Abstract: A pneumatic tire tread has tread elements formed by circumferential and/or lateral grooves. At least one tread element has a sipe that devolves from a constant width sipe having a three dimensional aspect in at least a portion of the radially outer portion of the sipe to a wider width groove at the base of the tread feature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatic tire provided at its bead portion with a rubber chafer (4) and covered at its inner surface with an innerliner (5), wherein a toe rubber (6) is further arranged on a toe end part of the bead portion so as to overlap with the rubber chafer (4) and the innerliner (5) and locate at least outside the innerliner (5) at the overlapped portion with the innerliner (5), and a rubber composition A containing at least one of butyl rubber and halogenated butyl rubber as 20-40 mass % of a rubber component is used in the toe rubber (6).

Abstract: It is to solve problems in a safety tire in which hollow particles also referred to as the foamable compositions are filled in the hollow ring-shaped partition wall and to provide a safety tire having a partition wall structure capable of sufficiently developing the function of the hollow particles. In a safety tire comprising a tire/approved rim assembly constructed by assembling the tire onto the approved rim, a hollow ring-shaped partition wall disposed inside the assembly to define a chamber extending in a circumferential direction along the rim, and thermally expandable hollow particles filled in the chamber and each consisting of a continuous phase of a resin and a closed cell(s), wherein the partition wall is provided with a filter selectively passing only a gas emitted when the hollow particles are thermally expanded.

Abstract: There is provided a pneumatic radial tire for a motorcycle whose turning stability is improved by achieving both grounding performance and lateral rigidity at high level. A mono-spiral belt (MSB) (3) includes steel cords whose tensile break strength is 5.9 Pa or more. A value Tc of a number of driven cords in the MSB (per 25 mm in width) at an equator of the tire and a value Ts at shoulder parts thereof meet requirements of 17?Tc?24 and 0.6?Ts/Tc?0.9. A disposed width BW of the MSB meets a requirement of 0.6?BW/TW?1.0. At least one textile-reinforcing layer having tensile break strength of 5.9 Pa or more is disposed at both ends of the MSB while overlapping with the MSB. An overlap of the MSB with the textile-reinforcing layer is 4 to 10 times of the diameter D of the steel cords in the MSB.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a roll sheet holder for producing labels which can be easily put on a slim stick-type member used in foods without being wound on and adhered to the stick-type member, and be completely removed from the stick-type member. The roll sheet is made of a continuous thermal sheet having self-coloring property having no adhesive layer on its back side, and the like, and wound on a roll sheet holder with a back face facing outward. A plurality of encoder marks are provided on an edge of the back face of the roll sheet in a width direction, with predetermined pitch size in a feeding direction. The predetermined pitch size of the encoder marks is arranged to be equal to a length between cutting lines along which the printed roll sheet is cut. Behind the encoder marks in the feeding direction, a dog-leg shaped slits, projecting backward in the feeding direction are made in each substantially center between the cutting lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for film transfer includes at least one printing press and at least one transfer film supply roller, a transfer film guiding device for guiding the transfer film web from the transfer film supply roller to a transfer nip. In order to ensure a variable film transfer in different printing units of the printing press, up to now the transfer film supply roller is moved with a film module into the region of the desired printing unit. In order to make a variable film transfer possible without complicated moving, the guiding device has web guiding elements at least in the region of the at least one printing press and the web guiding elements are enabled to selectively guide the transfer film web to different positions on the at least one printing press.

Abstract: A bonding device that is not affected by heat and that maintains wafers to be bonded parallel to each other so as to increase the accuracy with which the wafers are bonded. Spaces are formed between a first block member and a first pressure shaft and between a second block member and a second pressure shaft. In this way, little heat is transferred from the first block member and the second block member to the first pressure shaft and the second pressure shaft and a substantially uniform temperature is maintained inside the first block member and the second block member. Stresses caused by a difference between thermal expansion of the first block member and the second block member and thermal expansion of the first pressure shaft and the second pressure shaft are relieved by deflection of the first support pillar members and the second support pillar members.

Abstract: A device for mounting a tire on a wheel that includes a locking ring to hold the tire in place on the wheel, where the device includes a locking member which locks to the rim of the wheel and includes a cross bar with depending feet, which is connected to the locking member and is movable toward the locking member with the depending push bars engaged with the locking ring to press the locking ring into locking engagement with the wheel.

Abstract: A window blind safety device that fully conceals the lift cords and continuously maintains tension on the lift cords located between the slats of the blind. The present invention comprises a back plate for mounting adjacent to a window; a slide movably attached to the back plate and fastened to the lift cords; a front cover attached to the back plate for concealing the lift cords, wherein the front cover comprises a longitudinal slot and a plurality of retaining notches, wherein the front cover is adapted for receiving the lift cords; a handle engaging the slide for adjusting the height of the blinds; and a shank fastener attached to the upper portion of the back plate.

Abstract: A operation wand assembly of a curtain a curved connection member adapted to be connected to the lower rail of the curtain and having a top recess. A through hole is defined through the curved connection member and communicates with the top recess. An engaging member is received in the top recess and has a tubular portion engaged with the through hole of the curved connection member. The tubular portion includes an open bottom and two connection grooves are defined through a wall of the tubular portion. An operation wand has two radial rods extending from a top thereof and the top of the operation wand is removably inserted into the open bottom of the tubular portion. The two radial rods are engaged with the connection grooves. The operation wand can be hooked to a positioning member on a wall when not in use.

Abstract: A guide system for a roller blind of a sliding roof system has a guide rail and a slider that is fixed on the roller blind. The slider is accommodated in the guide rail such that the slider is displaceable in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and carries the roller blind. A pretensioning device is arranged between the guide rail and the slider. The pretensioning device presses the slider outwards transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in order to tension the roller blind.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal matrix composite (MMC) and the method of manufacturing the MMC. The MMC includes a preform formed from a composition having ceramic particles and ceramic fibers. The metal matrix composite also includes a support element formed from a metal where the metal impregnates through the preform. The method of forming the MMC includes the step of extruding the composition through a multi-screw extruder to form an extrudate. The method also includes the step of heating the preform and positioning the preform within a mold. The method further includes the step of heating the metal for forming a molten metal and injecting the molten metal into a cavity of the mold under pressure for infiltrating the preform with the molten metal. The method also includes cooling the molten metal to solidify the molten metal and form the metal matrix composite and removing the metal matrix composite from the mold.

Abstract: An upper surface of a skirting base section 6h of a sand core 6 is provided with a projection 14 of a column shape. When a slide mold 3 is slidingly moved in a mold clamping direction, a sliding contact section 15 of a holding recessed section 13 of the slide mold 3 is brought into sliding contact with the projection 14 to hold the projection 14 while scraping away part of the sand of the projection 14. The upper surface of the skirting base section 6h adjacent to the projection 14 is also provided with a recess 16 for recovering the scraped sand, wherein the width of the recess 16 is larger than the diameter of the projection 14 in the longitudinal direction. The projection 14 can be formed in a prismatic or semispherical shape.

Abstract: A press casting die able to change its female and male die cores, in which mainly a movable-side fixed plate of a die seat is provided behind a male-die recess with a plate receiving recess of a larger area, the plate receiving recess can be mounted therein with a changeable pressure bearing plate having thereon holes for insertion of pushing-out pins, the pressure bearing plate is abutted against by a pair of die-foot blocks in its rear to thereby have sufficient bearing capability to assure its durability for a high pressure in material injection. Therefore, when life of use of the die cavity is exhausted, only the female die core, the male die core and the pressure bearing plate are necessarily changed, thereby the cost of the die is largely reduced, and benefit of environmental conservation can be provided.

Abstract: An HVAC assembly including an HVAC case disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a first air mix door. The first air mix door is movable between open and closed positions and adapted to adjust a temperature of air blown into a front passenger compartment. A second air mix door is movable between open and closed positions and adapted to adjust a temperature of air blown into a rear passenger compartment. The HVAC assembly further includes a motor and a mechanical linkage operably coupling the motor with the first and second air mix door whereby movement of the motor corresponds to movement of both the first and second air mix doors.

Abstract: A fluid cooling device embodied as a modular unit includes a drive motor (10) driving a ventilation wheel (12) and a fluid pump (14) that supplies a first type of fluid into a fluid system, and leads to a heat exchanger (22) from which the fluid is redirected into the fluid system in a tempered manner. A second fluid pump (32) is used to extract a second type of fluid from the reservoir (30) and to supply the second type of fluid to a second fluid system, from which the second type of liquid is redirected towards the reservoir (30) in a guiding manner via the first heat exchanger (22) and the second heat exchanger (24). The second fluid pump enables different tempering operations to be carried out for separate fluid systems, using only one fluid cooling device.

Abstract: A tube support device is used with tube bundle devices such as heat exchangers or, condensers with in-line tube arrangements (rectangular tube configuration) to mitigate the possibility of tube damage from flow-induced vibration in the tube bundle. The tube support comprises an elongated member or strip which is intended to be inserted in a tube lane between the tubes of the tube bundle. Raised-tube-engaging zones which include transverse, arcuate tube-receiving saddles are disposed along the length of the strip at successive longitudinal locations corresponding to the tube positions in the bundle. These tube-engaging zones extend laterally out, away from the medial plane of the strip, so that the saddles receive and closely hold the tubes on opposite sides of the tube lane.

Abstract: A jet generating device includes a vibrating member which vibrates gas, a driving unit which drives the vibrating member, and a housing which has a first opening and a first chamber connected to the first opening and containing the gas. The housing supports the vibrating member, and is such that, of sounds generated as a result of vibrating the vibrating member, the sound having a maximum noise level has a predetermined frequency. In addition, the housing discharges the gas as pulsating gas through the first opening as a result of driving the vibrating member.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosed heat exchanger have flat tubes, corrugated ribs, collection tubes, connection pieces, and a connection plate used (for example) for the attachment of the heat exchanger in a casing through which charge air flows, whereby the individual components of the heat exchanger can be manufactured from aluminum and can be soldered together. In some embodiments, at least four collecting tubes define coolant collection chambers, whereby coolant follows at least one outgoing route lying between first and the second collection tubes, and at least one return route proceeding in an opposite direction lying between third and fourth collecting tubes. The outgoing route can be provided in at least one flat tube-corrugated rib series, while the return route can be provided in at least another flat tube-corrugated rib series, arranged downstream of the first flat tube-corrugated rib series.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes an air-conditioning ECU. The air-conditioning ECU performs a cooling mode operation in which air is cooled by an interior heat exchanger in a cooling refrigeration cycle. The air-conditioning ECU performs a heating mode operation, in which air is heated by the interior heat exchanger in a hot gas heater cycle. The air-conditioning ECU performs an air blowing operation in which air is blown toward an inner surface of a windshield of the vehicle without operating the compressor before performing a refrigerant collecting operation.

Abstract: A downhole tool, configured to be suspended in a borehole traversing an earth formation, includes a downhole data acquisition system placed in the tool body and electrically connected to an electric power generator at the formation surface. The downhole data acquisition system includes a sensor for detecting local conditions in the borehole, and a transducer for transducing the voltage of an input signal from high to low or low to high. The transducer having a gallium nitride or silicon carbide based discrete semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a sample of a virgin fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore surrounded by a layer of contaminated fluid is disclosed. The method includes abutting a first packer against a wall of the wellbore, and extending at least a portion of a second packer beyond the first packer, wherein the second packer is at least partially disposed in the first packer. An inlet to a first flowline is at least partially defined by the first packer, and an inlet to a second flowline is defined by the second packer. The method further includes drawing one of virgin fluid, contaminated fluid and combinations thereof into the first flowline; and drawing virgin fluid into the second flowline.

Abstract: A fracing and production configuration including a tubular having a plurality of openings. The openings having a beaded matrix therein, a valve sub in operable communication with the tubular and an underminable plugging material plugging each of the beaded matrixes. A method for fracing and producing from a wellbore in a formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller assembly for a rotary roller reamer. The roller assembly includes a roller pin and a crushing roller. The crushing roller is arranged to be mounted on the roller pin and to rotate thereabout. The roller assembly is connected together so as to form a single cartridge which can be inserted into a pocket of the rotary roller reamer and secured thereto using a single fastener device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for assisting in reducing flowback of debris from an earthen formation into an underground fluid injection system includes a screen member disposed around and longitudinally moveable relative to a base pipe and shielded from direct contact with fluid as it is ejected from the base pipe.

Abstract: A rod guide is provided for use in a rotating rod string (12) for powering a progressive cavity pump (14) for pumping downhole fluids through tubing (16) to the surface. The rod guide includes a rotor sleeve (20) secured to the rod string and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced exterior surfaces (22) each positioned substantially along an exterior of a cylinder. The rotor sleeve also includes one or more stop surfaces (24) for limiting axial movement of a stator sleeve (40) with respect to the rotor sleeve, and two or more axially extending cavities (26) each extending from a bottommost surface to an opposing uppermost surface of the rotor sleeve and passing through the one or more stop surfaces. Stator sleeve (40) surrounds the rotor sleeve and has an interior surface (42) for engaging the plurality of circumferentially spaced exterior surfaces of the rotor sleeve, and a plurality of ribs (44) extending outward from two or more outer cylindrical surface portions (44) of the stator sleeve.

Abstract: A completion system for use in the well includes a liner for lining the well, where the liner has a first inductive coupler portion. An electric cable extends outside an inner passage of the liner. The completion system further includes a second inductive coupler portion and an electrical device inside the liner and electrically connected to the second inductive coupler portion. The first and second inductive coupler portions enable power to be provided from the electric cable outside the inner passage of the liner to the electrical device inside the liner.

Abstract: A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to controlling location of inflow into a production well during in situ combustion. The production well includes intervals closable to the inflow at identified times. Once a combustion front from the in situ combustion passes one of the intervals, a blockage conveyed from surface into the production well forms a barrier to the inflow at the interval that has been passed by the combustion front. An example of the blockage includes a cement plug delivered through coiled tubing into the production well, which may include production tubing that defines the intervals based on at least two consecutive alternating lengths of solid wall sections and slotted or perforated sections of the production tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member. The apparatus includes a support member, an expansion device coupled to the support member and at least one of a cutting device coupled to the support member, an actuator coupled to the support member, a sealing assembly, or a packer assembly coupled to the support member. The apparatus may further include a gripping device for coupling the tubular member to the support member. The expansion device may be used for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member which may be coupled to the support member. The cutting device may be used for cutting the tubular member. The actuator may be used for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member. The sealing assembly may be used for sealing an annulus defined between the support member and the tubular member.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one system for electrically insulating an overburden portion of a heater wellbore is described. The system may include a heater wellbore located in a subsurface formation and an electrically insulating casing located in the overburden portion of the heater wellbore. The casing may include at least one non-ferromagnetic material such that ferromagnetic effects are inhibited in the casing.

Abstract: An offshore system allows a vessel (12) to sail to a predetermined sea location (14), quickly set up a loading system and start the transfer of hydrocarbons to or from a pipeline (22), and then quickly disconnect and sail away. The vessel is a DP (dynamic positioning) vessel that does not require mooring or anchor lines, so the only apparatus to install is a conduit (30) that can be picked up by the vessel to extend between a stationary pipe end (24) that lies at the sea floor and the vessel. The conduit includes primarily a flexible hose (70) that extends in a sine wave with two loops (80, 82). The conduit includes a rigid reinforced hose section (34) that is pivotally connected to the sea floor. A chain (114) can be provided with a portion of the chain lying on the sea floor, to help the disconnected hose coupling (42D) remain at a stable position above the sea floor.

Abstract: An improved subsea manifold system that is capable of being used in an early production system for producing hydrocarbons from a plurality of wells from a common riser system. The subsea manifold is able to control the fluid from a multiple of subsea wet-tree wells while at the same time giving the operator the option to isolate production from a single subsea well for production evaluation. The subsea manifold also includes a pigging loop which enables efficient pigging of the flowline(s) of the early production system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to overpressure protection systems and methods for use on a production system for transferring hydrocarbons from a well on the seafloor to a vessel floating on the surface of the sea. The production system includes a subsea well in fluid communication with a turret buoy through a production flowline and riser system. The turret buoy is capable of connecting to a swivel located on a floating vessel. The overpressure protection device is positioned upstream of the swivel, to prevent overpressure of the production swivel and downstream components located on the floating vessel. The device may include one or more shut down valves, one or more sensors, an actuator assembly, and a control processor. Each shut down valve and sensor is coupled to a production flowline. Each of the sensors is capable of generating a signal based upon a pressure sensed within the production flowline. The actuator assembly is connected to each of the shut down valves for operating the shut down valves.

Abstract: A marine riser system for transferring fluid between a well on the seafloor and a vessel floating on the surface of the sea. The riser system has a turret buoy capable of connecting to a floating vessel; two or more hybrid risers, each of the hybrid risers having a vertical riser, a riser buoy attached to the upper portion of the vertical riser and a flexible jumper connecting the riser buoy to the turret buoy, and wherein the hybrid risers are secured to the seafloor. A flowline may connect a lower portion of each of the vertical risers to a subsea manifold, which interconnects the flowline and a subsea well. The subsea manifold is capable of controlling the flow to or from a subsea well. The hybrid risers are positioned about the turret buoy so that the turret buoy is horizontally balanced while disconnected from a vessel. In another embodiment, the marine riser system is capable of directing a fluid from the floating vessel to a subsea export flowline.

Abstract: A dewatering device is provided that can be inserted concentrically within the production tubing string of a natural gas-producing wellbore. The dewatering device includes a pressure-isolating chamber that is provided with a fluid inlet valve and a fluid outlet valve and associated gas lift valves. Compressed gas and soap are used to form a foamy liquid mixture that is lifted out of the chamber.

Abstract: A plunger in a plunger lift system in an oil and gas well includes shaped grooves spaced along the plunger body, angled fins or below the grooves, an elongated interior cavity open at the bottom, and passages connecting the interior cavity to the grooves. The shape, sizing and spacing of the grooves improves plunger seal and decreases liquid loss during plunger lift. The flutes or fins spin the plunger to clean the tubing string and prevent the plunger from becoming stuck in the lubricator. The interior cavity lightens the plunger and, in combination with the passages, improves the seal created by the shaped grooves.

Abstract: A safety valve has a body with a passage extending through it that intersected by a chamber and inclined guide surfaces located in the chamber. A single slab gate with an aperture has ramp surfaces on one side. When moving from the open position to the closed position, the ramp surfaces slide onto the guide surfaces and push the gate into sealing engagement with a side of the chamber to block the passage. The safety valve is particularly useful during a casing-while-drilling operation wherein it is mounted to the upper end of the casing when the casing gripper and top drive are disconnected from the casing string.

Abstract: A lubricator system for receiving the intervention tool string includes a tubular body defining a tubular bore, and the tubular bore having a wall portion defining an aperture with a tool guide disposed in said aperture. A first sleeve surrounds the tubular body and is moveable between a first position where said aperture is covered by the first sleeve and a second position where said aperture is uncovered whereby access is provided to said tubular bore via said aperture. The system also includes a seal to allow the lubricator system to withstand operating pressures when the first sleeve is in the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a wireline on a drilling rig. The apparatus includes a main body having first and second entry ports, and wherein the first entry port is configured to receive the wireline. A bearing nut is operatively attached to the main body. A mandrel is partially disposed within the bearing nut, and wherein the mandrel is capable of rotating. A sleeve, disposed within a receptacle bore, is also included. The sleeve may have an inner conical surface. A method of performing wireline work is also disclosed.

Abstract: A backpressure valve. The backpressure valve may be configured to maintain a substantially controlled pressure in coiled tubing uphole thereof while simultaneously being compatible with a pressure pulse tool downhole thereof. The backpressure valve includes pressure generating capacity below its internal valve assembly so as to avoid the tendency of the assembly to throttle open and closed. Furthermore, the pressure generation is achieved in a manner avoiding cavitation. As a result, once the backpressure valve is opened, the pressure pulse tool is able to reliably communicate with surface equipment at the oilfield.

Abstract: An actuator device for setting a downhole tool comprises a piston disposed in an upper reservoir of the device, the piston comprising two actuation areas upon which pressure acts to move the piston. The upper reservoir is in fluid communication with a lower reservoir through a valve that initially restricts the flow of fluid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. In setting a downhole tool, fluid pressure initially acts on the first actuation area to slowly move the piston toward a set position. After a predetermined length of movement of the piston, the second actuation area is placed in fluid communication with a pressure such that the valve no longer restricts the flow of fluid through the valve, i.e., the total pressure acting on the piston is increased. This increased pressure rapidly moves the piston to actuate, or set, the downhole tool.

Abstract: A flexile shoe to protect a horse's hoof, made of a moldable composition, and reinforced throughout with pliant metal, and further reinforced with a hard wear insert at the toe of the shoe. A method of molding the shoe, and of bonding the shoe to the hoof with adhesive.

Abstract: A combination of a liquid fire extinguishing composition including potassium salts or aluminum salts of an organic acid, resulting in a viscous liquid, is finely divided by a nozzle into droplets which may be applied to a fire or fuel therefor or form a cloud of droplets which settle onto such fire and/or fuel which is particularly effective for fighting fires where fuel is at least initially contained such as oil and grease fires in cooling utensils being heated on stoves. Propellant is contained and not entrained in the dispensed fire fighting composition to avoid at least spreading of the fuel beyond the containment.

Abstract: A ceiling-only dry sprinkler system configured to address a storage occupancy fire event with a sprinkler operational area sufficient in size to surround and drown fire. The system and method preferably provide for the surround and effect by activating one or more initial sprinklers, delaying fluid flow to the initial activated sprinklers for a defined delay period to permit the thermal activation of a subsequent-one or more sprinklers so as. to form the preferred sprinkler Operational area. The sprinklers of the operational area are preferably: configured so as to provider sufficient fluid volume and cooling to address the fire event with a surround and drown configuration, the defined delay period is of a defined period having a maximum and a minimum. The preferred sprinkler system is adapted for fire protection of storage commodities and provides a ceiling only system that eliminates or otherwise minimizes the economic disadvantage and design penalties current dry sprinkler system design.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The improvements allow for frequent and simpler untrained and automatic self servicing of a fire extinguisher. The improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that can be articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. Additional improvements include a larger opening to more quickly fill and inspect the powder within the chamber. Another improvement includes the use of a CO2 canister located external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or replacement of just the CO2 canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allows for non-HASMAT shipping. These features will extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition.

Abstract: A modified box scraper system that is fitted with a first, second and third plurality of attachment devices located on the rearward end and both sides of the box scraper allowing for the attachment of a variety of modified work implements, the modified work implements including box scraper extensions, a road repair fabric applicator, a trench compaction wheel, a slope board, a rear forklift system, a windrow scraper, a backfill blade and a serrated cutting blade.

Abstract: Overload protection device for agricultural appliances, such as for example agricultural implements with a joint connecting the agricultural tool to the carrier frame, having two joint parts held together by spring load and mutually supporting, of which one is mounted on the agricultural tool and the other on the carrier frame. On both joint parts at least one upper support arrangement and at least one lower support arrangement are arranged as spaced from one another, with the lower support arrangement (9, 20) having at least one pivot bolt (10, 23) extending horizontally and transversely to the working direction and at least one joint retainer (11) supported on the pivot bolt (10, 23) and having a V or U-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A ride control arrangement for a machine having a frame, a ripper, a hydraulic actuator operative to move the ripper includes at least one accumulator assembly, and a valve mechanism operatively disposed between the accumulator assembly and the hydraulic actuator to either block or allow fluid communication between the hydraulic actuator and the accumulator assembly. A ride control arrangement for a motor grader with an implement operated by a hydraulic actuator similarly includes at least one accumulator assembly selectively fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator by way of a valve mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method according to which at least one vessel injects a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors into a formation to remove at least a portion of the formation.