Abstract: A method for separating excess water, sludge, or both, from recovered crude petroleum oil. The method comprises adding to crude petroleum oil a composition comprising about 40 to 99 wt % of a fatty acid alkyl ester blend and about 1 to 25 wt % of at least one lower alkyl glycol ether, and then agitating the mixture.

Abstract: A fracing process of forcing a granular material into an oil or gas formation under pressure. Prior to the fracing process, the granular material is mixed with a composition comprising about 40 to 99 wt % of a fatty acid alkyl ester blend and about 1 to 25 wt % of at least one lower alkyl glycol ether.

Abstract: A tool and method are disclosed for injecting various treatment fluids into a formation surrounding an underground borehole. The tool comprises at least three axially spaced swab assemblies which define at least two annular spaces between the tool body and the wellbore. In use the tool is moved through the wellbore whilst a first treatment fluid such as a sand consolidation agent or production stimulation chemical, is pumped via a first annular space into the formation and a second treatment fluid, such as an overflush fluid, is pumped via a second annular space into the formation. The tool allows accurate and continuous injection of various treatment fluids over long intervals into the formation without requiring cycling to new fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for utilizing a flexible tubing string (18) for forming and isolating a lateral entrance opening (23) to a lateral bore hole (25) from a main bore hole (10). A packer (38) mounted on the lower end of a tubular guide (40) has an elbow (56) between an upper central entrance opening (58) and a side exit opening (60). The packer (38) and tubular guide (40) are lowered within the main bore hole (10) to a predetermined depth and azimuth for side exit opening (60) which is positioned adjacent the proposed lateral bore hole (25). Packer (38) is then inflated. The flexible tubing string (18) having a hole forming member on its lower end is lowered within tubular guide (40) and elbow (56) for forming the lateral entrance opening (23, 24) for the lateral bore hole (25) with opening (23, 24) isolated.

Abstract: An internal tieback connector for connecting a riser from a platform to a subsea wellhead having internal grooves and a casing hanger therein. The connector has an inner body which carries a lower housing adapted to land on the wellhead. A plurality of dogs abut the lower housing and are adapted to engage and lift the inner body relative to the lower housing. An upper housing is carried on the inner body and adapted to force the dogs inward into engagement with the inner body. A plurality of latch members are carried on the inner body and are adapted to engage the internal grooves when the internal is moved upward relative to the lower housing.

Abstract: A centralizing device is provided for a riser of an offshore well platform having an opening through which the riser passes from the platform to a subsea wellhead. The riser has generally planar fins extending radially outward from its outer diameter. The centralizing device has a frame which is mounted to the platform about the riser. A plurality of centralizing rollers are mounted to the frame and are radially extensible relative to the riser. The centralizing rollers bear against the riser and retain it laterally. A plurality of torsional rollers are mounted to the frame and are extensible towards the fins. The torsional rollers bear against the fins and retain the riser torsionally.

Abstract: A technique is provided for supplying electrical power to a submersible pumping system in a well completion. The pumping system includes a submersible electric motor, a pump driven by the motor and a separator for separating liquid and gas phase components of the wellbore fluids. The gas phase components are produced through a first passageway in an isolating packer, with liquid phase components being produced through a separate passageway through the packer. A transition assembly, including a connector adapter is provided in either the liquid or gas flow path, and either on the lower or upper side of the packer. The transition assembly incorporates a connector for securing upper and lower cable portions to one another. The lower cable portion extends from the connector to the electric motor, while the upper cable assembly extends from the connector to the earth's surface.

Abstract: A system for pumping high gas-to-liquid ratio well fluids. The system includes a submersible pumping system having a submersible motor and a submersible pump driven by the motor. The system further includes deployment tubing, such as production tubing or coiled tubing, through which wellbore fluid is produced. A bypass is connected into the system to conduct a portion of the wellbore fluid intaken by the submersible pumping system to a position upstream of the pump intake. Because this recirculated fluid has a lower gas-to-liquid ratio and a lower viscosity, its reintroduction into the new wellbore fluid promotes efficiency of pumping and decreased wear on pumping system components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device in connection with a method for transport or flow of gas and liquid in a pipe, by which method there is in the overall or part of the pipe mounted static mixing elements for achieving favorable flows in the pipe, and for the purpose of being able to stimulate petroleum wells which have terminated production or almost terminated production due to high pressure head resistance, it is according to the invention suggested that the pipe which is used, is a production tubing or production string extending substantially vertically from a production reservoir having a low pressure, and that the mixing elements residing in the tubing is arranged in such a manner that the gas bubbles in the oil are distributed optimally as carriers in the oil, for thereby reducing and evening out the pressure head resistance in the tubing.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a working position extending laterally behind a towing tractor and a transport position in which it is towed endwise behind the tractor. The implement has ground wheels that support the implement in both working and transport positions. These are rotatably mounted on the implement frame and are coupled to the hitch pole and the instrument by a steering linkage so that as the hitch pole moves between its working and transport positions, the wheels are steered between their respective working and transport positions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.

Abstract: The present invention is that of a innovative tool for use in a garden or on tilled earth. The present invention would allow a user to furrow into the dirt or ground, while at the same time, laying a length of tubing, electrical wire, hose, or cable into the bottom of the furrow as the blade would be pulled along. The present invention would have a comfortably angled handle with an incorporated channel running from the top of the handle to the rear of the blade assembly, allowing a small diameter tube or cable to feed through the present invention and into the newly formed furrow as the present invention would be pulled along the ground. The front edge of the blade assembly of the present invention would be tapered and have a sharp point to assist with cutting through loose dirt and/or gravel, and the handle would be knurled to prevent a user's hand from slipping while using the present invention.

Abstract: A coulter assembly is provided to create furrows in a field, while at the same time reducing the amount of soil and debris which accumulates on the coulter disc. The coulter assembly has a disc for creating furrows, with a floating scraper blade on the inner side to keep the inner side of the disc free of debris. The scraper blade also assists in maintaining the furrow once it has been opened by the disc. The scraper blade has a leading edge constructed of carbide and inserts attached to the scraper blade for reducing wear on the scraper blade during operation. A tine extends across the outer side of the disc in a configuration that prevents soil from adhering to the outer side of the disc, and in trash covered fields, trash will wrap around the tine to act as an organic wear pad between the disc and the tine.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus removably mountable upon a wheeled vehicle includes a mounting frame having elongated longitudinal members adapted to adjustably extend in the direction of the length of the vehicle, and paired parallel attachment members emergent from the longitudinal members and adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A center frame is vertically positionable by virtue of sliding engagement with bushings held by the longitudinal members. A bottom panel held by the center frame has an aperture and a guide tube upwardly directed from the panel in communication with the aperture. A motor slideably positioned within the center frame holds a downwardly directed auger adapted to enter the guide tube. The motor undergoes reciprocal vertical movement within the center frame by virtue of manual downward pushing and upward lifting accomplished within an operating lever.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for mounting an electronic device therein for use in an underground boring machine. Such an apparatus includes an elongated housing having means at opposite ends of the housing for connecting the housing to other components of the boring machine and an elongated internal chamber configured to receive an electronic device such as a sonde therein and having an elongated access opening which extends along an exterior surface of the housing. A cover sized to close the access opening has edges that fit beneath one or more flanges of the housing. A retainer such as a roll pin is sized for insertion into openings in the cover and housing, which openings become aligned when the cover is positioned with the edges beneath the flange of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention allows the load carrying capability of a drill bit journal bearing or bushing to be increased. The present invention increases the length of the journal bushing by using the ball bearings to retain the journal bushing at a desired location between the journal and the cutter cone assembly. Normally, the journal bushing is retained by a flange formed on the interior surface of the cutter cone assembly. In the present invention, this flange is removed, and the ball bearings are used as a retention device for the journal bushing. With the flange removed, the length of the journal bushing may be increased.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit including replaceable gage pads. The gage pads and the corresponding surface of the earth boring drill bit may include complementary securing elements which mutually engage one another. The gage pad may be removably affixed to the earth boring drill bit by an affixation element, such as a bolt, a mechanical locking element, brazing, welding, mechanical affixation, or another known technique. The invention also includes a method of testing differently configured gage pads employing a single earth boring drill bit, a method of replacing the gage pads of an earth boring drill bit at the drilling site, a method of customizing an earth boring drill bit to include one or more gage pads of desired configuration, and a method of altering the balance or net imbalance of an earth boring drill bit by replacing at least one gage pad thereof.

Abstract: A rock drill which has a cutting tip of roof-shaped design at its front end is proposed. In order to achieve a reduction in the loading of the carbide cutting tip or an increased drilling capacity in particular in concrete, the flanks are subdivided into flank sections in order to achieve a slimmer embodiment of the drill head.

Abstract: A cutting bit has a bit body which has a forward end and a rearward end. The bit body contains a seat at the forward end thereof. The bit body contains a bore intersecting the seat wherein a bore wall defines the bore. A cutting insert is received by the seat wherein the cutting insert presents a side surface facing the bore. A wedge has a generally longitudinal seating surface. The wedge has a support surface opposite to the longitudinal seating surface. The wedge is received within the bore so that the longitudinal seating surface of the wedge contacts the side surface of the cutting insert and for at least a portion of the length of the wedge the entire support surface contacts the bore wall so as to frictionally retain the cutting insert in the seat.

Abstract: A cutter element for use in a drill bit, has a substrate comprising a grip portion and an extension and at least a cutting layer affixed to said substrate. The cutting layer has a cutting surface and an interface surface, and the cutting surface includes a region of residual compressive stress, which functions as a preload or prestress so as to offset the effect of localized loading due to contact with the formation during drilling.

Abstract: An abrasive compact cutting element includes an axisymmetric superhard abrasive element having a proximal cutting end, an inwardly tapered distal attachment end, and an outer surface; and an axisymmetric cemented carbide support element configured to receive the abrasive element tapered attachment end. The outer surface of the proximal cutting end of the abrasive element is spaced-apart from the outer surface of the carbide support element. The abrasive compact cutting element can be manufactured by forming an axisymmetric annular cemented carbide support element having an upper proximal end, a lower inwardly tapered distal end, and an outer surface. Abrasive particles are disposed in the annular cemented carbide support element. HP/HT processing forms an polycrystalline abrasive particle compact having a proximal cutting end and a tapered distal attachment end which compact is disposed within the annular cemented carbide support element.

Abstract: In an operation mechanism of an HST system transmission apparatus of the type in which an HST system non-stage transmission mechanism for driving and an HST system non-stage transmission mechanism for turning are disposed, the HST system non-stage transmission mechanism is operated by a transmission lever and the HST system non-stage transmission mechanism for turning is operated by a round operation wheel, a steering mechanism can make a turning operation matching turn feeling desired by an operator in turning at both low and high speeds. Namely, in the operation of the HST system transmission apparatus wherein the HST system non-stage transmission mechanism (25) for driving is operated by a transmission lever (68) and the HST system non-stage transmission mechanism (28) for turning is operated by a round operation wheel (19), a speed ratio between right and let driving devices is changed in accordance with the operation turning angle of the round operation wheel (19).

Abstract: The modulation characteristic (static characteristic or dynamic characteristic) of a clutch and a brake are changed according to various operating conditions of a vehicle such as a high load driving state, slope traveling state, low engine speed state, and high speed driving state, to enable optimum steering performance that matches each operating condition of the tracklaying vehicle.

Abstract: A cart pulling system for pulling a line of nested carts including a reelable retaining cord mechanism and a hitch to engage the line of nested carts. The reelable retaining cord mechanism is a dual spindle system which is attached to a motorized cart-puller. Attached to the spindles is a retaining cord which extends around and engages the line of nested carts. The retaining cord is preferably slidable with respect to the nested carts to prevent the line of nested carts from binding when they turn. A hitch is also attached to the motorized cart-puller and has a set of stationary jaws and set of movable jaws which slidably engage the line of nested carts.

Abstract: A motor controlling apparatus for a hybrid car can effect current feedback control by which motor current can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy when a generator-motor rotates at a low speed to protect the generator-motor from over-current. The motor controlling apparatus can also effect torque feedback control in a high vehicle speed and high torque region to raise the fuel consumption efficiency of an engine.

Abstract: A land vehicle having wholly independent multiple suspension units with integral propulsion systems. The independent suspension unit includes a self-contained return spring, dampener, motor-wheel drive mechanism with attached brake-mechanism, and rotary and linear regenerative devices. The independent suspension system does not require or use an axle. The axleless suspension is mounted to a frame rail of the vehicle, which may be formed generally straight, as there is no axle to accommodate. The vehicle frame includes side rails between which a compartment, such as a battery compartment, may be placed. The frame rails include rollers which facilitate insertion and removal of the compartment between the frame rails. The frame rails also may be formed to enable the passage of conduits, such as fluid transfer or temperature control lines, for routing fluids between the battery compartment and a thermal management system.

Abstract: A pallet truck for manually transporting loaded pallets is provided with a momentary locomotion means that assists an operator in starting a load moving from a state of rest. The locomotion subsystem is of suitable weight and size to allow the power-assisted pallet truck to be manually operated, and to allow for use of the pallet truck in similar space constraints as manual pallet trucks. In an enhanced embodiment, a governor switch is provided which disables the power-assistance after the load has been accelerated to walking speed in order to protect the motor from use as a full-time locomotion means.

Abstract: An electronic engine speed control system is used on a work machine utilizing an engine with a governor control movable between a plurality of positions. The governor control is operated by an operator so that a desired engine speed may be selected for driving a plurality of wheels through a transmission. The transmission is specifically controlled to obtain a desired ground speed independent of the selected engine speed. The engine speed control system includes an electronic control module. An operator switch is connected to the control module and is movable to a set position which sends an input signal with a desired engine speed value corresponding to a selected engine speed to the control module. An engine sensor is connectable between the engine and the control module for sensing the speed of the engine and sending an input signal with an actual engine speed value to the control module.

Abstract: A linking system for linking a steering rod to a steering gear in a steerable vehicle. In particular, the steerable vehicle is a snowmobile having a frame, a pair of skis pivotally mounted on the frame, a handlebar rotatably mounted onto the frame, and a linking system for linking the handlebar to the skis for steering the snowmobile. The linking system comprises a drive sprocket mounted for common rotation with the steering rod. It also comprises a chain having a first end and a second end. The chain is trained about the drive sprocket. A pair of driven sprockets redirect the first and second ends of the chain. The chain is trained about the pair of driven sprockets. The system further comprises a sliding rod having a middle portion connected to the first and second ends of the chain, and a pair of end portions connected to the steering gear of the steerable vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle and vehicle system(s) comprising: rechargeable battery cells, switches, electric circuits, control means, a drive train, and one or more motor-generator devices, such that for each motor-generator device the motor-generator device alternatively operates both: (a) as a motor at a higher voltage to drive the vehicle, and (b) at a lower voltage as a generator, transforming the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy stored in the rechargeable battery cells as the motor-generator functions as a brake to decelerate and stop the vehicle, thus conserving and reusing energy that is dissipated and lost by other vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing seat belt usage by the driver of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: a seat belt, said seat belt carrying a seat belt buckle, a latching clasp for releasable engagement of said buckle and a presence detector for acknowledging when said buckle is engaged in said latching clasp.

Abstract: The present invention simplifies assembly of a vehicle starting device and facilitates arrangement design. A vehicle starting device 3 has a card receiving portion 4 and a main mechanism 5 connected with each other integrally. The card receiving portion 4 includes an inclinable inner case 7 in which an integrated circuit (IC) card is inserted. The card receiving portion 4 also includes a roller 9 and a release mechanism 16 for releasing the IC card. The roller 9 is lifted by the insertion of the IC card. The release mechanism 16 releases the IC card from the card receiving portion 4. The main mechanism 5 has a knob 23 and a steering shaft lock 33. A card release prevention mechanism 24, an ejector lever 25 for actuating the release mechanism 16, and a cooperative unlocking mechanism 30 are provided between the main mechanism 5 and the card receiving portion 4.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine and an exhaust system with an exhaust which has two flexible pipe members and at least one casing arranged downstream of said pipe members and belonging to a catalytic converter and/or silencer. The two flexible pipe members have a bellows and define a straight connecting line which passes through said pipe members, for example at least approximately through their centers, and at least approximately intersects a virtual axis about which the engine casing executes swivel movements during operation as a result of changes in power and/or operations of the internal combustion engine. The swivelling movements of the engine casing then cause essentially only bending movements with virtually no changes in length and shear movements of the bellows, so that the latter have a long service life.

Abstract: A hydrostatic motor unit designed as a wheel drive comprises at least two hydraulic motors, at least one of which has a variable capacity. The hydraulic motors can be switched hydraulically in parallel and have output rotors that can be coupled with each other. The invention teaches that the output rotors are oriented coaxially to one another and are connected to each other in rotational synchronization. The output rotors are preferably part of a one-piece rotor block that contains the work chambers of the two hydraulic motors. The motor unit consists of an internally pressurized, in particular multiple-stroke radial piston motor that has a constant capacity, and a reversible axial piston motor utilizing the swash plate construction that has an adjustable capacity. From a common, axially oriented control surface for the radial piston motor and the axial piston motor, there are hydraulic channels of approximately the same length that lead to the work chambers of the hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A frictional transmission comprises first and second rotary shafts arranged in directions in which the central axes thereof crossed each other, a roller supported coaxially with the first rotary shaft for rotating with the first rotary shaft, a first frictional surface provided on the roller coaxially with the first rotary shaft, a disc supported coaxially with the second rotary shaft for rotating with the second rotary shaft, and a second frictional surface provided on this disc coaxially with the second rotary shaft. The second frictional surface and the first frictional surface are brought into frictional engagement with each other. A loading cam device is arranged so as to press the second frictional surface toward the first frictional surface at the time of driving. A further disc coaxial with the aforementioned disc is disposed in the environs of the second rotary shaft, and the roller is sandwiched by and between the two discs.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a motor condition detector for detecting a stationary, i.e., zero-rotating-speed condition of an electric motor, and a motor resistance calculating section for, when the motor is at the zero rotating speed, executing a division of a voltage supplied to the motor and a current flowing through the motor to thereby calculate a winding resistance value of the motor. Thus, the apparatus can determine an actual winding resistance value of the motor at the zero rotating speed.

Abstract: A method for land seismic data acquisition is provided, together with a seismic cable and a cable spool vehicle for use in the method. In performing the method, the cable spool vehicle mechanically deploys seismic cable with attached sensors according to a desired geophysical spread and at a rate dependent upon the speed of movement of the vehicle substantially without tension in the cable. The cable spool vehicle also allows mechanical pick-up of the seismic cable together with the sensors after the seismic data acquisition.

Abstract: A seismic pulse generator (1) has a chamber (4) pressurised with gas. The generator includes a solenoid valve (60) which can be actuated to cause the release to atmosphere of only a small amount of pressurised gas from a small control chamber (34) behind a main piston (30) to enable the piston to move away from a valve seat (32) around an outlet (26). This permits the abrupt release of the pressurised gas in the chamber (4) through the outlet and the “firing” of the generator. The arrangement maximises the use of the main pressurised gas for actual “firing” of the generator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a generally rectangular frame including two spaced-apart and substantially parallel end members interconnected by two spaced part and substantially parallel length members. The length members defined inwardly facing channels. Two spaced-apart perforated members are secured within the inwardly facing channels between the two spaced-apart length members. Sound absorbing material is compressed between the perforated members.

Abstract: Compactness is enhanced while retaining the performance, noise deadening characteristic and engine output. The ratio of the distance, a, from a gas outlet end, p, of an exhaust pipe to an inner wall of a rear partition wall to an inside diameter ∅A of the exhaust pipe is set in a relation of 0.6≦(a/∅A)<1.2, while the ratio of the distance, b, from a gas inlet end, q, of a tail pipe to an inner wall of a front partition wall to an inside diameter ∅B of the tail pipe is set in a relation of 0.4≦(b/∅B)<1.2, to afford a silencer having an optimum combination of engine output characteristic and compactness while retaining a noise deadening effect.

Abstract: A noise reducing blanket for use in an aircraft cabin for reducing acoustic noise transmission from an aircraft airframe to a cabin interior. The blanket includes a mass barrier portion, a foam portion having at least one cavity formed in it, and a vapor barrier which is disposed about the foam portion The mass barrier portion includes a plurality of vinyl layers that are attached to one another at spaced apart locations. The spaced attachment allows the layers to move substantially independently from one another. The layers are preferably attached to one another by stitching that includes between approximately three to five stitches per inch. There are preferably at least two layers in the mass barrier portion, and, more preferably, between 2 and 4 layers in the mass barrier portion. The cavities in the foam portion are designed to increase the noise absorptive properties of the blanket.

Abstract: A first roof mounting assembly includes first and second brackets which are disposed on top of a roof and fastened to adjacent beams which support the roof. First and second brackets are mounted to respective brackets and interconnected together with an anchorage. A second roof mounting assembly includes first and second brackets having base members and intermediate members. The base members are connected to the roof beams, and the intermediate members are interconnected by a cross-member which supports the anchorage. In a preferred application, the anchorage accommodates passage of a slotted coupling device movably mounted on the safety line, and the safety line may be secured to the anchorage without obtaining access to either end of the line.

Abstract: The device for allowing a person to safely step off from and onto a climbing track on a roof edge, a roof slope, a shaft opening or similar, includes a guide rail (10) for guiding a catching device to which a person using the climbing path can be secured, and an extension piece (24) of the guide rail (10). The extension piece (24) of the guide rail (10) can be moved between a first and a second position, the extension piece (24) being so arranged in the first position that it does not project above the guide rail (10), and being aligned in longitudinal direction with the guide rail in the second position. The extension piece (24) can be guided displaceable along the guide rail (10) and at a distance from the latter and can be swivelled by 180° in the final position, which corresponds to the second position, so that it is in alignment with the extension (10).

Abstract: A bucket portion is connected to a handle portion in a unitary molded apparatus. The bucket portion holds a one-gallon (4 liter) paint can and includes a bottom well that includes a central circular recessed well portion to accept and retain a 1 quart (1 liter) paint can. Reinforcing ribs connect the small can well to the perimeter of the bottom wall. The upstanding side wall is tapered to be larger at the top than at the bottom. The arm is attached to the bucket with an enlarged reinforcing flared portion, which has a lower lip on the interior of the bucket portion, allowing a recessed rib portion of one unit to nest neatly within an adjacent unit for storage or shipping. The arm portion is inserted into the hollow rung of a ladder and retains the paint can in a convenient working position.

Abstract: A new and improved grease shunt valve and lubrication system for a printing press or the like is achieved by the adding of vent drains and/or seals to prevent the accumulation of a waxy-like residue from the grease that interfered with operation of a return spring for closing of the valve. An existing solenoid, operated, grease shunt valve may be retrofitted with an additional body portion having a grease drain vent therein and a seal that seals grease from flowing along a solenoid, actuating rod and into the solenoid core. Preferably, an end plug that seals one end of the return spring is drilled to provide the drain vent for grease flowing into the spring chamber. Vent holes may also be drilled into the solenoid housing to drain and vent grease flowing into the solenoid core.

Abstract: A system for determining the amount of material in a brake lining includes a frictional brake surface and a brake lining having a sensor for producing an output signal indicating the temperature of the sensor. A brake actuation system actuates the brake lining against the frictional brake surface and, thereafter, releases the brake lining from the frictional brake surface. A timer measures a time period beginning when the brake lining is released from the frictional brake surface and ending when the sensor output signal reaches a return point indicative of the brake lining having cooled. A controller compares the measured time period to electronically stored predetermined values to determine the thickness of the brake lining. The invention further includes a method for determining the amount of brake lining material based upon this structure.

Abstract: A wheel chock device is constructed of three or more mutually hinged sections and can be folded into a compact form for storage. The device can be erected into a triangular chock configuration, or can be stretched out in one plane to act as a sand ladder, or can be folded to act as a jack support. Each section is made up of spaced bars.

Abstract: A generator and process for operating a generator in which, upon a bearing failure, a braking force is applied to the rotor shaft responsive to the bearing failure. Preferably, the rotor shaft at the anti-drive end is hollow and the brake is provided in the hollow of the rotor shaft. The rotor can include a plate member extending radially inwardly from the rotor shaft inside of the hollow at the anti-drive end towards the longitudinal axis, with the brake applying the braking force to the plate member. In a preferred aspect, the brake includes a cylindrical support operably connected to the housing and extending into the hollow in the anti-drive end of the rotor shaft, a carrier plate connected to the support and extending radially from the support towards the rotor shaft, a screw thread provided on the support, and a threaded plate mounted on the screw thread, the threaded plate extending radially from the support towards the rotor shaft and being spaced from the carrier plate.

Abstract: A brake system for braking an output shaft rotated by a drive gear train driven by an electric motor capable of generating a maximum drive torque at the output shaft. The brake system includes a brake device capable of applying a maximum braking torque to a brake shaft, and a brake gear train having a brake gear fixed to the brake shaft and at least two rotatably mounted reduction gears for transmitting torque between the output shaft and the brake gear. The brake gear and the reduction gears provide a reduction gear ratio sufficient to reduce the maximum drive torque to a drive torque at the brake shaft substantially less than the maximum braking torque available from the brake device. The brake device may include a plurality of fixed discs and rotating discs enclosed in a housing and immersed in a cooling fluid.

Abstract: A vented disc brake rotor having an airflow director for funneling air into the braking plate vents thereby improving the cooling effectiveness of the rotor. The vented disc brake rotor includes first and second braking plates connected together in a mutually parallel, spaced apart relationship. Braking plate fins are disposed between the inwardly facing surfaces of the braking plates forming a plurality of braking plate vents between the braking plates. The rotor includes an airflow director having an annular flange extending generally radially inwards from the radially inner end of one of the braking plates. The flange includes an inner surface forming an angle with respect to the inner surface of the other braking plate such that the distance between these inner surfaces increases as the flange extends radially inwards. A plurality of director fins are disposed between the flange and the inner surface of one of the braking plates.