Abstract: A system and methods for reducing the operating temperature of a solid state pumping system for lifting liquids from a wellbore. The pumping system and methods utilizing a solid state electrical actuator system. The cooling systems and methods including a heat sink for cooling the solid state actuator. The heat sink comprising at least one of; (i) a dielectric oil bath, (ii) a thermoelectric cooling element, (iii) an aperture within the at least one solid state actuator for conveying a cooling fluid through the aperture, and (iv) combinations thereof. The pumping system including and an electrical power source for powering the solid state pump.

Abstract: A system for removing wellbore liquids from a wellbore, the wellbore traversing a subterranean formation and having a tubular that extends within at least a portion of the wellbore. The system includes a positive-displacement solid state pump comprising a fluid chamber, an inlet and an outlet port, each in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, at least one solid state actuator, a first one-way check valve positioned between the inlet port and the fluid chamber, and/or a second one-way check valve positioned between the outlet port and the fluid chamber, the at least one solid state actuator configured to operate at or near its resonance frequency, the solid state pump positioned within the wellbore; and means for powering the solid state pump. A method for removing fluids from a subterranean well is also provided.

Abstract: A pump includes a solid state pump including a solid state actuator actuatable to pressurize a hydraulic fluid, and a secondary pump in fluid communication with the solid state pump via a fluid circuit. The secondary pump is actuatable with the hydraulic fluid received from the solid state pump, and actuating the secondary pump draws in an external fluid into the secondary pump, pressurizes the external fluid within the secondary pump, and discharges a pressurized external fluid.

Abstract: System and methods for reducing the operating temperature of a solid state pumping system for lifting liquids from a wellbore, the pumping system utilizing a solid state electrical actuator system, the cooling systems and methods including a heat sink for cooling the solid state actuator, the heat sink comprising at least one of; (i) a dielectric oil bath, (ii) a thermoelectric cooling element, (iii) an aperture within the at least one solid state actuator for conveying a cooling fluid through the aperture, and (iv) combinations thereof; and an electrical power source for powering the solid state pump.

Abstract: A system for removing wellbore liquids from a wellbore, the wellbore traversing a subterranean formation and having a tubular that extends within at least a portion of the wellbore. The system includes a positive-displacement solid state pump comprising a fluid chamber, an inlet and an outlet port, each in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, at least one solid state actuator, a first one-way check valve positioned between the inlet port and the fluid chamber, and/or a second one-way check valve positioned between the outlet port and the fluid chamber, the at least one solid state actuator configured to operate at or near its resonance frequency, the solid state pump positioned within the wellbore; and means for powering the solid state pump. A method for removing fluids from a subterranean well is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting concealed cargo, such as explosives contained in a closed vehicle trunk, by characterizing the transfer function between sets of wheels of the vehicle and automatically detecting changes of transfer functions due to changes in mass loading. The system and method contacts a first tire of the vehicle and transduces a signal such as a sweeping acoustic signal into the vehicle, simultaneously collecting the signal transmitted and attenuated through the vehicle to an second tire. The collected signal is analyzed and compared to previous transfer function characterization results to detect significant changes in the transfer function. If a significant change is detected, a system operator is alerted to prompt further preemptive action, such as a full search of the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractor (24) for seat belt webbing (22) includes a first spool (60) for a first wound length of seat belt webbing (30) and a second spool (62) for a second wound length of seat belt webbing (32). The first and second spools (60, 62) are supported for winding and unwinding rotation. The retractor (24) further includes a cinch mechanism (110). The cinch mechanism (110) blocks unwinding rotation of the first spool (60) in response to a first amount of rotation of the spools (60, 62) which includes a predetermined amount of unwinding rotation of the second spool (62). The cinch mechanism (110) blocks unwinding rotation of the second spool (62) in response to a second amount of rotation of the spools (60, 62) which includes a predetermined amount of unwinding rotation of the first spool (60).

Abstract: A clutch driven plate assembly for use in an automotive vehicle adapted to dissipate the irregular impulses of the vehicle engine with the transmission in neutral, the clutch engaged and the engine at idle rpm. The assembly comprises a clutch plate, a spring retainer plate secured to the clutch plate, and a hub assembly in operative engagement with the transmission input shaft and including an inner hub, an outer hub having spring windows therein, and a meshing backlash spline connection between said hubs allowing limited relative rotation therebetween; the clutch plate and spring retainer plate having spring windows axially aligned and substantially coinciding with said outer hub spring windows to receive damper springs therein. An axially movable inner cam has a splined opening receiving the splined transmission shaft and projections with 45.degree.

Abstract: A two-stage clutch damper assembly for use in an automotive vehicle adapted to dissipate the irregular impulses of a vehicle diesel engine when the transmission is in neutral, the clutch is engaged and the engine is at idle rpm. The assembly includes a clutch plate, a spring retainer plate secured to the clutch plate, and a main hub in operative engagement with the transmission input shaft and having an integral hub flange with spring notches opened to allow an additional rotational travel of the clutch and spring retainer plates relative to the hub. An intermediate hub has a radial flange between the clutch plate and main hub and an inner hub is concentric in said intermediate hub and spring-biased away from said main hub. The inner hub is splined onto the transmission input shaft, and the inner and intermediate hubs have interengaging helical teeth so that rotary motion of said intermediate hub results in axial movement of said inner hub.