Abstract: The invention concerns a supply air terminal device (10) including a supply chamber (11) for the supply air and in the supply chamber (11) nozzles (12a1, 12a2 . . . ; 12b1, 12b2 . . . ), through which the supply airflow (L1) is conducted into a side chamber (B1) of the supply air terminal device, which side chamber is a structure open at the top part and at the bottom part. The supply air terminal device (10) includes a heat exchanger (14), which can be used either to cool or to heat the circulated airflow (L2). In the device solution, fresh supply air, which is conducted through the nozzles to the side chamber (B1), induces the circulated airflow (L2) to flow through the heat exchanger (14). The combined airflow (L1+L2) of supply airflow (L1) and circulated airflow (L2) is conducted out of the supply air terminal device (10). The supply air terminal device includes an induction ratio control device (15), which is used to control how much circulated airflow (L2) joins the supply airflow (L1).

Abstract: A heat exchanger defining a path of multi-directional airflow therethrough. A coil assembly within a housing of the heat exchanger divides the interior of the housing into first and second airflow plenums. The path of airflow includes a first portion in a first direction defining a cross flow distributed over a portion of the coil assembly in the first airflow plenum. A second portion defines a flow extending from the first airflow plenum in a second direction through the coil assembly. A third portion in the first direction defines a second cross flow distributed over a portion of the coil assembly in the second airflow plenum. In one embodiment, the coil assembly is oriented in an angular manner within the housing of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The air heating capability of an indoor heat exchanger is limited to set the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger to a first predetermined temperature Tel or lower during heating. Thereby, fogging is prevented through re-evaporation of the condensed water in the indoor heat exchanger during heating within an air-conditioning apparatus with a hot water heater core using hot water as the heat source and the heating circuit.

Abstract: A ball dropping assembly for dropping an object such as a spherical ball into a wellbore. The assembly comprises a seat for retaining a ball before it is released, a ball retaining lever, and a shaft for turning the lever. In one embodiment, the assembly is attached to a side bore in fluid communication with a main bore in a cementing head. The ball-retaining lever has at least one finger which is rotated between a ball-retained position and a ball-released position. In the ball-retained position, the first finger is disposed in the entrance from the side bore to the main bore, thereby preventing the ball from entering the main bore of the cementing head. When the ball is ready for release, the lever is rotated in the direction of the main bore, thereby causing the second finger to urge the ball into the bore of the cementing head, and causing the first finger to protrude into the main bore.

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 particulate matter plug is placed along all or portions of a well to be permanently or temporarily abandoned, the plug being arranged to hinder/reduce fluid flow to surface. The plug consists of a mass of particulate matter composed of naturally occurring and/or synthetically produced granular matter, including gravel, sand, silt, clay and a mixture of these, and preferably of a poorly sorted mass of particulate matter. The granular particulate matter having average particle diameters included in the statistical range of variation of the mass is comprised of particles with an average particle diameter >1/256 millimeters, thus comprising approximately {fraction (2/3 )} of all particles in the mass.

Abstract: A well screen (10) comprising a wire (14) spirally wrapped around a perforated base pipe (12) and spacing the perforated base pipe from a woven wire mesh filtering medium (16).

Abstract: A transition member (130) coupled between first and second slurry delivery devices (132, 134) for maintaining fluid slurry velocity therethrough is disclosed. Each slurry delivery device (132, 134) has a slurry passageway (144, 164) having a cross sectional area. The transition member (130) includes a transition passageway (200) operable to provide fluid communication between the slurry passageways (144, 164) of the slurry delivery devices (132, 134). The cross sectional area of at least a portion of the transition passageway (200) approximates the cross sectional area of the slurry passageways (144, 164) of the slurry delivery devices (132, 134). This allows the transition member (130) to maintain the fluid slurry velocity above the settling velocity of the slurry.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. Production wells may be operated at selected temperatures to obtain a desired synthesis gas composition.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After production of the mixture is ended, the portion may be cooled to produce a spent portion of the formation.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture produced from the formation may contain condensable hydrocarbons fluids with some nitrogen containing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The formation to be treated may be selected based on initial elemental oxygen to carbon ratio of the formation.

Abstract: A gas-lift well having a controllable gas-lift valve is provided. The well uses the tubing and casing to communicate with and power the controllable valve from the surface. Induction chokes at the surface and downhole electrically isolate the tubing from the casing. A high band-width, adaptable communication system is used to communicate between the controllable valve and the surface. Additional sensors, such as pressure, temperature, and acoustic sensors, may be provided downhole to more accurately assess downhole conditions. The controllable valve is varied opened or closed, depending on downhole conditions, oil production, gas usage and availability, to optimize production and assist in unloading. While conventional, bellows-type, gas-lift valves frequently fail and leak—often undetected—the controllable valve hereof permits known precise operation and concomitant control of the gas-lift well.

Abstract: Subterranean reservoir monitoring method, computer system with programming code for implementing the method, and computer readable media and data signal embodying such programming code, the method including one or more of: (a) reservoir screening; (b) reservoir modeling; (c) generating model seismic data from a model; (d) model modification based on current VSP data; (e) repeating step (c) and step (d) until differences between the model and VSP data are as desired; (f) obtaining model production data from a reservoir model, and if necessary modifying the model and returning to step (c); (g) generating seismic model data for time t; and (h) comparing seismic model data with actual seismic data for time t, and if necessary modify the reservoir model and return to step (f) or modify the model of the subteranean and return to step (c).

Abstract: Methods of cementing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores and well cement compositions are provided. A well cement composition of the invention is basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, water in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry and a fluid loss control polymer additive comprised of 69 weight % of the calcium salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, 14 weight % of the calcium salt of maleic acid, 14 weight % of N-vinyl caprolactam and 3 weight % of 4-hydroxybutyl vinyl ether.

Abstract: Improved methods of generating gas in and foaming aqueous well fluids introduced into a subterranean zone are provided. A method of the invention includes the steps of combining with an alkaline aqueous well fluid one or more gas generating chemicals and a mixture of foaming and foaming stabilizing surfactants so that the gas generating chemical or chemicals react with the alkaline aqueous well fluid and gas and foam are formed in the well fluid while it is being pumped, and then pumping the well fluid into the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A tubing spool has an internal landing profile for a reduced diameter tubing hanger which is arranged and dimensioned to pass through the bore of a slimbore marine riser and BOP of a subsea completion system. The tubing spool is arranged and designed for securement to a wellhead at the sea floor. The tubing hanger is arranged and designed to be sealingly positioned in the tubing spool landing profile and has a production bore and a relatively large multiplicity of electrical and hydraulic passages which terminate at a top end of the hanger with vertically extending electrical and hydraulic couplers. A passage is provided, independent of the tubing hanger, which provides communication from above the tubing hanger to the well annulus below the hanger. The tubing spool may have a slim bore BOP or a conventional xmas tree attached at its top end.

Abstract: A tubing hanger positioned within the bore of a wellhead body has a vertical bore from which a tubing string may be suspended within a well bore. When the hanger is landed, a fluid passageway in the tubing hanger has one end in fluid communication with a passageway in the wellhead body and its other end connected to a pressure responsive downhole function. The poppet valve mounted in the passageway is urged closed, and when opened permits fluid pressure from a source to be supplied to the function.

Abstract: An intake assembly for a well pump restricts gas entry into the pump when the pump is located in a horizontal section of the well bore. The restrictor is located within a tubular intake housing. The intake housing has apertures for receiving the flow of well fluid. The apertures are spaced circumferentially around the housing. Once installed in the well, some of the apertures will be at higher elevations than others. The restrictor partially blocks at least one of the higher elevation apertures and opens at least one of the lower elevation apertures. The gas will be at the higher elevations, thus it is restricted from flowing in through the higher elevation aperture while the liquid freely flows into the lower elevation aperture. The restrictor may be of a buoyant material to float upward in the well fluid. The restrictor may also be open in response to contact with the casing wall.

Abstract: A tool string for deployment in a wellbore includes an upper string and a lower string. The upper string includes a valve actuator, and the lower string includes a valve. The lower string is adapted to receive the upper string, and the valve actuator controls the operation of the valve once the upper string is received by the lower string.

Abstract: In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, an annular choke apparatus, and methods of use, are provided for use within a subterranean well. In broad terms, a choke tool apparatus is provided which includes an outer housing having an outer housing wall with at least one flow port therethrough, and a variable annular flow-area choke disposed within the outer housing, the variable annular flow-area choke having a first generally tubular member sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the first tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, a second generally tubular member slidingly and sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the second tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, the second member movable between a sealed position wherein the sealing surfaces are in sealing abutment and an open position wherein the sealing surfaces are spaced apart. The sealing surfaces preferably provide a metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tractor within a downhole passage and for assisting movement of the tractor within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.

Abstract: A selectively released well tool anchor has a tubular wicker shoe cage and a tubular setting sleeve in sliding assembly over a tubular mandrel. The wicker shoe cage confines a plurality of independent wicker shoes. The tubular setting sleeve has a conical slip face that is loosely meshed with the shoe cage by a plurality of collet fingers extended from the conical slip face into meshed engagement with detents in the shoe cage. The collet fingers are secured within the detents for well run-in by calibrated shear fasteners. An axial translation of the setting sleeve toward the shoe cage by shearing the fasteners displaces the wicker shoes outwardly for inside wall penetration. The wicker shoes are disengaged from the wall by axial translation of the cage from the sleeve to engage mutual abutment faces on the cage and shoes.

Abstract: A vacuum dry sprinkler system includes a sprinkler head formed with 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 thermally sensitive trigger member is coupled to the yoke and the outlet end of the sprinkler head. The sprinkler body carries an expulsion assembly which includes an expulsion member and a thrust member. In response to a fire, the expulsion member of the expulsion assembly overcomes the vacuum force and expels the sealing assembly out of the outlet end of the sprinkler body, while the thrust member laterally thrusts the sealing member out of the water trajectory path, and thus, prevents the sealing assembly from reseating on the outlet of the sprinkler head.

Abstract: An output shaft locking device includes a hollow frame through which an output shaft extends. The output shaft has a polygonal end which is connected to a driving device. A locking device includes a fixed ring received in an underside of the hollow frame and an inner ring is rotatably received in the fixed ring. A first polygonal hole is defined through the inner ring and recesses are defined in an underside of the inner ring. The driving device has a driving disk and a second polygonal hole is defined through the driving disk so that the polygonal end of the output shaft engages the two polygonal holes. A plurality of protrusions is formed on a top of the driving disk and matches the recesses in the underside of the inner ring. Gaps are defined between the polygonal end and the two polygonal holes. When the driving device does not provide power to the output shaft, the output shaft is locked by the locking device.

Abstract: A device and method for performing a task employing vibration of a tool. The device includes a housing containing at least one off-center weight, and the off-center weight is coupled to a motor and configured to rotate or revolve to vibrate the housing. The housing further includes a device mount to allow the housing to be removably coupled to a mount on a vehicle. A tool is removably coupled to the housing via a socket on the housing to perform a task. The housing may be coupled to a plurality of types of vehicles and is such that a plurality of types of tools may be coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A drilling rig (10) having a boom (12) supporting a leader (36). The leader (36) is pivotally attached to the boom and is moveable between a generally upright orientation and a generally horizontal orientation for the purposes of transportation by a vehicle (11). Hydraulic rams (33) cause linear movement of the leader relative to the boom while the hydraulic ram (33) causes tilting of the boom about a generally horizontally axis.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a subterranean boring machine includes a drive motor, primary and secondary drive wheels, a drive sprocket and an idler sprocket attached to the primary and secondary drive wheels, respectively, and a chain operatively extending between the drive sprocket and the idler sprocket. The drive mechanism is movably mounted on the sled of a subterranean boring machine that rolls along a track, the drive mechanism being biased against the track by a set of springs to cause the primary and secondary drive wheels to frictionally engage the track. The drive motor selectively and rotatably drives the primary drive wheel which, in turn, drives the secondary drive wheel. The drive mechanism translates the sled along the track under conditions when the sled is not driving a pipe into a subterranean location. The drive mechanism is configured to be largely self-contained to permit existing sleds to be retrofitted with the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A balancing structure to reduce vibration created in a rotating body by imbalance comprises an annular groove formed in the body, the groove partially filled with a quantity of solid balls. The solid balls, by only partially filling the groove, provide a stabilizing force that tends to compensate for the imbalance caused by different amounts of solids adhering to one side or the other of the body, such as for example a drilling assembly. The groove is preferably wider in a region further from the axis of rotation from the rotating body for more efficient balancing effect.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for forming a pilot hole in a formation. In one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may comprise a starter mill connected to a bearing mill by a body joint. The apparatus may further comprise a lead bearing connected to a starter mill by a lead joint. Preferably, an outer diameter of the bearing mill is about the same as an inner diameter of a wellbore. As the lead bearing travels along the concave, the apparatus will bend between the bearing mill and the lead bearing. The bend urges the starter mill into contact with the wellbore wall. In another aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a pilot hole in a wellbore includes running a tool into the wellbore, the tool comprising a starter mill disposed between a first bearing and a second bearing. While running the tool along a concave of a whipstock, the tool bends between the first and second bearing and urges the starter mill to form the pilot hole.

Abstract: The use of polymer latices is described for fluid loss control in water-based drilling fluids. The latices used are water insoluble. The latices are essentially non-swelling in an aqueous solution. The latices are selected from known latices such that they are absorbed within a filter cake building up at the interface between the wellbore and porous formations in essentially the same state as they are in the aqueous drilling fluid during circulation.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a power tong at a desired location with respect to the distance above the rig floor, and with respect to the center of the rig floor. A pedestal is secured to the structure of the rig. An upright member is mounted on the upper end of the pedestal, with a bearing disposed between the upright member and the pedestal, the bearing permitting the upright member to rotate around a vertical axis when moved by a powered ring gear assembly. A telescoping boom is rotatably mounted on the upright member, and one end thereof extends over the central part of the rig floor. Power tongs attached to the boom may thereby be positioned at desired positions with respect to the rig floor. Controls mounted on the power tongs and/or on the upright member permit control of the rotation of the boom, the upright member, and the power tong.

Abstract: A two stage filter for drilling fluid using downhole tools filters solid materials from the drilling fluid and has a first, outer filter section and a second, inner filter section. A portion of the drilling fluid flowing through the first section is received by the second section, and passed on to the fluid using device of the tool. A flow area of the first filter section is greater than a flow area of the second filter section.

Abstract: A fuel cell and a reformer are disposed above and in the vicinity of a horizontal straight line connecting the center of a front axle and the center of a rear axle of a motor vehicle. A fuel tank is disposed in a position above the fuel cell and the reformer. In the case of a fuel cell powered motor vehicle, e.g. a buggy classified as an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), the drive shaft for transmitting power to the front axle and/or the rear axle can arranged without interfering with components of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises a torque converter TC, which is connected to an engine E, a gear-type speed change mechanism, shift clutches 13c and 14c, a drive power transmission system, which transmits output rotation to drive wheels 6, and a second motor generator 2, which can drive the drive wheels 6. A control system for this hybrid vehicle comprises a throttle controller TH and a shift control valve CV. When the drive mode is switched from motor-driven mode to engine-driven mode, the control system sets a target speed ratio and calculates a vehicle-speed corresponding rotational speed that would arise at the output shaft of the engine if the current rotation of the drive wheels were transmitted with this target speed ratio and through the torque converter with a speed ratio of 1.0. Then, the control system controls the rotation of the engine to bring the output rotational speed of the engine closer to the vehicle-speed corresponding rotational speed.

Abstract: A radiator core support structure for a vehicle including a radiator core support upper section extending generally along a direction of width of the vehicle. A radiator core support lower section is provided extending generally along the direction of width of the vehicle and located below the radiator core support upper section. Here, the radiator core support upper section and/or lower section are formed of metal and has an open loop-shaped cross-section which is opened rearward to form a channel. A hood lock stay is provided extending generally vertical, to connect the generally central parts of the radiator core support upper and lower sections. The hood lock stay is formed of synthetic resin and molded in a metallic mold in which the radiator core support upper section and/or lower section are located. A plurality of reinforcement ribs are formed of the synthetic resin and fixedly disposed inside the channel of the radiator core support upper section and/or lower section.

Abstract: Three aspects are disclosed of an airstream control system for a hovercraft that includes a platform and a lift gas chamber beneath the platform. Firstly, the system includes an impeller for receiving air at an inlet and discharging pressurized air at an outlet as an airstream. The impeller is positioned above an orifice of the lift gas chamber. The impeller is supported along a first axis transverse to the airstream and about which the impeller is rotatable by a first axis frame that is rotatable about a pair of first axis supports fixed to the platform. The impeller is further supported along a second axis transverse to the airstream and about which the impeller is rotatable by a second axis frame that is attached to the first axis frame and that comprises a first arm supporting a first point of the impeller and extending upstream of the impeller.

Abstract: A suspension system for suspending an endless track beneath a tracked vehicle chassis. The suspension system can be a fully coupled suspension, a partially coupled suspension or a non-coupled suspension. The suspension system includes at least one elongated suspension rail having a front portion, a rear portion and a bottom track-engaging portion. At least one suspension arm has an upper end adapted for pivotal connection to the vehicle chassis and a lower end pivotally connected to the suspension rail. The lower end of the suspension arm can optionally have a displacement with a non-linear component. A biasing mechanism provides a biasing force to bias the suspension rail away from the vehicle chassis. The track tensioning system coupled to the suspension arm applies a tensioning force to the endless track in response to displacement of the suspension arm. The tensioning force generates a supplemental force transmitted by the endless track that augments the biasing force of the biasing mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission for agricultural vehicles of adjustable track width has gear cases disposed vertically to elevate a chassis height of vehicle above a plantation, rear axles provided for wheels of the machine and mounted to the gear cases, first gears and second gears located in the gear cases and coupling the axles and also being interconnected with one another, a differential to which torque is transmitted from the axles through the second gears which are upper gears, a cross tube, the gear cases having substantially first horizontal extensions which are fitted on the cross tube so as to allow sliding outwards or inwards of the extensions in order to modify a machine track width, the differential having two second extensions, grooved shafts which are fixedly connected to the second gears, first tube bushings which are connected with the gear cases and in which the grooved shafts are fitted, second bushings having internal grooves and surrounding the grooved shafts, tubes which are fixed to the gear

Abstract: A fore-end assembly for a motorcycle including an improved shock absorbing assembly, characterized in that the fore-end assembly comprises a single shock absorbing element coupled to the motorcycle chassis, and supporting, at the bottom thereof, at least an arm for supporting the front wheel of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A cable steering system is provided in which first control means controls the operation of a power steering motor disposed between Bowden cables and wheels based on a steering torque detected by a steering torque detection means disposed between a steering wheel and the Bowden cables, and a second control means controls the operation of a steering reaction force addition motor that applies a steering reaction torque to the steering wheel. It is possible to prevent deterioration of the steering feel by generating a steering reaction torque by the steering reaction force addition motor so as to compensate for a change in the steering torque while regulating the change in steering responsiveness due to expansion and contraction of the Bowden cables by generating an assist torque by the power steering motor so as to change the steering torque.

Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with an articulated frame having a first frame segment and a second frame segment that are pivotally coupled to one another by a vertical pivot. An actuator is coupled to the frame segments for articulating the segments relative to one another to steer the vehicle. Each frame segment is provided with ground engaging wheels which support the respective frame segments. A work implement in the form of a backhoe is mounted to the second frame segment. A stabilizer having two stabilizer arms is mounted to the first frame segment. The stabilizer arms have a work position and a transport position. In its work position the stabilizer arms are lowered and the ground engaging wheels of the second frame segment are lifted off the ground. The actuator for steering the vehicle can then be used to pivot the backhoe about a vertical axis defined by the vertical pivot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas flow-through line with a sound absorption effect. Thereby the wall (5) of the line (1) has through-going perforations (2) having a diameter of less than 1 mm. The invention can for example find employment in the air suction hoses of a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A chromed exhaust pipe and muffler for motorcycles that is capable of withstanding the extreme heat generated at high rpm's of a motorcycle engine without discoloring or “bluing”. A double wall construction is utilized for the exhaust pipe and muffler with the back side of the exterior chromed pipe cut away along the length of the pipe from the mounting flange to the muffler core. The cut-away exterior pipe is dimensional to allow the interior pipe to be inserted in one piece from the mounting flange to the muffler core, as well as cooling the exterior pipe, thereby preventing heat discoloration of the exterior chromed pipe. Spacers are welded to the interior pipe and the exterior pipe at the backside cut-away of the exterior pipe to space the interior pipe within the exterior pipe. The muffler core includes a baffle core enclosed by an interior pipe section, allowing gases to flow out the back end only. The interior pipe is spaced apart from and enclosed in the exterior chromed pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction muffler for a hermetically enclosed compressor, with a housing having a first part with an outlet channel and a second part with an inlet channel, flow conducting means being arranged between the outlet channel and the inlet channel, said means forming, together with the inlet channel and the outlet channel, a flow path, and a filter being arranged in the outlet channel. Further improvements of the noise damping are endeavored. For this purpose, the filter has a sieve-like embodiment and that the flow path comprises at least one second filter with a sieve-like embodiment.

Abstract: A device to muffle and purify the exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. A housing is divided into several chambers with the exhaust gases passing from one chamber to another, each successive chamber diverting the gas flow into an opposing direction. The first chamber is well insulated and contains a series of interconnected axial and equatorial tubes which provide multiple passageways with a large surface area which encourages repeated collisions of the gas molecules with the walls of the passages and with other molecules. While in this chamber the kinetic energy is greatly increased as is the temperature of the exhaust gases causing a break down of polluting molecules. Thereafter, the gases are directed alternately forward and rearward through several open chambers of increasing size which enable expansion and cooling of the gases and reduction of the associated noise. Finally the purified and cooled gases exit the last chamber into the atmosphere and pose no threat to the environment.

Abstract: An escape ladder includes a first leg that is attached to a support surface, such as an outside wall of a building, and a second leg that is movable with respect to the first leg. Rungs are movably attached to the first leg and to the second leg and move between a deployed orientation extending outwardly from the first leg to a stored orientation extending along the long axis of the first leg. The legs and the rungs are rigid.

Abstract: A tree stand has a platform and seat portion that are used together. The two portions are very similar and differ in that the platform has a grid on which a hunter can stand, and the seat portion has a sling in which the hunter can sit. Both portions have a frame with an upstanding post. A cable extends from one side of the frame across to the opposite side of the post and circles a tree, crosses the other side of the post and is attached to the opposite side of the frame. This results in a criss-crossed line that both securely attaches each portion to the tree and is easy to set up by a single hunter.

Abstract: A method for upgrading an elevator control circuit having a phase 1, alternate and phase 2 input circuits, includes placing a first impedance of a switching device across a door motor armature of the elevator control circuit for enabling a selected door closure speed, and placing a second impedance of the switching device in series with a door motor field of the elevator control circuit for enabling a selected door operating torque. The method further provides a logic circuit enabling the impedances when an input signal is present at, at least one of, the phase 1 and the alternate input circuits; and disabling the impedances when an input signal is present at the phase 2 input circuit.

Abstract: A load carrying and measuring apparatus for cable elevators includes a support construction attached to an underside of a base frame or a carrier frame for an elevator car and a pair of cable rollers attached below the support construction for engaging a support cable. A resilient element attaches at least one of the cable rollers to the support construction whereby the resilient element is deformed by load-dependent cable forces acting through the cable roller. A sensor detects the deformation of the resilient element and sends a signal to the elevator control. A resilient isolating element can be connected between the support construction the base frame or the carrier frame.