Abstract: Methods of forming permeable sand screens in long, open hole well bores within fluid producing zones are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a perforated pipe in the open hole well bore, providing a hardenable composition which after being placed in a desired location cures into a hard mass, placing the hardenable composition in the well bore adjacent to the fluid producing zone within the interior of the perforated pipe therein, between the perforated pipe and the walls of the open hole well bore and within voids or fractures in the producing zone, causing the hardenable composition to cure into a hard permeable mass and drilling the hard permeable mass out of the interior of the perforated pipe.

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

Abstract: A system for removing solid particulates from a production fluid. The system includes a solid separator to remove the solid particulates from the production fluid to reduce pump component wear. The system is disposed in a wellbore such that wellbore fluids are drawn into the solids separator before entering the submersible pump. Solid particulates are separated from the fluid that flows through the solids separator before entering the submersible pump. The solid particulates are routed past the submersible pump. The solid particulates may be reinjected into the fluid discharged from the pump.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: Different sections of an agricultural implement can be raised and lowered independently and by varying amounts by a unique hydraulic system. That system incorporates a three-position, four-way primary control valve which selectively connects a supply line and a tank return line to first and second hydraulic lines. A plurality of double acting hydraulic cylinders are provided to produce movement of lift assemblies with respect to a frame of the implement. A separate electrohydraulic lift control valve for each hydraulic cylinder couples one cylinder chamber to the first hydraulic line and the other cylinder chamber is connected directly to the second hydraulic line. Operation of the primary control valve determines the movement direction and selective activation of the lift control valves determines whether the associated section of the implement moves and the amount of such movement.

Abstract: A hitch for coupling an implement to a utility vehicle includes adjustable length coupling elements and a pivotal coupling unit coupled thereto. A control system automatically controls the length of the coupling elements to control the direction of the line of action of the draft forces, the position of the towing point defined by the coupling unit, and the orientation of the Implement relative to the utility vehicle. The control system includes sensors for sensing the position of the implement relative to the vehicle, for determining a set of reference positions, and for sensing forces applied to the coupling elements. The control system also automatically controls the length of the coupling elements as a function of the sensor signals.

Abstract: A low till agricultural implement has a frame with a hitch for attachment to a tractor. A straight coulter composed of an array of parallel circular blades is mounted to the front of the frame, and is followed by a spiral reel assembly and a spike tooth harrow assembly. The circular blades are mounted perpendicular to rotating shafts, and slice through field residue and soil with minimal side movement of material. The blades of the following reel then make cuts nearly perpendicular to those made by the circular blades. A trailing level bar follows the spiral reel. The implement aids in drying the soil surface layer, and, by cutting up residue and even spreading, the implement helps to warm up the soil.

Abstract: A tool, having a handle attached to a gripping structure, for ergonomically pulling weeds, including the bulk of their root systems, or other protruding shafts from the ground. The gripping structure has at least one tong that rotates from pressure against the surface of the ground. The rotation of the tong or tongs causes a gripping surface at the end of a tong to compress towards a mated gripping surface, forming a jaw. When operating the tool, the two gripping surfaces sandwich the weed-stalk to be extracted. This gripping structure works automatically with pressure against the surface, so unnecessary steps are eliminated in engaging or disengaging the tool. The handle is a lever arm pivoting the entire gripping structure, this forces whatever is held in the jaw away from the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for connecting a device or implement to a tractor wherein the tractor is equipped with a conventional three-point hitch. The apparatus includes a frame having a top member and a bottom member, which are joined together by a pair of side members. Each side member is adapted to be pivotably connected to a hydraulic lift arm of a tractor and the top member is adapted to be pivotably connected to a top arm of a tractor. Each of said side members further adapted to be pivotably connected to a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is adapted to be pivotably connected to said tractor. The stabilizer bars prevent lateral movement and upward movement of the frame when the frame is connected to a tractor.

Abstract: A coulter assembly has a resilient spring tine that bears against the compression face of the angled coulter during field operations to remove dirt clumps that otherwise inhibit the furrow-forming action of the coulter. A special spring coil mounting of the tine provides a lively vibratory action as the tine encounters various impact loads from different directions during field operations, thus rendering the tine essentially self-cleaning insofar as trash accumulations are concerned. The angle of attack of the tine relative to the ground and the coulter can be readily adjusted without diminishing the vibratory action of the tine.

Abstract: A rock bolter has a turret assembly having a positionable base. The base slidably and rotatably engages a cylindrical member on which a feed track support is affixed. A jack rotatably and slidably engages the cylindrical member, but cannot translate with respect to the base. The jack has a piston connected to the feed track support, and extending or retracting the piston translates the cylindrical member relative to the base to move the feed track support toward and away from a rock surface. A stinger assembly connected to the base engages the rock surface to stabilize the turret assembly. A pivot actuator connected between the base and the jack rotates the jack and the feed track support to selectively place either a drill or a bolt driver in alignment with a desired location on the rock surface.

Abstract: The invention is based on a hand power tool, in particular a hammer drill, with a drivable drive mechanism (12) accommodated in a housing (10) and a mechanical hammer unit (14), which is for percussion-driving a tool (16) in a tool holding fixture (18) and has a hammer (20) that can be driven in its hammering motion by a driver unit (22), which has at least one annular curved path (24, 26) with raised areas and recessed areas oriented axially toward the tool and has a feeler unit (28), which is operationally connected to the hammer (20) and which, by at least one feeler element (30), can be brought into operational connection with the raised areas and recessed areas of the curved path (24, 26). The invention proposes that the feeler unit (28) has at least two feeler elements (30) that can be brought into operational connection with the curved path (24, 26).

Abstract: A hand-guided vibration tamper, which is driven by a motor laterally cantilevered on the tamper head, is provided with guard plates covering its underside and lateral sides. The underside and lateral guard plates are connected to a housing for the motor, and the underside guard plate is fastened near its free end to the motor and/or an air circulation hood for the motor. Preferably, the underside guard plate is a thick-walled aluminum plate screwed together with the lateral guard plates and extends beyond to protect the air circulation hood with its extension. Advantageously, the motor is also protected by a substantially closed, upper covering connected to the lateral guard plates.

Abstract: A piercing apparatus compact in size having a decreased number of hoses is suited for use as an iron runner port-opening machine for a blast furnace or the like furnace in an iron mill.

Abstract: A portable power tool is provided which includes a housing having an angle drive chamber, a rotation motor, an output spindle, and a grease lubricated angle drive that is located in the angle drive chamber and that includes a drive pinion connected to the motor and a bevel gear connected to the output spindle. The portable power tool also includes an output spindle arresting device which includes a number of recesses in the bevel gear and a latch pawl movably supported in the housing for movement between an inactive position and an active position to engage the recesses in the bevel gear, wherein a grease moving element is connected to the latch pawl to be moved and displace grease from one part of the angle drive chamber to another as the latch pawl is shifted from its inactive position to its active position.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for drilling a well, comprising a non-magnetic tubing, an orienter, a motor, a bit fed with drilling fluid which passes through the non-magnetic tubing, and a sensor package contained within the non-magnetic tubing, characterized by a drilling fluid flow tube passing through the non-magnetic tubing adjacent to the sensor package, and means for determining the relative position measurement between the non-magnetic tubing and the motor.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention is an underground directional drilling tool which is particularly effective in drilling rock and highly compacted soil formations. This tool is an improvement upon the tool developed by Applicants and patented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,350. The current invention utilizes ball bearings contained within subassemblies positioned at each end of the steering tool. This allows the steering tool to float upon the subassemblies as the inner core and drive shaft rotate within the subassemblies and steering tool, thereby reducing rotational torque transfer from the drill string, subassemblies and drive shaft to the housing of the directional drilling tool. The use of the ball bearing containing subassemblies improves underground stability and, thus, steerability during the forward drilling operation. Further, these improved features reduce wear thereby increasing durability of the tool which is used in the harsh underground environment.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit is disclosed which includes at least one roller cone rotatably mounted to a bit body. The bit body includes therein a lubricant reservoir adapted to supply lubricant to bearings on which the roller cone rotates about the bit body. The bit includes a sensor adapted to detect drilling fluid contamination of the lubricant. The bit includes a processor/transmitter operatively coupled to the sensor and adapted to communicate signals corresponding to detected contamination.

Abstract: A bit retainer for a percussion bit assembly has a bore and upper and lower lips extending into the bore. Multiple slots extend from the lower end of the retainer member to a terminal end disposed intermediate the upper and lower ends, forming multiple cantilever beam segments. The cantilever beam segments are resiliently, radially deflected by the retention shoulder of the percussion bit to mount and retain the bit.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed which includes a bit body having a plurality of ports therein arranged to provide a flow path between an interior of a drill string and the exterior of the bit body. At least one flow relief is disposed in one of the ports. The at least one flow relief is adapted to provide an increase in total flow area of the bit upon application to the bit of a selected fluid flow condition. A method for changing a total flow area of a drill bit is also disclosed, which includes pumping drilling fluid through the drill bit and operating a flow relief disposed in the bit to change the total flow area of the bit.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding fresh ambient air to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, includes a front lamp assembly with an ambient air intake tract associated with the lamp assembly for providing an air communication passage between an exterior of the motor vehicle and an engine compartment. The air intake tract is adapted to direct an ambient air to an engine compartment bypassing an engine cooling radiator. The air intake tract is in the form of a flattened funnel secured to a lamp housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for propelling a user over snow. The invention in one embodiment couples a propulsion unit behind a platform such as a snowboard. The propulsion section and snowboard are interconnected by a joint providing multiple degrees of rotational freedom. Preferably, the interconnection further includes one or more springs.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle in which the engine output is transmitted to front wheels and to rear wheel through a transfer clutch. The control unit determines a road gradient from the output value of a longitudinal acceleration sensor at a stop, sets a lower limit on the basis of the road gradient and is prepared for a start by outputting a drive signal corresponding to lower limit to a clutch control valve for controlling the applying force of the transfer clutch. Thus, the applying force is set according to the road gradient so that the main drive wheels at the slope can be prevented from slipping by the minimum transmission torque.

Abstract: The steering device for vehicle changes the steering angle by transmitting the movements of the steering electrical actuator to the vehicle wheels. When the vehicle is steered in the stationary state, the hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the steering assistance force generating hydraulic actuator from the pump within the hydraulic pressure imparting unit. When the vehicle is not steered in the stationary state, the hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the brake device from the pump via the hydraulic pressure distribution unit.

Abstract: An acoustical wall panel for use for reduction of sound and noise, including a panel-like structure, formed of a base, generally fabricated of fiberglass, polystyrene, etc., having a covering sheet applied thereon, containing a large number of perforations, to allow noise to pass therethrough, to the sound of absorbing base, the covering sheet being folded over the corners and adhered to itself to provide complete coverage for the side and end edges of the formed panel. A back covering is provided of a foil, polyethylene, or other material, to function as a moisture barrier and protectant for the back of the panel.

Abstract: A fall protection lanyard apparatus incorporating an automatic emergency release is disclosed. Competing concerns of fall protection (for the load) and on-demand emergency release (for the aerial lift) are each enabled by providing the first lanyard with a quick release mechanism and the second lanyard with a release triggering mechanism. The lanyard apparatus is adapted for attachment to a human or non-human load. The first lanyard incorporates a quick-release mechanism, which, upon activation, results in the separation of the connectable end portion thereof. The second lanyard incorporates a mechanism for activating the quick-release upon application of a predetermined force thereon. The lanyard apparatus provides total fall protection during the transfer of a load to a structure in any elevated environment while providing an on-demand quick-release in emergency situations.

Abstract: An aircraft life raft assembly for use as a deployable escape slide from an egress opening of an aircraft. The escape slide is a longitudinally extending structure with a center line that extends from the head end of the slide, adjacent the egress opening, to a toe end that is located adjacent the horizontally extending ground plane. Pressurizing means is operative to inflate the escape slide, which escape slide has panels or panel members of flexible material with an upper sliding surface that extends in the longitudinal direction. The escape slide has a portion of its length that is curvilinear in plan view, which curvilinear portion maybe close to the egress opening of the aircraft or anywhere along the length of the escape slide.

Abstract: A ladder stabilizer, including: a serrated portion for placement against an object; and the serrated portion being attachable to an upper end of a ladder, with serrations formed on the serrated portion engaging the object.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for ladders which are positioned in a variety of corners, and which has a pair of arms which can be adjusted to fit different corners and which has an adjustable bar to lock the arms in position.

Abstract: A platform that attaches to a step on a ladder and has a tray that holds tools, work pieces or other articles. The tray attaches to the step using a support member and a latch, such as a spring-loaded latch. The platform can be removed from the step by moving the latch to its open position. The distance between the support member and latch can be adjusted to support various sizes of ladder steps. The platform can also be used while the ladder is supported against a wall.

Abstract: A tree stand includes a standing section with attachment members, a releasable standing section lashing member attachable to the standing section attachment members, a seating section including seating section attachment members having upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of spaced holes extending between the upper and lower surfaces, and a seating section lashing member having first and second ends with handles positionable on the upper surfaces of the seating section attachment members, the handles including projections releasibly attachable in selected holes in the seating section attachment members. The tree stand may also include at least one adjustable tie-down strap attachable between the standing section outer end and the standing section inner end, and tree grippers with spaced, parallel trunk-contacting blades attached to the inner ends of the standing and seating sections.

Abstract: An adjustable back leg assembly provides a step ladder of simple construction for convenient use on stairs and other sloping surfaces.

Abstract: A lubricating system for delivering charges of lubricant and air for aerifying the lubricant to multiple points of lubrication. The system comprises a series of air-operated lubricant injectors each of which is operable in response to delivery thereto of operating air to deliver a charge of lubricant. The injectors are organized in a row in engagement with one another. Each injector has a lubricant passage extending through it, the lubricant passages in the injectors being in end-to-end communication with one another to form a lubricant manifold extending through the row for receiving lubricant and charging the injectors.

Abstract: The present invention is a parking brake for a rail vehicle having a brake cylinder and a piston in the brake cylinder responsive to forces to apply and release the brakes on the vehicle. The parking brake further includes at least one off-center connecting rod extending though an opening in the brake cylinder and connected to the piston through that opening. The parking brake also includes a force multiplier supported by the brake cylinder and connected to the at least one off-center connecting rod. Further included is an actuator connected to the force multiplier for driving the force multiplier to provide the force to move the at least one rod and the piston to move the brakes to an apply position.

Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly includes a disc that rotates about a lateral axis. A caliper is mounted to a non-rotating vehicle structure and supports a pair of brake pads that are positioned on opposing sides of the disc. An air chamber provides an actuation force for the brake assembly. A first actuator applies a force in a first direction parallel to the lateral axis to bring the brake pads into engagement with the disc during a braking operation. The air chamber includes a second actuator that applies a force in a second direction transverse to the lateral axis in response to a vehicle input. An adapter is operably coupled to the first and second actuators to translate the force applied in the first direction to the force applied in the second direction. The adapter includes a housing that is mounted to the caliper and a lever that pivots relative to the housing. The lever has one end connected to the first actuator and another end connected to the second actuator.

Abstract: An eddy current brake or retarder device for bringing a vehicle to rest is disclosed. The device includes a stator mounted to a frame of the vehicle, a plurality of poles disposed along a perimeter of the stator, a plurality of coils each wound about each of the plurality of poles, wherein an adjacent pair of poles form an electromagnet when the coil is energized, and a rotor in communication with a transmission axle of the vehicle and located concentric with the stator. A relative rotation of the rotor with respect to the stator produces eddy currents between the poles of the stator and an outer surface of the rotor, causing the rotor to come to a rest.

Abstract: A control device for the parking brake of a motor vehicle has a hydraulic cylinder with a piston chamber that can be pressurized by means of a valve arrangement, and has a hydraulic piston connected mechanically to engagement elements of the parking brake. The parking brake is forced into an engaged or disengaged position depending on the hydraulic pressure in the piston chamber. The piston chamber connects to a pressure sensor providing pressure signals that represent the state of the parking brake and that are evaluated by an electrical control unit. The control unit defines a first predetermined pressure threshold corresponding to the engaged state of the parking brake, and a second predetermined pressure threshold corresponding to the disengaged state of the parking brake.

Abstract: The curved brake pad is a flexible brake pad, curved in design, which does not come in constant contact with its rotating disk when not in use. The gap between the curved pad and the disk reduces the amount of friction and heat generated by the constant rotation. This reduced friction and reduced heat improves fuel efficiency and improves the braking performance of the system.

Abstract: A brake drum assembly includes an impeller and stator that help cool the brake drum. The impeller and stator combination are especially suited for low-speed vehicle operations. The impeller includes a plurality of impeller vanes formed about the circumference of the impeller that draw cooling air across the brake drum. The impeller is mounted to an external surface of the brake drum for rotation with the drum about an axis of rotation. The stator is held fixed with respect to the drum and includes a first portion that forms a circular band, which is positioned in an overlapping relationship to the impeller, and a second portion that is transverse to the first portion. The second portion extends radially inwardly toward the axis of rotation to form a vertical face. A plurality of stator vanes are formed within the vertical face that direct the airflow away from the brake drum toward an inboard direction that is generally parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A brake system for garage doors including a piston assembly movable within a longitudinal housing assembly and including a central through opening and a threaded bushing rigidly mounted to the piston assembly. A threaded axle is cooperatively received by the threaded bushing so that the rotation of the axle causes the piston assembly to move at a predetermined speed longitudinally within the housing assembly. Longitudinal connecting apertures permit the flow of fluid adjacent to the ends of the piston assembly to flow through. A flapper valve assembly is mounted to one of the ends of the piston assembly by a separating spring member. When the movement of the piston assembly exceeds a predetermined magnitude, the spring member is compressed eliminating the clearance and closing the connecting apertures. This prevents any additional flow and rotational movement of the threaded axle, which in turn is mechanically connected to the counterbalance axle of an opening and closing mechanism for garage doors.

Abstract: A hydraulic damping device has a cylinder, a rod, a piston, a first biasing member, a seal and a second biasing member. The rod moveably extends into the cylinder. The piston is securely attached to the rod to divide the cylinder into two chambers. The piston has multiple first channels and multiple second channels communicating with the chambers, wherein each first channel has a diameter larger than that of each second channel. The first biasing member is connected to the rod to provide a recoil force to the rod. The seal is moveably mounted on the rod and abuts against the piston to close the first channels in the piston. The second biasing member is mounted on the rod to provide a force to push the seal. Accordingly, the hydraulic damping device has a capability of adjusting the damping effect and has a simplified structure.

Abstract: A cord retention device for a personally carried appliance such as a cell phone is disclosed. The cell phone has a cord which is attached to a microphone and ear piece for hands free operation of the phone. One example of the invention includes a base member having a back surface with adhesive for attachment to the appliance. The opposite surface of the base member has a pair of prongs. The cord may be wrapped around the prongs when not in use. Another example of the invention includes the installation of retractable prongs on the side of the cell phone. The prongs may be extended and locked in place thus allowing the cord to be wrapped when not in use. The prongs may be retracted to be flush with a surface of the appliance when a cord is not used with the appliance.

Abstract: A turbine impeller rotates around a rotational axis in a housing unit, and a bridging clutch unit has a clutch element connected in an essentially nonrotatable fashion to the turbine impeller. The clutch element has friction area which can be brought into frictional contact with an opposing friction area on the housing unit. A pretensioning device acts on the clutch element to pretension it against the opposing friction area.

Abstract: A coupling for a vehicle includes a pilot clutch 15, a main clutch 13, a pressing system 21 and a coupling mechanism 17. The pilot clutch 15 generates a pilot torque and is operated by operating means 19. The main clutch 13 connects torque members 11 and 9 and transmits transmitted torque. The coupling mechanism 17 operated by the pilot torque converts the pilot torque into a pressing force for coupling the main clutch 13 via the pressing system 21 by use of a cam thrust force thereof. The main clutch 13 is disposed outside the pilot clutch 15 in a radial direction, and respective members of the pressing system 21 are mutually positioned and designed to move unitarily in a pressing direction, thus sliding portions caused by the main clutch 13 is connecting and disconnecting are limited to being on a side of the main clutch 13.

Abstract: To provide a vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system the configuration of which is simple and which can be built with minor changes to the existing configuration. The switching system hardly generates any noise and can be individually lubricated in a state separated from the other actuating parts. A vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system according to the present invention is provided with an outer ring connected to a driving shaft and an inner ring connected to a driven shaft. A plurality of engaging/disengaging members are provided for connecting or disconnecting the shafts by being connected or disconnected to/from the respective opposite surfaces. A switching mechanism is provided for selectively positioning the drive shaft and the driven shaft in a position in which they are connected and in a position in which they are disconnected.

Abstract: A clutch ramp reaction plate is adapted to be positioned adjacent a centrifugal actuation module of a centrifugally actuated vehicular clutch. The ramp reaction plate includes attached individually machined ramp segments manufactured separately from the ramp reaction plate. In one embodiment, the ramp segments are made from a powdered metal process to assure uniform tolerances. In an alternate embodiment, the ramp segments are formed of hardened stamped steel material. The ramp reaction plate is machined to accept the segments, which includes a surface hardness higher than that of the ramp reaction plate to accommodate wear resistance. The ramp segments can be impregnated with lubricants or polytetrafluoroethylene materials to reduce rolling friction and wear between the ramp surfaces and mass weight rollers of the centrifugal actuation module that interacts with the ramp surfaces. The segments are attached to the ramp reaction plate by means of fasteners including bolts, rivets, or adhesives.

Abstract: A differential assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a differential housing and a differential gear assembly mounted within the differential housing. A connector plate is adapted to connect to a drive shaft of the vehicle and a clutch pack is mounted within the differential housing that interconnects the differential gear assembly and the connector plate. A ball screw assembly is adapted to selectively apply axial force to the clutch pack, thereby engaging the connector plate and the differential gear assembly such that rotational movement of the connector plate is transferred through the clutch pack to the differential gear assembly.

Abstract: A clutch safety switch of a power chainsaw includes a safety member slidably connected to the casing and a trigger which is not able to be squeezed when the safety member is not slid away. A gear connected to the power source has engaging recesses and a clutch member is rotatably mounted to an output shaft which is independent from the gear. An engaging member is movably mounted to the output shaft and retained in a central hole in the clutch member. A link is connected between the safety member and the clutch member which is rotated and moved toward the gear to let engaging member be engaged with the recesses in the gear to transfer the power to the output shaft.

Abstract: An electric control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles includes a supporting body fixed to a handlebar of a bicycle, a supporting body, a pair of electric switches to control the gear change carried by the supporting body, and a gear change lever that can be manually operated to control a first of said switches. The gear change lever comprises a first part connected to the supporting body so as to consent shift of the gear change lever between a position at rest and an operating position, and a second part hinged to the first part.

Abstract: A coin sorter, wherein three distributing levers (30, 42, 150) are connected to each other through a link means (202) so that the number of the driving means thereof is not increased even when the number of the distributing lever is increased and driven interlockingly with each other by a single solenoid (201) operating one of the three distributing levers (30, 42, 150).