Abstract: A gear train locking device having a locking device is provided. The gear train locking device includes a locking shaft having an outside diameter and a shaft axis. The locking shaft rotates about the shaft axis. Rotation of the locking shaft selectively moves the locking shaft between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position places the outside diameter of the locking shaft into engagement with at least one gear to provide physical interference between the locking shaft and the gear to change the rotational motion of at least one of the gears. Another embodiment includes a locking shaft that cooperates with a plurality of gears.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body comprising a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a valve member disposed within the valve body, wherein a position of the valve member controls a fluid flow between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and a fluid chamber above the valve member, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid inlet and outlet. The solenoid actuated valve assembly further includes a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body comprising a solenoid plunger proximate the fluid chamber, wherein a force multiplying ratio of a surface area of the solenoid plunger exposed to the fluid chamber is at least 1.5:1.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for connecting a plurality of pumping units to a wellhead includes at least one main line which is connectable to the wellhead and includes a plurality of discharge connectors, and a plurality of articulating arm assemblies which are each connected to a corresponding discharge connector. Each arm assembly comprises a connector member which includes at least an inlet port, an outlet port and a third port that is located generally opposite the outlet port and is closed by a removable plug member, an articulating conduit assembly which comprises a first end that is connected to the inlet port and a second end that is connectable to a corresponding one of the plurality of pumping units, and a riser swivel which is connected between the outlet port and the discharge connector. In use of the manifold assembly, each arm assembly is connected to a corresponding pumping unit and the main line is connected to the wellhead to thereby connect the pumping units to the wellhead.

Abstract: Vehicle drive control systems, such as those, for example, configured to permit a vehicle to direct power to at least one drivable element (such as, for example, via a drive shaft, a supplemental drive, or a battery) to assist the vehicle in making a low-radius turn.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve comprises a valve body which includes an inlet bore that is connectable to a flow line, an outlet bore that is connectable to a vent line and a valve bore that extends to between the inlet and outlet bores. A valve member is axially movable in the valve bore between a closed position in which fluid in the flow line is prevented from flowing between the inlet and outlet bores and an open position in which the fluid in the flow line is permitted to flow between the inlet and outlet bores. A fluid chamber is located in the valve bore adjacent the valve member, a source of hydraulic fluid is connected to the fluid chamber, and a solenoid operated pilot valve is connected between the fluid chamber and the source of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A hammer union (100) includes a male sub (102), a threaded female sub (104), a threaded union nut (106) disposed around abutting ends of the threaded female sub and the male sub, the abutting ends of the threaded female sub and the male sub include contact surfaces (120, 122) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (50) of the hammer union, and an outermost diameter of the perpendicular contact surfaces and a minor thread diameter of the female sub are equidistant from a longitudinal axis of the hammer union. A method of assembling a hammer union includes inserting a plurality of load segments (108) between a threaded union nut and a male sub, threadedly engaging internal threads of the threaded union nut with external threads (105) of a female sub, and engaging flat contact surfaces (120, 122) of abutting ends of the male sub and the female sub.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for connecting a plurality of pumping units to a wellhead includes at least one main line which is connectable to the wellhead and includes a plurality of discharge connectors, and a plurality of articulating arm assemblies which are each connected to a corresponding discharge connector. Each arm assembly comprises a connector member which includes at least an inlet port, an outlet port and a third port that is located generally opposite the outlet port and is closed by a removable plug member, an articulating conduit assembly which comprises a first end that is connected to the inlet port and a second end that is connectable to a corresponding one of the plurality of pumping units, and a riser swivel which is connected between the outlet port and the discharge connector. In use of the manifold assembly, each arm assembly is connected to a corresponding pumping unit and the main line is connected to the wellhead to thereby connect the pumping units to the wellhead.

Abstract: A vertical tine tiller that includes a chassis, an engine attached to the chassis, a handle assembly extending from the chassis to allow an operator to control the tiller, and at least two vertically oriented tine assemblies. Each of the tine assemblies include a plurality of tines attached to a plate, wherein the tine assemblies are rotatable about a vertical axis such that the tines of each tine assembly provide a grinding path and adjacent tine assemblies have at least partially overlapping grinding paths. The tines are removably connected to the plate.

Abstract: A manifold trailer comprises at least one main line having a plurality of discharge connectors and a plurality of articulating arm assemblies which are each connected to a corresponding discharge connector. Each arm assembly comprises a connector member which includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a third port which is located generally opposite the outlet port and is closed by a removable plug member. Each arm assembly also includes an articulating conduit assembly which comprises a first end that is connected to the inlet port and a riser swivel which is connected to the outlet port. During deployment of the arm assembly, a second end of the conduit assembly is connectable to a pumping unit to thereby fluidly connect the pumping unit to the main line.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body (122) comprising a fluid inlet (132) and fluid outlet (134), a valve member (128) disposed within the valve body, wherein a position of the valve member controls a fluid flow between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and a fluid chamber (140) above the valve member, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid inlet and outlet. The solenoid actuated valve assembly further includes a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body comprising a solenoid plunger (102) proximate the fluid chamber, wherein a force multiplying ratio of a surface area of the valve member exposed to the fluid chamber to a surface area of the solenoid plunger exposed to the fluid chamber is at least 1.5:1.

Abstract: A pressure relief comprises a valve body which includes an inlet bore that is connectable to a flow line, an outlet bore that is connectable to a vent line and a valve bore that extends to between the inlet and outlet bores. A valve member is slidably supported in the valve bore and is moveable between a closed position in which the fluid in the flow line is prevented from flowing from the inlet bore to the outlet bore and an open position in which the fluid in the flow line is permitted to flow from the inlet bore to the outlet bore. A solenoid operated pilot valve is connected to the valve body over the valve bore, and a fluid chamber is located in the pilot valve above the valve member. The fluid chamber is filled with a hydraulic fluid, and the hydraulic fluid in the fluid chamber is operatively engaged with the valve member.

Abstract: A discharge arm assembly for a truck or trailer-mounted pumping unit comprises a jumper line which is connected to the outlet of the pumping unit, a base unit which is connected to the outlet of the jumper line, and an articulated arm which is connected to the outlet of the base unit. The base unit includes a base conduit which is rigidly secured to the truck or trailer and a swivel arm which is rotatable about a generally vertical axis. The articulated arm comprises a first generally straight pipe which is connected to the swivel arm by a generally 90° elbow. A brace member comprises a first end which is connected to the swivel arm and a second end which is connected to the first pipe to thereby support the first pipe for movement in a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: A manifold trailer comprises at least one main line having a plurality of discharge connectors and a plurality of articulating arm assemblies which are each connected to a corresponding discharge connector. Each arm assembly comprises a connector member which includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a third port which is located generally opposite the outlet port and is closed by a removable plug member. Each arm assembly also includes an articulating conduit assembly which comprises a first end that is connected to the inlet port and a riser swivel which is connected to the outlet port. During deployment of the arm assembly, a second end of the conduit assembly is connectable to a pumping unit to thereby fluidly connect the pumping unit to the main line.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve comprises a valve body which includes an inlet bore that is connectable to a flow line, an outlet bore that is connectable to a vent line and a valve bore that extends to between the inlet and outlet bores. A valve member is axially movable in the valve bore between a closed position in which fluid in the flow line is prevented from flowing between the inlet and outlet bores and an open position in which the fluid in the flow line is permitted to flow between the inlet and outlet bores. A fluid chamber is located in the valve bore adjacent the valve member, a source of hydraulic fluid is connected to the fluid chamber, and a solenoid operated pilot valve is connected between the fluid chamber and the source of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A method of poker side betting based on burn cards is disclosed. The method enhances enjoyment of a poker game and increases house revenue, without slowing or detracting from the game itself. Before a poker round is dealt, players make bets predicting the identity of a burn card poker hand that will be produced by combining the burn cards of the poker round. After the round is played, the burn cards are revealed. Winnings are distributed for all bets that meet specified winning requirements. Bets can be placed into a side pot to be distributed among winners, or placed directly against the house according to house-established odds. In preferred embodiments, bets are made electronically via touch screens and locked before play begins, the burn cards are electronically scanned after play of the round and displayed on the touch screens, and winnings are distributed electronically.

Abstract: A system and method of side betting based on burn cards is provided. The method enhances enjoyment of a card game and increases house revenue, without slowing or detracting from the game itself. Before a card gamer round is dealt, players make bets predicting the identity of a burn card hand that will be produced by combining the burn cards of the round. After the round is played, the burn cards are revealed. Winnings are distributed for all bets that meet specified winning requirements. Bets can be placed into a virtual or real side pot to be distributed among winners, or placed directly against the house according to house-established odds.

Abstract: A method of poker side betting based on burn cards is disclosed. The method enhances enjoyment of a poker game and increases house revenue, without slowing or detracting from the game itself. Before a poker round is dealt, players make bets predicting the identity of a burn card poker hand that will be produced by combining the burn cards of the poker round. After the round is played, the burn cards are revealed. Winnings are distributed for all bets that meet specified winning requirements. Bets can be placed into a side pot to be distributed among winners, or placed directly against the house according to house-established odds. In preferred embodiments, bets are made electronically via touch screens and locked before play begins, the burn cards are electronically scanned after play of the round and displayed on the touch screens, and winnings are distributed electronically.

Abstract: A discharge arm assembly for a truck or trailer-mounted pumping unit comprises a jumper line which is connected to the outlet of the pumping unit, a base unit which is connected to the outlet of the jumper line, and an articulated arm which is connected to the outlet of the base unit. The base unit includes a base conduit which is rigidly secured to the truck or trailer and a swivel arm which is rotatable about a generally vertical axis. The articulated arm comprises a first generally straight pipe which is connected to the swivel arm by a generally 90° elbow. A brace member comprises a first end which is connected to the swivel arm and a second end which is connected to the first pipe to thereby support the first pipe for movement in a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: A folding kayak includes fore and aft subassemblies which are joined together and are covered by a water-impermeable skin to provide a watercraft with the favorable attributes both hard shell and skin on frame kayaks, with none of the disadvantages. In addition, one or more hydraulic adjustment mechanisms provide the kayak with characteristics of a plurality of different rigid body kayaks, with different operational characteristics, suitable for open-ocean or closed-water environments as desired. Ribs which are part of the kayak assembly have a relatively flat profile, making the kayak perform more favorably in adverse water conditions, and also giving the kayak some resilience and flexibility when encountering obstructions in the water. In one aspect, the kayak subassemblies may be joined, at least in part, by corrugated splines. By rotating these corrugated splines within elongate tubes that form part of the respective subassemblies, it is possible to remove crystalline, corrosive, and other build-up.