Abstract: A proportional solenoid operated pressure reducing control valve includes an elongate cylindrical housing having an axial throughbore between an outer end and an inner end defining an interior chamber. The inner end is receivable in a solenoid, in use. A plurality of axially spaced side port openings proximate the outer end define a cylinder port and a pressure port. A tank opening proximate the outer end defines a tank port. A valve member comprises a cylindrical body movable in the chamber at the outer end for selectively controlling fluid flow through the interior chamber between the tank port and the cylinder port in a neutral position, or modulating the cylinder port between the pressure port and the tank port in a regulated position. The valve member includes an axially extending throughbore. Dividing means in the valve member separate the valve member throughbore to define an outer chamber and a control chamber.

Abstract: A tournament oil path constituting apparatus in which while a laminated block is constituted by laminating a number of oil path plates, a number of shuttle valve holes and connection grooves made continuous to the shuttle valve holes are formed at overlap faces of the oil path plates, shuttle valves are integrated to the shuttle valve holes, introductory oil paths communicating with the shuttle valve holes are formed at both of the oil path plates formed with the shuttle valve holes and the oil path plates having match faces on sides of the shuttle valve holes and a high pressure oil is selected by the shuttle valves from pressure oils conducted both of the introductory oil paths and conducted to the connection grooves. The tournament oil path constituting apparatus also including a number of main paths penetrating the number of laminated oil path plates and branch grooves branched from the main paths.

Abstract: A tubular shield for exposing underground electrical power lines (especially high voltage power lines), telecommunication lines, cable television lines, fiber optic lines and the like, housed within tubular conduits, has an external diameter less than the internal diameter of the tubular conduits with which the shield is to be used and, for most applications, is provided with a longitudinally extending slot that extends for the entire length of the shield and provides an opening greater in width than the diameter of the line(s) housed within the tubular conduit. To expose a power, telecommunication, cable TV, fiber optic line or the like, that is housed within a conduit, a longitudinally extending slot is cut into the tubular conduit. The tubular shield is then inserted into the tubular conduit through the slot and underneath the line(s) within the tubular conduit to provide a shield between the line(s) and the tubular conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides that a layer of hardened material is created on the surface of an underground passageway, in particular a sewer so as to restore its utility and the method used is to place a first lining tube in the sewer along its length, and then to evert a second tube of smaller diameter, along the sewer into the first tube. The method is to insert into the first tube a fluent mass against which the second tube is everted and the fluent mass comprises a hardenable material, typically a synthetic resin and a solid particulate material, typically even diameter beads, which serves to limit the thickness to which the mass can be compressed between the tubes whereby an even thickness layer of the fluent mass lying circumferentially of the sewer forms between the tubes, and this layer is held and is hardened either by force or naturally.

Abstract: A pipe hole covering and sealing trim for covering and sealing a hole in a wall through which a pipe extends. The pipe hole covering and sealing trim includes an annular piece has inner and outer perimeters, and front and back faces. The inner perimeter of the piece defining a center hole through the piece designed for extending a pipe therethrough. The piece has an inwardly extending resiliently deformable annular gasket along the inner perimeter of the piece designed for forming a seal between the pipe and the piece.

Abstract: A portable windguard for use on a pipe to shield a weld being applied from wind comprising a collar, a Velcro.TM. belt for attaching and securing the collar to the pipe and a shield extending generally perpendicularly from the collar. The shield can be collapsible, hence readily transportable from site to site.

Abstract: A flexible hose construction and method of making the same are provided, the flexible hose construction comprising an inner tube made of polymeric material, an outer sleeve of reinforcing material disposed in telescoping relation on the inner tube from one end thereof to the other end thereof, rib structure disposed between the sleeve of reinforcing material and the inner tube, the rib structure being disposed on the inner tube so as to define alternating coil structure of rib structure and coil structure of non-rib structure serially along the longitudinal axis of the inner tube in a like repeating pattern thereof, the coil structure of non-rib structure comprise coil structure of void space, and an outer tube of polymeric material disposed between the rib structure and the sleeve of reinforcing material so as to extend in a generally straight-line manner from coil structure of the rib structure to coil structure of the rib structure so as to tend to prevent the sleeve of reinforcing material from entering i

Abstract: A heat-resistant hose for transport of high temperature fluid, wherein the inner surface of the hose in contact with said fluid comprises a material containing blended rubber of fluorinated rubber (FKM) and acrylic rubber (ACM). In particular, a heat-resistant hose for transport of fluid containing high temperature oil which comprises an inner tubular body composed of one or more layers at least the most inner layer of which consists of blended rubber of FKM and ACM, fiber reinforcements wound around the outer surface of said inner tubular body the thread extracting force of which the fiber reinforcements is not less than 1N/mm, and an outer tubular body composed of one or more layers bonded on the surface of said fiber reinforcements, said most inner layer preferably containing carbon black having the value (A.times.B) of not more than 3500 obtained by multiplying the value A of nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (m.sup.

Abstract: A ventilation duct includes an envelope lined on the inside by insulation panels. The panels have a lining on the side of the flow channel of the duct and on at least one part of at least one of transverse edges of the duct. This lining extends over at least one part of each of both sides of the edge and is integrated with the panel. Z shaped sections may be used to hold adjacent panels.

Abstract: A pipe bend for a siphon installation formed by two straight pipe parts and a curved pipe part connecting these parts, which pipe bend is provided with a guide extending from the curved connecting part in one of the pipe parts for guiding a liquid flow in that pipe part. The flow guide can include a rib protruding from a side wall of the pipe part and extending at an angle to the center line thereof. A siphon installation provided with such a pipe bend, in addition to a liquid discharge system in which such a siphon installation is arranged, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A movable brake shoe (32) is mounted in a yarn brake (23). The yarn brake (33) includes two brake shoes (31, 32) arranged to brake a yarn (3) running between them. Actuating devices (33, 34) allow mutual compression of the brake shoes (31, 32). The movable brake shoe (32) is lamellar and tiltable about a tilt axis (49) which is located at a distance from and substantially parallel to the path of the yarn (3) to be braked.

Abstract: A decorative outdoor fabric including a woven structure formed of acrylic warp yarns and at least some of the fill yarns comprising self-coating yarns formed of high melt and low melt yarn constituents. When the fabric is tentered, the low melt constituents melt and cross-flow to the other fibers in the fill and warp yarns. The warp yarns have deniers of at least 150 d and the fill yarns have deniers of at least 400 d resulting fabric achieves acceptable abrasion resistance, stability, and load recovery and hand without the need for a latex backing.

Abstract: A gripper weaving machine having at least one rapier (1) which carries a gripper (3) and is driven by a drive wheel (9) and which is guided outside a shed by guide elements (13, 15), where the guide elements are part of guidance devices and are arranged to rotate the rapier (1) about its longitudinal axis (28).

Abstract: A method for producing helically wound filament elements, and filament elnts produced according to this method. The method is distinguished in that a thermal treatment of the incandescent wire at temperatures of over 1200.degree. C. takes place already before the winding of the incandescent wire, so that, after separation, the coil springs open and can easily be detached from the core wire.

Abstract: An actuator for facilitating filling of an aerosol contain by a button-on-filling process, the actuator comprising an exterior housing having an outer wall with a product discharge outlet formed therein. The exterior housing further having central post supporting an internal bore which establishes fluid communication between a product inlet and the product discharge outlet to facilitate dispensing an aerosol product via the actuator. At least two spaced apart reinforcement ribs are provided for interconnecting the exterior housing with the central post and thereby define at least two compartments where any remaining filling component may collect. A base of the exterior housing has an annular skirt portion which facilitates sealing engagement with a pedestal portion of a mounting cup during a filling operation.

Abstract: A filling device (1) for filling bags (5) with bulk material (6), which filling device (1) comprises a carrier (3) which is adapted for fixing to a lifting device (2) and which is provided with a number of load hooks (4) for fastening thereto of a bag (5), which bag (5) is provided for this purpose with fastening means (7) such as loops (7) or eyes (7), characterized in that the load hooks (4) are formed such that during operation a wholly or partially filled bag (5) is automatically released from the load hooks (4) by setting down the bag (5) and moving the lifting device (92) away.

Abstract: A tree harvester for continuously cutting and accumulating trees and a method for using such a harvester is disclosed. The harvester has a frame with a cutting area and a large elongate accumulation area. A tree severing device is secured to one end of the frame and a continuous rail having accumulating arms secured to it extends from the cutting area to the rear portion of the accumulation area. The arms are equally spaced apart from each other along the rail, with each arm traveling in a continuous circuit along the rail such that it moves from the cutting area to the accumulation area. During use, the harvester is aligned with a row of trees to be cut. As the first tree is cut by the severing device, an accumulating arm is positioned behind the tree and moves it to the rear most available portion of the accumulation area. As the harvester travels down the row of trees, each tree in the row is cut and moved to the rear most available portion of the accumulation area.

Abstract: A finger joint cutting tool includes unitary finger joint cutter bits. Each cutter bit has a unitary body to provide several integrally formed finger cutting teeth for finger jointing wood materials. Preferably the body is formed by an electrical discharge machine (EDM) process to provide the cutting teeth without any pinchpoints between teeth. The cutter bit therefore does not include several separate stacked knives to provide the cutting teeth. The finger joint cutting tool includes a head having a predetermined axis of rotation. The head has a plurality of locating surfaces spaced radially about the head which receive the finger joint cutter bits at a constant diameter. Each cutter bit is unitary and has a planar cutting face capable of being sharpened. The cutting face includes a plurality cutting teeth having linear fingering edges extending radially between adjacent base and tip edges. Each of the base edges are located at the same radius relative to the axis.

Abstract: Procedure for working curved tree trunks by chipping into timber products, such as boards and cants, in which procedure the trunk (T) is crook-chipped and a straight side board (S1) is edged at the same time. The invention also relates to an apparatus for implementing the procedure.

Abstract: A web-up system is provided for a web-fed printing press, the web fed printing press having a plurality of components including a slitter mechanism. The web-up system includes either or both a web-up device and a ribbon winder. The web-up device is located adjacent to an output of a first component of the web-fed printing press, the first component located upstream from the slitter mechanism. The web-up device includes a splicing mechanism and a secondary web roll rotatably mounted on a shaft. The splicing mechanism receives a first web of material from the first component, receives a second web of material from the secondary web roll, splices the first web of material to the second web of material, and outputs a spliced web of material to the next downstream component of the press, e.g., the slitter mechanism. The ribbon winder is coupled to an output of the slitter mechanism. The slitter mechanism slits the web of material into at least a first and second ribbon.

Abstract: An aesthetically-pleasing foldable, reusable security device and method for protecting double-hung windows from storm debris hazards and vandalism, wherein the perimeter edges of the device fit within the outermost groove of a double-hung window frame and can be easily installed and removed by one adult of ordinary strength and coordination standing behind the window. The device also protects the building against unauthorized entry and burglary, and is particularly useful for protecting upstairs windows since it requires no pre-installation steps or hardware, no professional installation, no tools, no ladder, and its installation does not permanently alter or damage the window or adjacent building surfaces. The device has at least two protective panels with two or more hinges attached between the front surfaces of adjacent panels which allow them to fold substantially parallel to one another in a compact configuration for storage, and unfold again into an essentially planar configuration for use.

Abstract: An overhead garage door having a plurality of pivotally interconnected panel structures and a reinforcing strut to allow use of the door in hurricane prone environments. The reinforcing strut extends the full width of the door across the inside rear face of the door and includes widely spaced straight upper and lower horizontal legs extending rearwardly from the rear faces of the stiles of the panel structure joined by a semi-circular top section extending in a continuous convex curvilinear sweep between the two legs. The radius of curvature of the semi-circular section is relatively large compared to the length of the upper and lower leg sections, giving the beam a wide stance. For example, the radius of curvature of the top section may be approximately 1.25" and the leg section length may be between about 2.5" and 5". The strut may be roll-formed or shaped by bending flat stock on, for example, a press brake.

Abstract: A light control covering device for an architectural opening comprises control hardware and a flexible sheet, the control hardware enabling different translucency positions of the flexible sheet, wherein the flexible sheet is of a stretchable nature. The control hardware is adapted to arrange for at least a first position of the flexible sheet, in which position the flexible sheet is mainly unstretched, and a second position of the flexible sheet, in which position the flexible sheet is substantially stretched.

Abstract: A method and apparatus forproducing coated slabs of metal, particularly strips of steel, in which a metal slab is guided through the bottom of a vessel filled with molten metal having the same or different composition as the metal slab, wherein the dwell time of the metal slab is selected in dependence on the melting bath level, the casting speed, the metal slab thickness and the preheating temperature of the metal slab in such a way that the molten metal deposited on the metal slab has a desired thickness of a multiple of the initial thickness of the metal slab, and wherein the metal slab with the layer crystallized onto the metal slab is subjected to a smoothing pass after emerging from the melting bath. The smoothing pass is carried out when the surface temperature of the crystallized slab is smaller than the solidus temperature of the melting bath and, thus, at least the surface of the crystallized layer is solidified.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the return air flow to the evaporator coil of an air conditioning unit that is mounted on the roof of a vehicle wherein the return air flow enters the unit vertically and must be turned 90.degree. in a limited amount of space before being delivered to the coil. A plenum is mounted over the return air duct that has a back wall containing an arcuate segment that curves inwardly over the entrance toward the entrance face of the coil. A stabilizer is mounted along the inner edge of the entrance in front of the coil which coacts with the contoured rear wall of the plenum to evenly distribute the return flow across the coil and prevent unwanted turbulence in the flow that would inhibit flow through the coil.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and a method of manufacturing the heat exchanger is disclosed for dissipating heat from a heat generating component. The heat exchanger comprises a thermally conductive base in thermal communication with the component, a plurality of thermally conductive plate fins affixed to the base wherein the plate fins define a fin field and channels, and fluid control for controlling the fluid flow within the fin field. The individual fins of the heat exchanger comprise an arc shape with diametrically opposed legs extending vertically downward from each end of the fins. The individual fins are comprised of thermally conductive material affixed to and in thermal communication with the base. The individual fins are arcuately shaped sections separated by arcuately shaped channels. The fins, together with the channels and base form a fin field having an inlet region, a middle region and an outlet region.

Abstract: A radiator includes a radiating structure and two buckling devices. Channels are formed between the outermost two radiating fins and adjacent radiating fins. Openings are formed at one side of each of the two buckling devices for buckling with a CPU frame. Other side of the buckling device is protruded with respect to the two buckling pieces. A buckling portion is formed at the front lower surface of each buckling piece for insertion into the channel and is buckled into the buckling hole. A stopping rod protruded from the outer rim of the lower side of the buckling device, and is inserted into the slot for matching the resisting force for buckling the buckling device by the buckling pieces so that the buckling device will not separate from the radiating fins.

Abstract: A cooling system employing redundant system components is disclosed. The system includes multiple sets of heat: exchanger units, with each set being in fluid communication with a separate, independently operated fluid pump unit. The heat exchanger units are arranged in at least one row of heat exchanger units. The two sets of heat exchanger units are evenly interspersed with each other along the row of heat exchanger units so that a substantially uniform distribution of cooled air is provided in the event one fluid pump unit fails.

Abstract: A two pass heat exchanger is provided. The first pass includes a plurality of tubes located in liquid refrigerant, when employed as an evaporator, whereby the liquid refrigerant draws heat from the water flowing through the tubes causing the water to be cooled and the liquid refrigerant to evaporate. The second pass is a single pipe which need not be located in the liquid refrigerant. The two pass heat exchanger can also be used as a condenser.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided including a first aluminum extruded header spaced apart and arranged essentially parallel to a second aluminum extruded header. The first and second headers include a plurality of parallel passageways extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis thereof. The passageways are fluidly interconnected by at least one transverse cross-drilled bore extending essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. A core assembly is secured between the first and second headers including a plurality of fluid conduits and heat radiating fins surrounding the fluid conduits. A by-pass valve assembly fluidly communicates with the headers and core assembly while providing an alternate pathway independent thereof. Preferably, the by-pass assembly is responsive to fluid temperature and/or pressure for directing fluid flow either into or exterior of the heat exchanger core assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger comprising superimposed heat exchanger plates (, 2'), a collar (4), fluid connectors (12), connecting holes (5) and fastening means which present at least one passage (15) comprised of holes (6, 27) in alignment towards each other in the plates (2, 2'), through which a tension rod (16) can be passed. One end of the tension rod (16) rests upon the connecting plate (26) or the plate (2, 2') adjacent thereto. In the hole (6, 27) alignment area, each thermal plate is tight relative to the adjacent plate (2, 2').

Abstract: The invention refers to a hard-soldered (brazed) flat tube evaporator with a dual flow (double flow) and one row in the air flow direction of aluminum or an aluminum alloy for a motor vehicle air conditioning equipment in which on the inlet side a distributor of the refrigerant to the inlets of individual flat tubes or preferably groups thereof is provided and the flat tubes are extruded multi-chamber tubes between which zig zag fins are internested in a sandwich fashion. According to the invention, it is provided that the structural depth of the evaporator is at most 50 mm.

Abstract: A device serves to interconnect pipes (3) to form a casing (1). A new pipe (3) to be added to the top of the casing (1), is suspended from an elevator (4) assigned to a drawworks, the latter being assigned a top drive (7) above the elevator (4). The device comprises a tubular hydraulic telescopic (device (9, 10), one end thereof being connected to the output shaft (8) of the top drive (7), the other end thereof being provided with a catcher (11) adapted to catch, raise and rotate the pipe (3). The catcher (11) is adapted to be guided into the pipe (3) and to be expanded to rest against the pipe and, thus, to establish an internal friction connection.

Abstract: A subsea control module consists of three primary sections. The lower portion consists of a plate for carrying hydraulic couplings and hydraulic passages from valves to couplings. The lower portion contains a sub-assembly containing electro-optical couplings with direct sealed passages and wiring to a dry electronics chamber. The valve manifold has multiple pressure supply sources and a plurality of valves mounted therein. An outside portion of the valves are exposed so that the valves are externally accessible without disassembly of the subsea control module assembly, which facilitates an increase in accessibility and a reduction in maintenance times and costs. Electronics, wiring and solenoid valves are located in a one atmosphere, dry nitrogen purged chamber in a pressure vessel dome. The dry chamber has direct access to transducers and solenoid valves, thereby eliminating subsea cables. A mandrel extends below the device for engagement with a central locking mechanism in a receiver baseplate.

Abstract: An intervention riser for an oil or gas well, which forms a connection between the well head and a floating surface vessel, is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the relative vertical movement between and the well head and a floating surface vessel, is attached to a compensating deck on the vessel which is free to move vertically relative to the vessel, and has winching means having a winch line attached to the riser such that the winching means may pull upon the riser. The compensating deck comprises a deck surface supported on at least one vertically arranged gantry support. The riser system comprises a lower riser section which extends substantially vertically and is essentially rigid, being maintained under tension, and a flexible upper riser section to accommodate movements in the surface vessel.

Abstract: A deepwater riser assembly is disclosed for a riser connecting subsea equipment to a surface wellhead. A buoyancy can assembly provides an open ended buoyancy can tube which surrounds the upper end of the riser and an upper seal which effectively closes the annulus between the riser and the buoyancy can tube. A load transfer connection in the buoyancy can assembly then connects the riser to buoyancy can tube. A pressure charging system communicates with the annulus between the riser and the buoyancy can tube below the upper seal. Injecting gas into this annulus then provides support to the riser.

Abstract: An improved scrubber that uses a stream of air to blast the oil off the oil-laden conveyer chains of oil-only recovery apparatus is disclosed. The improved scrubber eliminates the need for conventional scouring components that physically contact the conveyer chain. The scrubber includes a blower, a series of air ducts, and an elongated nozzle. The air flow generated by the blower is communicated through the air ducts and directed onto a length of the oil-laden conveyer chain within the reservoir chamber of the recovery apparatus by the nozzle to blast the crude oil off the conveyer chain. The scrubber also includes a collection baffle positioned directly behind the length of the conveyer chain, which provides a surface area upon which the liquid oil collects and upon which the gaseous oil particulate may agglomerate and condense, before collecting at the bottom of the reservoir chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are provided for remotely actuating a plug apparatus in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a plug apparatus has a plug member blocking fluid flow through one of two flow passages of the plug apparatus. A predetermined fluid pressure applied to one of the flow passages permits the plug member to be expended from the plug apparatus.

Abstract: Control of smoke and fire in a region threatened by a fire through the use of an exit door and a doorcase around an exit door is accomplished in such a manner to first supply water from a water source to a water supply tube which is connected to the doorcase in a constant level of pressure by a pump. The water supply tube which is connected to the doorcase in a constant level of pressure by a pump. The water supply tube is provided with a solenoid valve for controlling the water flow into the doorcase and a branch-connecting portion. Further, pressurized air is supplied to an air supply tube connected to the branch-connecting portion to fluid-communicate with the water supply tube. The air supply tube is provided with an air solenoid valve for controlling the airflow into the branch-connecting portion. The solenoid valve is opened to render the water to flow into the doorcase having a plurality of nozzle holes facing to the exit door, if a fire is detected either by a detector or a manual actuator.

Abstract: A linear fire extinguisher system is described that includes a flexible, substantially closed plastic tube containing an extinguishant, the tube containing a multiplicity of selectively weakened pre-scored orifices at preselected spacing along the tube length, whereby sufficient heat from a fire contacting the tube will weaken and rupture the tube predictably and facilitate efficient discharge of the extinguishant directly onto the fire. The structure of the invention may include two coaxial inner and outer tubes, each tube containing extinguishant wherein the outer tube may initially rupture upon heating and discharge extinguishant onto the fire, the inner tube being available for rupture and discharge onto the fire upon re-ignition or if the discharge of the outer tube is insufficient to extinguish the fire.

Abstract: Equipment for digging ground in urban areas includes a hinged support and maneuvering arm (3), an omnidirectional damping device (36), a vibration or oscillation generator (38), a motor (40) and a tool (28) which is made to rotate by the motor and provide with a helical structure with a tip (28B) designed to penetrate in screw fashion into the ground and act thereon it by the vibrations received, so as to dislodge it and break it up.

Abstract: A sand trap rake arranged particularly for use on a golf course and with fingers which penetrate the sand for plowing the sand. There is an adjustment relative to the plowing fingers which permits the fingers to be angulated so that they can be dragged through the sand with the tips of the fingers being in trailing position. The entire machine includes the plowing fingers arranged on one planar piece and being disposed in a plurality thereof in end-to-end relationship to each other and with dresser plates trailing the plowing fingers for smoothing the top of the sand.

Abstract: A particle separator and a pneumatic tool incorporating the same for separating particles from a fluid passed therethrough. The particle separator includes an inlet passageway having an upstream end and a downstream end and an inlet which is in fluid communication with the downstream end of the inlet passageway. A separation passageway is connected to the downstream end of the inlet passageway and connected via a substantially "U"-shaped passageway to a chamber. The inlet passageway, separation passageway, and substantially "U"-shaped passageway are connected in fluid communication to provide a flow path to the chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber of the particle includes a removable plug. In another embodiment, the chamber is vented to provide a bleed-path from the separator passageway to and out of the chamber. Preferably, the bleed-path comprises a labyrinth seal which in a preferred embodiment includes a plug having threads disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool is disclosed. The pneumatic tool has a hollow housing with a handle extending therefrom, the handle having a chamber defined therein and an air passage communicating with the housing, an actuating mechanism mounted in the housing to actuate a tool shank and a cap securely attached to said handle to cover the chamber so as to form an oil reservoir in the handle. The pneumatic tool further has a control member mounted in the actuating mechanism to control the opening and closing of a discharge passage formed in the actuating mechanism. The disclosed pneumatic tool can limit the size of the pneumatic tool and let the air completely flow out so as to improve the convenience and operational effectiveness of the pneumatic tool.

Abstract: A power screwdriver has a drive unit and an input circuit for inputting screw size, material quality, pitch, and clamping length of a screw. An evaluation circuit is provided for determining a nominal prestress force based on input screw size, material quality, and clamping length, for determining a nominal torque based on the nominal prestress force and the pitch, and for determining the screw clamping angle resulting from the nominal prestress force and the pitch. A sensing device for sensing the actual torque is provided, and a further sensing device for sensing the actual screw clamping angle is present. A control and switch-off device controls further rotation of the drive unit when the actual torque coincides with the nominal torque and switches off the drive unit when the actual screw clamping angle coincides with the nominal screw clamping angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a location and an orientation of an underground boring tool by employment of a radar-like probe and detection technique. The boring tool is provided with a device which generates a specific signature signal in response to a probe signal transmitted from above the ground. Cooperation between the probe signal transmitter at ground level and the signature signal generating device provided at the underground boring tool results in accurate detection of the boring tool location and, if desired, orientation, despite the presence of a large background signal. Precision detection of the boring tool location and orientation enables the operator to accurately locate the boring tool during operation and, if provided with a directional capacity, avoid buried obstacles such as utilities and other hazards. The signature signal produced by the boring tool may be generated either passively or actively, and may be a microwave or an acoustic signal.

Abstract: A system for drilling a horizontal bore through frangible material includes a barrel mechanism containing a automatically reciprocating piston mechanism for automatically delivering hammering blows to a bit for chipping away the frangible material, a fluid distributor for directing fluid to and exhausting pressurized fluid from the piston mechanism without exposing the wall of the bore being created to fluid pressure greater than ambient atmospheric pressure, a spline/flute arrangement for causing the bit to rotate with the barrel mechanism, a motor and swivel mounted on a driven platform mounted on a supporting frame for urging the bit against the frangible material and for supplying the pressurized fluid, a pushing mechanism for non-rotatingly and simultaneously installing casing joints as various components of the system is rotatingly drilling the bore, an augering arrangement for, in conjunction with the casing joints, removing the drilling debris, and drill/auger stem sections for extending the drilling

Abstract: A two-way repeatable flushing device, comprising a flushing member for flushingupwards into the annular space between drill pipe and bore hole wall or lining pipe. Flushing is ensured by means of a remotely controlled valve and a balanced pressure control by associated valve parts and by means of pressure liquid to provide a controlled distribution of the flow downwards and upwards respectively, and the hydraulic conditions are thereby improved by hole cleaning during the drilling operation itself. The solution is particularly of interest for use in particularly complicated, long-range wells having significant paths in a horizontal direction. The flushing member ensures a satisfactory hole cleaning as a consequence of improved hydraulic conditions in the annular space.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for boring a hole through a solid body is disclosed. The drill bit comprises a collar and a penetrating member. At a proximal end, the collar is attachable to a drill shaft. At a distal end, the collar is attachable to the penetrating member. The penetrating member has a connecting end for attachment to the collar and a cutting end for engaging the solid body. A pilot drill is fixedly attached to the cutting end for initiating contact with the solid body.

Abstract: A cutter element for a drill bit. The cutter element has a non-rectilinear crest. The non-rectilinear or curvilinear crest provides an advantageous distribution of the cutting forces across the body of the cutter elements and thus improves bit life. The curvilinear crest also allows the cutter element to more efficiently lift the portion of the formation that is being cut, thereby improving cutting action in certain formations. The cutter elements can have either positive or non-positive draft and can be tungsten carbide inserts.