Abstract: Zonal isolation of well bores is often desirable for performing downhole operations such as stimulation operations. In certain embodiments, diverter plugs for achieving zonal isolation in a casing string in a well bore may comprise a mandrel having a first end and a second end; a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel; and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel. In certain embodiments, systems for achieving zonal isolation of a casing string in a well bore may comprise a diverter plug comprising a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel, and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel; and a landing collar sized to mate with a portion of the sealing nose of the diverter plug. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A pressure differential-driven engine (10) includes an outer pressurizable enclosure (12). A pressure barrier plate (14) is disposed within the outer pressurizable enclosure and an actuator enclosure (16) is disposed adjacent the pressure barrier plate and has an actuator (17) disposed therein. The actuator has a high pressure exposure surface (30) forming an oblique angle with respect to the pressure barrier plate. The pressure barrier plate, a bottom of the actuator, and the actuator enclosure cooperatively define a pressurizable cavity (34) cyclable between a first, high pressure state, and a second, low pressure state. The actuator and actuator enclosure are collectively slidable relative to the barrier plate in reaction to cycling of the pressurizable cavity between the first and second pressure states to produce usable translational energy.

Abstract: A process for reduction of sulfur content in a hydrocarbon mixture, without considerable increase in gas production, comprising the introduction of a fraction of products obtained by the FCC process in a reaction zone of said unit. The cut must be introduced into the unit riser, in an area below the feed line of the heavy hydrocarbon streams to be cracked. Preferably, through one or more injection lines (5) placed near the point of gas injection line (3) entraining the catalyst in the riser (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the effective of advertising resource in a particular media channel such that one can determine where best to advertise their individual products for their business.

Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprising a mirror head (30) adapted to support a mirror, the mirror head (30) having an external shell (36), a first foam core (37) providing support for the shell (36), a mirror base (20) adapted for mounting to a vehicle, the mirror base (20) connected to the mirror head (30) or integral with the mirror head (30) and a plurality of electrical conductors (32) disposed within the first foam core (37), the conductors (32) are arranged and constructed to diffuse stress within the foam core (37).

Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprises three main parts: a vehicle-to-mirror assembly attachment bracket (15), a mirror housing (20) and a mirror (41). Housing (20) comprises a thin molded external plastic shell (50) and a foam core (21), the foam anchoring and supporting the shell. A load diffuser (45) may be positioned within foam (21) to reduce the maximum tensile and compressive stresses within the foam (21). Attachment bracket (15) is of a similar construction with a thin shell (15) internal foam (18) and load diffuser (16).

Abstract: This invention relates to a mirror head (10) for an external vehicle mirror that comprises a load carrying structure (11) that is located within the mirror head, a connector (16) on the load carrying structure (11) that connects the mirror head (10) with respect to the vehicle, a shell (12, 13, 14) forming the external surface of the mirror head (10) within which at least a portion of the load carrying structure (11) locates, said connector (16) being positioned to enable connection with respect to the vehicle, and foam within the internal cavity of the shell (12, 13, 14), that acts to bond the load carrying structure (11) with respect to the shell components (12, 13, 14). This assembly provides a lighter mirror head (10) by comparison to conventional construction techniques while at the same time remaining rigid. It provides a means whereby loads can be transferred to the foam which are in turn transferred to the external shell components (12, 13, 14) of the mirror head (10).

Abstract: A shelf stable dough or batter having a water activity no greater than about 0.85, a pH less than or equal to about 4.5 and the shelf-stable for at least three, preferably six months at ambient conditions. The shelf stability of the dough or batter is achieved without the use of special packaging, modified headspaces, and/or microbiologically effective amount of alcohols or polyols.

Abstract: The present invention is a mould and a method of moulding a plastic component using the mould that enable the manufacturer of a moulded component (45) which has an external covering. The method of moulding comprises either locating a pre-formed component (41) into a first part of the mould or vacuum forming a thin film (40) into a mould cavity. A first mould part (15) has a mould cavity into which the pre-formed component (41) is placed or the thin film (40) is vacuumed formed into. The method continues by partly closing a second part of the mould (25) into the first part of the mould (15) and injecting molten plastic (34) onto the surface of the pre-formed component (41) or thin film (40). The second mould part (25) is then fully closed to force the molten plastic (34) to fill the resultant mould cavity (36). This bonds the molten plastic to either the pre-formed component (41) or the thin film (40) to form the final shape of the moulded component (45).

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprising a reflective element (21) for reflecting incident light (I), the reflective element (21) having a viewable side, a means (20) for varying the intensity of light (I) reflected from the viewable side, a photo-electrical power cell (35) for powering the means (20) for varying the intensity of reflected light (I) and a control means (40) for controlling the means (20) for varying the intensity of reflected light (I) in response to ambient light (A) conditions, wherein, in use, the intensity of the light (I) reflected from the viewable side is reduced in low ambient light (&Lgr;) conditions. In other embodiments a power storage means is defined, for providing intermittent power to power the means (20) for varying the intensity of light (I) reflected, the power being supplied by the photo-electric power cell (35).

Abstract: This invention is a pivot assembly 10 that connects mirror head 11 and a mirror mounting bracket 12 of a rear vision mirror that comprises a spigot 17, a plate 14 with an aperture 26 that is journalled to the spigot 17. A detent is located between the plate 14 and the spigot 17 which holds these components together to in turn hold the mirror head 11 in at least one required position with respect to the mirror mounting bracket 12. The detent changes from a locked position where the plate 14 is held with respect to the spigot 17 to a disengaged position when the plate 14 is rotated with respect to the spigot 17. A spring 40 acts against the detent to hold it in its locked position. The spring 40 yields to allow the detent to move to its disengaged position as the plate 14 is rotated with respect to the spigot 17. An attachment mechanism is provided both on the spigot 17 and the plate 14 that allows the spigot 17 to be secured to either one of the mirror head 11 or mirror mounting bracket 12.

Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprising a mirror head (30) adapted to support a mirror, the mirror head (30) having an external shell (36), a first foam core (37) providing support for the shell (36), a mirror base (20) adapted for mounting to a vehicle, the mirror base (20) connected to the mirror head (30) or integral with the mirror head (30) and a plurality of electrical conductors (32) disposed within the first foam core (37), the conductors (32) are arranged and constructed to diffuse stress within the foam core (37).

Abstract: This invention relates to a mirror bead (10) for an external vehicle mirror that comprises a load carrying structure (11) that is located within the mirror head, a connector (16) on the load carrying structure (11) that connects the mirror head (10) with respect to the vehicle, a shell (12, 13, 14) forming the external surface of the mirror head (10) within which at least a portion of the load carrying structure (11) locates, said connector (16) being positioned to enable connection with respect to the vehicle, and foam within the internal cavity of the shell (12, 13, 14), that acts to bond the load carrying structure (11) with respect to the shell components (12, 13, 14). This assembly provides a lighter mirror head (10) by comparison to conventional construction techniques while at the same time remaining rigid. It provides a means whereby loads can be transferred to the foam which are in turn transferred to the external shell components (12, 13, 14) of the mirror head (10).

Abstract: The invention is a method for forming a gasket over an opening of a hollow form. The method comprises placing an unformed gasket (12) over a mould surface (14) having a shape in relief that is the shape to which the gasket (12) is to be formed. A hollow form (10) is placed onto the mould (13) so that the gasket (12) is held between the opening (11) of the hollow form (10) and the mould surface (14). Expanding foam (15) is located within the hollow form (10) so that the foam (15), as it expands, pushes against the gasket (12) to form it to the shape of the mould surface (14). This shape is retained upon setting of the foam. The invention greatly simplifies the manufacturing process of a hollow form (10) fitted with a gasket (12).

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly comprising a bracket adapted to be mounted on a vehicle body, and a case, in which a reflective member is pivotally mounted. A lead screw is mounted in the bracket. A pair of arms projecting laterally from the reflective member beyond the periphery thereof and have ridge formations which engage with the lead screw so that rotation of the lead screw causes angular movement of the reflective member.

Abstract: A hinge pin assembly for a communication device (100) includes a partially assembled hinge base (105). The base (105) has a receiving receptacle (148), an edge (153) of the receiving receptacle, and a socket (160) having a wall (164). A hinge body member (125) has a first opposed surface (123) and a second opposed surface (124), and an aperture (126) extending from the first opposed surface to the second opposed surface, a side (128) adjoining the first and second opposed surfaces and a slot (141) cut into the side extending from the first opposed surface to the second opposed surface.

Abstract: A hinged flip assembly includes a door cover (120) having a chamber (214) and a hub (122) for rotating along a hinge mechanism (133). A transducer (206) is disposed in the chamber (214). At least one wire (202) is coupled (222) through the hub (122) of the door cover (120) for connecting to the transducer (206). A wire connector (204) terminating the at least one wire (202) and the wire connector (204) is also coupled (222) through the hub (122).

Abstract: An electrical connector has a socket connector body that has a lock ramp, a plug connector body that mates with the socket connector body and that has a lock arm that engages the lock ramp of the socket connector body to lock the plug and socket connector bodies together when the connector bodies are mated, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device that is slideably retained on the plug connector body for assuring that the connector bodies are properly mated and locked together. The CPA device has a top wall and depending sidewalls at respective longitudinal edges of the top wall that overlap and slide on spaced side walls of the plug connector body. The lock arm is between the sidewalls of the plug connector body and connected to the side walls midway between its ends to provide a release lever.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for interfacing with an end portion of a strut rod, wherein the electrical connection therebetween is sealed against environmental degradation and is unaffected by vehicular vibration, and wherein the electrical connection system is easily installed and easily serviced. A connector includes a connector shell having an upper end and an opposite lower end; an insert which carries a ground terminal and a power terminal within the connector shell; a lock ring which interfaces connectably with the connector shell to provide anchorage with the end portion of the strut rod; and seals at the upper and lower ends of the connector shell. The ground terminal connects with a ground cable and resiliently clips onto a smooth section of the end portion of the strut rod, wherein the strut rod serves as the ground conduit. The power terminal is connected with a power cable and abuts a pin axially resident in the strut rod.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror comprises a mirror case (20), an intermediate member (38), a base member (18) secured to a vehicle, and a mirror case pivot assembly (56, 72) at one end of the intermediate member (38) pivotally connecting the intermediate member (38) to the mirror case (20) for relative angular movement about a first pivot axis. First and second rigid link (26, 42) have opposite ends pivotally connected to the base member (10) and to the opposite end of the intermediate member (38). The pivotal connections (28, 44) at the ends of the first and second rigid links (26, 42) nearer to the front of the vehicle are more widely spaced from each other than the pivotal connections (40, 52) at the other ends of the first and second links (26, 42).