Abstract: A nozzle box unit forming a component of an anechoic chamber fire suppression system is provided. The nozzle box unit includes a pusher assembly that is configured to dislodge a piece of acoustic material positioned in front of the nozzle box so as to permit discharge of a fire suppressing material from a nozzle mounted inside the nozzle box unit into the anechoic chamber.

Abstract: A valve comprising a slidable internal shuttle that is shiftable between a valve closed and a valve open configuration is provided. The valve can be configured so that minimal force is required to effect shifting of the shuttle, even though the valve can be of a large diameter. In the valve closed configuration, the shuttle blocks communication between the valve inlet and outlet. Sliding of the shuttle to the valve open configuration permits fluid to flow through the valve. The shuttle can be configured with internal surfaces that provide some or no biasing forces acting upon the shuttle in the valve closed direction.

Abstract: Nozzles (22) for reducing noise generated by the release of gas from a hazard suppression system (10) are provided. The nozzles (22) comprise a plurality of partitions (42, 44, 46, 48) that define a serpentine gas flow path through the nozzle. The flow path causes the gas to undergo a plurality of expansions and directional changes thereby reducing the velocity of the gas and dampening the generation of sound waves as the gas exits the nozzle (22) through the nozzle outlet (40).

Abstract: A cementing tool (20) capable of being installed in a casing string (10) and configured to selectively permit the flow of cement through one or more ports (34) in the tool is provided. The ports (34) are normally sealed by rupture disc assemblies (36) comprising a rupture disc (62) that can be opened to permit flow of cement through the casing string central bore (32) and into the annulus (14) defined by the casing string (10) and the downhole formation (16). The cementing tool (20) is particularly useful during cementing operations in which the annulus (14) has become blocked by a collapsed portion of the formation by allowing the obstruction (104) to be bypassed and the flow of cement (100) into the annulus to be continued without substantial interruption. Tool (20) may also be used in multistage cementing operations.

Abstract: A cementing tool (20) capable of being installed in a casing string (10) and configured to selectively permit the flow of cement through one or more ports (34) in the tool is provided. The ports (34) are normally sealed by rupture disc assemblies (36) comprising a rupture disc (62) that can be opened to permit flow of cement through the casing string central bore (32) and into the annulus (14) defined by the casing string (10) and the downhole formation (16). The cementing tool (20) is particularly useful during cementing operations in which the annulus (14) has become blocked by a collapsed portion of the formation by allowing the obstruction (104) to be bypassed and the flow of cement (100) into the annulus to be continued without substantial interruption. Tool (20) may also be used in multistage cementing operations.

Abstract: Nozzles (22) for reducing noise generated by the release of gas from a hazard suppression system (10) are provided. The nozzles (22) comprise a plurality of partitions (42, 44, 46, 48) that define a serpentine gas flow path through the nozzle. The flow path causes the gas to undergo a plurality of expansions and directional changes thereby reducing the velocity of the gas and dampening the generation of sound waves as the gas exits the nozzle (22) through the nozzle outlet (40).

Abstract: A locking assembly mounted to a first rigid member by a hinge on one end of the member. The locking assembly can be locked to the first member to retain a second rigid member by an extending pin. The locking assembly is locked in place on the first member by an extendable locking pin whose end can engage a stop post in the first member when pivoted to a locked position.

Abstract: A locking assembly mounted to a first rigid member by a hinge on one end of the member. The locking assembly can be locked to the first member to retain a second rigid member by an extending pin. The locking assembly is locked in place on the first member by an extendable locking pin whose end can engage a stop post in the first member when pivoted to a locked position.

Abstract: A loop surrounds the user's index finger, and a movable feeder moves back and forth as the user's finger and thumb are squeezed together and released. A fixed feeder is mounted at the vertex of two springs that bias the loops outwardly, the fixed feeder being located behind the movable feeder. The feeders are so designed that when wire is passed through the feeders, the wire will be advanced forwardly as the fingers are squeezed together and released.