Abstract: A funnel apparatus for aiding in filling containers, such as gasoline tanks on lawnmowers and similar items, with a liquid material. The funnel apparatus comprises a main body member having a first predetermined shape. There is a throat member having a second predetermined shape and connected to a bottom portion of the main body member for insertion into such container to be filled. A pair of adjustable stabilizing legs are engageable with the main body member for preventing the funnel apparatus from tipping over during filling. The adjustable stabilizing legs are disposed in spaced apart relationship. There is also an indicating means engageable with at least one of the main body member and the throat member for indicating what level such liquid being added to such container is at.

Abstract: A debris collecting device is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the debris collecting device includes a winding frame having a rotatable panel shaft, a collection panel attached to the panel shaft and a collection receptacle carried by the collection panel.

Abstract: To provide a pneumatic tire for a motorcycle in which both wear resistance and wet steering stability can be attained. Since a pair of zigzag circumferential direction grooves 28 are positioned at the center of a tread central region 24C and has an amplitude, even when a certain camber angle is exceeded, an occurrence of a sudden separation of the zigzag circumferential direction groove 28 from a road-contact surface 26 can be prevented, whereby deterioration of wet steering stability can be suppressed. When the camber angle increases, water in a road-contact surface 26 is drained by inclining grooves 32 which are arranged at an external side of the zigzag circumferential direction groove 28. Since sharp inclining groove portions 32A of the inclining grooves 32 are positioned in the tread central region 24C, and no lug groove components are employed, circumferential direction rigidities of land portions in the tread central region 24C are high and exhibits excellent wear resistance.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire including sipes that have at least one ends positioned within blocks. The sipes are arranged such that each of the sipes meanders from the one end to the other end thereof to form a meandrous shape, and as the depth of the sipes increases, the meander width of the sipes gradually increases from their openings to at least the 80%-worn position of the blocks. The sipes each have a sipe length L, which is defined as a center line length between an intersection of a center line passing the center of the meander width of the meandrous shape with a first straight line and an intersection of the center line with a second straight line, the first straight line being orthogonally drawn to the center line from the one end of the sipe and the second straight line being orthogonally drawn to the center line from the other end of the sipe at the same depth position of the sipe, the sipe length L gradually decreasing as the sipe depth increases.

Abstract: A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure associated coaxially with the carcass structure, and a tread band extending coaxially around the belt structure. The tread band includes a relief pattern including at least one row of blocks separated by transverse grooves intersecting two circumferential grooves. Each block of the at least one row is essentially delimited by two longitudinal sides in a circumferential direction of the tire and two transverse sides with respect to a predetermined rolling direction of the tire. Each block of the at least one row is formed by two axially-adjacent block portions. The transverse sides of each block portion include at least two successive curvilinear portions shaped differently from each other. The transverse grooves include two branches, each branch including a widened cross-section of substantially-curvilinear shape disposed in an area substantially equidistant from ends of a respective branch.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is provided which includes a carcass extending between bead portions, and a belt disposed radially outside the carcass in the tread portion. At least one of the carcass and belt includes a cord ply of a polyethylene-2,6-naphthalate fiber cord. The polyethylene-2,6-naphthalate fiber cord has a total denier number of from 2500 to 3600, a twist number of from 30 to 40 turns/10 cm, an initial stage modulus at 25 deg. C. in a range of from 50 to 65 gf/d, and a variation of the initial stage modulus at between 25 to 70 deg. C. which is not more than 20% in absolute value.

Abstract: A vertical curtain includes a track having two ends each provided with a plurality of support brackets juxtaposed to each other, and two drawing blocks movably mounted on the two ends of the track and connected to one of the support brackets to push the support brackets. Each of the support brackets is movably mounted on the track and provided with a slide member, a fastening member, a limit member and a stop member. Thus, the slide member has a plurality of passages having different positions for mounting the vertical slats so that the track can be used to combine with multiple vertical slats, and the vertical curtain is available for windows having larger sizes, thereby enhancing the versatility of the vertical curtain.

Abstract: A fugitive pattern assembly is made by preforming one or more fugitive patterns of an article to be cast, placing the preformed patterns in an injection die, and injecting fluid gating material into the die to form gating connected to the patterns. The fugitive patterns are disposed in end-to-end and/or side-by-side relation and are interconnected by the gating.

Abstract: A metallic shell used, for example as a mold, is formed by spray deposition of metallic layers over non-metallic layers as, for example, a reinforcing fabric.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for casting a part made of metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy comprising the following steps: forming a core (N, PNC) having at least one shaft (PC) designed to form in the part a cylinder and at least one cavity (P) designed to form in the part a support and/or retaining zone for a working member, and at least a cooling unit (RE) proximate to the cavity; positioning the core in a metal mould cavity, and feeding the mould lined with its liquid alloy core by gravity. The invention is particularly useful for casting internal engine cylinder blocks with aluminum cylinders with improved geometrical and mechanical properties of the crankshaft bearing zones.

Abstract: In a method for pouring several moulds in a mould-string plant in the pouring operation, the moulds are produced by compression of sand or similar mould material in a pressing chamber comprising pattern plates 3, 4 for providing impressions in the surfaces of the mould parts for forming the mould cavities 11 and inlet runners 8. The moulds are advanced to a pouring track or guideway, on which the casting moulds are formed by positioning the mould parts close together and the advancement of the casting moulds is stepwise through a pouring station, in which the moulds are filled with molten metal. By providing at least one runner 7 for mutually connecting at least two inlet runners 8 for consecutive mould cavities 11, the mutually connected mould cavities can be filled through a single pouring inlet 8, and unused pouring inlets 8 may be plugged by a suitable plug 14 in order to minimise the amount of molten metal needed to fill the mould cavities 11.

Abstract: A sacrificial core is used for forming an interior space of a part and includes a ceramic core element and a first core element including a refractory metal element. The ceramic core element may be molded over the first core element or molded with assembly features permitting assembly with the first core element.

Abstract: This invention consists of the use of an evaporative foam riser made with expanded polystyrene and with a cavity on top that contains an exothermic mixture. The reaction of the exothermic material, which is set off when it comes in contact with the metal, prolongs the solidification time of the riser thus rendering it more effective.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for casting a metal by pouring molten metal into and around a casting assembly, where a riser containing a sleeve is a component of the casting assembly. The process comprises (a) inserting a riser insert into the cavity of the riser containing the sleeve, and (b) then allowing molten metal to flow into the cavity of the riser containing the riser insert. The density of the riser insert is such that the riser insert floats on the surface of the molten metal when the molten metal enters the cavity of the riser and provides a thermal barrier to reduce heat loss from the riser. The sleeve is shaped such that the riser insert will not be forced out or float off of the riser cavity when the metal is poured.

Abstract: A composite core for an investment casting process, the core including both a ceramic portion and a refractory metal portion, with the refractory metal portion being so disposed as to perform the function of a plurality of such refractory metal elements. In particular, a refractory metal element attached to a trailing edge of a ceramic element extends beyond the plane of a tip end of the ceramic element so as to replace the refractory metal element otherwise extending from the ceramic tip edge. The refractory metal element also extends beyond the space to be occupied by the wax casting, both in the direction of the tip end and the trailing edge such that improved placement and securing of the core is facilitated during the casting process. A further embodiment uses a single refractory metal element that extends into both the airfoil portion and an orthogonal extending platform portion thereof.

Abstract: Method, system and program product are provided for facilitating operation of a cooling system designed to provide system coolant to one or more electronics subsystems of a computing environment. The technique includes automatically checking at least one coolant loop of the cooling system for a leak. The automatically checking includes isolating the at least one coolant loop from coolant flow through the cooling system and checking for drop in coolant pressure within the at least one coolant loop. Upon detection of a drop in coolant pressure, isolation of the coolant loop is retained thereby allowing operation of the cooling system to continue notwithstanding detection of a leak in the at least one coolant loop.

Abstract: An extended impingement cooling structure to cool outside an air supply plenum comprises an inner wall; an impingement sheet; a series of supports to maintain the inner wall in spaced relation to the impingement sheet, and a baffle supported between the inner wall and the impingement sheet. The baffle has a collector plenum area that receives impingement cooling air from the air supply plenum and a channel in fluid communication with the collector plenum and extending outside the air supply plenum with openings to allow impingement cooling air to pass therethrough and having a series of lands extending into the channel wherein the lands are located in proximity to impingement cooling air outlets in the inner wall.

Abstract: A system for fixing a substrate with a heat transferring device in an assembled orientation; the system comprising: a substantially rod-shaped positioning member having a length generally symmetrically oriented about an axis and a generally constant lateral expanse substantially perpendicular with said axis substantially along said length; said positioning member interferingly fitting within at least one of a first aperture in said substrate and a second aperture in said heat transferring device to maintain a predetermined separation between said substrate and said heat transferring device in said assembled orientation.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a fluid into a region of the well and monitoring a level of the fluid communicated via a downhole sensor. The communication is controlled in response to the monitoring.

Abstract: A gas restrictor for an intake of a horizontally oriented submersible well pump has a tubular housing and a number of apertures. A sleeve is mounted within the housing for rotation relative to the housing. The sleeve has an axially extending row of slots. At least one weight in the sleeve causes the sleeve to rotate to a position with the row of slots at the bottom of the sleeve while the well pump is oriented horizontally. The slots and apertures are arranged so that regardless of the particular orientation of the housing relative to the sleeve, at least one of the apertures will be in registry with one of the slots.

Abstract: An improved method of controlled energy delivery utilizing solid, liquid, and gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) into a water well and the surrounding aquifer to remove deposited material which may cause loss of capacity in wells and a variety of water quality problems. After proper study and evaluation of problems associated with a well to be treated, adequate injection of the required amount of CO2 and energy is achieved by real-time monitoring during the injection and manipulating the phase changes in the CO2 that take place in the well and the aquifer.

Abstract: A formulation containing a copolymer derived from a cationic monomer effectively inhibits and controls the formation of inorganic scales. The formulation has particular application in the removal of zinc sulfide and iron sulfide scales formed when zinc bromide brines are used as completion fluids. The copolymer exhibit high solubility in high-density brines, such as zinc bromide brines. The polymers may be introduced into an oil or gas well as a portion of a carrier fluid or with brine. The preferred copolymer for use in the invention contains an acrylamide unit and a diallyldimethylammonium salt and, optionally, an acrylic acid or a salt thereof. The weight average molecular weight of such inhibitor copolymers is generally between from about 500,000 to about 5,000,000.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: A method for installing a heat exchange pipe loop in a borehole, the method, in at least certain aspects, including drilling a borehole with a sonic drill system having a head and casing connected thereto, a drill apparatus on a lower end of the casing movable by the sonic drill head to drill the borehole, pumping fluid into the casing and up to earth surface in an annular space in the borehole so that drilled material flows to the earth surface, lowering a heat exchange pipe loop down into the casing, introducing grout into the casing around the heat exchange pipe loop, and extracting the casing from the borehole.

Abstract: A method of cementing at least two casing strings in a well bore, the method having steps as follows: filling the well bore and the inner diameters of the at least two casing strings with a cement composition, wherein at least a portion of the cement composition is a compressible cement composition; pumping the cement composition from the inner diameters of the at least two casing strings into the annulus, wherein the compressible portion of the cement composition is compressed by the pumping; and permitting the cement composition to set within the annulus.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of well treatment comprising introducing into the matrix surrounding a hydrocarbon well bore hole an emulsion the discontinuous phase of which comprises a non-polymerizable, water or oil miscible liquid carrier, a polymerizable monomer and a thermally activated polymerization initiator, said monomer constituting from 2 to 40% wt. of said discontinuous phase.

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling subsea wellbores includes a tubing-conveyed drill bit that passes through a subsea wellhead. Surface supplied drilling fluid flows through the tubing, discharges at the drill bit, returns to the wellhead through a wellbore annulus, and flows to the surface via a riser extending from the wellhead. A flow restriction device positioned in the riser restricts the flow of the returning fluid while an active fluid device controllably discharges fluid from a location below to just above the flow restriction device in the riser, thereby controlling bottomhole pressure and equivalent circulating density (“ECD”). Alternatively, the fluid is discharged into a separate return line thereby providing dual gradient drilling while controlling bottomhole pressure and ECD. A controller controls the energy and thus the speed of the pump in response to downhole measurement(s) to maintain the ECD at a predetermined value or within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The pump and pump system of the present invention is designed to remove liquids, gas, sand and coal fines from gas and/or oil well bores. There is a need in the oil and gas industry to develop a more efficient operating pump that is capable of operating in wells that do not have enough bottom hole pressure to lift liquids to the surface causing the well to log off with fluids and if not economic, potentially be plugged prematurely. Additionally, this design will allow the producer the ability to conduct well bore maintenance such as acid flushes for perforation cleaning and scale batch treating for continued scale treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to oil and gas production and can be used for lifting liquid from wells by gas energy. A flying valve includes a tubular body, a detachable element in the form of a body of rotation, and stoppers limiting the penetration of the element into the body. The detachable element or the tubular body or both are made of an oil-resistant material. The inventive method consists in periodically dropping the flying valve under the liquid level in the well to a lower bumper sub and in subsequently lifting the flying valve together with a liquid column which is disposed thereabove. The body and the detachable element are dropped separately, i.e., the detachable element of the flying valve is dropped before the body or vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure. The tubular member is anchored to the preexisting structure and an expansion member is pulled through the tubular member to radially expand the tubular member.

Abstract: A top drive assembly for wellsite operations may include a quill, a swivel including a swivel housing and a swivel bearing therein in which the quill is supported, a drive system for applying torque to the quill, and link arm hangers extending from the swivel housing and formed to accept and retain link arms.

Abstract: A variable ram for coiled tubing comprises a pair of opposing rams, each ram having a ram body with a vertical channel formed therein; a pair of opposing pins within each ram head, the pins extending into the channel; and a toothed gripper having a hole therein sized to mount over its respective pin.

Abstract: Methods and devices for operation of a flapper valve. A valve assembly is described with a flapper element and a valve opening assembly that will mechanically open the flapper element. The valve opening assembly is particularly valuable where the flapper element fails to open in response to normal hydraulic opening techniques. The valve opening assembly includes a valve opening sleeve having a generally hemispherical cross-section and an opening portion that presents a pair of opening shoulders. The opening shoulders engage lugs on the flapper element so that movement of the opening sleeve will urge the flapper element to an open position. The valve assembly may be run into the wellbore with the flapper element in the open position, rather than having to be closed, as with a number of conventional valve assemblies.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable hoof support stand is provided having a large tapered base, a hoof rest having adjustable side restraints, and a height adjustment means by which the height of the hoof rest may be adjusted vertically relative to the ground.

Abstract: A scheme for distributing executable programs through a network from a program distribution device to a client device having a tamper resistant processor which is provided with a unique secret key and a unique public key corresponding to the unique secret key in advance is disclosed. In this scheme, a first communication path is set up between the program distribution device and the client device, and a second communication path directly connecting the program distribution device and the tamper resistant processor is set up on the first communication path. Then, the encrypted program is transmitted from the program distribution device to the tamper resistant processor through the second communication path.

Abstract: A pneumatic drilling machine is provided, comprising a pneumatic motor, a circuit for connecting the motor to a source of compressed air, a tool holder spindle, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a coupling shaft which can be moved to select a first mode of driving the spindle and a second method of driving the spindle. The mechanism has a driving cycle which comprises a stationary mode at the beginning and end of the cycle, and at least one phase for driving the spindle according to the first driving method, then a phase for driving the spindle according to the second driving method, then the stopping of the supply of air to the motor. A supply valve of the circuit is controlled pneumatically by the drive mechanism to interrupt the supply of compressed air to the motor at the end of the driving cycle.

Abstract: Material is removed from a body of material, e.g. to create a bore hole, by plasma channel drilling. High voltage, high energy, rapid rise time electrical pulses are delivered many times per second to an electrode assembly in contact with the material body to generate therein elongate plasma channels which expand rapidly following electrical breakdown of the material causing the material to fracture and fragment.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit assembly comprises a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has at least one cutting element. The body portion has at least a portion of a reactive jackleg apparatus which has a chamber at least partially disposed within the body portion and a shaft movably disposed within the chamber, the shaft having at least a proximal end and a distal end. The chamber also has an opening proximate the working portion of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steerable soil displacement hammer for horizontal ground boring, comprising a body that can be rotated by means of a longitudinal element, and a thrust head that is mounted rotationally in relation to the body. A rotation of the body in relation to the thrust head causes the thrust head to pivot out into an asymmetrical constellation or to pivot to a symmetrical constellation. The invention also comprises a retaining feature which provides a hold in the environment and which permits a relative rotation of the body and simultaneous pivoting of the thrust head. The soil displacement hammer can be driven forwards or backwards and the retaining feature is situated in the area of the pivot axis of the thrust head.

Abstract: The disclosed orienter for use in drilling a subterranean borehole enables use of the torque provided by the drilling motor to both orient the rotating drill bit for drilling an arcuate section of the borehole and rotating the orienter housing, including a fixed bend for drilling a straight section of the borehole.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved cutting element substrate for cutting elements. The cutting element substrate includes non-planar, non-linear interfaces with an abrasive layer of superhard material affixed thereto often using a high pressure high temperature press apparatus. The cutting element substrate includes a cant intersecting a first and second interfacial surface. A plurality of truncated nodules intersects the first surface and extends towards the second surface. Arcuate segments protrude out of the second surface and are radially positioned along the surface. The truncated nodules are ill-aligned with the arcuate segments proximate the truncated nodules.

Abstract: A working vehicle having a pair of left and right HSTs having hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors and trunnion shafts for regulating the drive speed of the hydraulic motors by varying compressed oil from the hydraulic pumps into the hydraulic motors, in which one hydraulic pump is disposed parallel to the other hydraulic pump in the forward or rearward direction, including drive wheels driven by the HSTs, respectively, a pair of relay shafts between a pair of steering levers for independently operating the trunnion shafts and a pair of trunnion shafts, first connection members for connecting the steering lever and the relay shaft to each other, and second connection members for connecting the relay shaft and the trunnion shaft to each other, and first connection members for connecting the steering lever to the relay shaft to each other, and second connection members for connecting the relay shaft and the trunnion shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle for moving trailers that are not coupled to their usual towing vehicle in which steering is conducted by an operator walking next to the vehicle and moving separate ones of a pair of levers for a pair of hydraulically driven wheels that control speed and direction of rotation. Two sets of levers are provided, one at each side of the vehicle so that the operator can use either set.

Abstract: In a fuel cell vehicle 10 of the invention, fuel cells 20 are integrally placed in a lower space 15 of a front seat 14, while a secondary battery 40 is integrally placed in a lower space 18 of a rear seat 17. The integral arrangements of the fuel cells 20 and the secondary battery 40 separately in the lower space 15 of the front seat 14 and in the lower space 18 of the rear seat 17 ensure high-performance operations of both the fuel cells 20 and the secondary battery 40 having different working environments. This arrangement also attains the effective use of the generally-dead, lower spaces 15 and 18 of the front and rear seats 14 and 17 to receive the fuel cells 20, the secondary battery 40, and their peripheral equipment.

Abstract: A power system for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric machine is disclosed. The electric machine has a stator, a permanent magnet rotor, an uncluttered rotor spaced from the permanent magnet rotor, and at least one secondary core assembly. The power system also has a gearing arrangement for coupling the internal combustion engine to wheels on the vehicle thereby providing a means for the electric machine to both power assist and brake in relation to the output of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An electrically motorized wheel assembly is provided which may be used in automotive vehicles. The wheel assembly is equipped with at least one electric motor having an output shaft located eccentrically from an axle of a wheel. The wheel assembly includes a protective cover which closes an opening of the wheel to define a substantially enclosed inner chamber within which a belt-driven torque transmission mechanism is disposed to protect it from foreign objects.

Abstract: A vehicle drive device 20 is composed of an electric motor 20a, a differential gear 20d for distributing and transmitting the drive power from the electric motor 20a to right and left drive wheels, and a clutch 20c for making intermittent the coupling capable of transmitting the drive power between the differential gear 20d side and the electric motor 20a side. The clutch 20c is of the type having a self-locking function and is arranged coaxially of the differential gear 20d at one side of the differential gear 20d.

Abstract: At least one vent hole is provided on an aerodynamically constructed covering part for the underside of a motor vehicle. A partial flow of the cold fresh air flows through the vent hole between the covering part and the roadway and is guided to a space which is situated above and accommodates assemblies and/or chassis parts. At least one suction device is provided on the covering part for carrying away the heated air situated in the space disposed above in the direction of the roadway.

Abstract: To provide an air intake system for a vehicle, so simple in structure as to reduce the cost and effective to increase the ram pressure, a front cowling (19) is mounted on a front portion of a vehicle body structure (1). This front cowling (19) has left and right headlight windows (20 and 21) aligned with left and right headlights (22 and 23), respectively, and also has an air intake opening (24) defined therein at a location above the headlight windows (20 and 21) for introducing an external combustion air (A) towards the vehicle engine (E). An intake air passage (35) is provided for introducing the combustion air (A), then entering the air intake opening (24), towards an air cleaner (30) by way of opposite lateral portions of a head tube (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery carrier sliding device for the electric wheelchair, wherein a battery box for the electric wheelchair can be disconnected or reconnected through a manual lockable unit. The present invention provides an improved design for a battery carrier sliding device for the electric wheelchair that utilizes lockable units to manually detach or reattach the battery box by pulling or triggering the lockable unit. The lockable unit is comprised of a connecting belt and two flexible inserting units, wherein holes are formed on the supporting units respectively to correspond the flexible inserting units so that the battery box can be located securely onto the electric wheelchair. The battery box is comprised of a carrying function in such that the structures or the types of batteries do not need to be altered. Various types of batteries can be utilized with the present invention. The present invention provides an improved battery box that can fulfill the needs of the market.