Abstract: A heat pump system using air as its heat source is disclosed. In this system, the refrigeration circuit consists of both a main refrigerant line and a refrigerant suction line. A heat accumulator, containing both a heat medium and a heat storage phase change material, is mounted on the refrigerant line at a position between the cooling mode and heating mode expansion valves. A heat-dissipating heat exchanger is mounted on the main refrigerant line, and is set in the accumulator. A subsidiary heat exchanger is installed around the inlet port of the outdoor heat exchanger, and is connected to the heat accumulator through heat medium lines with a circulating pump. The system also has a heat pipe consisting of both an evaporating part installed at the periphery of the heat-dissipating heat exchanger, and a heat dissipating part installed at the periphery of the heat accumulator and connected to the evaporating part through a connection pipe.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the temperature of air returned to a conditioning unit in a zoned system is disclosed. The system includes a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit that has an economizer. The HVAC unit is connected to a plurality of zones by a supply duct and a return duct. A temperature sensor is provided to sense the temperature of air returning to the HVAC unit. A main control increases the amount of outdoor air entering the system through the economizer when the temperature of the returned air is excessively warm or excessively cold.

Abstract: A petroleum well having a borehole extending into a formation is provided. A piping structure is positioned within the borehole, and an induction choke is positioned around the piping structure downhole. A communication system is provided along the piping structure between a surface of the well and the induction choke. A downhole module is positioned on an exterior surface of the piping structure and is configured to measure characteristics of the formation. The formation characteristics, such as pressure and resistivity, are communicated to the surface of the well along the piping structure.

Abstract: The invention generally concerns a submersible well pumping system comprising an axially elongated housing having a diameter less than the bore hole of the well, a multi-chamber hydraulically driven diaphragm pump, suspended in the well. The pump is driven by a self-contained, closed hydraulic system, activated by an electric or hydraulic motor. The flow of working fluid into and out of the working fluid sub-chambers is controlled by a two state snap-acting valve, in turn controlled by a control valve which senses the differential pressure across the working diaphragm and generates a hydraulic signal to change the state of the two state snap acting valve, typically when either diaphragm reaches the top of the pumping stroke. Singly or in combination, reliable operation of the two state snap acting valve is assured by adding an energy storage device, hysteresis in the control valves and/or a two position latch on the main valve.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for improving oil recovery, preferably a high-viscosity oil relying on gravity drainage, by applying vibrational energy. A fracture is created at a wellbore and a fluid displacement device is inserted at or near the fracture opening. The optimum oil mobilization frequency and amplitude is determined. The fluid inside the fracture is oscillated to a prescribed range of frequency and amplitude to improve oil production. Applications for using the fracture as a delivery device for vibrational energy to enhance performance of the steam-assisted gravity drainage process, vapor-extraction gravity drainage, or cyclic steam process are provided. An application to improve recovery of heavy oil by aquifer drive or peripheral waterflood is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to determine the temperature profile of a wellbore using a fiber optic cable and an anchor are disclosed. Furthermore, a pressurized wellhead spool that couples to a standard Christmas tree structure on a well head to facilitate the injection of fiber optic cable into an oil and gas well is disclosed. The wellhead spool is portable and may be connected to fiber optic cable already located at the site, for quick connection to on-site instrumentation. A method of using the apparatuses disclosed to measure wellbore temperature at multiple depths of investigation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method monitors pumping operations of a vehicle that pumps various fluid treatments down into a well being serviced at a well site. The method records the vehicle's engine speed and the values of one or more fluid-related variables, such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and pump strokes per minute. The values are recorded as a function of the time of day that the variables and engine speed were sensed. In some embodiments, the recorded values are communicated over a wireless communication link from a remote well site to a central office.

Abstract: A downhole sampling tool and related method are provided. The tool is provided with a main flowline for communicating fluid from the formation through the tool. A main valve is positioned in the main flowline and defines a first portion and a second portion of the main flowline. At least one sample chamber with a slidable piston therein defining a sample cavity and a buffer cavity is also provided. The sample cavity is in selective fluid communication with the first portion of the main flowline via a first flowline and with the second portion of the main flowline via a second flowline. Fluid communication is selectively established between the sample cavity and the first and/or second portions of the main flowline for selectively flushing fluid through the sample cavity and/or collecting samples of the fluid therein. Fluid may also be discharged from the buffer cavity via a third flowline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a seal between two coaxial strings of pipe are provided. The method and apparatus have utility in one embodiment for sealing the annulus between the tubing and the casing within a hydrocarbon wellbore. According to the method of the present invention, an expander tool is positioned at a selected depth within the tubing, and then actuated in order to expand the tubing against the inner wall of the casing wall. Multiple configurations of the expander tool are disclosed. The expander tool is rotated in order to provide a fluid seal in the annulus. In this way, the tubing string becomes its own packer. In one embodiment, a seal ring is provided around the outer surface of the tubing to enhance the fluid seal. Further, a slip ring is provided around the outer surface of the tubing to provide a gripping means between the tubing and the casing.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic fracturing method for fracturing an unconsolidated zone in a subterranean formation by fracturing a nearby consolidated zone to form a fracture which extends into the unconsolidated zone. This invention further relates to a method for producing fluids from an unconsolidated subterranean zone via a fracture extending from the unconsolidated zone through a consolidated zone to a wellbore.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which enhance drilling and completion of wellbore intersections. In a described embodiment, a cutting tool diverter is used to drill a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a main wellbore. The diverter is provided with an outer easily millable portion which reduces the amount of time needed to retrieve the diverter. In another embodiment, a substance is injected into a formation surrounding the intersection of the main and branch wellbores, to thereby facilitate sealing of the intersection.

Abstract: A subsea well apparatus has features for controlling and monitoring production fluid flow from a well. A christmas tree lands on a subsea wellhead, the tree having a tubular, open upper end. A first flow passage extends from a lower end of the tree to the upper end for communicating fluid with the well. A second flow passage extends downward from the upper end of the tree and has an outlet on a sidewall of the tree for communicating with a flowline. A production module lands on and is retrievable from the upper end of the tree, the module having a flow loop with one end in communication with the first flow passage and another end in communication with the second flow passage. At least one flow interface device is located in the loop of the production module. The flow interface device may be used to monitor or control the flow and may be a temperature or pressure sensor, a flow or multi-phase flow meter, or a choke.

Abstract: The existence and rate of corrosion in a section of a well tubing or well casing is determined and monitored by installing at predetermined locations as the string is placed in the well bore, sections of pipe (20) that have been fitted with an array of piezoelectric transducers (26) and a microprocessor (28) that controls signals going to and from each array of transducers and signals going to and received from controls and intrumentation apparatus located at the earth's surface. The microprocessors at varying locations along the string are electrically connected to the surface control and instrumentation apparatus by conductor cables and/or by wireless means using the pipe string as the conductive path for electrical signals.

Abstract: A hanger assembly and a method for supporting a string of tubular members in a wellhead assembly are disclosed wherein the hanger assembly is supported within the wellhead assembly by a single landing shoulder in the wellhead assembly and a seal member is independently, sealingly engaged with a portion of the string of tubular members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a seal between two coaxial strings of pipe. The method and apparatus have utility in one embodiment for sealing the annulus between the tubing and the casing within a hydrocarbon wellbore. According to the method of the present invention, an expander tool is positioned at a selected depth within the tubing, and then actuated in order to expand the tubing against the inner wall of the casing wall. The expander tool is rotated in order to provide a fluid seal in the annulus. In this way, the tubing string becomes its own packer. In the preferred embodiment, an elastomeric seal is provided around the outer surface of the tubing to enhance the fluid seal. Further, a slip ring is provided around the outer surface of the tubing to provide a gripping means between the tubing and the casing. In the preferred embodiment, rollers of the expander tool are aligned with the seal ring and slip ring before expansion.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a blade assembly to a motor grader includes an upper and a lower retainer pivotally coupled together. The upper and lower retainers are pivotable about a single axis with respect to each other for grasping the blade assembly therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hand-held pneumatic impact tool for use in fine hand working operations includes a handpiece, a foot-operated flow control valve with exhaust and two hand operated flow control valves. The handpiece includes a housing having a cavity and annular shoulder accommodating a stepped piston dividing the cavity into three chambers. The control apparatus provides control for a hand-held pneumatic impact tool that will return an impacting handpiece to a fine oscillation idling state quickly when the user releases the foot-operated flow control valve. The apparatus also provides ease of control for adjusting the idling ready state of the handpiece to a faint oscillation idle.

Abstract: A device comprises a component having circuitry, a carrier comprising one or more conductive areas to form a portion of an electromagnetic coupler, and a clamp to secure the carrier to the device.

Abstract: A shielded cable assembly contains one or more hardpoints that resist damage arising from possible collapse of the shielded cable assembly under strong compressional forces that are exerted by a clamp assembly in the form of a separable block having first and second opposed members. The hardpoint contains a conduit that protects a data transfer line or cable bundle by compressing electromagnetic shielding between the conduit and the clamp assembly. Cable electromagnetic shielding may be exposed over a selected hardpoint for use as needed in a particular application.

Abstract: A mounting rail with a C-shaped cross-section extends in a length dimension (L) and has a rear or second wall (2) with side walls (1a, 1b) extending at right angles to the second wall. Each side wall (1a, 1b) has on its exterior surface (5) a recess (3) running in the length dimension (L), whose cross-section is essentially rectangular. To assure optimum stability of the mounting rail, the depth (t) of the recess (3) is less than the wall thickness (d) of the side walls (1a, 1b).

Abstract: A gangable electrical unit for positioning an electrical component beside an electrical outlet box includes a bracket with a wall structure and means for mounting the wall structure of the bracket on a wall of an electrical outlet box. In one embodiment, the means for mounting the wall structure of the bracket on a wall of an electrical outlet box is a pair of clips associated with the wall structure of the bracket for resiliently grasping a wall of an electrical outlet box when positioned adjacent thereto. In another embodiment, the means for mounting the wall structure of the bracket on a wall of an electrical outlet box is an adhering element positioned on an outward facing wall of the bracket. The clips and adhering element may be used simultaneously to adjoin the gangable unit to an electrical outlet box. A further embodiment includes a break-away stop extending outwardly from the wall structure of the bracket.

Abstract: An overmolded circuit board assembly and a method for forming the assembly. The assembly and method entail overmolding both surfaces of a circuit board and underfilling at least one surface-mount circuit device attached to at least one surface of the board with solder bump connections, with the result that the circuit device is spaced above the surface of the circuit board so as to define a gap therebetween. A cavity, such as a blind hole or closed through-hole, is defined in the surface of the circuit board beneath the circuit device and communicates with the gap but is closed off from the opposite surface of the circuit board. Air that is trapped in the gap by a molding material during the overmolding/underfilling process is collected and compressed within the cavity, yielding a void-free underfill between the circuit board and circuit device.

Abstract: A junction box for an aircraft that provides a convenient and secure means for routing electrical cables through a passenger compartment floor panel of an aircraft. The junction box is comprised of an enclosure that attaches to a bottom surface of the floor panel of the aircraft, and a cover, cable strain support, and gasket, that attach to a top surface of the floor panel. The walls of the enclosure can accommodate various shaped cutouts depending on the type of cable connectors being used with the cables. A portion of the cover is offset from the rest of the cover to provide an access opening for routing cables into the passenger compartment of the aircraft.

Abstract: Steel trunking is provided for housing transmission cables particularly in areas where hygiene and sterility is important. The invention provides lengths of hollow conduit which are secured together by push-on connectors in the form of sleeves. There is also provided a transmission cable outlet device 20 comprising a hollow body member terminating in an end plate 33. The end plate 33 carries glands 34 which grip and hold cables so as to provide a clean and efficient take-off from the trunking.

Abstract: A cover plate for an electric switch, outlet or like electric circuit element is provided, wherein electroluminescent sheeting provides lighted indicia associated with an opening in the plate, to convey information about the cover plate, such as the appliance with which the switch may be associated, the circuit with which an outlet may be associated or the like.

Abstract: A method for positioning a cable in a recess behind a fixed structure, e.g. a storage bin, in an aircraft. A portion of the cable is enclosed in a conduit. Panels adjacent the structure are removed to partially expose the recess and at least one stringer. The conduit is directed into the recess from adjacent one end of the structure until the conduit passes another end of the structure, and the conduit is fastened to the stringer(s). The method provides an easy way to route cable behind a fixed structure without removing the structure and without having to make holes in the aircraft.

Abstract: A protective guide for cables and the like, in which a synthetic flexible tube 10 connected between a movable end portion 10a of the cable and a fixed end portion 10b of the cable and incorporating a plurality of cables and the like includes a bellows_shaped tubular peripheral wall 11, and a large number of bending_limiting units 20 surrounding by and fitted onto the bellows_shaped tubular peripheral wall 11 of said synthetic flexible tube 10 at desired intervals includes bending_holding portions 20a, which hold a required bending position of said synthetic flexible tube 10 while abutting with each other on a bending inner peripheral side, and bending_suppressing portions 10, which hold a linearly extended position of said synthetic flexible tube 10 while abutting with each other on a bending outer peripheral side.

Abstract: A connection structure includes an external conductor of a coaxial cable which is electrically connected to a ground conductor installed at a surface of a planar circuit substrate, and an internal conductor of the coaxial cable which is connected to a micro strip line installed at the other surface of the planar circuit substrate. The internal conductor of the coaxial cable is welded to a conductive pattern of the micro strip line. The conductive pattern of the micro strip line includes a conductive welding portion welded to the internal conductor of the coaxial cable, a conductive landing portion extending from the conductive welding portion in a predetermined width, and an impedance converting portion whose width increases as it extends from the conductive landing portion.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board with a reinforcing plate, which comprises: a flexible printed circuit board including i) a conductive circuit pattern layer, and ii) an insulating layer made of a plastic film; a reinforcing plate; and an adhesive layer so that the reinforcing plate is attached to the flexible printed circuit board via the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is formed from an adhesive composition containing a composite metal hydroxide represented by formula (1):

Abstract: A method and structure for an electrode device, whereby a second electrode is deposited on a first electrode such that there is an increase in the capacitive coupling between the pair of conductive electrodes. The electrodes are self-aligning such that the patterning manufacturing process is insensitive to variations in the positional placement of the pattern on the substrate. Moreover, a single lithographic masking layer is used for forming the pair of electrodes, which are electrically isolated. Finally, the first electrode is offset from the second electrode by a chemical surface modification of the first electrode, and an anisotropic deposition of the second electrode which is shadowed by the first electrode.

Abstract: A circuit board is provided. The circuit board includes two conductive layers, either horizontally-opposed, or vertically-overlapping, formed around a dielectric layer. Mutually-engaging interstices or tongues and grooves are formed in each conductive layer, with the dielectric disposed between them. The interstices (or tongues and grooves) are typically formed in a complementary shape, but this is not necessary. Any number of interstices and/or tongues and grooves may be formed into the conductive layers. The amount of engagement between the interstices, or the amount each conductive layer overlaps the other along its width, may be selected to provide a predetermined amount of capacitance between the conductive layers. The dielectric layer dielectric constant may also be selected in order to adjust the capacitance formed between the conductive layers. Other embodiments of the invention include electronic circuits and methods for constructing the disclosed circuit boards and related electronic circuits.

Abstract: A method for making a fine electrically conductive grid embedded in a polymer substrate. The method includes the steps of providing a polymer substrate, forming a pattern of grooves in the substrate, filling the grooves with electrically conductive powder, and then applying heat and/or pressure to the substrate. The application of heat and/or pressure to the substrate causes the grooves to collapse inward against the conductive powder. Collapsing the grooves compacts the conductive powder within the groove, thereby establishing a continuously conductive grid line or circuit. The narrow grid lines that result allow more light to transmit through the substrate. The method allows grid lines to be made with higher aspect ratios (ratio of line depth to line width) than is possible by previous methods.

Abstract: A substrate and a method of making the substrate is provided. The substrate includes a layer of metal with at least one through hole therein, the layer of metal having an adhesion promoting layer thereon. A layer of a partially cured low-loss polymer or polymer precursor is positioned on the adhesion promoting layer and a plurality of conductive circuit lines are positioned on a portion of the partially cured dielectric layer. The substrate can be used as a building block in the fabrication of a multilayered printed circuit board.

Abstract: A solder bonding method comprises the step of solder bonding a first electrode 30 to a second electrode 16 having a solder bump 18 of mainly Sn formed on the upper surface thereof. The first electrode 30 and/or the second electrode 16 includes metal layers 14, 26 formed of an alloy layer containing Ni and P, an alloy layer containing Ni and B, or an alloy layer containing N, W and P. The metal layer of the alloy layer containing impurities, such as P, etc. can prevent the Ni of the metal layer from combining with the Sn in the solder bump. Accordingly, good bonded states can be obtained.

Abstract: A Down Hole Drilling Assembly (DHDA) is disclosed that induces artificial lift to remove the drilling and production fluid from a well bore during drilling operations by means of a single or multiple hydraulic jet pumps attached to a concentric string of casing. The DHDA includes a drill string and drill bit that passes through the jet pump assembly so that the power fluid is separated from the drilling or production fluid until after it has passed through the nozzle of the jet pump. The jet pump assembly is joined to a concentric casing string. The jet pump also contains a bladder element that inflates or expands to redirect the flow of the drilling and production fluid from the inner or return annulus into the jet pump assembly.

Abstract: A roller-cone drill bit in which a large groove is machined into the backface of each cone, near the crack where the cone meets the arm assembly. By making the outer lip of this crack more exposed to the open volume of turbulent flow, turbulence near the crack is increased, deposit of sediments near the crack is reduced, and infiltration of sediments through the crack is also reduced. Drill bit lifetime has been shown to be greatly extended by this change.

Abstract: A tank weighing assembly includes a shear-web load cell in the form of an annular disk, a supporting base plate and components for mounting the load cell in a manner such as to enable compensation for effects of exposure to forces of the wind and thermal expansion. The load cell and a mounting washer each have an axial aperture through which a connecting bolt extends. The bolt has a countersunk head inclined at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees and an adjacent wall has an angle 3 degrees larger. A gap of ⅛th inch on each side of the bolt is provided to allow a small amount of lateral movement. Mating arcuate surfaces at the bottom of the load cell hub and at the top of the mounting washer enable self alignment.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a weight control system utilizing the on-board weighing of the driver and one or more passengers. The display and input are effected through a touch screen and/or voice commands and the individuals's identification is registered in memory as are previous weighing states so that with control progress can be monitored. To compensate for different clothing and footwear which might contribute to false reading, the system dialogues with the individual with respect to clothing and footwear.

Abstract: Protruding part of a mechanism body is connected to a base frame by screws, and other protruding part is connected to an auxiliary connecting metal fittings by the screws. A machining necessary for connecting is conducted on the protruding portions, the widths of which are wide. Therefore, a sufficiently long distance can be obtained by the protruding portions. As a result, the Roberval's parts 4, 5 are not affected by stress strain, which is caused in the process of connecting, even if a size of an electronic balance in a longitudinal direction is not extended. Accordingly, it is possible to realize the compact electronic balance of high performance in which an accurate measurement can be made even if a load is given to a balance pan being biased.

Abstract: A motor structure of an electric vehicle which is driven by an electric motor. The motor structure comprises an electric motor unit including the electric motor and differential gears, and a radiator as cooling means of the electric vehicle. Accessories are mounted on the electric motor unit. The radiator is positioned at a front side of the electric vehicle and in front of the electric motor unit. In this motor structure, one of universal joints, each of which connects a drive shaft on the differential gears side and a drive shaft on a wheel side, is adjacent to a side of the electric motor in the form of a cylinder.

Abstract: There are included a first motor-generator; speed change device disposed between an engine and a first wheel drive shaft; demanded braking force detection device for detecting braking force demanded by the driver; engine braking force calculation device for calculating engine braking force; and regenerative braking force calculation device for calculating regenerative braking force resulted by regenerative power generation of the first motor-generator. Gear ratio or shift points of the speed change device is controlled on the basis of information from the demanded braking force detection device, the engine braking force calculation device and the regenerative braking force calculation device.

Abstract: An air-intake structure around a front grille for a vehicle in which an engine radiator is disposed at a front part of the body of a vehicle, and a front of the engine radiator is covered with the front grille. An air-intake port for an engine air-induction duct is disposed above the engine radiator. The air-intake port is offset to the left from a transverse center and is oriented toward the front grille. A closed portion is provided on the front grille which closes the entirety of a portion of the front grille which faces the air-intake port.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforced structural assembly and a method of using the assembly for reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a first member and a second member with a reinforcement material intermediate the first and second member. According to the method, the assembly is placed in a cavity of an automotive vehicle and the reinforcement material is expanded to promote connection between the first member and a surface defining the cavity and to promote connection between the second member and another surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle body rear part structure includes left and right rear frames extending longitudinally of the vehicle body, a plurality of parallel spaced cylindrical fuel tanks disposed horizontally between the left and right rear frames with the axes of the fuel tanks extending normal to the left and right rear frames and disposed below the center of a height of the rear frames, and a cross member disposed between two adjacent ones of the fuel tanks and extending between the left and right rear frames. The cross member reinforces the rear frames to such an extent that fuel tanks of larger capacity can be carried on the vehicle body rear part structure.

Abstract: A scooter assembly has a detachable motor. The motor is biased to urge the motor into engagement with one of the wheels.

Abstract: Three types of free-wheel drive-train systems incorporated under the pedal of skate scooters that enables forward propulsion of the scooters through repetitive up and down foot motions. The drive-train systems of 2 wheel, 3 wheel and 4 wheel exercise step scooters consists of (1) Single Seesaw foot pedal with center pivot, (2) Rear-stepping, Right and Left foot pedals with Front pivot, (3) Front-stepping, Right and Left foot pedals with Rear pivot.

Abstract: A power transmission device for a powered scooter is provided. The power transmission device includes a drive shaft, a driven shaft and two or more timing belt transmission device. The timing belt transmission device includes a first sprocket wheel attached on the drive shaft, a second sprocket wheel attached on the driven shaft, and a timing belt wound on the first sprocket wheel and the second sprocket wheel. The ratio of the diameter of the first sprocket wheel and the diameter of the second sprocket wheel is predetermined to provide a desired speed change ratio. The timing belt may be made of rubber or chain.

Abstract: A rear tire assembly for mounting an oversize tire to a motorcycle includes an intermediate pulley assembly mounted on a swing arm and driven by a drive of the transmission. The intermediate pulley assembly includes first and second intermediate pulleys rotating in concert about a common shaft. The second pulley is spaced apart from the first intermediate pulley to align with the driven pulley and accommodate the oversized tire.

Abstract: A starter system for racing vehicles such as sprint cars that enables the vehicle to be started while in position for a race without the need for a clutch or external means of generating forward motion.

Abstract: An armrest having an elbow-supporting portion and an associated control panel for a utility vehicle is arranged such that the operators forearm can be supported on a fulcrum position on the elbow-supporting portion and can be pivoted in a swinging direction to reach plural controls. A hand rest is also provided on the control panel and located such that an operator can span his forearm from the elbow at the fulcrum position of the elbow-supporting portion, to the hand rest located on the control panel.