Abstract: A heat exchanger that includes an extruded core member defining a plurality of spaced apart flow passages. The core member has first and second sides, one of said first and second sides defining a first set of flow openings communicating with the flow passages and one of said first and second sides defining a second set of flow openings communicating with the flow passages. A first unitary end cap connected to the first end of the core member has a first member sealing the first flow passage ends of at least some of the flow passages, and a second member extending from the first member partially over the side of the core member defining the first set of flow openings and defining at least one flow path between at least some of the first set of flow openings.

Abstract: A two-pass, loop flow heat exchanger includes an inlet plenum that receives a fluid to be cooled, a housing, a plurality of inlet flow passages substantially centrally positioned within the housing and having a first end fluidly coupled to the inlet plenum to receive the fluid, a turnaround plenum fluidly coupled to a second end of the inlet flow passages for reversing the flow of the fluid, a plurality of outlet flow passages peripherally positioned within the housing and having a first end fluidly coupled to the turnaround plenum, and an outlet plenum fluidly coupled to a second end of the outlet flow passages to present the fluid.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a heat exchanger assembly including a tank having a wall defining an aperture with a fitting secured thereto and a method of securing the fitting thereto. The fitting has a first end with an outer perimeter disposed exteriorly thereof and smaller than the aperture for inserting the first end of the fitting into the aperture. The fitting also has an internal tunnel extending along an axis thereto from the first end. A step of material is disposed in the tunnel at the first end, which is at least in part, radially and longitudinally displaced relative to the axis into contact with the wall to prevent rotational movement of the fitting in the aperture.

Abstract: Fracturing heads with one or more replaceable wear-resistant inserts have annular sealing elements for inhibiting fracturing fluids from circulating between the inserts and a main body of the fracturing head. Worn inserts and degraded sealing elements are easily replaced to refurbish the fracturing head without replacing or rebuilding the main body. Service life of the main body is therefore significantly prolonged. In one embodiment, an entire flow path through the main body is lined with wear-resistant replaceable inserts to further prolong the service life of the main body.

Abstract: A diffuser useful for sparging to remove contaminant in situ is described. The diffuser includes a first elongated member having a sidewall with a first portion of the length of the sidewall being microporous, and a second portion of the length of the sidewall having well screen sized openings with the first elongated member defining an interior hollow portion of the diffuser, a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said second member being disposed through the hollow region of said first member and a third elongated member having a third sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, said third member being disposed coaxial with the first and second members. An end cap is disposed to seal a first end of the third elongated member, and being in contact with the second elongated member forms a chamber.

Abstract: A borehole may be drilled utilizing the bottom hole assembly 10, 50 with a downhole motor 14, which may offset at a selected bend angle. A gauge section 34 is secured to the bit 16 has a uniform diameter bearing surface along an axial length of at least 60% of the bit diameter. The axial spacing between the bend and the bit face is controlled to less than fifteen times the bit diameter. After drilling a section of the well with the BHA according to the present invention, a tubular may be inserted in the well by passing the tubular through an upper tubular, then the inserted tubular expanded while downhole to a diameter substantially equal to the expanded tubular.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method is provided for preventing formation of sludge in a subsurface cavity having particulate laden fluid disposed therein. The method includes positioning a downhole device having a fluid agitator into the fluid of the subsurface cavity and agitating the fluid using the fluid agitator.

Abstract: Methods of improving the pressure containment integrity of subterranean well bores are provided. The methods include pumping a fracture sealing composition into the well bore that rapidly converts into a high friction pressure sealing composition which is impermeable, deformable, extremely viscous and does not bond to the faces of fractures. Thereafter, the fracture sealing composition is squeezed into one or more natural fractures or into one or more new fractures formed in the well bore to thereby increase the pressure containment integrity of the well bore. The methods also include the prediction of the expected increase in pressure containment integrity.

Abstract: Cementing compositions are provided that comprise water, cement kiln dust, vitrified shale, zeolite, and/or amorphous silica, that utilize a packing volume fraction such that the solid particulate materials of the fluid are in a hindered settling state. Methods of cementing are provided that utilize compositions comprising water, cement kiln dust, vitrified shale, zeolite, and/or amorphous silica, that utilize a packing volume fraction such that the solid particulate materials of the fluid are in a hindered settling state.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compressible foamed sealing compositions for sealing expandable pipe in well bores. The compressible sealant compositions for sealing expandable pipe are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, a rubber latex, a rubber latex stabilizer, a gas and a mixture of foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants.

Abstract: Openings are created between a wellbore and a formation by firing a perforating gun adjacent a perforating zone in the formation and debris is removed. A tubing string extending to the formation is pressurized to a first pressure to actuate the perforating gun. A second higher pressure is applied to activate a downhole injection port. Substantially immediately thereafter fluids are injected into the wellbore near the openings and circulated to the surface for the removal of debris. An optional and uphole injection port can be used to adjust the hydrostatic head above the perforating gun with the removal or addition of fluid. The tubing string extends sufficiently above the wellbore at surface to enable lowering of the downhole injection port below the openings during fluid circulation for enhanced removal of debris.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding rigidity and weight to the piping used in geothermal wells for ground-source heat pumps enhances insertion of the piping into the wells. The weight used must be approved by appropriate organizations such as the DNR, NSF, and/or EPA, or similar, for contact with the ground water. Concrete and coated iron or steel are examples of such weights. A system for assembling the pipes, weight, and a tremie pipe for insertion is disclosed. The weighting system may also help maintain straightness in the geothermal piping for ease of inserting the piping into the vertical well.

Abstract: A system and method for stimulating a formation surrounding a well and vibrating a device for supporting a gravel pack in the well, according to which a build up of scale on the device is sensed and a corresponding signal is output. A driver is provided for driving a transducer coupled to the device for vibrating the device and removing scale from the device.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of subterranean wells involving injecting a first fracturing fluid into a formation, and then injecting at least a second fracturing fluid into the formation in order to create extended conductive channels through a formation are described. The fracturing fluids can be similar in density, viscosity, pH and the other related characteristics. Alternatively, the fracturing fluids can differ in their densities, viscosities, and pH, allowing for variations in the conductive channels formed. Propping agents can also be included in one or both of the injected fluids, further enhancing the conductive channels formed. The described methods aid in minimizing proppant flowback problems typically associated with hydraulic fracturing techniques.

Abstract: A sealed branch wellbore transition joint. In a described embodiment, a completion system for a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore includes a tubular string having a portion positioned within the window, and a sealing material on the tubular string portion. The sealing material swells in the well to thereby form a seal between the tubular string portion and the window.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a wellbore junction, wherein, in one embodiment, a first leg of a screen is fastened within a first tubular with a preformed window. The first tubular houses a whipstock with a cut-out portion containing a folded second leg of the screen. The first tubular is lowered into a junction of a central and a lateral wellbore. A second tubular is lowered within the first tubular and catches an end of the folded second leg of the screen thereby unfolding and expanding the screen as the second tubular is guided into the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A hands-free connection system is provided for coupling downhole tools for use in well operations. The connection system includes two downhole tools connectable together in threaded engagement. The connection system further includes a compressible locking sleeve positioned between the coupled downhole tools for maintaining the tools in threaded engagement and in a predetermined alignment for deployment downhole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive and is, more particularly but not exclusively, intended for facilitating the connection of a section or stand of casing to a string of casing.

Abstract: A coupler and a method for installing an instrumentation line, such as fiber optic cable, into a wellbore. The coupler places upper and lower instrumentation lines in communication with one another downhole to form a single line. The coupler comprises a landing tool and a stinger that lands on the landing tool, thereby placing the upper and the lower instrumentation lines in communication. The landing tool is run into the wellbore at the lower end of a tubular, such as production tubing. The upper instrumentation line affixes to the tubing and landing tool and extends to the surface. The lower instrumentation line affixes along the stinger. In this manner, the lower instrumentation line may be installed after expansion of a well screen or liner and may be later removed from the wellbore prior to well workover procedures without pulling the production string.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand tool for enhancing the leverage available to a user includes a frame having a distal portion and a proximal portion, and a working element operably coupled to a distal end of the distal portion. The frame further includes a handle that is pivotally coupled to the frame at a portion thereof intermediate the proximal portion and the distal portion. A brace structure is preferably operably coupled to the proximal portion of the frame, with the brace structure being configured to operably brace against an upper side of a user's forearm while the user operably grasps the handle.

Abstract: An impact drill includes a first ratchet together with a spindle and movable in an axial direction, and a second ratchet engageable with the first ratchet. The second ratchet can be moved in the axial direction, and rotated with a predetermined range in a rotational direction.

Abstract: A controlled leakage seal assembly having a first stationary portion adapted to be connected in substantially fluid-tight relation to a source of drilling fluid and a second portion adapted to be connected in substantially fluid-tight relation to a rotary portion including a washpipe. The seal includes a first housing and a stack of radially inwardly extending, spaced apart annular stators, and a second seal housing and stack of spaced apart radially outwardly extending annular rotors interleaved with one another. The seal assembly, a cartridge, permits the first and second housings to rotate relative to each other in substantially fluid-tight relation except for the drilling fluid entering an outlet region at greatly reduced pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is held by a sleeve that permits the cartridge to be removed and replaced while the fluid connections to the sleeve remains.

Abstract: A rotary cone rock bit includes one or more hole cleaning nozzles and one or more bit cleaning nozzles. The hole cleaning nozzles of one drill bit define a projected fluid path disposed at a lateral angle of less than six degrees in order to achieve a large impingement pressure on the hole bottom. The bit cleaning nozzles of the same drill bit define a projected fluid path disposed at a lateral angle of at least six degrees in order to pass within 0.5 inches of the teeth on leading edge of the lagging roller cone. This results in a drill bit that both cleans the bottom hole and cleans cone inserts.

Abstract: A mower includes an engine-driven transmission for driving a pair of wheels at rate that varies according to the position of a transmission setting control selected by an operator. The transmission setting control positions a member that has a stop surface proximate to a transmission speed input on the transmission. The transmission speed input is adjusted by one or more levers on the mower. The transmission setting control is adjusted to define a home position of the stop surface relative to the transmission speed input and define a range of travel of the transmission speed input before it contacts the stop surface. The member is spring biased toward the home position but is moveable away from the home position. The position of the transmission speed input when it contacts the stop surface defines a first rate of travel of the transmission. An operator applies a first amount of force to the lever until the transmission speed input contacts the stop surface.

Abstract: A driving device of a robot cleaner with a shock-absorbing unit. The driving device includes a robot cleaner body and a pair of motors disposed in the robot cleaner body which are driven by respective power supplies. The driving device also includes a pair of driving wheels rotated by the pair of motors, a pair of driven wheels following the pair of driving wheels, and a driving force transmitting means which causes the driving wheels and the driven wheels to move in association with each other. A frame unit is disposed in the robot cleaner body to support the pair of driving wheels and the pair of driven wheels, and a shock-absorbing unit is disposed in the frame unit to absorb shock that occurs from a cleaning surface.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle system, including an electromobile having a fuel cell power generator mounted therein, and a predetermined mobile unit jointable to the electromobile, such that cogeneration within the mobile unit can be realized even during the travel of the electromobile. Via a joint section 30, a vehicle 10 including a fuel cell 13 as a source of motive power is jointed to a mobile unit 20 capable of travelling and at least including a storage battery 23 and a water tank 25. The water produced in the fuel cell 13 is recovered by a water recovery section 21 via the joint section 30. The heat produced in the fuel cell 13 is recovered by a heat recovery section 22 via the joint section 30. The recovered water is warmed up with the recovered heat, and thereafter stored in the water tank 25. The hot water stored in the water tank 25 is utilized as hot water to be used for controlling the temperature of the mobile unit 20 or supplied as hot water.

Abstract: A delay time for delaying starting of an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle is set to a predetermined time based on an engine coolant temperature and a state of an air conditioner switch. Starting of the engine is delayed for the predetermined time if it is determined that a vehicle can run using only a motor based on a required torque, a required power and an SOC of the battery. The predetermined time is determined based on a time necessary for completing preheating of an engine by a preheating device, preparations of sensors such as an air-furl ratio sensor, and warming-up of an exhaust gas purifying device. As a result, it is possible to efficiently perform start of the engine and operation immediately after the engine start, and to make control at the engine start time simple.

Abstract: An engine is connected to front wheels via a primary motor, a clutch and a transmission, and a secondary motor is connected to rear wheels. A vehicle is driven by the secondary motor while performing a combustion suspended idle operating condition in which the engine which has been brought to a combustion suspended condition is run idly by the primary motor according to driving conditions of the vehicle. The necessity for idling the engine is obviated so as to reduce the fuel consumption. Further, the engine can also be started up in quick and secured fashions by resuming the control of fuel supply and injection to the engine which is being run idly with its combustion being suspended and driving the primary motor while reducing the consumed power to a minimum level by reducing the load of the primary motor which runs the engine idly with its combustion being suspended.

Abstract: An air intake for a lawn and garden tractor has an opening with a screen covering the opening. A float panel is positioned adjacent to and spaced from the outer surface of the screen. The full surface area of the screen is available to pull in air, while limiting engine noise entering the environment and minimizing ingestion of excess grass and other debris.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a snowmobile, includes an engine with one or more air intakes for receiving air into the engine and an airbox for directing air into the air intakes. The airbox slides to facilitate installation and removal of the airbox from the engine compartment, which thus economizes time and cost both for vehicle assembly and maintenance. The sliding airbox also eliminates the need for a gap between the fuel tank and the airbox, allowing the fuel tank to be moved forward, thus improving mass centralization of the vehicle. The sliding airbox has a rectangular slot which slides onto a rectangular plate on an intake adapter. The intake adapter has a flexible tubular connection for each cylinder of the engine which are secured to each air intake with a hose clamp. The air intake usually includes an air metering device such as a carburetor or throttle body.

Abstract: A snowmobile positions riders close to the center of gravity of the snowmobile, reduces jostling forces, and improves the comfort and ridability of the snowmobile. The snowmobile has a steering position on a steering device that is disposed forward of the forward-most drive axle and center of gravity of the snowmobile. A steering shaft, which operatively connects the steering device to the skis, forms an angle of less than 45 degrees with vertical. The seat may have seat positions for one, two, or three riders, the first seat position being disposed less than 590 mm behind the forward-most drive track axle. The seat may be divided into two sections, the second seat section being removably attached to the frame behind the first seat section. The back of the seat and the rearward-most seat position may be disposed behind the back end of the snowmobile's frame.

Abstract: A rollover determination system 20 includes a first roll rate sensor 22, a lateral G-sensor 26, and a main rollover determination unit 30. The first roll rate sensor 22 detects roll rate of a vehicle. The lateral G-sensor 26 detects acceleration in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The main rollover determination unit 30 determines a possibility of rollover of the vehicle based on roll rate RR and lateral acceleration Gy. A safing determination unit 70 for confirming an occurrence of rollover is additionally incorporated in the main rollover determination unit 30.

Abstract: A structure for mounting an engine for a vehicle which includes: a supporting member for supporting the engine on a front side thereof, leaving a space between the engine and the supporting member; and an auxiliary equipment disposed in the space, wherein the supporting member has a strength against a load applied thereto in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle less than that of the auxiliary equipment.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission circuit for a vehicle having at least two displacement members (12) driven by at least one hydraulic motor (10) having a feed main duct and a discharge main duct (16, 18). Skid control means for controlling skidding of at least one displacement member comprise a skid control valve (20) and an additional valve (22) that are disposed in parallel on a main duct (16). At least the skid control valve (20) has a constriction of variable section, while the additional valve has two end positions (22A, 22B), in which its through sections are respectively at their maximum and at their minimum. Control means (UC, 26, 28) make it possible to cause said valves to move as a function of a skid situation detected by detection means (24).

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least energy conversion system, a steering system and a braking system. The chassis is configured for releasable engagement with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A system for adjustable, reconfigurable foot pedals is also shown for generating driver input to the by-wire braking systems and energy conversion systems and for providing control and comfort for the driver and/or a passenger.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus of an all-terrain vehicle includes: a non-stage transmission; a forward and backward movement switching device capable of switching to a forward movement position, a neutral position, or a backward movement position; and a shift operation device of rotary type for switching forward and backward movement disposed on a handle bar at a position adjacent to a handle grip. The shift operation device includes a rotary member for a shift operation and a locking mechanism for locking the rotary member so as not to move toward at least a position for backward movement from a position for neutral. The locking mechanism is configured to be handled by a hand griping the handle grip to make the locking mechanism unlocked.

Abstract: A method for implementing anti-static steering for vehicle steering systems includes receiving a desired rear wheel angle input and receiving a vehicle speed input. An approved rear wheel angle output is generated using the desired rear wheel angle input and the vehicle speed input, wherein the approved rear wheel angle is based upon one of a plurality of defined operating states, the plurality of operating states including operation at a speed in a first range, operation at a speed in a second range, and transitions therebetween.

Abstract: In a power steering system employing a power cylinder for steering assistance, hydraulic pressure is supplied through a pair of fluid lines to respective hydraulic chambers of the power cylinder. Check valves are provided to charge a hydraulic pressure in a communicating circuit intercommunicating the two fluid lines. Also provided is a solenoid-actuated directional control valve for relieving the hydraulic pressure charged in presence of a power steering system failure. An opening of the directional control valve varies depending on a solenoid attracting force and a pressure differential between the hydraulic pressure in the communicating circuit and hydraulic pressure in a reservoir. A relatively low exciting current is applied to the solenoid when the hydraulic pressure charged exceeds a predetermined pressure value. A relatively high exciting current is applied to the solenoid when the hydraulic pressure charged is less than or equal to the predetermined pressure value.

Abstract: A motor-driven type power steering apparatus includes: a drive gear connected to an output shaft of a motor; a driven gear in mesh with the drive gear, which is connected to a steering unit; a bearing for supporting one end of the drive gear; a support portion in which the bearing is disposed; and a curved leaf spring which has a length larger than a peripheral length of the bearing and fitted between the bearing and the support portion in a resiliently deformed state. The curved leaf spring urges the bearing so that a distance between an axis of the driven gear and an axis of the drive gear decreases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable steering gear ratio apparatus adapted to adjust the steering gear ratio based on the vehicle speed and steering angle, thereby facilitating steering manipulation by applying a small steering gear ratio when the vehicle comes to a parked state, the vehicle speed is low, or the steering angle is large. By applying a large steering gear ratio when the vehicle speed is high or the steering angle is small, the steering stability of the vehicle improves.

Abstract: An acoustical wall covering assembly (10) with pleats (11) formed and attached in situ to a trim member for covering a wall of a movie theatre, in which a panel (22) of an acoustical wall covering attaches to a pleating member (22) having groups (20) of scores (32, 34, 36, 38) for folding to define the pleats (11). An end of the pleated assembly (10) attaches to a ceiling trim (16). Each pleat (11) is formed and attached in situ to the ceiling trim. Subsequently, each pleat in the attached panel is pulled longitudinally away from the ceiling trim (16) to form an extended pleat in the panel and then secured to a bottom trim (18) to cover a portion of the wall with the pleated assembly. A method of forming and securing an acoustical pleated panel in situ to cover a wall is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating acoustic waves, the apparatus having: a support structure; two tines extending from the support structure so that proximal ends of the two tines are attached to the support structure so that distal ends of the two tines are positioned with standoffs relative to a dimension of the support structure and the distal ends of the two tines are uninhibited, wherein the two tines each comprise a moment arm; and an oscillator in mechanical communication with the two tines.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid storage apparatus for a transmission has a main sump and a secondary sump. The secondary sump is connected with the main sump through a restricted flow passage. The fluid within the main sump is subjected to centrifugal forces by rotating components within the transmission, such that at high speeds and high levels in the main sump, the restricted passage is closed by a centrifugal dam thereby resulting in fluid storage within the secondary sump. The fluid storage in the secondary sump returning to the main sump when the speed of the rotating components is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piston lubrication system for a reciprocating compressor with a linear motor. The piston lubrication system includes an oil sump defined within a hermetic shell, and a cylinder affixed within the hermetic shell. A radial gap is defined by a piston located within the cylinder. A pump supplies oil from the oil sump to the radial gap via the oil supply duct and oil return duct.

Abstract: Device for holding a load on a load support of an industrial truck with the following characteristics: a support construction, adjustable in its height by a lifting drive, is mounted above the load support the support construction has several vertical guidances, distributed across a plane, in each of which one plunger (8) is vertically guided a clamping device is attached on the support construction, by means of which the plungers are fixable in the guidances in an arbitrary height position, and an actuation device for the clamping device for optional clamping or releasing the plungers in their guidances.

Abstract: An elevator control device which realizes, in a multi-car system, operation control superior in transportation efficiency. A first shunting device outputs a first shunting command for moving a car which has responded to a call request to a shunting floor. A blocked state detection device detects a blocked state in which a succeeding car cannot run due to a preceding car being in a standby state at a shunting floor, and outputs blocked-state-generation information. A second shunting device outputs a second shunting command for moving the preceding car in the standby state to a new shunting floor based on the blocked-state-generation information. Further a collective operation control device collectively controls the operation of each car based on information for each car, the first shunting command from the first shunting device, and the second shunting command from the second shunting device.

Abstract: A scissor lift mechanism (1) having at least two scissor elements (4, 5) connected in pairs by a swivel axis (3). The drive (11) for raising and lowering the scissor elements (4, 5) is provided by a traction member (13). To reduce the driving power required for operation while at the same time reducing control complexity, the scissor lift mechanism (1) is equipped with two coupling bridges (14, 15) situated on opposite sides of the swivel axis (3) and pivotably supported by thrust struts (22, 23) on each of the two scissor elements (4, 5), respectively. The distance “a” between the coupling bridges (14, 15) and the resulting height of lift “h” are easily variable by applying a tractive force “F” via the traction member (13, 25) which is guided around reversing rollers (16) and back and forth along a plurality of generally parallel paths (18, 19, 20, 21) between the two coupling bridges (14, 15).

Abstract: A vehicle emergency brake system has a second brake for braking a vehicle by increasing the frictional resistance with the road surface, a millimeter wave radar for detecting any obstacle in an advancing direction, a pedal speed sensor for detecting the step-in speed of a brake pedal for actuating a first brake, and a controller for actuating the second brake. If hard braking by the first brake is detected by the pedal speed sensor, the controller determines whether the vehicle is going to crash into an obstacle detected by the radar. If a determination is made that it will collide, the second brake is actuated. Thus, it is possible to reliably actuate the second brake in an emergency.

Abstract: A disc brake for a motor vehicle having at least two axially stationary friction rings being connected to a rotatable hub. The disc brake comprises several brake pads cooperating with the associated friction rings during a braking operation. A favorable structural overall design of the disc brake is achieved by a brake caliper straddling all friction rings and the associated brake pads and including a first actuating device in a brake caliper portion that extends axially beside the friction rings, and a second actuating device that is arranged between two friction rings and acting axially on both sides. Said actuating device acts on the brake pads arranged between two friction rings and is arranged so as to be displaceable relative to the brake caliper.