Abstract: Actuators suited for use with, for example, vehicular suspension systems. In some embodiments, the present actuators include a reversible hydraulic pump configured to produce variable hydraulic pressure; a hydraulic cylinder assembly having a cylinder bore, and a piston positioned within the cylinder bore that is axially movable relative to the cylinder bore; and a hydraulic circuit hydraulically coupling the reversible hydraulic pump to the hydraulic cylinder assembly. In these embodiments, actuated axial motion of the piston relative to the cylinder bore is accomplished without the use of check valves, pressure regulating valves, or actively controlled valves.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present systems include, consist of, or consist essentially of a roadarm having a first end, a second end, and an opening near the first end; where the second end is configured for attachment to a passive spring (e.g., an air spring, a coil spring, a compressible fluid spring, or a leaf spring), and the opening is configured for interchangeable use with any of: (a) a passive suspension system damping element, (b) a semi-active suspension system damping element, and (c) an active suspension system actuator. Other systems are included, such as those with common control systems for the active and semi-active suspension systems. Methods relating to such systems.

Abstract: Actuators suited for use with, for example, vehicular suspension systems. In some embodiments, the present actuators include a reversible hydraulic pump configured to produce variable hydraulic pressure; a hydraulic cylinder assembly having a cylinder bore, and a piston positioned within the cylinder bore that is axially movable relative to the cylinder bore; and a hydraulic circuit hydraulically coupling the reversible hydraulic pump to the hydraulic cylinder assembly. In these embodiments, actuated axial motion of the piston relative to the cylinder bore is accomplished without the use of check valves, pressure regulating valves, or actively controlled valves.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provide constant force suspension and near constant force Suspension and associated control algorithms, all of which may be utilized in vehicle suspension systems. By using the apparatus of the present invention, a vehicle may be isolated from the motion of a wheel as it follows rough terrain, thereby improving ride quality.

Abstract: A safety cage including two end plates connected by straps extending therebetween is adapted to be placed over an assembled quick connect-disconnect coupling, and the end plates engage behind abutment surfaces on the coupling to prevent accidental separation of the coupling elements. The cage also carries a pair of spaced vertical bars that engage a shoulder on the operating sleeve of the coupling, and lock it against any axial movement. The coupling includes an abutment ring that prevents any forward shifting of the sleeve because of component wear, further eliminating the possibility of accidental separation.

Abstract: The loading station of the invention includes an intake fitting, a pair of pressure operated motorized flow control valves, and a pair of loading boom assemblies that are all mounted on a movable equipment skid. The intake fitting is connectable with a source of high pressure natural gas, and the boom assemblies are universally adjustable and include coupler portions that are connectable with matching coupler portions carried on pressure vessels. Natural gas is loaded into the pressure vessels through the boom assemblies, and the loading station further includes a pressure control system that operates the motorized valves and which prevents natural gas from flowing into the boom assemblies when a pressure vessel is not connected thereto.

Abstract: Natural gas wells in a tight formation area are drilled and completed with piping, the piping being capped with a Christmas tree. The piping is then utilized as a reservoir to collect natural gas from the tight formation over a prolonged time period. Mobile pressure vessel units are employed periodically to recover the collected natural gas, on a schedule designed for maximum economic efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, the reservoir is formed between the inner production tubing and the outer casing tubing, and conduits are connected to direct the natural gas from the production tubing into the reservoir. Liquid/gas separators and dehydrator units are employed on wells as necessary, so that the natural gas stored in the reservoir is ready for transport.

Abstract: A user terminal is provided with two off-loading stations, and at least two separate pressure vessel means are employed to supply natural gas to the user terminal. At least one of the separate pressure vessels is movable to a supply terminal. The off-loading stations are preferably provided with an automatic switchover arrangement to change from one pressure vessel means to another, and the resulting method and system for distributing natural gas assures a continuous supply of natural gas at varying demand rates to the user terminal.

Abstract: Natural gas taken from a gas well is loaded continuously and at a preselected, generally uniform rate into a movable separate pressure vessel means until such is filled with a discrete batch of natural gas at a pressure in excess of 800 psia, whereupon it is replaced with another separate pressure vessel means, with no interruption of gas flow. The filled, movable vessel means is then transported to an off-loading terminal. Well shock is thus controlled, and maximum natural gas recovery obtained. A generally uniform flow rate is obtained by a regulating valve, when well head pressure exceeds about 800 psia, and by a compressor when the well head pressure is below such value.

Abstract: Natural gas from one or more wells is gathered, dehydrated, compressed to a relatively high pressure, and loaded into pressure vessel means mounted for transporting at ambient temperatures by a transport vehicle. The pressure vessel means is then driven to a transmission pipeline terminal, or other end user, and the natural gas is off-loaded while being heated to prevent the formation of harmful hydrates, the gas being metered before flowing into the pipeline.

Abstract: In a down hole gauge signals from a plurality of parametric sensors are processed through a multiplexer and analog to digital converter and stored alternately in digitized binary format in a solid state memory for subsequent readout above the well surface. A preprogrammed solid state clock initiates measurement sequences and deactivates all circuits between sequences.