Abstract: A walker is made adjustable for various sizes of persons, including grossly obese persons. The walker includes two side support members, each of which has a front leg, a back leg, and a cross leg connecting the two legs. A braced sleeve assembly is positioned on the front leg of each side support member. The braced sleeve assembly has an elongated first sleeve dimensioned to slide over the front leg, an elongated second sleeve extending horizontally and inwardly from the elongated first sleeve, and a support brace extending at an angle from one sleeve to the other sleeve. The second sleeve has a set of spaced positioning holes. A releasable latch is mounted to the elongated first sleeve. The walker further includes a cross bar dimensioned to slide inside the second sleeves of the braced sleeve assemblies.

Abstract: An electro mechanically-assisted control system for use in a second-stage regulator. Regulator control assembly (20?), also referred to as all-electronic (AE) assembly (20?), includes an electromechanical actuator (EMA) sub-assembly (22) for controlling airflow through single air supply line (23). EMA sub-assembly (22) includes electronically controllable actuator (ECA) (34), which removably seals EMA orifice (36) in wall (30) of pilot chamber (32). ECA (34) is electrically connected with and controlled by control electronics (38). The control electronics include programmable microprocessor (40), which is electrically connected with charge and discharge electronics (42), both of which are electrically connected with power supply (44). All-electronic (AE) assembly (20?) has only an EMA sub-assembly and no mechanical actuator sub-assembly.

Abstract: A relief valve and related systems and methods are disclosed for use in fluid distribution lines. The relief valve comprises a body defining a cavity and comprising at least first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity. A connector piece is connected to the body at the first opening to connect the valve to a fluid distribution line. A rupture disc is disposed within and obstructs the first opening. When it is desired that fluid from the fluid distribution line be vented from the system, the rupture disc is punctured and thereby allows for fluid communication through the first opening of the valve.

Abstract: A device for closing a conduit (30) in case of fire includes a housing (11) having a receptacle (17) for receiving the conduit (30), a cutting and blocking member (20) arranged in the housing (11) and displaceable, in case of fire, by a drive element out of the housing (11) over the receptacle (17) to its blocking position (42) for cutting the conduit (30) off and closing same, with the housing (11) having at least one stop (15) that cooperates with a counter-stop (25) provided on the cutting and blocking member (20) and defines the blocking position (42) thereof the cutting and blocking member (20).

Abstract: A vacuum tank assembly is provided for use on an RV or a boat and includes a two-piece vacuum tank. The two-piece vacuum tank includes a body and a removable top with a gasket located between the body and removable top. A dip tube is integrated into the removable top, thus, forming an opening in the removable top and thereby reducing maintenance problems associated with mechanically attached dip tube assemblies. A vacuum pump is provided to pump the waste out of the vacuum tank into a holding tank.

Abstract: A tank jacket fits over the outside of a storage tank. The jacket includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. A gauge protector fits over the regulator assembly and includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. A handle is formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank. The gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related equipment.

Abstract: A backup valve for use with a pool cleaner coupled to a source of water under pressure. The valve includes a housing having an inlet and at least a first outlet and a second outlet. The valve further includes a timing apparatus directing water from said inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet. In addition, an adjustable flow controller over the second outlet is provided to increase the flow speed of fluid exiting the outlet.

Abstract: A control valve for a water treatment system which includes a turbine (110) rotatably mounted within a water receiving chamber. A nozzle assembly (122) defines first and second fluid paths, one of the flow paths may include a fluid pressure response valve element (320) for controlling fluid flow along the one path. The system also comprises a nozzle assembly (122?) defining a throat (302?) extending from an inlet and terminating in a arcuate outlet conforming to the periphery of the turbine. A plurality of spaced apart and angled vanes (404) are disposed in the throat.

Abstract: A ceramic control valve includes a valve casing, and a control device including a linking seat and a control lever. The drive block of the control lever has a spherical surface. The receiving hole of the linking seat has a wall having a first portion in contact with the spherical surface of the drive block and a second portion spaced from the spherical surface of the drive block, thereby forming a plurality of gaps. Thus, the gaps located between the drive block and the receiving hole keep a smooth circulation of the air flow, thereby preventing the drive block from being jammed in the receiving hole due to deformation of heat expansion, so that the control lever is operated normally.

Abstract: A control valve having a shiftable valve plug includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a longitudinal axis, a generally cylindrical valve cage disposed within the valve body and sized to receive the valve plug, with the valve cage including at least one aperture comprising at least a portion of the flow passage, a portion of the valve cage disposed adjacent a portion of the valve body at an interface. A seal having a C-shaped cross section is provided and is disposed at the interface between the valve cage and the valve body, and a retainer is disposed adjacent the interface and positioned to secure the seal against movement along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary outflow fitting, especially a single-lever mixer (1), comprising, in a manner known per se, a housing (2) provided with at least one admission (5, 6) for water, and one outlet (49). A control cartridge (26) is located inside (10) the fitting housing (2), the manually operable control lever (34) of said cartridge controlling the flow of water through the outflow fitting (1). The aim of the invention is to be able to use a conventional control cartridge (26) with the admission and outflow openings thereof located on the lower side, even when the outflow (49) is in the upper or uppermost region of the outflow fitting (1). To this end, the control cartridge (26) is arranged inside a receiving insert (14). Water arriving towards the control cartridge (26) and leaving the same flows through said receiving insert (14).

Abstract: A valve assembly for plumbing installations. The valve assembly has a unitary valve body with three interconnected ports and a fluid control mechanism. Connector portions are formed about each port of the unitary valve body to thereby enable connection of the valve assembly into a fluid supply line and for connecting an appliance and various devices and fluid lines to the valve assembly. The fluid control mechanism of the valve assembly is constructed to direct fluid through the valve body and to enable the fluid flow to be shut off.

Abstract: A water distributing device has one input pipe and two output pipes; a casing, and a turning rod located in the casing and turnable in the casing so as to provide a discharge of water in a first direction, a discharge of water in a second direction, a discharge of water in both directions with redistribution of a quantity of water, and a stopping of a flow of water.

Abstract: A modular manifold includes a first pair of adjoining port modules configured with a first internal channel adapted for fluid flow and two side ports arranged on top of each other. A front cap is operatively coupled to one side of the first pair of adjoining port modules. The front cap provides threaded access to the first internal channel. A second pair of adjoining port modules is operatively coupled to another side of the first pair of adjoining port modules. The second pair of adjoining port modules has a second internal channel adapted for fluid flow and two side ports arranged on top of each other. The first and second internal channels define a common manifold channel. The side ports are aligned in a linear fashion. An end cap is operatively coupled to the second pair of adjoining port modules and configured to seal the common manifold channel.

Abstract: A tube for directing fluid along a path that includes a bend. The tube comprising a conduit having a first aperture, a second aperture, and a bend portion adjacent the second aperture. An outer bend surface is integrally formed as part of the conduit to at least partially define the second aperture. An insert includes at least a portion of an inner bend surface and is disposed at least partially within the second aperture such that the outer bend surface and the inner bend surface cooperate to at least partially define the bend.

Abstract: A papermaking screen includes at least one individual fabric for the paper side and at least one individual fabric for the machine side. Each of those fabrics is provided with a set of weft yarns (4, 6) and warp yarns (1, 5). At least one part of the superimposed individual fabrics is interconnected via binder yarns (3). The two fabric layers (paper side and machine side) are connected by binder yarns that are fully integrated into the fabric structure of the paper side and are able to support the resulting binding point due to each binder yarn (3) engaging with warp yarns (1) of the individual fabric from above at defined points on the paper side, while at least one weft yarn (2) of the individual fabric engages with the warp yarns (1) from below on the opposite side so as to lean against it such that the binder yarns remain on one plane along with the weft and the remaining warp yarns.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus facilitating detection of vapor within liquid crystal material, facilitating removal of residual liquid crystal material, and facilitating precise control of predetermined dispensing positions and dispensing amounts includes a container containing liquid crystal material, a discharge pump drawing in and discharging liquid crystal material, and a nozzle dispensing liquid crystal material, discharged from the discharge pump, onto a substrate. The discharge pump includes a case, a window at a lower portion of the case, a cylinder within the case, a piston rotatably arranged within the cylinder and having a groove for drawing in and discharging liquid crystal material, and a suction opening and a discharge opening through which liquid crystal material is drawn into and discharged from with respect to the cylinder.

Abstract: A flexible bag container (10) is filled by a system (500) and method for filling the bag container (10). The flexible bag container (10) has a pair of walls (12, 14) and a spout member (18) attached to one side wall of the container. This spout member is opened and closed in the filling system. A plug member (22) is inserted into the spout member (18) from outside of the bag container (10) and is withdrawable in the opposite direction in order to open the bag container. The bag container is filled via the spout member after removal of the plug member outwardly of the bag container and into a filling head, and then the plug member is replaced from within the filling head into the spout member to close the bag container.

Abstract: The invention provides a brush cutter and chipper that attaches to the end of an articulating arm or boom on equipment. The cutter may utilize existing hydraulic power and controls. The cutter includes a housing with external feed assembly that feeds material through a gate to an internal cutting assembly. The feed assembly has a tensioned upper roller that may move arcuately and a stationary lower roller. The rollers preferably rotate oppositely and each has peripheral cleats to facilitate feeding. The housing mounts an internal rotating drum that may be rotationally linked with the rollers. The drum has a cutting surface, which may be a peripherally wound toothed chain, that cuts entering materials smaller pieces. The drum rotates against the bottom side of the fed material to insure that the material is cut into small pieces. The small pieces exit through a chute at the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A worktable includes two first rails arranged in parallel on a base, two guide rods movable along the first rails in a first direction and a second direction reversed to the first direction, two second rails respectively slidably coupled to the guide rods, a sliding plate fixedly mounted on the second rails, and a positioning device for locking the sliding plate to stop the sliding plate from movement relative to the base.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler cover having a three layer body internally dimensioned and configured to equal the external dimensions of at least one common model of evaporative cooler. A drawstring may provide a superior fit to the evaporative cooler device. The evaporative cooler cover may advantageously have a triple layer construction of a middle layer of nylon scrim or another loose fabric having two layers attached thereto: interior and exterior layers of solid vinyl or another polymer. The evaporative cooler cover of the invention may further be configured in either a generally cubical shape having an open bottom side or a generally cylindrical shape having an open bottom end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simply and inexpensively positioning mounted automobile and truck tires for effective setting of a bead, with subsequent inflation in an efficient manner. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is a wheel-like structure with an outer rim in the shape of a polygon, such as a circle, octagon, hexagon, or square. The outer rim supports a plurality of mounting brackets adapted to hold tires for inflation. Tires that have been mounted on wheel rims are placed on the mounting brackets, a bead is set by a blast of air, and an air inflation hose is connected to the tire. The wheel rotates, so that additional tires can be placed on subsequent mounting brackets, resulting in a series of tires being inflated continuously and simultaneously. When a tire is completely inflated, the hose is disconnected and the tire removed from the device for storage, shipping or further handling.

Abstract: An apparatus for the mounting/dismounting of tires on wheels. A bead breaker module with elongated pressure clamps pivotally moved by an actuator such that the elongated pressure clamps extend from the perimeter of a tire to a position proximal the tire side and bead; the actuator urges the elongated pressure clamps together to disengage the bead from the rim. A tire mount/dismount module having a base plate affixed to a wheel; a receiver and drive assembly rotatably affixed to the base plate with a receiver receiving a bead rolling tool which is inserted between a tire bead and wheel rim and which, when the receiver and drive assembly is rotated, disengages the bead from the rim or, when installing a tire, engages the bead relative to the rim. A bead rolling or tire iron tool has elliptical cross-sections proximal its ends and extensions, bearing surfaces at its bottom, a rectangular cross-section intermediate its ends and a slot intermediate its ends.

Abstract: A window shade lift cord apparatus includes a seat, a control switch and a cord assembly. The seat has an aperture on the bottom and axles in the interior. The control switch includes an anchor member and a depressing member that are movably coupled together and interposed by an elastic element. The anchor member and the depressing member have respectively two through holes and two openings. The cord assembly has cords treading through the aperture of the seat, through holes and openings of the anchor member and depressing members such that the lower ends of the cords are gathered beneath the seat. Retracting of the window shade can be accomplished rapidly and simply.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a die casting apparatus and method evidencing increased apparatus output including the ability of using multiple die tools. The invention includes an indexing assembly removably engaged with at least one die block assembly for transporting between four stations, including an injection station, a cooling station, an ejection station, and a recovery station. The injection station includes a frame, a clamp assembly attached to the frame for clamping and releasing the die block assembly, a shot sleeve assembly engaged with the die block assembly for receiving molten material, such as metal, from a furnace means and injecting the molten material into the die block assembly, and a shot cylinder releasably coupled with the shot sleeve assembly for controlling the injection of molten material.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly for regulating the temperature of an IC-chip in an IC-module includes: a) a heat-exchanger having a first face for contacting a second face on the IC-module; and b) a gimbal, coupled to the heat-exchanger, for tilting and pressing the first face flatly against the second face, as the first and second faces are moved from a spaced-apart position to an engaged position at which the IC-chip temperature is regulated. In addition, the mechanical assembly further includes an output tube, coupled to an output port on the heat-exchanger, which has two ends that move relative to each other as the first and second faces move from the spaced-apart position to the engaged position; and, this output tube is coiled into a weak spring which is characterized by a stiffness matrix that is limited by a predetermined acceptance criterion.

Abstract: A lid for a well plate, which has pins that penetrate the lid and project downwardly into the wells of the well plate. Thermal energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to regulate the temperature of liquid samples. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to sonicate the liquid sample. An electrical charge is applied to the upper end of the pin to attract charged materials, such as DNA, and to selectably segregate charged materials from the liquid sample.

Abstract: A garment for a personal cooling or warming system, the garment comprising a carrier formed in the shape of the garment, and a bladder comprising at least two channel segments, wherein the channel segments have a substantially flat configuration so as to improve thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A pin connector with a seal assembly using a unique wet connect assembly. The pin connector is formed from a tubular having an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion. The lower tubular portion has an upper tubular body and a lower tubular body with a lower tubular body face. A first pin engages the wet connect assembly. The first pin has a first pin outer surface, which can be connected to the wet connect assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic ram for use in artificially lifting fluid from a well and in particular an oil well. The disclosure also teaches a method and system employing the ram. The use obviates existing systems used today in terms of cost, environmental concerns, optimized mechanical efficiencies and maximizing overall production of wells on a case by case basis.

Abstract: A piloting actuator valve controls flow in a well. The piloting actuator valve is combined with a downhole completion and utilizes a pilot valve to control actuation of a main valve. A controllable actuator is coupled to the pilot valve and enables selective control over the pilot valve which, in turn, controls the state of the main valve.

Abstract: A bridge plug having a segmented backup shoe, and at least one split cone extrusion limiter, the extrusion limiter comprising a two part conical retainer positioned between packer elements and the segmented backup shoe to block packer element extrusion though spaces between backup shoe segments. In one embodiment, two split cone extrusion limiters are used together and positioned so that each split cone extrusion limiter covers gaps in the other extrusion limiter and together the two split cone extrusion limiters block packer element extrusion though gaps between backup shoe segments regardless of their orientation relative to the segmented backup shoe. In one embodiment, a solid retaining ring is positioned between a split retaining cone extrusion limiter and a packer element and resists extrusion of packer elements into spaces in the split cone extrusion limiter or limiters.

Abstract: A release tool includes a first subassembly and a second subassembly. A connector is operable to selectively coupled the first subassembly to the second subassembly. A release guard is operable to selectively inhibit release of the connector. The release guard operable to inhibit release of the connector in response to a pressure difference between an interior of the release tool and an exterior of the release tool.

Abstract: A downhole recorder system for use with a downhole assembly to be lowered into a borehole comprises at least one recorder uniquely associated to a determined sub-assembly of the downhole assembly. The at least one recorder allows to store operating data related to the determined sub-assembly. The stored operating data are extractable at least when the determined sub-assembly is disassembled from the downhole assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a producing cycle in a well, during the production cycle, for optimizing production from the well including disrupting fluid in a wellbore with a pulse generator to create a pressure pulse transmitted through the fluid in the wellbore, detecting the pressure pulse created and the pressure pulse reflected from objects located within the wellbore, wherein the objects may include a liquid/gas interface and a producing apparatus such as a plunger, converting the detection of the pressure pulse and the reflected pressure pulses to a signal, computing the signals to determine the well status and controlling production of the fluid from the wellbore based on the well status.

Abstract: A process for recovering oil by injecting into a subterranean oil-bearing reservoir through one or more injection wells, an aqueous solution containing one or more amphoteric alkyl amido betaine surfactants that form a viscoelastic gel reducing interfacial tension and increasing the viscosity of the injection fluid simultaneously, displacing the solution into the reservoir, and recovering the oil from one or more production wells. These viscoelastic gels are tolerant to electrolytes and multivalent cations. They are shear reversible and adsorbed little onto the reservoir. Their viscosity is reduced when contacting certain hydrocarbons but remains high when contacting water or brine. This allows the fluid to preferentially penetrate the oil-bearing portions of the formation and resulting additional oil recovery.

Abstract: A method for drilling and completing a gravel packed well is disclosed. The method comprises drilling a wellbore with a drilling fluid, conditioning the drilling fluid, running the gravel packing assembly tools to depth in the wellbore with the conditioned drilling-fluid, and gravel packing a wellbore interval with a completion-fluid. The completion fluid may be the same as the drilling-fluid. This method may be combined with alternate-path sand screen technology to ensure proper distribution of the gravel pack.

Abstract: Disclosed is a workstring for use in a gravel packing system. The workstring includes a washpipe with at least one port and a selectively openable and closeable closure mechanism in operable communication with the at least one port. Further disclosed is a collet having a collet base and a plurality of collet fingers extending from the collet base. At least one of the collet fingers includes retaining feature, the retaining feature being configured to yield under bending at a selected valve. Yet further disclosed is a method for gravel packing. The method includes gravel packing a wellbore including opening one or more valves in a washpipe as pressure associated with the gravel packing climbs, the valves providing an escape path for a fluid component of the gravel pack to an inside dimension of the washpipe. The method further includes closing the one or more valves in the washpipe.

Abstract: In systems and methods for production of hydrocarbons fluids from a formation surrounding a wellbore, a production assembly is cemented into place, and excess cement is then cleaned from the production tubing and liner. Thereafter, hydrocarbon fluids are produced and artificial gas lift assistance is provided. All of this may be accomplished in a single trip (mono-trip) of the production tubing.

Abstract: Foamed cement compositions comprising density reducing additives and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of cementing is disclosed. The method of cementing comprises preparing a base cement composition comprising a cement, a water, and a density reducing additive, wherein the base cement composition comprises a base density. The method further comprises introducing a gas to the base cement composition to provide a cement composition having a density less than the base density and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, comprising preparing a cement composition comprising water, a cementitious material, and a gas hydrate inhibitor, and placing the cement composition in the wellbore. A cement composition comprising water, a cementitious material, and a gas hydrate inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a pathway for fluid communication through a tubing-retrievable subsurface safety valve (TRSSV). The method and apparatus are designed to be deployed within a hydrocarbon wellbore after the TRSSV has failed. The apparatus is a milling tool that is run into the wellbore and landed within the TRSSV. The milling tool comprises a housing system, a cutting system, a drive system, and an actuating system. In operation, the milling tool is landed within the housing of the TRSSV. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one arrangement, the cutting system includes blades for shaving the pressure containing body of the TRSSV, thereby forming a pathway for fluid communication between a hydraulic fluid line and a bore of the safety valve.

Abstract: A well bore liner is carried on a working string into a main bore of a well. A well bore liner is directed from the main bore into an auxiliary bore of the well with a whipstock. The whipstock is coupled to a working string without withdrawing the working string from the main bore. The whipstock is then relocated in the well using the working string.

Abstract: A tensioning device (15) for a riser (5) connecting a subsea borehole (7) with a floating installation (1) on the surface of the sea (11), where the tensioning device (15) is provided with telescoping tubes (27, 27?) and also several evenly spaced hydraulic cylinders (31, 31?) arranged in a peripherally encircling manner and mainly in the longitudinal direction of the riser, and where the tension in the riser is exerted through hydraulic pressure in said cylinder (31, 31?), the tensioning device (15) consisting of two successive, interconnected telescopic tensioning units (23, 25), the tensioning units (23, 25) being designed separately to maintain a prescribed tension in the riser (5).

Abstract: A riser connector connects the upper portion of a riser (12) having a latching enlargement (32) to a receptacle (14) on a vessel (16), so the riser upper end (22) can connect to a fluid coupling (42) leading to a conduit (40) on the vessel. A double-click mechanism (88), with parts on the enlargement and on the receptacle, turns a load ring on the enlargement to latch the enlargement in place when it is lifted to an upper position and lowered to a latched position, and releases it by again lifting and lowering. A cable coupling (24) is temporarily mounted on the top of the riser to enable the riser to be lifted by a cable (26), the cable coupling being later removed to connect the riser upper end to the fluid coupling on the vessel.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: A liner running system for placing a liner in a well bore comprises a latch sleeve connected to the liner and a running tool releasably attached to the latch sleeve. The latch sleeve has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner, and the running tool has an outer diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of the liner. The latch sleeve may be connected into the liner at any location along its length. The running tool is releasable from the latch sleeve via hydraulic actuation or mechanical actuation. Optionally, a swivel may be connected to the liner. The swivel has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner. The method for lowering the liner into the well bore via the liner running system comprises rotating the liner, pushing the liner, pulling the liner, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatuses and methods for an improved shunt nozzle which is part of an alternative pathway for a slurry to by-pass an obstruction such as a sand bridge during gravel packing. In one embodiment, the nozzle has a hardened insert that lines a surface of a hole in the shunt and seats on a surface of a wall proximate the hole, thereby restraining movement of the insert relative to the shunt for welding an outer jacket to the shunt.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for expanding a tubular. In one aspect, embodiments of the prevent invention provide an expander tool having at least two expansion members radially extendable from the expander tool into contact with a surrounding inside surface of the tubular, the at least two expansion members radially extendable at different times and axially spaced after radially extending. In another aspect, embodiments include a method for isolating a first portion of a wellbore from a second portion of a wellbore comprising locating an expandable tubular within the wellbore between the first and second portions, the expandable tubular having a weakened portion therein, isolating the first portion from the second portion of the wellbore, and expanding the expandable tubular proximate to the weakened portion to sever the expandable tubular.

Abstract: Oilfield apparatus and methods of use, the apparatus comprising an elastomeric composition comprising the reaction product of a linear or branched polymer having residual ethylenic unsaturation with an ethylenically unsaturated organic monomer having at least one reactive moiety selected from the group consisting of acid, acid anhydride, and acid salt.