolt is threaded or unthreaded, the sprocket assembly is moved relative to the roller assembly in a substantially vertical direction. As the assemblies move relative to each other, tension in the track is resultantly adjusted.

Abstract: A joint according to the invention for connecting a pair of members rotatable about a common axis end to end. A sleeve has a non circular profile on an inner surface thereof whereby the sleeve can be slidably mounted on non circular exterior surfaces of the first and second members when such surfaces are brought into alignment by rotation of one member relative to the other in a manner effective to pass torque from one member to the other by means of the non circular surfaces. A fluid release passage includes a radial port that extends from the first longitudinal fluid supply passage to a clearance between the sleeve and the first member, which clearance communicates with a second clearance between the sleeve and the second member, which second clearance has a discharge opening.

Abstract: A self propelled scanning device is disclosed. The device includes a self propelled chassis that is locomotive across a surface to be scanned, a translator attached to the chassis, and a carriage attached to the translator and adapted to receive a scanner. The translator selectively moves the carriage in at least one dimension across the surface to be scanned.

Abstract: A fluids lifting tool and analysis system. The present invention comprises a fluid lifting system for a gas well. The system comprises a lifting tool positioned in the well and a docking station at the well surface. The tool includes a processor, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, an accelerometer, and a proximity sensor. A battery in the tool is adapted to be charged by inductive coupling using coils in the docking station and the tool. The tool is released from the docking station and descends the well. During descent the tool measures elapsed time, velocity of the tool, calculates distance traveled, measures pressure and temperature, determines volumes or oil and water in the well, and senses when the tool reaches the bottom of the well. The FLT chooses to ascend the well when appropriate and transfers measured and calculated data to the docking station.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a housing, an axle, at least three housing vanes, a flow medium and a valve. The axle is disposed within the housing and moveable independently of the housing. The axle has an axle reservoir and at least three axle vanes extending from the axle to contact the chamber wall. The three housing vanes extend from a chamber wall and contact the axle. A first opening and a second opening are formed in each axle vane. The flow medium is contained entirely within the chamber and the axle reservoir. The valve is disposed in the axle and operable in response to movement of the axle in a first direction relative to the housing to allow the flow medium to enter the axle reservoir from the chamber for storage under pressure.

Abstract: A dual pipe drill string system having increased fluid flow. The dual pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe sections, each pipe section having an inner rod and an outer pipe. The inner rod and the outer pipe of each pipe section may be coupled to the inner rod and outer pipe of an adjacent pipe section. An annulus between the inner rod and the outer pipe defines a fluid flow path through the dual pipe system. The outer pipe defines a shoulder at each end of an individual pipe section. The inner rod defines at least one stop for maintaining the inner rod within the outer pipe. A spacing assembly disposed around the circumference of the inner rod defines paths for fluid flow and maintains a minimum distance between the stop and the shoulder at one end of outer pipe of the pipe section.

Abstract: A tracking receiver system is used to track the progress of a downhole tool along a subsurface path having a desired grade. The tracking receiver system is adapted to detect a reference line originating from a reference line receiver and to determine the position of the downhole tool along a desired subsurface path relative to the reference line. In an alternative embodiment the tracking receiver system may comprise a global positioning satellite system to provide information used to determine the position of the downhole tool relative to the desired subsurface path.

Abstract: A reversible, pneumatic ground piercing tool has a tail assembly with exhaust passages therethrough. At least a portion of each exhaust passage angles radially inwardly and ends in discharge ports that communicate with a central hole at the rear end of the tail assembly, whereby exhaust escapes through the central hole. A tail cone has a radially inwardly extending flange on the inner periphery of the central hole, which flange is rearwardly spaced from and covers the discharge ports.

Abstract: A device for removing obstructions from a work site. The device is attachable to the front of a work machine. The device comprises a frame, a flange, a rotatable cutting member supported on the flange, and a motor that rotates the cutting member. The flange is non-rotatable, but is movable along at least one length relative to the frame. The motor may be supported on the flange. The device further comprises a plurality of removably attachable blocking members for decreasing the range of travel of debris generated during operation of the cutting member. The rotatable cutting member is movable about three axes relative to the flange such that changes in conditions or temperatures do not cause the cutting member to break.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved rod pushing and pulling machine suited for use in underground pipe bursting and replacement with a rod string wherein each rod has at least one radially enlarged upset thereon. The machine includes a housing or frame having a front wall with an access opening therein through which a rod string can extend. At least one main thrust cylinder is mounted on the housing. A movable carriage connected to the thrust cylinder engages the rod, drives it in a pushing or pulling direction, and then releases it for another stroke. Between strokes, a “bungee” vise holds the rod string so that it does not slip back in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A tank system for capturing fluids from an oil or gas well. The system comprises a trailer, a tank body supported on the trailer, a separator supported on the trailer, and a sand trap supported on the trailer. The tank includes a gas buster line and a flare line. The tank body has a main inlet port at a top of the tank body and a vent port on a top of the tank body. The gas buster line is disposed in the tank body and is connected to the main inlet port. The gas buster line has multiple lengths of pipe sections, each pipe section increasing in length and diameter. The last section of the gas buster is characterized by a plurality of slots cut in a circumference of the pipe section to allow fluids in the gas buster line to disperse into the tank. The flare line is operatively connected to the vent port and includes an igniter to burn gases before they are vented to the atmosphere. The sand trap and the separator can be used as conditions require to treat fluids from a well before the fluids enter the tank.

Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.

Abstract: A tool for lifting truck tires from a prone position to an upright position. The tool has a frame which extends over the length of a truck tire to a leverage point at one end of the tire. The frame is attached to a plate which is adapted to slide underneath the other side of the truck tire. Two handles extend from the frame at an angle and a length to allow maximum leverage for an operator of the tool. The frame may have many shapes, but preferably is angled to exert force at a point opposite the plate.

Abstract: A door sealing system is used to seal a container of a vacuum system. In a preferred embodiment the vacuum system has a container door supported on a frame and adapted to seal the container when the container door is closed. A latch assembly supported on the container door is used to latch the container door to the container along a load bearing axis. A power operated pulling assembly located within the container forces the container door against the container by applying a load on the door that is collinear with the load bearing axis of the latch assembly. The power operated pulling assembly seals the container door to the container. The mechanical locking assembly is adapted to maintain the door in a sealed configuration after the power operated pulling assembly has sealed the container.

Abstract: A method for noise signal analysis and communication with an underground transmitter. The method comprises the steps of measuring a noise floor when no signal is transmitted from a transmitter, detecting a signal when the transmitter is transmitting, and estimating the noise free component of the signal by removing the noise floor measurement. The measurement of the noise floor and detecting the signal from the transmitter may be done using a root mean square technique. The noise floor measurement can be removed from the measured signal by subtracting the noise floor measurement from the measured signal or alternatively by calculating the square root of the difference between the square of the measured signal and the square of the noise floor measurement. The noise estimation technique may be used in connection with, a differential phased shift keying communication scheme or other modulation techniques.

Abstract: A system and method of making up and breaking out a dual-member drill string. The system comprises a spindle, a spindle carriage and a drive frame. The drive frame provides thrust to the spindle, while the spindle carriage provides rotation. The spindle has an outer spindle and an inner spindle, and is adapted to connect to a pipe section having an outer pipe section and an inner pipe section. Inner joints are geometrically shaped, while outer joints are threaded. When making up dual member drill string, the spindle is advanced, with the outer spindle rotating, and the inner spindle rotating in alternating directions, or “dithering.” A float sensor and a processor are used in tandem to cooperatively couple the inner spindle with the inner pipe sections and the outer spindle with the outer pipe sections.