Abstract: A method of isolating a reservoir of production fluid in a formation comprises providing a pair of valves (14, 16) in a bore intersecting a production formation and in which the hydrostatic pressuer in the bore at the formation is normally lower than the formation pressure, and then ontrolling the valves (14, 16) from surface such that the valves (14, 16) will only move from a closed configuration to an open configuration on experiencing a predetermined differential pressure across the valves.

Abstract: An expandable well screen having a temporary sealing substance. In a described embodiment, a method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well includes the steps of: providing the screen including a temporary sealing substance preventing fluid flow through a wall of the screen; positioning the screen in a wellbore of the well; expanding the screen in the wellbore; and degrading the sealing substance, thereby permitting fluid flow through the screen wall.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include an aerator that provides a shifting means adapted to alter the path of the aeration tines so that they do not impact the ground surface, the shifting being effected without lifting the entire aerator from the ground surface. Some embodiments of an aerator further include an energy modulation system that is capable of relieving a shock to the gear system caused by an aeration tine impacting debris, rocks or a hardened portion in the ground.

Abstract: A tracking hitch assembly couples to the drawbar of the tractor in a conventional manner. To prevent the hitch from pivoting with respect to the drawbar, the hitch includes an adjustable hitch stabilizer which engages the lift arms of the tractor. When a pivoting force is exerted against the hitch, one lift arm is placed in tension, and the other lift arm is placed in compression. Thus the hitch is prevented from pivoting with respect to the drawbar.

Abstract: A flexible rockshaft includes joint structure facilitating the adjustment of the rotational angle of rockshaft segments relative to each other. A link inserted between a rockshaft segment and the rockshaft flex member rotates on the same or a parallel pivot as adjacent rockshaft segment, and an adjustable length connecting mechanism on the link provides angular adjustment. In one embodiment, shims supported on the link are selectively clamped between a threaded stop and an internally threaded link. The number of shims may be easily varied to change the angular position of one rockshaft segment relative to the adjacent segment. In another embodiment, a simpler threaded member with positioning nuts is located on the additional link and provides inexpensive angular adjustability.

Abstract: A system for active dynamic balancing of a rotating tool driven by a motor having a shaft supported by a first and second bearing on opposing sides of the motor includes an acceleration sensing assembly configured to sense radial accelerations on the shaft producing an acceleration signal indicative of the radial accelerations. A correcting mass assembly is configured to rotate with the shaft and to move at least one mass radially to the shaft responsive to a correcting signal. A controller is configured to receive the acceleration signal generating a correcting signal by means of a closed loop iterative algorithm.

Abstract: A concrete drill for drilling concrete or the like by a diamond bit (5) attached to a front end of a bit drive shaft (4) projected forward from a main body (1) by driving to rotate the bit drive shaft (4) by a drive source (2) contained in the main body (1) in which the main body (1) is provided with a vibrating apparatus (8) for exerting a vibrating force a magnitude which is pulsated to change along the bit drive shaft (4) to the main body (1).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a vibration reducing technique caused by air pressure fluctuations within a power tool. According to the present invention, a representative power tool may comprise a driving motor, a driver and a tool bit. The driving motor drives the driver to cyclically reciprocate. The tool bit is linearly driven by utilizing the pressure of air within the power tool. The air may be compressed by the reciprocating movement of the driver. The power tool changes the rotational speed of the driving motor in the cycle of the reciprocating movement of the driver so that vibration caused in the power tool can be alleviated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for detection and removal of underground organic and inorganic compounds utilizing underground boring tool technology. Typically a drilling fluid is flowed through a pipe or drill string, over the boring tool, and back up the bore hole to the surface in order to remove cuttings and dirt at the surface. Solids and liquids discharged at the surface are analyzed real-time to determine concentrations and locations of compounds in the subsurface and determine the geology of the formation. Detectors can also be attached directly to the head of the boring apparatus and data transmitted to the surface electronically or by other means. Data is processed and evaluated. Based on this information, the boring tool is continually re-directed along an underground path to the areas with the highest concentrations of minerals, oil, gas, toxic compounds or other elements or compounds of interest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drilling a borehole are disclosed. An electric motor electrically and mechanically coupled to a wired drill pipe is provided. The electric motor couples to a shaft that rotates when power is supplied to the electric motor. The shaft is couplable to a drill bit. The wired drill pipe transfers electricity to the electric motor from the surface. Operation of the electric motor rotates the shaft. The drill bit wears away earth to form the borehole in the earth.

Abstract: A steering tool for use in a well bore is disclosed. The tool includes at least one extendable and retractable blade deployed thereon. The blade is elastically spring biased radially inwards towards the tool such that upon removal of an actuating force, the blade retracts. In exemplary embodiments, the blade includes at least one spring-like, elastically deformable member disposed to elastically spring bias the blade. The spring-like member may include first and second elongated leg portions located on opposing sides of a sprung hairpin portion. Tools embodying this invention may be advantageous for small diameter applications.

Abstract: A turbine is disclosed which includes a turbine blade housing having an inner facing portion of a first material having a first coefficient of expansion, and a turbine blade body having an outer facing portion of a second coefficient of expansion greater than said first coefficient. In a preferred embodiment, the blade housing comprises a number of steel shroud rings and the turbine blade body comprises a number of stators and rotors of a thermoplastic material. An interference fit between stator blades and the shroud rings is enhanced in use due to the difference in thermal and/or hydrophilic coefficients of expansion of the first and second materials.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling a directional or horizontal wellbore in a hydrocarbon formation using concentric drill string having an inner pipe and an outer pipe defining an annulus there between. A bottomhole assembly comprising a directional drilling means such as an air hammer or a rotary drill bit and driving system is provide at the lower end of the concentric drill string and drilling medium is delivered through the annulus or inner pipe for operating the directional drilling means to form a borehole. Exhaust drilling medium, drilling cutting and hydrocarbon are removed from the wellbore by extracting the exhaust drilling medium, drilling cutting and hydrocarbon through the other of the annulus or inner pipe.

Abstract: The disclosed invention used power-assist wheelchair hubs and an array of sensors to provide obstacle-avoidance features on a wheelchair. In a power-assisted manual wheelchair, the traditional rear wheels are replaced with motorized hubs that magnify the force applied to the rear wheels by the user. The present invention uses sensors to detect obstacles and drop-offs near the wheelchair, and uses the power-assist hubs to alter wheelchair movement in response to these sensor readings.

Abstract: An engine air intake system includes an engine air intake device and a plenum cooling compartment that is separate from the engine compartment by a baffle. A fan draws outside ambient air into the plenum cooling compartment and out of the plenum cooling area via a heat exchanger. The cooling compartment is designed such that a distance between the heat exchanger and the baffle provides a gap from which the engine air intake device removes ambient air as a source for engine air. An option is provide for the system to withdraw outside ambient air from an area external to the plenum cooling compartment in high debris environments.

Abstract: Battery-powered, remote-controlled, motor-driven, steerable roller skates. Each skate includes a boot, a transmitter, a base, a driving mechanism, a steering mechanism, a controller, and a receiver. The boot is worn on a foot of a user. The transmitter is battery-powered, is held by the user, and transmits wireless signals for controlling speed, steering, forward and reverse motion, and combinations thereof. The base has the boot sitting thereon. The driving mechanism is battery-powered, motor-driven, and operatively connected to, and selectively moves, the base with the boot thereon. The steering mechanism is battery-powered, motor-driven, and operatively connected to, and selectively steers, the base with the boot thereon. The controller is battery powered, disposed in the base, and operatively connected to, and selectively activates, the driving mechanism and the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement, includes: a four-cycle engine arranged in an engine compartment formed in the front body of a snowmobile with its crankshaft laid substantially parallel to the body width and having a cylinder case inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel. The engine employs a dry sump oil supplying system and an oil tank separate from the engine is provided. Another snowmobile four-cycle engine arrangement includes: a four-cycle engine having a cylinder head at its top, arranged in the engine compartment and inclined forwards with respect to the vehicle's direction of travel with an intake path provided on the upper portion of the engine body. An intercooler for cooling the intake air is arranged in a tunnel created inside the body frame for accommodating a track belt.

Abstract: A vehicle drive force control apparatus configured to make it possible to increase the drive force when the vehicle is accelerating from a stopped condition without increasing the size of its electric generator. In particular, an output of an engine is delivered to the left and right front wheels and to the electric generator. The output voltage of the electric generator is supplied to an electric motor and the output of the electric motor drives the left and right rear wheels. If it is determined that the vehicle is stuck when the vehicle is attempting to accelerate from a stopped condition (starting into motion from a stop), the target slippage amount used for engine TCS control is increased.

Abstract: A differential mechanism is arranged below an infinitely variable transmission and a reduction gear mechanism. Front fitting parts and rear fitting parts for fitting suspension arms to a vehicle frame are arranged to the front and rear of the deferential mechanism. Even though the left and right suspension arms swing up and down, or a transmission and a reduction gear mechanism attached on a vehicle frame swing left and right with respect to the suspension arms, there is no interference of the transmission and the reduction gear mechanism with the suspension arms due to a space at the front and the rear of a differential mechanism, so that the vehicle frame can swing left and right and it is also possible to easily constitute a vehicle having an independent suspension.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system of the present invention comprises a first sensor unit which detects a state of wearing a seatbelt system, a second sensor unit which detects a state of operating the seatbelt system, and a controller which performs a control to change a time range to determine activation and expansion of a occupant restraint equipment upon a vehicle collision in accordance with signals from the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit.

Abstract: An interlock device for measuring the sobriety of a potential vehicle operator is coupled to the starting mechanism of the vehicle. The interlock device includes a microprocessor controlled handset and base unit. The base unit encloses relays to preclude the starting mechanism from engaging if a predetermined acceptable threshold level of blood alcohol content has been exceeded. The relays receive a signal, through the base unit microprocessor, from the handset microprocessor which has calculated the blood alcohol content of a breath sample introduced into the handset by the vehicle operator. A breath sampling housing is enclosed within the handset in axial alignment with an intake port of the handset. A water filter and valve are positioned upstream from an electrochemical fuel cell. The fuel cell is coupled to the microprocessor. A pressure transducer measures the pressure of the breath sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight which comprises, on the one hand, an impact member displaceable between a position of use and a deployed position in which it may come into contact with an obstacle in the event of an impact of the latter with the headlight, and, on the other hand, a safety device able to cause the displacement of the impact member from its position of use to its deployed position.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a vehicle having at least one wheel and an engine is disclosed. The drive assembly transfers a driving force from the engine to the at least one wheel. The drive assembly includes a rotatable input drive shaft. The input drive shaft is operatively coupled to the engine. The drive assembly further includes a rotatable output drive shaft. The output drive shaft is operatively coupled to the at least one wheel. A first transmission operatively connects the input and output drive shafts. An overload clutch is operatively disposed between the input drive shaft and the first transmission to transfer a driving force from the input drive shaft to the first transmission. The overload clutch may be at least partially mounted to input drive shaft.

Abstract: A steering wheel mounted on a forklift 1 is provided with a steering wheel knob 17 which can be operated with one hand holding it. The steering wheel knob 17 has an approximately egg-like shape with switches 46, 47 provided on its end face. Incorporated in the steering wheel knob 17 are a transmission circuit 49, which radio-transmits a signal when the switches 46, 47 are operated, and a battery 51. The signal transmitted from the steering wheel knob 17 is received by a reception section 68 on a vehicle body 2 and a controller 48 executes predetermined control based on that signal.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes an output shaft that is directly mountable to a wheel adapter to drive a vehicle wheel. A gear assembly is coupled to the output shaft to transfer driving force from an input to the output shaft. The gear assembly includes an output gear that is directly coupled to the output shaft. Thus, the wheel adapter and output gear are both supported directly on the output shaft. The gear assembly and output shaft are substantially enclosed within a housing that is mounted to a non-rotating vehicle component. The output shaft is solely supported by a pair of bearings for rotation relative to the housing. The bearings are installed for direct engagement with the output shaft and housing.

Abstract: A tractor has sprung left and right rear suspensions, each suspension including a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the tractor chassis to pivot about a pivot point. A planetary gear system is fixed to the suspension arm having a sun gear driven by the engine and a planetary gear carrier that is coupled to and drives an axle supporting a rear wheel. The ring gear is fixed with respect to the suspension arm.

Abstract: A vehicle, method and steering system for a vehicle in which the steering system includes a stub axle articulated on a king pin. The king pin is configured to be fixed to an element spring suspension-mounted in the vehicle. The steering system includes at least one power unit fixed to the stub axle, and the power unit transmits a torque to the king pin.

Abstract: A sound focus speaker adopting a gas-filled sound lens enhances efficiency of transferring sound from a source to target area and of protecting a spread of transferred sound. The sound focus speaker includes a gas-filled sound lens, sound sources for generating sound and a sound-absorption room for surrounding the sound lens and the sound sources. Sound emitted from the sound focus speaker is focused at specific distance to make a focus point and not spread to the outer of the focus point from forming a sound area.

Abstract: A collapsible platform having a scissor-like legs, a maintenance platform, a ladder to mount the platform, and a removable pin for a plurality of slots to raise the platform to different heights, and when the pin is removed, the apparatus lies flat for storage.

Abstract: An elevator system for traveling on a rail attached to the outside of a high-rise building. One elevator having a telescoping arm attached for reaching any position on or above the building. A platform or cabin attached to the telescoping arm can deliver materials to the building while under construction and thereafter be used for building maintenance such as window washing. The movable platform adjacent a building can take the place of scaffolding for a safer work environment. The telescoping arm may have various attachments for different functions such as for rescuing people trapped in a high-rise during a fire or for positioning fire fighters and hoses or fire fighting equipment next to a fire. The elevators may be raised and lowered by motors connected to cables or under their own power.

Abstract: A bracket for attachment to an upright scaffolding member has a rigid body with a front hook and rear hook thereon for engaging opposing front and rear faces of the upright scaffolding member. A support arm projects horizontally forward from the rigid body beyond the front hook for supporting an auxiliary platform thereon. A retainer member is movable on the body between an unlocked position in which an area between the hooks for receiving the upright scaffolding member therein is unobstructed and a locked position for engaging the upright scaffolding member in which the retainer member is immovable in the direction of engagement of the retainer member with the upright scaffolding member to prevent accidental release thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting items along a conveyor for a checkout system may include starting a conveyor in a transporting direction upon an item being placed in proximity to a start sensor, transporting the item beyond the start sensor and stopping the conveyor prior to the item reaching an end of the conveyor if a checkout sensor positioned in a checkout area indicates that a user is absent at the checkout area. The system and method may further include transporting the item toward the end of the conveyor if the checkout sensor indicates a user is present at the checkout area, transporting the item toward the second end of the conveyor upon a second item being placed in proximity to the start sensor and stopping the conveyor upon the item being sensed by a stopping sensor.

Abstract: A position detecting device for detecting the position of an object (12) movable along a predetermined path of movement, comprising a signal transmission medium (13) extending along the path of movement, a signal generator (15) movable together with said movable object (12), by means of which a signal can be coupled into the signal transmission medium (13), at least one signal receiver (29, 33) at an extraction location in an end portion of said path of movement, a signal propagation time measuring means (35, 37) adapted to determine the signal propagation time between coupling location and extraction location (45), wherein the signal generator (15) is designed to deliver a periodically repeating signal pulse sequence (FIG.

Abstract: An assembly arrangement for a lift construction supports the lift drive at the upper end of both a support column and lift cage and counterweight guide rails, allowing the lift drive load to be transferred to the floor of the lift by each of the supporting members. The support of the lift drive upon the rails may be accomplished through setting screws that allow the load applied to the rails to be adjusted.

Abstract: In a rotor system, in particular for a bicycle (1), with at least one first rotor (31) for the transmission of brake actuations, which is mounted in the area of a handlebar stem (12) of a fork (8), whose support is provided by a steering head tube (21), and which has two components (32, 51) that are rotatable with respect to each other without restriction, wherein one component (32) is in active connection with a brake actuation device and the other component (51) is in active connection with a brake, the first rotor (31) is mounted inside the steering head tube (21), which serves as a casing for the first rotor (31), or above the steering head tube (21), the transmission of the brake actuation takes place by way of a fluid (F) that penetrates to the first rotor (31), and the first rotor (31) has an external piece (51) mounted outside the handlebar stem (12) and an internal piece (32) mounted inside the handlebar stem (12) as components that are rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic disc brake master cylinder includes a housing having a bar clamp at one end configured for fastening the housing to a bicycle handle bar, the bar clamp receiving the handle bar along a clamp axis. A handle is pivotably connected to the housing to pivot about a pivot axis in operative association with a piston train to impart a drive force on the piston train. The handle defines a finger receptacle receiving at least one finger of a user defining an effective force point at a select distance from a distal end of the handle. A select ideal finger actuation path for the at least one finger of a user begins at a start point at the effective finger force point with the handle at an engagement point where the handle begins to drive the piston train against operative fluid resistance and extends along a line from the start point at a select angle relative to the clamp axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake gear for a disc brake serving to transfer a force to a brake pad that acts upon a brake disc. The brake gear is accommodated in a brake caliper of the disc brake and comprises both a pressing element, which interacts with the brake caliper, as well as a rod. The pressing element is mounted in the housing of the brake caliper with the aid of the rod in such a manner that it is parallel to the rotation axis of the brake disc.

Abstract: A brake device includes a brake disk fixed to a power transmission shaft, and a brake caliper for braking the brake disk by a nipping action. The brake caliper includes a caliper bracket fitted to a final gear case, and a caliper body detachably fitted to the caliper bracket, wherein the caliper body is fitted to the caliper bracket by a pair of fixing bolts. The screw-fitting directions of the individual bolts of the pair of fixing bolts are opposite to each other. The aforementioned brake device for a vehicle permits maintenance work to be quickly and easily carried out.

Abstract: A rotary damper is provided which can include a valve (6) which automatically varies a flow rate of a viscous fluid passing through fluid passages (5a, 5b) in correspondence with variation in load. The valve (6) comprises a leaf spring. The flow rate-adjusting portion (6g) constituting the valve (6) is provided so as not to close the fluid passages (5a, 5b) when no load is applied and bends so that its one surface side projects when no load is applied and becomes deformed in a direction in which the fluid passage (5b) is closed when receiving pressure of the viscous fluid on its one surface side. The flow rate of the viscous fluid passing through the fluid passage (5b) is adjusted depending on a degree of deformation of the flow rate-adjusting portion (6g) corresponding to magnitude of pressure of the viscous fluid applied to one surface side of the flow rate-adjusting portion (6g).

Abstract: In a rotary damper, an outer lid is attached to an outer side surface of a casing. A first oil passage and a second oil passage are in respective communication. A first oil chamber and a second oil chamber are provided in parallel between the outer side surface of the casing and the inner side surface of the outer lid. A first check valve is provided in the first oil passage, a second check valve is provided in the second oil passage, and an orifice plate is movably provided so as to face both the first oil passage and the second oil passage.

Abstract: A shock absorbing structure of a two-wheeled vehicle capable of sufficiently absorbing shock and desirably maintain the steerability of the two-wheeled vehicle. The structure includes a shock absorbing member projecting from a front wheel, wherein the shock absorbing member is crashed when the vehicle collides with an obstacle so as to absorb shock. A ceiling wall of the shock absorbing member is located at such a position that the ceiling wall does not block a forward viewing area for a driver. A center of a leading end contact surface of the shock absorbing member is located at a position higher than a vertical position of a center of gravity G of both a motorcycle and the driver, and right and left side surfaces of the shock absorbing member are offset to a center of a vehicular body from right and left side surfaces of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly comprises a cover mounted on a flywheel of a driving shaft. A pressure plate has a contact surface for receiving a driving force from the driving shaft that is axially moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A spring supported by the cover urges the pressure plate into the engaged position. Compression of the spring releases pressure on the pressure plate to permit movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one spacer attached to the cover and flywheel has an external surface that engages the pressure plate upon rotation of the flywheel. The external surface of the spacer conforms to the contact surface of the pressure plate so that torque is transmitted between the flywheel and the pressure plate over at least a line of engagement of the spacer external surface and the pressure plate contact surface upon rotation of the flywheel.

Abstract: A high performance clutch pack for use in the high gear clutch of a POWERGLIDE transmission is disclosed. The present clutch pack is disposed in a modified clutch drum including fluid exhaust vents to reduce piston drag and weight reduction features for accommodating up to ten friction disks and eleven steel disks representing a 150 percent increase in holding force in comparison to the stock POWERGLIDE clutch pack, which typically provides only four friction disks and five steel disks. In one embodiment the steel disks include elliptically shaped holes at predetermined locations for imparting turbulence to the flow of transmission fluid within the clutch pack and also feature anti-drag spacers for reducing parasitic drag during freewheeling. The clutch pack is actuated by a modified clutch piston having an increased stroke correlated to the increased number of friction disks delivering maximum holding force with minimal increase in rotating mass.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus comprises a plurality of conveyor rail segments joined longitudinally, each of said plurality of conveyor rail segments comprising: a support rail having an upper wheel-seating portion and a lower base portion, the lower base portion having a frustopyramidal cross-sectional shape, a substantially horizontal base panel, and a pair of inwardly angled side panels extending upwardly from opposing edges of the base panel and terminating at the upper wheel-seating portion; and a plurality of wheels translationally secured to the upper wheel-seating portion of the support rail and capable of rotating with respect to the support rail; whereby goods can be transported over the conveyor rail segment.

Abstract: A support for supporting the end of a shaft protruding from a conveyor roller for dampening the vibrations of the conveyor roller by providing a flexible connection between spaced first and second supports where the supports include structure for resisting the separation of the rubber. A method of dampening the transmission vibrations of a conveyor roller assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A selection mechanism for vending machines or other similar uses in which a separate coin or token entry point is provided for each product or selection offered. Each of these entry points includes a sensing device to determine the presence of a coin as it passes through. When a customer inserts a coin into the desired selector entry point, the presence and passage of the coin is latched into a logic circuit or microcontroller memory. All of the entry points are mechanically aligned to steer the coins into the input funnel of a coin acceptor/validator mechanism. After the coin is subsequently confirmed to be genuine the selector mechanism provides an output signal to indicate the selected option.

Abstract: An escalator with steps having a tread surface and riser surface has riser brushes arranged at the riser surface. The riser brushes provide a barrier for the gap which is normally present between the tread surface of a first step and the riser surface of an adjacent step. The riser brushes may be mounted to a brush strip which is guided along the riser as the steps transfer between vertical and horizontal travel.

Abstract: An automatic tray repositioning device for automatically repositioning a tray that has been misaligned onto a rotating shelf. The invention includes a placement arm set partially within a housing, the arm connected to a vertically mounted motor. The motor is in communication with a detection system, such that when a portion of a tray is detected, the motor acts to immediately move the placement arm toward the tray, to gently reposition the tray back onto the shelf on which it sits.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting bottles which has a conveyor for conveying bottles at a first velocity. A bottle spacing mechanism receives bottles conveyed by the conveyor at a first location and releases bottles on the conveyor at a second downstream location.

Abstract: Lift device for lifting or, as the case may be, lowering of a support device (2, 3B, 5) of a transport track segment of a transport device for work pieces or the like, which are deposited upon plates, pallets or framework like work piece carriers (58) and upon which the work piece carrier (58) is seated translationally displaceably, with a force producing device (35, 72, 73) for producing a force for lifting or as the case may be lowering the support device (2, 3B, 5) and with a force transmission device for transmitting the force from the force producing device to the support device, the force transmission device includes at least one lever (25a, 25b), which on one side (29a, 29b) is coupled to be essentially horizontally displaceably guided with the force producing device (35, 72, 73) and on the other side (30a, 30b) is coupled with the support device (2, 3B, 5) and is guided for essentially vertical displacement.