Abstract: An ice house including a collapsible frame assembly. The collapsible frame assembly includes at least one first pole with a connecting end having a plunger assembly. At least one second pole has a hollow end sized to telescopically engage with the plunger assembly and the first pole. The second pole has at least one detent proximate a connecting end sized to releasably engage with a plunger on the plunger assembly. An actuator assembly includes a first end secured to the connecting end of the second pole and a second end adapted to telescopically receive the plunger assembly and the first pole. The actuator assembly includes an actuator located over the detent and configured to flex between a relaxed position and a depressed position that disengages the plunger from the detent. A seat assembly is secured to the frame assembly and a cover having at least one door is attached to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A handle assembly is disclosed that is suitable for mounting a valve housing that has a valve stem to a support. In one form, the handle assembly includes a handle, an escutcheon, a bonnet, a recess, and a flexible snap ring. The handle is operationally linked to the valve stem of the valve housing for controlling movement of the valve stem. The escutcheon is positionable on a first side of the support adjacent the handle. The bonnet is linked to the valve housing. The recess is formed in one of the bonnet and escutcheon. The flexible snap member mounted to the other of the bonnet and escutcheon and suitable to snap into the recess when the bonnet and escutcheon are telescoped together, while thereafter permitting relative rotation of the bonnet and escutcheon.

Abstract: An unfreeze faucet structure includes a watering control valve having a body; a control shaft, an upper ceramic member, and a lower ceramic member connected with the body; a valve seat locked to the body; wherein the control shaft includes a watering cavity and a positioning groove mounted in a lower section thereof, the watering cavity includes a check element and a stopping unit installed therein, the check element includes a disk-shaped cover arranged on a bottom end thereof, the cover includes a first stop loop fitted to a peripheral side thereof, between the cover and the watering cavity is defined with a spring, the stopping unit includes a trench disposed therearound to contact with the first stop loop, the control shaft includes a second stop loop fitted on an outer periphery thereof and a third stop loop arranged therearound to engage with an inner wall of the watering cavity.

Abstract: A mass flow controller having a feedback controller gain, comprises: a sensor configured so as to sense the flow of fluid through controller; a valve arranged so as to adjust the flow of fluid through the controller; and a processor configured so as to control the valve as a function of the flow of fluid sensed by the sensor. The sensor and valve are arranged within a feedback system, and the processor updates the feedback controller gain in real time based on the ratio of at least one calibration gas parameter to at least one operating gas parameter, such that the closed loop transfer function of the feedback system remains substantially constant regardless of operating conditions so as to have a consistent control performance at different operation conditions from the calibration condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spool seat with a positioning structure, which resolves the shortcomings of the assembly of a typical spool ceramic disc and spool seat. The spool seat of the present invention is provided with a chamber space for locating the fixed ceramic disc. The chamber space is provided with an internal locating portion which comprises an internal locating flange and external locating flange. An external locating portion is protruded from the chamber space. The chamber space is divided into inlet space and outlet space via the arrangement of internal locating portion. It is possible to eliminate the space restrictions for the fixed ceramic disc, and also prevent the rotation and slide or displacement when the fixed ceramic disc is assembled into the chamber space of the spool seat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pressure-responsive valve assembly which functions in the nature of a check valve to control fluid flow across the assembly. The assembly includes a valve body which defines first and second internal flow passages, and includes a valve seat through which at least one flow port extends for joining the first and second passages in fluid communication with each other. A flexible, resiliently deformable valve member is positioned in operative association with the valve seat, and can be deflected, in response to a sufficient pressure differential, to move out of sealing engagement with the valve seat, to thereby permit fluid flow through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A variable pressure reducing device includes a hollow housing body formed with an inlet opening, an outlet opening spaced apart from the inlet opening, and an inner wall surface. The variable pressure reducing device further includes an intake tube that extends into the housing body from the inlet opening. The intake tube is formed with an inlet channel and is further formed with an outer tube surface that cooperates with the inner wall surface to form an outlet channel in fluid communication with the outlet opening. The variable pressure reducing device also includes a redirection structure movably mounted in the housing body and movable relative to the intake tube between a redirecting state and a sealing state.

Abstract: A woven preform for a reinforced composite material, which may be woven flat and folded into shape. The preform has a three-dimensional weave architecture with weft fibers woven to provide layer-to-layer interlocking of layers of warp fiber as well as interlocking of fibers within each layer. One or more legs extend from a base, the base and legs each having at least two layers of warp fibers. The legs may be parallel or angled to each other and/or may move along a sine wave in the warp and/or weft direction. The outer ends of the base and/or the legs preferably have tapers formed from terminating layers of warp fibers in a stepped pattern.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a refill bottle adapted to repeatedly receive and dispense liquid such as perfume. The refill bottle comprises a bottle having a bottom portion and an upper portion, an opening provided in the upper portion wherein the opening is adapted to be covered, and a refill mechanism provided in the bottom portion. The liquid is received through the refill mechanism from a regular bottle preferably provided with a spraying mechanism and is dispensed through the opening.

Abstract: The vacuum attachment for a router table removes wood chips, dust, and debris during operation of the router. The attachment includes a hollow annular housing adapted for mounting about the router. The annular housing has an upper edge, a lower edge and at least one sidewall, with the upper and lower edges being adapted for sealing engagement with an external surface of the router. At least one vent hole is formed through the annular housing and a vacuum port is formed therethrough, so that a vacuum source connected to the vacuum port is in fluid communication with an interior of the annular housing. When the annular housing is mounted about the router and aligned with an opening in the base of the router, the vacuum source draws debris away from the router and the router table, with environmental air entering the interior through the vent holes.

Abstract: A disposable wooden utensil includes a handle having a distal end and an opposite neck end. A load-engaging member extends cantilevered from the neck end in generally coplanar alignment with the handle so as to form a neck between the handle and the load-engaging member. A raised dorsal ridge is formed substantially medially along the handle and extends substantially along the load-engaging member.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a circumferential tread disposed between opposing tread edges and opposing sidewalls disposed radially inward from the opposing tread edges. Each sidewall has a rectangular extension block and a triangular extension block. The rectangular extension block protrudes axially outward by a first amount. The triangular extension block protrudes axially outward by a second amount. The first amount is less than the second amount.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a pair of parallel annular bead portions, at least one carcass ply reinforcing structure wrapped around the beads, a tread disposed radially outward of the carcass ply, a belt reinforcing structure disposed radially outward of the carcass ply reinforcing structure and radially inward of the tread in a crown area of the tire, and a layer of cords having an alternating straight/curled construction for improving performance characteristics of the pneumatic tire.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire 1 having a toroidal carcass 3 and a belt 7 consisting of belt layers 5, 6 arranged in the outer circumferential side of a crown portion 4 of the carcass 3. Between the adjacent belt layers 5, 6, the cords 8, 9 are crossed with each other with respect to an equatorial plane E of the tire to form cross belt layers. The widest belt layer 6 is a folded belt layer having a body portion 10 and a folded portion 12. A cord 9 constituting the folded belt layer 6 is an organic fiber cord. A narrow belt reinforcing layer 14 of rubberized cords 13 is arranged at least immediately below the width terminal end 11 of the body portion 10 of the folded belt layer 6 which terminal end 11 abuts on the folded portion 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt for a corrugator machine for making corrugated board (50) wherein at least a middle layer (52) of corrugated material is joined under pressure to cover layers (51, 53) of smooth material to form the corrugated board (50). The belt (1) is made of a fabric of warp fibers and weft fibers (4) and has a paper side facing toward the corrugated board (50) to be manufactured. The paper side (6) lies against the corrugated board (50). A driven side (7) lies facing away from the corrugated board (50). The corrugator machine has a pressure zone (70) which includes a pressure element (71) and a countersupport (73). The corrugated board (50) together with the contact engaging fabric belt (1) passes between the pressure element (71) and the countersupport (73). A drive (61) is provided on the driven side (7) of the belt to generate the tension forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the belt.

Abstract: A quick change knife blade assembly, for use in conjunction with a tape roll dispensing cartridge assembly of a case sealing machine, comprises a knife blade mounted upon a knife blade mounting plate. A pin plate is fixedly connected to mounting pins passing through the knife blade, and springs are interposed between the pin plate and the mounting plate so as to normally bias the pin plate to a position at which the mounting pins prevent the removal of the knife blade from the mounting plate. When the pin plate is depressed against the biasing forces of the springs, the mounting pins are moved so as to permit the knife blade to be removed from the mounting plate.

Abstract: A micro device feeder is provided which is adjustable to accommodate micro devices supplied on tapes with different widths. A mounting plate has a movable drive plate slidably mounted thereto. An input mechanism on the movable drive plate receives micro devices contained in a tape and advances the tape under motor drive. A feeder width adjustment mechanism is interposed between the mounting plate and the movable drive plate for positioning of the movable drive plate relative to the mounting plate for accommodating tapes with different widths.

Abstract: A window covering is provided with protected operating cords. Protective coverings are installed over the cords. The coverings are expandable to move with the window covering as it is raised and lowered. The protective coverings may include an accordion folded configuration, a cellular configuration, and protective coverings with a continuous slot that allows the covering to be installed in an existing window covering. The protective coverings do not interfere with operation of the window coverings.

Abstract: A blind is provided which uses a toothed band bodies such as slender toothed belts as rod holding bodies including operating band bodies, instead of conventional cords and tape, having a straightforward structure providing accurate and stable parallel holding of moving rods, and quit and smooth movement, due to accurate operations without slippage due to engaging of bands and wheels having teeth, without problems such as tangling and bending and the like. Particularly, a rod movement holding device suitable for having multiple moving rods and having multiple shielding adjustment faces, and a blind having a rod operating device, can be provided.

Abstract: A high-speed industrial door includes a door leaf having a plurality of stiffening profiles and a flexible curtain. Each stiffening profile extends crosswise relative to a lateral passing over the door leaf and connects two hinge elements assigned to one another. A flexible curtain is fixed to each stiffening profile. This makes it possible to provide a high-speed industrial door that can be operated at speeds faster than 3 m/s while involving little engineering complexity and low costs.

Abstract: A molding process utilizes a seed with a columnar grain structure for defining a desired grain structure in a completed casting. The seed is received within a seed cavity of a mold. The molten material adopts the orientation of the columns defined within the seed during solidification to form a completed molded article having a desired columnar grain structure.

Abstract: A casting chamber configured to form a casting from molten material includes an outer mold, a plurality of inner core elements, and a surface portion of a thermal chill device. The thermal chill device includes first and second interchangeable elements with the surface portion of the thermal chill device including one of a first surface portion of the first interchangeable element and a second surface portion of the second interchangeable element. The first surface portion of the first interchangeable element includes an insulating material and the second surface portion of the second interchangeable element comprising a metallic material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a down hole tool that reduces manufacturing costs and enhances the tool's performance. A belted mold assembly includes a casting assembly, a belt assembly, and a mid-belt. The belted mold assembly is used to fabricate a casting that allows for a larger diameter blank to be used which displaces the more expensive casting material and for using a smaller outer diameter thin-walled mold. The casting assembly is disposed within the belt assembly and the mid-belt is loaded in the volume created between the casting assembly's outer surface and the belt assembly's inner surface. The mid-belt provides a bracing for the casting assembly during the casting process. Optionally, a cap can be disposed on top of the blank for preventing metallurgical bonds from forming between the binder material and the upper portion of the blank. This allows for the excess binder material to remain high in purity so that it can be reprocessed.

Abstract: A soluble casting core for forming a cooling channel in a piston has a formed-on part for forming an oil supply opening and a formed-on part for forming an oil drain opening. In order to improve the mechanical strength of the piston, the oil supply opening and the oil drain opening lie in a different pin boss support of the pin bosses of the piston. A third formed-on part, which lies in the circumferential direction and is configured in oblong manner, is disposed between the first formed-on part and the end of the casting core, which part has a shape that narrows conically towards the end of the casting core and forms a continuation of the cooling channel, which narrows conically towards the end of the cooling channel.

Abstract: Lateral seal of a casting gap formed between two casting rollers of a strip casting machine that can be placed against the casting rollers on the front face. The lateral seal includes a first moist part and a second part that is assigned to the front faces of the casting rollers. The second part forms a type of snout shape encompassing two legs which extend along the front faces of the casting rollers, join each other at the bottom, above a kissing point, so as to form a common area, and between which the first part protrudes from above. An insulating layer which separates the two parts from each other is inserted between the first and second part.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus has a blower, a unit case, a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger. The heat exchangers are disposed in the unit case such that ends thereof are adjacent to the blower. The unit case has a side opening on its side wall and a tubular part between the end of the heating heat exchanger and a casing of the blower. The tubular part has a communication portion for allowing communication between a hollow space provided therein and a space downstream of the second heat exchanger. The unit case has a passage opening at an end of the tubular part and adjacent to the side opening for allowing the air introduced in the hollow space to flow out from the hollow space. Further, a door is provided in the unit case to open and close the side opening and the communication portion simultaneously.

Abstract: A thermal module includes a centrifugal blower (10), a heat sink (20) mounted to an air outlet (11) of the centrifugal blower, a heat pipe (40) connecting the heat sink with a heat generating electronic component, and a resilient clip (80) for mounting the heat pipe onto the heat generating electronic component. The resilient clip includes an M-shaped pressing portion (82) disposed above an evaporation section (44) of the heat pipe, a plate portion (83) disposed at one end of the pressing portion for being fixed to a sidewall (53d), and an abutting portion (85) disposed at the other end of the pressing portion and including an abutting plate (85b) for abutting against a bottom surface of another sidewall (53b).

Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger comprises a primary heat transfer zone and a secondary heat transfer zone integral to the primary heat transfer zone. The primary heat transfer zone comprises an ECS heat exchanger and the secondary heat transfer zone comprises a heat exchanger for a secondary system, such as an OBIGGS heat exchanger. The integrated heat exchanger reduces the negative impact that the OBIGGS heat exchanger has on the ECS heat exchanger by providing one ram face, thereby minimizing the flow disturbances associated with the OBIGGS heat exchanger. By integrating the OBIGGS and the ECS heat exchanger, the integrated heat exchanger reduces the negative impact of the pressure drop and heat load caused by the OBIGGS heat exchanger.

Abstract: Pressure vessel assembly for a pressurized fluid system, comprises an enclosed outer casing, at least one internal tube extending within the casing, at least one fluid accumulator disposed within the at least one internal tube, and at least one cooling passage provided within the at least one internal tube and defined by a clearance between the at least one hydraulic fluid accumulator and the at least one internal tube. The pressure vessel assembly further includes a fluid storage compartment formed between the outer casing and the at least one internal tube. The fluid storage compartment is at least partially filled with a working fluid. The pressurized fluid system also includes a cooling fan allowing forced airflow through the cooling passage for forced cooling of the at least one hydraulic fluid accumulator and the working fluid in the storage compartment of the pressure vessel assembly.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler includes a plurality of tubes and a shell enclosing the tubes. During use, cooling water is supplied to and discharged from the shell, and exhaust gas is guided from a diesel engine into the tubes to be heat exchanged with the cooling water. An inner periphery of each of the tubes is formed with three streaks of spiral protrusions running without crossing and with phases peripherally shifted to each other. A pitch P ratio of each of the spiral protrusions to an inner diameter of each of the tubes is 2.0-4.0, and a ridge height H ratio of each of the spiral protrusions to the inner diameter of each of the tubes is 0.1-0.2.

Abstract: An EGR cooler having an inlet/outlet tube installed by insertion is provided, and can have a curved gas flow path defined at least in part by a tank body. The inlet/outlet tube can include a first inlet/outlet tube and a second inlet/outlet tube to introduce and to exhaust gas. The tank body can have a configuration such that a connection housing is installed to establish fluid communication between individual ends of both the first inlet/outlet tube and second inlet/outlet tube, so that heat exchange efficiency between the inflow gas and the cooling fluid can be improved, and effective space utilization can be promoted in equipping an vehicle with the EGR cooler.

Abstract: A heat absorbing device usable to cool hot beverages includes a support rim for supporting the device on a brim of a container and a heat absorbing element extending away from the support rim in a first direction. The heat absorbing element includes a thermally conductive material for absorbing heat from a liquid in the container. A handle extends away from the support rim in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The handle is usable for positioning the heat absorbing element in the container and for removing the heat absorbing element from the container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology may provide a leaked fluid detection and response system in one aspect, and in another aspect, an environmental enclosure for at least a component of such leaked fluid detection system. Various embodiments of the leaked fluid detection and response system may provide wireless communication of detected leaks and a PLC that automates response and provides information regarding the presence of a leak. Enclosures may, in various embodiments, comprehensively surround enclosed components, thermally insulate enclosed components, include a leaked fluid capture basin, be aerodynamically streamlined, and/or be vermin-tight.

Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed from one or more composite materials and adapted to receive a setting tool through the first end thereof, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and one or more shearable threads disposed on an inner surface of the body, adjacent the second end thereof, wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to receive at least a portion of a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof, and wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to engage the setting tool when disposed through the body and adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force.

Abstract: Electromagnetic free point tools are configured to determine the free point of a downhole pipe in a wellbore utilizing the amplitude or phase change in a transmitted signal for stressed and unstressed pipe. Certain examples of electromagnetic free point tools comprise a housing, one or more transmitter coils, one or more receiver coils, each coil spaced apart from one another, a power source for applying an oscillating voltage to the one or more transmitter coils which then induces a current in the receiver coil(s), and electronics for measuring the induced current in the receiver coil(s). In another embodiment, at least one of the coils is axially adjustable in position within the tool to permit the relative distance between coils to be adjusted to optimize performance of the tool in various conditions. By measuring the amplitude or phase of the induced current relative to the oscillating voltage, a log of the amplitude or phase is generated while passing the tool through a length of unstressed pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyance tool and a tool string having one or more sensors or cameras for detecting the performance of pre-existing perforations in a cased wellbore, and one or more perforation intervention tools mounted on the tool string and capable of performing remedial actions directed at most one perforation and its nearest neighbors or at a single perforation.

Abstract: A plug for insertion into a perforation in a liner or tubular. The plug comprises a base portion and one or more extendible portions. The base portion is securable to and receivable within the perforation. The base portion and the one or more extendible portions seal the perforation in the liner. The one or more extendible portions have a retracted position and an extended position such that when in their extended position the one or more extendible portions extend outwardly from the base portion and outwardly from the exterior surface of the liner. The plug including one or more shear pins retaining such extendible portions in said retracted position until sufficient force is applied to shear said shear pins.

Abstract: A non-rigid carrier conveys a pump and/or the steam generator through a bore of the production tubing string to support enhanced oil recovery operations. An annular space separates the production tubing string and a wall of a wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation. Using the non-rigid carrier, the steam generator is conveyed into the wellbore and operated to inject hot gases into the formation through the perforations in the casing. Afterwards, the steam generator is conveyed out of the cased wellbore and the pump is conveyed into the cased wellbore and operated to pump hydrocarbons to the surface. For cyclic injection operations, the pump may be retrieved to the surface and the steam generator may be returned into the well. The production tubing string, such as a production tubing, remains in the well while the pump and/or the steam generator are conveyed up and down the cased well. A base installed in the cased well receives either the pump or the steam generator.

Abstract: The pump can be utilized in gassy oil wells to prevent gas slugs from locking the electrical submersible pump. A shroud assembly is provided with a bottom that can be fixed to the top of a seal section connected to the top of a motor. Additional lengths of shroud can be added as the shroud assembly is lowered into the well. The electrical submersible pump can then lowered into the shroud and supported from a production tubing string. A hanger can then be attached to the production tubing string to carry the weight of the shroud assembly, motor, and seal section.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for controlling the connection speed of downhole connectors (316, 146) in a subterranean well. The apparatus (100) includes a first assembly that is positionable in the well. The first assembly includes a first downhole connector (316) and a first communication medium. A second assembly includes a second downhole connector (146) and a second communication medium. The second assembly has an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion is selectively axially shiftable relative to an inner portion, such that upon engagement of the first assembly with the second assembly, the outer portion of the second assembly is axially shifted relative to the inner portion of the second assembly allowing the first and second downhole connectors (316, 146) to be operatively connected to each other, thereby enabling communication between the first communication medium and the second communication medium.

Abstract: A sealing device is disclosed for separating sections inside an elongate hole with at least one duct extending inside and along the hole. The sealing device includes a first portion which is arranged, in use of the sealing device, to surround the duct and fit substantially tightly against the same, and a flexible cup-shaped second portion, which is arranged to surround the first portion and be resilient radially outwards to seal, in use, against the hole. Moreover, a method is disclosed for separating sections in an elongate hole with a duct extending inside and along the hole. A sealing device is slipped onto the duct at the intended level so that the sealing device after installation forms a cup shape around the duct. The duct and the sealing device are inserted into the hole, and the duct and the sealing device are installed at the intended level.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing fire and for extinguishing fire in an enclosed space in which a permanent negative pressure is set, includes fresh air being supplied in a regulated manner to the compartment atmosphere as supply air and exhaust air being discharged from the compartment atmosphere in a regulated manner, and wherein should a fire occur or to prevent a fire, an extinguishing agent which is gaseous under normal conditions is supplied to the compartment atmosphere as the supply air. In order to achieve a relieving of pressure without changing the set negative pressure, or upon a sudden flooding of the space with the gaseous extinguishing agent, the total volume flow of fresh air and/or extinguishing agent supplied to the compartment atmosphere as supply air is at all times less than or equal to the volume flow of the exhaust air discharged from the compartment atmosphere.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a soil aerator may include a hinged frame assembly that cooperates with one or more weight transferring systems adapted to permit an aeration subassembly to lift off the ground when an aeration tine impacts a hard obstacle such as a rock in the soil. The weight transferring systems may in the preferred embodiments be calibrated so that only minimal upward force, such as that caused by impact of an aeration tine with a rock, may cause the aeration subassembly to lift thereby significantly reducing or preventing damage to the aeration tines and drive assemblies and substantially prolonging the life of the aerator.

Abstract: A cultivating tool for removing weeds and unwanted grass and for cultivating ground around and under an object under which a standard hoe or a hula-type hoe cannot fit. The cultivating tool has a thin scraping blade at the lower end of an elongated handle with a blade assembly interconnecting the handle and an upwardly disposed mounting standard on the upper surface of the scraping blade. The blade assembly includes a mechanism that connects to the lower end of the handle and a pivoting mechanism that pivots the scraping blade relative to the handle. The blade assembly connects the scraping blade to the handle in a manner which maintains the spaced area above both ends of the blade unobstructed so the scraping blade may slide under a plant without harming the plant and under an object to remove weeds and grass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting post-harvest crop stubble. The apparatus including, a support frame, a plurality of layover bars coupled to the frame for laying over the stubble, and a plurality of cutting discs for cutting the stubble. The layover bars being adapted to present a substantially smooth transitioned engagement to the stubble.

Abstract: A towable farm and garden implement trailer which has a modular receiver. The modular receiver is operatively configured to receive implements above or below the frame of the trailer. Implements which may be removably coupled to the underside of the trailer include such implements as a lawn de-thatcher, transport box, box blade, drag harrow, slurry blade, etc. Examples of implements which could be carried and removably coupled to the top side of the trailer frame include such implements as a spreader, tank, carrying platform and other similar implements. In one form, the implement trailer comprises an actuator positioned between the frame and the wheels to allow the wheels to be raised and lowered with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: A method for handling a blow-out-preventer on a drilling platform and a drilling platform having a lower pontoon structure; a plurality of columns extending upwards from the lower pontoon structure; an upper deck structure connecting the upper deck structure connecting the upper portions of the columns to each other; a detachable rotary table assembly arranged in a rotary table opening in the upper deck structure; a derrick provided with a lifting arrangement and being arranged on the upper deck structure above the rotary table opening; and a detachable rotary table assembly a spider and a blow-out-preventer.

Abstract: Methods of forming earth-boring tools include assembling a plurality of head sections about a longitudinal axis to form a bit body, rotatably mounting a cutter to a cutter bearing shaft of each head section, and forming at least one groove on an outer surface of a bit leg of at least one head section, causing the at least one groove to extend along a curved path from a leading side of the bit leg to a trailing side of the bit leg between an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall.

Abstract: Hardfacing materials include particles of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) material embedded within a matrix material. The PCD particles comprise a plurality of inter-bonded diamond grains. Material compositions and structures used to apply a hardfacing material to an earth-boring tool (e.g., welding rods) include PCD particles. Earth-boring tools include a hardfacing material comprising PCD particles embedded within a matrix material on at least a portion of a surface of a body of the tools. Methods of forming a hardfacing material include subjecting diamond grains to elevated temperatures and pressures to form diamond-to-diamond bonds between the diamond grains and form a PCD material. The PCD material is broken down to form PCD particles that include a plurality of inter-bonded diamond grains. Methods of hardfacing tools include bonding PCD particles to surfaces of the tools using a metal matrix material.

Abstract: Geometric compensation techniques are used to improve the accuracy by which features may be located on drill bits formed using particle compaction and sintering processes. In some embodiments, a positional error to be exhibited by at least one feature in a less than fully sintered bit body upon fully sintering the bit body is predicted and the at least one feature is formed on the less than fully sintered bit body at a location at least partially determined by the predicted positional error. In other embodiments, bit bodies of earth-boring rotary drill bits are designed to include a design drilling profile and a less than fully sintered bit body is formed including a drilling profile having a shape differing from a shape of the design drilling profile. Less than fully sintered bit bodies of earth-boring rotary drill bits are formed using such methods.