Abstract: An electric opening and closing device that retrofits to new and existing patio and market umbrellas. Such umbrellas are commonly used to provide shade outdoors, and are usually installed through a hole in the center of a table or mounted freestanding in a support base. The invention consists of a low voltage reversible electric motor that attaches to the upper end of the umbrella mast, a cable reel driven by the motor, a length of cable with one end affixed to the cable reel and the opposite end affixed to the umbrella yoke, electric control switch, remote control means, and electric supply means.

Abstract: A cane comprising a shaft, an ergonomic handle that includes multiple storage/retention zones, an emergency assist handle, and an ergonomically enhanced tip, or foot. The emergency assist handle, when inserted into one of two sleeves located in the shaft, provides a user with a means for rising from the ground after a fall. The ergonomic handle of the present invention includes a compartment, or retention zone, into which any number of small, hand-held devices and may be inserted and is formed with an external, textured material that helps the cane to resist falling over when leaned against virtually any vertical surface at angles not precisely perpendicular to the ground. The elongated foot of the present invention is radically different in size, length, and configuration and, thereby increases the area in contact with the surface being traversed by a user by up to 200%, without changing the “feel” of the cane.

Abstract: A portable pre-fabricated sports and hunting shed includes a substantially solid rectangular structure having an integral projecting element attachable to any standard trailer hitch and, at an opposite longitudinal end thereof, a pair of wheels, an adjoining axle, and means for journaling the axle, which means is attached to a base of the shed to thereby provide a rear wheel means by which the sports shed may be towed by a vehicle to which the trailer hitch is attached. Alternatively, the portable, prefabricated hunter's blind may be placed within a pickup truck to be hauled thereby. A four-wheel, off-road vehicle is placed within the portable shooting shed and over four disassembled legs of the assembly and other elements associated with the shed. By positioning the four-wheel off-road vehicle on top of all elements of the shed, the undesirable movement of the parts of the pre-fabricated structure during hauling is minimized.

Abstract: A portable enclosure apparatus is provided with a frame assembly having a bottom wall, an upper frame member and a single pair of vertical support members. The support members are easily length adjusted by a single user to vary the height of the system while in use. The frame assembly can be quickly disassembled for convenient storage and transport. A cover envelopes the frame assembly to complete the enclosure. A portable dust collector can be coupled with the cover to secure airborne debris moving into the enclosure.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, and articles that are useful for controlling a fluid blending system, such as a fluid utility system. The methods, systems, and articles of this invention allow for the control of both a quantity metric (e.g., pressure) of the blended fluid the fluid blending system as well as at least one quality metric of a blended fluid in a fluid blending system. For example, the methods, systems, and articles of this invention provide for the simultaneous control of both the pressure and quality of fuel gas within a fuel gas header system.

Abstract: A tire air pressure valve assembly is described that has an air sealing surface disposed toward or inside the metal wheel of a vehicle, and a protective housing surrounding a portion of the valve. The valve has an external stem with a built in break away feature which prevents external damage to the valve stem from damaging the sealing surface located inside the tire and wheel. The location of the seating/sealing surface inside the wheel, or inside a housing mounted on the wheel, provides protection from collision induced sudden tire pressure loss due to valve damage incurred during collisions or simply being struck by an object in a car wash or on the street.

Abstract: A storage tank for an easily polymerizable compound has acceptance piping and delivery piping with a circulation line directly connecting the acceptance piping to the delivery piping or with circulation lines respectively connecting the acceptance piping to the storage tank and the storage tank to the delivery piping. A method of storing an easily polymerizable compound in the storage tank includes circulating the compound in the storage tank through the circulation line(s), where the compound can be (meth)acrylic acid being produced and/or purified with the temperature of purified (meth)acrylic acid being supplied to or removed from the storage tank being regulated to not be higher than the temperature thereof in the tank. A method of joining pipes for-transporting a corrosive liquid using flanges, bolts, and nuts made of a material having resistance to corrosion by the corrosive liquid.

Abstract: An improved pressure regulator suitable for use with paint ball guns comprises a hollow valve body, a valve mechanism for selectively releasing gas from a gas source to an output, and an ON-OFF control. The valve body has a coupling portion, a regulator seat, an output port, an inlet opening, and sidewalls defining a transverse spool socket. The valve mechanism includes a regulator seat, a valve plug movable within a plug chamber for sealing engagement with a regulator seat, and a fluid barrier axially movable with respect to the valve body. A spool is received in the socket and movable between a first position wherein an internal passage is defined between the gas inlet opening and the regulator seat, and a second position wherein the flow of gas from the gas inlet is blocked.

Abstract: A water valve assembly for bathroom faucets, comprising a water passage, an accommodating cavity and a flow diverting unit, whereby the flow pathway within a faucet can be adjusted. The accommodating cavity has a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion, the second cavity portion being connected to the water passage and provided with two water holes respectively connected to two water outlets. The flow diverting unit, being capable of rotating within the accommodating cavity, has a first end rotatably sealing the first cavity portion and a second end coupled to the outer body of the faucet by a limiting member, whereby the rotation of the flow diverting unit with respect to the accommodating cavity will be limited, and whereby a blocking member of the second end of the flow diverting unit can seal either of the water holes.

Abstract: A pull tape for facilitating positioning of elongated items within a protective sleeve is disclosed. The pull tape is woven of filamentary members preferably using a twill or satin weave that allows floats to form on the surface of the tape that reduce friction between the tape and the sleeve when the tape is drawn through the sleeve. Preferably, the tape is formed of multifilament warp and weft yarns woven in a plain weave with additional monofilament yarns arranged in the warp direction and woven in a twill or satin weave to form the floats in the warp direction. Additional embodiments include tapes having warp members entirely of monofilaments, as well as both warp and weft members being entirely of monofilaments.

Abstract: A tie wrench for bending mounting clips to secure a fence wire to a fence post is disclosed. The tie wrench utilizes two different hooks that are positioned to engage mounting clips and fence wire. The tie wrench is pulled toward the user to twist and secure the outer portion of the clip and the fence wire to the fence post. The other side of the clip is engaged and deformed in a similar manner by the hooks that protrude from the blade body of the tool. The large bend in the blade coupled with the small recess adjacent the exterior corner of the device seats the fence wire.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing particle generation in packaging containers used to transport ultra pure liquids. Particle generation in the containers is reduced by reducing the air-liquid interface present during filling, transport, and dispensing of the liquid.

Abstract: A fueling assembly for a fuel tank positioned in an engine driven welder. The fueling assembly includes a filler tube, a fuel level monitor and a grommet. The filler tube has a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion of the filler tube has a cross-sectional area that is greater that any region in the top portion of the filler tube. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level sensor position in the fuel tank and/or filler tube. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level indicator positioned on a side of the housing so as to enable an operator to simultaneously view the fuel level indicator and the opening used to direct fuel into the filler tube during the filling of the fuel tank. The grommet at least partially seals the tube access opening to inhibit fluids entering the interior of the housing of the engine driven welder.

Abstract: A splitting wedge is provided for splitting wood. The wedge includes an upwardly facing impact surface, a collar adapted to slidably engage a vertical guide track and a downwardly facing cutting edge. The wedge is adapted to slide down the guide track and cut into an object to split, such as a wood log, when struck on the impact surface. The collar can include a bore to slidably engage a tubular guide track. The impact surface is off-set from the wedge towards to the collar.

Abstract: A golf club head cover and method of using is disclosed. The golf club head cover includes a body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion adapted for protecting the head of the club, the lower portion operatively connected to the upper portion for protecting at least a portion of the shaft of the club, the lower portion having an open collar. The golf club head cover can include an identifier that identifies a size of the golf club head cover. The present invention also includes a method of using the golf club head cover. The method includes providing a golf club head cover having a body with an upper portion and a lower portion, inserting a golf club head into the upper portion, and pressing the hosel or shaft of the club into the lower portion to secure the golf club head cover to the club.

Abstract: A tire/wheel assembly comprising a wheel having a rim, a pneumatic tire fitted to the rim and a run-flat support member. The pneumatic tire includes a cavity, and the run-flat support member is disposed in the cavity of the pneumatic tire. The run-flat support member includes an annular shell and elastic rings. The annular shell has a support surface located radially outward and two leg portions formed radially inward. The elastic rings support the leg portions on the rim. The leg portions of the annular shell are detachably attached to the elastic rings.

Abstract: A runflat tire system comprises a pneumatic tire, a wheel rim on which the pneumatic tire is mounted, and a support ring made of elastic material and disposed in a cavity surrounded by an inner surface of the rim and an inner surface of the tire mounted thereon, wherein the support ring comprises an annular body extending in a circumferential direction of the tire and provided with a plurality of hollows opening at the cavity, and at least one noise damper made of sponge material having apparent density of 0.1 g/cm3 or less and disposed in the hollow such that the noise damper does not protrude into the cavity from an inlet surface of the hollow.

Abstract: A tire includes a plurality of tread blocks disposed circumferentially around the tire. At least one sipe is formed into at least one of the tread blocks and is defined by first and second confronting sidewalls. The sipe has a cross-sectional profile in a plane generally perpendicular to the top surface of the tread block, which profile has a generally arcuate central portion and first and second ends separated by the central portion. The sidewalls are spaced apart at least one first width at the central portion of the sipe, and are spaced apart at least one second width at the ends, wherein the second width is greater than the first width. In one embodiment, the sipe has a cross-sectional profile having a stepped configuration.

Abstract: A tread (12) of a tire (10) has a two-layer structure. The tread (12) includes a base layer (23) provided on an inside in a radial direction and a cap layer (24) provided on an outside in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the cap layer (24) constitutes a tread surface (17). The tread surface (17) is provided with a groove (18). A plurality of circular land portions (21) is formed by the adjacent grooves (18). The base layer (23) is provided with a convex portion (26) extended in a circumferential direction. A plurality of convex portions (26) is arranged in an axial direction. A height (h1) of the convex portion (26) is set to be 15% to 50% of a depth (d1) of the groove (18). A position (a dimension ?h) of a base bottom portion (29) of the base layer (23) based on an inner bottom portion (28) of the groove (18) is set at 1.6 mm or less from the inner bottom portion (28) of the groove (18).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire with a noise damper made of a spongelike multi-cellular material is disclosed. The noise damper is divided into small dampers to improve the high-speed durability of the tire. The noise damper is provided with a water-impermeable outer coating to prevent water from infiltrating into the spongelike multi-cellular material during transporting, store keeping and the like.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention relates to a filament (11; 12), especially for reinforcing rubber articles. Said filament (11; 12) features a contact surface (14) and an outer surface (13). In a second aspect, the invention relates to a steel cord (10) comprising two of said filaments (11, 12), the contact surfaces (14) are arranged adjacent to each other. The outer surfaces (13) are configured arcuate shaped and provide a smooth outer contour (15) of the steel cord (10). Due to said construction the largest dimension (d) of the steel cord (10) and the thickness of a rubber coating (18) may be considerably reduced. Additionally the invention relates to a method of producing a steel cord (10) and to a tyre (20) comprising a carcass ply (22) and/or at least one belt (25; 26) including said steel cords (10).

Abstract: Belt bandage for a vehicle pneumatic tire that includes a ply having strength carriers embedded in an unvulcanized rubber mixture. The strength carriers run essentially parallel to one another. Each strength carrier includes a hybrid cord that has a first twisted yarn having a high modulus of elasticity of at least approximately 25000 N/mm2 and a second twisted yarn having a low modulus of elasticity which is no greater than approximately 15000 N/mm2. The first and second twisted yarns are final-twisted together. A cord count E in cords per 5 cm ply widths, a force F1 at 2% elongation of each hybrid cord, and a force F2 at 6% elongation of each hybrid cord satisfies the following relationships: F1×E?approximately 600 N F2×E>approximately 1500 N. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire including a radial carcass (5) of at least one carcass ply including a main body portion (3a) and a turnup portion (3b), and a reinforcing member (7) including at least two reinforcing layers. The at least two reinforcing layers (6a, 6b) are cross reinforcing layers (21) arranged so as to envelop at least the turnup portion of the radial carcass and cross cords of these layers with each other. Outer ends of the cross reinforcing layers, located outward from the turnup portion (3b) of the radial carcass in the widthwise direction of the tire, are outward from an outer end (13) of the turnup portion of the radial carcass in the radial direction of the tire. A crossing angle ? between cords of adjacent cross reinforcing layers with respect to a circumferential direction (15) of the tire is more than 50° but less than 130°.

Abstract: An automatic detector device for a tire assembling-disassembling machine having at least one support group (G) mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation of a tired wheel (9) whose bead is to be released, and at least one bead-releasing roll-carrying extending-retracting arm (T1, T2). Each arm (T1, T2) can be extended and retracted and suppports a respective bead-releasing roll (R1, R2). The arm (T1, T2) are located, in use, on opposite sides with respect to the tired wheel (9). The detector device further comprises a sensor member (3) movably supported at a respective bead-releasing roll (R1, R2), driving means (5) for each sensor member (3), so that it can be moved between a backward rest position and an extended working position, and control means (34) arranged to act in response to control signals generated by sensor member (3) in its working position.

Abstract: A machine for fitting and removing vehicle wheel tires, comprising a supporting frame for elements for coupling and rotating a rim about a rotation axis and for a working arm provided with one end on which a working head is supported for fitting and removing a tire on and from the rim, the coupling and rotation elements being movably associated with the frame by interposing elements for movement on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis, the arm being movably associated with the frame by way of the interposition of first elements for translational actuation in a direction that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rim, second actuation elements being interposed between the arm and the first actuation elements and being adapted to allow the arm to move between a first active end configuration, in which the working head is arranged proximate to the first actuation elements, and a second active end configuration, in which the working head is substantially spaced with res

Abstract: A retractable window covering for arched or palladian style windows. The covering has a pair of shade members that can be remotely operated by an activator such as a pull cord for opening and closing the shades. The shade members are suspended from a carriage that is movable within an arched track. The shade members can be drawn along the track in opposite directions independently from a horizontal retracted position to an expanded position such that the shade members meet at the apex of the arched window. The present invention includes an embodiment that includes a shield to cover a portion of the drive assembly resting on the window sill or other horizontal surface.

Abstract: A window shade arrangement for motor vehicles that includes plastic injection molded guide rails designed such that they may be formed with injection tools that do not require moveable cores for forming guide grooves therein. In one embodiment, the guide rail includes an outer part (41) formed with a guide groove and a support part (42) made from less deformable material than the outer part for preventing widening of and deforming of the guide groove during usage. In another embodiment, the first and second molded parts are interconnectable to define the guide groove.

Abstract: A method is for producing a moulding sand that is in particular recirculated, for foundry purposes. A mixture of a granular substance and aggregates, such as a binding agent and water, are added to a material that is not capable of swelling in water. The latter material has cavities with a specific surface area of more than 10 m2/g, in particular more than 50 m2/g and preferably more than 100 m2/g, for improving the characteristics of the moulding sand and/or for reducing the emission of harmful and/or odorous substances.

Abstract: A method and assembly that makes use of an adhesive to form a joint structure between two members, such as two heat transfer components. A first member has a slot in a surface thereof, while the second member has an edge received in the slot of the first member. One or both of the first and second members has one or more features that force the edge of the second member away from the first surface of the slot and into contact with the second surface of the slot during insertion of the edge into the slot. An adhesive within the slot bonds the second member to the first member.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes features for alleviating high pressure drops and controlling the expansion of fluid during freezing. The heat exchanger includes an interface layer in which heat is transferred from a heat source to a fluid. A manifold layer couples to the interface layer. The manifold layer includes a first set of substantially vertical fluid paths for directing the fluid to the interface layer. The manifold layer further includes a second set of substantially horizontal fluid paths, perpendicular to the first set of fluid paths, for removing the fluid from the interface layer. Preferably, the heat exchanger includes an upper layer for circulating the fluid to and from the manifold layer. The upper layer can include at least one of a plurality of protruding features and a porous structure. Preferably, a porous structure is disposed along the interface layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a radiating module consisting of a plurality of radiating fins, at least one heat-transfer tube, and a seat includes the steps of forming through holes on the radiating fins, extending the heat-transfer tube through the through holes on the radiating fins, and positioning a seat in an open-bottomed recess formed at a lower surface of the radiating fins to connect to the heat-transfer tube. The seat is made of the same material as the heat-transfer tube, so that heat energy can be quickly transferred from the seat to the heat-transfer tube and radiated from the radiating fins without the need of contacting of the seat with the radiating fins.

Abstract: The fabrication of a heat exchanger assembly by disposing a metal fitting of an oil cooler subassembly into an opening in a first tank and disposing a tubular connector into a bore in the fitting. These components are mechanically held together prior to brazing by disposing an outer clinch cylinder to extend from the fitting though the opening and by disposing an inner clinch cylinder to extend from the fitting to above an annular rib on the tubular connector and placing V-shaped first stakes in the inner clinch cylinder for mechanical engagement with the rib and placing V-shaped second stakes in the outer clinch cylinder for mechanical engagement with the first tank.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for realizing a high degree of humidity exchange efficiency at a low cost. The heat exchanger in which partition members respectively separated from each other by a spacing maintained by one of spacing members facilitate circulation of two different air flows, with total enthalpy heat exchange occurring between these two air flows via the partition members. The partition members comprise an air shielding sheet type material comprising a hydrophilic fiber and also including a moisture absorbent, and the air permeability (JIS P 8117) of the partition members is at least 200 seconds/100 cc.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of a ventilating system includes: heat exchange plates having first air passage through which indoor air being discharged to outside of a building passes and a second air passage through which outdoor air being introduced to the interior of the building passes which are sequentially formed: first corrugation plates attached to the first air passage; and second corrugation plates attached to the second air passage, wherein the heat exchange plates are made of a paper material with numerous fine holes that are able to generate a capillary phenomenon and loess which radiates far infrared ray. Heat exchange and moisture exchange between the indoor air and the outdoor air are performed simultaneously, and a cleaning function of removing a harmful material contained in outdoor air can be carried out.

Abstract: A structure for cooling an electronic device. The structure includes a first layer disposed over the electronic device for providing a heat path from the electronic device and a bottom layer including a fin structure and a lower surface opposite the fin structure, wherein the lower surface contacts the first layer. The structure further includes a liquid layer disposed over the fin structure of the bottom layer and a top layer including a fin structure and a top surface opposite the fin structure, wherein the fin structure of the top layer contacts the liquid layer. The structure further includes a heat sink in contact with or integral with the top layer.

Abstract: The vehicle air-conditioner includes a noncontact detector configured to detect skin temperatures at specific locations on a face of a passenger. The vehicle air-conditioner includes a calculator configured to calculate an average temperature on the face of the passenger. The vehicle air-conditioner includes a decision maker configured to decide whether the skin temperatures are within a deviation from the average temperature. The vehicle air-conditioner includes a controller configured to exclude skin temperatures over the deviation and to respond to skin temperatures within the deviation for controlling air-conditioning.

Abstract: A motor cooler for an electrical submersible pump (ESP). The ESP is typically deployed within casing and defines an annular space between the ESP and the casing. The ESP includes a pump having an intake, a motor cooler pump having an output port, a seal section below the motor cooler pump, and a motor located below a well inlet. Fluid is directed downwardly from the motor cooler pump output port to cool the motor. In one example, a shroud directs fluid received from the motor cooler pump output port downwardly past the motor and back up an outside of the shroud. In another example, longitudinal ribs direct flow in an annular space between the ESP and the casing. Fluid from the motor cooler pump output port is directed downwardly between adjacent ribs over a surface of the motor and then back up between another pair of ribs.

Abstract: An intermittent lift plunger includes at least one seal mandrel, a bottom sub and an upper valve assembly. The valve assembly is closed by a well bottom stop which inserts into the lift plunger and opened by a lubricator stop at the top of the well. The seal mandrel includes a sleeve seal formed from an elastomeric rubber or plastic, which inflates to engage the well bore surface when the valve is closed and a pressure differential exists.

Abstract: A highly flexible, wireline survey tool has roller knuckle joints that enable the survey tool string to penetrate and survey horizontal wells having inclinations of about 80° and more from vertical. The survey tool string includes a nose, roller stems, roller knuckle joints, and a highly accurate electronic gauge embedded in a roller cage. Each component has external wheels that are free to contact and roll when they make contact with the inner surfaces of the well. The wheels act as both friction-reducing elements and stand-offs for the survey tool string with respect to the inner surfaces of the well.

Abstract: A well string assembly includes an upper tubular well string part having upper and lower ends between which there is formed a passageway, a lower well string part having upper and lower ends, which lower end is spaced apart from the lower end of the upper well string part and may include a drill bit. An auxiliary tool is arranged such that it can be passed along the passageway. It comprises an operating means for manipulating the well string interconnection means so as to disconnect the lower well string part from the upper well string part. The auxiliary tool can be passed, after disconnecting the upper and lower well string parts, through an opening at the lower end of the upper well string part, so as to reach a position in which at least part of the auxiliary tool is not radially surrounded by a part of the well string.

Abstract: A process is described for reducing the production of water in oil wells which comprises the injection into the formation around the well of an aqueous solution of one or more polymers selected from those having general formula (I), wherein: n ranges from 0.70 to 0.98; m ranges from 0.30 to 0.02; n+m=1; X1 and X2, the same or different, are selected from H and CH3; R1, R2, R3, the same or different, are selected from C1–C10 monofunctional hydrocarbyl groups; and x ranges from 2 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a pathway for fluid communication through a tubing-retrievable subsurface safety valve (TRSSV). The method and apparatus are designed to be deployed within a hydrocarbon wellbore after the TRSSV has failed. The apparatus is a milling tool that is run into the wellbore and landed within the TRSSV. The milling tool comprises a housing system, a cutting system, a drive system, and an actuating system. In operation, the milling tool is landed within the housing of the TRSSV. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one arrangement, the cutting system includes blades for shaving the pressure containing body of the TRSSV, thereby forming a pathway for fluid communication between a hydraulic fluid line and a bore of the safety valve.

Abstract: A boot basket for retrieving debris from a well bore, and a method for retrieving debris from said well bore. The boot basket includes a mandrel having an internal wall and an external wall. The mandrel is connectable to a work string. The boot basket further includes a basket having an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the basket is disposed on the mandrel such that an annular space exists between the inner wall of the basket and the external wall of the mandrel. A plurality of fingers is pivotally mounted and movable between a first open position and a second closed position. Each of the plurality of fingers blocks a portion of the annular space existing between the inner wall of the basket and the external wall of the mandrel when in the second closed position.

Abstract: Fluid producing wells may be treated with a water-in-oil emulsion for the removal or inhibition of unwanted solid particulates, including pipe dope, asphaltenes and paraffins. Such emulsions are of particular applicability in the displacement of oil base drilling muds and/or residues from such muds from producing wells. The water-in-oil emulsions may optionally contain a dispersing agent as well as a surfactant.

Abstract: A device for tensioning and relieving production tubing (49) extending from a subsea hydrocarbon well (107) up through a riser (63) to a floating installation (87), a continuous production tubing extension (85) passing through a telescopic unit (67) in the upper part of the riser (63), preferably extending above a production deck (89) on the floating installation (87), where the production tubing (49) is provided with a tubing tensioner unit (1) below and in the proximity of the lower end of the telescopic unit (67).

Abstract: Composite tubulars that have not been polymerized and are thus flexible enough to be coiled are delivered into a wellbore and expanded. The expansion occurs from an external catalyst such as heat or releases the internal catalyst and allows the expanded tubular to become rigid. Optionally, healing agents can be imbedded in the tubular wall to be released to seal subsequently forming cracks.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for communication of inspection report information by wireless signal between the fire extinguisher station and a remote central station.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a pivoting assembly, a working assembly, and a tow bar assembly. The working assembly includes a front gang of coulters and a rear gang of coulters. The pivoting assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is adjusted between an extended orientation, a retracted orientation, a floating orientation, and a level orientation. The extended orientation places a greater portion of the weight of the working assembly on the rear gang of coulters. The retracted orientation places a greater portion of the weight of the working assembly on the front gang of coulters. The level orientation locks the hydraulic cylinder so that an equal portion of the weight of the working assembly is placed on the rear and the front gang of coulters. The floating orientation allows the front and the rear gang of coulters to follow the terrain of the land being conditioned.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A multi-stage diffuser nozzle for use as a drill bit nozzle jet includes a flow restriction portion upstream of a fluidic distributor portion, and also preferably includes a transition region between these two. The flow restrictor communicates with the interior fluid plenum of a drill bit and is used to limit or restrict the total flow of drilling fluid by having a relatively small cross-sectional area for fluid flow. The fluidic distributor communicates with the flow restrictor and reduces the exit flow velocities of the drilling fluid as the drilling fluid is ejected from the nozzle by providing a relatively larger cross-sectional area for fluid flow. The fluidic distributor also directs the flow paths of the drilling fluid to locations such as cone surfaces that are prone to bit balling. The transition region is an area that dampens fluid pressure oscillations in the drilling fluid.