Abstract: In the use of composite materials for a coiled tubing for downhole use, precise external tubular dimension and durable wear surface become a critical factor because of the potential for damage to the external surface as the tubing passes through the stripper assembly at the wellhead which is provided to control high pressures within the well. An infuser arranged within the stripper provides lubrication for the passage of the composite tubing through the sealing members within the stripper and also infuses fluids into microfissures and cracks naturally occurring on the surface of the composite tubing to fill the voids and thereby enhance the structural integrity of the tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing debris from an oil and gas well is operable with fluid pressure that reciprocates a valving member between upper and lower positions. The valving member seals against a piston in a lowermost position so that the fluid pressure can be used to move both valve member and piston downwardly. The valving member has a valving member spring that, when fully compressed, separates the valving member and piston. Once the valving member and piston are separated, the piston is no longer supported in the lowermost position because fluid pressure is relieved through the piston bore. A piston spring then thrusts the piston upwardly, causing it to pump fluid from a position outside the lower end of the tool body through an intake portion into a cavity, pulling debris therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for milling a window in a well tubular, e.g. a well casing, which is comprised of a whipstock and a cooperating mill. The mill has a nose portion depending from the bottom thereof and has cutting surfaces on both the bottom and the sides. The whipstock is comprised of a body which, in turn, has a tapered surface along at least a portion of its length. A guide, e.g. cylindrical pipe, is mounted on and is spaced from the tapered surface and is adapted to receive the nose portion on the mill to provide a guide path for the mill as it cuts or mills a window in the well casing. The guide is positioned so as to direct the side cutting surface of the mill into contact with the casing without contacting the tapered surface of the whipstock.

Abstract: In a retrievable packer adapted for service under high temperature and high pressure operating conditions, improved retention of the packer in the wellbore is achieved by use of an inventive slip and wedge system, wherein the cones on the wedges are spaced a progressively slightly greater distance apart from their corresponding slip cones, from the centermost slip cone to the outermost slip cone. This forces the center of the slip to be loaded first. As greater forces are exerted on the wedges from end to end, the wedge will deform slightly and the next cone of the wedge will make contact with its matching portion of slip. Thereby, as the wedges are loaded higher and higher, more wedge cones come into bearing contact with the slip. Further, a barrel slip is used, to provide a uniform circumferential distribution of forces. This design effectively allows initial setting of the packer with very little slip tooth contact area. This permits the slip to quickly get a good grip into the casing wall.

Abstract: In a parent wellbore casing, full bore access to the portion of the casing beneath a lateral bore liner portion therein is provided using a specially designed tubular retrievable anchor assembly hydraulically set within the casing above the liner portion and having a depending mill guide portion. A milling pipe with a first rotary mill is extended through the anchor assembly, with the mill being laterally deflected by the guide to mill a partial opening through the bottom side wall of the liner portion. The milling pipe is then withdrawn from the casing, the first mill replaced with a second rotary mill, and a specially designed tubular retrieval collet coaxially secured to the milling pipe. The milling pipe is then extended downwardly through the anchor assembly, the second mill used to enlarge the initial liner opening, and the collet snapped into the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is then retrieved by pulling up on the milling pipe to release the anchor assembly which is removed from the casing.

Abstract: A method for increasing the methane recovery from a subterranean carbonaceous formation by chemically stimulating the formation of cleats and increasing the surface area in the carbonaceous formation by injecting a gaseous oxidant into the carbonaceous formation to stimulate the formation of cleats in and increase the surface area of carbonaceous material in the carbonaceous formation; and thereafter producing methane from the carbonaceous formation at an increased rate. The gaseous oxidant may be ozone, oxygen or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for stabilizing incompetent or otherwise unstable hydrocarbon producing subterranean zones or formations penetrated by a wellbore during drilling. The methods basically comprise drilling the wellbore into an unstable hydrocarbon producing subterranean zone or formation when it is encountered, pumping a fluid through a well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the portion of the wellbore in the unstable zone or formation whereby fluid jets formed by the well stabilization tool enlarge the diameter of the wellbore by fluid jet erosion, pumping a hardenable permeable material through the well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the enlarged portion of the wellbore whereby the enlarged portion is filled with the hardenable permeable material, allowing the permeable material to harden and then drilling the wellbore through the hardened permeable material and producing hydrocarbons therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the amount of water produced from a subterranean formation as a result of stimulation of the subterranean formation. The method comprises the introduction of a gelled fluid to initiate a fracture in a formation, introduction of a first and second reactive polymer which leak-off into the formation along the fracture and which are capable of subsequently reacting together to form a reaction product which selectively reduces the permeability of the formation to water flow through the formation into the fracture and introduction of a crosslinked gelled fluid to extend the fracture into the formation and facilitate the introduction of a propping agent into the created fracture. The reactive polymers react in situ to form a reaction product that binds to the formation in such a manner that the flow of water is selectively retarded through the matrix while the flow of oil is substantially unaffected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. A multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub. The outlet members are extended outwardly by the forming tool and simultaneously formed into substantially round tubes. Next, each outlet member is plugged with cement, after which each branch well is drilled through a respective outlet member. If desired, each branch may be lined with casing and sealed to a branching outlet by means of a casing hanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for multilateral completion and cementing (i.e., sealing) the juncture between primary and lateral wellbores. The completion method of the present invention addresses the issue of cementation and sealing of junctures between vertical and lateral wellbores. It is desirable to have the ability to re-enter each lateral wellbore as well as maintain the option to perform any function that could be done in a single wellbore. For this reason, cemented and sealed lateral wellbores are desirable so that normal isolation, stimulation or any other operation can be achieved. The method allows sealing and reworking of either wellbores with single laterals or multiple laterals and provides safe durable junctions therebetween. The method of this invention utilizes a "hook" liner hanger system.

Abstract: A disclosed method and associated apparatus provide convenient and accurate control of rates of fluid flow within a subterranean well. In one described embodiment, an apparatus has multiple tubing strings installed within multiple wellbores intersecting formations or intervals into, or from which, fluid is to be flowed. A remotely controllable flow regulating device is provided for each of the formations or intervals to regulate the rate of fluid flow through its associated tubing string. In another described embodiment, a single tubing string is utilized with multiple remotely controllable flow regulating devices interconnected therein.

Abstract: A variable bore ram packer designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling operations is disclosed. The variable bore ram packer includes top and bottom second plates having a central semi-circular opening which is sized to fit closely about the largest diameter pipe the variable bore ram packer will seal against. Anti-extrusion plates having a smaller central arcuate opening sized to fit closely the smallest diameter pipe the variable bore ram packer will seal are attached to the underside of the top plate by guide screws. The guide screws extend through slots in the top plates which control the motion of the guide screws and hence the anti-extrusion plates as the anti-extrusion plates move and seat against different diameter tubular members.

Abstract: An offshore well system has an assembly for tensioning an inner riser or casing string. The system has a hanger which lands on an internal load shoulder. The hanger has a gripping mechanism on its lower end which engages a mandrel, the mandrel being connected to tieback casing. The gripping mechanism allows upward moving of the mandrel relative to the hanger, but not downward movement. A running tool releasably engages an interior portion of the mandrel. A launch adapter secures to an upper end of the hanger. The launch adapter slidingly engages a running string which also extends upward through a blowout preventor. Closing the blowout preventor and applying pressure to the launch adapter causes it to move downward, pushing the hanger onto the load shoulder. Subsequently, the running tool is pulled upward to apply tension to the casing which is held by the griping mechanism. The running tool is retrieved along with the launch adapter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive source for a fire fighting apparatus comprising spray heads (4), the drive source comprising a hydraulic accumulator (5), which comprises a container (9, 10) with extinguishing liquid and a pressure gas source (14) for driving the extinguishing liquid out of the container via a channel (29) to the spray heads.

Abstract: A sprinkler has a body and a first nozzle on the body for spraying a liquid. The body also at least one second nozzle on the body for spraying the liquid at an oblique angle to the spraying of the first nozzle, an inlet in the body for receiving a supply of the liquid, and a spindle in the body for communicating with the inlet to stop the supply of the liquid from the inlet to the nozzles in a standby mode. The spindle is releasable for movement in a direction for releasing the supply of the liquid to the nozzles, and a release device on the body engages the spindle for releasing the movement of the spindle. Portions of the spindle are on opposite sides of the nozzle in the standby mode for at least partial balancing of pressure of the supply of the liquid from the nozzles on the spindle and, thereby, the release device.

Abstract: Devices for constraining wildfires are disclosed. The first device is a free-standing hollow structure which contains at least one lower intake duct, a vertical duct, and an upper outlet duct. This device contains curved chambers which may have baffles. This device also provides an open container for the delivery of water to the fire in the form of steam. A second device is a free-standing structure which is anchored to the ground by lines attached to spikes and supporting legs. The upper portion of the device is curved toward the fire so as to direct the fire back upon itself. There is an arcuate baffle at approximately the midpoint of the device which serves to break up the heat wave. A third device is similar to the second device in design, but is made of folding sections for ease of storage and transportation. A fourth device comprises a fire-resistant sheet which may be draped over trees or structures or may be put on the ground to form a barrier to the fire.

Abstract: A cultivator for the selective cultivation of limited ground areas, which includes a body adapted to be mounted on a prime mover, so that the body is able to be selectively brought into contact with the ground surface to be cultivated. A rotatable shaft extends outwardly from the body, with the work head being mounted on the rotatable shaft for permitting rotation thereof, and the shaft being driven by a motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a work object relative to a primary support between first and second positions, the apparatus having a first mount adapted to be mounted on the work object; a second mount adapted to be mounted on the primary support; a linking assembly interconnecting the first and second mounts; and a control system interconnecting the work object and the linking assembly for selectively applying force to the linking assembly to move the work object between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An improved fluid actuated percussive impact tool of the valveless type adapted for down hole drilling is provided. The impact tool includes a casing, a back head, a distributor located at a first end of the casing, and an impact receiving device located at a second end of the casing. A chamber is located between the distributor and the impact receiving device. A cylinder sleeve is located in the chamber adjacent to the distributor. A first pressurized fluid passage is located between the casing and the cylinder sleeve for passing pressurized fluid from the distributor to the chamber. A piston is located in the chamber for reciprocating axial movement. Axially extending ports are located on at least one of the piston, the cylinder sleeve and the casing in the chamber for alternately supplying pressurized fluid to upper and lower chamber portions.

Abstract: A pneumatic impact breaker comprises a housing (11) with a cylinder bore (20), a hammer piston (28) with a piston head (63) and an impact delivering stem portion (64), an anvil (14) displaceably supported in a cylinder bore extension (50) and normally abutting against the shank (15) of a working implement (16), an annular energy absorbing air cushion chamber (59) is formed between the hammer piston (28), the cylinder bore (20) and an annular shoulder (49) in the cylinder bore (20), wherein the piston head (63) is formed with two axially spaced end portions (65, 66) for guiding and sealing cooperation with the cylinder bore (20).

Abstract: An improved grip structure for a pneumatic tool, in which the grip is furnished with a valve seat mounted with a control valve; the central part of the valve seat has an intake passage, of which the outer end is connected with an intake connector, the valve seat and a ring-shaped groove of the bearing-block hole in the dynamic housing are connected and communicated each other by means of an intake passage.

Abstract: A hammer assembly which decreases the severity of impact shocks generated by the hammer assembly during operation thereof is disclosed. The hammer assembly includes a housing defining a chamber. The housing further defines an injector port and an exhaust port each being in fluid communication with the chamber. The hammer assembly further includes a work tool positioned in the chamber, a piston positioned within the chamber, a first hydraulic pressure source which moves the piston in a work stroke toward the work tool, a second hydraulic pressure source which moves the piston in a return stroke away from the work tool, and a damping fluid source in fluid communication with the injector port. The hammer assembly still further includes a first valve which allows damping fluid to be advanced from the damping fluid source and into the chamber during the work stroke, and prevents damping fluid from being advanced from the damping fluid source and into the chamber during the return stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an underground boring machine during boring or reaming operations. A boring tool is displaced along an underground path while being rotated at a selected rate of rotation. In response to variations in underground conditions impacting boring tool progress along the underground path, a control system concurrently modifies the rate of boring tool displacement along the underground path while rotating the boring tool at the selected rotation rate. The controller monitors the rate at which liquid is pumped through the borehole and automatically adjusts the rate of displacement and/or the liquid flow rate so that sufficient liquid is flowing through the borehole to remove the cuttings and debris generated by the boring tool. Sensors are provided to sense pressure levels in the rotation, displacement, and liquid dispensing pumps and an electronic controller continuously monitors the levels detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A flushing system for supplying compressed flushing air to a drill string for flushing cuttings during a drilling operation includes an air compressor having an inlet valve at the compressor inlet, and a turnvalve at the compressor outlet. Those valves are biased to a normal state, but when actuated, the inlet valve is to reduce the inlet air volume, and reduce the outlet air volume and pressure. If flushing air conducted to the drill string is temporarily reduced or terminated, while the compressor continues to operate, air pressure builds up and is conducted to both the inlet valve and turnvalve for reducing the volume and pressure of air emitted from the compressor outlet. In this way, the energy required to operate the compressor is significantly reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling a well comprising, in one embodiment, a borehole assembly having a motor rotated drill head with ports for emitting a fluid, coiled tubing operatively associated with the drill head to supply fluid and support the drill head, the borehole assembly adapted to drill a channel off axis by varying the speed of the motor drive during a cycle or by varying fluid pressure to the drill head during a cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite material structures having reduced signal attenuation properties. In particular, the invention relates to composite drillstring components with electromagnetic properties and acoustic properties that enable the use of electromagnetic, acoustic and nuclear sensing equipment to obtain data from a wellbore from within a drill pipe. In a specific embodiment, a composite tube is incorporated with end-fittings which enable its incorporation into a drillstring thereby permitting the use of logging equipment from within the composite tube.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes a drill bit body having two or more support spindles extending inward and downward toward a vertical axis of the drill bit body. Each support spindle of the drill bit includes a base pin and further includes a pilot pin extending from the base pin along a longitudinal axis of the support spindle. A conical-shaped thrust face forms the transition from the base pin to the pilot pin. A cutting cone is rotatably mounted on each support spindle and includes a conical internal surface to run in contact with the conical thrust face of the support spindle. Rotation of the cutting cone carries lubricant from the non-load side of the spindle to the contact surfaces on the load side of the spindle.

Abstract: A rock drill bit includes at least one leg about which a roller cutter is rotatably mounted. A ring-shaped seal is disposed between an end surface of the leg and a sealing surface of the roller cutter. The seal is arranged coaxially with respect to an axis of rotation of the roller cutter and is formed of an elastic material and a relatively rigid material embedded within the elastic material. The elastic material defines first and second surfaces which engage the leg and the roller cutter, respectively. Either the leg or the seal includes circumferentially spaced recesses which receive respective projections formed in the other of the leg and the seal, for locking the seal to the leg against rotation relative thereto.

Abstract: A hardfacing material for shirttail and gage surfaces of a rock bit cone and a gage row of rock bit teeth comprises steel in the range of from 20 to 40 percent by weight, and tungsten carbide particles in the range of from 60 to 80 percent by weight which contains single crystal monotungsten carbide particles having a particle size primarily less than about 200 mesh with a preferred average particle size in the range of from 30 to 70 microns. According to further embodiments, carburized tungsten carbide particles and/or spherical cast carbide particles are mixed with the single crystal monotungsten carbide in the hardfacing. The carburized tungsten carbide particles have a particle size in the range of from about 10 to 50 microns. The spherical cast tungsten carbide particles have a particle size in the range of from about 20 to 150 microns. The particle size distributions of the tungsten carbide particles are bimodal or trimodal for improved weldability and wear resistance in the hardfacing.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a main body part having a shank for connection to a drill string, an end face, an internal passage for supplying drilling fluid to the end face, a number of blades extending from the end face outwardly and longitudinally of the central axis of rotation of the bit, and a number of cutters mounted on each said blade. Each blade comprises a central metal core at least partly surrounded by solid infiltrated matrix material. A method of manufacturing such a drill bit includes the steps of forming a main body part from metal, applying to the outer surface of the main body part a coating layer of wax which liquefies at elevated temperature, applying to the coated body part mold-forming material to provide a self-supporting mold surrounding the coated body part, and raising the temperature of the body and surrounding mold sufficiently to liquefy the coating material.

Abstract: An improved surface finish for non-planar drill inserts or cutting elements is provided for use on inserts used in the drilling and boring of subterranean rock formations. This new surface finish provides an insert with improved wear characteristics, a decrease in heat generation, a decrease in frictional work loss, and a minimization of failure inducting surface cracks. This invention accomplishes these objectives by a process of polishing the cutting or contact surface of the insert to a very high degree of smoothness.

Abstract: First and second differentials are pivotally connected beneath the frame of a work machine by trunnion supporting members and first and second pairs of trunnions. Output and input shafts extend through bores disposed in the first and second trunnions and are connected to a power transferring shaft by a pair of joints. A distance "L" between a center of universal movement of the joints is minimized. The first differential includes a transfer gear portion.

Abstract: A front wheel drive power wheel chair has the drive wheel axis of rotation forward of the wheelchair user's eyes and cranial center of perception.

Abstract: A robotic golf caddy apparatus (21) movably supported on a steering assembly (28) and including a communications assembly (41) for communicating with a GPS system (61) and a central control station in order to guide and steer the apparatus around designated accessible areas of a golf course. The apparatus (21) also includes a dead reckoning system with distance determination device (83) and compass (85) for determining the distance the caddy travels should the communications assembly (41) lose communications with a predetermined minimum number of satellites in the GPS system (61). Also, a sensor (72a) is provided for detecting a guide tape or line (126,130), provided in preselected areas of the golf course. The caddy apparatus (21) is steered along the guide tape (126,130), rather than by the GPS system (61), in certain areas of the course where the GPS system (61) may be inadequate for maximum safe operation of the caddy apparatus.

Abstract: A snowmobile having a lightweight fabricated frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a number of reinforcing elements, some of which comprise heat exchangers for the liquid cooling system of the engine, so as to provide high rigidity and light weight. The engine of the snowmobile is provided with an exhaust system that permits a relatively short effective length, but minimizes pulse-back effects by forming internal expansion chambers around the exhaust branch pipes. The drive for the snowmobile includes a reversing transmission and a brake assembly associated therewith in addition to a main brake assembly for the snowmobile. Furthermore, there is provided a parking brake assembly that is easy to operate and which will provide the operator with a visual and physical warning of its condition so that the operator will not attempt to operate the snowmobile with the parking brake engaged.

Abstract: A suspension system mountable to the chassis of a snowmobile and about which an endless track is carried. The suspension includes a slide frame for engagement with a lower portion of the endless track and one or more springs for urging the slide frame downwardly away from the chassis. The suspension system also includes a downwardly angled suspension arm having an upper end pivotally mounted to the snowmobile chassis. The lower end of the arm is pivotally connected to the slide frame so as to permit limited longitudinal movement of the lower end of the arm with respect to the slide frame. An adjustable limit is provided for adjustably limiting the degree of longitudinal movement of the lower end of the arm with respect to the slide frame to adjustably control the range of orientations of the slide frame with respect to the snowmobile chassis.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (12) includes a latch mechanism (20) and a field effect device (26). The latch mechanism (20) includes a latch (42) which is movable into and out of a locking position in which it engages a seat belt tongue (16) to interlock the tongue (16) with the latch mechanism (20). The field effect device (26) provides a first output if the seat belt tongue (16) is not interlocked with the latch mechanism (20) and provides a second, different output if the seat belt tongue (16) is interlocked with the latch mechanism (20).

Abstract: A transfer shaft for an automatic transmission, provided between a transfer idle gear for outputting driving power from the automatic transmission and a differential driven gear for transmitting the driving power to a drive axle thereby transmitting an output of the transmission to the drive axle, comprising a first shock absorbing means which interconnects a transfer driven gear meshed with the transfer idle gear with one side of the transfer shaft, and absorbs shocks transmitted between the transmission and the drive axle, and a second shock absorbing means which interconnects an opposite side of the transfer shaft, in which said first shock absorbing means is disposed, with a differential drive gear for transmitting the driving power to a differential, and absorbs the shocks transmitted between the transmission and the drive axle.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system has an electronic control system for coupling a steering device and the steered wheels of the vehicle, with the steering angle setpoint signal passing though a filter before a setpoint/actual value comparison is made. The filter passes essentially only those frequencies below an adjustable transition frequency. A switch is made to a low transition frequency when there is to be a direct translation between the steering device and the steered wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for leveling a personnel carrying platform mounted on the end of an elongated vehicle mounted boom. A pendulum controlled hydraulic valve controls the application of fluid pressure to a pair of cylinders equipped on their ends with a series of links extending along a drum connected to the platform mounting pin. When the platform deviates from a level position, one of the cylinders is retracted to turn the platform mounting pin in a direction to correct the deviation. An interlock valve disables the platform leveling system unless the boom is being moved. A manual override valve allows the platform to be tilted for storage or other reasons.

Abstract: A tree step for climbing a vertical structure such as a tree and a pole in a relatively enlightened environment and then descending the vertical structure in a relatively darkened environment. The tree step comprising an attaching structure. A surface engageable portion connected to the attaching structure. A step connected to the surface engageable portion. The step having an outer end with an upwardly facing surface. A luminescent member for radiating light upwardly from the upwardly facing surface only in a substantially vertical direction. A semi-rigid, semi-transparent cover structure protecting the luminescent member from an outside environment.

Abstract: A foothold provided with reflectors capable of preventing reflectors having different colors from being erroneously attached to the foothold, of securing unity of the positions of the footholds in respect of right and left colors thereof without fixing the foothold again to the body, of sufficiently serving as a channel mark, and of being used for a long period of time since given colors are provided at given positions even if the foothold is fixed to the body while the front and back thereof are turned upside down.

Abstract: A foldable ladder having rungs pivotally connected to the side rails, allowing the side rails to pivot from a position wherein the siderails are coplanar to the rung to a support position wherein the side rails are normal to the rungs.

Abstract: Stepladder support apparatus for use with a stepladder to allow the stepladder to be positioned on an uneven surface and maintain the rung side of the stepladder at an elevated position includes a support member having a top end and a bottom end. Rung engagement members are attached to the support member for engaging and supporting one or more rungs of the stepladder. The bottom end of the support member extends below the lower end of the rung side of the stepladder when the rung engagement members engage and support a rung or rungs of the stepladder.

Abstract: To permit installations of food court systems at various sites in an expeditious and cost effective manner, freestanding modules for each site are selected from available food court sets, each set consisting of a predetermined equal number of customized modules specially equipped to serve a unique food/beverage product. The modules selected from each set are transported to the respective installation sites where they are arranged to form food court systems according to predetermined food court layouts appropriate for the various installation sites.

Abstract: A traction drive elevator system preferably comprises a pair of vertical tracks, a car, and at least one counterweight for supporting at least a portion of the weight of the car. A traction drive, which preferably includes a frame which is separate from the car, comprises two sets of drives, each including a large traction roller and a pair of smaller diameter counter rollers which are disposed on opposite sides of one of the tracks. The axis of the traction roller is horizontal preferably at a height midway between the axes of the counter rollers, and the counter rollers are moveable in a direction toward the track. Means, preferably an eccentric mounting in combination with a gas spring, urge the counter rollers towards the track, thereby creating friction between the rollers and the track. A motor and gear box, which preferably includes a worm and spur gear combination, selectively rotate the traction rollers for moving the car between landings.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle can be positioned in a garage by a positioning device that includes a mounting bracket attachable to the garage floor, or garage wall near the floor, an elongated arm structure pivotably attached to the mounting bracket for swinging motion between an operating positioning along the floor and a stored position against the garage wall, and a tire-engageable ramp affixed to the elongated arm structure remote from the mounting bracket. The arm structure has an adjustable length for varying the spacing of the ramp from the garage wall.

Abstract: A portable vehicle fluid drain device is disclosed. The device includes a vertical drain tube which supports a vehicle fluid drain bowl. The drain tube is manually adjusted to an elevated position, latched in place while the vehicle fluid is drained, and unlatched to descend at a rate less than that of free fall due to the use of a friction brake. The friction force imparted by the brake on the drain tube is adjusted by rotating a wing nut on a carriage bolt to squeeze the inner edges of two wishbone arms against the drain tube. A method of using a vehicle fluid drain device with a brake and a self-latching mechanism is disclosed.

Abstract: The integrated aircraft wheel, brake and axle comprises a hollow wheel and brake axle (16, 116) having longitudinal splines (17, 117) about its outer periphery, the longitudinal splines (17, 117) engaging splines (62, 162) of a piston housing (60, 160) to effect a non-rotatable connection therebetween. In one embodiment, the piston housing (60) is connected by way of a spline sleeve (70) with a backing plate (80). A wheel (45) is rotatably mounted upon an end of the brake axle (16) and includes a drum drive (52) which extends axially to a drum drive end (52A) having at its inner diameter a bearing assembly (55, 56) between the drum drive end (52A) and an outer diameter of the piston housing (60). In another embodiment, the drum drive (152) may include a thrust flange (151) engaging a rotor disc backing plate (192A).

Abstract: Cooperating brake discs, rotors, and stators all are located at the same side of a pair of cam plate flanges. The cam plate flanges are coupled to an inner sleeve and input gear, respectively, with balls and ball ramp sockets for forcing apart the cam plate flanges when an output side is driven relative to an input side. The brake is effective to prevent relative rotation of the output side relative to the input side, but is released by rotation of an input gear for driving the inner sleeve.