Abstract: A method of operating a construction machine that includes a base, support arms each pivotally coupled to the base, and a plurality of wheel assemblies each coupled to the one of the support arms, the method including, in a transport mode of the construction machine, turning a wheel of each of the wheel assemblies, independently from a wheel of another of the wheel assemblies, to a toe out orientation. The method also includes driving each support arm to a deployed condition of the support arm in an operational mode of the construction machine. Driving each support arm to the deployed condition causes the distal ends of each of the support arms to move away from one another and outwardly from the base. The method also includes locking each support arm in the deployed condition and controlling steering of each wheel in the operational mode of the construction machine.

Abstract: A support system for a vehicle includes a base and at least a first and a second support arm. Each of the first and the second support arms include a base end pivotally coupled to the base through a respective hinge assembly. Each of the first and the second support arms further include a distal end opposite the base end. The support system also includes a respective wheel assembly coupled to each distal end. Each wheel assembly includes an independently powered and steerable wheel configured to engage a travel surface, a propelling motor configured to drive a respective first support arm between a stowed condition and a deployed condition unaided while the vehicle remains stationary, and a steer actuator configured to change an angle of the wheel with respect to a respective support arm.

Abstract: Methods for traversing an expandable metal sealing element. An example method includes positioning an expandable metal sealing element in a wellbore; wherein the expandable metal sealing element includes a reactive metal and a void extending axially through at least a portion of the expandable metal sealing element. The method further includes disposing a line in the void and contacting the expandable metal sealing element with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a volume greater than the reactive metal, wherein the reaction product seals around the line while it is disposed in the void.

Abstract: A load restraint fastener for use with a plurality of load restraint attachments is described. The load restraint fastener includes a body. The body includes a substantially planar portion having a front face and an opposite rear face. The substantially planar portion defines an opening and includes a first receiving portion having a receiving surface. The first receiving portion also defines a first portion of the opening. The substantially planar portion includes, in addition, a second receiving portion having a receiving surface. The second receiving portion is spaced apart from the first receiving portion and symmetric with the first receiving portion about at least one axis of symmetry. The second receiving portion defines a second portion of the opening. The body also includes a projecting portion having a receiving surface. The projecting portion extends outwardly from the rear face of the substantially planar portion.

Abstract: An aerial work vehicle (AWV) includes a boom, and a work platform coupled to a distal end of the boom, where the work platform has a forward end in a direction of travel and an aft end opposite the forward end. The AWV also includes a first control device mechanically coupled to one of the forward end of the work platform or the aft end of the work platform and configured to control operation of at least the boom. In addition, the AWV includes an alternate, second, control device configured to control operation of at least the boom, which may be at least one of wireless and/or mechanically coupled to the work platform at a location different from a location of the first control device.

Abstract: A support system for a vehicle includes a base and at least a first and a second support arm. Each of the first and the second support arms include a base end pivotally coupled to the base through a respective hinge assembly. Each of the first and the second support arms further include a distal end opposite the base end. The support system also includes a respective wheel assembly coupled to each distal end. Each wheel assembly includes an independently powered and steerable wheel configured to engage a travel surface, a propelling motor configured to drive a respective first support arm between a stowed condition and a deployed condition unaided while the vehicle remains stationary, and a steer actuator configured to change an angle of the wheel with respect to a respective support arm.

Abstract: Methods for traversing an expandable metal sealing element. An example method includes positioning an expandable metal sealing element in a wellbore; wherein the expandable metal sealing element includes a reactive metal and a void extending axially through at least a portion of the expandable metal sealing element. The method further includes disposing a line in the void and contacting the expandable metal sealing element with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a volume greater than the reactive metal, wherein the reaction product seals around the line while it is disposed in the void.

Abstract: The “ATV Universal Safety Bar” is universal in nature meaning that it is intented to fit most any ATV that has a rear trailer towing device. Its purpose is to prevent an ATV from flipping backward, causing injury or death. The intended purpose of this device is for safety. It should fit most all older ATV's as well as new ones. It is designed with a spring action when the wheel comes in contact with the surface and when the front of the ATV begins to rear upward. The safety bar will probably be manufactured to be assembled by the consumer. The metal tubing (pipe) will be approximately 3? in diameter about 1?6? long. The spring shock that the wheel is mounted to will be approximately 6? long. The wheel mounted to the spring shock will be approximately 5? in diameter. The coupling connected to the trailer towing mount can have at least two different designs to fit various ATV's.

Abstract: A jack extension handle assembly that includes first and second elongated segments or extensions connectable together to provide a stable, extended jack handle. At the end of its solid rod-shaped body, one handle extension includes a tapered plug connector. A tapered socket connector at the end of the solid, rod-shaped body of the other handle extension mates with the plug connector during assembly of the handle. The plug and socket taperings account for forging tolerances so as to ensure a proper force-transmitting engagement between the handle extensions. The handle assembly also includes a retainer clip which externally mounts on the two handle extensions to prevent inadvertent separation of the handle extensions during use.

Abstract: In a virtual reality system (20) an operator perceives being in a virtual reality world (74) of virtual reality images (62). The system (20) models the relative position and movement of objects (208 and 210) in a virtual reality world (74) by representing graphically a first (208) and second (210) object in a virtual reality world (74) on a graphical display (60 and 68). The representation selective obscures the first (208) and second (210) objects according to the relative position of the objects (208 and 210) to a predetermined observation point in the virtual reality world (74). The system (20) then determines a first partitioning plane (204) between the first (208) and second (210) objects. Then, the system (20) method determines a second partition plane (206) between the first (208) and second (210) object in response to either of said first (208) or second (210) objects moving across the first partitioning plane (204).

Abstract: A hydraulic percussion tool for developing repeated impact blows for rock drilling and other high force applications is characterized by a piston hammer reciprocably disposed in a cylinder bore and a tubular valve member coaxial with and actuated by the hammer for controlling the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to and from portions of the cylinder bore. The valve member is actuated by the hammer on the return stroke thereof through a column of fluid trapped in an annular chamber formed between a transverse surface on the hammer and an end face of the valve member. Valving mechanism is operable to effect controlled venting of the trapped fluid from the annular chamber to change the position of the valve member with respect to the hammer and thereby control the hammer stroke length, impact blow, and blow frequency.