Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing friction in a radial drilling application. The method involves coating the interior of a deflector shoe with a lubricant. Lubrication of the deflector show can be accomplished by applying a wet lubricant to the interior of the deflector shoe or spraying a dry lubricant on the interior of the deflector shoe. The method can further include coating a hose and/or a jet nozzle, passing the hose and/or jet nozzle through the coated interior of the deflector shoe. The method can further include coating components of a milling cutter, and passing the components of the milling cutter through the coated interior of the deflector shoe. An apparatus for reducing friction in a radial drilling application is also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for the treatment of waste streams from the hydroconversion of heavy hydrocarbons containing additives and catalysts are described. At least one of the SHC pitch stream, SDA pitch stream, and the heavy residue stream is sent to a thermal oxidation system. The metals in the SHC and SDA pitch streams and the heavy residue stream are oxidized and can be easily recovered as clean powdered metal oxides which can be reused or sold. The processes produce chemicals which can be recovered and sold.

Abstract: A pull off pipe cap (1) that fully seals the end of the pipe or pipe fitting to protect the pipe during construction especially while pouring concrete foundations around pipes. The pull off pipe cap is easily found under poured concrete and is easily removed from the pipe or pipe fitting without a need for demolition of the concrete slab and excavation around the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick connect coupling with a retention feature that resists inadvertent disconnection of the coupling in a pressurized state.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting, such as an electronic faucet.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has a low point of contact for installing the valve cartridge in a valve body. A retention nut bears down on the low point of contact to secure the valve cartridge in the valve body.

Abstract: One-handle and two-handle valve cartridges have an increased maximum flow rate and/or a decreased size (e.g., volume). Accordingly, the valve cartridges achieve an improved flow rate to volume relationship.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick connect coupling with a retention feature that resists inadvertent disconnection of the coupling in a pressurized state.

Abstract: A faucet wand includes a waterway having a plurality of conduits; a diverter valve and a reset valve. The diverter valve diverts fluid flow between two of the conduits and has a default position. The reset valve can cause the diverter valve to return to its default position from another position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick connect coupling with a retention feature that resists inadvertent disconnection of the coupling in a pressurized state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a shaft-less energy storage flywheel system. The shaft-less energy storage flywheel system includes a solid cylindrical flywheel having permanent motor magnets mounted about the flywheel. The shaft-less energy storage flywheel system also includes a motor stator having motor windings carrying electrical currents. The motor windings of the motor stator are aligned with the permanent motor magnets of the flywheel such that rotation of the flywheel is induced through interaction of the motor winding currents and the magnetic field of the permanent motor magnets. The flywheel provides a magnetic flux path for the permanent motor magnets. In certain embodiments, the shaft-less energy storage flywheel system includes a magnetic bearing assembly disposed directly adjacent an axial face of the flywheel. The magnetic bearing assembly controls positioning and alignment of the flywheel without physically contacting the flywheel during normal operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick connect coupling with a retention feature that resists inadvertent disconnection of the coupling in a pressurized state.

Abstract: A water filtration system includes a faucet assembly and a filtration assembly. The filtration assembly includes a filter assembly; a filter bracket or mounting assembly for securing the filter assembly to a support surface or structure; and a filter manifold assembly including an unfiltered water inlet for connecting to an unfiltered water supply and a filtered water outlet for connecting to a valve assembly of the faucet assembly. The filter assembly interfaces with the filter manifold assembly to provide filtered water to the faucet assembly under control of the valve assembly. A filter that otherwise would not interface with the filter bracket/mounting assembly and/or the filter manifold assembly can be adapted to work in the water filtration system by using a filter adaptor assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting, such as an electronic faucet.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has one or more lobular keys formed on a housing of the valve cartridge. The lobular keys interface with keyways formed in a valve body.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge includes an actuating mechanism, wherein an amount of force required to operate the actuating mechanism is insensitive to a load applied to the valve cartridge during installation of the valve cartridge in a valve body. Accordingly, the valve cartridge can operate over a wide range of installation loads and can be properly installed without using a specialized tool or mechanism.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has a low point of contact for installing the valve cartridge in a valve body. A retention nut bears down on the low point of contact to secure the valve cartridge in the valve body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a shaft-less energy storage flywheel system. The shaft-less energy storage flywheel system includes a solid cylindrical flywheel having permanent motor magnets mounted about the flywheel. The shaft-less energy storage flywheel system also includes a motor stator having motor windings carrying electrical currents. The motor windings of the motor stator are aligned with the permanent motor magnets of the flywheel such that rotation of the flywheel is induced through interaction of the motor winding currents and the magnetic field of the permanent motor magnets. The flywheel provides a magnetic flux path for the permanent motor magnets. In certain embodiments, the shaft-less energy storage flywheel system includes a magnetic bearing assembly disposed directly adjacent an axial face of the flywheel. The magnetic bearing assembly controls positioning and alignment of the flywheel without physically contacting the flywheel during normal operation.