Abstract: An optical connector apparatus includes a first and a second optical connector which are optically connectable to each other. The first optical connector includes a first connector body, a first light shielding device fitted to the first connector body in a first fitting direction, and a first guide portion coupled to the first light shielding device to guide fitting of the first light shielding device to the first connector body. The first guide portion has a first dimension in the first fitting direction. The second optical connector includes a second connector body, a second light shielding device fitted to the second connector body in a second fitting direction, and a second guide portion coupled to the second light shielding device to guide fitting of the second light shielding device to the second connector body. The second guide portion has a second dimension in the second fitting direction. In the optical connector, the second dimension is determined greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: An optical connector has an optical-connector housing in which a ferrule at an extending end of an optical fiber is incorporated. The optical-connector housing is provided at opposite ends thereof with arm portions to abut against a housing of an electrical connector. Accordingly, the optical connector and the electrical connector are prevented from connecting to each other so that damage to the optical connector is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical assembly having a sleeve with a good inserting/extracting performance for the ferrule and made of less count of parts. The optical assembly of the invention provides a sleeve, which receives the ferrule with an optical fiber and makes the optical coupling between the optical fiber and an optical device installed in the assembly. The sleeve comprises first and second portions. The first portion provides a slit, while the second portion provides a flange for the sleeve to be positioned. The sleeve of the invention is formed by the molding of amorphous metal containing Cu, Ni, Al, and Zr.

Abstract: A self leveling camera support apparatus and method for helping isolate a camera from rolling motion of a support structure. The apparatus includes a frame having a first end adapted to attach to the support structure and a second end with a pivotal connection. Also included, is a roll member adapted to attach the camera, the roll member is pivotally attached to the pivotal connection at an extension arm proximal end portion, the roll member also includes an extension arm distal end portion adjacent to support fingers for a camera mount. The roll member is operational to help the camera level from roll movement of the frame, resulting from a center of mass of the roll member, camera, and extension arm combined, the center of mass positioned between the pivotal connection and the frame first end, wherein the frame and the extension arm form a parallel to angular relationship.

Abstract: A coating and developing system includes a resist film forming unit block and antireflection film forming unit blocks stacked up in layers to form a resist film and an antireflection film underlying the resist film and an antireflection film overlying the resist film in a small space. The coating and developing system is capable of coping with either of a case where antireflection films are formed and a case where any antireflection film is not formed and needs simple software. Film forming unit blocks, namely, a TCT layer B3, a COT layer B4 and a BCT layer B5, and developing unit blocks, namely, DEV layers B1 and B2, are stacked up in layers in a processing block S2. The TCT layer B3, the COT layer B4 and the BCT layer B5 are used selectively in the case where antireflection films are formed and the case where any antireflection film is not formed. The coating and developing system is controlled by a simple carrying program and simple software.

Abstract: A method controls a tape processing apparatus which performs, on a tape to be sent from a tape inlet to a tape outlet along a tape travel passage through an embossing section, a series of tape processing operations of incoming-feed operation to feed the tape from the tape inlet to the embossing section, embossing operation in the embossing section, and of outgoing-feed operation to feed the tape from the embossing section to the tape outlet in an order as mentioned above, and which also indicates in an indicator that the apparatus is in the tape processing operations. The method indicates in the indicator a pre-embossing feed indication to indicate the incoming-feed operation and a post-embossing feed indication to indicate the outgoing-feed operation in an indicating mode which is different from an embossing indication to indicate that the apparatus is in the embossing operation.

Abstract: A top cover and a guide member form a discharge port. A plurality of guide ribs is provided on an edge portion of the top cover. A plurality of projecting pieces is provided on a guide member at positions not to face to the guide ribs. These guide ribs and projecting pieces are used for guiding a roll sheet to a discharge port. At least one of the guide ribs is provided with an extended portion extending upstream in a feeding direction to prevent the roll sheet 3A from curving in a direction vertical to the feeding direction. Thus, the inability to discharge the roll sheet can be avoided.

Abstract: A grip of a writing material is formed by providing a plurality of flange-like on a surface of a middle shaft portion of a shaft cylinder and in parallel across an axis of the shaft cylinder, the plurality of flange-like projections projecting in a radial direction of the shaft cylinder, and integrally covering the flange-like projections with a cylindrical cover in a closable manner so that spaces are formed inside the cover. When a user grips the grip of the writing material with his or her fingers, the pressure allows the cover to be borne by the adjacent flange-like projections, while moving air inside the spaces to deform the cover. The deformation absorbs the pressure from the fingers. Further, the adjacent flange-like projections limits the deformation of the cover, thus enabling the initial positional relationship of the fingers to be maintained. The user can thus use the writing material for a long time.

Abstract: An applicator usable to color antiseptics is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the applicator includes a flexible hollow body containing antiseptic to be applied. The applicator also has a porous element containing colorant positioned such that the antiseptic flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the antiseptic as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.

Abstract: A compartmentalized container for holding and dispensing flowable material and method for making such a compartmentalized container includes opposite sheet portions selectively sealed together to define a plurality of single use dispensers and a header portion that is integral with the dispensers. Each of the dispensers includes a closed cavity defined by an area of the sheet portions that is not sealed together. Each of the dispensers is separable from the container and openable to dispense the flowable material from a respective one of the cavities. The dispensers may be separable from the container via cutting or tearing the dispensers from one another or from the header portion. The header portion may include product information and may include a means for hanging the container. Each of the dispensers may include an applicator brush formed or defined at an edge portion of the dispenser.

Abstract: A ring mechanism for a loose-leaf binder comprises a thin, elongate plate and at least two ring members supported by the elongate plate. The ring members move between an open position for receiving and removing loose-leaf pages and a closed position for capturing the loose-leaf pages on the ring while permitting movement of the pages along the ring. The elongate plate has a longitudinal end including spaced apart first and second end portions located on one transverse side of the elongate plate. The first and second end portions are bent over to present a longitudinally facing surface which is blunt. A method of manufacturing a ring mechanism for a loose-leaf binder is also disclosed.

Abstract: The coupling structure includes: a shaft body 1 having an engagement portion 11 with a slip-off preventing groove; a shaft joint body 2 having an engagement groove 21 with which the engagement portion 11 is engaged and bores 22 and 23 facing the engagement groove 21; a locking body 3 press-fitted into the bore 23; and a plate body 5 having regulating tongues 51 for regulating movement of the shaft body 1, a supported portion 56 extending from the regulating tongues 51 and supported between the locking body 3 and the shaft joint body 2, and a projection 57 projecting from the supported portion 56. The shaft joint body 2 and/or the locking body 3 have a recessed portion 27 into which the projection 57 is fitted.

Abstract: In a universal joint arrangement between an apparatus holder and an apparatus support console including a receiver element mounted to the console, a ball joint element projecting from the holder, a ball element for engaging the ball joint element and the receiver element and a clamping mechanism comprising a bolt and a nut, the bolt extends through the ball joint element and the receiver element and the nut or the bolt head is retained in an operating wheel which is disposed adjacent the receiver element so as to be rotatable by the fingers of a user for adjusting the clamping force engaging the ball joint element between the receiver element and the ball element.

Abstract: A pivot joint has a first structure comprising a ball mounted in a receptacle, wherein the location of the ball is held with respect to the receptacle, and a second structure mounted on and movable with respect to the ball, wherein the second structure has at least one bearing surface which defines its position with respect to the ball. The ball may be held in location by contact with the receptacle at at least two positions. At least one of the positions of contact may be adjustable.

Abstract: A fastener for joining two pieces of rebar together in a rebar grid used to reinforce subsequently poured concrete is described. The fasteners include two clamp pieces that in certain embodiments completely wrap around a piece of rebar and are tightly secured thereto. Further, each clamp piece can swivel or rotate up to 360 degrees relative to the other clamp piece such that two rebar pieces intersecting at any angle can be coupled together.

Abstract: A connecting device for tubular elements (1), for assembling the tubular elements into modular structures, includes a plurality of inserts (22), each insert having an expandable portion (2) and a head (3). Shells (9) are provided, each shell having a plurality of housings (10) having a shape approximately complementary to a shape of the head (3). The head may be fixed to a related housing (10). The insert (22) is locked into an end of the tubular element (1), when the expandable portion (2) is inserted into the end of the tube, and expanded. The tubular element (1) is connected to the shell (9), when the head (3) is in the locked condition, the tubular element (1) being engaged in a related housing (10) of the shell, and fixed to the shell by a fixing device.

Abstract: A reduced radius hem assembly and method for joining an inner panel and an outer panel together. The inner panel has an outwardly extending perimeter flange comprising an end surface, an inboard surface, and a beveled surface located between the end surface and the inboard surface. The outer panel has a peripheral edge comprising a bend portion, an intermediate portion, and an end portion. In the finished hem assembly, the intermediate portion is adjacent to the beveled surface of the perimeter flange and the end portion overlies a portion of the inboard surface of the perimeter flange. The method provides a reduced radius hem while allowing the peripheral edge of the outer panel to cover the marriage gap and minimizing the potential for interference between the inner panel and the outer panel in the hem assembly.

Abstract: A one-piece clamping element has two opposing clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a rod-shaped element. A hinge is located between the jaws, arranged opposite the cavity, and connecting the clamping jaws with one another and thus allowing them to be movable with respect to one another. Each clamping jaw has one bore, aligned flush with one another. One clamping jaw has a receptacle for an anti-rotation device. The receptacle makes it preferable—with the exception of an immediate tightening of the screw in this or another place of an external fixator clamping element used for the same patient—to use the clamping element only once and discarding it after use. Two identical clamping elements, with the possible exception of the size of the rod receptacle, can be placed on top of one another to form an articulation element.

Abstract: A subsea cable (3) designed to extend from a floating structure (1) on the sea surface down to a subsea structure (2) on the sea floor with a first portion (3a) extending from the floating structure (1) to the sea floor and a second portion (3b) laid in or on the sea floor has an outer sheath and cables and/or conduits inside said outer sheath. The second portion (3b) of the subsea cable (3) is provided with at least one disc-shaped anchor (4) attached to the subsea cable (3b) with clamps. The at least one disc-shaped anchor (4) makes movement of the second portion (3b) more difficult.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing or repairing a pipe pulls a liner assembly with a flexible smooth bore liner and a semi-rigid helix that gives non-collapsible characteristics within the damaged pipe for both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections. The existing pipe is first cleaned with a specially designed brush with two wooden spheres at each end of the brush to prevent snagging or jamming during brush operations. The liner assembly is then pulled through the total length of the pipe and anchored at each end with retaining sleeves, which are sandwiched and glued within the liner assembly and the inside diameter of the existing pipe.

Abstract: A running tool for deployment from a base such as a vessel for installing a component at an underwater facility such as a hydrocarbon extraction well includes a carriage which is lowered from the base. The carriage releasably retains the component. A compensator is located between the carriage and the base for compensating for relative motion between the underwater facility and the base.

Abstract: A modular pier includes a plurality of modular pier sections. The plurality of modular pier sections includes at least a first pier section and a second pier section wherein the pier sections include a frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The pier sections include a catch bar running transversely across the second end of the frame of the pier sections. The modular pier also includes latch assemblies located on the second end of the frame of the pier sections. The latch assembly of the second pier section is operable to engage the catch bar of the first pier section to connect the first pier section to the second pier section.

Abstract: A pier (10) to be driven into a ground surface includes an auger member (11) having a shaft (12) that is rotated in a first direction to drive the auger member into the ground surface, and a compaction member (16) having a sleeve (17) surrounding a portion of the shaft. The compaction member (16) includes a compaction part (18) attached to and extending laterally outwardly of the sleeve (17). A threaded rod (23) engages the shaft (12) and is rotated to cause the compaction member (16) to move down the shaft (12) and compact the soil around the shaft.

Abstract: A pump for transferring particulate material from a source to a remote location, including a particulate chamber having open ends, check valves at the open ends, a vacuum source connected to the chamber adjacent one end, a gas source at the opposed end of the chamber and a control which alternatively connects the vacuum to the chamber to draw particulate material from the source to the chamber and connecting the gas under pressure to drive the particulate material to the remote location. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber has a cylindrical inner diameter and the source of vacuum is a venturi pump connected to a pinch valve permitting overflow of particulate material through the pinch valve and venturi pump, which is returned to the source. In one embodiment, the pinch valve surrounds an open end of the chamber permitting overflow while avoiding agglomeration of the particulate material.

Abstract: A fluid-tight carrier (10) is disclosed which has main latches (34 and 36). Each main latch has a safety latch (70) which secures the main latches within the latched position until an operator deflects the safety latch (70) away from the slidable catch (42) to permit the main latch to be moved to the unlatched position. This prevents inadvertent opening of the carrier due to impact on the carrier. The carrier can be formed of anti-microbial material, have removable wear strips and includes an ergonomic design.

Abstract: A double-sided cutting insert, for use in a milling cutter, having two identical opposing end surfaces and two opposing identical major side surfaces with a through bore extending between, and opening out to, the major side surfaces. Major cutting edges are formed at the intersection of each major side surface with each end surface. Adjacent each major cutting edge, in each major side surface, is a primary relief surface. In each cross section of the cutting insert taken in a plane generally perpendicular to the major side surfaces, a line tangent to the primary relief surface at the major cutting edge is inclined to a median plane of the cutting insert at an acute interior angle.

Abstract: A thread cutting insert includes main cutting edges that have a pair of thread cutting edges and wiper thread cutting edges for full profile on side edges of a rake face formed on the insert body respectively. The pair of thread cutting edges is formed in a convex V shape as viewed in a plane facing the rake face, and the wiper thread cutting edges for full profile are connected to posterior ends of the thread cutting edges. An inner portion of a V-shaped projection of the rake face, which is formed on the front side of the wiper thread cutting edge for full profile by the pair of thread cutting edges, is formed not to protrude from the thread cutting edges as viewed in the plane.

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided for working on underground pipes, through a small hole at the pipe surface, by means of an elongate handle member that reaches into the hole, and has a coupling at the lower end thereof, whereby various ones of selected tools may be quickly connected to and disconnected from the lower end of the handle member, by means of a universal coupling, and whereby the tools can be pneumatically driven from above ground.

Abstract: A drill comprises a shaft with chip conveying flutes and a drill head at its forward end with at least two cutting inserts. Each cutting insert is provided with at least one cutting edge which is delimited between a chipbreaking surface and first relief surface and which includes an outer straight edge. In the proximity of the center axis of the shaft, a curved cutting edge section is provided, to which there is connected an adjacent enforcement bevel. The cutting edge is in direct proximity to a center axis, and is terminated by a chisel edge between the cutting inserts to serve as a centering core portion. The curved cutting edge section is inwardly followed by a primary straight portion without an adjacent enforcement bevel in a direction that is oriented at an angle of between approximately 40–50° in relation to a horizontal line that extends through the center axis of the drill.

Abstract: A thread cutter for pipe ends has a tool head rotating coaxially with respect to a fixedly clamped pipe end and provided at tool holders in the form of radial sliders. Actuators which are parallel to the rotation axis are mounted on a frame shiftable with respect to the head for synchronously radially displacing the sliders and gears mesh with racks of neighboring sliders. The gears are formed with an integrated centrifugal force balancing system.

Abstract: In a core bit formed with a boring blade at a front end thereof and integrally formed with a mounting portion, at a rear end portion thereof, formed with a guide portion in a cylindrical shape mounted to a chuck portion formed at a concrete drill, a ring-like seal member forming a seal between the mounting portion and a side of the chuck portion is formed at the guide portion in the cylindrical shape of the core bit.

Abstract: A threading tap for cutting threads in blind holes includes an elongated body with a central axis, the body having at a rear end a connector portion, and having at a front end a threading portion. The threading portion is provided with at least one helical thread-cutting structure and interconnected flank portions defining at least one helical flute which interrupts the helical thread cutting structure. The flank portions present exposed surfaces that are steam tempered. The rest of the tap is coated by PVD.

Abstract: A spade drill insert and drilling tool assembly is provided wherein the spade drill insert body comprises curved cutting edges and a lip groove having a trough substantially parallel to a plane formed through each adjacent curved cutting edge, which provides a significant improvement in chip formation during cutting operations.

Abstract: An open-topped collection trough for arrangement under a machine tool to collect downwardly flowing coolant emitted from coolant spray nozzles of the machine tool which direct coolant jets onto cutting tools and adjacent surfaces, in which the collection trough is provided with a height adjusting mechanism and a seal system made of foam seal material between the top edge at the side of the trough and the undersurfaces of a machine tool to seal the gap between the trough and the tool.

Abstract: A decoration-used mold unit for defining a border on a work piece to facilitate cutting or milling. The mold unit includes an elongated rectangular main body formed with a first window for processing a first sink and a second window for processing a second sink. A first chucking section protrudes from a first side of the main body. A second chucking section protrudes from a second side of the main body. At least one abutting member is adjustably arranged at the second chucking section. The first chucking section and the abutting member respectively abut against two opposite sides of the work piece to clamp the work piece. In the processing procedure, the blade is restricted within the first and second windows so that the work piece will not be over-milled and the borders of the sinks keep straight.

Abstract: A retainer for a vehicle cargo area that is bounded in part by a floor and a door moveable between open and closed positions includes a retaining member spanning at least a portion of the cargo area, a pivot feature operably associated with the retaining member, and a retaining feature that yieldably retains the retaining member in its second position to facilitate retaining cargo within the cargo area. The retaining member pivots about the pivot feature relative to the cargo area between a first position and a second position wherein the retaining member is inclined relative to the floor of the cargo area. When the door is open the retainer is normally in its second position to facilitate retaining cargo within the cargo area.

Abstract: A cargo securing device for restraining cargo within a vehicle, including a chain assembly extended about the perimeter of a cargo area, and attached to spaced locations in the cargo area. Restrainers are attached at any point on the chain assembly and used to restrain cargo stored within the cargo area. Anchoring devices, such as brackets, are joined onto the chain assembly at various points, and then attached the cargo area sidewalls or cargo floor, securing the chain assembly to the surface. Additionally, the cargo securing device may include telescoping units attached to the chain assembly and secured to the sidewalls or floor. The telescoping units allow the chain assembly to be situated at different heights so that restrainers may strap about cargo at different heights.

Abstract: A restraint clip for suspending a load-bearing object includes an engaging member having a body defining an engaging member hole, two abutting surfaces, and two non-abutting surfaces; a lock having a lock body with a base defining a lock hole spatially aligned with the engaging member hole, wherein the lock coacts with the engaging member; a fastener extending along a longitudinal axis threadably engaged with the engaging member hole engaged with the lock hole and threadably engaged with a threaded stop hole, whereby the engaging member is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis relative to the fastener when the fastener is rotated about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A hollow dowel pin adapted to secure together at least two mating components during the assembly thereof includes an elongate generally cylindrical main body portion, first and second mating edges, and at least one outwardly extending tab. The elongate generally cylindrical main body portion is preferably formed from a sheet member, and the first and second mating edges are disposed along a length of the body portion being spaced from one another. The at least one outwardly extending tab is formed along the main body portion and is adapted to engage one of the mating components when an end of the main body portion is frictionally held in an opening formed in the other of the mating components.

Abstract: A captive screw for use in electronic assemblies includes a screw with a shaft having a pair of spaced grooves and a cover captivating the screw and for attaching the captive screw. A knob for rotating the screw can be moved along the shaft between an extended position and a lowered position corresponding to the grooves on the shaft, and releasably locked to the shaft in either position. A lock wafer is used to secure the knob to the shaft. A release button with a large head actuates the lock wafer.

Abstract: A threaded joining assembly for joining a first member and a second member that includes a nut having a sleeve-shaped body adapted to be fixed within a hole of the first member. The sleeve-shaped body has a threaded bore portion and a smooth bore portion. The bolt comprises first threads threadingly engaging the treaded bore portion of the nut, a fastening portion connected to the second member, and a sealing portion. The sealing portion comprises at least one sealing rib that engages the smooth bore portion of the nut in a sealed, self-locking relationship. The fastening portion comprises a flange engaging the second member and second threads threadingly engaging a lock-nut such that the position of the second member with respect to the first member may be fine adjusted by the bolt and fixed by clamping the second member between the flange of the bolt and the locknut.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for loading, transporting, and unloading hay bales. This apparatus comprises a trailer frame including a first side and length, a conveyor device attached to the trailer frame, a loading system attached to the first side of the trailer frame, and a hay bale retrieving device pivotally attached to the loading system. The loading system includes a movement deck and a movement arm positioned to move the hay bales across the movement deck and to the trailer frame. The hay bale retrieving device is positioned to transport the hay bales to the movement deck. The loading system, including the movement deck, movement arm and hay bale retrieving device, can be supported by a storable wheeled support that is preferably rotatable 360 degrees. Additionally, the weight of the loading system and hay bales can be offset by a storable counter weight system.

Abstract: A self-retaining O-ring having at least two radial struts connectively extending from inside surfaces to a central sphere-shaped retainer. The top surfaces of the radial struts are formed below the top surfaces of the O-ring. The central sphere-shaped retainer is connectively formed to the radial struts and extending below the bottom surfaces of the struts. A circular recess is provided for containing and supporting the O-ring, its inside surface is dovetailed. The circular recess has a spherical hole disposed on its center for insertion of the sphere-shaped retainer.

Abstract: A device adapted to operably engage a vehicle to load and unload a container between the vehicle and a surface, and to cooperate with the vehicle to transport the container, is provided. Such a device includes a pair of laterally separated horizontal lifting members configured to be vertically movable with respect to the vehicle and a vertically-movable member operably engaged with the forward ends of the lifting members. A tether is operably engaged between each lifting member and the container so as to secure the container thereto. A translatory device is engaged between the vehicle and the vertically-movable member and configured to support the lifting members as well as move the lifting members longitudinally with respect to the vehicle. To unload the container, the vertically-movable member and the lifting members raise the container above the vehicle and then the translatory device longitudinally moves the container along the vehicle past a vertical plane defined by the rearward end thereof.

Abstract: A double action grab fork is provided according to the invention. The double action grab fork includes an upper grab member, a lower grab member, and an arm. The upper grab member has an upper grab end and an upper grab body. The lower grab member has a lower grab end and a lower grab body. The upper grab end and the lower grab end are constructed for grasping an article. The arm has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the arm is rotatably attached to the upper grab body to allow rotation of the upper grab member relative to the upper end of the arm. The lower end of the arm is rotatably attached to the lower grab body to allow rotation of the lower grab body relative to the lower end of the arm. A grab teeth assembly for use with a bucket is provided, and a method for using the double action grab fork is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robot which is compact in structure and may be movable in a large working range, wherein move members 1, 1 may be moved by drive devices 4, 4 respectively along a straight line and in parallel with each other, the drive devices 4, 4 including motors 40, 40 respectively which are individually controlled by a control device 9, so that the move members 1, 1 may be moved at a different speed and may be stopped at different relative positions. The move members 1, 1 are connected to a work holder 3 by means of arms 2, 2, the arms having one end pivotally connected to the move members 1, 1 at the pivots 10, 10 thereof respectively, the arms 2, 2 having the opposite end pivotally connected to the work holder 3 at the pivots 30, 30 thereof respectively. The work holder 3 may hold an optional jig and may be moved in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane enabling the jig to work in the working plane.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for adjusting a position of an object to compensate for tilt includes providing a rotatable base supporting an object and directing the object relative to the base such that the position of the object is controlled relative to a first axis. The object is stabilized along a second axis. The object is positioned relative to the base using first and second bearing arms. The first and second bearing arms movably couple the object to the base at a first position relative to a third axis and a fourth axis. The first bearing arm couples to the object at a first pivot point. The second bearing arm coupled to the object at a second pivot point. Each bearing arm includes a first portion and a second portion, which are coincident with the third axis and fourth axis, respectively. The object is adjusted to a second position using the first and second bearing arms to maintain the first axis when a tilt angle of the base is detected.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump pumps well fluid with a high gaseous content by conditioning the well fluid with a conditioning impeller and conditioning diffuser design for use with gaseous well fluid. The conditioning impellers have vanes that are curved with a leading edge that is rotationally forward and axially below, or upstream, of a trailing edge. The outer end of the leading edge is rotationally forward of the inner end of the leading edge, which forces the well fluid radially inward and mixes the gas and liquids in the well fluid. The conditioning diffusers have blades that are curved with a leading edge that is rotationarily rearward and axially below a trailing edge. The blades are portions of a sphere, with a concaved side receiving well fluid from the conditioning impellers. The spherical shape forces the well fluid radially inward and axially upward.

Abstract: A vertically collapsible vertical axis wind turbine may be used on land, or on a watercraft (e.g. a multihull such as a catamaran). The turbine may include a substantially vertical shaft; at least two vane supports mounted by the shaft; and at least two vertically collapsible material vanes supported by the vane supports, so that the vanes are movable from a first operative position in which the vane material is substantially taut, to a second inoperative position in which the vane material collapses. The vane supports are positioned, and the vanes are constructed, so that the wind turbine preferably has a Savonius or an open helix configuration. When used on multihull watercraft a propulsion mechanism is mounted between two of the hulls, and there is an operative connection between the wind turbine shaft and the propulsion mechanism. The operative connection may be a flexible shaft having at least about a 70 (e.g. about 90) degree bend therein.

Abstract: A two staged fluid propulsion apparatus of the type which utilizes prior art pitched blades combined with solid boundary layer disks supported by a novel rotating tubular flow conduit perforated to allow fluid flow to from the interior of the tube to the exterior surface positioned to outlet into spaces between a plurality of solid disks mounted within a volute case housing containing a singular fluid outlet and in communication with a plurality of fluid inlet ports.