Abstract: A method for production of absorbent articles having the shape of pants including providing individual absorption cores, securing the absorption cores to an elastic material web which is advanced continuously in a direction of travel, assembling the individual articles to form a pants shape, cutting out individual articles each comprising an absorption core and a piece of the elastic material web, the cutting-out stage and assembling stage giving each article two leg openings and a waist opening. The elastic material web has an elastic extensibility in the direction of travel of at least 80%, and preferably at least 100%, and the elastic material web during production is stretched a maximum of 5% in the direction of travel of the material web.

Abstract: A polymer micro-ring resonator and a method of manufacturing the same that is capable of providing reduced surface roughness and improved submicron gap separation between a waveguide and a micro-ring. Nanoimprinting is employed to achieve these advantages without the need for a final lithography and etching step. According to a first method, a hard mold is used to directly imprint a polymer film to form optical waveguides in micro-ring devices. A second method employs a template filling approach, which allows a thicker waveguide to be fabricated, as well as polymers that are difficult to directly imprint. Later buffering of the substrate is used to form pedestal structures under the waveguide and micro-ring for improved performance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of transferring an object to be peeled onto a transferring member in a short time without imparting damage to the object to be peeled within a laminate. Also, another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device in which a semiconductor element manufactured on a substrate is transferred onto a transferring member, typically, a plastic substrate. The methods are characterized by including: forming a peeling layer and an object to be peeled on a substrate; bonding the object to be peeled and a support through a two-sided tape; peeling the object to be peeled from the peeling layer by using a physical method, and then bonding the object to be peeled onto a transferring member; and peeling the support and the two-sided tape from the object to be peeled.

Abstract: Polymeric multilayer optical films, and laminate bodies that include such films, are cut or subdivided into one or more discrete pieces by removably applying a first and second liner to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film. Laser radiation is then directed at the multilayer optical film through the first liner in such a way as to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the multilayer optical film. Thereafter, the plurality of pieces of the first liner are removed from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film while the pieces of multilayer optical film are supported by the second liner. Application of the first liner to the multilayer optical film can be accomplished with electrostatics.

Abstract: A method of joining at least two objects (2,4) by gluing with a two-component adhesive system to form a composite structure is disclosed. It comprises providing a first adhesive component including liquid urea-formaldehyde in combination with a powdery urea, so as to render the first component sufficiently viscous. Furthermore, a second adhesive component including a hardener is provided. At least one of the objects (4) is preheated prior to joining said objects. The first and second adhesive components are then applied separately to said objects. Finally, heat and pressure (14) is applied for a time sufficient to cause said adhesive to cure.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions are disclosed which cure rapidly and completely on confinement between passive substrates, such as magnesium alloys, that are deficient in transition metals and transition metal ions. The compositions include one or more acrylate resins, one or more peroxy free radical initiators, one or more onium salts, and an accelerator such as acetylphenyl hydrazine desirably in an amount of about 1.0% or less by weight of the composition. These compositions provide exceptional bonding to such substrates without the need for a transition metal primer. Methods of making and using such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a laser machining method for removing remaining defects on a photomask, there has been problems to be resolved that damage is formed at the portion of the substrate where the defect has been removed, thus resulting in degraded quality of machining.

Abstract: A baffle device applied to a reaction room for isolating a specific matter is provided. The baffle device includes a main body, a first collecting assemble disposed around the main body and having plural first outlets and plural first collecting strips disposed on the plural first outlets for collecting the specific matter, and a second collecting assembly parallel to the first collecting assembly and having plural second outlets and plural second collecting strips disposed on the specific matter, wherein the first collecting strips and the second collecting strips are mutually arranged alternately.

Abstract: A system and method for processing semiconductor wafers using different wafer processes utilizes multiple processing assemblies to efficiently perform these wafer processes. The wafer processes performed by the processing assemblies may vary with respect to operating parameters or the types of wafer processes, which allows customization of the wafer processes. Each of the processing assemblies is configured to sequentially process two or more semiconductor wafers at different processing positions by sequentially transferring the semiconductor wafers to the different processing positions using a wafer transfer carousel. As the semiconductor wafers are processed at one of the processing assemblies, the processed semiconductor wafers are sequentially transferred to the next processing assembly in an efficient manner. The sequential processing of the semiconductor wafers at each of the processing assemblies and the sequential transferring of the wafers contribute to an increased throughput.

Abstract: A parallel flat plate type plasma etching equipment can supply RF to both the upper electrode 14 and the lower electrode 18. In the plasma etching equipment a metal plate 31 having a ground potential, and having a plurality of openings H in the range of a predetermined area is installed between the upper electrode 14 and the wafer 16 placed on the lower electrode 18. A plasma etching equipment comprises a lower electrode supplied with a high-frequency power and a microwave-introducing window in the location facing said lower electrode. In the plasma etching equipment a metal plate 32 has a ground potential, and has a plurality of openings H in the range of a predetermined area. The metal plate 32 is installed between the microwave-introducing window 26 and the wafer 16 placed on the lower electrode 18.

Abstract: Within a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method there is employed interposed between a decoupling capacitor and a radio frequency powered electrode a minimum of two adjustment capacitors. The minimum of two adjustment capacitors provide for enhanced plasma control within the plasma processing apparatus and the plasma processing method.

Abstract: A sheet piece (S′) that is needed to assemble wiring harnesses (W) on a harness assembling board (A) is recognized, and a recognition signal is generated. A sheet cutting apparatus (20) then cuts a sheet (S) from a sheet roll to a specified length in accordance with the recognition signal. The cut sheet piece (S′) then is dropped onto the respective harness assembling board (A). The sheet cutting apparatus (20) has a sheet feed roller (22), pressure rollers (23) that are movable toward and away from the feed roller (22) and cutters (26) for cutting the sheet (S). The feed roller (22) is rotated and the pressure rollers (23) press the sheet (S) against the feed rollers (22) in response to the recognition signal. Thus, a specified length of the sheet (S) is fed, and the cutters (26) cut the sheet (S) into a sheet piece (S′) of the specified length.

Abstract: A heat shield for use in a laminator having a laminating roller includes a movable shield member. The heat shield has a retracted position in which a laminating side of the laminating roller is exposed. Additionally, the heat shield has a shielding position in which the shield member covers the laminating side of the laminating roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire assembling/disassembling machine, particularly for industrial vehicle wheels, having a support frame (2) delimiting a foreheadt, a back and two sides, a rigid support framework (13) articulated at the back of the support frame (2) according to an articulation axis (12), driving means (15) for angularly lifting/lowering said rigid support framework (13) with respect to said support frame, a self-centring assembly (14) overhangingly carried by said rigid support framework (13) at the foreheadof said support frame (2), whereby its axis of rotation is substantially normal to said articulation axis (12), and bead-releasing means carried by said rigid support framework.

Abstract: A folding device as a room divider or room closure has at least one wing chain of interconnected wings that upon opening of the folding device are folded against one another. One wing side has guide elements received in guide rails such that the wings are slidably guided. One wing is an opening wing connected only to a single neighboring wing and has a free wing edge guided in the guide rails. The guide elements on the free wing edge of the opening wing have a hinge, respectively. The hinges have a first end connected to the opening wing and a second end connected to holding elements in the guide rails. The free wing edge has a fixed profiled strip arranged between the holding elements. The profiled strip covers at least a width of the holding elements outside of the guide rails.

Abstract: A folding device as a room divider or room closure has at least one wing chain of interconnected wings that upon opening of the folding device are folded against one another. One wing side has guide elements providing pivot axes received in guide rails such that the wings are slidably guided. One wing is an opening wing connected only to a single neighboring wing and has a free wing edge guided in the guide rails. At least one guide rail has a stop across which the wings cannot move. The free wing edge has a profiled strip at a side facing the stop. The profiled strip projects past the pivot axis of the guide element provided at the free wing edge and has a slanted portion facing the stop and slanted in a direction toward the free wing edge. The slanted portion extends at least across the stop height.

Abstract: A hurricane shutter system with accordion folding shutter assemblies is based on the mathematical relationship between the deployed length of the shutter, the stacked or folded length of the shutter and the size of an opening in a structure. The relationship results in a shutter system that will fit different sized openings with the least number of shutter assemblies and without excess assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the novel placement of two pairs of vertical track disposed adjacent to each other together with a pair of radiused horizontal tracks being attached to the outer pair of vertical tracks allowing the use of a flexible lift and reverse cable system to open, close and reverse multi-paneled garage doors. Use of an inner and outer pair of vertical tracks disposed adjacent to each other allows the lowermost rollers to be guided on the inner vertical tracks and the remaining rollers to be guided on the outer vertical tracks and, ultimately, the horizontal tracks as the garage door opens. This configuration allows the lift cable a clear pathway to travel from the drum down the center of the inner vertical tracks to the connection with the shaft journal mounted near the bottom of the garage door.

Abstract: A variable pivot mount 11 is used to adjustably mount a door or window panel to a jamb. The pivot mount has a hinge pin 12 defining the pivot axis of the panel, and an arm 19 extending transversely to the hinge pin 12. The arm 19 locates in a socket 27 mounted to the jamb, and is axially slidable therein to accommodate lateral displacement of the hinge axis, e.g. due to out-of-square movements of the panel. The arm 19 may be biased to a rest position. The pivot mount can also be used as a floating intermediate hinge mount 40 for a door or window panel 41.

Abstract: A pressure diffuser is disclosed having a pressurized vessel having an inlet adapted to receive a slurry of cellulosic fibrous material and cooking liquor; an outer chamber having an assembly of screens, wherein the slurry flows through the outer chamber and a portion of the cooking liquor is extracted through the screens; a center chamber to receive cooking liquor extracted through the screens; an inner head capping the center chamber, wherein the inner head is impervious to gases escaping from the cooking liquor and collecting underneath the inner head, and a gas exhaust conduit extending from the inner head to an outlet external of the pressure diffuser, wherein the conduit has an inlet below the inner head.

Abstract: A method of producing a high quality paper pulp slurry from high silica content lignocellulosic agricultural waste materials is provided. The method includes combining the agricultural waste materials with a chemical composition to form a mixture, sautéing the mixture, and grinding the sautéed mixture to provide the pulp slurry. The method results in greater than 55 percent solids recovery in the pulp slurry relative to the starting lignocellulosic agricultural waste materials, and removes substantially none of the lignin from the agricultural waste materials.

Abstract: A water-dispersible oil/grease-sizing and water-sizing agent that provides oil/grease and water-sizing for paper and other cellulosic materials. The agent works effectively for both oil/grease and water sizing at high temperatures. The polymeric agent's key features include a polyamine component which is a repeating monomer unit with cellulose-reactive and fluorinated groups substituted on the polyamine.

Abstract: Copolymers of dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide and hydroxyethyl methacrylate having residual monomer levels of <2000 ppm and <500 ppm, respectively, are made by copolymerizing the monomers in a predetermined weight ratio in an aqueous-alcoholic solvent of defined composition. Substrates coated with these copolymers are capable of absorbing the solvents, e.g. water or organic solvents, of digital printing inks rapidly with dry times of <1 min.

Abstract: An integrated system and method for removing excess nutrients from water, for removing the nutrients from the removal site, for enhancing soil, and for producing pulp and paper products includes bioremediating water to be treated with cultured algae or another suitable plant matter in an attached periphyton bed, harvesting the algae/plant matter to produce a wet algal biomass, and mixing the wet biomass with a shredded fibrous material to produce a pulp. The pulp can be molded into a biodegradable package that can be utilized as a delivery vehicle to a site having nutrient-enrichable soil, where the package can be used as a soil amendment after being used as a delivery vehicle. The pulp can also be made into a paper product that is biodegradable and has the characteristic of enhancing soil quality.

Abstract: A reduction casting method includes the steps of: allowing a metallic gas and a reactive gas to react with each other to generate a reducing compound; introducing the thus-generated reducing compound into a cavity of a molding die 11; and reducing an oxide film formed on a surface of a molten metal by the reducing compound to cast a cast product. The reduction casting method uses a non-reactive gas as a carrier gas when the metallic gas is introduced into the cavity, in which a flow quantity of the non-reactive gas is allowed to be from one sixth to twice that of the reactive gas.

Abstract: The microstructure of a metal matrix composite comprising copper and reinforcement material is improved when the metal matrix composite comprises at least about 0.02% by weight of at least one of silver and gold. In one embodiment, the process for making a metal matrix composite comprises compacting powder particles of a reinforcement material to form a green compact, sintering the green compact to produce a porous skeletal body and infiltrating the porous skeletal body with an infiltrant comprising copper and at least about 0.1% of at least one of silver and gold, based on the weight of infiltrant. In another embodiment, the process comprises forming a mixture of particles of reinforcement material, copper and at least about 0.02% by weight of at least one of silver and gold, compacting the mixture to form a green compact, and sintering the green compact to form a near net shape metal matrix composite.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for providing lock-up pressure between die blocks of a die cast machine includes at least one tie bar engagement mechanism adapted to releasably engage a tie bar of a die cast machine, thereby preventing the tie bar engagement mechanism from sliding with respect to the tie bar. The clamping assembly also includes at least one hydraulic piston assembly having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to apply pressure to a die block of the die cast machine when the piston assembly is extended, and wherein the second end abuts the tie bar engagement mechanism when the tie bar engagement mechanism is engaged with the tie bar and the piston assembly is extended.

Abstract: The finding relates to a piston for cold chamber die-casting machines that comprises a steel body and at least one sealing band in copper alloy mounted around the body into a respective housing in back position with respect to the piston head. At least two channels are provided on the outside surface of the piston comprised between head and sealing band, for an inflow on the melted metal under the same band. When such metal solidifies, it creates a thickness that radially pushes the band outwards, thus compensating for its wear.

Abstract: cooling unit for use in sand molds where casting parts are obtained. The coolers consist of several modules (5) mounted on a support (4) with a certain clearance, and attached to it by a bar (7), being placed on a pallet (3) handled by robotic means and displaceable within a casting installation together with an upper pallet (1) in which the mold is placed, which is superimposed and coupled on the lower pallet (3) in the automated assembly of the mold on the cooling unit, the mold being automatically disassembled from the cooling unit after the cast part (P) is obtained. Each cooler module (5) can consist of a single part, two parts (5′) or three parts (5″), and it is mounted on the corresponding support (4) with a clearance (6) in order to absorb the expansions and contraction caused by the heat transmitted by the molten metal.

Abstract: A rotary drive system is provided that can rotate any object or a die holding assembly up to 270 degrees of rotation that uses both air and oil along with a oil/air pressure transferring device to smooth out each rotary cycle. The rotary drive system also utilizes a combination of air and oil in combination with a flow control device and an oil recovery reservoir to provide an impact cushion at the end of each rotational cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying the surface of a heat exchanger in a vehicle of moisture accumulating as a result of its use as an evaporator in an air conditioning system. Air is first heated by the heater core in the air conditioning system and then directed through the heat exchanger. Because of the reduced humidity of such air, any residual moisture in the heat exchanger is evaporated and is discharged to the environment. Where the system is used in a vehicle, it prevents the discharge of moist air onto the windows and/or windshield of the vehicle and thus minimizes or eliminates fogging of the windshield.

Abstract: A room air conditioner is provided which includes a compressor, a condenser coil, an evaporator coil, a wall positioned between the condenser coil and the evaporator coil, a chassis for supporting said compressor, condenser coil and wall, with the evaporator coil being secured to and supported by the wall, and at least a portion of the evaporator coil extending forwardly of a front edge of the chassis. The chassis is preferably formed of metal while the wall is preferably formed at least partially of plastic, in an upper and a lower mating piece. A plastic front panel may be positioned in front of the evaporator coil and secured to the wall. A series of air conditioners can be provided with a single sized chassis, but differing sized evaporator coils, to provide models with different cooling capacities utilizing a single sized chassis, with smaller cooling capacity air conditioners having a smaller size than larger capacity air conditioners of the series.

Abstract: A CPU heat sink fastener includes several fasteners with press button on top and a tenor on bottom. After the fastener passes through the heat sink, it applies an elastic part as pressure mechanism to fix the fastener on the fixing hole of the circuitry board. A stable plate with several holding cylinders; each of the fasteners is placed inside one cylinder; an elastic part is under the press button. Two stretch plates with fixing through hole are located in the proper position in the heat sink. The heat sink is on right top of the CPU; the stable plate is on right top of the heat sink to make the holding cylinder faces directly with the stretch plate. Users can push the press button of the fastener and make the tenor pass through the through hole and fix firmly on the fixing through hole of the circuitry board.

Abstract: By the riveting protrusion of the base and the riveting hole of the sideboard, a riveted bond structure for a heat sink of a central processing unit (CPU) rivets the riveting protrusion outside of the sideboard by an external force to mount the base and the sideboard. More particularly, the riveting protrusion has two identical V-shaped pressing parts. Peak points of the V-shaped pressing parts are disposed in a line. When the riveting protrusion inserts through the riveting hole, the V-shaped pressing parts are respectively riveted aside by an external force to mount the base and the sideboard.

Abstract: A heat transfer device includes a thermal superconducting body, which has a hollow heat transfer body and a heat transfer layer. The hollow heat transfer body is made of a heat conductive material and has a flat top portion and a flat bottom portion connected to the flat top portion and cooperating with the flat top portion to form a sealed vacuum receiving space therebetween. The heat transfer layer is made of a thermal superconductor material, is disposed in the vacuum receiving space, and forms a superconductor lining on an inner wall surface of the heat transfer body.

Abstract: A manifold for a heat exchanger comprising a tank, a plurality of tubes arranged to receive fluid therein, a plurality of fins for interspacing the tubes, the fins extending along the length of the tubes to thereby define a core section, wherein the header section is formed with multi-point brazing interfaces for securing said header and said core section during a brazing process. One embodiment provides at least one doubled wall area in close proximity to the tube slot areas to form a structure of increased strength, permitting the material to be reduced in relative thickness. The manifold may be formed from flat sheet stock by extended side walls of the header portion joined by a separate cap to close a top portion of the manifold assembly for the purpose of collecting fluid to and from the tubes and said at least one inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A zonal climate control system for a vehicle passenger compartment provides independent outside air mixing for zones behind the operator area. A forward zone climate unit comprises, an air circulation system having an outlet to the vehicle passenger compartment, an inlet from the vehicle passenger compartment, an inlet communicating with an outside environment, a heater core coupled to the engine driven heat source and an evaporator coupled to the engine driven air conditioning compressor. The passenger compartment further includes a rearward zone climate unit, comprising, an air circulation system having an outlet to the vehicle passenger compartment, an inlet from the vehicle passenger compartment, an inlet communicating with the outside environment through the exterior skin of the vehicle, a heater core coupled to the engine driven heat source and an evaporator coupled to the engine driven compressor.

Abstract: A lid for a well plate is provided. Pins penetrate the lid and project downwardly into the wells of the well plate. Thermal energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to regulate the temperature of liquid samples in the well plate. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to sonicate the liquid sample. An electrical charge is applied to the upper end of the pin to attract charged materials, such as DNA, and to selectably segregate charged materials from the liquid sample.

Abstract: A thermal regulator stabilizes the temperature within an internal cavity of an instrument. The thermal regulator includes a circulator that draws ambient medium surrounding the instrument and recirculated medium within the internal cavity, into a duct. The circulator forms a mixture of the drawn ambient medium and recirculated medium. An adjustable heater intercepts the mixture and controls the temperature of the mixture to be within a temperature range that is less than a temperature range of the ambient medium in which the instrument is surrounded.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing subterranean resources from a limited surface area includes a first well bore extending from the surface to the target zone. The first well bore includes an angled portion disposed between the target zone and the surface to provide an offset between a surface location of the first well bore and an intersection of the first well bore with the subterranean resource. The system also includes an articulated well bore extending from the surface to the target zone. The articulated well bore is offset from the first well bore at the surface and intersects the first well bore proximate the target zone. The system further includes a well bore pattern extending from the intersection of the first well bore and the articulated well bore in the target zone to provide access to the target zone.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.

Abstract: A deformable member can be used in a well tool for use in downhole oil/gas wells. In one embodiment, a deformable member (46) is described which is deformable between undeformed and deformed positions, and comprises a generally hollow cylindrical body (48) defining a wall (50). The wall (50) includes three circumferential lines of weakness in the form of grooves, with two grooves (52, 54) provided in an outer surface (56) of the member wall (50), and the other groove (58) provided in an inner surface (60). The member (46) is deformed outwardly by folding about the lines of weakness (52, 54, 56) and is used in particular to obtain sealing contact with a tube in which the member (46) is located.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of sampling the formation fluids in an earth formation surrounding a borehole, the region of the formation immediately surrounding the borehole being at least partially invaded by borehole fluids, and an apparatus for carrying out such a method. According to the invention, a borehole tool is adapted to be lowered into the borehole and is provided with a sampling probe device and means for urging the sampling probe device into contact with the borehole wall, the sampling probe device comprising an inner probe and an outer probe surrounding the inner probe for withdrawing respective fluid samples from the formation, wherein the ratio between the respective flow areas of the inner and outer probes is selected so as to tend to reduce the time taken to obtain via the inner probe a sample of the formation fluids having a given level of contamination by borehole fluids.

Abstract: It has been discovered that sticking caused by proppants used in a frac pack or gravel pack operation during hydrocarbon recovery efforts can be mitigated by placing a proppant anti-sticking fluid in a downhole space, such as an annulus adjacent a tool system or service tool. An operation is conducted that involves passing a carrier fluid including a proppant through the tool system. The carrier fluid is gelled and optionally crosslinked. The proppant anti-sticking fluid is flushed through the tool system to break the gel, contact the proppant and substantially clear the proppant from the tool system. Finally, the tool system is removed from downhole. The proppant anti-sticking fluid includes a diluent, such as an aqueous fluid, a brine, or a non-aqueous fluid, and an effective amount of a gel-breaking component to break the gel, and may, but does not necessarily include a surface tension-reducing compound, such as a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for cementing. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of preparing a cement composition comprised of hydraulic cement, water, gas, surfactants, a cement early strength accelerator and a mildly set retarding cement dispersing agent, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the casing string and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set into a hard impermeable mass. The cement composition used can alternatively comprise hydraulic cement, a water reducing additive, a dispersing additive, a set accelerating additive and water. Also, the cement composition can be made environmentally benign by using water reducing and dispersing additives, set retarding additives, and compressive strength and set accelerating additives which are environmentally degradable.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsea formation comprises at least one producing well penetrating the formation for producing hydrocarbon fluids. At least one dummy well is hydraulically connected to the at least one producing well for routing the hydrocarbon fluids from the producing well to the dummy well. At least one pump is disposed in the at least one dummy well. The pump takes suction flow from the dummy well and boosts the flow energy of the discharge flow of hydrocarbon fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for a dynamic mudcap drilling and well control assembly. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises of a tubular body disposable in a well casing forming an outer annulus there between and an inner annulus formable between the body and a drill string disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a sealing member to seal the inner annulus at a location above a lower end of the tubular body and a pressure control member disposable in the inner annulus at a location above the lower end of the tubular body. In another embodiment, the assembly uses two rotating control heads, one at the top of the wellhead assembly in a conventional manner and a specially designed downhole unit. Thus, creating dual barriers preventing any potential leak of produced gases or liquid hydrocarbon on to the rig floor, thereby ensuring the safety of the rig operators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for use in a wellbore tool. The apparatus includes a body and a sliding member, wherein the sliding member and a mechanical portion moves between a first position and a second position. A valve assembly causes the sliding member and mechanical portion to shift to its second position at a predetermined flow rate of fluid through the body. The invention also provides an apparatus for a downhole tool that includes a mandrel and a sliding member disposed on the mandrel. The sliding member including a plurality of fingers and a plurality of heads, wherein the plurality of fingers are slideably recessed within a plurality of longitudinal grooves. The invention further provides a collet assembly that includes a body and at least two extendable members, whereby as the members extend outward, the members are rotated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hoof guard for hooves of equestrian animals, especially for horse hooves, comprising a horseshoe-shaped base body (1), which has a walking side (11) and a hoof application side (10). The hoof guard also comprises at least two lifting devices (18), which can be displaced in or on the base body (1) and which can be fixed to the base body (1). Each lifting device consists of a sliding part (23), which is mounted in or on the base body (1) inside a depression or recess, and of a stop part (24), which projects away from the walking side while extending in an essentially perpendicular manner to the sliding part (23), and which rests against the hoof.

Abstract: A hitch for a work vehicle includes a plurality of links pivotally coupled to a vehicle body and to an implement, either directly or indirectly via a hitch frame or quick coupler. The hitch preferably includes at least one upper link, two lower links and two longitudinally adjustable lift links for raising and lowering the hitch. Each lift link is coupled to an associated lower link near an aft end thereof. The hitch may selectively comprise both rigid and longitudinally adjustable links. The functionality of the hitch can be changed by replacing, adding or removing links. The hitch can be converted between a simple three-point hitch and a “hexapod” type hitch.