Abstract: Drilling a bore hole comprises rotary drilling at a first rotation rate until a first target value is substantially met, changing the first rotation rate to a second rotation rate when a trigger is substantially met, and then drilling at the second rotation rate until a second target value is substantially met. Preferably, the second rotation rate is substantially zero, so the drilling at the second rotation rate is slide drilling. Finally, the steps of rotary drilling at a first rotation rate, changing the rotation rate to a second rotation rate, and drilling at the second rotation rate are repeated.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: A wellbore drilling system utilizes optical fibers to measure parameters of interest and to communicate data. One or more electrical conductors are used to provide power to the components of the drilling system. The acquisition electronics for operating fiber optic sensors can be positioned at the surface and/or in the wellbore. In some embodiments, one optical fiber includes a plurality of sensors, each of which can measure the same or different parameters. A multiplexer multiplexes optical signals to operate such sensor configurations. Optical fiber sensors for acoustic measurements can include a cylindrical member wrapped by one or more optical fibers. The sensors can be configured as needed to provide a 3D representation of the pressure measurements.

Abstract: A method for inserting a tool into a wellbore includes uncoiling a coiled tubing into the wellbore to a selected depth therein. When the tubing is at the selected depth, the tubing is uncoupled. A tool is inserted into the interior of the tubing. The tubing is reconnected, and the tool is moved along the interior of the tubing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring solids in wellbore that include a bottom hole assembly having a sensor to measuring a characteristic indicative of solids in the wellbore. The measurement may be used to measure solids or solids suspended in fluid flow. The invention is useful for use in wellbore cleanouts. A computer model may be used and updated based on the measured characteristic. The input of measured characteristic and the updating of the computer model may be performed in real time whilst the wellbore cleanout operation is ongoing.

Abstract: A large scale hydraulically driven downhole reciprocating tractor to display substantially continuous advancement. The tractor may be configured to pull coiled tubing downhole in a continuous manner so as to substantially avoid static frictional resistance to the pulling. As a result, the tractor and coiled tubing may achieve up to about twice the depth into the well otherwise attainable. Additionally, the tractor may include a fail safe mechanism whereby a plurality of pilot operated valves are employed to ensure that immobilization of at least one anchor of the tractor is present at all times during downhole advancement to thereby avoid the undesired effects of coiled tubing spring-back.

Abstract: Mechanical stops are utilized on a rod transfer mechanism, with the stops being offset vertically from one another, to index the rod transfer mechanism of an HDD machine under the appropriate column of a drill rod storage magazine. The stops engage a moveable block which is moved by the operator using a block position selector device. The stops are arranged such that each stop corresponds to a respective column of the magazine. Accordingly, the rod transfer mechanism moves transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the drill string until the selected stop engages the block. The block position selector device is preferably located at the HDD machine operator's station. A cable slidably received within a jacket is employed between the position selector and the block to raise and lower the block.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for highly attenuating vibrations of a drillstring assembly while drilling. In one embodiment, vibrations are attenuated by introducing one or more vibration attenuation modules at appropriate assembly locations. For example, vibration attenuation modules may be inserted at locations where vibration energy is expected to be maximal. In one embodiment the vibration attenuation modules include cavities loosely packed with particles of solid material such as sand or metallic powder. In one embodiment, the cavity walls are rough and/or include geometric features that enhance vibration energy transfer to the loosely packed particles in the cavity(ies). The vibration energy is dissipated via friction and inelastic particle-particle and particle-wall collisions that occur as a result of drillstring motion.

Abstract: A Sprinkler Repair Auger is disclosed. The auger is particularly helpful because it is configured to cut a hole into the ground surrounding a conventional pop-up sprinkler head so that the sprinkler head can be easily accessed for repairs and/or replacement. The auger should is to a conventional power tool, such as an electric drill or related equipage. The auger has a hollow-tipped bit configured surround the sprinkler head. The auger further includes a stabilizing assembly associated with the auger to provide stability and safety while holes are being formed. The stabilizing assembly further has retractable legs upon which the user can stand to further stabilize the device while making holes. Finally, the assembly includes a guide for guiding the auger bit as it cuts, as well as a lower sleeve to protectively surround the auger bit and hole while cutting.

Abstract: An anchoring device that includes both rotation at the leading edge of the stake which engages the ground and longitudinal thrust of the stake into the ground is disclosed. The stake portion which is driven into the ground also includes a portion which is square. This shape has been found to promote additional stability of the anchoring device. The portion of the stake which is inserted into and engages the ground includes a sleeve portion and a rotating section. The rotating section is located at the second end of the sleeve and a rotary force device is located at the first end of the sleeve. A shaft extends through the sleeve from the rotary force device to the rotating section. The sleeve portion is supported by guides mounted on the frame of the machine to be staked down. A longitudinal force imparting device is also connected to the frame. The rotating section is made up of a cutter device, an adapter section, and a tube.

Abstract: A rig for drilling wells or holes at virtually any angle, from nearly horizontal to vertical, has a trailer mounted derrick which can be tilted to a desired angle, a top drive unit slidably mounted within such derrick and a hydraulic jacking apparatus. An automated pipe handling apparatus permits efficient transfer of pipe sections from the derrick to a truck, pipe rack or other storage facility.

Abstract: A bit for drilling a hole.

Abstract: A shank configuration for rotary drill bits, is disclosed for positioning of the shank in relation to the bit body. A tapered surface or feature of the shank may be configured and sized to matingly engage a complementarily shaped surface or feature of the drill bit body and thereby become centered or positioned in relation thereto. A deformable element may be disposed between the shank and bit body. Also, the shank may comprise a material having a carbon equivalent of less than about 0.35%. A multi-pass weld procedure may be employed to affix the shank and bit body to one another wherein welds may be formed so that one weld originates at a circumferential position that differs from the origination circumferential position of its immediately preceding weld by at least about 90°. Further, a stress state may be developed within the multi-pass weld. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically dimmable window (“EDW”) system comprising an EDW, a control switch, and a controller. The switch and controller control the light transmittance level of the EDW. State indicators indicate when the EDW is in transition from one light transmittance level to another level. When there is no transition in light transmittance level, the indicators may denote the current light transmittance level of the EDW.

Abstract: A light sensitive display.

Abstract: A writing information processing system includes a writing information generating device and an information processing device. The writing information generating device generates writing information relating to a user's writing operation on a medium. The information processing device acquires the writing information from the writing information generating device and stores the writing information. The writing information generating device includes an operation status detector and a visible light generator. The operation status detector detects a current operation status of the writing information generating device. The visible light generator generates visible light representing the detected current operation status of the writing information generating device.

Abstract: A personal vehicle comprises a frame with a seat, two large, non-drive wheels connected by an axle at one end of the frame, an elongated swing arm attached to the axle, a pair of caster wheels connected to the frame opposite the large, non-drive wheels and a main drive wheel mounted to a fork and connected to the swing arm. The main drive wheel is located central the vehicle frame, intermediate the frame sides and intermediate frame front and rear sections.

Abstract: There is provided a power transmission structure of a working vehicle that is configured so that a hydraulic pump unit and a working machine are operatively driven by a rotational power from a single driving power source, wherein the hydraulic pump unit is operatively connected to the driving power source through a shaft transmission mechanism, and the working machine is operatively connected to the driving power source through an endless belt transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A four-wheel vehicle is provided with an in-wheel motor in each of a front wheel and a rear wheel and has approximately the same roll center heights of the front wheel and the rear wheel. The relation between a change in a kingpin offset and a change in a wheel stroke for at least any one of the front wheel and the rear wheel of the four-wheel vehicle is determined based on at least any one of braking force distribution and driving force distribution between the front wheel and the rear wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid driving system for a vehicle comprising a generator connected to an internal combustion engine (1) which is linked to an electric driving motor (6) by means of a generator frequency converter, an intermediate voltage circuit and a motor frequency converter. An energy-storage reservoir (7) is connected to the intermediate voltage circuit. According to said invention, the intermediate voltage circuit is divisible into two partial intermediate circuits (3, 4) by means of a first switch (8). Each partial intermediate circuit comprises at least one driving motor (5, 6, 12) connected by means of the corresponding motor frequency converter. The aim of said invention is to adjust the hybrid driving system.

Abstract: When a shift lever is in a parking position, a rotation restriction index Jm2 is set based on a drive state of an engine or a first motor (S130, S160, S240, and S290). A current value based on the rotation restriction index Jm2 is set to a current command of the d axis in an electric angle when motoring of the engine in a stop state is started and a second motor is controlled such that the magnetic field direction of a stator of the second motor is fixed. This method can appropriately prevent a power shaft from rotating.

Abstract: A power management system is disclosed. Embodiments of the power management system may be configured for use with an electric generator that produces AC or DC voltage from an energy source, which may be intermittent or fluctuating. One embodiment of the power management system includes an energy storage reservoir configured to be electrically coupled to the electric generator. The energy storage reservoir includes at least one ultracapacitor and at least one rechargeable battery. The power management system also includes an electronic controller configured to control storage in the reservoir of energy generated by the electric generator and to control power usage from the reservoir and the generator. The electronic controller is configured to control energy storage and power usage in response to one or more control signals.

Abstract: A direct drive traction vehicle motor system for a wheeled vehicle includes an electric motor rotor for mechanically attachment to a vehicle wheel for rotational movement with the vehicle wheel. An attachment structure is concentrically mounting the rotor to the vehicle wheel. An electric motor stator is mounted in a concentric relationship with the rotor. A mechanical structure is coupled between the vehicle and the stator for inhibiting rotation of the stator. An electric drive circuit is electrically coupled to the motor stator for exciting the motor stator to impart a rotational force on the vehicle wheel through the rotor.

Abstract: A control device for controlling power devices of vehicles or a means of transport, comprising a first and a second electronic control unit which are interconnected, wherein the first and the second electronic control units are connectable to a first and a second power device, respectively, and wherein the interconnection comprises a bi-directional plastic optical fiber through which data can be exchanged. In one embodiment, a series control network is provided, comprising the control device and at least one further electronic control unit, interconnected in series to the first or second electronic control unit, wherein each interconnection comprises a bi-directional plastic optical fiber or two single-directional plastic optical fibers through which data can be exchanged.

Abstract: A dual-chamber oil pan includes an oil pan provided below an engine block, an oil pan separator that is provided within the oil pan and defines a first chamber communicating with the engine block, and a second chamber provided around the first chamber, and a suction port disposed within the first chamber. The first chamber includes a large-capacity portion including a bottom portion of the oil pan separator, and a small-capacity portion located above and integrally formed with the large-capacity portion.

Abstract: A bonnet for an automobile, the bonnet having an outer made from FRP and an inner made from FRP, joined to the back-surface side of the outer, wherein the inner is separated into two parts in the forward and backward direction of a vehicle body. The bonnet can satisfy impact absorbing performance and predetermined required performance for deformation in a collision accident etc., and can improve easiness of production.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle includes a frame mounted motor connected to pedals and to a rear driven wheel through an intermediate jackshaft. The motor is connected to the jackshaft through a chain or belt. The pedals are connected to the jackshaft through a chain or belt and a jackshaft-pedal freewheel which allows the pedals to drive the jackshaft, but prevents the jackshaft from driving the pedal. The jackshaft is connected to the driven wheel through another chain or belt, and a second freewheel allows the jackshaft to drive the driven wheel but prevents the driven wheel from driving the jackshaft using the same chain or belt. Another chain or belt may additionally connect the driven wheel to the jackshaft through a third freewheel to recharge batteries during braking or while coasting downhill.

Abstract: A periodical driving system includes a circular wheel having a plurality of radial recesses defined in an outer periphery of the wheel and each recess is defined by two inner sides and each inner side includes an inward curved section so as to form a convergent opening in the outer periphery of the wheel. A driving disk has two driving pins extending therefrom and each driving pin has a cylindrical base portion extending from the disk and a protrusion extends axially from a distal end of each base portion. The driving pins enter into the recesses via the openings so as to push the inner sides of each recess. The two protrusions are in contact with the two curved sections of the two recesses when the wheel is in stationary status.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a rear fork with a first and the second extending portions, and a cross portion, the cross section linking the first and the second extending portions together. The first extending portion extends toward a first side of a rear wheel, the second extending portion extends toward a second side of the rear wheel. The first extending portion, which has an open cross sectional structure and through which a drive shaft is passed, is made to have larger outer diameter than the second extending portion, which has a closed cross sectional structure. Nonetheless, the rigidity of the first extending portion and the second extending portion are approximately the same. The drive shaft extends rearwardly and passes through the opening on the inside of the first extending portion.

Abstract: A motorcycle is provided with a rear fork attached to a body frame so as to swing up and down freely. A rear wheel is attached to the rear end portion of the rear fork, a gear case is attached to a side of the rear wheel, and a drive shaft is provided between the gear case and an output shaft of a power unit. The output of the power unit is transmitted to the rear wheel via the drive shaft and the gear case. In the motorcycle, the gear case is supported by a rear-wheel axle provided in the rear end portion of the rear fork. A torque rod, which links an outer periphery portion of the gear case with the rear fork, serves as a stopper for rotation of the gear case. The resulting configuration provides a shaft-drive system that reduces the assembling time of the torque rod, and improves the productivity of the main line.

Abstract: The invention concerns an armrest mounted joystick for communication of operator initiated control signals to a vehicle controller. A plurality of switches require that the operator be safely located in the operation position in order for the control signals to reach the vehicle controller. Only when all of the switches change state, at substantially the same time, does the joystick either activate or de-activate, in response.

Abstract: An electrically actuated, hydraulic power steering system is provided. The steering system includes a hydraulic pump for generating hydraulic pressure, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a hydraulic cylinder, and a control valve arrangement that selectively connects the hydraulic cylinder to the pump and the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The control valve arrangement is characterized during the on-center position by a first and a second chamber of the hydraulic cylinder being in fluid communication with each other but not with the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the steering system has a steering sensor, a control box, and two pressure accumulators for providing at least two levels of steering assist.

Abstract: A vehicular hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump, an optional flow-splitting valve, a first hydraulic application, a pressure reducing valve and a second hydraulic application arranged in series along a primary flow path. When the pressure in the primary flow path between the pump and first application is elevated to a first threshold value, the flow-splitting valve, if present, splits the fluid discharged by the pump into a first fluid flow communicated to the primary flow path upstream of the first application and a second fluid flow communicated to the primary flow path between the first application and the pressure-reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve limits the maximum pressure of the fluid discharged therefrom to a second threshold value wherein the first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value. The first and second hydraulic applications may take the form of a brake booster and a steering gear, respectively.

Abstract: A controller controls an on-vehicle device having an operating member operated by a driver to receive a driver's operating force and an assisting mechanism giving an assisting force to the operating member. This mechanism is powered by an on-vehicle battery. The controller detects forces applied to the device and calculates a control amount giving the assisting force to the device based on results detected by the force detector. The control amount is calculated every type of the applied forces whose frequency bands are at least partly different from each other. The controller drives the assisting mechanism based on the control amount and detects an operating state of the battery. The controller adjusts the control amount such that, as the calculated battery state decreases in a powering function of the battery, the control amount for, of the applied forces, a specified force having specified frequency components is monotonously reduced.

Abstract: A power steering system with a circulating ball spindle mechanism, an extending element of the circulating ball spindle mechanism being support rotatably over a bearing and the bearing of the element making possible a swiveling motion corresponding to the direction of action of interfering forces.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a resin gear for an electric power steering apparatus excellent in mechanical strength and durability, in which damage of teeth, for example, does not occur even when the gear is employed in an electric power steering apparatus equipped with a high-power electric actuator. In a resin gear for an electric power steering apparatus in the form of a worm wheel 10, a gear portion 16 thereof is formed of a resin molding material containing a thermosetting resin and polyparaphenylene-benzobisoxazole fibers (PBO fibers) as essential constituents.

Abstract: When it is determined that the torque output from the electric motor abnormally fluctuates or the torque output from the electric motor varies between clockwise and counterclockwise turning operations of the driver's steering wheel, the steering assist control is continued if the vehicle speed v is equal to or lower than the reference speed v0. In this case, the width of the dead band of the steering torque in the assist map used to calculate the target assist torque is increased. Thus, only in a case where the vehicle is moving at a low speed and the driver's steering wheel is operated with a great force, the steering assist torque is produced to alleviate the burden on the driver. In the other cases, the electric motor is stopped to minimize a sense of discomfort in the steering operation.

Abstract: An electric power steering control apparatus for controlling a motor that provides an assisting force for steering a steering wheel has a command value calculation device operable to calculate a command value for a torque current to be fed to the motor based on a steering torque of the steering wheel, a magnetic field control device operable to control intensity of a magnetic field in the motor, and a motor drive device operable to drive the motor based on outputs from the command value calculation device and the magnetic field control device. The magnetic field control device is operable to perform a field weakening control for weakening the magnetic field in the motor when a vehicle speed is less than a predetermined value, and to not perform the field weakening control when the vehicle speed is not less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A device (10) for reducing noise and heat emissions from a laboratory instrument in a laboratory, comprising a casing (20) with sound-absorbing walls (240), wherein the casing (20) forms an interior space (210, 220) for accommodating the laboratory instrument. At least one of the sound-absorbing walls (240) has an air inlet (30). The device (10) further has a flue (40) arranged on one of the sound-absorbing walls (240), so that the interior space (210, 220) of the casing (20) can be vented via the air inlet (30) and the flue (40). During operation of the laboratory instrument situated in the interior space (210, 220) of the device (10), the sound generated by the laboratory instrument is absorbed by the walls, so that essentially no noise, or only significantly reduced levels of noise, generated by the laboratory instrument can escape the device (10).

Abstract: A compact, low cost soundproof structure having a small number of parts utilizing ribs protruding from an inner face of a case of a power source or a power transmission device. In the soundproof structure, the ribs protruding from the inner face of the case form a single or a plurality of tubular bodies. A lid member covers an opening facing an inside of the case of the single or plurality of tubular bodies formed by the ribs to form a single or a plurality of tubular body inside spaces. Also, the single or plurality of tubular body inside spaces and an internal space of the case communicate with each other through a hole or holes bored in the lid member.

Abstract: A muffler including an outer shell; an end plate that is laser-welded to the outer shell; a sheathing member that is provided on the outer side of the outer shell to sheath the outer shell with the sheathing member; and a shielding portion that prevents liquid from entering into the sheathing member through a clearance formed between the outer shell and the end portion of the sheathing member, at which the sheathing member is connected to the outer shell. Providing such shielding portion makes it possible to prevent liquid such as water from entering into the sheathing member through the clearance, because the shielding portion blocks such liquid. As a result, inconvenience due to entry of the liquid into the space is prevented, and connection between the sheathing member and the outer shell is secured.

Abstract: A resonator for a vehicle air intake system is disclosed, wherein the resonator is variable tuned to militate against the emission of sound waves caused by the engine and other sources at a wide range of engine speeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to an environmental noise shielding apparatus in which the internal temperature can be matched to the external temperature by means of a cooling element which is arranged within the environmental noise shielding apparatus. This allows a better sound protection effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-supporting, sound-absorbing lining for the engine bonnet of motor vehicles, comprising at least one layer of open-cell foamed material which on at least one side is covered with a covering nonwoven, an open-pored coating that connects the covering nonwoven to the layer of foamed material being applied to at least one side of the layer of foamed material. In order to improve this type of lining with regard to its dimensional stability at temperatures of up to 180° C. and when in a damp environment and without using nonwovens made from synthetic mineral fibres, the invention proposes that the coating be formed from a powder mixture that consists of at least one thermoplastic component, at least one cross-linking component and mineral microbodies, preferably hollow microbodies.

Abstract: A cover part for a vehicle, especially an underbody cover, has a porous core layer and at least one cover layer on each side, wherein the porous core layer is constructed such that it has acoustic transparency or an acoustically absorbent effect. Here, the porous core layer is made either from a thermoplastic matrix with embedded reinforcement fibers, especially glass fibers, whose melting point temperature is higher than the melting point temperature of the plastic matrix, or from a foam, which is either open-cell or closed-cell and perforated. The acoustically absorbent porous core layer is occupied on one or both sides with one or more acoustically transparent or absorbent layers.

Abstract: Step-stool assemblies and related methods are described. A step-stool assembly comprises an inner base frame and a continuous outer shell. The inner base frame includes a first loadable surface near a top thereof. The outer shell unitarily extends from an upper portion to a lower portion. The lower portion includes a size and shape disposable around, and attachable with, an outer perimeter of the inner base frame. The upper portion is configured to extend above the first loadable surface of the base frame and includes a second loadable surface. The outer shell includes at least one foot-receiving aperture to provide access to the first loadable surface when the outer shell and inner base frame are attached. In an example, a perimeter of the shell lower portion is greater than the base frame outer perimeter, while a perimeter of the shell upper portion is less than the base frame outer perimeter.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided for use in connection with an apparatus for lubricating a strand pulled through a conduit. The adaptor includes an entry end for receiving the strand and an exit end through which the strand exits the adaptor. A coupling is provided at the entry end of the adaptor for mating with a coupling on the lubricating apparatus. The exit end of the adaptor is sized to fit within conduit through which the strand is to be pulled.

Abstract: A transport lift has a base and two spaced-apart legs are slidingly mounted on the base for movement toward and away from and toward each other. Wheels support the base and legs for rolling movement. Leg motor drive means operate to drive the two spaced-apart legs toward and away from each other to vary the straddle spacing between the legs. A lift column extends generally vertically from the base. Lift drive means are associated with the lift column for driving an end effector along the lift column, the end effectuator adapted for engaging a load. A programmable controller operates the lift drive means to position the end effectuator at at least one predetermined height position on the lift column. The controller is adapted for storing a plurality of height adjustments as sequential steps, and the controller operates the lift drive means to place the end effectuator sequentially at the sequence, of predetermined height positions.

Abstract: In an elevator system, an evacuation elevator control portion devises an evacuation plan making use of elevators based on disaster information in the event of a disaster, and outputs a command to perform evacuation operation, which is based on the evacuation plan, to an elevator operation control portion. The evacuation elevator control portion monitors an evacuation situation resulting from evacuation operation, and transmits information on the evacuation situation to the outside.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a belt for an elevator system includes the steps of: manufacturing a first belt part that has an arrangement of grooves, in particular in the lengthwise direction of the belt; arrangement of a tension bearer in at least one of the grooves; and connection of a second belt part with the first belt part whereby the tension bearer is accommodated in the interior of the belt.