Abstract: The present invention provides an opening/closing device, comprising an opening disposed on a partitioning system, driving wheels mounted on each side of lower end of the opening, driven wheels mounted on each side of upper end of the opening, and flexible members to be run between the driving wheels and the driven wheels, wherein one end and the other end of each of the flexible members are engaged with an opening/closing panel respectively, the driving wheels on both sides are driven synchronously and the opening/closing panel is moved up and down.

Abstract: A window blind, with a winding shaft having a rolling-up device, a blind web rolled up on the winding shaft, a pull bar, to which the free end of the blind web is fastened, a guide arrangement, on which the end regions of the pull bar are arranged longitudinally displaceably perpendicularly to the pull bar axis, and a braking arrangement which is arranged inside the pull bar and acts releasably on the guide arrangement in order to fix the pull bar in any positions on the guide arrangement.

Abstract: A cord-operated control system for a venetian blind, in which a housing, attached to the head rail, holds a first drive wheel that is operatively connected to a driven bind member that rotates in opposite directions to open and close the blind with rotation of the first drive wheel in opposite directions and a second drive wheel that is operatively connected to the first drive wheel, so that the first drive wheel rotates in opposite directions with rotation of the second drive wheel in opposite directions. An endless loop operating cord is looped over the second drive wheel, so that an axial pulling force on only one of the depending portions of the operating cord on opposite sides of the second drive wheel causes the second drive wheel to rotate in one of the opposite directions. As a safety feature, a release disconnects the drive wheels from each only if there is an axial pulling force on both depending portions of the operating cord simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides a combined decorative and utility unit, which has a decorative screen assembly as its basic element. The screen assembly can be combined with other appliances to achieve a variety of utility purposes such as sun blinds, screen windows, window privacy partitions, decor wall panels, and decorative storage units. The screen assembly has a laminar member, preferably having a graphic display, attached to frame members. Relative positions of the frame members may be adjusted by a cam arrangement to vary tension in the laminar member. The screen assembly can be horizontally attached to a wall to work as a decor wall panel, or vertically attached to a wall as a divider or a poster. When combined with supporting elements, the screen assembly can stand on the ground to work as sun blinds or window privacy partitions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing a spray formed composite article. The method comprises providing a first article. The first article is a spray formed article. A second article is located adjacent the first article. Metallic particles are sprayed onto the articles and allowed to form a metal deposit that extends between and connects the first and second articles.

Abstract: A method for introducing and compacting molding sand S in a mold space defined by a pattern plate (10a), a lower auxiliary frame (16b), a flask (18), a filling frame (20), and multi-segmented squeeze feet (36a). First, the molding sand S is introduced into the mold space. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a first squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein at least the lower frame (16a) cannot be lowered. The squeeze feet (36a) are then lowered to apply a second squeeze to the mold sand S in the mold space under a condition wherein the lower frame (16a), the flask (18), and the filling frame (20) can be lowered.

Abstract: The device, which can be used for filling containers in a lost-foam casting system, includes in a singe operational combination: supporting devices for containers with associated vibration devices to set the containers into vibration; a sand-feeding device, such as a hopper, for feeding dosed quantities of sand into the container; and a positioning device that make it possible to locate foam models into containers and sustaining them both while the sand is being fed into the containers and while the containers are being vibrated, thus avoiding the risks of malpositioning and/or breakage. Preferably, both the sand feeding hopper and model-positioning device on the same equipment capable of moving between a raised position in which the hopper may be loaded with the sand, while the foam models are being transferred by the positioning device, by a robot for example, and a lowered position, in which the models are inserted into the containers, after which the latter can be filled with sand.

Abstract: For the use of the vacuum die-casting process, it is an essential precondition that the casting process takes place in a circuit sealed off on the outside, so that the undesirable ingress of air is avoided, corresponding safe sealing systems are necessary. The sealing between a casting piston and a suction box is designed in such a way that a long service life of the seal is ensured and a possible risk of accidents is avoided.

Abstract: A method of forming a ceramic investment shell mold about a fugitive wax pattern of an article comprises coating the pattern with ceramic slurry, applying a ceramic particulate material heated above ambient temperature to the slurry layer, drying the ceramic slurry layer with ceramic particulates thereon, and repeating said coating, applying and drying steps to build up a shell mold on the pattern. The ceramic slurry with ceramic particulates thereon is dried initially dried for a time using relatively low humidity flowing air at an air temperature above about 80 degrees F. and then subsequently for a time using relatively low humidity flowing air at an air temperature not exceeding about 80 degrees F. Ceramic investment shell molds can be built-up in times typically less than 10 hours by practice of the invention with substantially reduced incidence of shell mold cracking during the shell mold building process and subsequent pattern removal operation.

Abstract: A compact cooling system including a radial fan directing air flow outwardly and a plurality of heat exchangers disposed around the radial fan. Each heat exchanger has a plurality of tubes extending between an inlet header and an outlet header, with the headers extending generally in the same direction as the fan axis. A system inlet is connected to the inlet headers and a system outlet is connected to the outlet headers, whereby the length of the connection between each heat exchanger and the system outlet and system inlet is generally the same for each heat exchanger.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system has an interior unit in which a width dimension, that is, a dimension parallel to the width of the vehicle, is smaller than competing devices. A blower unit, an evaporator as a cooling heat exchanger, and a heater core as a heating heat exchanger are integrally disposed inside a casing for blowing air toward a vehicle compartment. A face passage is formed above the heater core such that the temperature-controlled air passes through the heater core and is lead to a face opening by the face passage. A foot passage is formed inside the casing and above the heater core so as to protrude from the rear face of the casing toward the face passage. A foot door for opening and closing a foot opening of the foot passage is disposed inside the face passage.

Abstract: A heat sink for cooling electrical or electronic devices comprises a spreader plate having a top surface and having a bottom surface for attaching to the electronic device. A folded fin formed from a strip of heat conducting material comprising alternating planar portions and curved portions has one edge abutted to the top surface such that the curved portions extend upwardly from the top surface substantially at a right angle.

Abstract: A composite heat sink apparatus includes a metal base which has a thermal conductivity of at least about 200 W/m°K. The metal base is preferably constructed either of copper of aluminum. The heat sink apparatus further includes a plurality of fins attached to the base, the fins being constructed of anisotropic graphite material having a direction of relatively high thermal conductivity perpendicular to the base.

Abstract: A heat sink. The heat sink includes spaced laminas made of a thermally conductive material. Each of the laminas is integrally formed with a pair of convexo-concave spacers that each project from a first face of the lamina and define a cavity in a second face of the same lamina. Furthermore, each of the convexo-concave spacers is adapted to be partially and tightly fitted in a mating cavity of the next lamina.

Abstract: A cooling system for a processor-based system may include a housing that contains a heat exchanger, a tank, and an internal pump that pumps fluid through the heat exchanger and through a cooling plate coupled thermally to a processor to be cooled.

Abstract: A heat sink comprising (a) a plate-shaped heat pipe including an upper plate member and a lower plate member to form a hermetically sealed cavity, and a working fluid enclosed therein, and (b) at least one heat radiating fin integrally formed with the upper plate member on an outer surface of the upper plate member.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is mounted external to a section of flue pipe or is an integral part of a section of flue pipe. The heat exchanger preheats a domestic hot water supply and boosts the return water temperature prior to reentry to the furnace coil. The heat exchanger reduces fuel use, pollution and wear of the furnace and burner. A typical heat exchanger installation includes an oil or gas burner located on a furnace or boiler having a flue pipe leading to a gaseous outlet, such as a masonry chimney. A short vertical flue section leads to a draft-regulating damper. The flue heat exchanger may be a coil of tubing wrapped around flue section, such that the tubing picks up heat from the heated flue gasses. Preheated water exits from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger including an array of tubes (10) mounted between two fluid boxes (28, 46) via respective manifolds (16) and designed to have a fluid run through. The tubes (10) include at least two channels separated by at least one longitudinal partition (78) and are arranged in a single row, parallel to the two large surfaces of the exchanger, such that the fluid circulation occurs in at least two layers parallel to the large surfaces of the exchanger and each formed by part of the tube channels. At least one of the fluid boxes (28, 46) includes an internal longitudinal partition (48, 68) dividing the fluid box into at least two longitudinal sections communicating with the two layers respectively. The invention is in particular applicable to air conditioning evaporators.

Abstract: In a brine temperature control apparatus, the temperature of brine in a tank disposed in a brine fluid circulating passage is controlled using a three-way proportional valve. The three-way proportional valve does not open and close in an abrupt ON/OFF fashion, but rather the degree of opening thereof for supplying chilled brine to the tank is gradually adjusted in proportion to a detection signal indicative of the brine temperature in the tank. Thus, a water hammer problem is avoided, and the coolant circulating circuit including such a three-way proportional valve can be used effectively even with large capacity chiller units.

Abstract: This device is related to the domain of fully automatic machines for oil extraction. An axle transmission and soft belt suspension system is used in the device. A decelerator connects an electric motor and a driving hub, so that the transmission belt can be driven. When the driven hub and the bridle are connected, the sucker rod will be connected so that the oil-well pump can start working. There are several other units, an absolute value coder that can measure the driven hub's angle of rotation, a augmenter coder that can measure the rotational speed of the electric motor and an oil gauge. In the device, a oil production process controller processes collects signals and then the device controls the machine, the beam and the pump system automatically. It has the advantages of saving energy, high efficiency for oil extraction and long operational life span.

Abstract: A wear bushing has a lower portion that is landed on a casing hanger in a wellhead housing. An upper portion of the wear bushing has a shear ring in a locking profile that locks the wear bushing to the casing hanger. A locking ring resides in a bore of the wear bushing and has passages for fluid flow. The inner surface of the locking ring has teeth for engaging the teeth of a running tool when the tool is moved upward relative to the wear bushing. A plurality of locking keys extend radially inward through the bore of the wear bushing beneath the locking ring. A beveled ridge on the tool mates with the locking ring. The wear bushing is mounted to the tool which is joined to a drill string. With the locking keys locked on the tool, the wear bushing is lowered down the well into the wellhead housing. The wear bushing is landed on the casing hanger and the locking pins are pressed upward as they contact a seal assembly. The wear bushing is rotated until the locking pins align and fall into slots.

Abstract: An automatic paraffin removal unit, including a scraper body, a tumbler, an arc spring leaf and a return torque spring, and the upper and lower commutators having a sleeve, an open spacing ring and a tower spring. In operation, the scraper is clamped on a pumping rod, while the upper, lower commutators are respectively connected to the upper, lower ends of the tubing section from the well head to the section having toe temperature lower than paraffin deposition temperature requiring paraffin removal. The scraper moves up and down following the pumping rod via unidirectional upward or downward movement, paraffin removal being performed to the inner wall of tubing and pumping rod unceasingly, and variations in direction being performed in the upper, lower commutators.

Abstract: The well screen two step coupled connector and method includes providing a well screen with a then walled tubular pin having a constant diameter channel and three pin sections of successively increasing diameter. The end of the pin has an annular surface and an angled recess is provided between the intermediate and innermost pin sections, while non-inclined external threads are formed on the end and intermediate pin sections. A tubular open ended coupling is provided having a passage divided into two coupling sections by an inwardly projecting divider. Each coupling section is configured to receive the end and intermediate pin sections and includes non-inclined threads to mate with the pin section threads. The coupling includes an angled wall adjacent the divider to provide a seal with the annular angled surface at the end of the pin and an angled projection which fits within and forms a seal with the angled recess in the pin.

Abstract: A coal 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. A heating rate to a selected volume of the formation may be controlled by altering an amount of heating energy per day that is provided to the selected volume.

Abstract: A new process of fracture stimulating a carbonate reservoir in a subterranean formation to stimulate the production of hydrocarbon fluids from the formation is described. During the process, the composition and reactivity of the fracture stimulation fluid that is injected into the formation surrounding a wellbore is varied from a lower reactive fluid to a higher reactive fluid. The process is designed to stimulate the fracture starting from the tip of the fracture and progressing along the fracture back to the wellbore. The reactivity of the fracture stimulation fluid is increased to maintain optimum stimulation conditions for the formation of conductive flow channels along the faces of the fracture. An optimum fracture stimulation efficiency number, Ff, is used (generally integrated into a fracture simulator computer program) to regulate the fluid composition by reactivity and flow rate, based on formation and fluid parameters.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods include the steps of placing in the wellbore a perforated shroud (liner) having an internal sand screen therein (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.), positioning about the perforated liner an alternate flowpath comprised of a plurality of “bypass” tubes or conduits having inlet passages or portions adapted to receive the gravel slurry as it reaches the apparatus and outlets for the slurry to reach the well annulus, and injecting particulate material (e.g., slurry) into the wellbore/perforated shroud and shroud/screen annuli, whereby the particulate material is uniformly packed into the two annuli and the zone. In one aspect of the invention, the multiple flow paths are provided via a series of blank tubes (e.g.

Abstract: This invention is a sand screen comprising a base pipe with openings cut directly thereon. The size, shape, and configuration of the openings may be varied depending on the filtration, inflow, and strength characteristics desired by the operator. The openings may be cut directly on the base pipe by use of water jet, laser, or saw cutting techniques.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for controlling sand production from subterranean formations that utilize relatively lightweight and/or substantially neutrally buoyant particles as particulate sand control material.

Abstract: A method of forming a downhole connection between tubular strings includes the step of crimping the tubular strings together. The tubular strings may be positioned in the same wellbore, or the tubular strings may be positioned in different intersecting wellbores during the crimping step. One of the tubular strings may be expanded outwardly within the other tubular string prior to the crimping step.

Abstract: A fire fighting nozzle for extinguishing industrial scale fires including improved automatic pressure regulating features, enhanced educting features having central (110) and peripheral channeling (94) for foam concentrate, combined with a capacity to throw dry chemicals. The improved pressure regulating features include a spring (50) loaded double acting baffle (13), that is positioned by fire fighting fluid in communication with a hydraulic chamber, the hydraulic chamber is preferably controlled by a relief valve (42).

Abstract: A trigger assembly for controlling an electric power tool including a motor comprises a base for fixing within the power tool and a trigger supported by the base for inward and outward movement, the trigger being resiliently biassed outwards. The base has a housing including an opening open to the interior of the power tool. A switch provided in the housing is operable in response to the movement of the trigger to switch on and off the motor. An electronic operating circuitry provided in the housing includes a solid-state device for switching at a frequency having a variable duty cycle to control the operation of the motor when the switch is closed. Also included is a flywheel diode for the motor, which is operable when the solid-state device is non-conducting while switching. The diode is supported at or adjacent the housing opening to facilitate heat dissipation.

Abstract: A system and method provide for electronic development of a bore plan for use in connection with an underground boring machine. Electronically developing a bore plan involves providing topographical information representative of topography of the bore site and providing bore path information representative of an intended bore path for the bore site. The bore path information includes at least two target points through which the intended bore path is to pass. The intended bore path can define a pilot bore path or a backream path. The target points comprise an entry point and an exit point, and each of the target points is defined by at least a distance value, lateral value, and a depth value.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for horizontal directional drilling that improves the accuracy of surveying while boring by enabling the progress of the bore to be monitored and tracked with the aid of a sonde. In one embodiment the sonde is received in the wall of a housing area of a mud motor surrounding the bearing mandrel, in another embodiment the sonde is carried in the wall of a collar surrounding the bearing mandrel housing, and in an additional embodiment the sonde is carried in an adapter between the bearing mandrel and the bit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drilling system having a drilling head (2, 2′) fixed to a drill string (3) which comprises an outer pipe (12, 12′) and a percussion string (13, 13′) inserted therein, wherein the percussion string (13, 13′) comprises a plurality of rods (14, 14′) which bear against each other with their end faces (19, 20; 19′, 20′). One object of the present invention is to provide a drilling system with an inner percussion string, which permits a greater variation in the drilling direction and which can be used as a directional drilling system. To attain that object the outer pipe (12) is adapted to be deformable along its longitudinal axis and the end faces (19, 20) which bear against each other of two rods (14) are so designed that they bear against each other substantially in surface contact upon inclined positioning of the axes of the two rods (14) relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for cleaning auger flightings having a mounting attachable to an auger support frame, and an auger cleaning device having a single shaft positioned in the mount; a disk slidable on and rotatable about the shaft; the disk having a series of lobes extending radially from the disk and adapted to be interposed in the flightings of an auger; a stop fixable on the shaft; and a spring to bias the disk against the stop.

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

Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion system for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably connected to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location. The propulsion device includes a traction device that is moveable between a storage position spaced apart from the floor and a use position in contact with the floor.

Abstract: A hitch control system for a work vehicle combines a front suspension position signal, a hitch load signal and a hitch position signal to generate a valve command signal that controls hitch position so as to alleviate pitching and maximize front wheel ground contact time.

Abstract: A snowmobile having an accessory attachment system and a cargo rack storage compartment. The snowmobile includes a chassis having a front portion, a central portion, and a rear portion. The front chassis portion mounts a pair of steerable skis and includes an engine cradle for mounting an engine that powers a drive track. The central chassis portion includes a drive tunnel having the drive track disposed therein, an operator seat being mounted to the top portion of the drive tunnel, a top portion of the tunnel supporting an operator seat. The rear chassis portion includes a rear close-off that reinforces the drive tunnel and defines a cargo rack storage compartment co-extensive with a portion of the drive tunnel. An optional passenger seat may be removably mounted above a portion of the storage compartment. The rear close-off also includes plurality of mounting points, such as hooks or bracket holes.

Abstract: A vehicle driving arrangement with at least two axes, each having at least one driven wheel that can be acted upon with a torque of a motor, the motor/motors of each axis being arranged in a supply line, the supply lines being parallel to each other and connected with a pump device, and a valve arrangement being arranged in at least one supply line. It is desired to improve the operability of a hydraulically driven vehicle. For this purpose, the valve arrangement in one supply line has a pressure reducing valve that limits the pressure difference over the other supply line to a maximum value.

Abstract: A tension sensing assembly for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a housing for operative connection to vehicle structure and at least one spring disposed in the housing. The tension sensing assembly also includes at least one magnet disposed in the housing and a Hall effect sensor disposed in the housing and cooperable with the at least one magnet. The tension sensing assembly further includes a movable mechanism at least partially disposed in the housing and cooperable with belt webbing of the seat restraint system and the at least one spring to move the at least one magnet relative to the Hall effect sensor to change an output of the Hall effect sensor to indicate a first tension level and a second tension level in the seat restraint system when the at least one spring is deflected.

Abstract: A modular go-kart assembly includes an acceleration assembly cooperatively working with a braking assembly for powering and stopping the go-kart assembly. The go-kart assembly further includes a central body, a front drive assembly, a rear drive assembly, and a protective cage assembly, each of which are modular for easy construction and disassembly. The go-kart assembly includes a motor having multiple power take off shafts to provide simple connections to an acceleration assembly and a braking assembly. Both the acceleration assembly and the braking assembly are controlled by one control pedal, so as to provide a safety measure for the operator, which is typically a child.

Abstract: “An electrically operated power steering apparatus has an electric motor disposed parallel to a rack shaft. The system is designed such that the motor can be installed in any angle around a rack housing of smaller diameter. This permits easy installation and flexibility of design. The apparatus is also designed to accommodate off-the-shelf electric motors that are commercially available so as to eliminate the need to customize an electric motor for each application.

Abstract: A joist scaffold unit including first and second vertical legs of adjustable length disposed generally parallel to one another. Horizontal crossbars of adjustable length extend between the first and second legs. A foot is pivotally attached to the bottom end of each leg and configured to be secured to a ceiling or floor joist. A vertical brace extends from the leg or the crossbar at an angle to the ceiling or floor joist. A foot at the end thereof is configured to be secured to the ceiling or floor joist. A supporting structure is placed over spaced-apart of joist scaffold units to allow construction workers to work on a roof or the like.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus (27) for a locomotive dynamic brake resistor grid stack (22) including a flow directing diffuser (24). The flow directing diffuser includes at least one turning vane member (26) disposed at an angle to the flow stream axis for directing a portion of the cooling air from a high velocity area of the air stream into a lower velocity area of the air stream. The flow directing diffuser may include an annular ring-shaped turning vane member (28) for directing high velocity air into a center low velocity area. The flow directing diffuser may further include a V-shaped turning vane member (32) associated with each corner (34) of the surrounding duct (36) for directing high velocity air into each corner low velocity area. Air is supplied to the duct 36 housing the flow directing diffuser by a mixed flow fan (54).

Abstract: A disk brake cylinder having a bore for retaining a piston (5) connected by an input shaft (11) to a parking brake mechanism. The input shaft (11) is rotated to provide linear translation of the piston through a ball ramp mechanism to effect a parking brake application. The ball-ramp mechanism includes a first groove (5) located on a face (11′) of the input shaft (11) and a second groove (15′) located on a face (13′) of the moving member (13). The first (15) and second (15′) grooves retain and trap a plurality of balls (14) and have escapement zones (16,16′) with a convex surface that extend from a bottom (26) of the groove (15).

Abstract: A passive force element on the basis of electrorheological liquids includes a piston with a piston rod guided in a cylindrical housing, and a force introduction element connected with the piston rod. The piston forms, in the cylindrical housing, two variable-volume working chambers, which are filled with electrorheological liquids, and which are connected by a fluid connection including a valve arrangement with an electrorheological liquid valve for controlling the throughflow characteristic. A regulated damping characteristic can be adjustedly set and force peaks are avoided, because the force introduction is achieved via the force introduction element, and the piston is coupled onto the force introduction element via an elastic element.

Abstract: In a combined spring and shock absorber system for a wheel suspension of a vehicle comprising tubular rolling bellows arranged between a wheel-support structure and a vehicle body the bellows includes a space filled with a fluid in communication with a hydraulic accumulator. The bellows space is also in communication with at least one additional hydraulic accumulator via a throttle passage and via at least one pre-set differential pressure-control valve ensuring that threshold values for the internal pressure in the tubular rolling bellows are not exceeded in the event of high spring-extension and/or spring-compression speeds.

Abstract: In a dust cover mounting structure of a hydraulic shock absorber (10), a spring seat (15) is formed in a non-annular outer shape, a standing-up rib (34) is provided in an outer edge thereof, and a mounting portion (51) of a dust cover (50) is formed in a non-annular outer shape profiling an inner periphery of the rib (34) of the spring seat (15) and is received in the inner periphery of the rib (34).

Abstract: The present invention involves a fluid seal assembly of a pressured system for reducing static friction on a displacement rod of the pressured system. The assembly comprises a sealing member disposed on a surface of the pressured system. The sealing member is in circumferential engagement about the displacement rod to define a radial preload on the displacement rod forming a static friction thereon. The assembly further comprises an actuator attached to the sealing member and being configured to bend when the electric input is applied thereacross to displace the sealing member from the displacement rod for reducing the static friction on the displacement rod when the displacement rod move from a stagnant position within the pressured system.