Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for using computer vision for parafoil flight control. According to an aspect, a method includes capturing an image of a parafoil including multiple indicator points distributed thereon. The method further includes determining positioning of the indicator points based on the captured image. The method further includes determining a condition of the parafoil based on the positioning of the indicator points. The method further includes controlling flight inputs based on the condition of the parafoil.

Abstract: A multi-function mobile device carrying case for a mobile device includes a case housing incorporating a retractable headset, a microphone, a multi-function control button, and an interface cable. The carry case further includes a device housing attached to the case housing and configured to accommodate a mobile device. When a mobile device is placed in the device housing and the interface cable is connected into the headphone jack of the mobile device, the carrying case enables the user to use various functions of the mobile device without accessing the mobile device itself.

Abstract: A solenoid health monitoring system uses a signal conditioner and controller assembly in one embodiment that includes analog circuitry and a DSP controller. The analog circuitry provides signal conditioning to the low-level raw signal coming from a signal acquisition assembly. Software running in a DSP analyzes the incoming data (recorded current signature) and determines the state of the solenoid whether it is energized, de-energized, or in a transitioning state. In one embodiment, the software identifies key features in the current signature during the transition phase and is able to determine the “health” of the solenoid.

Abstract: A method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole tubing pump and a reciprocating downhole tubing pump. The reciprocating downhole tubing pump has a standing valve assembly and a travelling valve. The method involves displacing and disabling, without removing, the standing ball valve assembly and the travelling valve. This can be done with pins which knock the balls out of position or by enclosing the balls in cages which can be mechanically moved out of position with linkages. With the standing ball valve assembly and the travelling valve disabled, circulation can occur through the reciprocating downhole tubing pump. This has a number of advantages, such as removal of blockages due to sand accumulation.

Abstract: A method of cleaning out blockages which prevent operation of a reciprocating downhole tubing pump. A first step involves mechanically displacing and disabling, without removing, a ball from a ball seat on the travelling ball valve. A second step involves mechanically displacing and disabling, without removing, a ball from a ball seat on the standing valve assembly. A third step involves inserting coil tubing through the travelling ball valve and the standing ball valve to cleanout the entire workstring and pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a press machine eliminates the free clearances present between the threaded portions of a screw and adjustment nut assembled in a shutheight adjustment mechanism. A hydraulic assembly directs a pressurized fluid against an outer periphery of the adjustment nut to effectively compress the adjustment nut and cause its threaded portion to be displaced into interlocking engagement with the threaded portion of the screw. Alternatively, the hydraulic assembly may be arranged to hydraulically pressurize an interior space of the screw to effectively expand the screw and cause its threaded portion to be displaced into interlocking engagement with the threaded portion of the adjustment nut.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a press machine eliminates the free clearances present between the threaded portions of a screw and adjustment nut assembled in a shutheight adjustment mechanism. A hydraulic assembly directs a pressurized fluid against an outer periphery of the adjustment nut to effectively compress the adjustment nut and cause its threaded portion to be displaced into interlocking engagement with the threaded portion of the screw. Alternatively, the hydraulic assembly may be arranged to hydraulically pressurize an interior space of the screw to effectively expand the screw and cause its threaded portion to be displaced into interlocking engagement with the threaded portion of the adjustment nut.

Abstract: A personnel carrying vehicle comprises a self propelled, steerable body, a telescoping mast attached to and extending upwardly from the body, and a personnel compartment attached to the mast. Two control handles are mounted within the personnel compartment, with one handle including a rocker mechanism mounted therein for pivotal movement within a generally horizontal plane to control steering and the other handle being rotated to controlling traction. Sensors ensure that the operator's hands are on both control handles and both feet are properly positioned on a floor of the operator's compartment before the vehicle can be moved or the platform raised; this ensures a four point stance, providing for operator stability and that the operator's hands and feet are within the operator's compartment anytime the vehicle is being moved or during lifting or lowering operations.

Abstract: A plurality of hydrostatic bearing pads are each integrally formed in a respective pin or journal member being used within a mechanical press machine. The hydrostatic bearing pads are supplied with pressurized fluid sufficient to create a combined hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effect between the opposed bearing surfaces of the pin and an associated bushing. The hydrostatic bearing pads are used in conjunction with rotational and oscillating bearings in which relatively little rotation, oscillation, or slow rotational speeds exist or where it is desired to minimize the effects of hydrodynamic action which creates bearing “lift off” on journal bearings. These types of bearings are particularly associated with crankshaft and connection journal bearings, connection pins, and pivot pins used by a rocker-type coupling assembly that couples a weight assembly to the press machine piston or slide assembly or drive assembly.

Abstract: A drive rod composed of segments joined together to form a single length for use in a mechanical press. The individual drive rod segments may be separated for ease of assembly into the mechanical press or for servicing the mechanical press. In addition, a split locating collar is used for removably attaching the drive rod to the upper slide of a mechanical press. Drive rod length and slide shutheight may be changed by utilizing spacer elements.

Abstract: A coupling device joins and axially aligns segments of a driveshaft or other shaft to form one, continuous length, shaft for use in a machine press.

Abstract: A mechanical press having a wet or oil shear clutch/brake drive unit is provided including elimination of undamped clearances. Lubrication oil utilized in the press flywheel bearing is ported and communicated into the clutch brake unit for use therein, eliminating the use of two separate lubrication or oil transport systems. A hydrostatic oil bearing on the brake/clutch actuator member (actuation plate) eliminates the use or need of an anti-friction bearing between the actuator member and the brake and clutch members.

Abstract: A guide system for a dynamic balancer for use in a mechanical press. This system includes a dynamic balancer weight which reciprocates along a longitudinal axis and guiding means for preventing rotation of the balancer weight about the balancer weights reciprocal pathway longitudinal axis. In one particular embodiment, the system includes a guide post attached to the balancer weight and a "U"-shaped weight guide circumferentially located about the guide post whereby preventing rotational movement of the balancer weight around the guide post.

Abstract: A drive disk assembly for use in a press machine is segmented into a plurality of discrete drive disk segments each having a friction pad attached thereto. The segmented drive disk permits individual disk segments and friction pads to be removed after installation without disassembling the entire arrangement. The disk segments may grow thermally without causing the flex disk being utilized to shift axially or radially. A slot formed throughout the disk segment acts as an effective heat barrier to protect sensitive parts from undue thermal exposure.

Abstract: A personnel carrying vehicle comprising a self propelled, steerable body, a telescoping mast attached to and extending upwardly from said body, and a personnel compartment attached to the mast and provided with a rail member that extends from the mast and around the sides. A pair of gate members, which are pivotally attached to the rail member and to the floor of the compartment, are movable from a closed position to an open position wherein said gate members extend into the compartment.

Abstract: The invention includes a press having two slides disposed in opposed relationship to each other with a single crankshaft connected to each slide whereby rotation of the crankshaft causes each slide to move toward and away from the other slide. A drive mechanism is utilized to rotate the crankshaft. The drive mechanism is located under the two slides to provide protection against oil leaks. Dynamic balancers are utilized to substantially balance press inertia forces during operation, to where over 90 percent of vertical press inertia forces are balanced. By balancing such press inertial, the press may be stopped within one crankshaft revolution.

Abstract: A shutheight adjustment assembly of a mechanical press including an adjustment nut rotatably connected to an adjustment screw. Hydrostatic bearing pads are provided below the adjustment nut to reduce frictional forces associated with nut rotation and to provide a squeeze film thickness to withstand large press loadings. A hydraulic chamber supplied with pressurized fluid is positioned above the adjustment nut and produces a preload force on the hydrostatic bearing pads. Hydrostatic bearing pads are also arranged radially outward of the adjustment nut to radially center the nut during operation. A hydraulic chamber between the adjustment nut and screw may be furnished to resist bolster rebound during press operations.

Abstract: A shutheight adjustment mechanism of a mechanical press including a piston member restrained from moving vertically by a sealed liquid-filled chamber of relatively short height. The chamber acts as a stiff liquid-spring that limits deflection and movement of the piston member and ultimately the slide or bolster. Seals define the chamber to assure that the chamber is filled with liquid. The liquid-filled chamber damps free movement between parts thereby helping to resist changes in shutheight. Liquid also is injected between the piston member and both the adjustment nut and the housing. This liquid reduces torque requirements for shutheight adjustment.

Abstract: A shutheight adjustment mechanism of a mechanical press including a piston member restrained from moving vertically by a sealed liquid-filled chamber of relatively short height. The chamber acts as a stiff liquid-spring that limits deflection and movement of the piston member and ultimately the slide or bolster. Seals define the chamber to assure that the chamber is filled with liquid. The liquid-filled chamber damps free movement between parts thereby helping to resist changes in shutheight. Liquid also is injected between the piston member and both the adjustment nut and the housing. This liquid reduces torque requirements for shutheight adjustment.

Abstract: A mechanical press including a two part drive disk assembly to permit radial expansion in the drive disk, reduces or eliminates axial movement and/or axial closeout of the drive disk caused by thermal expansion of the drive disk. The drive disk is attached to an adapter plate by a plurality of flexible straps centrally attached to the circumferential edge of the drive disk and at the ends to flanges on the adapter plate. The adapter plate is connected to the conventional clutch plate of the press. During operation, the drive disk expands due to frictional heating in a radial direction as permitted by the flexible straps. In one form of the invention, the flexible straps are stacked and constructed from stainless steel.