Abstract: In a shoe press belt, in which the nip zone is narrower than the shoe width, the shearing force which normally acts on the belt at the outer boundary of the nip zone is made either weak or non-existent by forming the outer portions of the belt of less hardness than the inner, or central, portion of the belt, so that the less hard portions can be positioned directly opposite the outer boundaries of the nip zone. Alternatively, the outer portions of the belt can be made thinner than the central portion of the belt and the thinner portions positioned directly opposite to the nip zone boundaries. The shearing force applied to the belt at the nip ends of the roll is reduced or eliminated, cracking resulting from the shear force is reduced or avoided, and a belt having improved durability results.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for setting the position of the shoe in an extended-nip press, whereby the extended-nip press used in the method comprises a press roll (2) and a backing roll (1), said press roll (1) comprising a rotating endless-loop blanket (3) of a flexible, liquid-impervious material, a rigid and advantageously stationary roll support beam (4) that extends axially through the interior of the endless blanket (3), at least one shoe element (8) resting on the roll support beam (4) and having a concave top face, and a loading element (6) for loading the shoe element (8) by way of pressing the concave top face thereof against the flexible endless-loop blanket (3) so as to make the blanket (3) form a press nip zone (N) in cooperation with the backing roll (1).

Abstract: A bar code identification stencil for uniquely identifying a plurality of articles. The stencil includes a carrier strip, which carries an identification code or symbology. The identification code or symbology is formed of a plurality of spaced apart data cells, or data cells, which are used to form a machine readable bar code. The stencil will be made of materials compatible to the manufacturing processes, which make the articles to be marked, and compatible to the materials out of which the articles to be marked are made. The stencil is scalable in size and shape, as are the data cells, or data cells, scalable in size and shape—all as required by the specifications of the data symbology to be directly marked on the part, or article. The bar code is unique for each of the plurality of articles to be identified.

Abstract: A substrate support and method of fabricating the same are provided. Generally, one method of fabrication includes assembling a subassembly comprising a first reinforcing member and a heating element, supporting the subassembly at least 40 mm from a bottom of a mold, encapsulating the supported subassembly with molten aluminum, and applying pressure to the molten aluminum. Alternatively, a method of fabrication includes assembling a subassembly comprising a stud disposed through a heating element sandwiched between a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member, supporting the subassembly above a bottom of a mold, encapsulating the subassembly disposed in the mold with molten aluminum to form a casting, forming a hole in the casting by removing at least a portion of the stud, and disposing a plug in at least a portion of the hole.

Abstract: Molten metallic material is cast into a mold that is made with a barrier to reduce gas permeability through a mold wall that forms on its innermost side a mold surface for contacting the molten metallic material. The molten metallic material is gravity cast into the mold residing in a furnace in a casting chamber under a first pressure, such as subambient pressure. Then, a gaseous pressure is provided in the casting chamber higher than the first pressure rapidly enough to reduce or eliminate the presence of localized voids in the casting solidified in the mold.

Abstract: An injection mold for semi-solidified Fe alloy includes a scalping gate for eliminating surface oxide film of a semi-solidified Fe alloy injected into the mold cavity from a pressure chamber. The scalping gate is arranged between the pressure clamber and a runner that is in communication with the mold cavity. The mold halves and the scalping gate are each formed of a copper alloy having a thermal conductivity of not less than 120 W/(m·K) and a hardness of not less than 180 HB. The mold halves and the scalping gate each has a cermet layer consisting essentially of at least one member selected from a group consisting of Co, Cu, Cr and Ni. The cermet layer is formed by electro-spark deposition, via an intermediate layer of Ni alloy also formed by electro-spark deposition.

Abstract: In a display device comprising a cooling suction fan and an air filter arranged on the suction side of the cooling suction fan, there are provided first means for measuring the value of a current flowing through a power supply line to the cooling suction fan for each predetermined time period, and second means for judging that the air filter is clogged when the measured current value is not more than a predetermined reference value, to inform the user that the air filter is clogged.

Abstract: A module for thermal exchange with a portion of a mammal is provided. The module is used with advanced methods related to body temperature control and management. A portion of a mammal is placed in a sealed enclosure that is in thermal communication with a heat exchange fluid. The enclosure is also adapted to provide a negative pressure environment and includes an improved interface with the external environment.

Abstract: An excavationless geothermal system for heating and cooling applications includes a potable water storage container that receives water from a water supply through a supply line and a reversible water meter. The water in the storage container is circulated through a heat pump, and when the temperature of the water in the container is increased or decreased by the heat pump, the water is returned to the supply through the reversible meter.

Abstract: Improved systems, methods, apparatus and compositions for generating, extracting and distributing the renewable heat energy produced by microbial decomposition of organic biomass within a contained and controlled environment. This heat energy is preferably transferred and distributed, preferably by the use of heat pipes, to the interior of a greenhouse or other structure to be heated, either directly or via heat exchange apparatus such as hot water heating systems. In one embodiment heat transfer and distribution mechanism customized to the application requirements of a greenhouse heating batch-type process is disclosed, along with a recipe for a readily available biomass material composition that will slowly decompose while it generates a substantial quantity of usable heat energy to be consumed in the elevation of temperature in a separated greenhouse basement confinement area.

Abstract: A radiation fin set comprising a plurality of metallic radiation fins arranged in parallel for direct welding/bonding to a beat dissipation base panel or mounting on a heat dissipation tube at the heat dissipation base panel, the radiation fins each having a plurality of elongated slots and a plurality of flanges respectively extended along one side of each of the elongated slots and sloping in one direction at an angle of slope for guiding the flow of air of high momentum into mixing with the flow of air of low momentum to repress the formation of boundary layer and to improve heat dissipation efficiency of the radiation fins.

Abstract: A decrease in the cost and an increase in the ease and reliability of reversibly mounting a motorized fan to either of a generic or a Wagner active heat sink, and then mounting the complete active heat sink to a part to be cooled, is obtained by: (1) The use a motorized fan that engages and registers itself upon and against a top peripheral surface surrounding a cavity where the fan is to be located; (2) Holding the fan in place with one or more resilient mounting clips that span the distance from the top of the motorized fan and an opposing outside bottom surface of the active heat sink; and, (3) Providing the resilient mounting clips with outward projecting mounting tabs that are flexible and resilient and that have mounting holes through which the resilient mounting clips (and the active heat sink they grip) can be attached to an assembly carrying the part to be cooled, such that the bottom of the active heat sink is in good thermal contact with that part.

Abstract: A cooling effect is produced by collision of coolant (10) introduced into coolant introduction chamber (3) with the back face side of heat-generating elements (1) within a first coolant contact chamber (4) by injection from a central nozzle (7). Thereafter in the same way coolant (10) produces a cooling effect in a second coolant contact chamber (5) and third coolant contact chamber (6). Since peripheral nozzles (8) and (9) are formed so as to spread in radial fashion about central nozzle (7) as center, cooling is effected to practically the same level of temperature, so there is no possibility of large tensile heat stress being generated at heat-generating elements (1).

Abstract: An elongate tubular refrigerant container 2 has a barrier 5 which partitions its internal space into a heat-generating member side path 2b and a heat radiating path 2c, so that refrigerant vapor evaporated by the heat-generating member 3 is separated from the condensate that circulates after being cooled in the heat radiating section 4. The barrier 5 includes a heat insulating space 5a which does not communicate with the internal space 2a that stores a refrigerant. The refrigerant is prevented from boiling in the heat radiating section side path 2c and the condensate that circulates from the heat radiating section 4 and the refrigerant vapor do not collide violently with each other because the heat of the refrigerant vapor in the heat-generating member side path 2b is prevented from being transferred to the liquid refrigerant in the heat radiating section side path 2c.

Abstract: A high efficiency heat sink includes a first chamber, a second chamber and at least one cooling fin. The first chamber contains coolant and absorbs heat from a heat source, vaporizing the coolant. The second chamber receives the vaporized coolant from the first chamber, transmits the heat from the vaporized coolant to the cooling fin so that the vaporized coolant is condensed, and forces the condensed coolant back to the first chamber via capillary pressure.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a medium condenser mainly comprises a plurality of vertical cooling fins essentially having extra length extended both upwardly and downwardly from an ordinary portion of medium coil path for greatly increase the cooling efficiency therefore, and a drip-drop type water feeding box for feeding water drops to a top of cooling fins densely but intermittently to let each of water drop been held in the spacing between opposite surfaces of adjacent cooling fins a short period of time and start to slide down around the surface of a cooling fin as a next drop of water is delivered to provide enough time for evaporating so as to absorb a large quantity of latent heat for increasing cooling efficiency therefore.

Abstract: The heat removal ability of a finned counter flow two pass active heat sink is increased by placing a heat spreader at the location where the heat flux enters the active heat sink a heat. This allows a more uniform distribution of the entering heat flux into the cross section of the active heat sink, increasing its ability to transfer that heat to the air flow. Copper is a good choice for the heat spreader. It can be intimately bonded to the material of choice for the body of the active heat sink (aluminum). Intimate bonding assures good heat transfer from the spreader into the base of the balance of the heat sink. The heat spreader can be hot rolled onto aluminum billets, the result cut into workpieces and then shaped. Discs of copper can be friction welded to biscuits of aluminum rod with spinning, and then shaped. Or, a disc of copper can be forge welded onto a biscuit of aluminum, which operation may include a partial forging of the aluminum into a near final shape.

Abstract: An economically formed tube of rectangular or oval-like cross section and with a corrugated internal fin includes spaced, relatively long side wall sections joined at their ends by relatively short end wall sections. An integral fin within the tube has crests and valleys defining a plurality of flow paths within the tube and is formed of a corrugated section of a strip employed to form one of the side walls and at least part of both of the end walls.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having refrigerant coil pipes connected in parallel is disclosed. The heat exchanger has a plurality of heat dissipating fins and a plurality of layers of refrigerant coil pipes which pass through the fins transversally. The plurality of refrigerant coil pipes are connected in parallel and then high pressure refrigerant driving by an air compressor is force into the refrigerant coil pipes. Air channels are formed between the refrigerant coil pipes and the fins.

Abstract: A plate-fin heat exchanger includes a stacked array of cells. Each cell includes top and bottom sheets defining manifolds and header finned members disposed between the top and bottom sheets. The top and bottom sheets include substantially planar portions, diverging portions angled with respect to the planar portions, and divergence edges defined between the planar and diverging portions. The header finned member extends beyond the divergence edges of the top and bottom sheets and is supported in cantilevered fashion within the manifold.

Abstract: A heat transfer member for a heat exchanger, is press-formed of a metallic thin sheet material into a prescribed shape by means of molds of a press forming device so that the heat transfer member has on at least one portion thereof a heat transfer face having opposite surfaces, which are to be brought into contact with heat exchange fluids, respectively. The heat transfer face comprises at least one set of irregularity patterns arranged in a row.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for bonding a heat source to a heat dissipator. The coupling is comprised of a diaphragm and an interface. Both the diaphragm and the interface are comprised of thermally conductive materials. The interface bonds with the heat source, and the perimeter of the diaphragm is mounted to a wall of a vapor chamber. The resilient characteristic of the diaphragm enables bonding with a single heat source or multiple heat sources. In addition, the diaphragm provides a uniform bond-line surface between the heat source and the heat dissipator. Accordingly, the flexible coupling reduces thermal resistance associated with bonding coplanar and misaligned surfaces by mitigating non-uniform application of thermal interface materials.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A portion of a formation may be heated from a plurality of heat sources to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of a first synthesis gas having a low H2 to CO ratio. A second portion of a formation may generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than the first synthesis gas. A portion of the first synthesis gas may be blended with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blend synthesis gas having a desired H2 to CO ratio.

Abstract: A gas storage and production system decreases production of formation sand and permits high gas flow rates in storing and producing operations. In a described embodiment, different flowpaths are used for injecting and withdrawing gas from a subterranean formation. In another embodiment, a gravel pack is confined to a set volume, so that it is not expanded when gas flows at a relatively high rate therethrough.

Abstract: A cementing manifold is disclosed that preferably includes: modular housings that can be stacked together and interconnected to add multi-dart or multi-sphere capability; identical, interchangeable valves; internal bypass capability; a minimum number of protrusions into the pressure containing components; and no externally mounted welded or threaded components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining the point at which a tubular is stuck within another tubular or a wellbore by applying a tensile or torsional force to the stuck tubular and measuring the response of various locations within the tubular. In addition, the apparatus may be combined with a cutting tool to separate the free portion of the tubular from the stuck portion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and composition for cleaning and inhibiting solid, bitumin tar, and viscous fluid deposition in well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of a miscible terpene in the well fluid. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning and inhibiting deposits in and on well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of d-limonene into the well fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: A gas-lift petroleum well (38, 98, 150) and method for producing petroleum products using downhole pressurized gas to provide lift. The gas-lift well (38, 98, 150) comprises a well casing (22), a production tubing (24), a packer (40), and a gas-lift valve (148). The well casing (22) extends within a wellbore of the well (38), and the wellbore extends through oil and gas zones. The production tubing (24) extends within the casing (22). The tubing (24) comprises an opening formed therein, which is in fluid communication with an oil zone. The packer (40) is located downhole in the casing (22) and coupled to the tubing (24). The packer (40) can comprise an electrically controllable packer valve (44), which is adapted to control a flow of downhole pressurized gas from one side of the packer to another. The downhole pressurized gas is provided by a gas zone that the wellbore passes through.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bidirectional sealing blowout preventer, bidirectional sealing blowout preventer rams, and fluid communication systems for equalizing pressure between the backs of ram guideways in a bidirectional sealing blowout preventer and a passageway through the blowout preventer. Disclosed are methods for operating a bidirectional sealing blowout preventer to seal a well around a well pipe against downhole pressure to control the well, and to seal a well around a well pipe to pressure test another blowout preventer or other apparatus in a stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the oil well industry for running in drilling/production liners and sub-sea casings down a borehole through drilling fluid on a drill pipe using a multifunction diverter tool with the benefits of surge pressure reduction are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a multi-function diverter tool includes a housing assembly with a set of flow holes formed therein and a sliding sleeve arranged within the housing assembly having two sets of flow ports formed therein at different axial locations along the sleeve. By aligning either set of flow ports of the sleeve with the flow holes of the housing, the tool is set in a “surge pressure reduction” mode. By shifting, or axially indexing, the sleeve downward, the set of flow holes becomes blocked by the sleeve thus setting the tool in a “circulation” or “cementing” mode. This shifting or indexing is accomplished using an indexing mechanism.

Abstract: A tubing centralizer for borehole drilling disclosed. The centralizer includes a retaining collar and an outer sleeve. In a method for installing the centralizer onto a joint of tubing, the retaining collar is mounted onto the joint of tubing and the outer sleeve is installed thereover.

Abstract: A structural support.

Abstract: In one aspect a rotating hanger comprises a dognut sleeve having a bore and an outer profile compatible for support in the casing bowl and sealing thereto and a tubular hanger mandrel fitted rotatably to the dognut sleeve's bore and having an upper shoulder projecting above the dognut sleeve for interaction with casing bowl holddown screws which, when engaged, restrain rotation and prevent ejection from the casing bowl. In another aspect, an improved well tubing rotator and hanger system is provided the rotatable tubing hanger, a tubular connector sub threaded to the hanger mandrel and a rotator splined to the connector sub, the splined connector sub enabling rotational coupling without imposing hanger loads into the rotator which enables use of smaller, low profile and economical rotators. In another aspect, a rotator having a threaded nozzle wellhead connection is convertible to a flanged rotator.

Abstract: A linkage apparatus for selectively gripping and releasing the inside walls of a conduit, the apparatus comprising: a first arm; a bi-directional gripping cam rotatably attached to the arm; and an extension and locking device adapted to selectively radially extend the arm from a tool housing to an inside wall of a conduit and adapted to selectively lock the arm in an extended position.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing comprises locating an expansion tool in a section of tubing to be expanded, applying a fluid pressure to the tubing to create a fluid pressure expansion force and induce a hoop stress in the tubing, and applying a mechanical expansion force to the tubing via the expansion tool. The combined fluid pressure expansion force and mechanical expansion force is selected to be sufficient to induce expansion of the tubing.

Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug assembly having an internal “pump through” bypass passage and a wedge assembly, slips and seals disposed thereon. A retrieving tool is provided for running, setting, releasing and retrieving the bridge plug assembly. A tubing sensor is included to prevent setting of the bridge plug assembly in improper size tubing. When the bridge plug is properly located, the wedge assembly can actuated by manipulation of the retrieving tool to force the slips radially outward into gripping engagement with the well tubular and to force the seals into sealing engagement with the well tubular. A ball valve on the bridge plug assembly is movable to selectively open and close the bypass passage. The retrieving tool can maintain the valve and passageway open to facilitate circulation during run in and setting and also open during retrieving for pressure equalization. A service packer can be connected to and run with the bridge plug assembly.

Abstract: A hammer system for automatically carrying out a standard penetration test is disclosed. A cylindrical housing, in which an anvil coupled to a drill rod is received, is supported by a first hydraulic cylinder coupled to boring equipment. A cylindrical hammer is received in the housing. The hammer includes a holding assembly therein, which selectively holds and raises the hammer by a second hydraulic cylinder. Means for limiting a stroke of the hammer is spacedly connected to the holding assembly to be raised and lowered therewith. The limiting means includes a first sensor to detect a slot formed at the housing when the hammer is raised, thereby counting the number of blows. The hammer includes a plurality of protrusions on its outer surface. A wall of the housing includes a second sensor to detect the number of protrusions passed over the second sensor when the hammer is raised, thereby calculating a penetration depth from a difference between the numbers of protrusions detected for two continuous blows.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for pneumatic tools includes a casing in which a rotor is received. The rotor has a passage defined therethrough for receiving a shaft therein. A ridge extends from an outer periphery of the rotor and is engaged with a groove defined in an inner periphery of the casing. A surface is defined in an outer periphery of the rotor and engaged with two support surfaces extending from the inner periphery of the casing. Two driving surfaces are defined in an inner periphery of the rotor. The shaft has a protrusion extending from an outer periphery of the shaft and is driven by one of the driving surfaces of the rotor. The rotor is shifted on the two support surfaces to disengage the driving surface from the protrusion when the object is tightened.

Abstract: A pneumatic ratchet drive wrench of the present invention includes a pair of single springs that each bias a corresponding pawl into engagement with an output member and inhibit counter-rotation of the output member opposite the corresponding pawl. The pawl and spring construction allows the wrench head to be smaller than conventional pneumatic ratchet drive wrenches, providing better wrench access into small spaces. The spring is inexpensively formed as one piece of spring wire having independent spring coils for biasing the pawl and inhibiting counter-rotation of the output member.

Abstract: An electrically powered impact tool has a removably mountable battery pack which includes an acoustic detection circuit for detecting sounds generated by the impact mechanism in use and, in response to such detection, starts an adjustable time period, at the end of which a relay is actuated for disconnecting the battery of the battery pack from the tool motor for a predetermined time period. This serves as a torque-limiting mechanism where the tool is a torque-applying tool. The time period is adjustable by a dial on the battery pack housing and the control circuitry may be selectively powered through a switch on the battery pack housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide a shield assembly for a connector, with the shield assembly having a cover to enclose the connector and a neck portion adapted to surround an outer surface of a portion of the cable. An inner surface of the neck portion makes contact with the outer surface of the cable. When the cable carries a high frequency signal, a capacitive impedance is provided between the neck portion and an outer shield of the cable to reduce electromagnetic signal leakage. Alternatively, the neck portion can make electrical contact with the cable shield, either by use of elements protruding from the inner surface of the neck portion or by removing an insulating jacket of the cable.

Abstract: A cable protective shield assembly is provided for managing the position of computer cables. The assembly comprises a base plate having a number of spacers formed on one surface, a cover plate having a number of bores extending through the plate at locations designated in alignment with the spacers of the base plate, and a corresponding number of fasteners for insertion through the bores of the cover plate into the spacers of the base plate to rigidly couple the plates together. The height of the spacers create a standoff distance between the base plate and cover plate defining a space for computer cables to extend. The spacers are also positioned across the base plate surface as to create specific passageways for the cables to be located. One or more ports can be placed along the perimeter of the cover plate to allow access to cable connectors while generally maintaining the organized position of the cables.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a metal shield on a printed circuit board (10) include a layer of dielectric material (23) one or more printed circuits (21) on the layer of dielectric material (23), a layer of metal (27) on the layer of dielectric material (23), a metal-clad trench or opening surrounding the printed circuit (44) and electrically connected to the layer of metal(27), a solder pad (24) on the layer of dielectric material (23), a microvia (25) through the solder pad (24) and the layer of dielectric material (23), and electrical components (11) soldered to the solder pads (24) and to the printed circuit (21).

Abstract: A weatherproof junction box which may be mounted in non-traditional locations is provided by the present invention. The junction box includes a housing member or splice compartment with at least two threaded openings. The splice compartment is attached to a mounting bracket that is designed to receive lag bolts or straps, which may be used to mount the junction box to a tree, pole, wall or similar structures. The junction box also includes a twist-to-open lockable cover that provides easy access to the interior of the splice compartment, even when the junction box is mounted.

Abstract: A receptacle for confining circuit cards to different locations within a housing and that has a frame is provided. The frame has an array of slots, each containing one of the circuit cards. In one embodiment, the receptacle has a cam that is selectively engageable with the frame for clamping the circuit cards within the frame. In another embodiment, a shaft is rotatably attached to the receptacle. The shaft has a head at one end and a nut opposite the head. A resilient element is disposed on the shaft between the head and the nut. The resilient element is axially compressible between the head and nut to bulge generally perpendicularly to the axial direction into engagement with the frame for clamping the circuit cards within the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for storing and accessing a cable within a chassis. The apparatus comprises a filler drive drawer having a base shelf, an upper biasing arm disposed on the base shelf and a pair of resilient raised arm members positioned on the base shelf laterally on opposite sides of the upper biasing arm. The upper biasing arm has a flange that extends upward from the base shelf and a cantilever member extending therefrom. The cantilever member extends at least partially downward to provide an upper contact surface for a cable connector positioned below the upper biasing arm. The upper biasing arm and pair of resilient arm members are cooperatively arranged to releasably engage the cable connector within the filler drive drawer. The drawer can easily be slid into or out of the chassis to access the cable connector.

Abstract: A semiconductor element is mounted on a wiring circuit board in which a circuit has been formed. This semiconductor element is resin-encapsulated with a first encapsulating resin layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to accommodate multiple electrical transformer plug assemblies, or “brick” assembly plugs, is described, intended to enable space-efficient placement of brick assembly plugs and other over-sized electrical plug assemblies into a standard commercial or residential electrical outlet form factor. It is a further goal of the invention to enable an adaptive solution for interfacing multiple brick assembly plugs and other over-sized electrical plug assemblies to standard commercial or residential electrical outlets.

Abstract: A mounting formation for an electrical outlet box includes a dome and a flap. The dome has a base that is formed within an opening. The base is connected to the wall of the electrical outlet box and the flap is connected to the dome within the opening to cover a first portion of the opening while defining a second portion that is uncovered and crescent shaped. The mounting formation facilitates the installation of electrical outlet box, boxes without the need to separately remove a knock-out prior to the installation of fasteners.

Abstract: The invention includes system for modifying ice adhesion strength of ice adhered to an object. The system includes an electrode that is electrically insulated from the object and a DC source, e.g., a battery, coupled to the object and the electrode. The source generates a DC bias to an interface between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The object is conductive or is doped as a semiconductor so that the DC bias applies a voltage a voltage to the interface which modifies the ice adhesion strength selectively as compared to the ice adhesion strength with substantially zero bias voltage at the interface. The strength can be increased or decreased relative to its static state (i.e., the state without applied voltage). In this manner, ice such as ice on an aircraft wing can be removed with less work.