Abstract: A ball type downhole barrier valve capable of bidirectional sealing features a ball rotating on its axis to open or close with control line pressure to an actuating rod piston assembly. The ball is also shiftable to a locked open position. A cage surrounds the ball and retains opposed seats to it. The cage is made from one piece and tangential holes are drilled and tapped before the piece is longitudinally split with a wire EDM cutting technique. Fasteners to rejoin the cut halves properly space them to the original one piece internal dimension. Auxiliary tools allow determination of spacing of internal components so that a desired spring preload on the seats against the ball can be achieved. Seals on the sleeves that form ball seats help prevent leakage due to ball distortion at high differential pressures when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupler for providing fluid communication between adjacent members that includes a two way check valve formed from a double headed poppet set in a hollow cylinder with corrugated bellows like walls. Contoured bores are provided in the cylinder ends and the poppet heads are profiled to match the contour of the bores. When the heads are seated in the bores they form a sealing surface to block fluid from flowing through the coupler. Compressively preloading the cylinder before assembly provides a sealing force between the heads and the bores. Axially compressing the cylinder with respect to the poppet unseats the heads from the bores to form a flow path through the coupler.

Abstract: The system and method are utilized to control the flow of crude oil, natural gas, and field produced salt water to optimize production from an oil or gas well. The invention is suitable for use with a well that utilizes gas-lift as artificial lift. The equipment is designed to regulate the flow of injection gas into the production tubing to optimize production of the well.

Abstract: A system for regulating the flow of fluid through a progressing cavity motor includes an annulus restriction (22) for restricting flow through the annulus passageway, and an annular biasing member (24) for biasing the annular restriction toward a closed position. Fluid flow in the annulus passageway creates an opening force on the annulus restriction. A central restriction (28) within the motor provides a restricted flow through the motor. A central biasing member (26) biases the central restriction toward an open position, with fluid flow in a central passageway exerting a closing force on the central restriction.

Abstract: A connector guard is provided to protect one or both downhole connectors during wellbore run in prior to mating downhole. The connector guard may comprise dissolvable or degradable material and include an engagement sections and a removal feature. The connector guard may be dissolved or degraded via a reactive agent or temperature either introduced downhole proximate to the guards or contained within a chamber included in or created by a connector guard. The connector guard may be further coupled by a non-reactive cover in order to control the rate of reaction of the dissolvable material. The cover may be breached prior to mating of the downhole connectors.

Abstract: A leak detection method uses a comparator to compare fluid values in and from the latch assembly of the latch system for an oilfield device and/or in and from the bearing assembly of a rotating control head.

Abstract: A strokable liner hanger includes a liner hanger; one of a slide seal and a casing seal sub disposed adjacent the liner hanger and the other of the slide seal and the casing seal sub disposed adjacent the one of the slide seal and the casing seal sub. A method for completing a wellbore is included.

Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer flexible skin and one or more drains coupled to the outer flexible skin. A mandrel is positioned within the outer flexible skin, and an expansion mechanism is provided to control expansion of the outer flexible skin to selectively create sealing engagement with a surrounding wall.

Abstract: A beach cleaner having a grate-like frame is formed with multiple longitudinal members. Each of the longitudinal members is provided with a plurality of sand pins projecting downward therefrom, and the frame is provided at its front end with the tow portion. The beach cleaner can be towed by a towing vehicle to generate on a sand area, while the sand pins scrape and collect waste scattered on the sand. The sand pins are detachably attached to the longitudinal members. The beach cleaner also includes a weight mount member, enabling the amount of burying the sand pins in a sand area to be optimized to enhance waste collection performance.

Abstract: A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may comprise a coil spring having a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device resists relative rotation between a shank and a tool head within which the shank is supported in an impact tool, for example a rivet gun. The anti-rotation device includes a first anchor portion arranged to grip the shank between the mounting end and the working end of the shank and a second anchor portion arranged to grip the tool head in which the first and second anchor portions are formed integrally with one another of resilient material.

Abstract: A power tool includes a body, a tool bit, a driving mechanism and a handgrip extending from an end of the handgrip proximal to the body to a grip distal end in a direction that crosses the axial direction of the tool bit. The power tool includes a holding optimization region that is arranged on the handgrip and shaped to match the shape of the user's fingers while the user is holding the handgrip. The holding optimization region at least includes a rearward end surface of a grip distal end region configured such that a normal extending from the rearward end surface crosses the axial direction of the tool bit forward of the handgrip, whereby it is possible to optimize the force of the user's fingers and palm applied to the handgrip.

Abstract: A wireline apparatus for deep well measurements in a borehole being drilled includes a drill string having multiple drill pipe sections connected end-to-end, with at least one of the drill pipe sections being electrically conductive and isolated to provide an electrode section. A nonmagnetic drill pipe section is connected in the drill string below said electrode section, and a hydraulic motor having a rotatable drill bit carrying a drill bit instrument sub having a magnetic field sensing instrument package is connected to a lowermost end of the drill string. A wireline locatable within said drill string incorporates an electrode locatable within the drill pipe electrode section, and carries at its distal end a wireline instrument package that is locatable within the nonmagnetic drill pipe section to receive data representing magnetic field data from the magnetic field sensing instrument package.

Abstract: A jib assembly for use with a drill rig includes a jib boom having a first end and a second end. The jib boom is to rotate about the first end and the second end is configured to be coupled to a mast assembly mount. The jib assembly also includes an articulation assembly having at least one variable length link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the variable length link is offset from the jib boom and the second end is configured to be pivotingly coupled to the mast assembly mount.

Abstract: A method and system for excavating a subterranean formation including pumping a fluid through a nozzle such that an exit velocity of the fluid is greater than an entrance velocity of the fluid. A plurality of solid material impactors may be circulated with the fluid through the nozzle. A substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a mean diameter of approximately 0.100 inches or less. The substantial portion by weight of solid material impactors exit the nozzle, contact the formation and rebound into a junk slot.

Abstract: An underreamer for earth boring operations has a tubular body with a passage extending through it. Arms are pivotally mounted to the body and movable between retracted and extended positions. An actuator mandrel, located within the passage in the body, pushes the arms outward when drilling fluid is pumped downward in the drill string. Ports are located in the sidewall of the body and in the actuator mandrel. The ports align with each other when the mandrel moves to its downstream position. The ports divert a portion of the drilling fluid out to jet it across the cutting elements on the arms. The remaining portion of the drilling fluid passes downward to the drill bit and out nozzles of the drill bit.

Abstract: A drilling tool that has a flexible shaft so as to be able to make short radius curves while still being able to transmit torque and axial loads. The drilling tool includes a drill shaft for transmitting axial load, comprising a series of coaxial ring members connected together such that adjacent ring members are flexible in an axial plane relative to each other; each ring member being connected to an adjacent ring member by connecting member arranged to transmit torque therebetween; and axial supports extend between adjacent ring members so as to transmit axial loads therebetween.

Abstract: A cutter for a fixed cutter drill bit including a substrate and an ultrahard material layer disposed on an end surface of the substrate, the ultra hard material layer having an upper surface opposite the substrate end surface and a peripheral surface such that the upper surface intersects the peripheral surface along a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge continuously increases and decreases in height as measured from a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cutter.

Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis.

Abstract: A powered patient transport vehicle is disclosed having an improved motion control comprising a frame extending between a first end and a second end. A first and a second caster wheel are located in proximity to the first end of the frame. A first and a second drive wheel are located in proximity to the second end of the frame. A motor drives the first and second drive wheels through a differential gearbox. An electronic control has a control lever for controlling the speed, direction and braking of the motor. A seat is mounted to the frame for transporting an occupant. A steering bar is coupled to the powered patient transport vehicle for steering the powered patient transport vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a work unit with power turning. The work unit includes a frame having a first end, a second end and left and right sides that extend between the first and second ends. A work element is carried by the frame. A left propulsion element is positioned at the left side of the frame and a right propulsion element is positioned at the right side of the frame. A drive arrangement is carried by the frame for driving the left and right propulsion elements. The work unit also includes left and right spaced-apart leverage arms that project outwards from the second end of the frame. At least one of the left and right leverage arms is operatively connected to the drive arrangement such that pressure applied by an operator to the left or right leverage arms in a left or right direction causes the drive arrangement to turn the work unit.

Abstract: An electric powered vehicle includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are coupled to one of the drive wheels. At its maximum power within the system, the second drive unit drives the vehicle at a higher speed than the first drive unit. A clutch automatically disengages the first drive unit from the drive wheel while the second drive unit is operating. The clutch may include a uni-directional device. An electronic control unit automatically adjusts the voltage supplied to the second drive unit to maintain the efficiency of the second electric drive unit within a predetermined efficiency range.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive train for a hybrid electric vehicle. The electro-mechanical drive train includes a housing and a pinion shaft having a first end disposed within the housing and a second end in communication with a combustion engine. A differential is disposed within the housing and in combination with the end of the pinion shaft. An electric motor is also disposed within the housing and in actuating combination with the pinion shaft.

Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain includes at least a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, a clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a transmission arranged between the hybrid drive and a drive output. When the vehicle is at rest, the clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is filled at least with filling pressure and then, when the vehicle is started, if the starting torque desired by the driver is above a limit value, the internal combustion engine is immediately turned over and started up by the electric motor, whereas, when starting, if the starting torque desired by the driver is below the limit value, then on starting, the internal combustion engine is not turned over by the electric motor.

Abstract: An all-electric, wheeled vehicle has a magnet array that can be selectively moved between a retracted position and a deployed position, to respectively operate in a motor mode or a generator mode. When in the motor mode, with its magnet array retracted, wheel rotation to move the vehicle is powered by an onboard battery. Alternately, in the generator mode with the magnet array deployed, the vehicle is powered by a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM). Specifically, the deployed magnet array interacts with a multiple-phase winding (i.e. LSM) embedded into the roadway on which the vehicle travels. Further, rotation of the wheel during vehicle movement in the generator mode recharges the battery.

Abstract: A chassis for a battery-operated industrial truck has a center chassis section (1) configured to hold a battery block. The center chassis section (1) is open on top, has a forward transverse wall (5), a rear transverse wall (6), an open side wall (7) provided with a lateral battery compartment opening (B), and a closed side wall (8) which is at a distance from the open side wall (7) in the transverse direction of the chassis. The center chassis section (1) has a chassis bottom (9) in the form of a rigid and torsion-resistant hollow body.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel vapor from a fuel tank is fed through a charging pipe into an evaporated fuel storage canister, and is reserved there. The charging pipe, an upstream end of which is disposed in the fuel tank, is set to penetrate a side wall of the fuel tank and extends from the inside to the outside of the fuel tank. The canister is disposed in a swell-shaped recess on the inside of the front cowl, which recessed portion is situated between the headlight and the fuel tank as seen in side view.

Abstract: A piping assembly for directing fluid and mitigating acoustic and vortex coupled resonance is provided that includes a main pipe delivering fluid in a first direction; a standpipe coupled to the main pipe at an intersection; and a scoop positioned at the intersection directing the fluid towards the standpipe. A scooping insert and a method for disrupting vortex shedding in a piping assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A stair system for a mobile storage tank includes a platform subsystem attached to a wall of the mobile storage tank, a staircase subsystem coupled to the platform subsystem, and a rail subsystem attached to the staircase subsystem. The platform subsystem includes a retractable platform extension, and the staircase and rail subsystem are configured to be extended for use and retracted for transit and non-use modes of operation.

Abstract: A ladder assembly for accessing an elevated platform of a work machine such as an agricultural combine includes an upper ladder portion connected to an upstanding handrail of the elevated platform for upward and downward movement, and a combination lower ladder portion and handle assembly carried on the lower end of the upper ladder portion and pivotable between a stowed position generally vertically coextensive with at least a portion of the upper ladder portion, and a deployed position extending downwardly. A latch mechanism holds the lower ladder portion in the stowed position. The handle is positioned for use to move the ladder down and up, is manipulable to release the latch, and pivots out of the way when the ladder is deployed. The lower ladder portion can also carry a trim panel which covers a portion of the ladder when stowed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a scaffolding and worktable apparatus with pivotally connected end legs, and in particular, to an apparatus that can be modified from a scaffold to a worktable by rotating collapsible end legs from a first position to a second position and an apparatus that can also be stored or used in a flattened configuration by rotating the end legs to a third stored position.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to selectively control lubricant supply flow to one or more rotating machines in an aircraft when the rotating machines are windmilling. A controller determines if the rotating machines are windmilling. When the rotating machines are windmilling, the controller at least selectively energizes an electric motor driven lubrication pump, to thereby supply lubricant to the windmilling turbomachine.

Abstract: An elevator machine (10) includes a machine shaft (14, 14?) and a sheave (26) that rotates with the machine shaft (14, 14?). A motor (12) selectively rotates the machine shaft (14, 14?). A brake (30) having at least one brake armature (36) selectively moves a brake rotor (28) coupled for rotation with the shaft (14, 14?) between a braking position and a released position. The brake rotor (28) selectively contacts a braking surface (44) formed directly on a housing (20, 22, 84, 90) to resist rotation of the machine shaft (14, 14?).

Abstract: An elevator may include an elevator car, one or more hoisting ropes, a traction sheave, an overspeed governor, at least one safety gear, a locking mechanism, and guide rails. The car may be suspended by the one or more hoisting ropes. The traction sheave may move the car using the one or more hoisting ropes. The at least one safety gear and locking mechanism may be fitted in conjunction with the car. The overspeed governor may be configured to activate and release, via a linkage, the at least one safety gear during operation of the elevator. The locking mechanism may be configured to activate and release, by operatively acting on the linkage, the at least one safety gear during installation, maintenance, or installation and maintenance of the elevator. When activated, the at least one safety gear may engage one of the guide rails to lock the car in place.

Abstract: Provided, on each floor of a building, are an elevator installation zone, in which an elevator is installed, a neighboring zone which neighbors the elevator installation zone, and is in communication with the elevator installation zone through a first communication port, and an external zone which is in communication with the neighboring zone through a second communication port different from the first communication port. The first communication port is opened and closed by a first fire door, and the second communication port is opened and closed by a second fire door. A fire evacuation support system manages an operation of the elevator based on information from a plurality of fire detectors provided on each floor when a fire occurs in the building.

Abstract: Helicopter reduced vibration axial support struts and aircraft suspension system are disclosed with at least one vibration controlling fluid containing strut. The powered struts include an outer rigid housing containing an inner rigid member and first and second variable volume fluid chambers. Fluid pressure differentials are created between the first and second variable volume fluid chambers to control motion between the strut ends. The powered fluid containing struts, support isolators, suspension systems, and methods of operation provide reduced helicopter aircraft vibrations.

Abstract: Air suspension systems, devices, apparatus, and methods for allowing motorcycle drivers to increase and decrease compressed air supplies in air suspension devices. Deflating interior air springs/airbags (bladders) inside the devices allows for springs and pistons on shock absorbers in the devices to expand outward separating lower front and rear frame portions which effectively lowers the motorcycle to the ground surface and for the driver to have a firmer ride. Inflating the air springs/airbags (bladders) allows for the springs and the pistons on the shock absorbers in the devices to retract into the devices so that the devices have a more shock absorbing effect giving the rider a smoother ride, which also raises the motorcycles above the ground surface.

Abstract: An oil-filled working cylinder is divided into first and second working spaces by a working piston, the first working space being connected to a high pressure chamber. A piston pump includes a pump rod received in a pump cylinder formed by the hollow piston rod, the pump rod having a bore connected to a low pressure chamber via a discharge valve, a distal end provided with a suction valve, and a down-regulating opening connecting the bore to the first working space as a function of the position of the working piston, the pump cylinder being connected to the first working space by an outlet valve. At least one of the valves is a check valve including a housing having a bore, a ball reciprocably guided in the bore by guide ribs, and a resilient retaining element capturing the ball in the bore and spring-loading the ball toward a valve seat.

Abstract: A damping valve for a vibration damper includes a guide sleeve which slides on the piston rod of a vibration damper. An annular damping valve body which is provided with at least one through-opening is fixed axially by positive engagement on the guide sleeve, and the through-opening is covered at least partly by at least one valve disk which is biased by at least one closing spring which is supported at its end at a spring plate connected to the guide sleeve. The damping valve body and a spring plate which is constructed separate from the guide sleeve form a compression chain between two axially spaced stops of the guide sleeve.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic clutch device used to establish and to release a working connection between a drive and a takeoff is disclosed. The device includes a housing capable of rotating around an axis of rotation, the housing containing a torus space, which forms a torus volume (TV) with a pump wheel and a turbine wheel, and a clutch space, which forms the boundaries of the clutch volume (CV) and which encloses a mechanical transmission circuit including a bridging clutch designed with a torsional vibration clamper. During the course of the minimum resting phase of the housing, the fluid which is distributed throughout the housing during the operating state decreases from a total volume comprising at least the torus volume (TV) and the clutch volume (CV) to a resting volume (RV), which is located at least essentially underneath the axis of rotation as a result of the force of gravity. A volume reduction arrangement is provided to the housing to reduce the clutch volume (CV) versus the resting volume (RV).

Abstract: A clutch unit has a lever side outer ring or a brake side outer ring with increased strength and in which an elastic deformation amount is reduced to improve breaking torque. The clutch unit has a lever side clutch section provided on an input side, for controlling transmission and interrupting rotational torque to an output side through lever operation, and also has a brake side clutch section provided on the output side, for transmitting input torque from the lever side clutch section to the output side and interrupting reverse input torque from the output side. A lever side outer ring of the brake side clutch section includes two members, a thick plate-like member formed by punching and a cover formed by press working. The plate-like member and the cover are integrally fixed together by swaging by means of a lever-side side plate. A lever side outer ring of the lever side clutch section is formed of a thick plate-like member formed by punching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple clutch assembly comprising: first (5, 9) and second (7, 11) friction elements; first (15) and second (17) plates for applying pressure to said respective friction elements; first (21) and second (25) diaphragms for actuating said respective plates, each diaphragm being mobile between a disengaged position (21a, 25a or 25b) and an engaged position (21b or 21c, 25c), said first diaphragm (21) approaching the second diaphragm (25) when it passes from the disengaged position thereof to the engaged position thereof; and first (23) and second (27) means for actuating said respective diaphragms. Said second actuating means (27) comprise means for renewing the course of the second diaphragm (25), in such a way that the second diaphragm (25) follows a pre-determined course between the disengaged position (25a or 25b) and the engaged position (25c) thereof, independently of the degree of wear of the second friction element (7, 11).

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling including a first hub, a shaft fixedly connected to the first hub, the shaft being non-round in cross-section, and a second hub having a non-round recess extending therethrough, the non-round recess being sized to closely receive the shaft such that the second hub is capable of sliding along the shaft and is prevented from rotating about the shaft, wherein rotation of the first hub results in corresponding rotation of the second hub.

Abstract: A friction clutch includes a clutch housing having a friction plate, a clutch boss having a clutch plate, a pressure plate, a sub clutch, and a power-assist mechanism. An elastic member urges the pressure plate in a predetermined direction to press the friction plate and the clutch plate into frictional contact with each other when the clutch is engaged. The sub clutch includes a friction plate operatively disposed between first and second pressing plates. The power-assist mechanism receives torque from the pressure plate via the sub clutch when the clutch is disengaged and converts the torque into a force for moving the pressure plate in a direction which separates the pressure plate from a plate group.

Abstract: A friction disk for a wet-running clutch for a motor vehicle includes a lining carrier ring, provided with connecting areas for connecting the friction disk to a drive side or to a takeoff side of a clutch, and a plurality of friction lining elements, carried on at least one side of the lining carrier ring, Fluid flow channels are provided between the friction lining elements which are directly adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, wherein at least some of the fluid flow channels have different channel widths.

Abstract: A chute for directing materials from a source conveyor to a plurality of discharge conveyors, the chute comprising an upper chute section having a central vertical axis; a chute body movable between a raised position and a lowered position and rotationally connected below the upper chute section by rotation means for rotating the chute body about the central vertical axis between at least two selected rotational positions; and a plurality of lower chute sections, each lower chute section reversibly connectable at an upper end to a lower end of the chute body at one of the selected rotational positions, and at a lower end to a conveyor.

Abstract: A foldable side frame for a side conveyor system of a screening unit for processing materials that allows placing the side conveyor system within an envelope of a screening device. The system includes a base, mid and upper frame section of the side conveyor system, and a number of variable length rams that pivot the mid frame relative to the base frame about a first pivot axis and a pivot the upper frame relative to the mid frame about a second pivot axis in which in the operative position the first and second axes are obliquely angled relative to one another.

Abstract: A step band guard (30) for use of a passenger conveyor (20) includes a first panel (32) comprising a first piece of material. A second panel (34) comprises a second piece of material that is distinct and separate from the first piece of material. A securing connection (42) allows for selectively securing the panels together. The first panel (32) can be strategically left in place for blocking access to at least a portion of a step band (22) near a turnaround (28). The second panel (34) can be selectively put in place when blocking access to the entire step band (22) at the turnaround (28) is desired. The first panel (32) allows for some access to the step band and allows an individual to move the step band (22) without having to have the entire step band guard (30) in place.

Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations.

Abstract: A unit for grouping packages along a transfer path includes an input station receiving the packages arranged in longitudinal lines parallel to the transfer path; an output station for groups defined by a given number of packages from respective longitudinal lines and aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path. A movable conveying surface is supplied at predetermined time intervals with a number of packages equal to that in each group, and which feeds the packages along the transfer path. At least one aligning member is moved cyclically along a first path having a work portion parallel to the transfer path, and at least one push member is moved cyclically along a second path having a work portion parallel to the transfer path. The aligning member and the push member are moved respectively by independent first and second conveying mechanisms, and the work portions of the first and second paths coincide with each other.