Abstract: In a wellbore system, non-return valves placed in one or more well boreholes within the system. The valves are placed in the production string downstream from the producing zones, the valve having a closure member selectively biased to a closed position against flow from the producing zones. A fluid backpressure in the production string further operates to bias the valve to the dosed position. When the fluid backpressure is reduced, the force exerted by the flow from the producing zone against the closure member is sufficient to move the closure member in its open position. The closure member is maintained in its open position as a result of the force exerted by the flow from the production zone. An increase in fluid backpressure on the valve results in the movement of the closure member from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A dual displacement pumping system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a subsurface pump, a tubing string, and a surface pumping unit connected to the subsurface pump by a reciprocating member. The subsurface pump includes a pump barrel mounted to the end of the tubing string, and a plunger mounted to the end of the reciprocating member. Valves cause downward motion of the plunger in the pump barrel to force fluid from the lower end of the pump barrel into the reciprocating member, and fill the upper end of the pump barrel with well bore fluid. They also cause upward motion of the plunger to force fluid from the upper pump barrel into the tubing string, and fill the lower pump barrel with well bore fluid. Thus, both pumping movements are exploited, nearly doubling the volume of fluid pumped with a conventional surface configuration.

Abstract: A system and process for reducing the flowing bottom-hole pressure in a natural gas well has a first discrete fluid flow path extending from the surface well head through a valve to an inlet of a separator, the valve being actuable between a closed condition and an open condition, and a second discrete gas flow path extending from an outlet of the separator to an inlet of a compressor, the compressor maintaining a near or below zero PSIG pressure at the separator inlet. When the valve is in the closed condition, positive pressure builds on the well head side of the valve and, when the valve is in the open condition, the near or below zero PSIG pressure of the separator is applied to the well head.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fluid metering apparatus provides discharge of a known volume of fluid to an actuator of a well tool. In one described embodiment, the fluid metering apparatus is connected to a hydraulic input of a well tool actuator. Discharge of the known volume of fluid to the actuator input causes a piston of the actuator to displace a known distance, thereby producing a known increment of actuation of the well tool. The discharge of the known volume of fluid may be repeated to produce a desired total degree of actuation of the well tool.

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 method for creating a seal between two tubulars in a wellbore is provided. In one aspect, the method allows for the top end of a first tubular to be sealingly mated to the bottom end of a second tubular. The first tubular is positioned at a selected depth within the wellbore. An expander tool is then run into the wellbore, and the top end of the first tubular is expanded along a desired length. The inner surface of the top end is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter which will mate with the lower end of the second tubular. The expander tool is removed, and the second tubular is run into the wellbore. The bottom end of the second tubular is then sealingly mated with the top end of the first tubular. In one embodiment, the first tubular defines a string of casing which is expanded to create a polished bore receptacle for receiving a string of production tubing.

Abstract: A fast response, upright sprinkler head includes a body having a central orifice through which fire extinguishing fluid is expelled through an outlet end. A yoke, attached to the exterior surface of the sprinkler body, extends beyond the outlet end of the sprinkler body and is connected at its apex to a deflector. A fusible trigger assembly is coupled to the yoke and the outlet end of the sprinkler head. The deflector is formed with a planar member having a skirt depending therefrom and an annular ledge extending horizontally from the skirt. The skirt depends from the planar member in an outward direction at a pre-selected angle from the vertical, and is formed with a plurality of through-holes. The fast response upright sprinkler head is configured to have a K value of at least 13.5, while the fusible trigger assembly has a fusing temperature between approximately 155° F. and 175° F.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for transmission of inspection report information from the fire extinguisher station to a remote central station.

Abstract: Machine for working the soil in tree or shrub plantations, consisting of a chassis (1-2) equipped with mechanisms (4-5a, 11, 11) allowing it to be mounted on the universal three-point hitch system of a farm tractor and consisting, laterally, of mechanisms (28a, 28b) permitting the mounting of lateral tools (29A, 29B) allowing the working of the soil near the feet of the aligned trees or shrubs and mechanisms for driving these tools in rotation from the power take-off shaft of the tractor, characterized in that the chassis (1-2) is itself provided with a universal three-point hitch system (4-5b, 13, 13) allowing the mounting, on this chassis, of a second machine that customarily moves in between the rows, for the working or the treatment of the soil, or any other job related to the cultivating of the trees or shrubs.

Abstract: A dual tractor hitch used to pull twin hay balers which have an acid tank for treating baled material.

Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a spring wire retainer with a base supported in a groove on the underside of the wedge support which mates with a stem portion of the sweep. The wedge support is apertured, and a central curved portion of the retainer passes through the aperture and supports a sweep-contacting end above the surface of the wedge support. The end is biased toward a contact area on the sweep to engage the area and eliminate sweep loss problems by preventing the sweep from slipping downwardly from the mounted position. To remove the sweep, a tool is inserted through the slot to depress the retainer end, and the sweep is forced off the wedge support. A raised area on the sweep directs soil away from the retainer and contact area to reduce wear and eliminate depression of the end during operation. The underside of the raised area positions the wire end and provides bend-resisting support for the wire.

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: A pneumatic rotating tool is disclosed wherein the amount of air discharged is adjusted with a finger of the hand which holds the tool, thereby making it possible to adjust the rotational speed of the air motor incorporated in the tool. Rotation of a cylindrical regulator relative to a cylindrical housing is limited to an angle through a predetermined range centered on an axis of the cylindrical housing. The regulator is formed with a cutout portion and a depression both for opening exhaust holes formed in the motor body. The regulator is further formed with thick-wall portions for closing the exhaust holes.

Abstract: A drilling tool has a bent sub or a defined “High Side”. An instrument housing which includes a magnetometer is secured to the directional drilling tool. The magnetometer measures the magnetic field vector in the plane perpendicular to the tool axis. Prior to running the directional drilling tool and the instrument housing into the well, a magnetic source is positioned next to the instrument housing at a position near the magnetometer. The magnetic source is made and positioned such that its magnetic field at the magnetometer points to the chalk line of the high side of a bent sub. The net magnetic field generated from the source is obtained by the difference in magnetic field measurements before and while the magnetic source is applied The azimuthal angle between the net magnetic field vector and the x-axis of the magnetometer or other direction sensor reference point used for tool face calculation is obtained by a computer.

Abstract: A reamer with a planetary gear train for use in horizontal directional drilling allows a reaming surface of the reamer to rotate at slower speeds while simultaneously conveying more power to the reamer via fast drill string rotational speeds. The reamer may also include mixing elements that may rotate at the same speed as the drill string. The reamer may further be steerable and include an offset mount that is rotatably coupled to the reamer. The offset mount being configured to couple a ream string to the reamer in such a manner that a longitudinal axis of the ream string is not collinear with the axis of rotation of the reamer. The reamer may also include u-joints which couple the reamer to a drill string and ream string, the u-joints allowing for a greater range of angles to be achieved when tilting the reamer by means of rotating and positioning the ream line.

Abstract: A multi-stage diffuser nozzle for use as a drill bit nozzle jet includes a flow restriction portion upstream of a fludic distributor portion, and also preferably includes a transition region between these two. The flow restrictor communicates with the interior fluid plenum of a drill bit and is used to limit or choke the total flow of drilling fluid by having a relatively small cross-sectional area for fluid flow. The fluidic distributor communicates with the flow restrictor and reduces the exit flow velocities of the drilling fluid as the drilling fluid is ejected from the nozzle by providing a relatively larger cross-sectional area for fluid flow. The fluidic distributor also directs the flow paths of the drilling fluid to locations such as cone surfaces that are prone to bit balling. The transition region is an area that dampens fluid pressure oscillations in the drilling fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earth boring drill bit with a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material. This translates to higher wear resistance in cutting applications and has advantages in numerous other applications.

Abstract: A vehicle including a platform, a braking and steering system fitted onto the platform including a handle movable along two substantially perpendicular axes to control steering by moving the handle with respect to a first of said axes and to control braking by moving the handle with respect to a second of said axes, and two guiding wheels mounted on independent pivoting axles connected by a steering rod, the steering rod being connected to an intermediary connecting rod connected to the control handle.

Abstract: A hybrid driveline for an automotive vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and a power transmission mechanism for transferring torque to the traction wheels of the vehicle. An electric starter motor/alternator unit is situated between the torque input element of the automatic transmission and the crankshaft of the engine. A wet clutch disc assembly receives torque from the engine through a damper assembly. The torque output side of the clutch is connected to the rotor of the motor/alternator unit, which in turn is connected driveably to the torque input shaft of the transmission. The damper attenuates peak torque fluctuations of the internal combustion engine, thereby reducing the maximum torque transmitting requirements of the clutch. The damper and the clutch are arranged in a compact assembly within the stator and rotor of the motor/alternator unit.

Abstract: An improved meter display device and control device for a saddle type vehicle such as a motor scooter. The display is mounted in the handlebar cover and in addition to the mounting the display, certain engine control parts are also mounted in the same housing so as to make a neater installation and simplify the overall construction.

Abstract: A front vehicle body construction which can facilitate the attachment of a reinforcing plate to a dash panel for an automobile, and can improve the shock absorbing performance and noise, vibration and harshness performance without an increase in the number of parts and the manpower for assembling.

Abstract: An assembly “(42)” including a fluid levitated caster and a debris scraper “(31)” device positioned external to a levitation membrane “(11)”. Assembly “(42)” levitates heavy loads upon a near frictionless pressurized fluid, and also sweeps aside potentially membrane destructive debris “(25)” from a floor “(27)” in the path of movement. The external debris scraper “(31)” function does not noticeably increase movement friction, and does not require increased power air flow or consumption.

Abstract: A movement of a vehicle is detected, using tire sensors, by evaluating detected, measured signals in an evaluating unit in such a manner, that the polarity of the measured signals, starting from the measured signals at vehicle standstill, is used as an indicator of the vehicle moving direction.

Abstract: A caster assembly is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a rear of skid steer loader. The skid steer loader has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels and a hydraulic system for driving at least the front wheels. The skid steer loader has an auxiliary hydraulic system. The caster assembly includes at least one caster mounted for rolling and swiveling motion and at least one actuator constructed and arranged to be connected with the auxiliary hydraulic system to cause movement of the caster with respect to the skid steer loader from an inoperative position, wherein the front and rear wheels are in a ground engaging position with the caster in a position so as not to engage the ground, to an operative position, wherein the caster and the front wheels are in a ground engaging position and the rear wheels are in a position so as not to engage the ground.

Abstract: A motorcycle comprising a frame having left and right tail supports extending rearward, front and rear wheels coupled to the frame, and a rear fender positioned over the rear wheel and between the tail supports. The rear fender includes left and right flanges positioned adjacent inner surfaces of the left and right tail supports, respectively. In order to provide additional support to the fender, the motorcycle can further include an inner support coupled to an inner surface of the fender. Preferably, the inner support and the fender define a wire path in which wires from a taillight can be routed, thereby protecting the wires. The wire path can be continued by another wire path defined between the fender and a rear housing that has an overlapping portion coupled to the fender.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for steering a motor vehicle, the device comprising at least one steering means to be actuated by a driver, the means being coupled electrically with at least one steerable wheel of the motor vehicle. The device further comprises a seat for the driver, the seat including a seat part which forms a seat area, and a backrest part. The steering means are coupled with the seat part and are longitudinally displaceable together with it.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a rack and pinion mechanism having a pinion functionally coupled to a steering wheel and a rack meshing with the pinion and functionally coupled to steerable wheels and a mechanism for displacing the rack in the axial direction thereof to steer the steerable wheels independently of steering operation initiated by the steering wheel. The rack and pinion mechanism comprises a variable gear ratio rack and pinion mechanism having a variable gear ratio, which is the lowest when the steering wheel is in a neutral position and becomes higher as the steering angle of the steering wheel becomes large.

Abstract: A hearing aid having a speaker that is hard mounted to the housing of the hearing aid and has an energy absorbing tip at that end of the hearing aid that is innermost in the ear and closest to the ear canal of the person wearing the hearing aid. According to another aspect of the present invention, the open end of the sound outlet through which an amplified version of the input sound is conducted is remote from that end of the hearing aid that is innermost in the ear and closest to the ear canal of the person wearing the hearing aid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cardable fiber blend which forms a moldable fiber batt, the blend comprising fibers having a modulus of 550 g/denier or more with fibers of a thermoplastic polymer wherein the high modulus polymer fibers are all uncrimped fibers or a mixture of crimped and uncrimped fibers. The moldable batt is useful in making speaker cones.

Abstract: A sound-producing device includes an acoustical generator associated with a rigid acoustical waveguide. The waveguide has a first section aligned with the exit and a second section aligned with the entry and the two sections are connected by a curved reflecting surface having the shape of part of a conic section surface.

Abstract: An insert assembly for a muffler of a high-performance motor cycle, having an insert with a filling of compressed heat-resistant, sound-absorbing material mounted on a removable hollow tube having an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the perforated core of the muffler. The filling includes a bulked-up continuous filamentary material. Once the insert has been introduced into the muffler by sliding the tube along the core, the tube is then withdrawn leaving the insert behind in the muffler. Removal of the tube allows the filling to relax towards its intended density. The first subsequent exposure to hot exhaust gases causes certain portions of the insert to degrade, allowing further relaxation of the filling to assume its intended density. Further, the tube precludes potential damage to the insert during its introduction into the muffler.

Abstract: A fluid-powered rotatable work platform assembly for use with a vehicle such as a vehicle having an arm for positioning the assembly. The assembly includes a work platform or support configured to support a load, a body having a cavity extending along a longitudinal axis, and an output shaft rotatably disposed within the body generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis. A linear-to-rotary force transmitting member is positioned within the cavity of the body and engaged with the body and the output shaft to translate linear motion of the force transmitting member to rotational motion of one of the output shaft and the body relative to the other.

Abstract: A stanchion holder for a rooftop safety rail system comprises a clamp having a first stanchion sleeve fixed thereto and an L-shaped adapter having a second stanchion sleeve, whereby a stanchion can be directly inserted into the first stanchion sleeve to extend in a direction orthogonal to a clamping direction of the clamp, or alternatively a male portion of the adapter can be received by the first stanchion sleeve and a stanchion can be inserted into the second stanchion sleeve to extend in a direction parallel to the clamping direction. The stanchion holder of the present invention can be installed either on a parapet or an overhanging ledge rooftop perimeter.

Abstract: A fire escape device for escaping a building through a widow during a fire includes a platform having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge wherein the first and second edges are opposite edges. A coupling member is attached to the first edge for coupling the platform to a window frame. An elongated member has a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls such that the elongated member generally has U-shape cross-section taken transversely to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The first end of the elongated member is attached to the second edge of the platform. The platform forms an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The side walls extend upwardly and the elongated member extends at a downward angle when the platform is at a generally horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The method of providing for escape from a building, that includes providing a safety door extending between a passage in the building, and the building exterior, the door extending upwardly from a location proximate the passage floor, supporting the door to open outwardly away from the passage, thereby opening the passage to the building exterior; and providing descent equipment including a cable or cables, for support by the door, and to move outwardly with the door so as to become located above the void below the opened door at the building exterior, whereby a person in the passage may access the descent equipment to be controllably lowered downwardly into the void at the building exterior while supported by the door.

Abstract: Two ladders are connected together with cross-braces to form a scaffold. Platforms of the scaffold are supported on rungs of the ladders. A C-shaped bracket connects to the ladder legs. The bracket has an ear for connecting a brace.

Abstract: A ladder assist wheel attached to the outer face of one of the ladder side rails. The wheel extends out from the outer face and rotates on an axis that is parallel to the plane of the outer face. A reinforcing plate is placed in contact with the inner face of the side rail and is operably attached to the wheel. The wheel is preferably positioned adjacent the bottom end of the side rail so that the ladder may be transported on its side by grasping the top end with one hand and allowing the wheel to contact and roll along the ground. For dual access folding stepladders, a wheel is attached to each of the side rails on one side of the ladder.

Abstract: A wayside lubricator for railroad cars has a number of sensors mounted adjacent the track which detect the approach and passage rail cars. A lubricant supply and a pressurizing system are mounted adjacent the track and in fluid communication with a control valve and spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is aimed to shoot lubricant into a target zone when the control valve is opened. The spray nozzle is turned on for a defined duration of time so that the quantity of the lubricant is kept under control. Application of the lubricant to the wheels of the locomotive is avoided by detecting locomotive wheels and leaving the valve closed until they pass. This invention reduces the friction between the wheel tread and rail on curves for the trailing cars and thus reduces the friction and the force that is experienced by the wheel flanges on curves.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a brake mechanism for a brake disc. The brake mechanism comprises a brake lever, a cross bar, one or more thrust plates and a closing plate. The brake mechanism is of a modular form comprising two or more units.

Abstract: An improved control mechanism for use in a magnetically operated wheel. The mechanism includes an outer cover, an inner housing, a pair of compression springs, two small supporting wheels, two linkage pieces, an externally connected pull cord control mount, a sensor, a signal transmitter mount and an internal or external transmission set. In adjustment, only a motor is activated to make a main transmission device, a secondary transmission device, a driven gear, a restraint unit and a driving wheel rotate in synchronism. When the driving wheel rotates, a lower gear and the linkage rack of the two pivotal linkage pieces equipped with a plurality of magnets and housed in a flywheel are in mesh engagement with each other to vary the distance between the magnets and the flywheel so as to make the adjustment of braking resistance of the flywheel in a stageless manner.

Abstract: A braking system for braking a rotor relative to a stator, the braking system comprising braking means respectively secured to the rotor and to the stator, a brake piston, return means for returning the piston to its braking position, a braking chamber, and a brake release chamber, which chambers are interconnected via a link duct serving to generate a flow of fluid in an assisted braking situation in which the braking chamber is connected to a fluid feed duct, while the brake release chamber is connected to a fluid return duct. The link duct is equipped with means for limiting the flow of the fluid at least in the direction going from the brake release chamber to the braking chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly is provided with a brake friction pad coated to produce a protective layer upon an associated rotor or like element (e.g., brake shoe). The inventive coating is applied as a surface treatment to the friction material of the brake pad, application of the coating in accordance with the inventive method may be performed immediately after manufacture of the brake pad or as an aftermarket performance enhancement for the brake assembly. Copper powder suspended in a resinous material such as a phenolic resin is the preferred material for the coating. The process for coating the brake pad is adaptable for use at a repair facility or auto parts supply store. The protective layer is formed upon the rotor transferring the coating by heat generated during application of the brake pad to the rotor to retard or arrest rotation thereof.

Abstract: A shock resistant carrying case in which to transport fragile equipment (e.g. a portable computer) having a body that is configured to facilitate a stable, close together stacking of a plurality of such carrying cases side-by-side and one above the other in an array of rows and columns that is suitable for storage and/or shipment. The carrying case has a pair of wheels located at one end of a base thereof and a pair of locking feet projecting from the opposite end of the base. The carrying case also has a first pair of interlocking cavities formed in one end of a lid thereof and a second pair of interlocking cavities formed in the opposite end of the lid. The pair of wheels and the pair of locking feet from the base of a first carrying case are received within respective ones of the first and second pairs of interlocking cavities formed in the lid of an adjacently positioned carrying case, whereby the first and adjacent carrying cases are held in face-to-face interlocking engagement with one another.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for incorporation into the torque transmission path between two components or subassemblies, especially for a hydrodynamic coupling device, includes at least two disk-like damper members. Each damper member has a radially outward coupling region and a radially inward coupling region, and at least one deformation region extending between the radially outward coupling region and the radially inward coupling region. Each deformation region is elastically deformable at least in some areas to permit a relative circumferential movement between the radially outward coupling region and the radially inward coupling region.

Abstract: An improved magnetorheological (MR) fluid fan drive design is disclosed. A critical area in the design of such fan drives is the gap for MR fluid between the rotor ring and the corresponding structure of the stator. The stator member must confine the MR fluid in the gap and the applied magnetic field for the fluid and the field coil close to it. In this disclosure a ferrous alloy stator insert is made as one piece and cast within a larger aluminum alloy stator body. A slot for the rotor ring is cut through stator insert separating it into two pieces that remain supported by the aluminum body. The magnetically permeable insert pieces confine the fluid and the magnetic field at the fluid gap around the rotor, and one of the stator insert pieces supports the field coil next to the gap.

Abstract: A drive force transmission apparatus disposed within a differential carrier and adapted to drivingly couple first and second rotary shafts. The drive force transmission apparatus includes an outer casing coupled to the first rotary shaft, an inner shaft coupled to the second rotary shaft, a frictional clutch which enters a frictionally engaged state upon reception of a thrust force to thereby couple the outer casing and the inner shaft together, and an electromagnetic drive mechanism for generating the thrust force.

Abstract: In a power transmission apparatus, a sub-clutch apparatus is arranged between the input shaft and an intermediate rotary body, a main clutch apparatus is arranged between the intermediate rotary body and the output shaft, and a cam apparatus converting the frictional engagement force of the sub-clutch apparatus into the pressing force for the main clutch apparatus.

Abstract: An oil cooling arrangement for a stacked plate type clutch assembly is provided. The stacked plate clutch assembly includes a stacked plate arrangement of alternating separator plates and clutch plates housed within a retainer. The oil cooling arrangement includes a flow passage structure arranged relative to the retainer for providing a secondary oil flow path in addition to a flow path through the stacked plate clutch assembly.

Abstract: In a friction plate obtained by adhering a plurality of friction material segments onto a core plate, and axial thickness of each of the friction material segment in areas including adjacent portions between the adjacent friction material segments is thinner than the other portion of the friction material segment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating IC devices or semiconductor devices and/or components thereof. The apparatus includes a flexible membrane or bladder configured to receive an applied fluid pressure on a surface thereof and expand in response to the applied fluid pressure. Upon expansion of the flexible membrane, a semiconductor device or semiconductor device component is contacted by the flexible membrane and immobilized. The semiconductor device may then be subjected to a predetermined test or manufacturing operation. Subsequent any processing to the semiconductor device or component, the fluid pressure is released such that the flexible membrane contracts and releases the semiconductor device to be advanced for further processing, testing, or preparation for shipping.