Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a metal seal with a Y-shaped cross section that provides a face type seal between the male and female coupling members is disclosed. The inner circumference of the Y-shaped seal remains engaged with the face of the male member even when there is partial separation of the members, without any pre-loading devices. If the male member is partially removed from the female member bore, a face-type seal is maintained with the face of the male member and a sliding radial seal is maintained with the receiving chamber wall. The seal slides with the male member as it is partially withdrawn from the female member receiving chamber.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing having one or more pairs of opposite notches and one or more pairs of opposite channels. A plate has a stem rotatably engaged through the housing and has a pair of curved oblong holes. A base has two gaskets for communicating two inlets to the curved oblong holes of the plate. The base has one or more pairs of opposite juts and one or more pairs of opposite hooks engaged with the notches and the channels of the housing for allowing the housing and the plate to be rotated for 180 degrees relative to the base and to be secured to the base.

Abstract: A thrust washer for a mounting assembly disposed below an opening in a deck for mounting a faucet above the opening in the deck. A plurality of water lines extend through the opening in the deck to be connected to the faucet. The thrust washer being wider than the opening in the deck and formed in the shape of a "W" with a central opening at its midpoint for connection thereof to the mounting assembly. The thrust washer has a pair of outer legs defining wings which create an enlarged space above the central opening thereof adjacent the top of the "W". The thrust washer defines a solid, squat member having a height substantially equal to one-half the distance of the enlarged space thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting micromechanical fluid control components includes a manifold interface plate adaptable for connection to a manifold substrate oriented in a horizontal plane. The manifold interface plate receives mounting stress forces from the manifold substrate along the horizontal plane. An orthogonal component plate is connected to the manifold interface plate in a vertical plane with respect to the horizontal plane of the manifold substrate. The orthogonal component plate includes an orthogonal mounting surface with a micromechanical fluid control component mounted on it. The position of the micromechanical fluid control component on the orthogonal mounting surface substantially isolates the micromechanical fluid control component from the mounting stress forces.

Abstract: An energy attenuation apparatus for a system conveying liquid under pressure, and a method for attenuating energy in such a system, are provided. The apparatus includes a hose or tubular casing having an inlet opening for receiving liquid from the system, and an outlet opening for returning the liquid to the system. An inlet conduit extends concentrically into the hose or tubular casing through the inlet opening thereof, with an annular space being formed between the inlet conduit and the tubular casing. At least one aperture for introducing liquid into the annular space from the inlet conduit is provided on a portion thereof that is disposed in the tubular casing.

Abstract: A branch pipe lining bag wherein an annular protective member is previously fixed on a flange which is provided adjoined to an open end of a tubular bag. This tubular bag is soaked with a hardenable liquid resin and adapted to be everted under fluid pressure into a branch pipe. The protective member can be attached on the marginal periphery of the branch pipe opening to the main pipe simultaneously at the end of the branch pipe lining, irrespective of the inner diameter of the main pipe. Also, a pipe lining method wherein the annular protective member fixed on the flange is prepared previously and then the flange is connected to the part of the main pipe where the branch pipe opens. The main pipe lining bag can be bored without any damage irrespective of both the main pipe diameter and the branch pipe diameter or any connecting situations.

Abstract: A dual containment pipe system suitable for installation into an existing conduit includes a new secondary containment pipe with a plurality of substantially uniform internal studs and a new primary containment pipe up against the studs. An annular space is formed between the pipes by the studs which provides space along the length of the conduit for installation of leak detection systems including cables or perforated conduits for removing liquids or purging the annulus. The impervious new primary containment pipe may be cured in place, folded and formed, diameter reduced pipe, or any other pipe suitable for pipeline rehabilitation. A manhole system for connection of service laterals to the main line pipe which maintaining dual containment utilizing closure pieces for the main line coupled to a bellow fitting and service lateral riser tee is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to produce a high pressure hose having a fitting for attachment to a corresponding connector member, wherein the fitting comprises a connecting element for establishing connection to the high pressure hose and a coupling element for establishing a nipple/sleeve connection to the connector member, in such manner that a cost effective connection between the high pressure hose and the fitting can be established within a short period of time during the assembly thereof, it is proposed that the connecting element be in the form of a socket piece into which one end region of the high pressure hose is inserted and that the fitting form an interlocking closure assembly with the high pressure hose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid conduit (9) for hydraulic regulating devices of machines, in particular turbo machines, preferably of industrial turbines, the fluid conduit (9) comprising at least one pressure-transmitting inner conduit (4), which is surrounded by a hydraulically leaktight, burst-proof jacket (5). The space between the inner conduit (4) and the jacket (5) forms an unpressurized outer conduit (6), making it possible to dispense with a separate return conduit while reliably preventing fluid from escaping in the case of leaks in the pressure-transmitting inner conduit (4).

Abstract: A tube having a cylindrical main body and a thin wall defined by an inner surface and outer surface. The tube includes a first segment having a generally constant cylindrical cross-section and another segment having a variable cross-section containing convolutions to allow for flexing of the tube during installation. The convolutions extend less than the entire circumference of the tube or have tapered side walls which substantially reduce the size of the convolutions as the convolutions extend from one position along the circumference to a second position.

Abstract: It is of the unbonded type and comprises, from the inside outwards, an internal leakproof assembly comprising a pressure vault, a first inner group of tensile armor (5), a second outer group of tensile armor (7) and an external sealing sheath (8), the tensile armor of the said inner and outer groups being wound at a lay angle of less than 55.degree., characterized in that an intermediate sealing sheath (6) is inserted between the two inner (5) and outer (7), groups of tensile armor, the inner group of tensile armor (5) being wound with a short pitch and at a lay angle of greater than 35.degree. and less than 55.degree., and the outer group of tensile armor (7) being wound with a long pitch and with a lay angle of less than 30.degree..

Abstract: Embodiments of weaving shuttles are disclosed which are adapted for use in producing woven textile structures. The shuttles may be used to dispense weft yarns when weaving with a loom, and are particularly adapted to insert a wire-like structural member integrally into the woven textile.

Abstract: Multi-layer papermaker's fabrics are provided which include in the bottom fabric layer pairs of cross machine direction yarns that are woven in the same shed so as to provide paired bottom fabric layer cross machine direction yarns. Typically, these paired yarns comprise two smaller yarns that replace what otherwise would have been a larger single yarn, thereby reducing the thickness, void volume and water carrying propensity of the fabric. These fabrics may include a relatively large number of cross machine direction yarns on the papermaking surface and/or a papermaking surface having single float machine direction knuckles, so as to provide a high level of fiber support and good papermaking qualities.

Abstract: A composite label at least partly formed from two separate fabrics, on one face of which an image is provided over which the other fabric is positioned, this consisting of a mesh which enables said image to be seen through it from the outside of the label.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system nozzle capable of responding to the presence of an onboard vapor recovery system (ORVR) in an automobile. The invention includes a vapor recovery nozzle having a vapor passage in its nozzle spout and a vapor inlet in communication with the vapor passage. The spout includes a moveable seal mounted on the spout with the seal having a first position adjacent to the plurality of vapor inlets and a second position covering the vapor inlets so as to substantially block the passage of vapors through the vapor inlets. The seal may be biased in the second position.

Abstract: A method for safely, reliably and continuously feeding a liquid specimen such as human blood in one container on a centrifugal rotor into another container on the same rotor without the need to touch the specimen as well as any part of the device while completely preventing contamination due to mixing of microorganisms. A liquid is injected into a pressurizing or a depressurizing container on a rotor from outside to pressurize or depressurize a first container on the rotor, thereby feeding under pressure a specimen in the first container into a second container on the same rotor, or sucking a specimen in the second container into the first container.

Abstract: Storage equipment simply and effectively maintains the cleanness of substrates stored therein. The substrates in the storage equipment are set in a pod. The storage equipment has removable covers, a unit for fitting the covers to pods, respectively, a unit for holding the pods with the covers, a gas supply unit for individually supplying gas into the pods through the covers, and an exhaust unit for individually discharging an atmosphere from the pods through the covers. Each pod is closed with the cover in the storage equipment, and the gas supply unit and exhaust unit periodically replace an atmosphere in each pod with inert gas or evacuate each pod, to control the storage conditions of each pod in the storage equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for distributing a flow of pulp uniformly into a container including an inlet for the pulp flow into one end of the container, a cylindrical wall laterally defining a distribution chamber for the container, a planar wall within the container facing the inlet spaced from the cylindrical wall and extending laterally at least to a location corresponding to the cylindrical wall, thus defining a gap between the planar wall and the cylindrical wall so the pulp flow can pass laterally through the gap into the container for distribution therein, and a movable wall associated with the cylindrical wall for adjusting the size of the gap.

Abstract: A hygienic bottle cap for connection to a neck of a fluid container includes a skirt and a crown portion which includes a cylindrical wall having an upper portion and a lower portion and forms a central well. A flapper forming a portion of the bottom surface of the center well is attached to the cylindrical wall via two separate tab points. A score line is formed partially around the perimeter of the flapper between the flapper and the cylindrical wall and the portion of the perimeter that is not scored remains intact upon insertion of a probe. Alternatively, the flapper may be attached to the cylindrical wall via a bridge portion. The flapper may be separated from the cylindrical wall by the probe and the flapper may return to its initial sealed position after the probe is retracted due to the memory characteristics of the material connecting the flapper to the cylindrical wall.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a fluid from a first tank into a second tank, in which one of the tanks is attached to a vehicle. The system comprises a flexible, stretchable, resilient delivery hose, a first end of the delivery hose being connected to the first tank and a second end of the delivery hose being attached to a nozzle adapted to dispense the fluid into the second tank. A flexible tension element is provided between first and second fittings on the hose, the fittings being separated by at least six feet (two meters), the tension element substantially eliminating stretching of the delivery hose between the fittings. The tension element substantially reduces damage to the hose and to surrounding persons and objects when the hose is pulled and released as in a drive-away from a gasoline dispenser.

Abstract: Described herein is a tree felling head for restraining, cutting and manipulating trees. The felling head comprises a holder connected to the manipulator arm of a tree cutting carrier, a motor at least partially housed in either the frame of the felling head or the holder, and a bearing-like member or transmission connecting the motor to the frame of the felling head. The frame further comprises arms for gripping trees and a saw for cutting same. The felling head preferably comprises a gear assembly for augmenting the torque produced by the motor. The gear assembly is preferably a planetary gear train and is at least partially housed in either the frame or the holder of the felling head.

Abstract: A planing machine is provided with a height retention mechanism for a cutter carriage, and includes a machine base, a plurality of upstanding posts, moving means, and a sector plate. The posts extend upward from the machine base. The cutter carriage is disposed above the machine base, and has opposite end portions mounted movably on the upstanding posts for sliding movement of the cutter carriage along the upstanding posts. The sector plate is mounted rotatably on the machine base about a horizontal axis, and has a stepped top face formed with a plurality of steps, which are at different elevations relative to the machine base. A regulating rod extends downward from the cutter carriage above the stepped top face.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dovetailing and assembly machine that forms a groove on the planar surface of a first workpiece and inserts a preformed tenon on one end of a second workpiece into the groove. In one embodiment the groove is dovetail-shaped. The present invention also provides for a method to manufacture a dovetailing and assembly machine. In one embodiment the machine comprises: (1) a frame, (2) a jig coupled to the frame and adapted to hold a first workpiece, (3) a router coupled to the frame and adapted to move relative to a planar surface on the first workpiece and to cut a groove thereon, (4) a mount coupled to the frame to hold the tenon in substantial alignment with the groove and (5) a press coupled to the frame adapted to press the tenon into the groove.

Abstract: A bag includes a casing pivotally secured to one side portion for allowing the cellular phone to be engaged into and removed from the casing without opening the bag. A housing is secured in the bag, and a casing includes a bottom portion pivotally coupled to the housing at a hinge line. The upper portion of the casing is detachahly secured to the bag for opening the casing. One or more fasteners are secured to the bag, and the casing includes one or more curved slots for slidably receiving the fasteners and for pivotally coupling the casing to the bag.

Abstract: A cushion wheel assembly having a central hub coaxially surrounded by a resilient circular ring which is coaxially surrounded by a pneumatic tire on a mounting rim. The components are arranged so that axial compression of the resilient ring locks the components of the assembly into a cohesive unit, which is easily assembled and disassembled for convenient mounting to a vehicle and/or repair of high wear components.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire for passenger car has a directional tread pattern (with respect to a rotating direction of tire) defined by a circumferential center groove, a plurality of directional slant grooves disposed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the tire, and a plurality of blocks formed at intervals in both circumferential and axial directions of the tire, in which these blocks form a pair of central block rows and a pair of side block rows, and surfaces of acute corner portions of blocks constituting the central block row and the side block row located outward and inward in the axial direction of the tire at given length, and chamfered acute corner portions of blocks constituting the central block row and the side block row are connected to each other at their chamfered shallowest tips.

Abstract: A tire tread has a total of four circumferential ribs and three circumferential grooves. The four ribs include two intermediate ribs and two outer ribs, and the three grooves include a center groove and two outer grooves. The two intermediate ribs are between the center groove and the two outer grooves, and the outer ribs are on the opposite sides of the outer grooves from the intermediate ribs. Rib cross slots and cross sipes extend outwardly from the outer grooves into the intermediate and outer ribs in herringbone patterns. The cross slots and cross sipes extend less than the full width of the ribs to provide the intermediate ribs with circumferential inner portions adjacent the center groove that are devoid of cross slots. These circumferential inner portions of the intermediate ribs have a plurality of circumferentially-spaced cross sipes that do not intersect the center groove.

Abstract: A heavy duty radial tire is provided between the tread edge and the maximum tire width point with a profile which is formed by adding at least a protrusion to a basic profile, the basic profile consisting of an upper line and a lower line, the upper line extending radially inwardly from the tread edge and curved concavely so as to have a center of curvature outside the tire, the lower line extending radially outwardly from the maximum tire width point and curved convexly so as to have a center of curvature inside the tire, the upper line and lower line intersecting each other so as to form an inflection point, the radial height of the inflection point from the bead base line being in the range of from 0.82 to 0.

Abstract: A pneumatic tubeless tire comprising a carcass ply of reinforcing cords extending between two tire bead regions through sidewall regions and a tread region and an innerliner disposed radially inwardly of the carcass ply is herein described. Between the sidewall region and the tread region is a tire shoulder region. In each of these shoulder regions, there is a circumferentially extending ply support strip disposed radially between the carcass ply and the innerliner. The ply support strip comprises a rubber compound containing short discontinuous fibrillated aramid fibers in an amount of between 7 and 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of rubber.

Abstract: A tape for use in estimating how many electronic parts being fed to an electronic part inserting machine remain on the tqape and a system for using the same. More particularly, a system which counts the remaining electronic parts on the end portion of the tape and sets up a most suitable time that the presently used tape should be replaced with a new one so that the system dead time which may occur during the replacement of tape rolls is remarkably reduced. This tape includes a mark formed at the beginning of an end portion of the tape where some electronic parts are left to be fed to the electronic part inserting machine, and the mark is sensed by a sensor so that the count starts when the end portion of the tape is sensed.

Abstract: A mechanism for regulating the closing speed of a rolling fire door during an emergency condition. The speed regulating mechanism includes a viscous speed governor which is operatively connected to the support shaft of the fire door for providing a speed regulating damping torque as the door moves to a closed position. Methods for regulating the closing speed of a fire door during an emergency condition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A window-screen combination wherein the screen is concealed when not in use but is readily accessible for servicing or replacement. The window-screen assembly includes a window frame circumscribing a window opening and including a peripheral outer frame portion providing an elongated header recess facing into the opening. The frame also includes a plurality of elongated inner frame members separable from the outer frame portion and disposed along the periphery of the opening. A first of the frame members, a header member, is positioned over the recess so that a passageway remains between the recess and the opening. The other of the frame members, jamb members, extend downwardly from the header member and form opposed vertical guideways adjacent to the window opening and aligned with the passageway.

Abstract: A retractable top cover and awning for recreational vehicles, modular homes, and the like, includes a mechanism for deploying and retracting a flexible top cover and awning panel over the roof of the vehicle and along a side wall of the vehicle to shade both the vehicle roof and any windows or doors in the side wall. A flexible top cover and awning panel is wound and stored on a roller housed in an elongated housing having a removable housing cover. Swinging deployment arms extend the flexible top cover and awning panel from the storage roller. Motors are used to open the housing cover, to turn the roller to assist in rolling or unrolling the flexible top cover and awning panel, and to swing the deployment arms during extension and retraction of the flexible top cover and awning panel.

Abstract: A double-pane window having a light-control assembly within its peripheral frame. The light-control assembly has an upper section which is adapted to redirect light entering the window through the outside pane so that the light, exiting the window through the inside pane, is reflected upwardly against a ceiling surface of the interior of a room, on the wall of which the window is mounted and a lower section which is adapted to inhibit light entering the window through the outside pane from exiting the window through the inside pane. The lower section and optionally the upper section can each comprise a plurality of laterally-extending slats which can be pivoted about their laterally-extending axes to inhibit or redirect light entering the window. If desired, the slats of the lower section can be pivoted independently of the slats of the upper section. The slats of at least the upper section preferably have a transverse cross-section with a concave surface facing upwardly.

Abstract: An extensible window shading device for a window area of a house and a passenger transportation includes a pair of extensible devices, a pair of mounting devices, a blinding devices, and a rack fastening device. Each of the extensible devices comprises a left head rack, a right head rack, a predetermined number of left body racks, a predetermined number of right body racks corresponding in number to the left body racks, a left foot rack and a right foot rack. A top end of each extensible device is firmly connected with, for example by screwing, a supporting head, which is mounted on the mounting device. The blinding device includes a predetermined number of thin and light slats, in which each slat has two cylindrical plugs coaxially protruded from two ends thereof. Each cylindrical plug of each slat has a corresponding cap for affixing the slat on the extensible device by engaged with the corresponding cylindrical plug.

Abstract: A rigid-panel overhead door which is selectively moved up and down to open and close an opening and which is guided generally along door guides on opposed vertical sides of the opening is disclosed. The door includes a first chain disposed along one of the door guides and a second chain disposed along an opposed door guide. The door further includes a plurality of panels, each having a first end and a second end, the panels being of sufficient length to extend substantially across the opening but sufficiently limited in length so as to fit between the first and second chains and not extend beyond them. The door further includes a plurality of connectors for joining the first and second chains respectively to the first and second ends of each of the panels.

Abstract: Elastic means for rolling up a roller curtain include a plurality of springs (26,27,28) fastened rigidly to a common support (15) connected to a shaft (2) and with respective support and constraint elements (36,37,38) which are geometrically coupled to the roller (19). A device for connecting the springs to a stationary frame (35) of the curtain (20) reduces the number of springs torsional turns with respect to the number of turns of the roller (19) by interposition of a speed reducer between the shaft (2), to which the springs are fastened, the stationary frame (35) and the roller (19). The shaft (2) end is located closer to the most external support and constraint element (36) and its extremity has a disc (11) mounted thereto. The coupling device together with the springs (50), their supports (15,36,37,38), the shaft (2) and an external support cylindrical body (6) form a compact assembly, which is introduced into one head of the roller (19).

Abstract: A process for fabricating a hollow or partially hollow article, such as a jewelry ring, comprises producing a first mold having an inner cavity shaped in accordance with the external shape of the article to be produced. A second mold is produced for forming a wax core insert which is inserted in the first mold cavity for forming the hollow region of the article. The second mold has an inner cavity formed in the shape of, but slightly smaller than, the external shape of the article. The cavity of the second mold has holes which form spacer pins on the wax core insert. The wax core insert is then placed in the cavity of the first mold and is maintained in a precise, predetermined position by the spacer pins. During waxing of the article, a plastiwax is introduced into and fills the cavity of the first mold, completely surrounding the wax core insert. The plastiwax hardens and is removed from the first mold cavity with the wax core insert.

Abstract: Molten material is elevated into a mold cavity and subsequently pressure is brought to bear on the molten material in the mold cavity substantially immediately to solidify the molten material under pressure. The molten material is tapped from a reservoir of molten material below the surface of the molten material to minimize exposure to air of the molten material and transferred to the mold cavity without a downward flow or a pouring of the tapped molten material.

Abstract: An automotive heat exchanger that includes a manifold (12) and a mounting block (10) attached to the manifold (12) and over an opening (30) in the wall of the manifold (12). The mounting block (10) has a flange portion (16) with a surface (18) that engages approximately half of the outer perimeter of the manifold (12). The block (10) also includes means (20, 24) for securing the heat exchanger to an automobile (14), and an inlet/outlet port (26) extending through the block (10) and in fluidic communication with the opening (30) in the wall of the manifold (12). Grooves (19) are preferably present in the surface (18) of the flange portion (16) of the block (10), two of which engage raised portions (23) on the perimeter of the manifold (12) in order to aid in securing the block (10) to the manifold (12). The remaining grooves (19) provide reservoirs between the block (10) and manifold (12) for braze material (21) that metallurgically bonds the block (10) to the manifold (12).

Abstract: A combination heat exchanger and expansion tank are provided having an integral housing with a self-de-aerating design. Particularly suitable for cooling marine internal combustion engines, the housing holds an elongated heat exchanger core configured with at least one straight seawater passage, such that an embodiment of the housing facilitates access to opposite passage ends for cleaning through respective openings in the housing, eliminating a need to remove the core. The housing forms an upper expansion chamber, a lower collection chamber, and a coolant channel in communication with these chambers. The coolant channel receives and directs a main flow of engine coolant over the core; the coolant flow subsequently dropping into the lower collection chamber, from where the coolant exits for recirculation through the engine. The upper expansion chamber includes vents which receive vented coolant flow from remote engine components.

Abstract: Briefly described, the present invention is concerned with cooling heated bodies and/or heated fluid with synthetic jet actuators in either open or closed systems. A first preferred embodiment of a cooling system of the present invention comprises a synthetic jet actuator directed to impinge directly on a heat producing (or heated) body. The synthetic jet actuator generates a synthetic jet stream comprised of cool ambient fluid that impinges on the heated surface thereby cooling this surface. As an example, the heated surface/body could be a microchip array in a microcomputer. After coming into contact with the heated surface, the fluid moves along the surface and is finally rejected to the ambient where it mixes and cools down. The synthetic jet may be incorporated into a modular unit that may be clipped on to a circuit board or other heat producing element to provide added, `ad hoc` cooling.

Abstract: A motor vehicle air conditioning installation has a cold loop, a hot loop, a sensor for measuring cabin temperature, a manual setting unit for setting demand values of cabin air parameters, and a control unit for defining the resulting required adjustments to be made to the various components of the cold and hot loops. The control unit includes a temperature estimating module which generates an estimated value of the outside temperature, either from (a) the measured value of cabin temperature (in stabilized operation of the installation), or (b) a temperature value stored in a sub-memory of the control unit (when the installation is converging towards its stabilized mode).

Abstract: A system for controlling the humidity with a residential air conditioning system without compressor or air flow control employs a simple control technique of matching inlet air temperature prior to the refrigeration coils of the air conditioning system to outlet temperature after the refrigeration coil and as raised by a reheat coil supplied with hot water from the residential hot water heater. The system permits heating and cooling cycles and may be retrofit into existing residential units.

Abstract: A packer is provided which reduces the number of components required in a retrievable packer. The packer is compact in size, and convenient and economical in use. In a described embodiment, the packer includes seal carrying and gripping assemblies mounted on a mandrel. Axial compression of the assemblies causes a seal and grip structures carried on the assemblies to radially outwardly deflect. Each of the assemblies may be integrally formed, thereby further reducing the number of components needed to construct the packer. Each of the assemblies is usable separately on the mandrel to produce apparatus which only grippingly engage or only sealingly engage a tubular member in a well. The packer or similar apparatus is retrieved by releasing the force axially compressing the assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for selectively lifting produced fluids, including produced hydrocarbons and a portion of produced water, to a ground surface while injecting the remaining produced water into an injection zone subsurface in a subterranean well. The invention preferably utilizes an electrical submersible progressive cavity pump (ESPCP) in conjunction with an electrical submersible pump (ESP) in order to carry out the dual injection and lifting steps. Further, this apparatus and method make it possible to produce hydrocarbons from oil wells in a manner that poses less risk and disturbance to the environment.

Abstract: A method of forming and lining a branch borehole includes installing a packer in a main borehole, installing a whipstock on the packer, milling a window in the main borehole casing using the whipstock, recovering the whipstock, and then installing a deflector (20) to deflect a lining into the lateral. The external diameter (D) of the deflector is less than the internal diameter of the casing of the main borehole so as to permit subsequent milling away of cement and surplus lining material using a washover tool or thin-walled mill. The preferred deflector includes a relatively steep deflector face (21) at the upper end of the deflector and a relatively shallow deflector face (22) which connects the lower end (23) of the face (21) to the full diameter (D) of the deflector. If it is desired to use the maximum possible diameter casing for the lateral, portions of the formation and/or the main borehole casing are removed by an appropriate tool after the deflector (20) has been positioned within the borehole.

Abstract: There are disclosed two types of valves connectible in a subsea drilling riser to permit the opening and closing of side ports therein. One such valve is automatically opened when the hydrostatic subsea pressure is greater by a predetermined amount than that of drilling mud in the riser. The other valve is installed in the lower end of the riser and is adapted to be opened to discharge drilling fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A shut-off valve for use in a downhole string of tools adapted to be retrieved from a well under pressure is disclosed. The valve has a housing and a piston slidably disposed within an axial bore of the housing. The housing has upper and lower ends configured for attachment to upper and lower portions, respectively, of the tool string. The valve defines an internal passage for hydraulic communication between the upper and lower tool string portions. The piston is arranged to, in first and second positions, permit and block, respectively, hydraulic communication along the internal passage. The housing has an outer surface defining upper and lower outer surface regions for engagement by two spaced apart seals of a retrieval head (such as a BOP). The housing also defines an outer port disposed between the upper and lower outer surface regions and arranged for hydraulic communication between the piston and the outer housing surface.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler has a body with an orifice and a coaxial outlet for delivery of fire protection fluid from a source; a cap that resists flow of fluid from the outlet in a sprinkler standby condition; and an actuator securing the cap in the standby condition and releasing the cap in an operating condition to permit flow of fluid from the outlet. The actuator includes a thermally sensitive release assembly with an elongated thermally sensitive element, e.g.