Abstract: A print head has a jet stack, a jet stack heating and temperature measuring element thermally connected to the jet stack, the jet stack heating and temperature measuring element including: a first, etched copper layer having heat spreading characteristics and including a resistive heat source electrically connected in series to a voltage source and a switch; an electrically insulative on a back side of the first copper layer; and a second, etched copper layer on a side of the electrically insulative layer opposite the first copper layer, the second copper layer having a temperature sensing element to sense a temperature of the print head without a thermistor, the temperature sensing element connected in series with a voltage source and a transistor. A print head may use a thermistor but the heat spreading layer eliminates the need for a heat sink to attach to the print head.

Abstract: A supercharger constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a first shaft portion, a coupling assembly, a clutch rotor and a clutch armature. The first shaft portion can be connected to a pulley. The coupling assembly can couple the first shaft portion to a second shaft portion. The first and second shaft portions can be configured to rotate around a common longitudinal axis. The coupling assembly can be configured to provide torsional damping between the first and second shaft portions. The clutch rotor can be mounted to the second shaft portion. The clutch armature can be mounted to a drive shaft and be unconnected to the first and second shaft portion. The clutch rotor and the clutch armature can selectively cooperate in an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the clutch rotor and the clutch armature rotate together.

Abstract: Print head jet stack heating and temperature measurement systems and methods are disclosed that both heat the jet stack and determine a temperature of the jet stack. The heating and temperature determination are performed by a flex circuit that includes multiple layers. One of the layers heats the jet stack and another one of the layers provides data that determines the temperature of the jet stack. The heating layer and the temperature sensing layer are separated by an insulative material in the flex circuit. The temperature of the jet stack can be sent to a print head controller that then determines whether to increase or decrease the temperature of the jet stack.

Abstract: Techniques are described for implementing a cloud computer system to provide access to a custom execution environment for execution of custom executable instructions. Users may be able to configure one or more different types of template execution environments, e.g., a virtual machine environment, each of which can be used to establish a type of custom execution environment. Users may configure the template execution environment with regard to settings, states, resources, permissions, or other criterion related to an execution environment. Upon request, a custom execution environment (e.g., a child execution environment) may be established for running one instance of a custom executable instruction. The custom execution environment may be based on the template execution environment. The custom execution environment may provide a secure, isolated environment for execution of a custom executable instruction.

Abstract: A composition includes molybdenum disulfide, epoxy binder, and 0.01 to 3 wt % lead. The composition is useful, for example, as dry film lubricant.

Abstract: Distributed control of vehicles with coordinating cars that implement a cooperative control method, and non-coordinating cars that are presumed to follow predictable dynamics. A cooperative control method can combine distributed receding horizon control, for optimization-based path planning and feedback, with higher level logic, to ensure that implemented plans are collision free. The cooperative method can be completely distributed with partially synchronous execution, and can afford dedicated time for communication and computation, features that are prerequisites for implementation on real freeways. The method can test for conflicts and can calculate optimized trajectories by adjusting parameters in terminal state constraints of an optimal control problem.

Abstract: A coupling assembly arranged between an input shaft and a rotor shaft of a supercharger can include a first coupling, a second coupling, a central hub and a plurality of coupler pins. The first coupling can be mounted for concurrent rotation with the input shaft. The second coupling can be mounted for concurrent rotation with the rotor shaft. The central hub can be disposed intermediate the first and second couplings. The central hub defines central hub bores therein. A plurality of coupler pins can be received in the central hub bores. A first plurality of elastomeric inserts can receive first portions of the plurality of coupler pins. A second plurality of elastomeric inserts can receive second portions of the plurality of coupler pins. The first and second elastomeric inserts can provide dampening between (i) the first coupling and the central hub and (ii) the second coupling and the central hub.

Abstract: In a production apparatus for pumping production fluid to the surface of a well, a progressive cavity pump with a stator and a rotor in which the rotor has an extension which rests on a thrust bearing, lubricated by production fluid.

Abstract: Distributed control of vehicles with coordinating cars that implement a cooperative control method, and non-coordinating cars that are presumed to follow predictable dynamics. A cooperative control method can combine distributed receding horizon control, for optimization-based path planning and feedback, with higher level logic, to ensure that implemented plans are collision free. The cooperative method can be completely distributed with partially synchronous execution, and can afford dedicated time for communication and computation, features that are prerequisites for implementation on real freeways. The method can test for conflicts and can calculate optimized trajectories by adjusting parameters in terminal state constraints of an optimal control problem.

Abstract: A device for the threaded connection of tubular members, particularly as used in the petroleum industry, which provides both the full strength and near full internal diameter of typical oilfield tubular threaded connections, with the ability to securely join two cylindrical members with eccentric internal connections.

Abstract: A system performs thread synchronization across layers of code that implement an application, including native code, system code, and code in a virtual machine (“VM”). The system makes a call by the native code to the system code; and sends a message by the system code to the code in the VM. The system then sends a first response by the code in the VM to the system code; and sends a second response by the system code to the native code, where each one of the native code, the system code, and the code in the VM implements wait and notify functionality for communication with other codes that implement the application.

Abstract: A pressure compensating system that minimizes the pressure differences across multiple shaft seals in a rod driven downhole pumping apparatus. The system balances the pressures across the seals by forcing the external pressure of all seals and compensators to be equal to the highest external pressure in the apparatus, made possible by the appropriate use of labyrinth-type seals. A bleed valve assembly which allows free flow of fluid into the pressure compensating system, but restricts the rate of fluid outflow from the system in case of shut-in of the pump, to limit the potential of rapid opening and closing of the mechanical shaft seals.

Abstract: A composition includes molybdenum disulfide, epoxy binder, and 0.01 to 3 wt % lead. The composition is useful, for example, as dry film lubricant.

Abstract: A coupling assembly arranged between an input shaft and a rotor shaft of a supercharger includes a first hub, a second hub, a first side coupling assembly, a second side coupling assembly, a central hub and a plurality of coupler pins. The first hub can be mounted with the input shaft. The second hub can be mounted with the rotor shaft. The first side coupling assembly can have a first side coupling body and a first side elastomeric insert. The second side coupling assembly can have a second side coupling body and a second side elastomeric insert. The central hub can define central hub bores therein. The plurality of coupler pins can be received in the central hub bores. The first and second side elastomeric inserts provide dampening between (i) the first side coupling body and the central hub and (ii) the second side coupling body and the central hub.

Abstract: A downhole GCP pumping apparatus which accommodates eccentricities in the position of input and output shafts of the various elements of the assembly by connecting the drive rod string directly to noncentered shafts while maintaining the overall outside dimension of production tubing within the walls of the well hole.

Abstract: A direct drive pump employs an on-off tool to attach the drive rod string to a floating pump drive shaft in both torsion and tension. The downward thrust on the drive shaft, as well as the weight of the drive rod string, is born by a thrust bearing in the drivehead at the surface. A floater pump is used with this direct drive pump to permit the free vertical movement of the drive shaft. When a tandem direct drive pump is employed a housing containing a tandem pump drive shaft connector connects the shafts in an upper and lower tandem pump to permit the two to freely move in the tandem direct drive pump.

Abstract: In a well extending from the surface of the earth to a deposit of production fluid there beneath, a system for delivering the contents of the deposit to the earth's surface. The system comprising a rod string capable of being driven by a source of motive power at the earth's surface, including an internally overshot assembly rod at the end of the rod string; a downhole assembly, including a pump and receiver with a shaft extending upwardly from the downhole assembly, the receiver shaft being connectable to the overshot assembly such that rotation of the rod string and overshot assembly drives the pump to push the production fluid to the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A system for disengaging a power supply at the surface of a well from a downhole assembly having a pump for pumping fluid in the well to the surface thereof. A captured spline assembly interposed in the rod string, selectively connected to the downhole assembly to provide torsional drive.

Abstract: A supercharger constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a first shaft portion, a coupling assembly, a clutch rotor and a clutch armature. The first shaft portion can be connected to a pulley. The coupling assembly can couple the first shaft portion to a second shaft portion. The first and second shaft portions can be configured to rotate around a common longitudinal axis. The coupling assembly can be configured to provide torsional damping between the first and second shaft portions. The clutch rotor can be mounted to the second shaft portion. The clutch armature can be mounted to a drive shaft and be unconnected to the first and second shaft portion. The clutch rotor and the clutch armature can selectively cooperate in an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the clutch rotor and the clutch armature rotate together.

Abstract: A device for connecting sucker, or drive rods, consisting of a threaded coupling, one end of which has a right hand female thread and the other a left hand female, which joins the threaded pins of adjacent rods. The ends of the pins are equipped with dogs, or lugs, that interlock when the connection is made up, firmly linking the rods torsionally. The coupling serves only to keep the dogs, or lugs, engaged and to carry the tensional load on the connection. Such a connection provides a stronger torsional link between rods than connections currently available. The connection also does not require the special make-up procedure of the current systems and cannot over tighten or back off during operation.