Abstract: A method and system of presenting used motor vehicle pricing information to a data user. In addition to previously available information, new data are gathered including historical data regarding the asking price and sale price of the specific vehicle and similar vehicles. By obtaining and presenting used-car pricing and actual sold pricing information for similar vehicles along with the specific historical data elements for a specific used vehicle, modified in accordance with certain algorithms and methodologies, valuable pricing information can be made available to vehicle purchasers lending institutions, insurance companies, and others involved in transactions related to used vehicles.

Abstract: Methods for connecting drill pipe sections together using a support unit comprising an opening, a wall extending around the opening, a plurality of movable slips deployed in the opening, and a plurality of lever assemblies, each lever assembly pivotally attached to the wall and having a proximal end operably associated with at least one of the slips. A first pipe section is rotated against a second pipe section. Upward and downward movement of distal ends of said levers cause the slips to move between extended and refracted positions. In some embodiments, the second pipe section is held stationary while the extended slips, and thus the first pipe section, rotates.

Abstract: The present invention allows for the connection of multiple sections of drill pipe in a mouse hole by securing a given section of pipe in the hole and delivering a rotational force to secure that pipe section to another section of drill pipe placed above it over the mouse hole. In some embodiments, the rotational force may be provided by the support unit of the present invention. In alternative embodiments, the rotational force may be provided by an outside source such as an iron roughneck, with the support unit of the present invention holding the drill pipe section in a stationary position as such force is delivered. The unit then allows the connected pipe sections to be lowered and secured so the process can be repeated to connect multiple sections of drill pipe together in the mouse hole. The multiple sections of drill pipe may then be retrieved as a unit, and attached to the pipe string already being used to drill the well.

Abstract: The present invention allows for the connection of multiple sections of drill pipe in a mouse hole by securing a given section of pipe in the hole and delivering a rotational force to secure that pipe section to another section of drill pipe placed above it over the mouse hole. In some embodiments, the rotational force may be provided by the support unit of the present invention. In alternative embodiments, the rotational force may be provided by an outside source such as an iron roughneck, with the support unit of the present invention holding the drill pipe section in a stationary position as such force is delivered. The unit then allows the connected pipe sections to be lowered and secured so the process can be repeated to connect multiple sections of drill pipe together in the mouse hole. The multiple sections of drill pipe may then be retrieved as a unit, and attached to the pipe string already being used to drill the well.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for supporting and engaging drill pipe in a mouse hole that allows for multiple drill pipe sections to be attached together before being attached to an existing drill string. The present invention is designed to allow for engagement and disengagement of drill pipe sections of various diameters without the need for manually inserting or removing support shims or slips. Embodiments of the invention provide for rotation of the engaged drill pipe sections to assist in connection to another drill pipe section. These features allow for speedy set up and attachment of drill pipe sections during drilling operations. The support unit of the present invention is also portable, and may be retrofitted into an existing drill rig platform.

Abstract: The present invention is a shaft coupler having two complementary bodies that may be joined together to form a coupling. Each body is designed to be fixedly attached to the end of a shaft and has one or more curved flanges that mate to corresponding flanges of another coupler body. The two coupler bodies are engaged together and rotated so that the surfaces of the two corresponding flanges are flush. This forms a void next to the mated flanges of the coupler bodies. One or more locking blocks are then inserted into the void to prevent the coupled bodies from untwisting, thereby securing the couplers in place and the shafts together. The locking block is attached to an interior segment of shaft by a fastener and the sides of the locking block come in flush contact with the sides of the coupler bodies and flanges thereof when attached. The coupler serves to rigidly fix the ends of the shafts together, end to end, to further the purposes of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is an air injection collar for use in the drilling industry that is used to reduce the weight of the column of returning drilling mud and debris without causing unnecessary frictional wear on the drill pipe. The invention is a unique sleeve that is coupled to a drill casing that includes an input port for receiving the pressurized air or other fluid from the surface, an annular plenum extending around the drill casing, and a series of openings in the plenum leading to the inside of the drill casing. These openings disperse the pressurized air or other fluid into the upflowing mud around the central drill pipe so that it is not concentrated in one place, especially the center of the casing, where it could cause frictional damage to the drill pipe.

Abstract: A power carpet kicker is disclosed. The power carpet kicker includes a main frame portion, having a head portion and a rear portion. The head portion of the main frame portion includes a grip mounted on the head portion to grip a section of carpet to be stretched. The rear portion of the main frame portion includes a cushion mounted to the rear portion to provide cushion to an operator's knee. The main frame portion includes a momentum creating device to produce linear force towards the head portion to stretch carpet.

Abstract: An application mechanism for a disc brake, particularly a sliding-caliper disc brake. The mechanism comprises an application shaft oriented parallel to the plane of the brake rotor, which shaft is supported, on its side directed toward the rotor (2), against a thrust piece (9) which is movable against the rotor (2). The shaft is supported on its side directed away from the rotor against a support element (14) with respect to which the thrust piece (9) is movable. The support means on the side directed toward the brake rotor are such that the application shaft (8) is de-coupled from the thrust piece (9) with respect to rotation around a first axis (P2) oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (8), but the shaft is coupled with the thrust piece (9) with respect to translational movement of the first axis (P2) toward and away from the brake rotor plane.

Abstract: A brake application mechanism for a disc brake, particularly a sliding-caliper disc brake having an application shaft which extends parallel to the plane of the brake disc, wherein on the side of the shaft (8) which faces the brake disc (2) the shaft is supported against a thrust piece (9) which is movable against the brake disc (2), support being via a circularly arcuate first contour (17) which is rotatably mounted in a suitable bearing seat (18), and on the side of the shaft which faces away from the brake disc, the shaft is supported against an element with respect to which the thrust piece (9) is movable, support being via a second contour (21) which is eccentric with respect to the first contour.