Abstract: Multiport valve with outlets transverse to the inlet useful as a coker switch valve. A sealed lower sleeve assembly provides semi-trunnion ball support. An upper part of the outlet seat recesses is formed in the bonnet, and a lower part in the valve body, which together bias a resilient member to load the seats, independently of end connections. Before bonnet assembly, when the ball is rotated to face a body outlet, there is sufficient space in the seat recesses to insert the seat, slide the seat onto the ball, and then insert the resilient member. When all the seats and resilient members are in place, engagement of the bonnet biases the upper part of the resilient members to load the seat. In valve operation, an enlarged ball outlet bore can straddle two outlet ports and maintain process media flow during switching. Also, methods of assembling, operating, and servicing the valve.

Abstract: A renewable energy portable electric vehicle charging system having an inlet coupled to a portable electrical power generating source, and an outlet couplable to an electrical input of a storage battery system in which the portable electrical power generating source is a self-charging battery activated by an aqueous electrolyte. A method of utilizing the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which comprises a multi point power charger coupleable to different types of an electrical energy source such as a battery or a fuel cell. The multipoint power charge can detect the type of connected energy source and activate one of a plurality of converters, wherein the activated converter is compatible with the connected energy source. The multi point power charger is constructed to emit a plurality of directional beams directable toward a determined direction of an electronic device that is chargeable via the multi point power charger. Also, a portable wireless charging device with at least two types of interchangeable power supplies.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which comprises a multi point power charger coupleable to different types of an electrical energy source such as a battery or a fuel cell. The multipoint power charge can detect the type of connected energy source and activate one of a plurality of converters, wherein the activated converter is compatible with the connected energy source. The multi point power charger is constructed to emit a plurality of directional beams directable toward a determined direction of an electronic device that is chargeable via the multi point power charger. Also, a portable wireless charging device with at least two types of interchangeable power supplies.

Abstract: Multiport valve with outlets transverse to the inlet useful as a coker switch valve. A sealed lower sleeve assembly provides semi-trunnion ball support. An upper part of the outlet seat recesses is formed in the bonnet, and a lower part in the valve body, which together bias a resilient member to load the seats, independently of end connections. Before bonnet assembly, when the ball is rotated to face a body outlet, there is sufficient space in the seat recesses to insert the seat, slide the seat onto the ball, and then insert the resilient member. When all the seats and resilient members are in place, engagement of the bonnet biases the upper part of the resilient members to load the seat. In valve operation, an enlarged ball outlet bore can straddle two outlet ports and maintain process media flow during switching. Also, methods of assembling, operating, and servicing the valve.

Abstract: An operating system for switching a coker switch valve to drum A, drum B, and bypass. The system has a shear pin linkage between the actuator and the valve stem and a position indicator independent of the actuator, to maintain functionality in the event of shear pin failure; and/or lockout functionality to prevent an inadvertent switch to bypass when switching between drum A and drum B and to lock down bypass mode to prevent an inadvertent switch from bypass to an open drum.

Abstract: Multiport valve with outlets transverse to the inlet useful as a coker switch valve. A sealed lower sleeve assembly provides semi-trunnion ball support. An upper part of the outlet seat recesses is formed in the bonnet, and a lower part in the valve body, which together bias a resilient member to load the seats, independently of end connections. Before bonnet assembly, when the ball is rotated to face a body outlet, there is sufficient space in the seat recesses to insert the seat, slide the seat onto the ball, and then insert the resilient member. When all the seats and resilient members are in place, engagement of the bonnet biases the upper part of the resilient members to load the seat. In valve operation, an enlarged ball outlet bore can straddle two outlet ports and maintain process media flow during switching. Also, methods of assembling, operating, and servicing the valve.

Abstract: An assembly of a first and second child transport apparatus is disclosed. Each apparatus may include: a frame having a frame base, at least one wheel, and a handle; at least one brake and a brake rod, wherein the brake rod is attached to the frame, and wherein the at least one brake actionable upon the wheel when the brake rod is actuated; a carriage pivotably attached to the frame; and a foldable backrest pivotably attached to a base of the carriage, wherein, in a nested position, the foldable backrest of the first apparatus is folded down and the carriage of the second apparatus is positioned partially within the carriage of the first apparatus such that the carriage of the second apparatus is disposed partially over the foldable backrest of the first apparatus; and the brake rod of the first apparatus is released by the handle of the second apparatus.

Abstract: An operating system for switching a coker switch valve to drum A, drum B, and bypass. The system has a shear pin linkage between the actuator and the valve stem and a position indicator independent of the actuator, to maintain functionality in the event of shear pin failure; and/or lockout functionality to prevent an inadvertent switch to bypass when switching between drum A and drum B and to lock down bypass mode to prevent an inadvertent switch from bypass to an open drum.

Abstract: Multiport valve with outlets transverse to the inlet useful as a coker switch valve. A sealed lower sleeve assembly provides semi-trunnion ball support. An upper part of the outlet seat recesses is formed in the bonnet, and a lower part in the valve body, which together bias a resilient member to load the seats, independently of end connections. Before bonnet assembly, when the ball is rotated to face a body outlet, there is sufficient space in the seat recesses to insert the seat, slide the seat onto the ball, and then insert the resilient member. When all the seats and resilient members are in place, engagement of the bonnet biases the upper part of the resilient members to load the seat. In valve operation, an enlarged ball outlet bore can straddle two outlet ports and maintain process media flow during switching. Also, methods of assembling, operating, and servicing the valve.

Abstract: Personal protective equipment (PPE) and a method of wearing the PPE integrating a temperature reader biasing the temperature reader into direct thermal contact with the forehead without projecting elements and without the use of tight straps, thereby improving the comfort of the wearer while still providing face shielding functionality and accurate temperature reading. The frame has a concave curvature opposite the forehead of the wearer and the thermochromic strip is disposed as a chord across the concavity to bias the thermochromic strip against the forehead, thus reliving some of the pressure from the nosepiece to the thermochromic strip.

Abstract: An apparatus including a base, a plurality of fingers coupled to the base and arranged to define a containment area, where each finger includes a mechanical assembly defining a belt path, a belt positioned within the belt path, and a drive motor configured to operate the belt, and a controller configured to operate the drive motors to move the belts in a retract direction to move an external object into the containment area is provided. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: An assembly of a first and second child transport apparatus is disclosed. Each apparatus may include: a frame having a frame base, at least one wheel, and a handle; at least one brake and a brake rod, wherein the brake rod is attached to the frame, and wherein the at least one brake actionable upon the wheel when the brake rod is actuated; a carriage pivotably attached to the frame; and a foldable backrest pivotably attached to a base of the carriage, wherein, in a nested position, the foldable backrest of the first apparatus is folded down and the carriage of the second apparatus is positioned partially within the carriage of the first apparatus such that the carriage of the second apparatus is disposed partially over the foldable backrest of the first apparatus; and the brake rod of the first apparatus is released by the handle of the second apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for automatically detecting a status of an oestrus indicator associated with an animal is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a structure having two substantially parallel barrier means (1) and moveable barrier means (2) for selectively preventing an animal from proceeding between the parallel barrier means (1). A camera (11) is provided for capturing an electronic image of an area of interest of the animal (A), the area of interest comprising an area of the animal (A) which the oestrus indicator is usually associated with or attached to. Processing means (300) determine a status of the oestrus indicator based on the image. Animal position sensing means (6) are also provided, wherein, in use, closing of the moveable barrier means (1) is dependent on the animal position sensing means (6) detecting that a required portion of the animal (A) has moved past the moveable barrier means (1).

Abstract: A ball valve for ultra-high pressure wherein the inner annular surface(s) of the valve seat(s) has an sealing face in sealing engagement with the flow control element, support surfaces adjacent the sealing face in contact with the flow control element, and vent grooves between adjacent support surfaces and the sealing face. A method to utilize the ball valve involves rotating the control element and maintaining a pressure of 275.8 MPa (40,000 psi) or more for at least 1 hour without leaking before opening or after closing the valve.

Abstract: A ball valve for ultra-high pressure applications wherein the inner annular surface(s) of the valve seat(s) has an annular sealing face in sealing engagement with the flow control element, support surfaces adjacent the sealing face in contact with the flow control element, and vent grooves between adjacent support surfaces and between the sealing face and the support surfaces. A method to utilize the bidirectional ball valve involves rotating the valve stem and control element and maintaining a pressure of 275.8 MPa (40,000 psi) or more for at least 1 hour without leaking before opening or after closing the valve.

Abstract: A ball valve for ultra-high pressure wherein the inner annular surface(s) of the valve seat(s) has an sealing face in sealing engagement with the flow control element, support surfaces adjacent the sealing face in contact with the flow control element, and vent grooves between adjacent support surfaces and the sealing face. A method to utilize the ball valve involves rotating the control element and maintaining a pressure of 275.8 MPa (40,000 psi) or more for at least 1 hour without leaking before opening or after closing the valve.

Abstract: A ball valve for ultra-high pressure applications wherein the inner annular surface(s) of the valve seat(s) has an annular sealing face in sealing engagement with the flow control element, support surfaces adjacent the sealing face in contact with the flow control element, and vent grooves between adjacent support surfaces and between the sealing face and the support surfaces. A method to utilize the bidirectional ball valve involves rotating the valve stem and control element and maintaining a pressure of 275.8 MPa (40,000 psi) or more for at least 1 hour without leaking before opening or after closing the valve.

Abstract: A bidirectional ball valve for ultra-high pressure applications wherein the inner end of the valve stem has sides dimensioned to rotationally engage a corresponding recess in the flow control element having larger corresponding sides disposed to allow for lateral movement of the flow control element, and wherein the inner annular surface of a valve seat has an annular sealing face in sealing engagement with the flow control element, support surfaces adjacent the sealing face in contact with the flow control element, and lateral vent grooves between the support surfaces. A method to utilize the bidirectional ball valve involves rotating the valve stem and control element and maintaining a pressure of 275.8 MPa (40,000 psi) or more for at least 1 hour without leaking before opening or after closing the valve.

Abstract: Gland thruster reinforced for high pressure application and valve incorporating the gland thruster. Methods to use the gland thruster and valve are also disclosed.