Abstract: The levels of iron sulfide present in a conduit, such as a pipeline, are reduced by contacting the conduit, on an inner surface, with a composition obtained from an aqueous solution containing at least one compound of Formula (I) and at least one amine or corresponding ammonium derivative in the presence of a solvent, wherein X is an anion of valency n. Preferably, the pH of the solution is about 8. Alternatively, the method employs a composition comprising tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine (TRIS) and at least one amine or corresponding ammonium derivative. The amine preferably is ammonia or a primary alkylamine. The compositions readily complex and thereby dissolve deposits of iron(II) sulfide, removing them from the conduit.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow through i lines, wherein the i lines are connectable through tubing to i zones, respectively, and wherein i=1, 2, . . . , N. The system includes at least one valve and a pressure transducer in each of the i lines, a control device for controlling the valves, and a zone pressure estimator. The zone pressure estimator is connected to the pressure transducers and is programmed to calculate an estimated pressure in each the i zones and provide the estimated pressures to the control device.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a flexible diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The flexible diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and comprises an area larger than an area of the fluid conduit and a periphery. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a flexible diaphragm. The support member and flexible diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of at least a part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated flow controller for compressed air systems is disclosed. The flow controller includes a control panel, a transducer for sampling downstream air pressure, an electrical actuator with an electric motor, and a valve driven by the motor. The flow controller also optionally includes a bypass assembly and battery backup system. The transducer measures downstream pressure, and an electrical actuator incrementally positions the valve to maintain set point pressure between the flow controller and the point of use. By using an electrical actuator rather than the traditional pneumatic actuator, the present invention avoids the contamination and response time problems that have plagued earlier flow controllers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pilot operated relief valve, in which a balance system is provided to offset a tank pressure exerted on a piston, so that a setting pressure of a pilot poppet is not changed even when the tank pressure is changed, and thus a function of the relief valve can be stably performed. The pilot operated relief valve is comprised of a sleeve, a main poppet provided to be movable in the sleeve, a seat provided in the sleeve, a housing connected to a rear end of the sleeve, a pilot poppet provided to be movable in the housing, a piston moved by a pilot signal pressure, and the balance system offsetting the tank pressure exerted on the piston.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in regulating the flow of fluid between a first fluid side and a second fluid side of a hydraulic circuit. The assembly has an insert mounted in a hydraulic component having at least a portion of the hydraulic circuit formed therein, the insert also has a first end exposed to the first fluid side, a first end opening formed on the first end and a second end open to the second fluid side. The valve assembly additionally has a valve plug retained within the second end of the insert and a valve seat surface formed on the first end of the insert. The valve assembly also has a combination check valve and pressure relief valve located within the insert between the valve seat surface and the valve plug to selectively open and close the first opening.

Abstract: A water timer includes a housing, which is available with a water inlet and at least two water outlets. Some water channels are separately mounted between water inlet and water outlets. Some membranes are provided within the water channel to control the start/stop of water flow and a time set is installed onto the top of the housing and connected to a membrane via the help of a brake bar. The water inlet, two water outlets and water channel are integrated into the housing. Moreover, the water inlet is designed with a concave “”-shaped Y-branch at a first side of the housing, where it forms a first inlet, second inlet and a manifold branch. With an open lateral surface, the manifold branch is enclosed by a connecting seat. And, the exterior of connecting seat is applied for the linking of the water supply connector.

Abstract: A method for achieving high flow in valves with small actuation distance is described. A detailed description for a silicon microvalve is provided. An algorithm is described for designing optimized valves.

Abstract: For the pig delivery of the coating material at high voltage in a system for electrostatic mass-production coating of workpieces in the vicinity of grounded parts of the system, a multi-layer tube is provided, whose innermost layer forms the piggable inner wall, while a second layer consists of a high-voltage-resistant isolation material and is surrounded by a protective outer layer.

Abstract: A method of insulating ducts is described including laminating a reinforcement fabric to a fibrous insulation board, lifting at least a portion of the reinforcement fabric from the fibrous insulation board, applying a first layer of a mastic coating to the fibrous insulation board, embedding the reinforcement fabric into the first layer of mastic coating, and applying a second layer of the mastic coating to the outside surface of the reinforcement fabric. The reinforcement fabric is laminated to the fibrous insulation board using an adhesive material.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a tree-cutting machine having a feed mechanism powered by hydraulic fluid at the output of a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor may comprise a variable-displacement motor. The hydraulic circuit may comprise elements which provide an anti-stall mode, wherein the feed mechanism is operated to withdraw the cutting element upon pressure at an input port of the hydraulic motor exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a router depth adjustment mechanism for minimizing rapid course depth adjustment for standard and plunge routers. Routers with rapid or course adjustment mechanisms may permit a router motor housing to drop suddenly, if the user in inattentive. Sudden adjustments may result in damage to the router and even user injury. The mechanism of the present invention includes a threaded shaft and a biased thread engaging member which may be disengaged for rapid adjustment. A restraining device and/or a break may be included to minimize the rate of change.

Abstract: A table saw apparatus including an extendable table. The table saw also includes a rip fence with a constant alignment spring finger to ensure alignment at all times between the rip fence and the table saw blade. The table saw further includes a self-adjusting rip fence scale associated with the extending portion of the table. The table saw further includes a self-aligning blade guard that, once adjusted a first time, ensures alignment between the blade guard and the blade on any subsequent installations of the guard. The table saw also includes a novel cradle assembly for elevating and beveling the blade.

Abstract: An implement for clearing brush and trees which includes a self-propelled vehicle and at least one boom mounted upon the vehicle. The boom is constructed for articulated motion of a distal end thereof. A cutting disk is operatively mounted for rotation to the distal end of said boom to cut brush and trees when rotated. A secondary power source is supported on the self-propelled vehicle and used to primarily power the cutting disk. The implement is configured to allow field replacement of a cutting wheel support cartridge.

Abstract: An improved tire tread has tread elements which form a tread pattern exhibiting two or more peripheral grooves and a plurality of transverse grooves extending inward from the outer (ground engaging) surface of the tread. Preferably the transverse grooves extend across the peripheral groves, and there are at least four of the peripheral grooves. Along at least a major portion of one upper side of chosen ones of such grooves, the tread elements defining such groove side are formed with serrations extending inward of the groove from the tread surface at an acute angle to a radius of the tire and terminating short of the base of the groove. The serrated surfaces define an upper portion of the groove as an opening of increased area at the upper part of the groove intersecting the tread surface, and present a substantially increased traction area along the outer or open top of the groove.

Abstract: An automobile pneumatic tire comprises a multiple-ply carcass extending in-between two bead rings having allocated bead fillers, a belt arrangement between the plies of the carcass and a tread strip, and rubber reinforcement plies in the sidewall sections assuming a supporting function where the tire is deflated. A first rubber reinforcement ply is inside a first ply of the carcass, a second rubber reinforcement ply is between the first ply of the carcass and the second ply of the carcass, and a third rubber reinforcement ply is between the second ply of the carcass and a third ply of the carcass. The three rubber reinforcement plies extend down with their ends staggered in relation to each other from the bead core area to the edge area of the belt ply. The three rubber plies have different heights in radial direction and different thickness over the height of the sidewall.

Abstract: A method of fitting a tire for an off road motorcycle. The diameter of the rim of a rear wheel (12) is one inch smaller than the diameter of the rim of a front wheel (18). Further, at least a tire (24) of the rear wheel is substantially a tire having a radial carcass with an aspect ratio of less than or equal to 80% and has at least one spiral belt. By providing a one-inch difference between the diameter of the rim of the rear wheel (12) and the diameter of the rim of the front wheel (18), the basic characteristics of the motorcycle can be maintained with the outer diameter of the rear wheel (12) being substantially the same as that of a conventional rear wheel, and the aspect ratio of the rear wheel tire (24) can further be reduced to 80 to 70%. Further, a so-called spiral belt is combined in conjunction with the radial construction employed for the rear wheel tire (24) so as to moderately suppress the rigidity of the tread portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the heavy duty radial tire with a bead-wind structure. And carcass cords of the carcass extend while inclining to one side in the tire and the other-side inclined region that extends while inclining to the other side with a lowermost position of the bead core in the tire axial direction being substantially the center. Or, the reinforcing ply is similarly inclined as the carcass cords. With this arrangement, it is possible to improve engaging force of the carcass ply or the reinforcing ply to the bead cores so that shifts of the carcass ply in a blow-by direction can be effectively restricted. It is also an object to provide a heavy duty radial tire that is capable of restricting damages of the beads at the inner end positions A.

Abstract: The device for actuation of rollers using a feed tray in a laminator. The roller actuating device of the present invention mechanically and simply actuates both a pair of heating rollers for thermal coating of films on both surfaces of an object material and a pair of compressing rollers for compressing and feeding the film-coated object material to the outside. The roller actuating device has a simple structure, thus allowing a user to easily manipulate the laminator.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sealing a split-flange zipper tape in a center fold of a web of bag making film without sealing or tacking the two sides of the split zipper web together.

Abstract: A braking device configured for use with the counterbalancing system of a garage door. The braking device includes a support bracket, a ratchet wheel, a pawl arm, and a biasing spring. The support bracket is rigidly connected to a fixed structure and has a guiding slot. The ratchet wheel is securely mounted about the overhead shaft of the counterbalancing system and has at least one notch. The pawl arm has first and second ends, the first end of the pawl arm being pivotally connected to the support bracket and the second end of the pawl arm cooperating with the guiding slot and being movable with respect to the support bracket along said guiding slot. The first and second ends of the pawl arm are further connected to flanges of a plug on either side of the overhead shaft. The biasing spring is operatively connected between the support bracket and the pawl arm so as to exert a biasing force for biasing the pawl arm towards the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: An aluminum casting process using a casting mold in which after the cavity (25) is filled with an inert gas, magnesium is introduced in to the cavity to have a magnesium layer (58a) deposited on the cavity wall. Then, nitrogen gas is introduced into the cavity to form magnesium nitride (58b) on the surface of the magnesium layer after the cavity wall is heated to a specific temperature. Then, molten aluminum is supplied to have an aluminum casting molded, while the surface of the molten aluminum (39) is reduced with magnesium nitride. This makes it possible to form magnesium nitride within a short time and decrease the amount of nitrogen gas as required.

Abstract: Intervening fingers mounted within a mold gate cavity extend across a portion of the gate cavity and cooperate with one another to slow the flow of molten metal into the mold cavity and thereby reduce flow turbulence.

Abstract: Molds are fabricated having a substrate of high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, and having a mold cavity coated with a refractory metal such as W or Re or a refractory metal carbide such as TaC or HfC. The molds may be made by making the substrate (main body) of high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, by, for example, isostatic or vibrational molding, machining the substrate to form the mold cavity, and coating the mold cavity with titanium carbide via either chemical deposition or plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition, magnetron sputtering or sputtering. The molds may be used to make various metallic alloys such as nickel, cobalt and iron based superalloys, stainless steel alloys, titanium alloys and titanium aluminide alloys into engineering components by melting the alloys in a vacuum or under a low partial pressure of inert gas and subsequently casting the melt in the graphite molds under vacuum or low partial pressure of inert gas.

Abstract: A microchannel heat exchanger coupled to a heat source and configured for cooling the heat source comprising a first set of fingers for providing fluid at a first temperature to a heat exchange region, wherein fluid in the heat exchange region flows toward a second set of fingers and exits the heat exchanger at a second temperature, wherein each finger is spaced apart from an adjacent finger by an appropriate dimension to minimize pressure drop in the heat exchanger and arranged in parallel. The microchannel heat exchanger includes an interface layer having the heat exchange region. Preferably, a manifold layer includes the first set of fingers and the second set of fingers configured within to cool hot spots in the heat source. Alternatively, the interface layer includes the first set and second set of fingers configured along the heat exchange region.

Abstract: An end surface structure of a heat pipe having a large gauge used to be contacted with a heat source for dissipation is provided. The heat pipe includes a pipe member, a lid, a base and a wick structure. The hollow tubular pipe member includes two opposing open ends. The lid is closely covered on one open end. The base includes an interlocking member fitly engaged to the other open end of the pipe member and a flange extending radially and outwardly from the interlocking member. Moreover, the thickness of the flange is not larger than the thickness of pipe member at the open end receiving the interlocking member. When the base is fitted with the pipe member at the open end, a welding process is performed to permanently connect them together. In the welding process, the flange is enforced to be liquefied first and is liquefied more than the pipe member at the open end. As such, it can ensure that the pipe member is prevented from being damaged during the welding process.

Abstract: A cooling device primarily for cooling, e.g., integrated circuits or other electronic devices during operation may include a heat sink portion having a plurality of cooling vanes and a heat pipe chamber. Both the cooling vanes and the heat pipe chamber may be integrally formed within the heat sink portion. Because the heat pipe chamber is integrally formed with the cooling vanes, no joints exist between the condensing surface of the heat pipe chamber and the cooling vanes. This, in turn, allows extremely rapid and efficient heat transfer between the heat pipe chamber and the cooling vanes. The cooling device may include extensions of the main heat pipe chamber which project into each of the cooling vanes. In this manner, the condensing surface of the heat pipe chamber is actually moved into the vanes at a position very close to the surface of the vanes where heat transfer into the atmosphere occurs.

Abstract: A heating/air-conditioning installation for a motor vehicle has a thermal loop which includes a refrigerating compressor, a gas cooler, a pressure-reducing valve, an evaporator, and a heating element. The gas cooler and the heating element are grouped together into a single exchanger including a main module forming a main fluid-carrying heat exchanger.

Abstract: An HVAC system has two variable-air-volume (VAV) systems, a first VAV system for moving fresh air and a second VAV system for moving recycled air. Both the fresh air and recycled air are cooled and dehumidified by a single heat-exchanging coil. The fresh and recycled air streams travel independently in separate ducts until the air streams reach a remotely located mixing box where the air streams mix and ventilate into a room or zone of a building. The HVAC system uses carbon dioxide and temperature sensors in order to regulate the flow of fresh and recycled air to various mixing boxes throughout the building.

Abstract: A temperature conditioning system includes a damper system that determines the pattern of airflow through two coil slabs of an indoor heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is preferably part of a split-system air conditioner or a heat pump. In a normal mode position, the damper system directs the airflow in a parallel flow relationship through the two coil slabs for optimum capacity and efficiency. In an enhanced mode position, the damper system directs the airflow in a series flow relationship through the two coil slabs. The enhanced mode position not only helps reduce humidity when the temperature conditioning system operates in a cooling mode but also helps raise the supply air temperature at a room register when the system is operating in a heating mode. In some embodiments, the damper system is also movable to a bypass position that allows the air to bypass the indoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing subterranean resources from a limited surface area includes a first well bore extending from the surface to the target zone. The first well bore includes an angled portion disposed between the target zone and the surface to provide an offset between a surface location of the first well bore and an intersection of the first well bore with the subterranean resource. The system also includes an articulated well bore extending from the surface to the target zone. The articulated well bore is offset from the first well bore at the surface and intersects the first well bore proximate the target zone. The system further includes a well bore pattern extending from the intersection of the first well bore and the articulated well bore in the target zone to provide access to the target zone.

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: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel and mating undulating surfaces to help maintain grip under changing load conditions. Upon expansion, pressure on a sealing element is enhanced by nodes to increase internal pressure as it engages an outer tubular. Adjacent retaining rings limit extrusion and enhance grip. A gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of fracturing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores and improved fracturing fluids. The fracturing fluids are basically comprised of water, a terpolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, acrylamide and acrylic acid, or its salts, a cross-linking agent for the terpolymer and a delayed viscosity breaker for effecting a controlled reduction in the viscosity of the fracturing fluid.

Abstract: Fracturing fluids and methods of fracturing a subterranean formation using such fluids are provided. A fracturing fluid having a first pH is foamed by introducing a gas to the fluid. The fracturing fluid comprises a surfactant that facilitates formation of the foam at the first pH. The foamed fracturing fluid is subsequently pumped to the subterranean formation to fracture it. The pH of the fracturing fluid is then changed to a second pH at which the surfactant facilitates reduction of the foam. The fracturing fluid releases proppant contained in the fluid to the subterranean formation. The fracturing fluid is then allowed to flow back to the surface. It can be recycled by changing the pH of the fracturing fluid back to the first pH and adding a gas to the fluid, causing it to foam again.

Abstract: An aerator plug-core cleaning system for ground surface collection of turf cores extracted from a turf core-aerating apparatus. The core-cleaning system comprises a core-cleaner that primarily attaches to either a walk-behind or tractor pulled aerator machine. The core-cleaner entraps and pushes the extracted cores along behind the core-aeration machine until being lifted in about a vertical manner by secondary attachment to a rear raise-able portion of the core-aeration machine at which point the cores are left in a pile for disposal.

Abstract: In the field of borehole creation there is a need for a reciprocable impact hammer with a tool that is rotatable while under load. A reciprocable impact hammer (10) for use in a downhole location comprises a tool support member (11); a hammer member (12); a jack mechanism (13); a connector member (14); and a transmission (16).

Abstract: Roller cone drilling wherein the bit optimization process equalizes the downforce (axial force) for the cones (as nearly as possible, subject to other design constraints).

Abstract: A new method for evaluating the efficiency of a sweep for removing cuttings from a borehole in a subterranean formation during a drilling operation. The method evaluates sweep efficiency on a “mass” in versus “mass out” basis. The method uses downhole density readings taken with a pressure-while-drilling tool inserted in the drill string. Measurements of hydrostatic pressure are converted into equivalent circulating density measurements which in turn are used in calculating the sweep efficiency. The method affords real time estimates at the wellsite of the quantity of formation cuttings brought out of a wellbore by a sweep.

Abstract: A riding trailer apparatus useful for controlling a floor treatment implement is provided including a frame, an operator support platform, and a hook-up mechanism structured to enable the apparatus to be operably coupled to one of various, conventional floor treatment implements. The apparatus also includes a drive assembly including a bi-directional DC motor and gear assembly, and an having an electronic controller with a speed board coupled thereto.

Abstract: A power feed portion includes a power storage portion and a power generating portion. The power storage portion includes a storage battery. The power feed portion feeds electric power to a plurality of on-vehicle loads. In cases where the sum of feedable electric power is smaller than the sum of required electric power or in cases where an electric quantity related to the sum of feedable electric power is smaller than an electric quantity related to the sum of required electric power, a control portion increases the sum of feedable electric power or decreases the sum of required electric power. The sum of feedable electric power is equal to electric power which can be fed from the power feed portion to the on-vehicle loads, and which contains electric power generated by the power generating portion and electric power feedable from the storage battery.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle 10 having a propulsion system 12 which integrates a motor-generator 14 and a variable displacement internal combustion engine 16. Motor-generator 14 and engine 16 are each operatively coupled to drive train 17 of vehicle 10, and cooperatively power vehicle 10.

Abstract: A scooter-type motorcycle has a structure in which an article accommodation box is disposed below a rider's seat which is upward openable, and a power unit including an engine and a power transmission is disposed below the article accommodation box to be vertically swingable together with a rear wheel. The power unit is connected to a swing shaft which is disposed above a front portion of an engine crank case, and a starter motor for starting an operation of the engine is disposed above a rear portion of the crank case. An air cleaner, a suction pipe, a throttle body and an intake manifold are arranged substantially horizontally from a rear side portion of a motorcycle body towards a front side portion thereof so as to constitute an engine intake device to be connected to the engine. The throttle body is disposed between the swing shaft and the starter motor.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a braking system, an energy conversion system, a steering system and a suspension system wherein each system is operably connected to at least one of a plurality of wheels. The systems are packaged substantially within a substantially flat vehicle frame to provide a substantially flat chassis. The flatness of the chassis increases available passenger space in any attached vehicle body and facilitates compatibility between the chassis and bodies of varying configurations.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower substrate surface and an upper substrate surface. The access device includes upper and lower articulated ladder members. A first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to or near the upper surface. A second end of the lower member is pivotally connected to the second end of the upper member, such that the lower ladder member is rotatable 180° relative to the upper member. In the storage position, the ladder members are folded in a substantially compact upright disposition, while, in the access position, the members are aligned and extend downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: A sleeve for covering a ladder rung includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first surface that defines an opening extending from the first end to the second end. The first surface is adapted to contact the ladder rung.

Abstract: A climbing tree stand apparatus provides upper and lower platforms that are independently movable up the tree by the hunter alternatively sitting and standing on one or the other of the platforms. In order to adjust the angular position of a selected platform relative to the tree, an easily accessible adjustable anchor point is provided. This anchor point enables a cable associated with each platform to be lengthened or shortened in order to maintain the orientation of the platforms in a nearly horizontal position.

Abstract: A ladder comprises a foldable frame, a leg spreader, and a leg brace. The leg brace biases leg units of the frame toward one another to stiffen the frame in response to spreading of the leg units away from one another to an unfolded position by the leg spreader.

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus having a housing having two members joined along a joint surface and a hydraulic axial piston pump and motor mounted on a center section located in the housing, wherein the pump and motor are mounted perpendicular to one another. The motor is engaged to a fixed thrust bearing located in the housing and the center section is located entirely between the joint surface and the thrust bearing.

Abstract: A lubricant injector having a body containing a reciprocal piston for dispensing lubricant from the body, a pin extending from the piston through an opening in the body, and a sealing assembly in the opening surrounding the pin for sealing against leakage of lubricant from the body along the pin. The sealing assembly includes a low-pressure sealing member for sealing at low pressures, and a high-pressure sealing member for sealing at higher pressures. The injector includes a measuring chamber, venting of the injector involving transmission of lubricant from its inlet to the measuring chamber.