Abstract: A seal backup ring is provided with undulating surfaces which create circumferential convergence with a relatively rotatable surface. The backup ring is configured so that differential pressure acting across a rotary seal forces portions of the backup ring against the relatively rotatable surface, closing, or substantially closing, the extrusion gap that the rotary seal is exposed to. In response to relative rotation between the backup ring and the mating relatively rotatable surface, the circumferential convergence promotes hydrodynamic lubrication within the dynamic interface that exists between the backup ring and the relatively rotatable surface. The modulus of elasticity of the backup ring is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the rotary seal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of electrical test switches. According to one embodiment, a test switch may include a switch lever, a test port configured to directly couple to a standard connector, a relay port, a field port, and an insulated frame configured to electrically insulate at least some electrically conductive portions of the test port, the relay connector, and the field connector from contact by a user. A user may actuate the switch lever in order to reconfigure the electrical test switch from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the first configuration, the test port contact is electrically isolated from the relay connector and the field connector is electrically connected to the relay connector. In the second configuration, the test port contact is electrically connected to the relay connector and the relay connector is electrically isolated from the field connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering an industrial slurry, a non-suspended mixture of solid particulate matter and liquid produced by an industrial process, is disclosed. A method and system for filtering an industrial slurry and recycling liquid filtrate are additionally disclosed. One example of an apparatus for filtering an industrial slurry can include a receptacle, a false bottom disposed within the receptacle and containing an effluent exit, and a filter disposed within the effluent exit.

Abstract: A piston unit of a working cylinder has first and second coupling partners. The first coupling partner is a piston. The second coupling partner is a piston rod. The piston rod is inserted axially into the piston. Each of the coupling partners has an annular groove, the groove of the piston rod is an external groove, the groove of the piston is an internal groove. The grooves of the coupling partners lie opposite one another. The unit has a spring-loaded coupling ring. The coupling ring, when deformed in a tensioning direction, is fully accommodated by the groove of one coupling partner and which, when deformed in a release direction, engages in the grooves of both coupling partners. The engagement of the coupling ring in the grooves produces a form-locking connection between the partners. The piston rod is oversized in relation to the piston and provides an additional frictional connection.

Abstract: An aircraft having a vertical take-off and landing (“VTOL”) propulsion system aircraft, smaller than a standard manned aircraft and remotely or autonomously piloted. The aircraft comprises a symmetrical airfoil shape for the center body section that consists of ribs and spars maintaining an open area in the center. Situated within the open area of the center of the aircraft resides a duct system consisting of a ducted fan and five outlet vents. The main outlet vent functions as the exhaust exiting the aft portion of the aircraft, with the remaining four ducts used for the VTOL capabilities exiting the underside of the aircraft. The aircraft can have a range of wingspan, which can be scaled to satisfy needs and requirements, with a blended wing body that incorporates the inlet and duct system.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement comprises a first sensor element for converting a physical quantity into a first electrical signal and at least a second sensor element for converting said physical quantity into a second electrical signal. The first sensor element has a first sensitivity while said second sensor element has a second sensitivity different from said first sensitivity.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) installation and removal device, includes: a carriage for supporting a BOP assembly, the BOP assembly having a BOP axis; the carriage being mounted on a linear actuator that has a translation axis that is parallel to the BOP axis; and a rotator mounted to the carriage and connectable to the BOP for rotating the BOP about the BOP axis. A combination of a BOP assembly mounted to the carriage of the BOP installation and removal device with the rotator connected to the BOP and the BOP axis parallel to the translation axis. A rotation of the BOP aligns the axis of the BOP with the axis of the well. A method of using the BOP installation and removal device including installing a BOP assembly on a well.

Abstract: A rotary distributor for thick matter, in particular for fresh concrete, has a load-bearing framework, which can be set down on a set-down surface, has a first extension-arm tube, which is arranged on the load-bearing framework such that it can be rotated about a framework-mounted vertical axis in the region of its inlet end, and has a second extension-arm tube, which is arranged such that it can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis in the region of the outlet end of the first extension-arm tube and communicates with the first extension-arm tube. The first extension-arm tube, in the region of its inlet end, can be pivoted, in addition, about a horizontal axis in relation to the load-bearing framework, and the second extension-arm tube can be rotated, in addition, about an axis of rotation, which is perpendicular to the horizontal pivot axis, in relation to the outlet end of the first extension-arm tube.

Abstract: Provided is a multiplex pipe and a system for recovering steam from a geothermal well, which are capable of solving all of the various problems with a neutralization pipe prepared by painting or the like of an alkali-resistant coating on the inner face of an acid-resistant single pipe. A multiplex pipe 10 that is configured to recover steam from a geothermal well GT, includes: a casing pipe 1 located outside; and a duplex pipe 4 that is slidable relative to the casing pipe 1 in the casing pipe 1, and has a first gap 5 with an inner face of the casing pipe 1, the duplex pipe including an outer pipe 2 having acid-resistance and an inner pipe 3 having alkali-resistance, the outer pipe 2 and the inner pipe 3 defining a second gap 6 therebetween.

Abstract: A method comprises accessing a vibratory device having a rotor and first and second eccentric weights. The first weight is initially attached to the rotor's shaft in a manner such that its center of the mass is offset from the shaft in a first radial direction. The second weight is initially attached to the shaft in a manner such that its center of the mass is also offset in the first radial direction. The method further comprises reorienting the first and second weights relative to the shaft in a manner such that their centers of the mass are offset in a second radial direction. By performing these steps, the location of greatest bearing surface wear rate on the shaft is circumferentially relocated about the shaft. As such, the service life of an eccentric weight vibratory device is thereby extended.

Abstract: A rotary-to-linear motion actuator having helical bevel gear and methods of use thereof are described. The actuator may be utilized with an apparatus for managing a fluid flow passage between one or more input ports and output ports. A pinion gear engages, and during operation turns, a bevel ring gear arranged on a helical path along an external periphery of a sleeve retaining a seat, which forms a fixed orifice. The teeth of the bevel gear are arranged on the helical path at the same pitch as external threads on the sleeve, which in turn, engage internal threads in an apparatus body. The area of the flow passage is changed by movement of the fixed seat orifice axially with respect to a contoured plug assembly. The threads of the sleeve and the body resist axial load imparted by the pressure drop across at the fixed orifice.

Abstract: An improved screed plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a curved leading edge and a trailing edge adapted for attaching to a screed of a paving machine is disclosed. The improved screed plate comprises a tapered groove extended from the curved leading edge towards the trailing edge along the top surface and terminated in a groove end. The tapered groove is arranged deepest at the curved leading edge and shallowest toward the trailing edge so as to provide flexibility to the screed plate while not reducing screed plate lifetime due to increased wear and tear. The increased screed plate flexibility facilitates crowning and other adjustments that require bending of the screed plate, and allow harder steels to be used than are used in conventional screed plates.

Abstract: The present invention is a generally circular rotary seal that establishes sealing between relatively rotatable machine components for lubricant retention and environmental exclusion, and incorporates seal geometry that interacts with the lubricant during relative rotation to distribute a lubricant film within the dynamic sealing interface. A preferably curved elevated contact pressure zone serves to maximize interfacial lubrication in critical areas during severe operating conditions by utilizing lubricant that would otherwise escape at the trailing edge of the hydrodynamic waves. The zones are produced by geometry that serves to minimize lubricant shear area, seal torque, seal volume, and wear, while ensuring retrofitability into the seal grooves of existing equipment.

Abstract: A metal article formed by compacting a sodium/molybdenum composite metal powder under sufficient pressure to form a preformed article; placing the preformed article in a sealed container; raising the temperature of the sealed container to a temperature that is lower than a sintering temperature of molybdenum; and subjecting the sealed container to an isostatic pressure for a time sufficient to increase the density of the metal article to at least about 90% of theoretical density.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymorph of 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3-dihydro-2H-isoindole-2-yl)-piperidine-2,6-dione, and also the preparing methods and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for distributed computing are provided. Clusters of nodes are provided, each node have a communication link to a primary I/O switch as well as to two other nodes, thereby providing redundant alternative communication paths between different components of the system. Primary and redundant I/O switching modules may provide further redundancy for high availability and high reliability applications, such as applications that may be subjected to the environment as would be found in space, including radiation effects. Nodes in a cluster may provide data storage, processing, and/or input/output functions, as well as one or more alternate communications paths between system components. Multiple clusters of nodes may be coupled together to provide enhanced performance and/or reliability.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic package module is provided. The method forms dual-side and selective encapsulation by using a dam filling process and a sacrificial layer. Electronic components are protected from electromagnetic interference while not interfering functioning of specific electronic components which are not encapsulated.

Abstract: A valve and valve assembly are provided to allow opening of flow channels through the wall of a tubular by increasing and then decreasing pressure in the tubular. Slidable seals having different areas are used to apply an axial force to a shuttle in the valve in response to differential pressure across the valve when in the closed position. The axial force shears a pin, releasing the shuttle. A decrease of pressure in the tubular can allow the valve to open in response to a spring force. Multiple valves may be placed along a tubular string and the valves may be opened all at substantially the same time or at time intervals determined by pressures applied inside the tubular.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly for use with a seat is provided. The seat belt assembly is configured to drag the seat belt across the lap of the user so as to position the seat belt over the pelvis of the user. The seat belt assembly includes a seat belt anchor movable between a locked position and a receiving position. The locked position is generally adjacent a back edge of the seat cushion and proximate the seat back. The receiving position is forward of the locked position. After the belt buckle is locked into the seat belt anchor, the seat belt anchor is moved back to the locked position, dragging the belt across the user's lap and onto the user's pelvis area.