Abstract: To eliminate influence of discharge amounts depending on changes in liquid level of a liquid storage tank and to improve discharge accuracy of a liquid discharging apparatus. By a pressure regulating opening portion for forming a reference liquid surface maintaining a given pressure, pressure inside a pump chamber before a discharging operation is kept constant without affecting liquid level existing in the liquid storage tank. Therefore, volume of the inside of the pump chamber is kept constant and liquid can be discharged with higher precision.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of pressurizing enclosures having bi-stable valves. The valve has an invertible element having a port therethrough, and is converted from an open mode into a closed mode by a sudden change of pressure across the valve. The method is particularly suited for pressurization of enclosures en masse.

Abstract: A dispensing adapter for connecting pressurized containers to other valved systems such as automobile air conditioners is provided. The housing has a dispensing end, a receiving end, and an interior volume communicating between the dispensing end and the receiving end. The receiving end sealingly engages a first valve of a pressurized container, and the dispensing end sealingly engages a second valve such as a service port of an automobile air conditioner. A reciprocatable core depressor is disposed inside the housing. When dispensing end is attached to the service port, the core depressor is moved toward the receiving end of the housing, and the proximal end of the core depressor engages a stem of the first valve and opens the first valve. The housing may be angled or straight, and the core depressor may have a piercing pin to open puncture valve containers.

Abstract: An oil and liquid manifold drain system is provided as an apparatus that allows plastic oil containers to be drained completely before disposal. A plurality of ports are provided that hold oil cans or bottles in an upside down condition for a long period of time, envisioned to be hours. The ports can be hydraulically connected to a common manifold that would drain by gravity, back to a common container where the contents could be reused, recycled or disposed of properly. While specifically designed for motor oil, the invention could also be used for other liquids that are commonly sold in small size plastic containers and a percentage of the liquid remains clinging to the inside of the can or bottle after pouring.

Abstract: A closure mechanism is provided for the end of a fuel system filler tube. The closure mechanism has an arm that opens and closes as a refueling nozzle is inserted or removed. The mechanism has channels that direct away any liquids that accumulate near the filler tube end.

Abstract: A device for positioning on the top of a liquid storage can to assist in the transfer of liquids, such as paint, in and out of the can, while simultaneously isolating the can top rim channel from the liquid being transferred. An engaging member on the device is received by the can rim channel to seal off the rim channel.

Abstract: A radial overarm router is disclosed. The radial overarm router includes a machine base with a work surface, a vertical column, a bearing housing, a slide assembly, and a carriage subassembly. The bearing housing is mounted to, and may rotate about, the vertical column. The slide assembly mounts to the bearing housing and in combination with the bearing housing, the slide assembly has translational and rotational motion relative to the column. The slide assembly includes a carriage subassembly that houses a router. The carriage subassembly is configured to allow pivotal and vertical or plunge type motion of the router. The carriage subassembly further provides for transverse movement of the router. Locking knobs and adjustable limit stops are provided for all directions of movement.

Abstract: A log handling and cutting system which cuts logs into lengths, and allows for maximum use of fiber. The system includes equipment for singulating the logs, optimally removing the bark from the logs, scanning the true log image, cutting the logs to length, and sorting the cut logs arranged in a sequence of coupled operations. The logs are singulated using a dual quadrant singulation system to provide maximum singulation reliability, thereby allowing a single operator to attend to this process. Once singulated, the logs are fed automatically into a debarker where the diameter and volume are scanned and debarker-operating parameters are set for optimum bark removal. The log is then scanned, tree length, using a unique scanning system, which determines the true image of the log. This enables the determination by computer of the optimum bucking solution of the log as well as a proper sorting of the optimum random lengths.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a high-speed, puncture proof tire including a tire casing having a tread portion and a pair of side wall portions and a plurality of small diameter pressurized tubes disposed within the tire casing. Each pressurized tube has an elongate body fabricated from film material that is sealed crosswise along the length of the body to define at least two compartments that contain gas-under pressure. The tubes can be oriented radially or circumferentially within the annular space of the tire casing. In another embodiment of the tire, at least one panel of film material resistant to shear forces is disposed within the annular space of the tire casing. The panel is sealed lengthwise thereof to define a plurality of small diameter pressurized tubes. Each pressurized tube is sealed crosswise along the length of the tube to define at least two compartments that contain gas under pressure.

Abstract: A releasing device for snow chains comprising an inner side portion (2) closable as a ring, suitable to be placed on an inner part of a tire (3), an outer side portion (4) suitable to be placed on an outer part of the tire (3), said portions being joined by variously composed elements (5) creating the tread traction, the releasing device comprising a closing device (8), for closure as a ring of the inner side portion (2) and an operating device (50), that can be operated by the user from the outside of the tire to open the closing device (8), the operating device (50) comprising protective members (53, 55) suitable to make it more stable and the closing device (8) being able to be opened manually even without the aid of the operating device.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a sidewall rubber insert axially inward of at least one carcass ply. Such insert may, for example, be an apex extending radially outward from the bead core region of the tire into the sidewall. Alternatively, it may be positioned higher in the sidewall portion of the tire and away from the bead core. Such insert is a rubber composition containg a dispersion of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and a dispersion of a starch composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive transfer device comprising a frame and first and second cooperating structures each having a substrate engaging surface, the first cooperating structure being a nip roller rotatably mounted to the frame. The selected substrate and the adhesive carrying substrate can be advanced between the cooperating structures with the substrate engaging surfaces thereof cooperating to apply pressure to the substrates. This causes the first portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to adhere to the selected substrate and the second portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to adhere to a pick-up portion of the substrate engaging surface of the nip roller.

Abstract: Expandable drum for constructing a green carcass of a tire has a periphery and includes a plurality of metal segments positioned to form a substantially cylindrical arrangement, adapted for radial expansion and compression. A thick-walled casing, positioned over the plurality of metal segments, forms the drum periphery. The thick-walled casing includes rubber and a plurality of voids arranged to have an outer periphery in the thick-walled casing. An evacuating pump is coupled to the plurality of voids. The plurality of voids form suctioning voids to suction the green carcass onto the drum periphery during compression of the drum periphery, and are coupled at radially outermost extents to a network of grooves arranged to provide wave-free and smooth contraction of green carcass during its compression, thereby avoiding bulges and creases in contracting green carcass. Radially innermost extents of the voids are coupled to evacuating pump to create vacuum in the grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a paint roller are disclosed. The apparatus includes a mandrel, a first core material strip feeder, a second core material strip feeder, a fabric cover strip feeder, a first heater, a second heater, a first liquid adhesive applicator and a second liquid adhesive applicator. The first core material strip feeder feeds a first strip of core material about the mandrel. The second core material strip feeder feeds a second strip of core material about the mandrel. The fabric cover strip feeder feeds a strip of fabric cover material about the mandrel and about at least one of the first and second strips of core material. The first and second heaters are actuatable between a first active state in which the first and second heaters apply heat to an outer surface of the first and second strips of core material, respectively, and an inactive state.

Abstract: A device for depositing in contact roving of pre-impregnated fibers in which at least one roving (F) is, in the course of a deposition sequence, unrolled from a spool (19) or the like, pressed and deposited on the surface (9) to be covered with the help of a deposition roller (11) or the like, then cut when the desired length of roving is deposited. Substantially from beginning to end of each deposition sequence the roving (F) is maintained in contact with the roller (11), the roving being unrolled substantially under only the tension of the roller and deposited and held, at least at the beginning and at the end of the deposition path, pressed against the surface to be covered, and, at the end of the deposition sequence, spacing the deposition roller (11) from the surface (9), then cutting the roving in its portion between the roller and the surface. Useful in the production of structures of composite material.

Abstract: A method of handling a lamina object including feeding the lamina object on to surface of a handling member, the surface of the handling member including a plurality of first openings connectable to a vacuum source sufficient to attract the object to the member, and a plurality of second openings connectable to a source of pressurized gas, the method including applying suction to the first and simultaneously applying pressurized gas to the second openings, the suction and pressurized gas being controlled to lift the object out of direct contact with the surface of the handling member whilst retaining the object close to the surface, and applying a directed jet of pressurized gas to move the object relative to the handling member across the surface of the handling member.

Abstract: Mesh drywall tape dispensing apparatus includes a chassis with a pistol grip for one-hand operation, a tape reel, a tape guide roller mounted within the chassis, and a tape pressure roller mounted adjacent a front end of the chassis. A tape cutter trigger assembly is mounted within the chassis by the pivot pin of the guide roller and movable into a cutting position. The cutter includes a serrated knife edge directed away from the pressure roller at an acute angle to the tape extending from the guide roller to the pressure roller. A corner roller is pivotally mounted on the chassis for movement into a tape engaging position. The pistol grip and the tape reel are mounted on opposite sides of the chassis and adjacent a rear end with the pressure roller mounted adjacent the front end so that the apparatus is generally bounded by a first plane tangent to the pressure roller and bounding a tape roll on the reel and the corner roller therein and a second plane tangent to the pressure roller and the handle.

Abstract: A sectional door (2) is disclosed that includes a safety system. The safety system includes a shield apparatus (12), an improved support track (6), reverse angle track shields (80), and hemmed roller track edges (38) to prevent injury or harm to body parts errantly placed within or around the support track (6) during the opening or closing of the sectional door (2). The sectional door (2) includes a plurality of door sections (8) hingedly joined in an edge-to-edge relationship to form the completed sectional door (2). The sectional door (2) further includes support rollers (10) attached to the door sections (8), and a pair of support tracks (6), in which the support rollers (10) are confined.

Abstract: Fixing seat structure of rolling curtain including a left fixing seat, a reel, a fabric curtain, a rotary unit, an engaging pivot member and a right fixing seat. The inner side of the left fixing seat has a fitting block the center of which is formed with a fitting channel. The ends in the fitting channel are all formed with a hooking recess. The center of outer end of the rotary unit is provided with a fitting block. The rear end of the fitting block is connected with a hooking block. A pull cord and a rotary body connected with the pull cord are disposed on the rotary unit. The outer end of the engaging pivot body is formed with a stepped fitting post the large diameter section of which forms a pivotal latch button. A sleeve is formed on inner side of the engaging pivot body. The inner side of the right fixing seat is formed with a guide channel. The front side of middle section of the guide channel communicating with a pivotal fitting socket.

Abstract: A recess (2) forming a pouring gate (2) is provided in a first half (1a) of the mold (1) so as to open out in the parting face (4) in a housing (5) having a top opening (6) in its top portion. A second recess (8) is provided in the second half (1b) of the mold (1) with an opening (9) in the parting face (4) of dimensions smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the housing. The two mold halves (1a, 1b) are assembled together on the parting face (4) and a filter (12) adapted to filter molten metal is inserted into the housing (5) substantially vertically through the top opening (6) thereof.

Abstract: An injection molding system includes a feeder in which a metal is melted and a first chamber into which a desired amount of melted metal is introduced. A piston in a second chamber first retracts to create suction, assisting in drawing in the melted metal into the second chamber from the first chamber and evacuating gas. A ram then pushes some melted metal remaining in the first chamber into the second chamber, forcing out gas present in the second chamber. The piston then injects the melted metal out of the second chamber into a mold. The melted metal is preferably maintained in a liquid state throughout the system.

Abstract: A process for molding a casting made of light alloy comprises the steps consisting in: preparing a mold with a print made of physically setting sand, incorporating a movable closure means in the mold near a feed runner of the mold, placing the mold in such a way that its feed runner is in the lower part, connecting the feed runner of the mold to a tube for feeding with a pressurized molten alloy, filling the mold with said alloy, before any substantial solidification of the casting, moving the closure means in order to close off the feed runner, then rotating the mold through approximately 180° in order to ensure solidification in gravity mode. Application especially to the manufacture of engine blocks for motor vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molten metal injector system including a holder furnace, a casting mold supported above the holder furnace, and a molten metal injector supported from a bottom side of the mold. The holder furnace contains a supply of molten metal having a metal oxide film surface. The bottom side of the mold faces the holder furnace. The mold defines a mold cavity for receiving the molten metal from the holder furnace. The injector projects into the holder furnace and is in fluid communication with the mold cavity. The injector includes a piston positioned within a piston cavity defined by a cylinder for pumping the molten metal upward from the holder furnace and injecting the molten metal into the mold cavity under pressure. The piston and cylinder are at least partially submerged in the molten metal when the holder furnace contains the molten metal. The cylinder further includes a molten metal intake for receiving the molten metal into the piston cavity.

Abstract: A holding structure for a continuous casting long stopper includes a continuous casting long stopper including a shaft insertion hole formed in an upper end thereof, a protrusion insertion groove contiguous to and axially opposed to the shaft insertion hole, and a horizontal engagement groove contiguous to a lower end of the protrusion insertion groove, and a holding rod including a shaft inserted into the shaft insertion hole, the shaft having a lower end on which a radially protruding locking protrusion is formed. In the structure, after the shaft of the holding rod is inserted into the shaft insertion hole such that the locking protrusion reaches the protrusion insertion groove, the locking protrusion is caused to engage the engagement groove by rotation of either the shaft of the holding rod or the long stopper relative to the other.

Abstract: A device for hydraulic adjustment of rollers of strand guiding segments of a strand casting device has hydraulic cylinders which are separated by a piston with piston rod into a cylinder chamber and an annular cylinder chamber, respectively. The cylinder chambers can be connected by control members alternatingly and in opposite directions as well as simultaneously with a pressure source and a pressure sink, wherein on-off valves are provided as control members.

Abstract: Method and device to control the axial position of slabs emerging from continuous casting applied in rolling plants comprising at least a casting machine (11), a heating and/or temperature maintenance furnace (15) and a roughing and prefinishing (16) or finishing train (19) comprising at least one rolling stand (17), the method serving to align the axis (32) of a slab (24) entering the furnace (15) with the axis (25) of the first rolling stand (17), the method providing to control the axial position of the slab (24) and to activate at least a thruster element (26) able to be introduced inside the furnace (15) to act on the edge of the slab (24) and displace it laterally according to a measured discrepancy between the axis (32) of the slab (24) and the axis (25) of the rolling stand (17), wherein the thruster element (26) has a contact element (28) able to cooperate with the edge of the slab (24) advancing inside the furnace (15).

Abstract: In an electroslag remelting point with a mold (4) for forming an ingot from the remelted material of at least one consumable electrode (33), with a body (6) having at least one vertically driven electrode rod (15) for advancing a respective consumable electrode (33), and with a hood (19) which is disposed above the mold (4) and has at least one opening (18) which is concentric with the respective electrode axis (A), a pot-shaped boiler (20) is provided which accommodates the mould (4) and can be joined to the hood (19) to form a chamber (34) which is closed all round, completely encompasses the mould (4, 28) and can be connected via pipelines (22, 23) to a vacuum pump and/or a gas source, so that the chamber (34) can be evacuated or filled with an inert gas.

Abstract: The strength and solids level of an investment casting shell is increased by incorporating at least one microsilica into the shell.

Abstract: A workpiece chuck includes an upper assembly on which can be mounted a flat workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer. A lower assembly is mountable to a base that supports the chuck. A non-constraining attachment means such as vacuum, springs or resilient washers applied to the chuck holds the upper assembly to the lower assembly, the lower assembly to the base and can hold the wafer to the top surface of the upper assembly. A heater and a heat sink can be included in the bottom assembly to allow for temperature cycle testing of the wafer. By holding the chuck together by non-constraining means, the chuck layers can move continuously relative to each other under expansion forces caused by temperature effects. Mechanical stresses on the chuck and resulting deformation of the chuck and workpiece over temperature are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first tube in which water flows and a second tube in which refrigerant flows, and performs heat exchange between water and refrigerant. The first tube and the second tube are bonded to each other by brazing at joint surfaces thereof such that water flow crosses refrigerant flow perpendicularly. The joint surface of the first tube is divided into several surface regions by grooves. Accordingly, the joint surface of the first tube can be brazed to the joint surface of the second tube uniformly.

Abstract: A heat exchanger manifold (10) and method of forming a tube port (50) on the manifold (10). The manifold (10) comprises first and second walls (12,14) that define an internal passage (18) and an outer cross-sectional shape of the manifold (10). The first wall (12) of the manifold (10) has a concave outer surface in which the tube port (50) of the manifold (10) is to be formed, while the second wall (14) has a convex outer surface. The tube port (50) is formed in the concave first wall (12), such as by piercing. The shapes of the first and second walls (12,14) promote the ability of the manifold (10) to resist deformation when forming the tube port (50) in the first wall (12).

Abstract: A user enters a thermal perception level or a temperature set point in a perception level and temperature entry portion. Then, a clock portion calculates, by clocking, the time of entry to the perception level and temperature entry portion, and the entered temperature set point is stored as a temperature set point of an individual time interval in a temperature set point memory portion. When no entry is available to the perception level and temperature entry portion, air conditioning power is controlled in accordance with a temperature that has been already stored in the temperature set point memory portion.

Abstract: An electrical heater is provided, the electrical heater being useful for heating soil around a wellbore, and the heater including: a plurality of electrically conductive heater elements within a wellbore, each element spaced from the other elements and located around the circumference of a wellbore; and an electrically insulating filer surrounding the elements within the wellbore; wherein a metal casing around the heater is not present.

Abstract: A conventional thru tubing bridge plug is rendered in a more effective and useful downhole tool by incorporating a sensor module complete with preferably a plurality of downhole sensors to monitor downhole parameters such as but not limited to temperature and pressure both within the inflatable tool and in the annulus of the well created thereby.

Abstract: A by-pass valve is part of an apparatus arranged to function as a serial element of a drill string. An arbor is attached to the top end of a tubular motor rotor and extends some distance along the generally central opening of the housing which is attached to the top end of the motor housing. A head on the arbor comprises a normally closed valve which is capable of conducting fluid from inside the housing to the well annulus outside the drill string by way of the bore of the tubular rotor. The valve is opened by downward movement, in excess of a selected amount, of the rotor of the motor. The excessive downward movement of the rotor indicates problems in the motor bearing structure, or disruptive failure elsewhere in the bottom hole assembly. The opening of the by-pass valve reduces standpipe pressure which is a signal detectable at the surface. The signal indicates disruptive failure in the down hole assembly.

Abstract: A method for detecting inflow of fluid in a well while drilling, wherein the drilling is carried out using an installation including a hollow cylindrical drill string (3) wherein is injected fresh mud, a tubing (5) defining with the drill string (3) an annular space (7) through which the loaded mud rises; it involves continuously measuring a heat flow; then continuously calculating on the basis of the quantity the value of a characteristic representing a thermal equilibrium obtained in the absence of a fluid occurrence formation; and detecting variations in the characteristic, the variations representing a thermal imbalance, resulting from inflow of fluid in the well (1). The invention is particular by applicable in operating oil drilling installations particularly deep at sea.

Abstract: A method for fracturing a formation or gravel packing a borehole using a screen assembly having a plurality of screens mounted on a base member and a plurality of apertures disposed at predetermined intervals along the screen assembly. A flow-control service assembly is disposed within the screen assembly and includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of ports that communicate with the apertures in the screen assembly. Barriers are placed around the ports on the outer tubular member to prevent the formation of gravel bridges across the inner annulus between the inner tubular member and outer tubular member. The inner annulus provides alternative flow paths around the ports upon the ports becoming closed to fluid flow such as by bridges.

Abstract: A process for producing a diesel fuel stock from bitumen uses steam, naphtha and a hydroisomerized diesel fraction produced by a gas conversion process, to respectively (i) stimulate the bitumen production, (ii) dilute it for pipeline transport to an upgrading facility, and (iii) increase the cetane number of a hydrotreated diesel fuel fraction produced by upgrading the bitumen by blending it with the hydroisomerized gas conversion diesel fraction, to form the diesel stock. This diesel stock has a higher cetane number than that produced from the bitumen alone, and is used for blending and forming diesel fuel.

Abstract: A tieback connector includes a passive lower locking system and an active upper locking system to exert a positive locking force on the connection between a production riser and a high pressure wellhead. The tieback connector is composed of an outer housing which carries lower locking dogs, upper locking dogs and a piston. The piston is located above the lower end of the production riser and controls the movement of the outer housing. As the piston is stroked the outer housing cams the lower dogs into grooved profile in the wellhead housing. As the piston is stroked further the upper dogs exert a force onto the production riser that locks the riser to the wellhead housing.

Abstract: Initially, a set of locking lugs lock an inner mandrel is locked in position with respect to an outer mandrel. Unlocking the travel joint is accomplished by applying a constant vertical or downward force on the tubing string. That vertical force is transmitted through the tubing string to the outer mandrel, which causes hydraulic pressure with a hydraulic chamber to increase. When the hydraulic pressure exceeds a pressure threshold, a pressure sensitive valve opens, and the hydraulic fluid gradually flows into a reserve hydraulic chamber, allowing the outer mandrel to move with respect to the inner mandrel. A viscosity independent flow restrictor limits the transfer of hydraulic fluid to a preset flow rate. After sufficient hydraulic fluid has been received into the reserve chamber, the outer mandrel aligns with the locking lugs, which then move from the locked position to the unlocked position. The travel joint then releases, allowing the outer mandrel to telescope inward and outward.

Abstract: Embodiments of a farrier's tool are disclosed which may to trim a horse's hoof. The farrier's tool of the instant invention employs a cam which amplifies the mechanical advantage of the tool such that the operator may trim a hoof using a single hand.

Abstract: A pressure operated normally closed control valve operates to open at a predetermined pressure between the system minimum and maximum pressures to open the valve and allow the discharge of condensate from the system which has a source of pressure to provide a minimum and a maximum pressure. The system is subject to the formation of condensate. There is an inline filter at the inlet end of the valve and a discharge nozzle at the outlet end of the valve. The entrance to the discharge nozzle may also have a filter. The assembly can also be arranged so that the control valve is normally open and operates to open at a predetermined pressure at or below the system minimum pressure whereby condensate is removed, and to close the valve and prevent the discharge of condensate from the system when the pressure falls below the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Deflagration suppression and explosion isolation system (10) is provided for contained hazardous material. Containment structure (12) for a highly flammable, particulate or gaseous material is connected by a conduit (16) to an area (14) for collection or processing of the material. Normally, the particulate gaseous material is conveyed via the conduit (16) to the collection or processing area (14). However, the conduit is of a length and configuration such that upon unforeseen ignition of the material in the containment structure (12), flame and combustion generated pressure resulting from the incipient explosion in the containment structure can course along the conduit (16) connected thereto toward the collection or processing area (14) in the form of a deflagration front that transitions into a detonation stage before reaching the collection or processing area unless adequately suppressed and isolated.

Abstract: Waste scattered on a sandy beach is recovered in a clean and efficient manner by using a beach cleaner of a simple structure. In a first waste recovery step, a first beach cleaner A is allowed to travel on a sandy beach while being towed by a self-traveling vehicle R, whereby waste G1 such as string-like waste and other elongated waste is caught on rakes and conveyed to a waste recovery area. In a waste recovery station the first beach cleaner A is lifted to recover the waste. In a second waste recovery step, while a second beach cleaner is allowed to travel by the self-traveling vehicle, waste such as cans which have not been recovered in the first waste recovery step are scooped up in a waste conveying section, and are then collected in a waste collecting section by means of scraping blades and are recovered in a waste recovering area.

Abstract: A tiller has rotational blades for tilling the ground. A power source generates a rotational driving force for rotating the rotational blades and for advancing the tiller unidirectionally while tilling the ground. A power transmission mechanism transmits the rotational driving force of the power source to the rotational blades. A handle for guiding the tiller is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the power source or to a rear portion of the power transmission mechanism so that shock energy generated during tilling of the ground and transmitted to the power source or the power transmission mechanism is absorbed by pivotal movement of the power source or the power transmission mechanism relative to the handle about a pivot point spaced rearwardly from a center of gravity of the tiller and disposed approximately at the same height as the center of gravity of the tiller from a surface of the ground.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a contactless apparatus for power and data transfer over a gap between rotating and non-rotating members of downhole oilfield tools. The gap usually contains a fluid, such as drilling fluid, or oil for operating hydraulic devices in the downhole tool. The downhole tool in one embodiment is a drilling assembly wherein a drive shaft is rotated by a downhole motor to rotate the drill bit attached to the bottom end of the drive shaft. A substantially non-rotating sleeve around the drive shaft includes at least one electrically-operated device. An electric power and data transfer device transfers electric power and data between the rotating and non-rotating members. An electronic control circuit associated with the rotating member controls the transfer of power and data from the rotating member to the non-rotating member.

Abstract: An improved drill bit is provided with a sensor for monitoring an operating condition during drilling. A fastener system is provided for securing an erodible ball in a fixed position relative to a flow pathway until a predetermined operating condition is detected by the sensor, and for releasing the erodible ball into the flow pathway to obstruct the flow through at least one bit nozzle.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for creating holes in rock. A rock drill connected to a compressed air supply is engaged with a connector attached between the rock drill and a rock bit. The connector has a substantially tubular shaft for transporting compressed air from the air supply to the rock bit. The tubular shaft uniquely maximizes the air available for removing rock cuttings and minimizes the possibility of rock bit sticking in the rock hole. The invention is particularly suited to seismic shothole drilling requiring portable equipment operable by a single person.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle including: an engine and a motor-generator for outputting drive forces to run a vehicle; and a brake pedal for applying a braking force to the running vehicle. While an engine braking force is being established, it is detected that the brake pedal is depressed. After this depression of the brake pedal, the vehicle speed is detected so that the regenerative braking is effected by the motor generator on the basis of the detected vehicle speed.

Abstract: A construction machine comprising: an engine received within a body cover of the construction machine; a hydraulic pump connected to an output shaft of the engine; a cooling fan for taking cooling air into the body cover; and a plurality of devices to be cooled gathered and arranged in the vicinity of the hydraulic pump, said devices being arranged so that a cooling air passage parallel with the direction of an output shaft is formed between the devices. Thereby, the cooling efficiency can be enhanced, and the body can be made compact.