Abstract: A system and method for the soft shift of a transmission connecting a power source to a well stimulation pump through a transmission. When it is desired to change gear ratios in the transmission, the transmission is caused to enter a torque converter mode from a lockup mode. The engine speed is adjusted according to a signal representative of the speed of the transmission output shaft. Once the gear ratio has been changed, the transmission is caused to enter a lockup mode from the torque converter mode.

Abstract: The backreamer assembly for enlarging shallow depth boreholes in an earthen environment includes a substantially conical cutting surface. Contained within the substantially conical cutting surface is a speed reduction, torque increasing gearbox which transmits rotational power from a drive motor to the substantially conical cutting surface.

Abstract: The control apparatus and vehicle of the invention for controlling a broom and blower system attached to the vehicle typically includes several modules (which may be software, hardware, or a combination of these) which interact to process command inputs. Thus, broom state, broom height, and broom direction command modules are all logically connected to a command input module. Similarly, blower state (blower on/off) and direction (blower left/right) modules are also logically connected to the command input module. The method of the invention for operating a broom and a blower includes the steps of receiving a command input, measuring the duration of the command input, and determining whether the command input is a broom state command, a broom height command, a broom direction command, a blower state command, or a blower direction command. If the command is one which requires selection of an intermediate position, then the command is followed as long as the command is entered.

Abstract: A system for forming cut lines or holes in an extended length workpiece includes an accurately positionable work table assembly and a laser machining system. By accurately controlling the movement of the work table assembly with respect to the laser machining system, an array of cut lines or holes can be formed in multiple planes of the extended length workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for indicating a broken shear pin on a snow blower head cutter drum in a rotary snow blower. At least one shear pin connects the snow blower head cutter drum to a drive shaft on the snow blower. The indicator system utilizes a proximity sensor which is mounted on the drive box of the vehicle and focused on at least one target on the snow blower head cutter drum. As the snow blower head cutter drum rotates, the proximity sensor detects the passage of the target and resets a timer. When the shear pin breaks, the cutter drum stops rotating. Because the proximity sensor does not detect the target, the timer is not reset. When the elapsed time equals or exceeds a predetermined amount, an electrical impulse is transmitted, activating the broken shear pin indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, a tracking device, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a low turbulence vehicle-mounted air blast for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. An air blast system is mounted in the central portion of the vehicle underneath the chassis. An air duct is positioned on either side of the truck adjacent to a channel which passes under the truck. The air ducts are designed with minimal curvature and internal baffles in order to minimize air flow turbulence. During operation, the channel and air duct are lowered toward the ground and high velocity air passes through the channel. A vacuum is created which draws snow or debris from the runway, out of the air duct, and away from the truck. When turnaround is required at the end of a runway, the operator simply lifts the air duct currently in operation and lowers the air duct on the other side of the truck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.