Abstract: A transfer chute (10) for use in bulk materials handling operations, and also a methodology for designing such a transfer chute, a method of constructing the transfer chute, and a method of transferring bulk materials between two locations using the transfer chute. The transfer chute (10) comprises a chute body (11) defining a flow pathway (19), with an upper section (19a) of the flow pathway accommodating accelerating flow to maintain dense granular flow regime, an intermediate section (19b) of the flow pathway providing consolidated flow in which the flow rate is retarded in a controlled manner avoiding creation of flow turbulence, and a lower section (19c) of the flow pathway in which flow is further retarded to create a controlled accumulation and build-up of material upwardly from the lower section.

Abstract: Systems, methods, software, and apparatus are described for facilitating the distribution and management of fragmented content. In one embodiment, a packager packages content into fragments and generates a manifest including policies and metadata associated with the content. A downloader obtains the manifest, and uses it to obtain the content from one or more uploaders. For example, a downloader might forward a search request to one or more trackers, which, in turn, are operable to locate one or more uploaders that can meet the request, subject to any relevant policy limitations. The uploaders forward fragments to the downloader, subject to any relevant policy. The downloader assembles the content from the fragments. The operations and interactions of the entities can be subject to policy limitations associated with the fragments, the content as a whole, or the like.

Abstract: A removable and machine-washable automobile mat assembly, wherein the assembly having an upper mat and a lower mat and an interlocking means of attachment configured to removably attach the upper and lower mats.

Abstract: A hinged structure includes a hinge that is actuatable using a hydraulic cylinder. A method of monitoring a load applied to the hinged structure involves leaking the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder in a way that compensates for expansion of the hydraulic fluid caused by variations in temperature of the hydraulic fluid. The method further involves measuring the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder may be part of a coiled tubing injector. The load applied to the hydraulic cylinder may be used to indicate an overload of the tubing guide.

Abstract: A wireless device system employs short-range wireless communication to require the proximity of a user device to a defined area prior to communicating a request or notification to the wireless user device. The system authenticates a request and the proximity of the user to or within the defined area prior to transmitting a command, request, or notification to the user or a third party. Additionally, the system uses an access node configured to shape the radiation pattern of short-range wireless communications to better determine the position of a user proximate in or around a defined area.

Abstract: A synthetic cross arm is provided for use in structural support of conductors on utility poles in an electrical grid. The synthetic cross arm consists of a flexible housing and a cable positioned within a chamber of the flexible housing. The cable is configured to prevent pieces of the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling, or pulling down or breaking utility lines or adjacent cross arms upon a break to the synthetic cross arm. A collar is provided for connecting two cross arms in a horizontal position on a vertical utility pole. A cross arm assembly is provided that includes a collar and first and second cross arms connected thereto. The cross arm assembly is configured so that the first and second cross arms may flex, deform, and rebound, thus reducing or preventing damage to the cross arm assembly.

Abstract: A synthetic cross arm is provided for use in structural support of conductors on utility poles in an electrical grid. The synthetic cross arm consists of a flexible housing and a cable positioned within a chamber of the flexible housing. The cable is configured to prevent pieces of the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling, or pulling down or breaking utility lines or adjacent cross arms upon a break to the synthetic cross arm. A collar is provided for connecting two cross arms in a horizontal position on a vertical utility pole. A cross arm assembly is provided that includes a collar and first and second cross arms connected thereto. The cross arm assembly is configured so that the first and second cross arms may flex, deform, and rebound, thus reducing or preventing damage to the cross arm assembly.

Abstract: A synthetic cross arm is provided for use in structural support of conductors on utility poles in an electrical grid. The synthetic cross arm consists of a flexible housing and a cable positioned within a chamber of the flexible housing. The cable is configured to prevent pieces of the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling, or pulling down or breaking utility lines or adjacent cross arms upon a break to the synthetic cross arm. A collar is provided for connecting two cross arms in a horizontal position on a vertical utility pole. A cross arm assembly is provided that includes a collar and first and second cross arms connected thereto. The cross arm assembly is configured so that the first and second cross arms may flex, deform, and rebound, thus reducing or preventing damage to the cross arm assembly.

Abstract: A synthetic cross arm is provided for use in structural support of conductors on utility poles in an electrical grid. The synthetic cross arm consists of a flexible housing and a cable positioned within a chamber of the flexible housing. The cable is configured to prevent pieces of the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling, or pulling down or breaking utility lines or adjacent cross arms upon a break to the synthetic cross arm. A collar is provided for connecting two cross arms in a horizontal position on a vertical utility pole. A cross arm assembly is provided that includes a collar and first and second cross arms connected thereto. The cross arm assembly is configured so that the first and second cross arms may flex, deform, and rebound, thus reducing or preventing damage to the cross arm assembly.

Abstract: A synthetic cross arm is provided for use in structural support of conductors on utility poles in an electrical grid. The synthetic cross arm consists of a flexible housing and a cable positioned within a chamber of the flexible housing. The cable is configured to prevent pieces of the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling, or pulling down or breaking utility lines or adjacent cross arms upon a break to the synthetic cross arm. A collar is provided for connecting two cross arms in a horizontal position on a vertical utility pole. A cross arm assembly is provided that includes a collar and first and second cross arms connected thereto. The cross arm assembly is configured so that the first and second cross arms may flex, deform, and rebound, thus reducing or preventing damage to the cross arm assembly.

Abstract: A protective case can house a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device can have a switch (e.g., for switching an operational mode of the portable electronic device). The protective case can have a switch cover that engages the switch of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is in the protective case. The switch cover can be moved between positions corresponding to positions of the switch of the portable electronic device. As the switch cover is moved, the switch cover correspondingly moves the switch.

Abstract: A method of forming a flapper assembly (200) for a throttle valve (100) is provided. The method includes steps of forming a flapper (110) comprised of hub (112) having an opening (114) and at least one vane (116a,b) coupled to the hub (112), disposing a shaft (210) in the opening (114), and pressing a punch (P) into an outer surface (112a) of the hub (112) such that a torque dimple (118) extends from the hub (112) into the shaft (210) to fasten the flapper (110) to the shaft (210).

Abstract: A flapper exhaust diverter valve (110) is provided. The flapper exhaust diverter valve (110) includes a valve body (210) comprising an exhaust inlet (212), an evaporator outlet (214), and a bypass outlet (216). The flapper exhaust diverter valve (110) also includes a flapper assembly (310) that is rotatably coupled to the valve body (210) at a first distal end (310a) of the flapper assembly (310).

Abstract: A synthetic cross arm is provided for use in structural support of conductors on utility poles in an electrical grid. The synthetic cross arm consists of a flexible housing and a cable positioned within a chamber of the flexible housing. The cable is configured to prevent pieces of the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling, or pulling down or breaking utility lines or adjacent cross arms upon a break to the synthetic cross arm. A collar is provided for connecting two cross arms in a horizontal position on a vertical utility pole. A cross arm assembly is provided that includes a collar and first and second cross arms connected thereto. The cross arm assembly is configured so that the first and second cross arms may flex, deform, and rebound, thus reducing or preventing damage to the cross arm assembly.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods and apparatus for monitoring loads on an arched tubing guide of a coiled tubing injector caused by tension on coiled tubing. The load is sensed by a load sensor, for example, a load cell placed in a strut that supports the arched tubing guide, or in a load pin or load cell placed within the structure arched tubing guide or the connection of the arched tubing guide to a frame for the coiled tubing injector, at a location where the load is representative of the load placed on an arched tubing guide by tension in the coiled tubing. The load sensor generates a feedback signal. The load is monitored, either by an operator or a controller, and torque applied to a reel around which the tubing is wound is adjusted to avoid, or in response to, excessive loads on the arched tubing guide.

Abstract: A wireless device access system employs short-range wireless communication to require the proximity of a user device to a restricted area prior to communicating an unlock request. The access system authenticates the unlock request and the proximity of the user to the restricted area prior to transmitting an unlock command to an access governor. Additionally, the wireless device may require the proximity of a user token prior to operation and/or the access system may include an override within the restricted area blocking any unlock command.

Abstract: Systems, methods, software, and apparatus are described for facilitating the distribution and management of fragmented content. In one embodiment, a packager packages content into fragments and generates a manifest including policies and metadata associated with the content. A downloader obtains the manifest, and uses it to obtain the content from one or more uploaders. For example, a downloader might forward a search request to one or more trackers, which, in turn, are operable to locate one or more uploaders that can meet the request, subject to any relevant policy limitations. The uploaders forward fragments to the downloader, subject to any relevant policy. The downloader assembles the content from the fragments. The operations and interactions of the entities can be subject to policy limitations associated with the fragments, the content as a whole, or the like.

Abstract: A wireless device access system that employs directional antennas for short-range wireless communication to detect the proximity and orientation of a user device with respect to a structure is disclosed. The access system receives and authenticates an unlock request and confirms the proximity and orientation of the user device prior to transmitting an unlock command to the structure. This authentication may occur through the use of substantially opposing directional antennas separated by a ground plane. Additionally, the wireless device may require the proximity of a user token prior to operation and/or the access system may include an override within the structure blocking any unlock command.

Abstract: A wireless device access system employs short-range wireless communication to require the proximity of a user device to a restricted area prior to communicating an unlock request. The access system authenticates the unlock request and the proximity of the user to the restricted area prior to transmitting an unlock command to an access governor. Additionally, the access system uses an access node configured to shape the radiation pattern of short-range wireless communications to better determine the position of a user proximate to an access governor.

Abstract: A wireless device access system employs short-range wireless communication to require the proximity of a user device to a restricted area prior to communicating an unlock request. The access system authenticates the unlock request and the proximity of the user to the restricted area prior to transmitting an unlock command to an access governor. Additionally, the wireless device may require the proximity of a user token prior to operation and/or the access system may include an override within the restricted area blocking any unlock command.