Abstract: A method for growth of a hydraulic fracture or a tall frac is described wherein the tall frac is disposed next to a well bore using a sandpacked annulus. Also, a method for creating a permeable well bore annulus is disclosed. The method for creating the tall frac includes creating a linear-sourced, cylindrical stress field by maneuvering the intersection of two independent friction-controlled pressure gradients of a frac pad fluid. The intersection of these two frac pad fluid pressure gradients can be controlled when the frac pad fluid traverses along a well bore sandpacked annulus. The first pressure gradient is created by controlling the fluid flow rate and the consequent, friction pressure loss in the frac pad fluid flow through a portion of the sandpacked annulus, located above the top of the upwardly propagating tall frac hydraulic fracture. The first pressure gradient must be significantly greater than the average gradient of the formation, frac-extension pressure gradient.

Abstract: A cement composition is provided including a cement and a low reactivity particle coated with a swellable polymeric material. The low reactivity particle is coated with a swellable polymeric material at a concentration of about 10 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, based on the weight of the cement. The swellable polymeric material swells to a larger volume when exposed to one or more hydrocarbons, depending on the selected polymeric material. The cement composition is used in a method as a self-sealing cement for cementing an oil and gas well, thereby minimizing or mitigating the unwanted migration of water or hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., comprising oil shale, includes injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore. The wellbore is completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation, and the wellbore includes a bore formed through the subsurface formation defining a diameter. The cooling fluid comprises a slurry having particles of frozen material. The cooling fluid is circulated across the formation in order to lower the temperature of at least a portion of the formation to a point that is at or below the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., a subsurface formation including oil shale, includes completing a well having fluid communication with the subsurface formation at a first depth and a second lower depth. A fracturing fluid is injected into the well so as to form a fracture at a depth of the subsurface formation, and thereby provides fluid communication between the first and second depths in the well. A cooling fluid is circulated under pressure through the well and into the fracture so as to cause the cooling fluid to flow from the well, into subsurface formation at the first depth, to the subsurface formation at the second depth, and back into the well, thereby lowering the temperature of the subsurface formation.

Abstract: A tool is employed with a subsea wellhead assembly for preventing the collapse of a wear bushing located in a drill-through tubular member due to external test forces being applied to it. The tool has a connector that connects to the drill-through tubular member. A stem extends downward from the connector and has a reacting member at its lower end. The reacting member engages an inner diameter of the wear bushing to resist inwardly directed forces due to fluid pressure on the exterior of the wear bushing. The tool can be incorporated with a running tool or with a blowout preventer isolation test tool.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has separable tree modules that interconnect together. The lower tree module has a lower tree member having a bore with a valve for controlling production fluid flow. The upper tree module has an upper tree member with a bore and interface devices for monitoring the fluid flow as well as controlling the flow. A production line sub is carried alongside the upper tree member. The sub has a stab interface that stabs sealingly into a stab interface mounted alongside the lower tree member.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a gas lift valve and an isolation member. The gas lift valve includes a valve element that is located between an annulus and a passageway of a tubing. The valve element is adapted to selectively open and close to control fluid communication through the valve element. The isolation member is adapted to in a first state, isolate the valve element from at least one of the annulus and the passageway and in a second state, permit fluid communication between the valve element and the annulus or passageway.

Abstract: A system for steam-assisted gravity drainage for heavy oil production has a first well, a second well, a first platform connected to the well head of the first well so as to inject steam into the first well, and a second platform connected to the well head of the second well for producing heavy oil from the second well. The platforms are arranged in parallel flow relationship. Each of the platform has a first level with flow lines extending longitudinally therealong and a second level located above the first level and having piping connected to the flow lines of the first level. The second level includes valves and controllers cooperative with the piping. The platforms are modular in nature and can be connected to other platforms.

Abstract: A system for forming a liner downhole within a well bore has a rig comprising a tool string driving mechanism and an aperture proximate an opening of a well bore. The system also has first and second tool string components and each component has a central bore disposed intermediate first and second tool joints of the component. The first tool joint of the first component is disposed proximate the aperture and the second tool joint of the second component. First and second resilient lining materials are disposed within the central bore of the first and second tool string components respectively. At least one lining material connecting mechanism is disposed proximate the aperture. The system also comprises at least one downhole dispenser that is adapted to direct a resilient continuous lining material against the well bore to form a liner.

Abstract: Controlled Buoyancy Perforating technology for highly deviated and substantially horizontal wellbores may include long perforating guns assembled on a rig floor from a multiplicity of light weight and highly engineered shaped charge carrier joints. Tubular housings for such light weight joints may be fabricated from composite materials having steel transition collars. The collars are designed for an angularly coordinated, bayonet assembly and, in most cases, rapid disassembly. The internal volume of each joint is environmentally sealed by a plurality of O-rings. Sleeves that overlap abutting ends of adjacent carrier joint housings are secured by snap rings. Set screws into the sleeve ring channels release the sleeve from a housing. Individual shaped charge units and cooperative fusing are assembled in a light weight inner loading tube having an alignment collar to secure the angular and axial position of the loading tube relative to the transition collars.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of generating electrical power downhole using a quantum thermoelectric generator and operating a downhole device using the generated power.

Abstract: A packer assembly for use in wellbore operations includes a first packer and a second packer interconnected by an adjustable length spacer. The spacer provides a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the first packer and the second packer when the assembly is positioned in a wellbore.

Abstract: In the system or method for sprinklering a building, the building has a water delivery pipe for delivery of water to at least two different floors of the building. On at least two floors, a respective sprinkler pipe with a plurality of sprinklers is installed. Also a respective pump is installed whose outlet is connected to the respective sprinkler pipe, and whose inlet is connected to the water delivery pipe. A respective sensor for the respective pump automatically activates the pump when at least one of the sprinklers is activated.

Abstract: A scraper for mounting to a tool bar of a farm implement having at least one rotating disk for tilling soil, including a support mounted to the tool bar and a shaft pivotally attached to and extending from the support where the shaft has a central axis. A scraper blade is rotatably attached to an end of the shaft and the scraper blade comprises a perimeter wherein the shaft pivots to rotatably engage a side surface of the rotating disk to prevent soil from accumulating on the side surface and prevents debris from accumulating between the side surface and the scraper blade.

Abstract: A linkage positioning system for a machine is disclosed. The linkage positioning system has a lock pin, a linkage member having a plurality of holes configured to receive the lock pin, an actuator configured to selectively extend and retract the lock pin, and a control module in communication with the actuator. The control module is configured to receive a request for lock pin engagement with the linkage member, and retract the lock pin from a first of the plurality of holes in the linkage member. The control module is also configured to move the linkage member to align a second of the plurality of holes with the lock pin, and extend the lock pin into the second of the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A push block, a scraping device and a method for collecting a material are provided. The scraping device has a frame, a blade attached to the bottom of the frame, a tongue attached to a front end of the frame and a beam attached to a back end of the frame. Tires are connected to the beam. The scraping device has a front lift mechanism at the front end of the frame and/or a rear lift mechanism at the back end of the frame. The front lift mechanism has a front cylinder connected to the tongue and the front end of the frame. The rear lift mechanism has a rear cylinder attached to the back end of the frame. Movement of the front cylinder and the rear cylinder results in raising and/or lowering of the corresponding ends of the frame of the scraping device. The push block is pivotally connected to an arm and pivotally connected to a tire beam. The arm and the tire beam are pivotally connected to the back end of the frame.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an improvement in ease of operation of a driving mode switching mechanism in a hammer drill. According to the invention, a representative hammer drill includes a driving mode switching mechanism which has an operating part, a first switching member and a second switching member. The operating part can be turned to at least three rotating positions in its circumferential direction, while the operating part can be turned 360° on the rotation axis in the both directions. Thus, the user can select the desired driving mode in the shortest turning distance without passing though an unnecessary driving mode position. Therefore, ease of operation in mode change can be enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool (1), in particular an impact wrench, with a pulse unit (6) having a hydraulic impact mechanism (7) and a drive unit (24). The working volume (5) can be connected within the hydraulic impact mechanism (7) to an additional volume (4) formed outside of the mechanism. The tool according to the invention is characterised in that at least the compensating volume (4) can be varied independently of the pressure.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the position of a downhole tool assembly having multiple beacons. In a preferred embodiment first and second beacons are adapted to transmit electromagnetic signals indicative of the position of the downhole tool assembly. A receiving assembly having a single antenna arrangement detects the signals transmitted from the first and second beacons. The receiving assembly processes the signals to determine the relative position of the receiving assembly to the downhole tool assembly. The determination of the relative position comprises determining a lateral offset and a distance from the downhole tool assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.

Abstract: A technique is presented for providing a double-barrier to formation fluids during drilling operations with a concentric drill string having an inner bore and an annulus. A primary flow control system is used to provide a first barrier to formation fluids in the inner bore and annulus of the drill string. A backup flow control system is used to provide a second barrier to formation fluids. The backup flow control system comprises a backup inner bore shutoff valve and a backup annulus shutoff valve. The backup inner bore shutoff valve is dropped from the surface through the inner bore of the drill string. The backup inner bore shutoff valve has spring-biased tabs that are configured to extend outward to contact an inner surface profile of the inner bore of the drill string. The backup annulus shutoff valve may be provided with the profile to receive the spring-biased tabs from the backup inner bore shutoff valve.

Abstract: A method for drilling with a liner includes: providing a liner string including an upper portion extending towards surface and a lower portion; drilling to a depth with the liner string; disconnecting the upper portion from the lower portion; pulling the upper portion from the well; and leaving the lower portion in the well to line the wellbore. A drilling assembly for drilling a borehole with a borehole liner includes: an upper liner string; a lower liner string including an upper end and a lower end; a releasable connector connecting the lower liner string to the upper liner string; and a drilling assembly connectable at the lower end of the lower liner string.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has cutting elements arranged to avoid tracking. The bit has a bit body having a bit axis of rotation. First, second and third cones are rotatably mounted to the bit body, each of the cones having a plurality of rows of cutting elements including a heel row and an adjacent row. The heel row of the first cone has at least equal the number of cutting elements as the heel rows of the other cones. The adjacent row of the second cone has at least 90 percent as many cutting elements as the heel row of the first cone. The heel row of the third cone has a pitch that is in the range from 20-50% greater than the heel rows of the first cone.

Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) carbide composites of this invention have a microstructure comprising a plurality of granules formed from PCD, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, or mixture thereof, that are distributed within a substantially continuous second matrix region that substantially surrounds the granules and that is formed from a cermet material. In an example embodiment, the granules are polycrystalline diamond and the cermet material is cemented tungsten carbide. PCD carbide composites of this invention display improved properties of fracture toughness and chipping resistance, without substantially compromising wear resistance, when compared to conventional pure PCD materials.

Abstract: Thermally stable diamond bonded materials and compacts include a diamond body having a thermally stable region and a PCD region, and a substrate integrally joined to the body. The thermally stable region has a microstructure comprising a plurality of diamond grains bonded together by a reaction with a reactant material. The PCD region extends from the thermally stable region and has a microstructure of bonded together diamond grains and a metal solvent catalyst disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains. The compact is formed by subjecting the diamond grains, reactant material, and metal solvent catalyst to a first temperature and pressure condition to form the thermally stable region, and then to a second higher temperature condition to both form the PCD region and bond the body to a desired substrate.

Abstract: A drive-train for a fuel-efficient wheeled vehicle includes a first internal combustion engine and a second internal combustion engine of lesser power adapted to drive a generator. An electric motor is adapted to drive the vehicle primarily during cruising mode operation. The first engine is employed primarily to provide maximal power to the vehicle for acceleration, hill-climbing and towing. The power from both the motor and first engine can be selectively combined for varied conditions of operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A riding type vehicle with improved cooling function of a V-belt continuously variable transmission and a compact body cover. A front side of a seat is partitioned with a space recessed to a lower side. The inside of a vehicle body cover is partitioned with a center tunnel. An engine unit is supported by a vehicle body frame on a lower side of the recessed space. The engine unit includes a transmission case having a belt chamber containing the V-belt continuously variable transmission. A footrest is arranged on an outer side in a vehicle width direction of the transmission case. An intake duct that guides air for cooling the V-belt type continuously variable transmission is disposed on an outer side in a vehicle width direction of the center tunnel and on an upper side of the transmission case.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle comprising a rear platform between the rear wheels providing standing room and access to the straddle seat of the all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may also featuring a rear passageway and a side passageway for the rider of the all-terrain vehicle to access to the straddle seat. The all-terrain vehicle also features rear wheel track which is smaller than the front wheel track.

Abstract: A regeneration and brake management system includes a prime mover, an energy storage device associated with the prime mover, and a regenerative braking system including a controller and at least one friction brake, wherein the regenerative braking system is configured to at least partially disable the at least one friction brake during regenerative braking.

Abstract: Advances in robotics have had a great influence in the design and performance of motorized assistive devices in the past two decades. Specifically, introduction of “intelligent” system technologies has enabled users of motorized assistive devices to better control their machines and avoid problematic situations. However, one area of assistive devices that has not reaped the benefits of advances in the state-of-the-art, is major weight reduction in the overall design of these devices. Bulky motorized assistive devices hinder the range and portability of these devices and impact the ability of the user to manually handle these devices without assistance of mechanical lifting devices or individuals. This ultralight, collapsible powered operated vehicle (POV) is lighter than those available today by approximately 80%. This device addresses this issue by the development of an ultralight, collapsible POV, which will replace the bulky and heavy motorized assistive devices currently being used.

Abstract: A curve-tilting vehicle, e.g., a three-wheeled vehicle (30), including a laterally tilting device (4) at least one section (5) of the vehicle by a tilting axis (6) that runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (3) of the vehicle such that the center of gravity of the vehicle can be displaced perpendicular to the direction of travel when driving, especially in curves or on a sloped or uneven ground. The vehicle includes at least one vehicle seat (8a) that is disposed in the tilting section (5) of the vehicle and is allocated to the driver who steers the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a detector (9a) for detecting a lateral force of the seat, which the body of the driver applies at least to one zone of the vehicle seat (8a) in a lateral direction (10a) extending perpendicular to the direction of travel. The lateral force of the seat may be detected using a pivotal spring-centered vehicle seat (8a).

Abstract: A control system includes a vehicle speed sensor, a roll rate sensor, a steering angle calculation unit, a steering angle control unit, an actuator, and a rear wheel steering angle sensor. The steering angle calculation unit acquires a roll rate and vehicle speed of a motorcycle and determines a target steering angle and a delayed steering angle of a rear wheel depending on the acquired roll rate and vehicle speed. The steering angle control unit causes the actuator to steer the rear wheel by the actuator based on the delayed steering angle determined by the steering angle calculation unit. Alternatively, a motorcycle includes a first holding member arranged to rotatably and steerably hold a front wheel of the motorcycle, a second holding member that is attached to the first holding member arranged to hold a rear wheel, and a controller arranged to swing one of the first and second holding members with respect to the other based on the roll rate detected by the roll rate detector.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a plurality of wheels; a propelling speed change device supported by the plurality of wheels and having at least one forward travel position and a reverse travel position with substantially the same speed reduction ratio as the forward travel position; a steering wheel for steering at least one of the plurality of wheels; a steering wheel support shaft for supporting the steering wheel; a speed change lever located in a position laterally of the steering wheel support shaft and operatively connected to the propelling speed change device to operate the propelling speed change device; a speed change lever guide for guiding the speed change lever, the guide including: a plurality of fore and aft channels extending substantially in the fore and aft direction of the work vehicle; a communication channel extending between the plurality of fore and aft channels; wherein one of the plurality of the fore and aft channels has a first lever position corresponding to the forward travel position a

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with coordinated steering. There is a need for a vehicle wherein Ackerman steered front wheels are coordinated with differentially steered and driven rear wheels. Such a vehicle includes Ackerman steerable front wheels and differentially driven left and right rear wheels. A steered wheel angle sensor is coupled to the front wheels and generates a steered wheel angle value. A front steering unit steers the front wheels and a differential drive unit drives the rear wheels. A control unit is coupled to the steering input sensor, to the steered wheel angle sensor, and to the front steering unit and the differential drive unit. The control unit generates the front steering control signal and the rear drive/steering control signal, and coordinates the steering operation of the front wheels with the differential steering/driving of the rear wheels.

Abstract: In a power steering system comprising a power cylinder for assisting a steering power of a steering mechanism, a hydraulic pump for supplying a hydraulic pressure to the power cylinder, a first oil passage and a second oil passage connecting the power cylinder and the hydraulic pump respectively, a motor for driving the hydraulic pump, and power steering control means for calculating a command value to the motor based on the steering torque, a flow rate of the working oil supplied from a high-pressure side oil passage to a low-pressure side oil passage is restrained at the transition from the end of the steering state (lock end) of the steering mechanism to the returning. The flow-rate restraint increasingly corrects a driving current of the motor in the steering direction or limits the flow rate of the working oil.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to control mechanisms and more specifically to a control mechanism which is adaptable to a steering wheel of a vehicle. Most control mechanisms of auto-piloting systems which must be installed on existing vehicles usually require more specific parts and more expensive installations. The control mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention includes components readily installable into the cabin of an existing vehicle and involves elements sandwiching the steering wheel of the vehicle which are operatively mounted to a motoring assembly actuatable by the user of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hearing protection device for a human ear. The device has an arm that clips about the pinna. A plug member caps or enters ear canal. The device is biased to provide some force against the plug member so that is stays in position during use. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulating device, in particular a motor vehicle parking brake with a regulating unit having a power-operated drive. To provide a regulating device which enables simple cable balancing, it is proposed that a hollow shaft be moved against a torsionally resistant stop as a function of the spring force of an elastic element, when the parking brake is released. The axial position of the stop thus ensures that an adequate cable bias force is always present.

Abstract: A disc brake pad (1) comprising a base plate (2), on which elongated elements for supporting friction elements (3) are fixed. The friction elements (3) are mounted, alone or in groups, on the ends of elastic support elements (4), the support elements (4) being cantilevered on the base plate (2) to provide projecting and freely movable ends which support the friction elements (3). The support elements (4) are placed on the base plate (2) with their main longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to a ray passing through the centre of the brake disc. The disc brake pad centre coincides with rotary axis of the wheel or other rotating element to be braked. The circular portion or band of the element on which each friction element acts is as narrow as possible, thereby minimizing the peripheral speed difference between inner circumference and outer circumference of the annular bands engaged by the friction elements.

Abstract: A second support post supporting a main unit is swingably held by a vibration isolation mechanism on a first support post which is fixedly mounted in a compartment of a vehicle. The second support post supports thereon a first lock for engaging a bracket mounted on a wall of the vehicle to prevent the second support post and the main unit from being swingably displaced. A joint casing on the first support post houses therein a second lock for fixing the second support post to the first support post. When the vehicle is stopped for the main unit to capture an image of a subject, the first and second locks fix the main unit to the vehicle.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a bridging clutch of a hydrodynamic clutch arrangement has a drive-side damping device, which can be brought into working connection with the housing of the clutch arrangement and is provided with a drive-side transmission element, which acts via a drive-side energy-storage group on an intermediate transmission element, and a takeoff-side damping device, which uses a takeoff-side group of energy-storage devices to establish a working connection between the intermediate transmission element and a takeoff-side transmission element, which is connected to a takeoff-side component of the hydrodynamic clutch arrangement. A predetermined stiffness ratio is obtained between the energy-storage devices of a first group and the energy-storage devices of a second group, and the energy-storage devices of the drive-side group have a stiffness different from that of the assigned energy-storage devices of the takeoff-side group.

Abstract: A starting clutch includes a clutch inner that is secured to and supported by a drive plate boss fitted to a crankshaft near the end thereof. A one-way clutch is fitted to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion extending inwardly. A clutch outer forms an annular portion that covers the outer periphery of the drive plate. A hollow disk portion covers the inner surface and is rotatably supported by the crankshaft. The one-way clutch is clamped by the inner peripheral edge of the hollow disk portion of the clutch outer from the outer peripheral side in cooperation with the cylindrical portion of the drive plate boss, and the inner peripheral edge of the hollow disk portion of the clutch outer abuts against a flange portion of the drive plate boss extending along the inner surface of the drive plate in the centrifugal direction thereof.

Abstract: A drive assembly for the driveline of a motor vehicle with an axle which can be driven when required. The drive assembly includes a drive and a multi-plate coupling. The drive comprises a drive housing with a sleeve-shaped projection in which a drive input shaft is rotatably supported. The multi-plate coupling which is rotatably supported in a coupling housing connected to the drive housing comprises a coupling input part for introducing torque and a coupling output part connected to the drive input shaft in a rotationally fast way. The multi-plate coupling is arranged coaxially on the outside relative to the sleeve-shaped projection and partially axially covers the latter.

Abstract: A dual clutch arrangement for a dual clutch transmission for motor vehicles, having a first and a second friction clutch which are each fluidically actuable. A first piston arrangement serves to actuate the first friction clutch and has a first piston, a first piston space and a first centrifugal force equalizing space. A second piston arrangement serves to actuate the second friction clutch and has a second piston, a second piston space and a second centrifugal force equalizing space. The piston spaces and the centrifugal force equalizing spaces are situated in each case on opposite sides of the associated piston and are connected by means of feed lines to a valve arrangement.

Abstract: An automatic transmission supplies oil pressure to a hydraulic servo of a second clutch through an oil pressure supply passage extending through a first drum and a second drum, the oil pressure supply passage including a plurality of first oil holes formed in the first drum at equal, circumferential intervals, a plurality of second oil holes formed in the second drum at equal, circumferential intervals, and an annular oil passage formed between the first and second drums and connecting the first oil holes and the second oil holes. The number of first oil holes is different from the number of second oil holes.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch as used preferably in an electric parking brake device, a sector-shape input cam provided bodily with an input rotational member is inserted into a sector-shape cutout of an output cam provided bodily with an output rotational member, with clearances secured in the circumferential direction between circumferentially end surfaces of the input and output cams. A coil spring is placed in an annular space between an internal surface of a stationary cylinder member and external surfaces of the input and output cams and is provided at both ends thereof with curved portions which are placed respectively in the clearances. A cam surface is formed on a part of each circumferentially inner end surface of the cutout.

Abstract: A multi-section chute of a type suitable for directing mixed concrete compositions from a discharge end of a transit concrete mixer truck to a desired receiving location. The chute includes a plurality of elongate chute sections, each having a wall with a low friction concave inter-surface configuration and a convex outer configuration wherein each chute section includes a pair of longitudinal channel shapes along and integral to longitudinal edges of the wall and a central longitudinal rib, the channel shapes and the rib re-enforcing the chute section against longitudinal bending, and a fastening assembly for removably joining the plurality of chute sections together in a consecutive longitudinal arrangement and wherein the plurality of elongate chute sections further comprise cooperating nesting configurations that enable formation of a compact stable interconnecting nesting storage arrangement.

Abstract: A method of deriving a function for classifying items of currency. The method comprises processing training data vectors corresponding to features of a plurality of currency items, and derives a support vector machine classification function involving a plurality of support vectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for feeding pouches and spouts to an apparatus for processing same. A system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can feed pouches and spouts to a rotary machine simultaneously. More specifically, the system can provide a transferring assembly for grasping a single spout and pouch simultaneously from a spout supply and a pouch supply, respectively, then relinquishing the spout and pouch simultaneously to the rotary machine.

Abstract: An article transport device comprises an endless revolving body that is configured to move along a cyclic path in a substantially horizontal direction; a plurality of article supports each of which supports an article, wherein the article supports move together with the endless revolving body with the supports spaced apart from each other in a traveling direction; a support mechanism for supporting the article supports to the endless revolving body such that the article supports can move between a transport position adjacent the endless revolving body and an away position spaced apart from the transport position; and a guide mechanism for causing at least some of the article supports to move from the transport position to the away position and to move from the away position to the transport position, at an article delivering location or an article receiving location along the cyclic path of the endless revolving body.