Abstract: An active return tube includes a hollow body defining a longitudinal axis, the hollow body including a first opening formed in the hollow body, the first opening defining a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side extending along the hollow body at an angle oblique to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly for a combine harvester. The cleaning assembly includes a conveyor for transporting at least one of or both of a threshed or separated mixture of grain and contaminants from at least one of or both of a threshing or separating device to an inlet of the cleaning assembly, screens for cleaning the mixture fed to the inlet of the cleaning assembly, which are able to be subjected to the action of an air flow by a fan, and a cross conveyor, arranged at the inlet of the cleaning assembly, for evening out the lateral distribution of the fed mixture. The cross conveyor is implemented with an open, air-permeable design and is arranged in an air flow provided by the fan.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a composite pressure vessel that includes both high performance fibers and low performance fibers. Embodiments also include a method forming a pressure vessel with high performance fibers and low performance fibers. A plurality of the high performance fibers may be found in an inner layer of the pressure vessel and a plurality of the low performance fibers may be found in an outer layer of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A unitary reflector system and methods for forming that include a reflector and support structure. These two structures can form a single unitary structure. Such a reflector system can be constructed from composite laminate materials that are laid up or formed in during a single manufacturing process. The composite support structure can be formed on the back of the reflector using standard laminate techniques. An extractable tool, can include a rigid core, one or more foam blocks, which may be shape a memory polymer foam, an elastic membrane, and a nozzle. The foam blocks can be shaped to provide a mold of the composite structure being manufactured. This mold may require the extractable tool to be trapped by the composite structure after manufacture. Use of the foams can allow the extractable tool to shrink in at least one dimension in order to extract the tool from the trapped configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the prevention or dissolution of hydrates in an undersea well. One example system includes a submersible isolation bell for capturing effluent being exhausted from the well, and an umbilical. A power cable supplies electric power to the submersible isolation bell, for example for heating of the interior of the submersible isolation bell to prevent or discourage the formation of methane hydrates and the precipitation of other byproducts. Diluents may be supplied to the submersible isolation bell to further discourage the formation of hydrates and precipitation of other byproducts. The diluents may be heated locally at the submersible isolation bell, using electric power supplied by the power cable. A conformable seal may substantially seal the submersible isolation bell to a riser or other structure at the wellhead.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward extractable tooling devices for composite structure manufacturing. An extractable tool, according to some embodiments of the invention, can include a rigid core, one or more foam blocks, an elastic membrane, and a nozzle. The foam blocks can be shaped to provide a mold of the composite structure being manufactured. This mold may require the extractable tool to be trapped by the composite structure after manufacture. Use of the foams can allow the extractable tool to shrink in at least one dimension in order to extract the tool from the trapped configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the prevention or dissolution of hydrates in an undersea well. One example system includes a submersible isolation bell for capturing effluent being exhausted from the well, and an umbilical. A power cable supplies electric power to the submersible isolation bell, for example for heating of the interior of the submersible isolation bell to prevent or discourage the formation of methane hydrates and the precipitation of other byproducts. Diluents may be supplied to the submersible isolation bell to further discourage the formation of hydrates and precipitation of other byproducts. The diluents may be heated locally at the submersible isolation bell, using electric power supplied by the power cable. A conformable seal may substantially seal the submersible isolation bell to a riser or other structure at the wellhead.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for isolating a zone inside a well is provided. The method may include providing a catch screen at a first location in the well and providing a fluid flow to the catch screen. The fluid flow may include a first fluid and a shape memory material. The first fluid may at least partially pass through the catch screen. The shape memory material may accumulate at the catch screen. The method may also include triggering the shape memory material such that it changes from a first shape to a second shape, thereby at least partially isolating one portion of the well from another portion of the well.

Abstract: Methods are provided of producing a heater cable. An electrical conductor is coated with a preceramic resin. At least a portion of the coated electrical conductor is deployed into a operational location. The preceramic resin is pyrolyzed while the portion of the coated electrical conductor is in the operational location to convert the preceramic resin into a ceramic insulator disposed to electrically insulate the electrical conductor from the sheath.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing an insulated electrical conductor. Electrically uninsulated portions of respective electrical conductors are connected. A joint between the electrically uninsulated portions is coated with a preceramic resin, which is heated to cure the preceramic resin into a green-state insulator that substantially covers the joint.