Abstract: A horizontal portable miter panel saw system that is capable of utilizing a wide range of power hand tools and processing plywood panels and other oversized materials. The apparatus is designed to provide safety, accuracy, mobility, capacity, ease of use, and affordability. Four extendable multi-adjustable legs allow the table to be leveled on almost any surface. An adjustable guide control unit is movable in the x, y, and z planes via a chain drive trolley that allows a tool to make any type of cut accurately and without the need for complex measurements. A plurality of tabletop members form the table top, these are extendable and adjustable to allow for plywood panels to be supported by the table.

Abstract: A process for treating wood to create a worn appearance. The process involves impacting the surface of the wood with a mixture of garnet particles and glass beads sufficiently to cause the soft rings to wear away at a rate greater than the hard rings.

Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting tread portion, a reinforced annular band disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the reinforced annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The reinforced annular band comprises an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer.

Abstract: Tire tread including a pattern formed by at two ridges of mean width L, which include a plurality of incisions whose traces on the contact surface extend between two points of intersection A and B, the segment AB making an angle with the transverse direction of the tread at most equal to 40°, the tread wherein each incision, of mean width E, includes a succession of incision portions, some of said incision portions having, on any surface parallel to the contact surface in the new condition and located between said surface in the new condition and ? of the maximum depth of the incision, traces that make an average angle ? at most equal to 15° with the longitudinal direction of the tread, said portions having a total length Lt which is at least equal to one-fifth of the ridge width; and in that the incision portions whose traces make an average angle ? are provided on their opposite walls with relief elements of amplitude K designed to cooperate with one another to block relative movements between one incision

Abstract: A run-flat tire comprises a carcass comprising at least one carcass ply of cords extending between a pair of bead portions through a tread portion and sidewall portions, a sidewall reinforcing rubber layer disposed in each sidewall portion and tapering towards its radially inner end and outer end from a central portion to have a crescent shape in a meridian section of the tire, and a reinforcing cord layer disposed axially outside of each sidewall reinforcing rubber layer and comprising at least one reinforcing ply with cords inclined with respect to a radial direction of the tire.

Abstract: A tire/wheel assembly includes a wheel having a rim, a pneumatic tire fitted to the rim of the wheel and a run-flat support member, the pneumatic tire having a tread surface and a hollow space, the tread surface having circumferential grooves extending in a circumferential direction of the tire, the run-flat support member being disposed in the hollow space of the pneumatic tire and having an annular shell and elastic rings, the annular shell comprising a support surface formed radially outward having a convexly curved surface portion with an annular apical line or face and two leg portions formed radially inward, the elastic rings supporting the two leg portions on the rim. The apical line or apical face of the convexly curved surface portion is offset in a direction of a center axis of rotation of the wheel so as not to be located in a position corresponding to the circumferential grooves when viewed from a radial direction of the wheel.

Abstract: A tire (10) includes a carcass (14). The carcass (14) has a first ply (17) and a pair of second plies (18) and (19). The first ply (17) is wound around a bead core (22) and is folded back outward. This portion constitutes an overlapping portion (24). The second plies (18) and (19) are inserted in the overlapping portion (24) and are extended along the first ply (17). A height (h1) of the overlapping portion (24) is set to be 50% or more of a height (H) of the first ply (17). A minimum height (h2) of the second plies (18) and (19) is set to be 8% or more of the height (H) of the first ply. A width (J) of a belt (15) is set to be 80% or more of a width (W) of the tire.

Abstract: A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass, a tread band radially external to the carcass, and a pair of axially distanced sidewalls. The carcass includes at least one carcass ply including ends associated with bead cores. Each bead core is incorporated in a respective bead and each bead includes a bead filler. Each sidewall is disposed, in a radial direction, between the tread band and a respective bead and is disposed in an axially outermost position. Each bead core includes a plurality of windings of a single wire. The plurality of windings is axially arranged side-by-side in a plurality of radially superposed layers, defines a transverse hexagonal section symmetrical with respect to an axis substantially parallel to the radial direction, and includes radially innermost and radially outermost layers. An axial width of the radially innermost layer is greater than an axial width of the radially outermost layer.

Abstract: A reinforcement strip is laid on a rotating receiving surface during the manufacture of a tire. The strip passes through a guide which is moved alternatingly transversely relative to a travel path of the strip, whereby the strip is laid in an undulating pattern on the receiving surface. The amplitude of the alternating transverse movement is varied as a function of a ratio of: (a) the speed of a portion of the strip approaching the guide, and (b) the speed of the receiving surface. Between the guide and the receiving surface the strip is pivoted by 90 degrees about the strip's longitudinal axis so as to be laid tangentially on the receiving surface.

Abstract: The painter's tape dispenser with cutter has a base, a rotatable spindle for receiving a roll of tape, and a cutter mounted on the base, which is ergonomically dimensioned for a comfortable fit on the user's forearm. The base is generally triangular in shape, with a pair of elongated sides and a relatively narrow base of the triangle, so that the base is adapted to extend along the inside of the forearm between the elbow and the wrist. The spindle is mounted on the wide end of the base and the cutter is mounted opposite the base, which is retained on the forearm by a pair of straps. The tape dispenser is positioned ready for hands-free tape dispensing when the spindle is loaded with a roll of tape.

Abstract: A transfer device for adhering a transferable material to a target substrate is disclosed. The transfer device includes a supply of transfer substrate. The transfer substrate has a carrying surface and an adhesive-type transferable material provided on the carrying surface. A pressure applicator member has an engaging surface with a release characteristic and is positioned in pressure applying relation adjacent the carrying surface of the transfer substrate. The target substrate may be passed between the transfer substrate and the pressure applicator member so that the adhesive is transferred to the target substrate. The transfer device also includes a take-up roll for winding up spent portions of the transfer substrate from which the transferable material has been transferred to the target substrate.

Abstract: In a device for clamping the rim of a vehicle wheel, in particular for mounting tires, comprising a shelf (35), onto which the rim may be deposited by one side, and comprising clamping jaws (12 to 15), which may be moved radially relative to the rim, for clamping the rim edge adjacent to the shelf (35), two pairs of clamping jaws (12 to 15), of which the paths of movement intersect at right angles, are provided. The movement of the clamping jaws (12 to 15) is generated by a cylinder (22) and is synchronized by means of a gear unit (27).

Abstract: Self-centering unit for tire removal machines, comprising a plate provided with a series of angularly equidistant radial slots, in each of which a clamping jaw is received and slides to grip the edge of a wheel rim, said clamping jaws being linked together in such a manner as to be always equidistant from the axis of said plate, at least one clamping jaw being associated with actuator means causing it to translate in a radial direction by means of a positioner device arranged to vary the working position of said clamping jaws relative to the actuator means, without modifying their travel stroke.

Abstract: The interior window with integrated blind is a window adapted for use in a hospital setting to provide a patient with privacy in his or her hospital room while at the same time allowing a doctor or nurse to easily view the patient. The window includes: a substantially airtight encasement formed from two panes of glass that are secured to opposite sides of a spacer frame, a blind assembly encased within the airtight encasement, and a separate blind control extending from each of the two sides of the airtight encasement to allow for adjustment of the blind from either side of the wall in which the window is installed. The window is specifically dimensioned to fit in the glazing pocket of a window frame for a commercial building. An alternative embodiment, configured for areas of a hospital where control of the blind is appropriate from only one side of the window, includes only one blind control. This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment with the exception that one of the blind controls is missing.

Abstract: A segmented lifting or folding gate, which is vertically movable and has a plurality of segments, adjacent segments being pivotable relative to one another at their ends along horizontally extending pivot axes, comprising a door, which includes cases and a door leaf. The door leaf being formed of a plurality of door leaf segments, which are pivotable relative to one another and whose pivot axes extend coaxially to the pivot axes of the gate segments, and wherein the door leaf extends to the floor when the gate is closed, the door leaf or the case being provided with at least one opening, at least one sliding bolt being arranged axially in the floor region of the case or of the door leaf, so as to be horizontally displaceable in the main plane of the gate, and the sliding bolt engaging in the opening when the door is closed.

Abstract: An overhead door and associated mating panels includes a number of hinges to pivotally couple adjacent overhead door panels. Each door panel includes a back metal skin presenting a back face. Each hinge includes a lower hinge leaf a pair of hinge legs projecting generally parallel to each other. The lower hinge leaf is mounted to the lower panel and a backer plate is mounted to the interior face of the back skin of the lower panel and screws or bolts project through the lower hinge leaf, the skin and into the backer plate. Each hinge leg on the lower hinge leaf includes a hinge pin hole near a terminal end thereof for alignment with the hinge pin holes in an upper hinge leaf. The lower hinge leaf has a tongue projecting from an upper edge of the mounting base. The tongue is formed into a hook-shaped arcuate projection and aids in the alignment, support and positioning of a hinge pin inserted through the aligned hinge pin holes in the upper and lower hinge leaves.

Abstract: A reduced visibility insect screening is described having a transmittance of at least about 0.75 and a reflectance of about 0.04 or less. In an alternative embodiment, an insect screening material includes screen elements having a diameter of about 0.005 inch (0.13 mm), having a bond strength greater than 5500 psi (40 mega Pascals), and having the same transmittance and reflectance limits. In another embodiment of the invention, a screening includes screen elements having a diameter of about 0.005 inch (0.1 mm) or less and a coating on the screen elements having a matte black finish, where the screening has the same transmittance and reflectance limits.

Abstract: An aluminum casting process using a casting mold in which after the cavity (25) is filled with an inert gas, magnesium is introduced into 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: Preferred embodiments of the present invention include methods that allow for casting alloys, and preferentially casting wrought alloys to circumvent problems such as, for example, hot tearing. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for alloys having predominantly spherical primary ?-aluminum grains in their microstructure (i.e., substantially free of dendrites) formed by mixing two liquids of differing compositions that are held at predetermined temperatures, such that when mixed they produce a predetermined alloy composition at a predetermined temperature that is inclined to solidify with a predominantly spherical grain structure that minimizes the alloy's tendency towards hot tearing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a continuous casting ingot mold equipped with an immersed nozzle (3) provided with lateral outlets (2) opposite the small sides (5) of the ingot mold, and whereof the pattern of molten metal flows can be naturally in single loop or double loop, or even unstable. The invention is characterized in that it consists in using sliding magnetic fields acting, at the nozzle, on the flows of liquid metal reaching the ingot mold through the nozzle orifices, said magnetic fields being generated by polyphase linear electromagnetic field windings (14, 14?, 15, 15?) arranged opposite at least one side of the ingot mold on either side of the nozzle, preferably opposite one large side and advantageously both, so as to set, or stabilizes, a permanent pattern in double loop mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to cast a number of elements such as turbine engine blades. The blades have an airfoil and a root for securing the blade to a disk. A number of mold sections each have internal surfaces for forming an associated at least one of the elements. The mold sections are assembled and molten alloy is introduced to the assembled mold sections.

Abstract: A keel cooler having a standard header with an internal beveled bottom wall, with orifices on the inner wall of the exterior tubes extending into the header, the orifices being in the natural flow path of the coolant flow. The orifices are sufficiently large so as not to restrict the flow of coolant. A fluid flow diverter is additionally provided in the header of the keel cooler for facilitating coolant flow towards both the interior tubes and also towards the exterior tubes.

Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.

Abstract: A vapor-lift pump heat transport apparatus having a small heat resistance and a large heat transport capacity. A heat exchange circulating solution container has a first space and a second space communicating with the first space through a communication opening and contains a heat exchange circulating solution, and vapor thereof, in each space. A circulating solution transport passage includes a pipe connected to the solution outlet of the container and provided with a sensible heat releasing heat exchanger, a pipe disposed in the container, and a pipe connected to a vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet and provided with a heating heat exchanger. A vapor-liquid two-phase fluid flows into only the first space through the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid inlet. When the entrance of the vapor-liquid two-phase fluid has caused a pressure difference between the first and second spaces, a difference occurs between the positions of the vapor-liquid interfaces in the first and second spaces.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, preferably an oil cooler (1) for a motor vehicle, comprises stacked flat tubes (2, 3, 4), which have tube ends with apertures for admitting and discharging oil, which flows through the flat tubes (2, 3, 4) in their longitudinal direction. The apertures of adjacent flat tubes (2, 3, 4) are in fluid communication with one another in order to form flow passages, and spacings are left between the flat tubes for a medium, in particular a cooling medium, to pass through. The flat tubes are designed as extruded multi-channel tubes.

Abstract: A cold plate assembly, which in one embodiment includes a manifold layer comprising one or more input coolant sub-manifold channels and one or more output coolant sub-manifold channels. A metering plate having a plurality of orifices defined there through is disposed adjacent the manifold layer in spaced relation to a cover plate. A core layer is disposed between the metering plate and cover plate, the core layer comprising corrugated fin material. The input sub-manifold channels and output sub-manifold channels are in fluid communication through fluid paths passing through the orifices in the metering plate and the core layer.

Abstract: A pipe of a header pipe is formed by combining two separated bodies separated along a longitudinal direction. The first separated body has a tube holding wall portion including an insertion hole inserting a flat tube thereto, and a pair of straight portions protruded from the tube holding wall portion in an approximately orthogonal direction and set along both sides in a width direction of the tube, and is formed in a C-shaped cross sectional shape.

Abstract: An air-conditioner is operated under one mode selected from among three modes, i.e., a cooling mode, a heating mode and an air-mixing mode. Conditioned air temperature is controlled by changing a cooling ability in the cooling mode, a heating ability in the heating mode, and a position of an air-mixing door in the air-mixing mode. When the operating mode is switched to the cooling mode or to the heating mode from another mode, the position of the air-mixing door is gradually changed to prevent an abrupt temperature drop or rise until a difference between a target temperature and an actual temperature becomes smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An air conditioner for automotive vehicles is disclosed. The flow rates of air supplied to an evaporator (4) and a heater (5) are adjusted by rotationally displacing a scroll casing (2b) and thus changing an air flow from a blower (2) to a predetermined direction. The air-mix door can thus be eliminated to allow a smaller size of an air-conditioner casing (3) (air-conditioning unit (1)). Also, the ratio between cool air flow rate and hot air flow rate is adjusted by rotationally displacing the scroll casing (2b) with a spur gear (2c) and, therefore, the size and the production cost of the air conditioner can be reduced as compared with a conventional system in which an air-mix door is swung by a link mechanism.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.

Abstract: A progressing cavity rod-driven well pump utilizes a tag shoulder above a helical passage of the stator. The pump stator is located at the lower end of a string of tubing. The tag shoulder is more restrictive than a passage through the tubing. A pump rotor is secured to a string of rods and has a stop located above the rotor. The rotor is lowered on the rods until the stop lands on the tag shoulder. Then the operator lifts the rods and the rotor to accommodate for expected stretch during operation. By removing the rods and rotor, monitoring tools can be lowered through the tag shoulder and stator.

Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of optimizing the displacement of a viscoelastic fluid in a pore, tube, duct, channel, fracture, porous medium or interconnected latticework or in an interconnected assembly of pores, tubes, ducts, channels, cavities and/or fractures using a fluid with a lower viscosity. The inventive method consists in displacing the viscoelastic fluid using a displacing fluid which supplies a signal thereto comprising pressure pulses at an optimum frequency. In this way, the moisture layer between the displaced fluid and the walls of the pores, tubes, channels, cavities, fractures or porous medium is dynamically reduced during said displacement, thereby facilitating optimum extraction.

Abstract: A cavitation device is used to heat, concentrate and recycle or otherwise reuse dilute and other oil well fluids, brines and muds, and solution mining fluids, all of which commonly contain ingredients worthy of conservation. The cavitation device is powered by a Diesel engine whose exhaust may be used to heat the incoming fluid, and the product of the cavitation device is directed to a flash tank.

Abstract: A system and method measures a pressure or other measurement at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool and compares the measurements to verify that, for example, the supply is reaching the tool. The system and method also may utilize a gauge positioned within a packer or positioned for communication with the setting chamber of a packer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating a subterranean formation utilizing a fluid having a splittable foamer, i.e., a fluid that creates a stable foam when it contacts the formation but that loses its ability to foam as it remains in contact with the formation for extended time. The present method has the advantage that the fluid can be recovered from the well unhindered by the difficulties involved with recovering a foamed fluid from a well. The present method does not require the use of breakers, though the splitting of the foam can be accelerated by introducing an organic or inorganic acid into the well, if so desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for improving the suspension of solids in liquids; more particularly, to reducing the potential stresses caused by increased particle loading in a fluid. An example of a method is a method of enhancing the flow of particles. Another example of a method is a method of fracturing a subterranean formation. Another example of a method is a method of gravel packing a portion of a subterranean formation. Another example of a method is a method of enhancing the flow of drill cuttings. An example of a composition is a treatment fluid comprising a liquid component and a solid component.

Abstract: A subsea production tree has an external annular profile formed on an upper portion of the tree. A vertical passage extending from a lower end of the tree to an upper end of the tree for communicating with a string of tubing extending into the well. A lateral passage in the tree extending from the vertical passage. A flow path in fluid communication with the lateral passage extends laterally from the tree, the flow path having an upward facing receptacle. An adapter lands on the upper portion of the tree and connects to the profile, the adapter having a passage that registers with the vertical passage of the tree while the adapter lands on the tree. A flow interface device mounts to and lands with the adapter, the flow interface device having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, one of the conduits being connected to the passage in the adapter, the other of the conduits stabbing into sealing engagement with the receptacle as the adapter lands on the tree.

Abstract: A hydraulic control and actuation system for downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control and actuation system includes an internal chamber serving as a low pressure region and a well annulus serving as an energy source. A valve assembly provides selective fluid communication between alternating opposite sides of a piston and each of the energy source and low pressure region. Displacement of the piston operates a well tool. Operation of the valve assembly is controlled via telemetry between a remote location and an electronic circuit of the system.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pump for circulating pressurized fluid in a wellbore. A control device controls the pump which a conduit interconnects to the wellbore. A downhole transducer detects changes in fluid pressure at a downhole location and generates signals accordingly. A processor generates actuator commands based on the signals. Actuators activate a downhole tool based on the actuator command. A modulating valve modulates the fluid pressure. A remote transducer detects the pressure remotely from the downhole transducer. The control device causes the pump to generate acoustic signals in the fluid via wave forms which the downhole transducer detects. The modulating valve generates wave forms in the fluid. The control device sends control signals via the fluid to the downhole transducer. Consequently the processor actuates the tools. Following correct actuation the modulating valve generates signals via pressure changes which the remote transducer receives to indicate successful tool deployment.

Abstract: An isolation string having an upper packer and an isolation pipe in mechanical communication with the upper packer, the isolation pipe comprises an operable valve and an object activated valve. An object holding service tool is adapted to release an object to activate the object activated valve. A method of running-in an isolation string, comprising an operable valve and an object activated valve, with an object holding service tool having an object held therewith; setting the isolation string in the casing adjacent perforations; pressurizing the object to cause a release from the object holding service tool, whereby the object travels to the object activated valve; closing the object activated valve with the released object; and withdrawing the object holding service tool from the well.

Abstract: A movable arm 10 engages a flexible line 50 at a well site for positioning the flexible line between run-in position for passing the flexible line with a tubular through a well hole in the rig floor and a clamping position wherein the flexible line is adjacent the tubular above the rig floor for clamping the line to the tubular. The arm 10 extends upward from the rig floor 70, and includes a line guide, such as roller 12, for engaging the flexible line when in the run-in position. A powered drive 14 moves the arm between the run-in position and the clamping position. A spacer 82 may be used for positioning two or more flexible lines at a desired spacing relative to one another prior to positioning the lines within a clamp secured to the tubular. A slip bowl assembly 60 may be laterally movable so that slips do not engage the flexible line as it is run in the well.

Abstract: A pendent type residential fire sprinkler is described. The residential fire sprinkler has a body with a K-factor of at least 6 passage coupled to a deflector assembly that distributes fluid flowing through the passage over a coverage area to perform in accordance with Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1626 (October 2003) for listing by Underwriters Laboratory Incorporated so that the body and a heat responsive trigger disposed between the passage and the deflector assembly of the sprinkler can be installed in accordance with the 2002 Edition of National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. Various aspects of the residential fire sprinkler, including a method of protecting a residential dwelling unit are described.

Abstract: A driver drill that can effectively prevent erroneous clutch operation in a drill mode is provided. A flat washer positioned between steel balls for locking an internal gear and a coil spring is rotatable by rotative operation of a mode-change ring. Also, protruding streaks are provided on a small-diameter unit of a second gear case around which a flat washer is externally mounted. The protruding streaks interfere with internal projections on an inner circumference of the flat washer at its predetermined rotating position to regulate a forward movement of the flat washer. When a drill mode is selected with the mode-change ring, the flat washer is locked by the protruding streaks.

Abstract: A portable area monitoring system for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine and adapted to produce a composite of the positions of a beacon and a fixed object. In a preferred embodiment the sensor assembly is supported by a hand-held frame and adapted to detect signals emanating from each of a beacon and a fixed object. The sensor assembly transmits the detected signals to a processor which simultaneously processes the signals to produce a composite of relative positions of the beacon and the fixed object to the frame. The composite of the relative positions of the beacon and the fixed object to the frame is communicated to the operator using a portable display.

Abstract: A drill bit stabilizing system comprising a body member having an axis and at least one recess formed in the body member housing at least one stabilizing member when in a first retracted position. The stabilizing member is positionable along a diagonal angle with the axis to a second extended operating position which extends downward and outward relative to the main body to selectively engage the surface of a pilot bore hole wall during a drilling operation so as to stabilize an under gauge drill bit used in association with the stabilizing system. The body member further comprises at least one fixed stabilizing surface positioned in an axially spaced relationship to the at least one moveable stabilizing member. The body member further comprises a gauge cutter positioned above the moveable stabilizing member and below the fixed stabilizing surface to expand the pilot hole to the final gauge.

Abstract: Rotary jetting tool including a rotor with axially-opposed pressure-balanced mechanical face seals. Vented upper mechanical face seal enables the rotor to be operated with the relativity low starting torque achievable using reaction forces from offset jets energized with a pressurized fluid. When rotor is displaced axially due to set-down conditions, a pressure chamber exerts a pressure imbalance on the rotor, forcing the rotor to return to a normal operating position. Alternate structure to achieve low starting torque includes a volume disposed adjacent to a lower mechanical face seal, the volume being coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid. Mechanical face seal surfaces are fabricated from ultra-hard materials, such as tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, and diamond. A gage ring designed to ensure the jets remove all of the material from the gage of the protective housing before the tool can advance can be incorporated.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a power-generating device for use in drilling operations comprises a turbine comprising a housing, and a rotor assembly rotatably coupled to the housing so that the rotor assembly rotates in response to the passage of drilling mud therethrough. The power-generating device also comprises one of an alternator and a generator assembly comprising a magnet, a winding, and a housing. The power-generating device further comprises one or more wires for transmitting electrical signals between a first and a second electrical component by way of the power-generating device. The one or more wires are routed through the housing of the turbine and the housing of the one of an alternator and a generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing data transmission hardware in downhole tools includes an insert insertable into the box end or pin end of drill tool, such as a section of drill pipe. The insert typically includes a mount portion and a slide portion. A data transmission element is mounted in the slide portion of the insert. A biasing element is installed between the mount portion and the slide portion and is configured to create a bias between the slide portion and the mount portion. This biasing element is configured to compensate for varying tolerances encountered in different types of downhole tools. In selected embodiments, the biasing element is an elastomeric material, a spring, compressed gas, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Self relieving seals of this invention comprise an elastomeric seal body having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for contact with respective drill bit sealing surfaces. The seal includes a pair of external surfaces that each extend along the seal body between the first and second sealing surfaces. The seal includes one or more relief ports that are disposed through the seal body and that have openings through each of the seal body external surfaces. The relief port can be specially configured, e.g., have different diameter sections of constant or variable dimensions, to provide a degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal body when the seal is loaded within the drill bit. The seal may include an element, e.g., solid, tubular, or porous, disposed within the relief port to provide a further desired degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal when the seal is loaded within the drill bit.