Abstract: A process for the production of a braking band having ventilation ducts comprises the steps of a) moulding a core of metallic material, b) inserting the core in a mould, in a central position, c) filling the mould with at least two layers of material which are to form the braking band, in a manner such that the core is “sandwiched” between the at least two layers, d) performing a first heating of the mould to a temperature such as to bring about hardening of the at least two layers until the at least two layers adopt a three-dimensional structure, e) subjecting the semi-finished product produced in step d) to a second heating to a temperature such as to bring about fusion of the metallic material of the core, and f) collecting the molten core.

Abstract: A method for the refining of primary aluminum in hypoeutectic alloys by mixing at least two hypoeutectic alloys into a solid/semi-solid hypoeutectic slurry is described. The method provides control of the morphology, size, and distribution of primary Al in a hypoeutectic Al—Si casting by mixing a hypoeutectic Al—Si liquid with solid hypoeutectic Al—Si particles to impart desirable mechanical properties. The invention enables SSM molding of hypoeutiectic alloys without the need for secondary processing steps associated with other rheocasting processes.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced porous preform is positioned within a die cavity defined by upper and lower die members, and the lower die member defines at least one gate opening in the center portion of a water cooled shot sleeve which receives a vertically moveable shot piston. The area of the gate opening is small relative to the area of the shot sleeve, and the lower die member defines an annular recess above the inner surface of the shot sleeve for entrapping a shell of pre-solidified metal. Air vent slots extend outwardly between the shot sleeve and lower die member and are closed by the shell of pre-solidified metal. In one embodiment, the shot sleeve and shot piston are non-circular or oval in cross-section; and the lower die member has a plurality of longitudinally space gate openings.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the casting of metals comprising the steps of:

Abstract: Casting mold for metal casting, in particular precision casting of fine parts of steel, wherein at least the main part of the casting mold is comprised of porous ceramic with a high thermal coefficient of expansion which corresponds to the metal, and produced by generative rapid prototyping process, as well as generative rapid prototyping processes and coated powders particularly suitable therefore, as well as uses of the casting mold for tools and their components, in particular of steel.

Abstract: In a method for the continuous casting of a thin metal strip according to the two-roll method, metal melt is cast into a casting gap formed by two casting rolls of the thickness of the metal strip to be cast, under formation of a melting bath.

Abstract: A laboratory thermostat features a heating and/or cooling device for temperature control of a liquid bath medium located in a bath tank. The laboratory thermostat has an early-warning system with a control device for a low liquid level in the bath tank and an evaluation device that can realize at least an acoustic and/or visual warning message for maintaining the temperature control process. Due to the integrated early-warning system, when the liquid level decreases, the user of the laboratory thermostat is made aware in due time before undesired shutdown by a low-liquid-level protection device, so that lost temperature control fluid can be immediately refilled before the safety shutdown is triggered by the low-liquid-level protection device.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The heat exchanger typically includes at least one end tank; and a plurality of spaced apart extruded metal tubes with fins between the spaced tubes. The heat exchanger may be single or multi-fluid. In preferred embodiments, the heat exchanger is arranged to have tubes or tube arrangements the improve heat transfer efficiency.

Abstract: An application specific heat sink assembly for dissipating heat from one or more electronic components is presented with a heat-dissipating substrate selected for one or more of its size, shape, mass, cost, thermal conductivity, or environmental resistance properties; and one or more heat-dissipating studs. Each heat-dissipating stud may be attached to the heat-dissipating substrate such that an electronic component may be attached to each heat-dissipating stud with the heat-dissipating stud providing CTE transition between the heat-dissipating substrate and the electronic component to be cooled. At least one of the heat-dissipating studs may have an upper layer with a CTE similar to the electronic component's CTE and one or more intermediate layers between the upper layer and the heat-dissipating substrate to provide CTE stepping between the CTE of the heat-dissipating substrate and the CTE of the upper layer of the heat-dissipating stud.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a turn-fin condenser. The turn-fin condenser employs a turn-fin tube adhesively wound in a spiral shape around an outer surface of the tube in which refrigerant flows. The condenser comprises a coil type turn-fin tube 10 wound in a coil shape and fixed by inner and outer brackets 20 and 30 surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the coil type turn-fin tube, a motor 40 positioned in an inner space formed by the coil type turn-fin tube 10, a blowing fan 50 for taking ambient air in the coil type turn-fin tube 10 after being driven by the motor 40, and a tube wall 80 spirally wound with tube 11 extending out of the inner and outer brackets 20 and 30 at the rear side of the coil type turn-fin tube 10.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly useful in hydrocarbon well completion. The gun is assembled in a carrier made from straight walled tubing as a primary structural member with complementary male and female threads cut into opposite ends so that gun assemblies may be directly connected together. The male coupling includes a reinforcing sleeve threaded into an internal thread. An alignment pin is positioned in the carrier extending through the reinforcing ring and into the interior of the carrier. A charge assembly includes a charge holder tube with upper and lower alignment fixtures. The lower alignment fixture includes an alignment slot for mating with the alignment pin and a shoulder for supporting the charge assembly on the sleeve. The upper alignment fixture has an alignment pin for mating with an alignment slot in the carrier. A retainer ring may be threaded into the upper female threads to prevent removal of the charge assembly from the carrier.

Abstract: An operator controlled, selectively actuatable downhole dump valve assembly (22) for selective draining of pumping liquid from a producing oil well, sectionalized downhole pipe string (18). The assembly (22) includes a tubular pipe section (24) having endmost threading (34, 38) and a dump valve rupture disc fitting unit (26); the fitting unit (26) includes a metallic, concavo-convex disc (50) with preformed lines of weakness (52, 54) on one face thereof. The section (24) is interconnected between a pair of lower pipe sections (20a, 20b). In operation when it is desired to elevate the string (18) from the well, the fluid within the string (18) is pressurized sufficiently to rupture the disc (50), thereby allowing fluid within the string (18) to drain. The string (18) and other well components can thereby be removed from the well without contamination owing to spillage from the tubular string (18).

Abstract: A well tool (12) includes a mandrel (86), a collar (64), a sleeve (76) and a piston body (88). The collar (64) is disposed above and the sleeve (76) is disposed beneath a seal element (70), a conical element (72) and slips (74). A central bore (92) extends into the mandrel (86), and a flow port (96) extends from the central bore (92) to an exterior of the mandrel (86) which is adjacent to the sleeve (76). The piston body (88) extends exteriorly outward of the mandrel (86) and beneath the flow port (96). The sleeve (76) extends exteriorly around and slidably engages the mandrel (86) and the piston body (88). A setting pressure applied to the central bore (92) and passed through the flow port (96) moves the sleeve (76) upwards on the mandrel (86) to press the slips (74), the conical element (72) and the seal element (70) between the sleeve (76) and the collar (64) to set the well tool (12).

Abstract: An internal, positive engagement lock that locks a tool, such as a hydraulic drilling jar, in the fully open position when the tool is racked back and when tripping in and out of the hole close to the surface. The lock mechanism is spring biased into a locked position that provides a positive engagement between two axially translatable components, thus preventing any actuation of the tool. As the tool is run in the hole, increasing hydrostatic pressure within the tool will cause the locking mechanism to shift to a disengaged position and the tool will operate normally. The spring-biased locking mechanism will return to the locked position as hydrostatic pressure decreases as the tool is retrieved to the surface.

Abstract: The borehole closure (1) includes a supply line (2), which is made of plastic and includes a longitudinal passage, and an inflating tube (28). The supply line (2) has a feed end (3) with an external thread (4) and a discharge end (5) with an external thread (6) as well as an integrated non-return valve (18). The inflating tube (28) surrounds the supply line (2) in a sealing manner with its end portions (29, 30) at formation of an elongate annular chamber (33). Transverse passages (37) are provided in the wall (36) of the supply line (2) at the end of the annular chamber (33). The ports of the transverse channels (37) into the annular chamber (33) are covered by elastic sealing rings (39), which are guided through fixing rings (40), arranged on both sides of the sealing rings (39). A rupture disk (25) is fixed to the end surface of the discharge end (5) of the supply line (2) by means of a thrust ring (24) with an internal shearing edge as well as a threaded sleeve (7) with an internal radial shoulder (9).

Abstract: Inflatable packer assemblies and bridge plugs that incorporate selective components made of a composite material, thereby providing improvements in weight, drillability and corrosion resistance. A through-tubing packer assembly is described having end sleeves fashioned partially from composite material of high strength fiber and polymer resin. The inflatable packer element has longitudinal ribs fashioned from composite material with a specialized cross-section having a larger cross-section of rib material in locations where additional bending resistance is required and permits additional elastomeric material to be placed about the ribs in sealing areas. An external casing packer is also described having a composite valve assembly and central mandrel formed primarily of composite material. The mandrel includes metallic fittings for threaded attachments to be made.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for seismic monitoring. In one aspect, an apparatus for acoustically coupling a sensor mechanism to a surface in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a mandrel disposable in a tubing string. The apparatus further includes a carrier member disposed on the mandrel, the carrier member axially adjustable relative to the mandrel. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor mounted on the carrier member, the at least one sensor connected to the surface of the well via a cable line and a deployment assembly disposed on the carrier member for coupling the at least one sensor to the surface of the well. In another aspect, a method for acoustically coupling a sensor mechanism to a surface of a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: A method for logging a wellbore includes actuating a positioning device to adjust the position of a module relative to a reference point or object such as a wellbore axis or proximally positioned downhole device. With respect to a wellbore, an exemplary positioning device can set the measurement tool such as an acoustic device to successive radial positions (e.g., substantial concentricity or substantial eccentricity relative to an axis of the wellbore). In one embodiment, the module includes a measurement tool to measure different parameters of interest (e.g., acoustic logging data, check-shot data measurement, bonding of cement to casing). With respect to an adjacent downhole device, the positioning device can provide a selected relative orientation (e.g., azimuth, inclination, radial displacement) between the module and the adjacent downhole device. The positioning device can also be adapted to apply a jarring force to a wall of the wellbore to free a downhole device.

Abstract: A formation testing tool and method for providing pressure controlled sampling is provided. A flow line delivers formation fluid to a sample chamber in the testing tool. A first valve controls the flow of formation fluid from the flow line to the sample chamber. A piston is slidably disposed in the sample chamber to define a sample cavity and a actuation cavity having variable volumes determined by movement of the piston. An actuator is also provided to move the piston in a first direction to increase the volume of the sample cavity and a second direction to decrease the volume of the sample cavity whereby formation fluid may be drawn into the sample cavity and pressurized therein using the actuator and the first valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating subterranean zones penetrated by well bores utilizing environmentally safe viscous fluids. A method of the invention comprises the following steps. A viscous treating fluid composition is provided comprised of water, a viscosity increasing polymer and a water soluble delayed polymer breaker that comprises a mixture of sodium perborate tetrahydrate and a solubility increasing boron complex or ester forming compound. The viscous treating fluid composition is introduced into the subterranean zone wherein the viscous treating fluid is allowed to break into a thin fluid of reduced viscosity.

Abstract: A method of the preparation and utilization of polymerized alpha-hydroxycarboxylic-acid-coated proppants for gravel pack and removal of filter cake that was deposited by reservoir drilling fluid. In a preferred example, polyglycolic-acid-coated sand is used to replace conventional gravel pack sand typically used for gravel packing. Under downhole conditions, the acidic by-product generated from the hydration of polyglycolic-acid-coated sand can break down acid-soluble and/or acid-breakable components embedded in the filter cake. This reaction enhances the filter cake removal and the flow of hydrocarbon from the producing formation. The polyglycolic-acid-coated sand may be produced by polymerizing a glycolic acid with a natural or synthetic proppant like 20-40 mesh commercial sand, at temperatures of about 210° F. or higher.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to hydraulic tools which may be used to set a liner top packer and/or may be used to resist the lifting forces of cementing pack-offs. One embodiment of a tool string for use in wellbore operations comprises a hydraulic anchor assembly adapted to prevent axial movement of the tool string and a hydraulic packer actuator assembly adapted to set a packer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for drilling and lining a wellbore in one downhole trip. The method comprises mounting a drill bit on a drill string including a section of expandable tubing and providing a tubing expander in the string, then rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string through a bore, then passing the expander through the expandable tubing to expand the tubing, wherein the expandable tubing is deformed by compressive plastic deformation of the tubing with a localised reduction in wall thickness, resulting in a subsequent increase in tubing diameter, and then retrieving the drill bit from the bore through the expanded tubing.

Abstract: An embodiment of a downhole tool for use with a workstring in a wellbore includes a first section, a second section, and a coupling mechanism adapted such that in a first configuration the coupling mechanism couples the first section to the second section. In a second configuration, the coupling mechanism does not couple the first section to the second section. Also disclosed is a method for creating a plug in a wellbore, the method comprising: injecting a slurry into the workstring to form a plug in the wellbore, positioning a flow preventing mechanism into the workstring to prevent fluid flow from exiting the workstring, inducing a coupling mechanism to uncouple a portion of the workstring such that the portion remains with the slurry to create the plug in the wellbore, and removing the first section from the wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auxiliary method for freeing a drill pipe stuck due to build up of filter cake, which provides a reduction in the amount of force required to free said pipe which comprises:

Abstract: A down hole heating system for use with oil and gas wells which exhibit less than optimally achievable flow rates because of high oil viscosity and/or blockage by paraffin (or similar meltable petroleum byproducts). The heating unit the present invention includes shielding to prevent physical damage and shortages to electrical connections within the heating unit while down hole (a previously unrecognized source of system failures in prior art systems). The over-all heating system also includes heat retaining components to focus and contain heat in the production zone to promote flow to, and not just within, the production tubing.

Abstract: A method of injection of a higher density fluid into the top of the annulus of a well while lower density fluid is withdrawn from the top of the annulus of the well, wherein the higher density fluid has a composition such that it will drop through the lower density fluid without dispersing therein, thus flowing into the deeper reaches of the annulus and not short circuiting through the top of the annulus to the point from which the lower density fluid is intended to be withdrawn.

Abstract: A fluid flow switching device for a drill string comprises a tubular member having a port (4). A sleeve member is slidable within the tublar member between a first position in which a port (3) thereof is in alignment with the port (4) and a second position in which the port (4) is obstructed. A plurality of fingers are connected to the sleeve member (2). Each finger defines one segment of a closure member, that is closed when the fingers are pivoted inwardly and open when the fingers are pivoted outwardly. An operating surface is positioned within the tubular member, and the fingers are axially slidable thereover as the sleeve member is moved between the first and second positions to close and open the segmented closure.

Abstract: A choke actuator having an integrated choke control system enabling fast closure and opening of the choke. The choke control system includes integral electronics to receive signals from a surface or subsea control module and control directional control valves to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid from a local hydraulic supply to the choke actuator. Response times for choke actuation are greatly reduced by locating the electronic control system and directional control valves in an integrated package with the choke actuator and providing a local hydraulic supply. Additional embodiments may also include other electronic sensing and instrumentation enabling the choke control system to monitor and adjust the choke to maintain selected flow characteristics or in accordance with a predetermined production scheme. Any or all of the components of the choke, the choke control system, or the choke actuator may also be retrievable separately from the other components so as to allow maintenance and replacement.

Abstract: A method for attaching a first component which comprises a depending portion to a second component which comprises a bore that is sized and configured to receive the depending portion, wherein the first and second components are exposed to a fluid which is at an ambient pressure, comprises the steps of inserting the depending portion at least partially into the bore and then creating a bore pressure within the bore which is less than the ambient pressure. In this manner a pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the bore pressure will force the depending portion into the bore to thereby attach the first component to the second component.

Abstract: Method for operating a well installation utilizing a chamber in operative association with plunger lift to carry out deliquidfication. Injection gas may be employed for plunger lift in a manner wherein the injection channel is isolated from the primary annulus of the well adjacent the casing. Gas is produced through that primary annulus.

Abstract: A disconnection device for disconnecting a tool and a pipe string comprises a first connection part releasably connected to a second connection part by means of a locking device and a release object. The release object is soluble by means of, for example, acid.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple coupling means for interfacing linear acting actuator shafts with valves or hydraulic chokes. The coupling means of the present invention allows either an actuator or an interconnected valve or choke to be rapidly, safely, and efficiently interchanged with a replacement part. The present invention is broadly applicable to a wide variety of actuator types having rectilinear motion outputs and to a large variety of valve and choke types which are operated by linear motions, including gate valves with or without balanced stems.

Abstract: A tie back assembly that uses expansion for connection and sealing is disclosed. The male component does not have any wall portions removed to hold a resilient seal. A seal is an option as anchoring and sealing can be accomplished by the expansion alone. The pressure rating of the connection is not reduced by material removed to accommodate a seal. A variety of expansion techniques can be used and the expansion can be done in a single trip with the insertion of the tie back assembly into the receptacle or in a separate trip.

Abstract: A tong positioning system positions a power tong about an oilfield tubular connection to make up or break out a threaded connection. An extendable arm and a retainer device on the extendable arm. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer device comprises opposing laterally-movable retainer arms defining an adjustable opening for at least partially enclosing one of the upper tubular and the lower tubular. The extendable arm is retractable for thereafter moving the power tong laterally toward the tubular connection.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for engaging a first tubular and a second tubular in a wellbore. In one aspect, an apparatus for forming an expanded connection in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a first tubular radially expandable outward into contact with an inner wall of a second tubular upon the application of an outwardly directed force supplied to an inner surface of the first tubular. The apparatus further includes a plurality of outwardly extending formations formed on an outer surface of the first tubular, the formations constructed and arranged to provide a frictional relationship between the first tubular and the second tubular while leaving a fluid path when the first tubular is expanded to engage the inner wall of the second tubular. In another aspect, a method of compliantly expanding a tubular into contact with a casing wall is provided. In a further aspect, an expandable apparatus for expanding a tubular is provided.

Abstract: A latch assembly, and methods of using the latch assembly, for use with a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and a tubular, are provided. In one embodiment, the latch assembly is disposable within the tubular, configured to be rotationally and axially coupled to the tubular. In one aspect of the embodiment, latch assembly is configured to be released from the tubular by applying a tensile force to the latch assembly. The latch the latch assembly may comprise: one or more sleds disposed within one or more respective slots formed along at least a portion of a locking mandrel; and one or more retractable axial drag blocks configured to engage a matching axial profile disposed in the tubular, wherein each axial drag block is coupled to the respective sled with one or more biasing members; and the locking mandrel actuatable between a first position and a second position and preventing retraction of the axial drag blocks when actuated to the second position.

Abstract: A wellbore anchoring device for anchoring a down-hole tool within a string of casing is provided, comprising an expandable cone having at least one annular integral shoulder, defining the large end of at least one conical annular recess on an outer surface of the cone, and at least one resilient slip positioned within the at least one annular recess, wherein axial travel of the at least one slip relative to the cone is actively limited by engagement with at least one integral shoulder on the cone.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for engaging a first tubular and a second tubular in a wellbore. In one aspect, an apparatus for forming an expanded connection in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a first tubular being radially expandable outward into contact with an inner wall of a second tubular upon the application of an outwardly directed force supplied to an inner surface of the first tubular. The apparatus further includes a plurality of formations formed on an outer surface of the first tubular, the formations constructed and arranged to provide a frictional relationship between the first tubular and the second tubular while leaving a fluid path when the first tubular is expanded to engage the inner wall of the second tubular. In another aspect, an apparatus for engaging a first tubular and a second tubular in a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of completing a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: An electrical fire suppression system for a structure having electrical fixtures includes a central computer system and a plurality of fire sensing devices distributed through the structure. A central fire suppression fluid tank is connected to fire suppression fluid pipes and a set of valves are mounted on the fire suppression fluid pipes to control fire suppression fluid flow therethrough, the valves being controlled by the central computer system. Each of the plurality of fire suppression fluid pipes extend into at least one of the electrical fixtures for transfer of fire suppression fluid directly thereto. Upon detection of fire, the fire sensing device signals the central computer system to determine the location of the fire and command the valves on the fire suppression fluid pipes to open to release fire suppression fluid therethrough for extinguishing the fire at the electrical fixture at which it started.

Abstract: A fire fighting adapter that converts a conventional back pack blower, which has a discharge tube with a free end through which blown air is provided, into a water and foam fire fighter. The adapter includes a housing and a diffuser unit. The housing attaches to, and communicates with, the free end of the discharge tube of the conventional back pack blower to receive the blown air therefrom. The diffuser unit is contained in the housing, and diffuses the water and the foam to engage with the blown air from the free end of the discharge tube of the conventional back pack blower so as to be propelled by the blown air out of the housing.

Abstract: Spraying apparatus, designed especially for fire-fighting purposes, comprising at least one spray head (1) and one holder (2), in which the spray head can be moved between at least two positions, the spray head being in a retracted position when in an inactive state, and when it is in an active state, at least one of the nozzles of the spray head lies above the edges of the holder. The spray head (1) is disposed in a surface-mounted structural part (7) comprising at least one spray head holder (2) and means (8) for supplying a medium to be sprayed, such as an extinguishing medium, into the spray head.

Abstract: A fire's electrostatic field is used to directly control and extinguish a fire. A flame is, in and of itself, a virtual electrode. The inventive electrostatic fire control and extinguishing device uses at least one common electrode and allows the fire's own electrostatic field to act as the other virtual electrode to repel the fire's flame, controlling the spread of the fire or to control its direction or to totally extinguish it. The electro-static fire control and extinguishing device exploits the electrostatic properties of the fire's flame, directly using at least one electrode set at the appropriate electrostatic charge to create the desired fire control while the fire acts as the second source of the electrostatic field in which the electrostatic attraction/repulsion interaction takes place. A high voltage electrostatic field is produced by a high voltage static generator and the desired charge level is delivered to the flame via a conductive grid.

Abstract: An exterior fire suppression system includes a sprinkler system that is connected to a water supply. The sprinkler system is mounted within the structure and is substantially hidden from view when the system is inactive. The system may include roof sprinklers and eave sprinklers that are adapted to saturate the exterior of the structure when the system is activated. Each roof sprinkler is a popup sprinkler installed within a facade that is an aesthetic match with the structure's roof and may be installed within a sprinkler box underneath the roofline. Each eave sprinkler is installed within the eave, substantially hidden from view. A heat sensor may be disposed adjacent to the eave sprinkler and connected to an electronic control to activate the system when excessive heat is detected.

Abstract: Fire that has started in an enclosed space in an aircraft is smothered by closing or at least partly closing any air flow inlet and any air flow outlet of the enclosed space in response to a temperature rise caused by a fire in the enclosed space such as a toilet or crew quarters, galley cabinets, or the like. For this purpose fireproof, intumescent material is installed next to and along any apertures or openings in the enclosed space. When the temperature in the enclosed space exceeds the expansion temperature of the fireproof intumescent material the material expands into these apertures, thereby sealing or at least partly sealing these apertures, whereby air and thus oxygen access to the fire is reduced or even prevented, thereby smothering the fire. Preferably a guide surface guides the expanding intumescent material into the apertures or openings at least when the expansion starts.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing and fire retarding method is provided comprising the step of confining a fire extinguishing and fire retarding agent in slurry, liquid or gaseous form within a shell wherein the shell comprises such an agent in solid form. An agent such as ice water, or liquid carbon dioxide is useful when employing the shell as “non-lethal” device. The solid shell is sublimable and will burst upon impact or upon exposure to the environmental conditions at the target site to release the contents of the shell as well as the fragments of the shell onto the target site.

Abstract: A radio controlled liquid monitor, capable of rotation about a vertical axis through an infinite arc is disclosed. A rotatable body is rotatably mounted onto a base element for rotation about a vertical axis, and a discharge elbow is rotatably mounted on the rotatable body for rotation about a horizontal axis. A horizontal drive unit and a vertical drive unit operate on gears on the rotatable body and the elbow, to enable the rotatable body to rotate about a vertical axis, and the discharge elbow to rotate about a horizontal axis. A control module is attached to the rotatable body which receives radio control commands from an operator via a portable transmitter apparatus or a fixed transmitter apparatus. The control module and drive unit receive electrical power and control signals through a rotating connector positioned within the base element and rotatable body so that the control module and drive units receive electrical power and control signals regardless of the rotational position of the rotatable body.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes a tank and a gas generator breech connected to the tank. The gas generator breech is provided with a hermetically sealed gas generator cartridge. The hermetically sealed gas generator cartridge avoids the need to have a release poppet or burst shims on the gas generator breech. The enclosed space that contains combustion gas pressure is provided by the gas generator cartridge itself and not the gas generator breech. The gas generator cartridge is made from a container that can be the precursor to a beverage can used for carbonated beverages. The beverage can may come in a thickness and material of construction that makes it a suitable, cost-effective container for the gas generator cartridge. However, other containers besides precursors of beverage cans can be used.

Abstract: A portable handheld edge cutter (1) has a cutterhead (2) fixed to a guide tube (4). Two wheels (6, 7) are attached to the cutterhead (2). The cutterhead (2) includes a gear unit mounted in a gear housing (8). A first wheel (7) is rotatably journalled on a first end (27) of the gear housing (8). On the opposite-lying end (28) of the gear housing (8), a cutting knife (9) is mounted and is rotatably driven by the output shaft (18) of the gear unit. In order to achieve a simple assembly of the edge cutter (1) and to protect the gear housing (8) against wear, the second wheel (6) is mounted between the gear housing (8) and the cutting knife (9) and that the two wheels (6, 7) are journalled coaxially to the output shaft (18).

Abstract: Devices and methods for air assisted loading of soil in an earth moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the current of air towards soil moved by the earth moving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth moving apparatus. An earth moving apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two ground engaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding side walls. A cutting blade may be attached to the bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved by the earth moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth moving apparatus are also disclosed.