Abstract: Universal fluid valve body apparatus and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example fluid control valve body includes opposing first and second openings and opposing third and fourth openings. Each of the third and fourth openings is disposed at a respective angle to at least one of the first and second openings and one of the third and fourth openings is configured to enable the fluid control valve body to be mounted directly to a vessel.

Abstract: A three-wedge double block isolation chamber including a body with an internal chamber bounded by an inlet and an outlet having a wedge assembly positioned in the chamber. The wedge assembly may be configured as either a blind wedge assembly to block the flow of liquid through a pipeline; a flow-through wedge assembly to permit flow of liquid through a pipeline; or a meter wedge assembly to meter the flow of liquid through the pipeline. The wedge assembly includes an upstream wedge, a downstream wedge, and a force wedge. The wedge assembly seats in the internal chamber of the body. The upstream wedge and the downstream wedge each include a seal and are positioned respectively against the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A pressure-recovery device for a supersonic, continuous wave gas laser is capable of recovering the pressure of the supersonic fluid in an efficient manner and in a relatively light and compact assembly. The supersonic diffuser has a substantially rectangular inlet and top and bottom walls that extend from the inlet in the direction of the flow of gas. The top and bottom walls are separated by a height (l1) at the inlet and are connected by two side walls. The side walls are separated by a width (h) at the inlet, wherein the ratio of height to width ranges at the inlet from about 0.001 to about 1. A compression region is formed by the top wall, bottom wall and side walls, wherein said top and bottom walls either are or are not symmetric about a central longitudinal axis of the compression region.

Abstract: A pair of specially designed plates that are mounted to the framing of a screened enclosure, enabling the installation of a hose bib and hose bib to garden hose adapter, providing a water supply through the screen of the enclosure. This provides a garden hose connection and water flow control point within the screened enclosure. An ordinary garden hose is attached to a hose bib outside the screened enclosure and to the hose bib to garden hose adapter providing the water supply.

Abstract: A valve for the fuel system of a turbine engine works to relieve high pressure transients in the liquid fuel side of the turbine engine arising from the elevated ambient temperatures of operation of the turbine on gaseous fuel. The valve also prevents significant pressure losses during turbine start-up and sustained operation. The valve is bi-stable and has a liquid fuel driven poppet that toggles between one of two closed positions to interrupt flow through the valve when below a lower pressure limit and when above an upper pressure limit. The poppet moves to an intermediate position temporarily to permit pressure relief. A method of operating such a valve is also provided.

Abstract: A check valve for an inflatable device comprising a poppet urged by a conical spring to annularly seal uniformly around its entire periphery to assure more uniform cracking pressure about its entire periphery. In one embodiment the check valve comprises a locking key to lock the valve closed irrespective of the cracking pressure that may otherwise may have cracked the valve open. In another embodiment, the check valve comprises a manual dump feature that allows rapid dumping of air from the inflatable irrespective of low cracking pressure that may exist in the inflatable.

Abstract: A valve, especially a gas safety valve includes a fluid-guiding path (32) that can be sealed by a sealing device (30) provided with a sealing surface (34). The sealing surface can be brought against an abutment surface (36) of an abutment part (38), and is at least partially inserted into a receiving region (40) of a receiving part (42). As the sealing device (30) is fixed inside the receiving region (40) in such a way that a counter-holding part (54) can be brought into contact with the sealing device (30) by connection to the receiving part (42), the sealing device is arranged inside the receiving region of the receiving part and is securely held in the receiving region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grounding a chamber isolation valve are provided. Generally, the method makes use of an electrically conductive elastomeric member or members to effectively ground a chamber isolation valve and/or isolation valve door while avoiding metal-to-metal contact between moving parts in the processing system. In one embodiment, the elastomeric member is attached to and in electrical communication with the door of the chamber isolation valve. The elastomeric member is brought into contact with a grounded component of the plasma processing system when the door is in the closed position. In another embodiment, the conductive elastomeric member is attached to a bracing member of the isolation valve and is brought into contact with a grounded component of the plasma processing system when the bracing member is deployed to hold the isolation valve door in place during substrate processing. Other configurations are also provided.

Abstract: What is provided is a flow shut-off element, particularly for use in the medical field of peritoneal dialysis, consisting of a valve body (2) having an inner cavity (3) and a plurality of accesses (4, 5, 6); a selector having a projecting portion inserted into the inner cavity of the valve body and movable relatively to the latter into a predetermined number of operating positions to create predetermined paths in which the fluid flow is permitted and/or shut off between the said accesses. Also provided is an auxiliary element interposed in a removable way between the valve body and the selector, this element having positioning means to enable an operator to determine when one of the said predetermined operating positions of the selector has been reached.

Abstract: A fail-safe shutter (13) for a “cross-stack” monitor, comprises a body member (14) having an aperture (1) through which, in use, an associated monitoring instrument is adapted to sight. A gate (3) is movable between a retracted, open position in which the aperture (1) is exposed, and a closed position in which the aperture (1) is closed-off by a portion of the gate (3), and means are provided to bias the gate (3) towards its closed position.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical quick disconnect female cryogenic coupler, interconnected with a cryogenic fluid transfer apparatus, includes a coupler body with a first cavity housing a laterally severed tubular bushing, an adaptor having one end attached to the coupler body and another end to the apparatus, a normally closed-biased valve between the coupler body and the adaptor, a coupling sleeve, attached to the coupler body having, a frusto-conical inlet portion, and a vent fitting having one end connected with a coupling sleeve radial aperture and another end in operative connection with a cryogenic fluid storage vessel, associated with the noted apparatus, to permit the inlet purging by using the vessel's own gaseous phase as a purging medium during liquid fluid transfer operation. The severed bushing inhibits ice formation, at an inlet/male nipple interface during the noted transfer. A method for purging moisture at the noted interface is also set forth.

Abstract: A limb for a breathing circuit manufactured from very thin walled polymer materials has an elongate axial reinforcing spine lying freely inside the conduit and fixed to each end connector. The spine is laterally compliant but axially stiff. The spine provides resistance to tensile and compressive loads on the conduit, including that induced by prevailing internal pressures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use within a production pipeline or other flowbore to reduce fluid pressure and regulate fluid flow while minimizing erosion effects caused by particulate matter in the fluid, wherein varying geometries with respect to multiple components within a choke valve are utilized to effectuate multiple changes in fluid flow direction, causing a fluid pressure drop at each directional change.

Abstract: A thread protector for protecting threads of a pipe includes a body having female or male threads shaped for threaded engagement with male or female threads formed on a pin or box end of a pipe. An elastically flexible annular sealing projection extends from the body to a location where it will be elastically flexed by and in line contact with an end surface of the pipe when the threads of the protector are engaged with the threads of the pipe. The thread protector can protect the threads of a pipe against deposition of dirt and against rusting without application of grease.

Abstract: A bend stiffener comprising a modular arrangement of alternating disks of rigid material and flexible material, each disk having a center hole arranged in axial alignment with the center holes of adjacent disks. The axially-aligned disks are arranged intermediate an end plate and a front plate, and are sandwiched together by one or more tensioned wires or other such elongated elements passing from the end plate to the front plate. Either or both the end plate or the front plate contain termination means for connection to a structure, such as for example bolts, threads latches or other locking mechanism.

Abstract: This process includes steps consisting in manufacturing an eyelet for guiding a warp yarn, making, in a threadlike element, an opening for receiving the eyelet, and placing and immobilizing the eyelet in the opening. During manufacture of the eyelet at least two projecting tabs offset from each other along its edge and perpendicularly to the principal faces of this eyelet are formed on this outer edge. During the placement of the eyelet in the opening, a part of the edge of the opening is inserted between the tabs. As a variant, the tabs can be provided on the edge of the opening.

Abstract: A reinforcement binding machine capable of detecting, by the rotation of a reel, that wire on the reel is consumed and the reel, the reinforcement binding machine wherein an interrupter is installed in the cassette case of a binding machine body, a cover is rotatably held on a reel mounting shaft, an opening part is formed in the cover, a projection is formed on the reel and fitted into the opening part, and a color with a lightness different from that of the cover is applied to the projection to detect the rotation of the reel by the interrupter.

Abstract: A system for accurately measuring and delivering a predetermined amount of fuel to a vehicle for a specified mission. This system rapidly refuels vehicles to a specific wet vehicle weight. The fuel loading value is determined based upon an algorithm, which accounts for interactions of mission duration, and/or mission payload weight, and/or mission environmental effects. The fuel loading is accomplished by using one or more measuring tubes with a floating valve, which precludes the continued flow of fuel into the tank when the predetermined amount of fuel is delivered. The measuring tubes can be of specific lengths each corresponding to an output of the algorithm or a single telescoping tube that enables varying the length of the tube. Each unique tube length corresponding to a unique output of the algorithm. An alternative system comprises different sized fuel bladders. These systems enable a rapid foolproof method of refueling.

Abstract: A container filling machine for filling containers, such as bottles, with a liquid, such as a beverage, has at least one filling element for dispensing liquid. The filling element has a gas passage to control the flow of gas there through for filling containers under different pressures or no pressure.

Abstract: An improved method for measuring and automatically disposing of infectious waste generated during and after surgical and clinical procedures is provided. The infectious waste removal device includes a suction source, a method for pressure verification, separation chamber for isolating fluids, containment reservoir, measurement chamber for determining fluid received, an information source for such fluid volumes, a quantitative method for calculating fluid dynamics, a post use cleaning method, and other attributes for use by the surgical team or healthcare staff in order to while minimize healthcare worker handling of said infectious waste and to limit their possible exposure.

Abstract: A general-purpose fluid injecting device is provided that can be used if an air bag is accommodated in a box of a different height. A fluid injecting device is provided that injects a fluid into an air bag through a nozzle projecting from a box the air bag being housed in the box. The device includes a detection apparatus for detecting a height position of the nozzle and a control apparatus for varying the height position of fluid injecting device in accordance with the detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection system for injecting material into a receiving vessel, said injection system comprising: (i) an injection chamber provided with means to connect to the receiving vessel, and (ii) an injection capsule, adapted to fit within the injection chamber, and comprising a reservoir for the material and a valve, said injection system being adapted so that opening of the valve causes material contained within the reservoir to be injected into the receiving vessel by action of a pressure differential between the injection chamber and the receiving vessel. The present invention also relates to a method of injecting material into a receiving vessel using said injection system.

Abstract: There is provided a rotatable cutting tool for supporting at least one knife in at least two alternate angular cutting configurations. The cutting tool includes a body that defines at least one cavity extending generally in a longitudinal direction of the body. Each cavity is configured to support one of the knives at predetermined hook and shear angles, and each cavity can be configured to provide a different hook and/or shear angle.

Abstract: In a ground-contact surface shape of a tire, when a tangent angle formed between an axial direction of the tire and a tangent X at each point P on a profile line of the tire is defined as ?, a tangent angle ?1 in a ground-contact end point Pd is 25° or smaller. When a minimum value of the tangent angle ? in a region Y which is separated away from a tire equator C by a distance in a range of not less than 0.4 times but not more than 0.7 times a half of the ground-contact width of the tread is defined as ?2, and a tangent angle at a 0.9 times point Pq which is separated away from the tire equator C by a distance of 0.9 times the half of the ground-contact width of the tread is defined as ?3, a difference (?3??2) is set in a range of not less than ?10° but not more than +10°.

Abstract: A device is fitted into a well of a one-piece wheel rim so as to prevent a tire fitted onto the rim from rolling off this rim. A process for manufacturing this device is disclosed as is a fitted assembly for a motor vehicle comprising the rim, the cover and the device. The device has a belt having two ends and a catching blocks for connecting the ends together, which is intended to clamp the belt of annular shape around the rim well, and this device is such that the belt includes a plurality of filling elements, spaced apart between the ends, which elements are designed to at least partly fill the well and are connected together via at least one flexible linking element intended to form an annular sector around the well.

Abstract: A tyre for a vehicle wheel comprising two sidewalls, a tread, beads, the sidewall intended to be positioned on the interior side of the vehicle being shorter than that intended to be positioned on the exterior side of the vehicle, a reinforcement structure extending between the beads and maintained in said beads by anchoring zones, each of the beads comprising a specific and distinct arrangement of the anchoring zone thereof, such that the anchoring zone of the bead intended to be positioned on the exterior side of the vehicle exhibits a greater anchoring capacity than the anchoring zone of the bead intended to be on the interior side of the vehicle. The internal and external anchoring zones are thus arranged in such a manner as to produce, in operation, a rim clamping load which is substantially identical on each side.

Abstract: A rubber-fiber composite material of the present invention comprises a non-woven fabric and a rubber which coats the non-woven fabric. At least a part of the non-woven fabric is made of an organic fiber having a single fiber diameter of 10 to 35 ?m, a fiber length of 30 to 100 mm and a tensile modulus of 50 GPa or higher. By the use of the non-woven fabric at least a part of which is made of the organic fiber having the above properties, a sufficient impregnation of rubber into the inside of the non-woven fabric is ensured to enable the production of the rubber-fiber composite material having a high stiffness. Using the rubber-fiber composite material of the present invention as the reinforcing material for rubber articles, the resultant rubber articles have enhanced stiffness, improved durability and reduced weight.

Abstract: To fabricate a composite item, a device places a composite ply on a curved form at about 0° relative to a longitudinal axis of the form. The form includes a web surface and a cap surface. The device includes a web compaction roller and a set of guides. The web compaction roller compacts a composite material upon the web surface and generate a web ply. The set of guide rollers urges against the cap surface. The compaction roller is directed along the form by the guide rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping adhesive backed labels around elongate articles, such as electrical wires including a rotatable puck assembly having an interrupted circumferential surface defining an opening for receiving an elongate object to be labeled and wing members for applying the label during rotation.

Abstract: A door system is provided for a door opening defined by a pair of vertically spaced jambs, a header positioned near the vertical extremity of the jambs, and a floor supporting the jambs. The door system includes a door, a plurality of track sections, the door being movable on the track sections, and a support system coupled to the door. Engagement of the support system when the door is in a closed position enables transfer of forces applied to the door at least to one of the header and the floor. One embodiment provides for automatic actuation of the support system by movement of a pivoting motor assembly to a closed position. Another embodiment provides for manual actuation of the support system.

Abstract: A injection-molding process injects a semi-solid slurry with a solids content ranging from approximately 60% to 85% into a mold at a velocity sufficient to completely fill the mold. The slurry is injected under laminar or turbulent flow conditions and produces a molded article that has a low internal porosity.

Abstract: A core for casting a metal part having a body with solid portions spaced apart by hollow portions. The body includes at least one support element extending between adjacent solid portions. The support element provides stiffness and strength for the casting core during the casting process. The support element has an optimized shape to prevent the core from fracturing during the casting process and to minimize operating stress in the metal part around the area formed by the support element.

Abstract: A heat dissipating device includes: a container body defining an inner space therein and having a fluid passage and opposite upper and lower walls; a working fluid received in the inner space in the container body; a wick structure mounted in the inner space; and a sealing material that seals the fluid passage of the container body. One of the upper and lower walls has a wall portion that is disposed adjacent to the fluid passage and that is depressed in such a manner that the depressed wall portion cooperates with the other of the upper and lower walls to form a sealing mechanism that functions to isolate the fluid passage from the inner space.

Abstract: A non-metallic intercooler assembly includes an intake header tank, outlet header tank, and a multitude of non-metallic charge tubes which communicate airflow from the intake header tank to the outlet header tank. Several combinations of plastics parts are described. Tanks of intercoolers can be made from plastics today but with complicated clamping and sealing. Each tank in this description can be laser welded in place. Various combinations of laser opaque and laser transparent materials are utilized to achieve an effective laser welding assembly process. Intake systems for automotive use are widely made of plastic materials today and this description shows how those types of materials can be employed in an intercooler. Each non-metallic tube can be supported by a plastic fin feature whose primary function is to support the structure to promote airflow conditions favorable to heat transfer.

Abstract: A gas well cap seal assembly adapted to seal the casing bowl of a gas well and to pressurize the annulus region between the inner surface of the well bore and the outer surface of the well casing which is filled with wet cement. The pressurized annulus aids in the prevention of forming gas bubbles and gas leakage paths in the annulus region.

Abstract: Inflow control devices for sand control screens. A well screen includes a filter portion and at least one flow restrictor configured so that fluid which flows through the filter portion also flows through the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes at least one tube which forces the fluid to change momentum within the tube. An inflow control device for restricting flow into a passage of a tubular string in a wellbore includes at least one flow restrictor configured so that fluid flows between the passage and the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes at least one tube which forces the fluid to change momentum within the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disappearing ball seat. The disappearing ball seat includes, a tubular member having an inside dimension, and a restricted dimension portion of the tubular member dimensioned to prevent passage of a tripping ball therethrough, the restricted dimension portion being reconfigurable to a dimension capable of passing the tripping ball therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using that apparatus to orient a perforating gun or system to minimize or eliminate the damage which may be caused to exterior control conduits, conductors or devices, or to adjacent interior well control lines, conduits or tubing by attaching the perforating system to a device which has a resilient cam or guide which engages a slot formed on the interior of a specially fabricated tubular member attached at a spaced distance from the perforating systems blast and which is so oriented as to permit the attachment of the lines or conduits or devices in the opposite radial direction from the blast of the perforating system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).

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 technique is provided for pumping fluids in a subterranean wellbore. A submersible pumping system can be deployed in a wellbore for moving desired fluids within the wellbore. The pumping system energizes the desired fluid movement by reciprocating a working fluid between expandable members.

Abstract: A mobile snubbing system and method of operation transports a snubbing unit to a wellhead on a mobile platform. The snubbing unit is supported by a frame pivotable about a wellhead end of the platform for aligning the snubbing unit with the wellhead. A pipe handler boom is operable between a platform position for loading and off-loading tubulars at an open side of the platform and a second snubbing position for loading and off-loading tubulars at the top end of the snubbing unit. The boom can be telescopic for extending to the top of the snubbing unit and can be automated after learning tubular manipulation at the wellhead. Pipe racks can be deployable from the open side of the platform and an indexer and kicker in the platform enables loading and off-loading tubulars at the pipe handler.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a sealing apparatus for use in a tubular member. In one embodiment, the sealing apparatus includes an expandable sleeve and an expandable a toroidal/ring-shaped seal. The seal seats within a circumferential saddle or groove formed in the sleeve. An exemplary seal has an enlarged diameter portion and presents a radially outward sealing surface. During expansion, the enlarged diameter portion is compressed against the tubular member but, at least initially, the remainder of the sealing surface is not compressed. Thus, the pressure associated with the compression is focused on the limited contact area between the seal and the tubular. Continued expansion can increase the contact pressure and/or the amount of contact area. In one arrangement, the seal is configured to provide a gas tight seal.

Abstract: A pneumatic hammer comprises an elongate hollow casing with operatively upper and lower ends and has a piston slidingly received within the casing and operable to reciprocate within the casing between upper and lower pressure chambers defined within the casing. The hammer further has an axially displaceable bit assembly at the lower end of the casing and a backend assembly at the upper end of the casing. The piston has a striking face at an end thereof proximate the bit assembly, and the piston is operable to impact on a contact surface of the bit assembly in an impact region of the casing. The hammer is characterized in that the piston is shaped and dimensioned at its proximal end to have a snug sliding fit with an interior of the casing in the impact region of the casing.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a power tool having a rational structure. A representative power tool is provided to have a tool bit a power tool body, a motion converting mechanism housing chamber, a motion converting mechanism and a clutch mechanism. The power tool further includes a switching member, an opening, a rotating member, a switching operation transmitting mechanism and an actuating member. The switching member is disposed on an upper surface of the power tool body and can be manually operated by a user. The opening is provided to connect the motion converting mechanism housing chamber and the outside. The rotating member can rotate while closing the opening. The switching operation transmitting mechanism is disposed outside the motion converting mechanism housing chamber to connect the switching member to the rotating member and to transmit the switching operation effected by the user's manual operation of the switching member to the rotating member.

Abstract: A power tool including a drive assembly including a first clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly transfers a drive force from a motor shaft to a spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly prevents the transfer of the drive force. The first clutch assembly can be movable toward the disengaged configuration when a torque exerted on the spindle exceeds a torque limit. The drive assembly can also include a second clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly transmits the drive force from the motor shaft to the spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly prevents the transmission of the drive force. The second clutch assembly can be movable toward the engaged configuration when the tool element engages a workpiece.

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 system is provided for drilling and/or servicing a well bore using continuous lengths of coiled tubing in which a turntable assembly rotates a coiled tubing reel assembly and a counter balance system about the well bore such that the coiled tubing is rotated while in the well bore. A coiled tubing injector may be provided on a separate turntable assembly or on the same turntable assembly as the reel assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a tool has a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism and also a hard tip attached to an interfacial surface of the base. The tip has a first cemented metal carbide segment bonded to a superhard material at a non-planar interface. A volume of the superhard material is about 75% to 150% of a volume of the first cemented metal carbide segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bit with cutting structures or inserts that include diamond particles, in which the diamond-impregnated inserts are surrounded by substantially diamond-free support members. The diamond-impregnated inserts are manufactured separately from the bit body. Once formed, the diamond-impregnated inserts are affixed to the substantially diamond-free support members on bit body by brazing or other means of attachment. The total thermal exposure of the diamond particles during manufacture in accordance with the present invention is significantly lower than the total manufacturing-related thermal exposure in previously known diamond-impregnated cutting structures. Furthermore, the substantially diamond-free support members allow the bit to continue cutting through a formation without an increased contact area, as experienced by bits with diamond-impregnated ribs. Thus, the operating life of the cutting structures, and therefore the life of the bit itself, is increased.