Abstract: A multi-stage pressure regulation system, device and associated methodology for reducing the pressure of gas passing through a gas sample conditioning system. The device and method allow for automatic and/or manual configuration settings for regulating different types of gas having different profiles while still avoiding dew point dropout thereby ensuring accurate sample analysis at a downstream analyzer. The pressure regulating device includes a housing having a core, a vapor sample input port, a plurality of openings on an upper surface, a plurality of pressure regulating valves configured to reduce the pressure of a vapor sample, and an assembly having a base and substantially central stem orthogonal to the base and extending axially therefrom, the stem being disposed within the core.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a method of additively manufacturing a part including depositing a layer of a powder on a working surface, depositing a binder solution on the layer of the powder at first locations, and depositing a sintering aid solution on the layer of the powder at second locations. The sintering aid solution comprises a sintering aid in a solvent. In various embodiments, the sintering aid enables an increased brown strength as compared to parts containing unbound powder. The method enables binders that provide high green strength to be used at the edges of the part, while also balancing a shortened debind time with an increased brown strength. Embodiments in which binder solution is deposited according to a predetermined pattern at second locations are also described.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and tool assemblies for distributing weight between a bit and a reamer device are disclosed. For example, at least one of the drill bit and the reamer may be configured to selectively distribute a weight-on-bit between the drill bit and the reamer, such as within a predetermined range. Additionally, methods of drilling wellbores may include selectively distributing a weight-on-bit applied to a bottom hole assembly between a drill bit and a reamer of the bottom hole assembly. Also, a reamer may be configured to exhibit a first maximum rate-of-penetration into a relatively hard formation, and a drill bit may be configured to exhibit a second maximum rate-of-penetration into a relatively soft formation that is less than the first maximum rate-of-penetration.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and tool assemblies for distributing weight between a bit and a reamer device are disclosed. For example, at least one of the drill bit and the reamer may be configured to selectively distribute a weight-on-bit between the drill bit and the reamer, such as within a predetermined range. Additionally, methods of drilling wellbores may include selectively distributing a weight-on-bit applied to a bottom hole assembly between a drill bit and a reamer of the bottom hole assembly. Also, a reamer may be configured to exhibit a first maximum rate-of-penetration into a relatively hard formation, and a drill bit may be configured to exhibit a second maximum rate-of-penetration into a relatively soft formation that is less than the first maximum rate-of-penetration.

Abstract: A telephone disaster recovery process for quickly re-establishing long distance telephone service to a telephone LEC office after a telephone central office connected to the LEC office has been rendered inoperable by a disaster is described. The central office is located at a disaster site. The process operates by assessing the disaster and identifying elements of an on-site component needed to address the disaster. The elements of the on-site component are transported to the disaster site, and are mapped to corresponding elements of the inoperable central office. These elements of the on-site component are configured and interconnected according to the mapping to enable the on-site component to functionally emulate the inoperable central office. Then, the on-site component is connected to the LEC office, and is also connected to an off-site component using communication media in a long distance telephone network.

Abstract: A bolted rail fastening system comprising a rail mounted in a recessed area of a tie plate with the tie plate being secured to a cross-tie by means of coach screws extending downwardly therethrough. The rail is maintained in the recessed area by a pair of clips positioned at each side of the rail which will remain in position even if the nuts associated therewith become loose.

Abstract: A boat includes a longitudinal water channel along the bottom thereof. A motor driven propeller in the channel circulates water from a forward inlet end thereof to a rear outlet end thereof to advance the boat through the water. Passages are provided which communicate with the channel and which are adapted to discharge water through front and rear openings on the port and starboard sides. Gates are provided for opening these passages. A gate actuating mechanism is provided for opening the front port and rear starboard passages to rotate the boat in one direction about its own vertical axis. Another gate actuating mechanism is provided for opening the front starboard and rear port passages to rotate the boat in the opposite direction about its own vertical axis. Upon being opened, each set of gates serves to block travel of water to the outlet of the channel, and thereby divert all water through the passages.

Abstract: An electric power generating system in which solid material is caused to flow by gravity from an upper level to a lower level onto a wheel or a series of wheels which are caused to rotate by the weight of the material on blades spaced along the periphery of the wheels. The wheels are interconnectable and in a system which drives electrical generators to produce power.