Abstract: A subsea gas separation system use in drilling an offshore well includes a subsea blowout preventor connected to the well and a gas separator connected to the blowout preventor near the seafloor. Gas released into the well bore during a well control event is removed at the separator and not returned with the drilling mud recirculated to the surface. A method offshore drilling includes a mud circulation circuit established leading down the drill string, through the drill bit, up the borehole, through a subsea pump, and to the surface through a return riser. The subsea pump is protected during critical well control events by removing gas released into the mud at a gas separator located upstream of the subsea pump and in communication with the blowout preventor.

Abstract: A riser system connecting a oil or gas well head and a surface vessel comprises a first riser section maintained substantially vertically under tension, attached for example by a tension cable to a constant load tensioner means mounted on the vessel, and a flexible second riser section arranged above the first riser, the second riser being able to flex to accommodate movements in the surface vessel. The second riser section includes a curvature limiter, achieved for example by making the riser from a material of variable stiffness along the riser's length. An emergency disconnect valve is provided between the lower riser section and the upper flexible section. An alternative curvature limiter comprises a plurality of discrete collars which are connected together and surround the outer diameter of the second riser.

Abstract: The bottom end of a coil tubing string is secured to the bottom end of a primary tubing string at ground surface. Usually the primary tubing string will be of larger diameter and is therefore stronger and stiffer than the coil tubing string. The strings are secured together with a locking assembly. This assembly comprises two interlocking members, one connected with each string. One of the interlocking members is meltable when exposed to elevated temperature. The primary tubing string and the coil tubing string are run together into the desired position in the wellbore. The primary tubing string acts to drag the coil tubing string along with it. Heat is then used to melt the interlocking member so that the strings can be separated. The heat can be provided by circulating steam or hot water or oil down to the assembly. Alternatively the downhole formation temperature may be sufficient to induce melting. Once separated, each string can be pulled or moved independently.

Abstract: A choke system or valve assembly includes a valve having an orifice through which fluid flow can be choked or controlled. An actuator is adapted to position the valve at one or more incremental positions between an open position and a closed position. The valve, orifice, and actuator may be adapted to provide a substantially consistent (or otherwise predetermined) change in pressure drop and flow rate between different valve positions. This is accomplished by varying the flow area of the valve orifice non-linearly as the valve is shifted or stepped through the several valve positions. Another feature is the ability of the actuator in conjunction with an indexing mechanism to provide substantially precise control of the valve orifice through the several valve positions.

Abstract: A foam generating device includes a source of compressed gas and a source of liquid adapted to produce a foam. A gas operated pump such as a diaphragm pump is provides which has a gas inlet communicating with the compressed gas source to drive the pump, a gas exhaust, a liquid inlet and liquid discharge to discharge said liquid from the pump. An injector disposed at the discharge side of the pump and is in communication with the gas outlet of the pump to inject exhaust gas into the liquid discharged by the pump to aerate the liquid and produce a foam. The device may be portable, vehicle mounted or stationary. The liquid may be water with an injector to inject a foaming agent into the water.

Abstract: In the particular embodiment disclosed in the specification, a sprinkler has a sprinkler body with a passage having an orifice providing a K factor of about 3 to 6 which is normally closed by a cap retained in position by a glass bulb thermally responsive element. A deflector spaced from the orifice and supported from the sprinkler body by a pair of frame arms has a circumferential array of tines separated by radial slot-like openings and two openings located in the plane in the frame arms have a length greater than that of the other slot-like openings while four openings located at 45° to the plane of the frame arms are shorter than the other openings. The openings in the plane of the frame arms have a width of about 25% to 75% of the width of the frame arms adjacent to the deflector and a root diameter of about 150% to 300% of the width of the frame arms adjacent to the deflector.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a swing-down type fire extinguisher are disclosed. In one embodiment, a single unit can extinguish either or both of two fires on a stove having front and back burners. This is accomplished by dispensing fire suppressant material toward both burners in the initial motion of swinging down upon activation by a fire and continuing with a pendulum action designed to distribute material to both the front burner and a back burner aligned in the direction of swinging. In a second embodiment, a single unit is provided for each burner. It is operated in two stages, first to respond to a fire or flame by unlatching the extinguisher to release from a horizontal inoperative or “at rest” position and enabling it to swing down to a fire extinguishing position directly over the pan with the burning grease.

Abstract: A tillage apparatus performs shallow tillage with leading tillage discs followed by chisel plows with winged points performing primary tillage in strips of untilled soil left by the forward discs. The points lift the soil and roll it laterally. Levelers follow the plows to leave a smooth surface and reduce the soil preparation needed for planting the following season.

Abstract: Apparatus for the subsurface disruption of soil which includes horizontal and vertical members enabling operation at great depths without excessive driving force. The apparatus includes vertical members having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end is removably connectable to a driver, such as a tractor, and the bottom end is attached to a horizontal member. The apparatus includes horizontal members having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface comprising a leading surface and a tailing surface. The substantially horizontal bottom surface, upon intersection with the leading top surface and the trailing top surface, forms a triangular cross section, preferably that of a scalene triangle. This cross sectional form allows for optimum operation.

Abstract: A coupling for quickly and easily attaching and detaching stakes from the drive head of a horizontal directional drill. The coupling includes an upper coupler member and a lower coupler member. The lower coupler member slides into the upper coupler member, and a pin in the upper coupler member rotates into opposed, horizontal slots in the lower coupler member.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating an indicator of potential bit performance in a particular wellbore. Forensic wellbore data is obtained from at least one previously drilled wellbore which is determined to be comparable to the particular target wellbore. Typically, the comparable wellbore comprises an “offset” wellbore which is proximate the target wellbore, and which has similar geologic features. An inference engine computer program is provided which consists of executable program instructions. It is adapted to utilize a plurality of wellbore parameters, including the forensic wellbore data. The inference engine includes at least one rule matrix which defines a plurality of fuzzy sets. These fuzzy sets establish correspondence between the plurality of wellbore parameters and the indictor of potential bit performance. The inference engine computer program is loaded onto a data processing system.

Abstract: A sensing system mounted to a mechanical drill pipe swivel of the type which is mounted on a rig housing to a section of drill pipe. The swivel would include an enlarged body portion for securing to a section of drill pipe. There would be provided a first upper circular collar positionable around the outer surface of the swivel, the collar having a first and second halves hinged at a common edge, so that the collar may move to a first open position to be engaged around the body of the swivel and moved to a second closed position to be locked in place around the swivel body. The collar would include an arm member extending from the collar wall on a first end, to a position so that the second end of the arm member is in line with a portion of the drill pipe to which the swivel is engaged. The second end of the arm member would include first and second sensors positioned facing the section of drill pipe.

Abstract: A percussive rock drill bit includes a steel bit body and carbide button inserts mounted in a front cutting face thereof. The bit body includes a passage intersecting the front cutting face for conducting a flushing/cooling medium to the front cutting face. The flushing/cooling medium travels to an outer periphery of the bit body and travels upwardly within flushing grooves formed in the outer periphery of the bit body. Portions of the bit body situated between successive ones of the flushing grooves constitute wings of the bit body. Some of the button inserts constitute gauge inserts. Only a gauge insert is mounted in each wing. At least some, possibly all, of the gauge inserts are offset circumferentially from a center of the respective wing toward a trailing end of the wing.

Abstract: A hydrostatic vehicle drive (1) comprises a first hydropump (2) and a second hydropump (3) as well as a first hydromotor (7) and a second hydromotor (12). The hydromotors (7, 12) each drive separate drive lines. During straight-ahead travel operation, the hydropumps (2, 3) and the hydromotors (7, 12) are coupled to one another in a single, closed hydraulic circuit without crossed connections in such a manner that an input connection (6) of the first hydromotor (7) is connected to an output connection (5) of the first hydropump (2) and an input connection (9) of the second hydropump (3) is connected to an output connection (8) of the first hydromotor (7). An input connection (11) of the second hydromotor (12) is connected to an output connection (10) of the second hydropump (3), whilst an input connection (14) of the first hydropump (2) is connected to an output connection (13) of the second hydromotor (12).

Abstract: An improved transporter to guide and propel heavy loads in an industry where the loads levitate upon pressurized fluid plenums. The transporter is very light weight that provides many opportunities of lower cost, small size, ease of movement to its point of use, short turn radius, etc. The transporter is able to pull or push very heavy loads with such light weight. The key is that transporter includes a vertical forcing device, such as a piston and cylinder. The forcing device pushes upward against a load hitch rigidly attached to the load. More importantly, the forcing device pushes downward on transporter drive wheels. The vertical downward force on the wheels is controllable. Force can vary from so minimal as to allow wheel slipping on the floor during steering, to extreme force facilitating maximum desired pulling or pushing wheel traction.

Abstract: Power assisted pull cart adapter unit is useful for converting a standard golf club bag pull cart into a power assisted golf club bag cart. The adapter unit can include (1) a frame including a vertical arm having upper and lower ends; and, directly or indirectly pivotally attached to the vertical arm below its upper end, a lower arm having a proximal end which is so attached to the vertical arm and a distal end; an upper clamping mechanism for securing an upper portion of a frame of the golf club bag pull cart, which is attached about the upper end of the vertical arm; a lower clamping mechanism for securing a lower portion of the frame of the golf club bag pull cart, which is attached about the distal end of the vertical arm and which can pivot with respect to the lower arm; (2) a power unit attached to the frame; (3) a wheel set having an axle, attached to the frame and drivable by the power unit; and (4) a power unit controller in communication with the power unit.

Abstract: A delivery cart including a chassis, one or two castors pivotable about a vertical axis and two support wheels for supporting the chassis on a ground, a substantially vertically extending displacement stirrup attached to the chassis, a gearless, load-actuated reversible electric motor, formed integrally with the respective wheels, and a control system for controlling power supply to the electric motors and including sensors for sensing a displacement force or a steering force applied to the cart, and a free-programmable control unit for controlling power supply to the electric motors, in accordance with the one of a displacement force and a steering force.

Abstract: In an electronic control for a hybrid vehicle which is driven either by an engine or an electric motor, or both, possible failures in an ignition system and a rotation sensor system are detected during a period in which the engine is rotated by the motor with no fuel supply. Only after no failure is found, the engine is started by supplying fuel and performing ignition. Thus, the fuel supplied to the engine is ignited without fail, and unburned gas release to the atmosphere is surely prevented. Also, good drivability is maintained. In case the invention is applied to a series hybrid vehicle which is driven solely by an electric motor powered by a battery which is charged by an electric generator driven by an engine, the ignition system is diagnosed when the engine is not rotating. After it is determined that there is no failure in the ignition system, the engine is started.

Abstract: A vehicle has an internal-combustion engine drive and a fuel cell drive system. Liquid fuel is used to supply energy to the internal-combustion engine drive and the fuel cell system. The internal-combustion engine drive is used for starting the vehicle and for permitting its immediate movement after starting of the internal-combustion engine, as well as for heating the fuel cell system to a working temperature. After the working temperature is reached, the fuel cell is started. Subsequently, an electric driving motor, which is fed by the fuel cell system, alone or together with the internal-combustion engine drive, drives the movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle drive unit assembly which is located near the sides of a vehicle includes a first driving axle shaft, a second driving axle shaft, a first gear box, a second gear box, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor. The first driving axle shaft drives a first wheel hub of the vehicle and the second driving axle shaft drives a second wheel hub. Together the first and second driving axle shafts define an axis of rotation about which the first and second wheel hubs rotate. The first gear set drives the first wheel and the second gear set drives the second wheel. A first electric motor is mounted in an angular relationship relative to the axis of rotation and drives the first gear set. A second electric motor is mounted in an angular relationship relative to the axis of rotation and drives the second gear set. A plurality of electric motors can be used to drive each wheel hub.

Abstract: Two embodiments of electric motor and reduction gear transmissions for driving the hub of a vehicle wheel. The construction provides a very compact, low cost and low noise drive through the use of two planetary transmission incorporated within the hub and disposed between a pair of stub axle shafts that are fixed to the vehicle frame. One planetary transmission, the first, is of the frictional type and the second, which transmits higher torque than the first, is of the spur gear type. An improved wiring arrangement is also disclosed for powering the electric motor.

Abstract: A right-hand drive vehicle steering system (10) that may be factory built or converted from a left-hand drive steering system or vice versa. The method of conversion begins with the removal of the left-hand drive steering components. A left-hand drive designed steering gear is engaged to an adapter bracket (50). The adapter bracket allows the orientation of the left-hand drive designed steering gear to remain the same in a right-hand drive installation as when installed in the left-hand drive. As a result, the pitman arm (18) that directs the wheel direction of steering and is outboard of the steering gear for left-hand drive applications, is inboard of the steering gear for right-hand drive applications. The adapter bracket allows displacement of the steering column and associated steering equipment to further outboard in the right-hand drive system relative to the outboard position in left-hand drive applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a component car system and method for making the same and more particularly to a novel system of car components adapted to enable persons to build a new car having the appearance of a classic or antique car such as a “Tucker”.

Abstract: A robot capable of moving against gravity uses at least one vacuum cup assembly having a port for applying a lubricant on the working surface so the cup may slide on the surface as the robot is maneuvered with the aid of powered wheels. The wheels and vacuum cut assemblies are coordinated to move on varied surfaces. The robot module may be equipped with various task-performing assemblies, and may be employed in caravans, trains, or separately in swarms.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for an electrically power assisted bicycle, wherein the electrical power assist components are comprised of an electric motor and transmission as one unit and a battery as another unit, with the electric motor and transmission being disposed on one side of and relatively low relative to a manual crank axis and the battery case is disposed on the rear side of the crank axis to improve fore and aft balance while maintaining a low center of gravity.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle having two parts that can be tilted around a longitudinal axis. A rear part has a chassis for two-track wheels and the front part, which can be tilted relative to the rear part, accommodates a driver seat. Connected to a front end of the front part is a tiltable front wheel suspension to which a front wheel and an engine and gears for the front-wheel drive are attached. The two vehicle parts that can be tilted relative to each other each support or form a body which can also be designed for the front part as a monocoque and forms a closed and heatable driver cabin.

Abstract: In a motorcycle power unit, a crank shaft (56) and a clutch shaft (57) disposed on the right side (in the figure) from a body center (127) and a cylinder head (129H) is disposed on the left side from the body center (127). Since the crank shaft, the clutch shaft and a transmission shaft are disposed on one of right and left sides with respect to the body center and the cylinder is disposed on the other side with respect to the body center, it becomes possible to make a favorable lateral balance of the power unit.

Abstract: The overall surface of the upper-cowl body and the headlamp cover attached to the front part thereof are formed with a streamlined, basic cross-sectional shape such as an arc, parabola or some analogous section, which curves with its tangent being gradually directed toward the rear, from the forward part to the rear outer sides. A pair of air intakes opening forward for guiding air for engine supercharging, cooling heat exchanger, etc., are provided on the outer sides of the headlamp cover while a pair of turn signal lenses are arranged on the outer sides of the openings of the air intakes, so that the lens surfaces are projected forward from the basic cross-sectional shape. Air flowing sidewards and rearward along basic cross-sectional shape is guided along the turn signal lens surfaces into the air intakes.

Abstract: A motor vehicle safety arrangement has a pedal mechanism with at least one bearing block and at least one pedal articulated thereon. The bearing block is held by a beam member which extends approximately over the width of the vehicle and is spaced from a bulkhead delimiting the passenger compartment. In order to prevent injury to feet on frontal impact, the beam member is resistant to bending and is uncoupled from the bulkhead. The distance between the member and bulkhead is dimensioned such that, in the event of intrusion of the bulkhead as a result of a collision, the position of the beam member does not vary substantially.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting substantial rearward displacement of an automotive vehicle's engine/transmission powertrain and for transferring rearward thrust of the engine to support structure of the vehicle. A rigid transversely extending cross beam in the form of a hollow tube is secured to the support structure and located just rearwardly of the powertrain. An impact member is secured to the engine/transmission in a position between the engine and the cross beam. The impact member is in the form of an elongated, generally C-shaped bar with its opposite ends secured to the engine/transmission. The impact bar has an intermediate portion formed with a concave section spaced from and opposed to the cross beam member. Rearward thrust of the engine/transmission is transmitted to the cross beam and ultimately to the support structure of the vehicle, inhibiting substantial rearward movement of the engine/transmission.

Abstract: Arrangement at tiller truck, at which the communication between the handle and the truck itself is done via a serial connection, for instance a serial cable (31) between a logic unit in the handle and a logic unit in the truck itself. A drive control (7, 8) includes a number of Hall-sensors (19) that are successively activated by a magnet (17) that is in turn mechanically activated, so that via a logic circuit a varied drive current is fed to the drive motor. The Hall-sensors (18) are arranged on a circuit card 19 that also include logic circuits. A safety control (belly button) (9) that is arranged on the handle. If the belly button is depressed this is on an inward protruding arm (21) provided with a magnet 22 that at this movement is moved so that it will influence one or several Hall elements belonging to the drive control (7, 8), at which however the magnet (22) is on the other side of a circuit card (20) that carries the Hall elements.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A rotary shift or slide valve (1) for power steering systems of motor vehicles contains a rotary slide (4) linked to a valve input element (23). A control bush (7) is guided in an axial bore (6) of the rotary slide (4) and rotatable by a limited angle. The control bush (7) forms a rotation-fixed link with a valve output element (18). Between the rotary slide (4) and the valve output element (18), there is a centering device, which contains two centering elements (32, 33), which can be rotated against each other, and at least one anti-friction element (36) located between the two centering elements (32, 33). One of the centering elements (33) forms a fixed link with the reaction piston (37) and a rotation-fixed but axially displaceable link with the valve output element (18) via a metal bellows (38). The other centering element (32) forms a rotation-fixed and non-displaceable link with the rotary slide (4).

Abstract: A crane extension system is provided for use with a crane having a boom, the improvement having a mounting platform assembly and a mounting basket, with the mounting basket secured to the mounting bracket assembly. The mounting platform assembly is secured to the crane, and includes a mounting plate attached to the crane and a mounting platform, with the mounting platform being attached to the mounting plate and having a mounting platform plate, a mounting bracket, and an adjustable bracket portion for adjusting the position of a mounting basket. Additionally, the mounting platform has a mounting platform base, with the mounting platform base secured to the mounting platform plate. The adjustable bracket portion is also secured to the mounting platform base.

Abstract: A flanged link cross tube (1) for use in pivotal connections of beams (10) that locates weld roots (5) to the outer mating surface of beam (10) and flange (4). As the beams (10) rotate about a pivot connection, high torque loading occurs along the common plane (Z) between adjacent beams (10). Locating weld roots (5) on the outer mating surface of beams (10) and flanges (4) reduces loading on weld roots (5) and extends the useful life of a scissors lift (20).

Abstract: A movable ladder support device, and a ladder which includes that support device. The support device includes a rotatable member such as a wheel housed within the U-shaped section of the support device. The support device is attached to the rail of a ladder. The support device enables the ladder to be vertically repositioned against the surface of an inclined wall without the need to first remove the ladder from the surface.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a medium flow fed from a supply to at least one hydrostatic or aerostatic pocket of a bearing, a threaded spindle nut or a guide, having a housing and having pressure chambers which are separated by a control element, movable against the force of a spring element, and of which a first pressure chamber, subjected to a first pressure level, is directly connected to the medium supply, a second pressure chamber, subjected to a lower, second pressure level, is connected to the medium supply via a first flow resistance, and a third pressure chamber, which is subjected to a third pressure level which corresponds to that in the pocket, is connected to the pocket, a control element forming a variable second flow resistance is arranged between the second and third pressure chambers influencing the medium flow to the pocket and whose magnitude is raised by the action of the force of the first pressure chamber but is lowered by the action of the spring force and by the actions of the forces o

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for dispensing a lubricant. The assembly comprises a housing with a cavity and a nozzle member connected to the housing. The housing further includes a lubricant passage connectable to a source of pressurized lubricant and a fluid pressure inlet passage connected to a source of fluid pressure. The assembly further includes a piston member having a predetermined configuration with a first side in fluid communication with the fluid pressure passage and a second side and having a piston cavity formed within. There is a first bore extending through the piston. A retainer member is connected to such first side of the piston member. A valve device is biased by an urging device against the first bore preventing grease from exiting. Another urging device biases the piston to such closed position. A push rod is disposed within the first bore and extends a predetermined distance beyond an end of the second side of the piston.

Abstract: For fastening a shaft magnet to a guide rail there is provided a holder with clip characteristics, which consists integrally of a foot part, a back part and a front part, at which a recess for reception of the shaft magnet is arranged. The foot part of the holder has a respective reinforcing rib at each side and a first chamfer at the free end. The front part with the recess has a second chamfer. The foot part and the front part in the rest state run slightly towards one another towards their free ends. On pushing of the holder onto the guide rail the foot part and the front part are lightly spread, whereby the holder is firmly clipped to the guide rail by the spring properties of the back part. The shaft magnet can now be placed on the guide rail through the recess. The shaft magnet is fully retained at the guide rail by its magnetic force.

Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly of the kind comprises actuating means (6) for applying the brake linings (4, 5) to a brake rotor (1), adjusting means (13) adapted to be driven by the actuating means (6) for the purpose of maintaining the brake linings (4, 5) in close proximity to the brake rotor (1), and wear sensing means (60) responsive to actuation movement of the brake in a brake-applying direction. The wear sensing means (60) comprises a sensor (101) adapted to be operated by movement of an operating member (102) in a linear direction, a rotatable follower member (106) responsive to movement of the adjusting means (6), and a transmission mechanism (104) for translating rotary movement of the follower member (106) into linear movement of the operating member (102). The brake includes re-set means for resetting the relationship between a datum for the sensing means (60) and the brake during servicing of the brake.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly includes a backing plate and a brake lining. The brake lining has an interface surface abutting the backing plate and a frictionally engaging surface that frictionally contacts a vehicle. The brake lining is provided with a temperature measuring system embedded therein which may measure the temperature directly on the frictionally engaging surface of the brake lining material by way of a heat pipe. The temperature measuring device communicates with a control that activates a signal when a predetermined abnormal degree of heat is generated on the frictionally engaging surface of the brake lining. Thus, a fault in the braking mechanism is indicated.

Abstract: A wheel chocking device including a longitudinally-extending base frame positioned on the driveway, a chock positioned on the base frame and movable longitudinally relative to the base frame, and a drive mechanism drivingly connected to the chock. The drive mechanism comprises a power mechanism (e.g., an electric motor) positioned outside of an outer edge of the chock path, and both the base frame and the drive mechanism are spaced from the dock face. The drive mechanism can further include a low profile transmission interconnecting the power mechanism with the chock. Preferably, the low profile transmission comprises an endless loop member (e.g., a chain). If a portion of the transmission is within the chock path, then the portion can have a height lower than a height of the chock in the lowered position.

Abstract: A block brake actuator including in a housing a service brake arrangement, having an electric motor and mechanism for transforming its rotary movement into an axial movement of a push rod, and a safety brake arrangement, including at least one powerful spring, which acts in a brake application direction, may be tensioned at a service brake application and may be locked to the housing in a tensioned state. The spring is arranged transverse of the push rod and acts thereon over a wedge and roller arrangement.

Abstract: A piston for a piston/cylinder assembly is fastened to a piston rod and axially movably arranged in a working cylinder filled with damping medium. The piston having damping valves for the tension and compression movements of the piston in the cylinder and having a first and second group of passage ducts respectively for the tension and compression directions. The outlet sides of each of the first and second passage ducts open into a control edge covered by valve disks. The first and second passage ducts run axially parallel over at least part of their length, wherein the inlet and outlet regions of each of the first and second passage ducts being arranged axially one behind the other and one of the first and second groups of passage ducts emerges on the end face and the other of the first and second groups of passage ducts emerges radially outward on each side of the working piston.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber having an improved shim arrangement for controlling the damping curve of the shock absorber. This shim element is configured so that it does not extend beyond the peripheral edges of the apertures which it controls and which diameter can be selected.

Abstract: A drum brake backplate assembly including a wheel cylinder (30) having a tubular body (31) having an axially extending bore (32) within which two brake shoe operating pistons (33) are in sealed sliding contact to define a working chamber (48) therebetween. The pistons are displaceable away from each other along the bore on pressurisation of the working chamber and the body located on an associated brake-backplate (44) by quick-attach means (46).

Abstract: A design of a composite suitcase having an ‘n’ shape body and a triple-fold extensible member. The triple-fold extensible member being attached to one side of the ‘n’ shape body. On the periphery of the triple-fold extensible member is provided a zipper chain which is complemented by a counter zipper chain furnished on the edge rim of the ‘n’ shape body with an opening provided centrally to the middle fold segment of the triple-fold member, overlapped by a liftable lid. The zipper may be sealed to close such that, once the triple-fold member is folded up, the closure by the zipper pair will form a suitcase completed together with the ‘n’ shape body, whereupon the suitcase may be deployed to store a suit. The suitcase may be opened by opening the lid externally, the opening allowing for the storage of objects therein.

Abstract: A flat extension cord that provides electrical power and/or digital data interconnectivity to a device. Preferably, the flat, retractable extension cord is rewindable into a housing much like a tape measure. The flat extension cord has a first end attached to a spool mechanism, a second end extending from the housing. The extension cord includes an elongate dielectric strip having a substantially concave cross-section which house a plurality of flexible electric conductors.

Abstract: A portable reel apparatus for use with towed sonar towfish and similar apparatus. The reel apparatus of the invention can be used on small watercraft without requiring mounting to the deck, and can be quickly and easily moved and stored on-board or removed from the watercraft. The portable reel assembly comprises a frame assembly, a spool rotatably mounted within the frame assembly, an extensible boom, and an electronic interfacing assembly for maintaining communication between a sonar cable through the spool to a computer. The apparatus can be moved or repositioned between a first, deploying position and a second, storage position. The frame assembly is preferably wheeled for transporting the apparatus, and a motor for driving the spool is preferably included within the frame assembly.

Abstract: A twin clutch has two clutch discs, each arranged on one of two coaxial shafts, having a clutch cage, which surrounds the clutch discs in the manner of an annulus, and having pressure plates which are held in a rotationally fixed manner therein and are arranged axially in such a way that they can be displaced separately axially between the clutch discs and can be pressed against the clutch discs by a diaphragm-spring arrangement arranged axially between them and can be disengaged from the respective clutch disc by means of separate release members. The diaphragm-spring arrangement includes at least two diaphragm springs of essentially the same type arranged in series, giving a broad actuating range with a constant spring force. When the release members are unactuated, the diaphragm-spring arrangement operates in this actuating range irrespective of clutch wear, it being possible to transmit approximately half of a maximum torque to be transmitted at each clutch.