Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling the flow of fluid through a conduit in which a ball valve is disposed in the conduit and is provided with a through bore for receiving the fluid. An insert is also disposed in the conduit downstream of the ball valve and has a plurality of relatively small flow passages. A relatively large flow passage is defined by that portion of the conduit not occupied by the insert. The valve is rotatable in the conduit to direct the fluid from its bore through one or more of the flow passages and a portion of the insert forms an airfoil surface to prevent separation of the fluid as it passes through the relatively large flow passage.

Abstract: An umbrella having a central shaft, a spindle slidably disposed on the shaft and moveably between an upper opening position and a lower closed position, a plurality of first and second radially extending ribs hingedly secured between the shaft t and spindle, an umbrella canopy being supported on the first ribs, the canopy having upper and lower canopy portions, the lower canopy portion having central first and third annular air intransmissible portions disposed at an upper end of the shaft and an outer end of the first radially extending ribs, a second central air transmissible portion disposed between the first and third central air intransmissible portions, the upper canopy portion having an air transmissible material and disposed over the first of the intransmissible.

Abstract: A shelter suitable for use on a snowblower shelter may be easily collapsed for storage and includes a plurality of interconnected frame members and flexible material releasably connected thereto. The shelter may be connected to any suitable device such as a lawn mower, walking aid, or earth tiller. The arrangement has the advantage of protecting a user from precipitation and heat as well as sun rays.

Abstract: A pilot operated safety relief valve (14) has a main piston valve member (60) mounted for reciprocal movement between open and closed positions. The lower end of piston valve member (60) has a seat retainer (87) to retain an annular seat (89) therein. An interchangeable plug (93) is removably connected by bolt (97) to seat retainer (87) and piston valve member (60). Plug (93) extends within the inlet (50) to form a restriction within the inlet (50) defining an angular orifice (99) in the open position of the piston value member (60) for controlling discharge fluid flow. Different size plugs (93, 93A, 93B) as shown in FIG. 4 may be utilized in order to provide the desired orifice size for annular orifice 99 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Abstract: A cooler bypass valve, located in a hydraulic circuit between the discharge side of a torque converter and lubrication circuit, includes a valve spool urged by feedback pressure acting in opposition to the force of a compression spring to a bypass cooling mode position where the converter discharge fluid flow is connected to the lubrication circuit bypassing the oil cooler. The bypass valve includes a viscosity-sensitive pressure divider, which includes a series arrangement of a laminar orifice and a sharp-edged orifice located between the converter discharge and an oil sump. As oil temperature increases, flow through the laminar orifice produces a control pressure in opposition to the feedback pressure and additive to a spring force, which combine to move the valve spool to a cooling mode position where substantially all of the converter discharge is directed through the oil cooler.

Abstract: A retrofit kit replaces the thermostatic element in a radiator steam trap having a hollow body with a horizontal side steam inlet, a vertical bottom condensate outlet, and a top cover. The retrofit kit contains an insert with a restricted passageway that rests in and over the condensate outlet, a cylindrical spring for blocking the flow of particles into the restricted passageway of the insert, and a compression coil spring for holding the insert and screen in position. The restricted passageway in the insert contains a plurality of horizontal radial inlets in the upper portion of the insert that communicate with a vertical conduit extending downward through the insert, the vertical conduit having an opening at the bottom, but not at the top, of the insert.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovery of oil from submerged tanks is disclosed together with a specialized cutting tool for attaching to and cutting an entry aperture into a submerged tank. The apparatus includes a surface floating vessel having a conduit (preferably conventionally coiled tubing) for receiving oil at the submerged tank and discharging the oil into the vessel. The vessel includes a source of hydraulic power for the remote operation of hydraulic equipment at the site of the submerged tank. Two points of entry are made in each tank for the purpose of equilibrating pressure within the tank; in one point of entry fluid is pumped into the tank to replace the fluid that is removed. At the remaining point of entry, fluid is evacuated to a positive displacement pump, typically of the Moyno.RTM. variety. This pump discharges fluid received from the tank with sufficient pressure to overcome viscosity-induced friction.

Abstract: High pressure natural gas enters the regulator at the inlet port and is directed through a filter to a passage in the valve body and into the inner chamber of the valve body. The valve means which controls the high pressure gas as it expands past a valve seat and into the low pressure chamber of the regulator body, is spring mounted in a bushing to prevent undesired vibrations. The expanded and colder low pressure natural gas is directed through a nozzle to the outlet port of the regulator body. The outlet port has a bypass orifice that leads to the diaphragm chamber. Pressure variations in the diaphragm chamber control the movement of the valve means coupled to the diaphragm means.

Abstract: A non-wearing washer for fluid valve is non-fixedly mounted between washer retainer means disposed at a bottom end of a valve stem and the valve seat. The washer is retained in its operative position by configuring its top end to non-fixedly engage the washer retainer means while a tongue portion disposed on the underside of the main washer body is sized to extend down into the valve fitting end which attaches the valve to the discharging end of the fluid pipe. As the washer in non-fixedly mounted in between the bottom end of the valve stem and the valve seat, the rotation of valve stem 20 which translates into relative longitudinal displacement of the valve stem from the valve seat is not translated to the washer, thus eliminating the rotational wear now commonly associated with such washers.

Abstract: A system for supplying molten thermoplastic material to a dispenser comprises a hopper for storing the thermoplastic material. A heating grid is associated with the hopper for heating and melting the thermoplastic material. A reservoir block receives melted material from the grid. The reservoir block includes a reservoir into which the melted material flows from the grid. A manifold and pump assembly is connected to the reservoir block for receiving material from the manifold block and pumping the material to a dispenser. A valve and filter assembly is mounted in the reservoir block. The valve and filter assembly includes a valve member capable of moving between an open position and a closed position for blocking the flow the material through the reservoir block, and includes a filter member for filtering material, the filter being removable to clean the filter.

Abstract: The height of the valve with a flow meter shall be as small as possible, enabling it to be mounted in restricted spaces. In order to achieve this, all adjusting and display movements are not executed axial but on the contrary polar. The rotating spindle of the valve is designed as rotary slide valve and the display marker or the graduation of the display unit of the flow rate meter is present on a rotating bush. The total height of the valve with a flow meter is accordingly low and unchangeable.

Abstract: A disposable device for controlling the rate of suction to and from a bodily organ, such as the stomach, during a lavage procedure that involves the use of a movable controller that slides back and forth over an opening in the main body of the device. The interior opening of the device which is placed in a flowline that extends from the stomach upstream to a downstream collection vessel has a tapered flow path that allows for the uninterrupted flow of pill fragments or stomach contents through the flowline. A lateral flow path that extends from an opening in the exterior of the main body to the main flow path enables an operator to vary the suction pressure to or from the patient by varying the size of the exterior opening through the use of the movable controller.

Abstract: A vented quick disconnect coupling includes male and female coupling members, each including a valve which is situated and constructed to automatically open upon coupling of the members together and automatically close upon uncoupling of the members to eliminate spilling or leakage from either coupling member. The valves are constructed to afford a fluid tight seal without any O-ring seals. Likewise, the valves are situated at the joining ends of the coupling members to eliminate fluid loss when the coupling members are separated. At least one of the coupling members enables venting of gas from a fluid container on which it is mounted to dispel positive or negative pressure differentials relative to the atmosphere while precluding liquid flow therethrough.

Abstract: In a throttle device for a pressure control apparatus, the return line inside a pressure control valve or in the line course outside it is provided with a cross-sectional constriction that throttles the flow. This cross-sectional constriction is variable automatically, as a function of the flow rate and hence of the prevailing pressure, in such a way that at a low flow rate a small flow cross section and at a high flow rate a large flow cross section results. It is thus possible to design the return line pressure as high as possible over a wide range of the flow rate and to keep the pressure difference between the inflow line and return line slight and thereby to minimize the noise production in the pressure control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a warp tensioner of a weaving machine. The apparatus contains a spring member that is in working connection with the warp tensioner and a control system that has a container communicating via a 2/2 way valve with the spring member in order to vary the spring stiffness of the spring member and the position of the warp tensioner from a terminal at the side where the weaver stands by increasing and decreasing the effective volume of the spring member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser having a fuel delivery path, a pump associated with the delivery path for pumping fuel from a storage tank to a fueling nozzle and a controller and communication system adapted to receive remotely transmitted signals from transmitters of different types. The controller is adapted to determine the type of transmitter from which the remotely transmitted signals were received, and preferably, whether or not the transmitter is moved with respect to the dispenser. The controller and communication depending on the sophistication of the system or respond to information in the transmitted signals indicating the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A multi-use craftsman table (10) for connection of at least one of a plurality of tools (14) for performing a variety of operations on wood work pieces is disclosed by the present invention. The multi-use craftsman table (10) includes a tool table top (16) and a bracket (78) having at least one clamp (80, 82) for releasably securing at least one of the plurality of tools (14) thereto connected to the tool table top (16). The tool table top (16) includes a face side and a bottom side. The face side includes a recess (25) extending therethrough, and first and second grooves (28) extending on either side of the recess (25) and along the length of the face side. The bottom side includes means for connecting (106) the bracket (78) thereto wherein the at least one of said plurality of tools (14) is aligned with the recess (25). At least one leg (18) is releasably connected to the bottom side of the tool table top (16).

Abstract: A delimber suitable for mounting on a logging skidder. The delimber comprises a series of delimbing/clamping elements and hydraulic actuators for moving the delimbing/clamping elements between an open and a closed position. Each of the delimbing elements comprises a clamping surface and a cutting edge. In the closed position, the delimbing elements hold a bunch of trees and the cutting edges penetrate the trees. Moving the delimber along the trees causes the cutting edges to cut the limbs off the trunks. In another aspect, the delimber includes a tilt feature for topping the trees.

Abstract: A workstation is provided with a curved tool rail suspended above a work surface. The curved tool rail has a tool trolley slidably coupled thereto for movably supporting a tool or part above the work surface. In a preferred embodiment, the work surface is part of a work bench. Preferably, the curved tool rail is suspended above the work surface by an adjustable frame which provides four-way adjustability of the curved tool rail. The curved tool rail keeps the tool or part suspended therefrom in reach of the worker.

Abstract: A router table sled for use with a router table and a router table fence includes an arm assembly that rides along the fence and a strut assembly that supports the workpiece. The arm assembly includes a slider that slides along an upper edge of the fence and an arm attached to an upper edge of the slide. The arm is usually in a position perpendicular to the slide. The arm is also coupled to a strut assembly that includes a main strut, and two additional struts located beneath the main strut. Each strut includes a longitudinally-centered T-shaped slot formed into top, front, and rear faces. The front faces of each strut lie substantially within the same plane. The two lower struts have opposing edges that are spaced a predetermined distance from each other. When a workpiece is clamped to the faces of the struts, an edge may be placed against the fence. The workpiece may then be moved across the router bit to produce a square cut.

Abstract: An inflatable car cover (10) comprising a covering (12) having a plurality of channel supported air pockets (14) to fit over an exterior finish (16) of a car (18). A plurality of restraint straps (20) are provided. Each restraint strap (20) has a channel supported air pocket (22) fluidly attached at a first end (24) to a first lower edge (26) of the covering (12). A component (28) is for inflating all of the channel supported air pockets (14) within the covering (12) and all of the channel supported air pockets (22) in the restraint straps (20). A structure (30) is for attaching a second end (32) of each restraint strap (20) to an opposite second lower edge (34) of the covering (12) under the car (18), to hold the covering (12) in place upon the exterior finish (16) of the car (18). This will protect the exterior finish (16) of the car (18) from the elements, such as damaged caused by rain, sun and leaves, as well as protection from falling debris, such as acorns, hail, branches and stones.

Abstract: An elongated driver block having a radially extending crown and a radially extending toe is insertable between the confronting end surfaces of a split lock ring.

Abstract: A window cornice assembly is disclosed. The window cornice assembly may comprise a front section and two side sections upon which fabric may be arranged. Corner pieces may be mounted on the front and side sections. Fabric may be arranged and secured on the front and/or side sections by clips that retain the fabric taut and over the front face thereof. The clips can be attached to each other directly by an elastic cord or band, or attached to the rear face of the front section directly so that the fabric is tightly pulled over the front face of the front section. The elastic cord or band imparts a desired amount of elasticity to the fabric. The window cornice assembly may have one or more elongated channel-shaped support strips arranged on a front section to provide additional rigidity thereto.

Abstract: A cord guide unit 2 for a roll-up blind 4 having a top rail 6 in the form of an extruded section. The guide unit 2 is moulded from a plastics material and is dimensioned to frictionally fit within an end 20 of the top rail extruded section 6. The guide unit 2 includes side walls 23, 24 which are joined by two intermediate sections which provide upper surfaces joined to end surfaces by curved surface portions for guiding the travel of a cord for operating the blind through 90.degree.. An aperture 52 is provided between the two intermediate sections for the passage of a loop of the cord. An end flange 22, which provides a closure for the end 20 of rail 6, is spaced from one of the intermediate sections thereby providing another aperture 54 within which is mounted a pivotal cord wedging element 56. A draw section of the cord passes through aperture 54 and can be selectively wedged against an end surface of the adjacent intermediate section by wedging element 56 to hold the blind in a rolled-up position.

Abstract: A retractable cord take-up reel comprises a drive shaft and a first reel mounted on the drive shaft. The first reel has a central opening and a first side. A drive shaft gear is mounted on the drive shaft, and rotating the drive shaft gear causes the drive shaft to rotate. A first drive gear is mounted on the drive shaft between the first reel and the first drive shaft gear. The first drive gear has a central opening and a first side facing the first reel and a second side facing the drive shaft gear. One of the first side of the first reel and the first side of the first drive gear has an angled surface, and the other of the first side of the first reel and the first side of the first drive gear has a cog facing the one first side. The one first side has two steps for engaging the cog. A first one of the steps is at a low location on the angled surface, and a second one of the steps is at a high location on the angled surface.

Abstract: Method of making MMC components by an infiltration process, with a preform (3) which is disposed inside a crucible (6) and, optionally, held by a preform holder (2), being placed inside a pressure container (1), wherein the atmosphere inside the pressure container (1) is changeable during the production process, and after the infiltration metal (4) has melted on, the preform (3) is contained inside a sealed atmosphere in the presence of an oxygen-binding material.

Abstract: Periodic self-cleaning apparatus of use in combination with a process tube which receives a process fluid therethrough such as a tubular reactor to form a looped system having a launching and receiving chamber for a cleaning device or pig which is propelled periodically through the tube by the motive force of the fluid to clean the tube without disrupting the continuous unidirectional flow of the fluid. The pig need not be spherical and extraneous fluid pumps are not needed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an air conditioner comprises parallel flat fins for conducting air flows therebetween, and parallel tubes passing perpendicularly through the flat fins for conducting heat exchanging fluid. Each fin includes vertical beads disposed above, below, in front of and behind the tubes for draining condensed water.

Abstract: A gravel-pack, well screen having an internal shunt tube positioned inside the screen for delivering gravel slurry to different levels within the well annulus during a gravel pack operation. The screen includes one or more joints with each joint includes a base pipe having a screen section therein. The internal shunt extends substantially throughout the length of the base pipe. Bolts, each having a passage therethrough, provide fluid passages between the exterior of the screen and the internal shunt tube near either end of the base pipe. During operation, slurry enters the internal shunt tube through the uppermost bolt and exits into the annulus through the passages in the lower bolts to distribute gravel to to different levels of the annulus.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling pipe, coiled tubing, casing, and conventional tubing in well drilling and servicing operations.

Abstract: A diverter body having an upper portion, a central portion and a lower portion is secured to the upper end of a riser and lands in a housing. The central portion has lateral flow openings that axially align with a lateral flowline outlet in the housing. A pair of identical gallery seals locate above and below the lateral flowline outlet. The upper gallery seal is located between the upper portion, the central portion and the housing. The upper gallery seal has upper and lower metal rings and a central elastomer sandwiched therebetween. An outer diameter of the elastomer seals against the housing bore. The rings are symmetric and are mated to the elastomer along interfaces which are S-shaped in cross-section to form shoulders. The shoulders face radially inward. An annular cavity and a pair of flexible annular lips are formed along the inner diameter portion of the elastomer. A passage extends through the diverter bodies and communicates with the cavity.

Abstract: A method for stimulating production from wells drilled into natural gas reservoirs characterized by lenticular deposits. The reservoir thickness through which the wells are drilled is divided into multi-stage zones that are further divided into single-stage zones. Each single-stage zone is perforated and then fractured. The fracturing is conducted in multiple stages to sequentially fracture each of the single-stage zones within a multi-stage zone; the fracturing stages being separated by ball sealers. Well spacing may also be controlled to match fracture drainage and size of the lenticular deposits.

Abstract: A wiper plug launching tool includes a body arranged to be lowered into a liner on a running string, the body having a tubular upper portion and a cylindrical lower portion, upper and lower wiper plugs loaded into the lower portion, each of the plugs having upwardly facing elastomer cups that are reduced in diameter during loading, a drive rod movably mounted in the upper portion of the body, a first piston or dart that is pumped down the running string and into engagement with the drive rod so that pressure applied to the first dart forces the rod downward to cause ejection of the lower wiper plug into the liner where cups of the plug expand to provide a moving seal at the lower end of a column of cement, and a second piston or dart that is pumped down into engagement with the first dart to force the rod further downward and cause ejection of the upper wiper plug into the liner where the cups of this plug expand to provide a moving seal at the upper end of the column of cement.

Abstract: A user-friendly reverse circulation float equipment tool and process permit the application of reverse circulation cementing in shallow or deeper wells, without having to use an inner string. The reverse circulation float equipment tool can have: an upper section with a ball-activated upper valve, a lower section with a ball-activated lower valve, and an intermediate ball chamber between the upper and lower sections to contain the ball in a reverse mode. The reverse circulation float equipment tool and process allow circulation in the normal and reverse circulation modes while running the casing and during hole conditioning. After the reverse circulation job, the convenient reverse circulation float equipment tool and process allow closing of the bottom of the casing to prevent U-tubing of the cement slurry.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially performing multiple downhole functions in a well has tubing arranged to transmit pressure conditions from the surface of the well, upper and lower hydraulically activated firing heads suspended within the well on the lower end of the tubing, and a hydraulically responsive movable member between the tubing and the firing heads. Each firing head is configured to detonate an associated tool in response to an associated elevated tubing pressure condition. The movable member transmits a first elevated pressure condition to activate one of the firing heads, and moves in response to a subsequent elevated pressure condition to activate the other firing head. In one embodiment, the movable member has a through passage for transmitting the first elevated pressure condition, the passage being subsequently blocked by a ball dropped through the tubing to move the member in response to the second elevated tubing pressure condition.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a tubular body (12) for location in a tubular member, such as a drill string, and defines a through bore (20) and a number of circumferentially spaced ports (26). A valve member which may be in the form of a piston sleeve (24) is mounted in the bore (20) and is movable relative to the body (12) between a first position in which fluid may flow through the port (26) and a second position in which the valve member (24) closes the port (26), the valve member being movable between the first and second positions by application of differential fluid pressure. Movement of the valve member (24) is provided by a cam arrangement including a circumferentially extending cam groove (56) and a cam follower (57).

Abstract: A test tool having a body, a mandrel, a ball valve with an actuating mechanism and a bore is lowered on a string of drill pipe and landed in a wellhead housing. A retainer ring with internal threads is carried by the mandrel and engages threads on the body. The retainer ring has a slot which is engaged by a tab on the mandrel, causing the retainer ring and the mandrel to rotate together. The ball valve engages a drive plate which couples with a clutch so that the drive plate may rotate relative to the clutch. A rocker arm engages the drive plate and the mandrel to open and close the ball valve in response to rotation of the mandrel. The test tool is lowered through a riser into a wellhead on pipe below a blowout preventer. The blowout preventer closes around the pipe to form a seal and fluid is pumped down a line to test the blowout preventer. After this test, rotation of the mandrel closes the ball valve automatically.

Abstract: A downhole tool (34) comprising a housing (60), a mandrel (76) slidably disposed within the housing (60), the mandrel (76) having a fluid passageway (52) extending axially therethrough, a valve (50) disposed within the mandrel (76), the valve (50) having first and second positions to selectively permit and prevent fluid flow through the fluid passageway (52) of the mandrel (76) and first and second pistons (98, 104) slidably disposed between the housing (60) and the mandrel (76), the first and second pistons (98, 104) slidably displacable in opposite directions relative to the housing (60) in response to a differential fluid pressure, the first and second pistons (98, 104) selectively engagable with the mandrel (76) to respectively displace the mandrel (76) in first and second directions, thereby operating the valve (50) between said first and second positions.

Abstract: An actuating unit for a sprinkler in automatic fire extinguishing systems; the actuating unit contains an explosive liquid which ensures short triggering times with good overall usability, in which the explosive liquid is or contains a substance derived from a halogen-free or halogenated hydrocarbon in such a way that, in its structural formula: a) I) at least one CH.sub.2 group is replaced by oxygen (O), sulphur (S), sulphinyl (SO.sub.2) or ii) at least one CH group is replaced by nitrogen, b) there are no hydrogen atoms directly bonded to oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur, and c) iii) there are at least two oxygen atoms with two single bonds, or iii) there are at least two carbonyl groups, or iv) there is at least one oxidized sulphur atom (so or SO.sub.2), or v) at least one nitrogen atom is characteristic for amide, imine or nitrile.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher system is provided including a wall mount with an open front. The wall mount is adapted to be situated within an opening formed in a recipient surface such that the open front is in coplanar relationship therewith. Next provided is a housing having a closed front face with an aperture formed therein. A fire extinguisher is provided having an actuation assembly adapted to release the fire extinguishing material upon the detection of a temperature above a predetermined amount. The fire extinguisher is situated within the housing with the actuation assembly protruding from the aperture thereof. During use, the housing may be removably situated within the wall mount with the front face of the housing remaining in coplanar relationship with the open front of the wall mount.

Abstract: An all electric riding bunker rake primarily suited for maintaining sand traps, or bunkers on a golf course. It is embodied as a tricycle-style vehicle having a frame supported on three wheels, an electrically actuated rake lifting mechanism at the rear of the vehicle supported by the frame, and a removable rake attachment connected to the rake lifting mechanism. The rake is dragged on the sand behind the vehicle to smooth the sand in a bunker. An electric motor drives the rear wheels through a gear box, and a regenerative type braking system works in conjunction with the electric motor to slow the vehicle whenever it exceeds eleven miles per hour when driven, or two miles an hour when unattended. The frame supports an onboard electrical battery power source and a hood to which a seat is attached on which the operator sits to control the operation of the vehicle and the rake lifting and lowering function.

Abstract: A tractor drawn scraper apparatus with folding wings includes a main frame with a main blade assembly depending therefrom and wing frames with wing blade assemblies depending therefrom. The wing frames are pivotally connected to laterally opposite ends of the main frame and are pivoted by the action of hydraulic cylinders connected between the main frame and the wing frames respectively. The wing frames are lowered for soil engagement and raised for transport. A wheel frame includes a wheel frame axle pivotally connected to the main frame by way of the main blade assembly and having a pair of radial wheel support arms with ground engaging wheels journaled thereon. A pair of wheel frame cylinders engaged between the main frame and the wheel support arms are activated to raise the wheels for soil engagement by the blade assemblies and to lower the wheels for transport. A tongue assembly extends forwardly from the main frame for hitching to a tractor to draw the blade assemblies over a soil surface.

Abstract: Pressure amplifier for mounting above the drill bit at the lower end of a drill pipe for generating an increased fluid pressure in a drilling fluid flow, for example for obtaining an increased drilling effect. A reciprocating piston in a cylinder is designed with a large piston area at one end (low pressure side), a relatively small piston area at the opposite end (high pressure side), and an annular surface formed at the transition between the two ends. The pressure converter also includes a control valve, an actuator, and a drilling fluid valve to control drilling fluid flow to and from the cylinder.

Abstract: Hydraulic percussion hammer, in which a motion of a percussion piston (1) is controlled by a main valve (3), the control motion of which is controlled by a separate control valve (9) in such a way that the main valve changes its state, when the pressure acting on the control valve (9) rises to a predetermined value. The percussion hammer comprises a controller (21) mounted in its return duct (13), by which controller an outflow of pressure fluid from the percussion hammer can be adjusted in such a way that the filling rate of a pressure accumulator (7) and thus the length of a return motion of the percussion piston (1) are proportional to the flow resistance provided by the controller (21).

Abstract: A well drilling system for drilling with gaseous drilling fluid, particularly natural gas, in a closed circulation path including an enclosure or bell nipple mounted on a wellhead between the wellbore and a rotary control head for the drillstem. The enclosure redirects the flow of cuttings laden gaseous drilling fluid being circulated out of the well and includes a plurality of fire extinguishing fluid injection nozzles arranged to inhibit or extinguish fire within the enclosure and the rotary control head. Drill cuttings are separated from the gaseous drilling fluid in a pressure vessel which includes separator baffles and a drill cuttings port and valve arrangement for dumping samples and substantial quantities of drill cuttings collected within the pressure vessel during operation of the system. The enclosure and fire extinguishing system may be used in conjunction with operations using conventional liquid drilling fluids and conventional liquid-solids separation equipment.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a bit body that is threaded at one end for connection into a drill string. At least one cantilevered bearing shaft depends inwardly and downwardly from the bit body. A cutter is mounted for rotation on each bearing shaft and includes a plurality of cutting elements arranged in generally circumferential rows. At least one wear-resistant element is secured to the bit body between the lower end of the bit body and the threaded end, the wear-resistant element being elongate or generally oblong in cross-section.

Abstract: A drill bit for percussive drilling includes a front surface in which cutting inserts are mounted. A recess is formed in the front surface, and a fluid channel extends through the drill bit for supplying flushing fluid to the recess. The recess is completely bordered by an endless land. Some of the cutting inserts are mounted in the land. Others of the cutting inserts are mounted in the recess in order to be cooled and flushed by a cushion of flushing fluid created in the recess.

Abstract: Superabrasive cutting elements for rolling cutter bits, and mounting techniques for such cutting elements. The insert-type cutting elements employ self-supporting superabrasive masses on the exposed tips thereof, the elements being mounted to the rolling cutters by insertion of supporting stud-like insert bodies into apertures in the cutter shells so that the exposed exterior of the interface between the superabrasive mass and the supporting cemented tungsten carbide stud lies outside of the depth of cut of the cutting element into the formation, and in some instances beneath the surface of the shell.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated crawling robot system including a platform, a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly, first and second rails attached to the platform, and an onboard electronic computer controller. The first leg assembly has an intermittent coupling device and the second leg assembly has an intermittent coupling device for intermittently coupling the respective first and second leg assemblies to a particular object. The first and second leg assemblies are slidably coupled to the rail assembly and are slidably driven by motors to thereby allow linear movement. In addition, the first leg assembly is rotary driven by a rotary motor to thereby provide rotary motion relative to the platform. To effectuate motion, the intermittent coupling devices of the first and second leg assemblies alternately couple the respective first and second leg assemblies to an object.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having an elongated body with a front and rear end aligned along a longitudinal axis, a right and left seat area, and a right and left entry opening defined in part by a right and left sill member. A pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels are pivotally attached to the body generally adjacent the front and rear ends thereof. The front and rear wheels have a tire contact width of TW.sub.F and TW.sub.R. The front tires having a front wheel track WT.sub.F and the rear tires having a rear wheel track WT.sub.R measured from center of tire contact to center of tire contact of the tires making up a pair. The front wheel track being greater than the rear wheel track so that WT.sub.R +TW.sub.R is less than WT.sub.F. This dimensional relationship enables the sill members to be generally rearwardly inclined relative to the body longitudinal axis to facilitate easy vehicle entry by an occupant.