Abstract: Spirally wound paper products are disclosed having desirable roll firmness characteristics and softness properties. The rolled products can be made from a single ply tissue web formed according to various processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a vibrational force to the wire of a papermaking machine in order to re-align the fibers of the web forming on the wire or to clean press section felts. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a vibrational device including at least one vibration-inducing mechanism, a vibrational head coupled to the vibration-inducing mechanism for vibrating the wire, and a dampening mechanism coupled between the vibrational head and the vibration-inducing mechanism.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast article comprises using a porous powder article as a sacrificial pattern. The porous powder article is preferably made using a rapid prototyping process. The porous powder article is used as a sacrificial pattern for a mold into which a molten metal is cast. Some embodiments include a step of proving the porous powder article with a ceramic coating. Methods of making molds and patterns using a porous powder article are also disclosed. The powder comprising the porous powder article may be a metal, ceramic or cermet. In some embodiments, the powder alloys with the molten casting metal. In some other embodiments, the powder and the casting metal form a composite. Sacrificial casting mold patterns comprising porous powder articles and casting molds comprising such sacrificial patterns are also disclosed.

Abstract: A casted workpiece includes a wall including passages in the form of a three-dimensional grid. A casted three-dimensional grid coating of the passages is one piece with the remainder of the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel system for and method of balancing fresh air flow and exhaust air flow through a ventilator. The ventilator comprises an air-to-air heat exchanger operably mounted within a principal fresh air flow passage and a principal stale air flow passage. The invention involves two flow meters respectively connected to the principal fresh air flow passage and the principal stale air flow passage, in parallel to the air-to-air heat exchanger. The flow meters are proportionally responsive to mass flow of the air flow passages to which they are connected. The invention further involves at least one damper within at least one of the air flow passages. To ensure that both air flow meters indicate a substantially equal response, each damper can be adjusted to change the amount of air flow within its respective air flow passage.

Abstract: A heat pump circuit is installed into the inner cavity of a chimney servicing a dwelling with the exterior heat pump coil mounted in an annular gap formed around the upper chimney end. A fan driven by the chimney draft then rotates an exterior rank of blade segments above the annular space to draw ambient air across the exterior coil. A set of gated apertures in the chimney wall both above and below the flue damper then directs zoned airflows up into the chimney and across the inner coil that is deployed at the lower, interior chimney opening.

Abstract: A multifunctional thermal installation that includes a compressor, a switch valve, an evaporator, a condenser, a water heater, and an expansion valve is provided. The water heater has a water inlet that is connected to an underground well. Each of the evaporator and condenser includes at least a group of heat exchangers. The first group of heat exchangers is disposed in the water heater and the second group of heat exchangers and a fan associated with the second group of heat exchangers are disposed in a room.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger capable of producing an ice slurry of a process fluid based on a heat exchange between a coolant and the process fluid. The heat exchanger according to the present invention includes a coolant chamber 10 through which a coolant flows, more than one heat transfer tube 20 though which the process fluid flows in a state surrounded by the coolant chamber 10 in order for the coolant to absorb a heat, a vibration member 30 which is vibrated in a state that the vibration member 30 is inserted along the heat transfer tube 20 for thereby separating a frozen coat of the process fluid formed in an inner wall of the heat transfer tube 20, and a vibration unit 40 for vibrating the vibration member 30.

Abstract: A heat dissipating device (1) comprises a heat-conductive container (10), a heat sink (20), and an electric pump (30). The container defines a containing channel therein, a first inlet (17) and a first outlet (16) at opposite ends of the containing channel. The heat sink comprises a plurality of fins (21) and a heat pipe (23) extending through the fins. One end of the heat pipe is connected to the first outlet. The electric pump (30) has a second inlet (32) and a second outlet (34). The second inlet is connected to an opposite end of the heat pipe. The second outlet is connected to the first inlet. Thereby a hermetic loop is formed. Liquid coolant (not shown) is received in the hermetic loop and flows under driving force of the pump. Further, a fan is mounted to a side of the heat sink to provide forced convection.

Abstract: Existing plate-type heat exchangers typically include plates that are constructed of metal or paper, which are only capable of transferring a limited amount of moisture, if any, from one side of the plate to the other side. The present invention is a plate-type heat exchanger wherein the plates are constructed of ionomer membranes, such as sulfonated or carboxylated polymer membranes, which are capable of transferring a significant amount of moisture from one side of the membrane to the other side. Incorporating such ionomer membranes into a plate-type heat exchanger provides the heat exchanger with the ability to transfer a large percentage of the available latent heat in one air stream to the other air streams. The ionomer membrane plates are, therefore, more efficient at transferring latent heat than plates constructed of metal or paper.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding a portion of a tubular within a wellbore. The expansion assembly first comprises an expander tool. The expander tool is preferably a rotary expander tool which is lowered into the wellbore at the lower end of a working string. In one aspect, the rotary expander tool defines a tubular body having recesses, with each recess containing a compliant roller. The expansion assembly further comprises a chamber having a resistive medium therein. In one arrangement, the medium is a clean oil loaded into the chamber before being run into the wellbore. The fluid chamber is sized and configured to sealingly receive an elongated lower portion of the body of the expander tool. As the body of the expander tool travels into the fluid chamber, it encounters resistance from the fluid loaded therein. The fluid serves as a resistant force to the downward movement of the drill string and the expander tool during the expansion process, thereby preventing any rapid springing of the pipe string above it.

Abstract: A rod pump for use in a wellbore is provided. In one embodiment, the rod pump comprises a traveling valve cage attachable to a rod string, the traveling valve cage having a first latch component operatively connected thereto; and a pump housing having a second latch component operatively connected thereto, wherein the first latch component is disposable in latching engagement with the second latch component. The first latch component comprises a surface having a set of grooves, and the second latch component comprises one or more pins.

Abstract: A pressure reducing apparatus for controlling the pressure of oil is provided. The apparatus has ceramic components that resist wear caused by sand and debris in the oil. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus has a hollow body having an upstream channel, a downstream channel, and a pressure reducing chamber between the upstream channel and the downstream channel. The pressure reducing chamber has a longitudinal axis and contains a disk that is rotatable on the longitudinal axis of the pressure reducing chamber. The disk has a sidewall that abuts the upstream channel and a bottom end that abuts the downstream channel. The sidewall has a height that varies along the circumference of the disk. The disk is rotatable within the pressure reducing chamber so that the height of the sidewall facing the upstream channel can be varied to throttle the flow of oil from the upstream channel.

Abstract: A well screen for use in fracturing and/or gravel packing completions that produces a good distribution of gravel over the entire completion interval. The screen is comprised of a base pipe and an outer surface (e.g. wire wrap). A plurality of flow paths (e.g. shunt tubes) are positioned in the annulus formed by the base pipe and the outer surface of the screen, and connected to corresponding exit nozzle chambers positioned at different levels on the screen to supply gravel slurry throughout the well annulus. Thereby providing the necessary alternate flowpaths for the slurry without significantly increasing the overall effective outside diameter of the screen. The screen includes one or more joints each connected together via a special connector that incorporates a manifold area. Thereby making for simpler installation and faster make up of the joints, and eliminating the need for any special tools to run the screens in the well.

Abstract: A shock absorbing tool for use in pipelines and oil wells, particularly in combination with perforation guns comprises a central mass supported on two springs between the end terminal members. The shock wave is absorbed in the free oscillation of the mass. The mass is constituted by a piston assembly. A steel rope permits the shock absorbing tool to be maneuvered within the bore hole without damage to the springs.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a direction of a target formation with respect to an instrument in a wellbore. The target has an electrical conductivity different than earth formations surrounding the wellbore. The method includes inducing time varying electromagnetic fields in the formations surrounding the wellbore. The electromagnetic fields have at least some components along mutually orthogonal directions. Voltages induced by the time varying electromagnetic fields are detected. The detecting is performed to have at least some component along mutually orthogonal directions. The direction of the target is calculated from the detected voltages.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting an operation of a downhole tool using an optical sensing system are disclosed. In an embodiment, a flow control device has an inner tubular member moveable relative to an outer tubular member and a thermally responsive chamber capable of a change in temperature during a movement between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. Detecting the change in temperature in the thermally responsive chamber with an optical sensing system provides real time knowledge of the position of the flow control device. In another embodiment, a flow control device comprises an inner tubular member moveable relative to an outer tubular member that produces an acoustic signal during a movement between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. Detecting the acoustic signal with an optical sensor provides real time knowledge of the position of the flow control device.

Abstract: A casing liner and method for lining a casing affixed in a well bore. The casing liner having a plurality of grooves and ridges arranged longitudinally and in an alternating relationship about the exterior surface of the casing liner to increase stress storage upon the casing liner being radially reduced in size and thereby decrease the expansion rate of the casing liner and facilitate installation of the casing liner into the casing.

Abstract: Methods of drilling and completing open hole well bores and methods of removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate are provided. A method of the invention for removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate from the walls of an open hole well bore is basically comprised of the steps of contacting the filter cake with a delayed clean-up solution comprised of water and a formate ester and removing the clean-up solution from the well bore.

Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is described. The method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation may include heating a first volume of the formation using a first set of heaters. A second volume of the formation may be heated using a second set of heaters. The first volume may be spaced apart from the second volume by a third volume of the formation. The first volume, second volume, and/or third volume may be sized, shaped, and/or located to inhibit deformation of subsurface equipment caused by geomechanical motion of the formation during heating.

Abstract: A heater may include an electrical conductor. Applying alternating current to the electrical conductor may resistively heat the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may include an electrically resistive ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material may at least partially surround a non-ferromagnetic material. The heater may provide a reduced amount of heat above or near a selected temperature. An electrical insulator may at least partially surround the electrical conductor. A sheath may at least partially surround the electrical insulator.

Abstract: The pressure reading tool includes a housing with an interior chamber and an orifice extending from the chamber to the exterior of the housing. A pulse member with a magnetostrictive ring and an excitation source are disposed within the chamber to produce a highly agitated fluid discharge through the orifice. The magnetostrictive ring, chamber volume, and orifice cooperate to induce Helmholtz resonance frequencies in the fluid in the chamber to thereby enhance the agitation of the fluid discharge. A sheathing encapsulates the pulse member to protect it from contact with the fluid. A dampening element is also interposed between the pulse member and housing to isolate vibration.

Abstract: A subsea oil and/or gas exploitation device, comprising at least one guide member (5) for guiding subsea equipment that is to be landed and connected to said device into a connecting position in relation to said device. Said at least one guide member (5) comprises an array of projections (6) provided for the purpose of engaging corresponding recesses (8) arranged in a corresponding guide member (7) of the subsea equipment.

Abstract: A method and a system for separating the phases of a multiphase fluid from one or more wells. The system comprises at least one first gravity separator (3-6) and at least one second gravity separator (3-6), and means for conducting the fluid from the well or wells to the first and second gravity separator(s) (3-6). The system comprises means (15-18, 41-44, 50-53, 54-57) for selectively conducting the fluid to the first and second gravity separators (3-6) either in parallel or in subsequent steps depending on the properties of the fluid and process conditions.

Abstract: An offshore hydrocarbon production system in which gases are economically stored for transport. After the produced hydrocarbons are separated into liquid (crude oil) and gases, the gases are separated into heavy and light gases. The heavy gases, which consist primarily of propane and butane, are stored as LPG (liquid petroleum gas) in a refrigerated LPG tank. The light gases (methane and other light gases) are hydrated and the ice crystals are stored in a refrigerated hydrate tank.

Abstract: A safety sleeve used with a wireline connection where the safety sleeve comprises an elongated body with an axial aperture formed along its axis. The wireline connection connects a severed wireline and can be comprised of a fishing spear and a fishing overshot. The safety sleeve axially encompasses the wireline connection assembly with its elongated body. The bending moment required to yield said safety sleeve is greater than the maximum bending moment experienced by the combination of the safety sleeve and the wireline connection during operation. The safety sleeve can also include a collar threadedly connectable to one side of the elongated body, a window formed along the elongated body, and a raised portion formed on the inner radius of the elongated body. The invention further includes a method of using the safety sleeve in conjunction with a wireline connection assembly.

Abstract: A downhole well tool (1) for orientation of a work tool (16) comprises an anchor (6), an energy unit (2) and a controller (22). The downhole well tool (1) is equipped with an axial displacement part (10) and a rotational part (14), where at least one of the axial displacement part (10) and the rotational part (14) is controlled by a programmable controller (22) and designed to steer the work tool (16) along any path within a work area.

Abstract: A multi-layer deformable composite construction. In a described embodiment, a method of expanding a structure in a wellbore includes the steps of: positioning the structure in an unexpanded configuration in the wellbore, the structure including a wall made up of multiple layers; expanding the structure to an expanded configuration while permitting relative displacement between the layers; and then preventing relative displacement between the layers.

Abstract: An adjustable horse owner's and farrier's stand includes a base having a large generally flat base and an upright portion upending from the base, and a hoof platform adjustably locked in the base. The hoof platform height may be adjusted continuously rather than incrementally for precise and accurate positioning of a hoof. One hoof platform includes a diverging U-shaped cradle, with a firm but cushioning, shock-absorbing material on its top side for elevating the hoof and absorbing the concussion of nailing and hoof maintenance. Preferably, the firm but cushioning material is a flexible strap slung across the cradle to form a hoof-receiving sling spaced above the surface of the cradle. Interchangeable hoof platforms may be provided, such as an alternative platform with a flat surface to receive the bottom of a hoof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combustion suppressing cartridge for attachment to the outer surface of a fuel tank. The cartridge has a casing which surrounds a cavity. A quantity of combustion suppressing material is provided in the cavity. The casing is sized and shaped so that a plurality of cartridges may be affixed in a scattered arrangement to the outer surface of the fuel tank. The cartridges may be affixed to the fuel tank before installation or as a retrofit, to an installed fuel tank without need to remove the tank.

Abstract: An fire-fighting system for arresting a fire in a flammable or combustible liquid storage vessel comprising a portable discharging apparatus and a portable installation apparatus. The portable discharging apparatus receives a fire-fighting agent from a supply hose and applies the fire-fighting agent to arrest a fire in a storage vessel. The portable discharging apparatus can be attached to a distal end of the portable installation apparatus so that the portable discharging apparatus can be mounted on a storage vessel. Furthermore, a plurality of portable discharging apparatuses can be mounted on a single storage vessel, using the same portable installation apparatus, to provide a large amount or a variety of fire-fighting agents or to provide fire-fighting agents at a specific location on the storage vessel. The portable installation apparatus can be extended to a variety of lengths so that it can mount a portable discharging apparatus on a variety differently sized storage vessels.

Abstract: A device for reconditioning a damaged sports surface. The device includes at least one rotatably driven shaft with two ends, one of which is connected to a frame, the other end being disposed towards the surface. The driven shaft is disposed orthogonal relative to the surface. A work head is connected to the shaft and is in contact with the surface. The work head is rotated by the shaft relative to the surface and reconditions the surface. A mobile device is disclosed.

Abstract: A walk-behind tiller having a loop-shaped handle is provided. An operating portion of a rear portion of the handle includes left and right horizontal grips, left and right rising portions and a cross portion interposed between the rear ends of the rising portions. For holding the tiller substantially horizontally, the left and right horizontal portions are held. For tilling operations, the left and right rising portions are held. For pushing down the handle, the cross portion is held.

Abstract: A three-point hitch suitable for operation with wide implements is constructed by substituting a pair of flotation actuators for the usual drop links that are normally coupled between a pair of rocker arms and a pair of lower draft links. These drop links are coupled to a hydraulic circuit including, according to one embodiment, individual accumulators for each flotation actuator, and according to a second embodiment, both actuators are coupled to a single accumulator. The accumulator(s) act to cause a pre-selected lifting force to be exerted by the flotation actuators so that a predetermined amount of the weight of an implement mounted to the draft links is counterbalanced, leaving a desired ground pressure being exerted by the implement during operation. When using individual accumulators, a side-to-side weight balance can be achieved since different accumulator settings may be used.

Abstract: A bucket extension for providing the main bucket of a front loader with side extension buckets that extends the useable width of the main bucket for material moving. The extension or side buckets are pivotally connected to the sides of the main bucket. In their closed and stored position the open fronts of the bucket extensions are mounted facing the open front of the main bucket. When they are extended, the side extension buckets pivot 180° about the pivot connection to an open operable position with the open front of the extension facing the same direction as the open front of the main bucket. Locking means are provided to lock the bucket extensions in the open position.

Abstract: A method for drilling shaker bores into a cooling channel of a single-part piston, in which gudgeon-pin bosses each having a gudgeon-pin bore and piston shaft elements are molded onto the piston head via a tie-up substantially extending fully around in the form of a ring. Passage bores are drilled into the tie-up coaxially with the shaker bores to be drilled into the cooling channel, and the shaker bore is drilled into the underside of the piston head with a drilling bit inserted in the respective passage bore.

Abstract: A method and a control system for controlling rock drilling. A control unit (10) of a rock drilling apparatus is provided with one or more control modes (M1-M4), each determining the drilling variables to be measured, their threshold values and the operating principles according to which the operating parameters of drilling are controlled to achieve a desired control criterion.

Abstract: A pneumatic linerbolt removing tool including a moil supported for reciprocal movement along a hammer axis within a housing, an inertial body movably mounted along said hammer axis, and a piston assembly moveable within said inertial body along the hammer axis between a striking position at which it strikes the moil and a retracted position remote therefrom. The tool further including a gas-charged accumulator for urging said piston toward the moil and air supply means to a cylinder adapted to urge a biasing piston on the inertial body relative to the housing and toward said moil. The inertial body being ported so that working air is supplied to a front face of the piston assembly to urge it to a coked position away from the moil and whereby the accumulator is in its compressed state, and selectively operable porting means for equalizing pressure between the front and rear faces of the piston, to continuously allow transfer of air between said faces while in operation.

Abstract: At least one side wall area of a casing, suitable for small electronic devices such as hearing aid devices e.g. for the use in environment with elevated humidity, is proposed to be porous or perforated. On the outside surface of the casing a fleece is arranged on the said side wall area, which fleece does have a higher porosity or pores with a smaller diameter respectively than the pores or openings within the said side wall area of the casing. The side wall area can be e.g. a cover or lid respectively, which is covered on its outer surface with the said fleece. The fleece preferably is a “non-woven” consisting of polymer fibers such as e.g. polyester fibers. The casing cover or lid respectively can be e.g. a cover of a receptacle for batteries.

Abstract: A contacting component for manufacturing an electrically conductive connection includes a conductor device (2) onto which at least one first plastic component (3) and separately a second plastic component (4, 5, 6) are molded in which case the conductor device (2) can be bent in such a way that the first plastic component (3) can engage in the second plastic component (4, 5, 6) to provide an integral contacting component.

Abstract: A high-voltage module comprises a housing (9) which accommodates at least one structural component (4, 5) that is fastened on a metal-ceramics substrate from a ceramic layer (1) comprising a first main face (11) and a second main face (12) opposite said first main face (11), an upper metal layer (15) on the first main face (11) and a lower metal layer (16) on the second main face (12). The high-voltage module is further comprising on the outer edges (14) of the substrate either a cast from weakly conductive particles (17) and a gel, or a cast from particles having a high dielectric constant as compared to the cast gel (17), and a gel.

Abstract: A receptacle includes an insulated outer case, first and second trip switches formed on an inner bottom of the insulated case, a reset switch formed on the inner bottom of the insulated outer case, a cover disposed on a top of the outer case, first and second test buttons disposed in the insulated outer case to be movable in a vertical direction, each of the first and second test buttons having a bottom adjacent to the corresponding trip switch and a top exposed through the cover, a first spring for biasing the first and second test buttons to an initial position, a reset button disposed in the insulated outer case to be movable in a vertical direction, the reset button having a bottom adjacent to the reset switch and a top exposed through the cover, and a locking portion for selectively locking the reset button in response to the vertical motion of the first and second test button.

Abstract: A grommet (1) including a first tubular portion (33) holding an electric wire (10) therein; an elastic first flange (34) formed on a front part of the first tubular portion (33); a second tubular portion (31) which extends rearward from the first flange (34) and is to be fitted in a panel hole (21) when the first tubular portion (33) is pulled frontward; a rib portion (39) annularly formed on the second tubular portion (31); and an elastic second flange (35) formed on a rear part of the first tubular portion (33), which diverges rearward. Cooperating with the first tubular portion (33) and the first flange (34), the second tubular portion (31) defines an annular space (37), and an entrance thereof is defined by the rib portion (39). The second flange (35) extends in a radial direction outside the entrance of the annular space (37).

Abstract: An electrical cable includes a central insulated conductor and a plurality of outer insulated conductors disposed around the central insulated conductor, the central insulated conductor and the plurality of outer insulated conductors forming interstices therebetween. Further, the electrical cable includes a filler material substantially filling at least a portion of the interstices and a jacket encasing the conductors and the filler material.

Abstract: An electrical wire or cable has superior mechanical and dielectric properties for applications in the aerospace industry. The wire has a metallic conductor surrounded by at least one layer of polyimide winding tape. A sintered intermediate layer is formed over the polyimide winding tape. Over the insulator is at least one layer of polytetraflucroethylene winding tape having a planoconvex cross section. The resulting construction has a smooth surface that can be marked and is highly resistant to aggressive media, moisture and dirt. As a result, corona discharge and short circuits are avoided.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge deionizing lighting conductor has two frameworks having different geometries and being electrically separated from one another, insulators which electrically separate the frameworks from one another and must support the frameworks in the insulators and being electrically insulated, each of the insulators being provided with a variable dielectric, so that each of the insulators, when it counter balances an energy within it, annuls a saturation of electrical charges in an atmosphere of a protected area which are responsible of thunderbolt formation, its scope being variable according to a geographic area to be protected and the values being of about 650 meter radius.

Abstract: In a product (4) with a component (19) which has at least one component contact (20, 21) formed by a metal bump (20, 21), and with a substrate (15) which has at least one substrate contact (16, 17), an electrically conductive intermetallic connection (34, 35) is formed in each case between a component contact (20, 21) and a substrate contact (16, 17) and between the component (19) and the substrate (15) is provided a protective layer (26) formed using a foil which was fixedly connected with the substrate (15) before formation of the electrically conductive intermetallic connection (34, 35) existing in each case between a component contact (20, 21) and a substrate contact (16, 17) and which can be softened at least once under the effect of heat.

Abstract: A circuit board (15) with a contact sleeve (17) mounted thereon. The contact sleeve (17) is electrically connectable in the manner used for an SMD-component. An upper side of the circuit board (15) has a recess (23) and a metallizing (25, 26) bordering the recess (23), the metallizing (25, 26) being connected to a conductor path (27) extending on the circuit board (15), and, set in the recess (23), a contact sleeve (17), which is both mechanically secured and electrically connected to the metallizing (25) by means of a solder connection (29).

Abstract: Subsea wells are drilled and completed with an offshore floating platform in a manner that allows simultaneous work on more than one well. A first well is drilled and casing. Then a tubing hanger is run through a drilling riser and landed in the wellhead housing. Then, with the same floating platform, the drilling riser is disconnected and moved to a second well. While performing operations on the second well, the operator lowers a production tree from the floating platform on a lift line, and connects it to the first wellhead housing. An ROV assisted subsea plug removal tool is used for plug removal and setting operations required through the production tree. Seabed separation is configured upstream of a production choke valve.

Abstract: An outer wellhead housing has an external locator member initially oriented in a desired direction. An inner wellhead housing lands in the outer wellhead housing. A BOP orientation spool with an external orientation member and an internal orientation member lands on the inner wellhead housing and orients via the external locator member. A tubing hanger with an orientation member and associated tubing hanger running tool with another orientation member lower through the BOP orientation spool and orient as they land in the inner wellhead housing. A production tree with an orientation member on a lower end lands on the inner wellhead housing. The orientation member of the production tree engages the orientation member of the tubing hanger to rotate the tree to a desired orientation.