Abstract: A tyre changing apparatus for removing a tyre from a corresponding rim of a wheel, comprising a frame having a supporting element configured to support the wheel rotatably about an axis of rotation, a bead breaker tool associated with the frame and movable towards and away from the supporting element along a movement direction, an actuator connected to the tool in order to move the latter along the movement direction and control means connected to the actuator. The control means comprise a processor which is set up to receive data representing a curve of the feed speed of the bead breaker tool towards the supporting element and which is programmed to identify a position of contact of the tool with the tyre as a function of a deceleration of the bead breaker tool.

Abstract: A window assembly including a first sash and a second sash, the first and second sashes each including a pane of glass disposed between a pair of horizontal rails and a pair of vertical stiles, a frame configured to retain the first and second sashes along a vertical plane of the frame, and a mechanism configured to simultaneously and correspondingly move a second sash in second direction upon movement of a first sash in a first direction opposite the second direction.

Abstract: Movable partitions comprise a plurality of interconnected panels, at least one sheet of insulation adjacent the plurality of interconnected panels, and at least one hinge member connecting adjacent panels of the plurality of interconnected panels. The at least one hinge member comprises at least one pointed member that extends therefrom. The pointed member is at least partially inserted into the at least one sheet of insulation, and the at least one sheet of insulation is supported by a surface of the at least one pointed member that has a width that is greater than a thickness of the at least one pointed member.

Abstract: A roll-up door having a smaller service door therein is provided. The smaller service door pivots about a vertical hinged edge and enables an operator to move through the roll-up door more efficiently via the smaller and more convenient service door. According to one embodiment of the invention, a self-locking assembly is provided on the free end of the service door for holding together the free end of the service door so that it moves together as a single unit when the service door is in use. A method of manufacturing a roll-up door having a service door therein is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making a disposable wiper or towel. A slurry is created by blending virgin cellulose fibers with cellulose fibers from post-consumer waste to create a mixture of cellulose fibers that contains about 40 to about 80 percent cellulose fibers from post-consumer waste. A contaminant deactivator and debonder are added to the slurry. The slurry is formed into a wet web. The wet web is pressed and adhered a Yankee dryer. The partially dried sheet is creped and dried. The sheet is wound to form a base sheet roll. The base sheet is fed to a first printer. A binder is applied to a first side of the base sheet with the first printer and then pressed into the base sheet. The base sheet is recreped and dried.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic polymers, such as polyaminoamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), that are derived from renewable resources and can be used to produce wet strength resins suitable for a variety of applications, such as in absorbent paper articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic polymers, such as polyaminoamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), that are derived from renewable resources and can be used to produce wet strength resins suitable for a variety of applications, such as in absorbent paper articles.

Abstract: An absorbent cellulosic sheet having a variable local basis weight includes a patterned papermaking-fiber reticulum provided with (a) a plurality of generally machine direction (MD) oriented elongated densified regions of compressed paper-making fibers having a relatively low local basis weight as well as leading and trailing edges, the densified regions being arranged in a repeating pattern of a plurality of generally parallel linear arrays that are longitudinally staggered with respect to each other such that a plurality of intervening linear arrays are disposed between a pair of cross machine (CD) direction aligned densified regions, and (b) a plurality of fiber-enriched, pileated regions having a relatively high local basis weight interspersed between and connected with the densified regions, the pileated regions having crests extending generally in the cross-machine direction of the sheet.

Abstract: A flushable moist wipe or hygiene tissue including a hydraulically entangled nonwoven material impregnated with a wetting composition. The nonwoven material contains at least 70%, by fibre weight, pulp fibres and the rest manmade fibres and/or natural fibres with a length of at least 6 mm. The moist wipe or hygiene tissue has a length in the machine direction which exceeds the width in the cross-machine direction with at least 25%. The moist wipe or hygiene tissue has a wet strength in machine direction which is at least 3 times higher than the wet strength in cross-machine direction, wherein the wet strength in cross-machine direction is between 50 and 200 N/m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent whitening agent compositions containing at least two specific disulfo-type fluorescent whitening agents for optically whitening paper or board.

Abstract: A partially fire resistant cellulosic fiber thermal insulation material from a fibrous web of unrefined virgin softwood and hardwood provides fibers which provides an R-value (as measured by the ASTM C518 test) of at least about 3, and a wood ash fire retardant component present in and/or on the fibrous web in an amount of at least about 1.5% by weight of the fibrous web and sufficient to impart at least partial fire resistance (as measured by the ASTM E970-08A test) to the fibrous web. Also, a process for preparing this at least partially fire resistant thermal insulation material.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises sequential addition of a first flocculating agent to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles followed by shearing of the dispersion, followed by addition of a second flocculating agent to the dispersion and further shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution. In addition, a neutralizing coagulant can be added to the dispersion to partially or completely neutralize the charge of the filler before the first flocculating agent is added.

Abstract: A shot tube plunger of a die casting system includes a tip portion and a thermal control scheme at least partially disposed within the shot tube plunger. The thermal control scheme includes a fluid passageway having at least one coiled portion that receives a fluid to adjust a temperature of the shot tube plunger.

Abstract: A molding process and a flaskless molding machine for simultaneously making an upper flaskless mold and a lower flaskless mold are provided such that the bottom surfaces of the molds can be in a stable and horizontal position, the stripping of the flasks can be reliably carried out, and the configuration of the molding machine can be simplified.

Abstract: A casting furnace for manufacturing a metal casting comprises an interior chamber and a secondary chamber through which the metal casting passes from the interior chamber into external atmosphere. A seal along the secondary chamber surrounds and seals against the metal casting to separate the interior chamber from the external atmosphere in a manner which allows for an extended period of continuous casting. A force producing mechanism typically forces the seal against the metal casting. Multiple seals may be used sequentially to increase the duration of the sealing capability and the continuous casting process.

Abstract: A method for casting of metal. A mold is provided including two broad sides and two narrow sides. A molten metal is introduced into the mold. There is a meniscus at a top of the molten metal. Additional molten metal is supplied into the molten metal via a casting tube below the meniscus. At least one stirrer including an iron core and a coil applied around the iron core is arranged around the mold. A length of the iron core in relation to a length of the broad side of the mold is between 50% and 80% of the length of the broad side. An upper part of the iron core is positioned from 50 mm above to 195 mm below the surface of the meniscus. A magnetic field is applied to the molten metal with the at least one stirrer to stir the molten metal.

Abstract: A foundry mix composition including silica sand, unexpanded perlite ore, and a binder material. The unexpanded perlite ore is present in the foundry mix composition from about 0.5 wt % to about 5.0 wt %. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also contemplate methods of making a sand mold/core from such a foundry mix composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchange system (1) including a heat exchanger (2) with a flow passage (210) arranged in a flow segment (21). For the exchange of heat between a transport fluid (3) and a heat transfer medium (4) flowing through the flow passage (210) in the operating state, the transport fluid (3) can be brought into flowing contact with the heat exchanger (2) via an inlet area (201) and can be led away again from the heat exchanger (2) via an outlet area (202). In accordance with the invention, for the determination of a degree of contamination (V) of the heat exchanger (2), a contamination sensor (5) in the form of a pressure sensor (5) and/or of a speed sensor (5) is provided with which a transport parameter (TK) can be determined which is characteristic for the flow of the transport fluid (3) from the inlet area (201) via the outlet area (202). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the operation of a heat exchange system (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating servicing of a liquid-cooled electronics rack is provided. The apparatus includes a coolant tank, a coolant pump in fluid communication with the coolant tank, multiple parallel-connected coolant supply lines coupling the coolant pump to a coolant supply port of the apparatus, and a coolant return port and a coolant return line coupled between the coolant return port and the coolant tank. Each coolant supply line includes a coolant control valve for selectively controlling flow of coolant therethrough pumped by the coolant pump from the coolant tank. At least one coolant supply line includes at least one filter, and one coolant supply line is a bypass line with no filter. When operational, the apparatus facilitates filling of coolant into a cooling system of a liquid-cooled electronics rack by allowing for selective filtering of coolant inserted into the cooling system.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods can provide conditioning building terminal fan coil units (e.g., ceiling mounted) configured with a filter to remove particles, selected gases such as formaldehyde, or provide biocidal capability while retaining sufficient FCU airflow. Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods according to the application can provide a transport refrigeration system and/or components to regulate ethylene gas levels in airflow, for example, of air conditioned by the transport refrigeration system. In one embodiment, a portion of the air conditioned by the transport refrigeration system can pass through an ethylene filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling the heat engine (10), electrical components (26, 14, 28), and an electrical power storage means (18) of a hybrid vehicle, said device including a first circuit (60, HT) for cooling the heat engine, a second circuit (BT) for cooling the electrical components, and a third circuit (78, TBT) for cooling the electrical power storage means, a heat transfer fluid being capable of flowing inside said circuits, comprising heat exchdange means (46, 48, 52). According to the invention, the heat exchange means consist of a heat exchanger (88) that is separated into three portions, and the device comprises a means for placing the first circuit in communication with the third circuit, the means being actuated on the basis of the temperature of the heat transfer fluid and on the basis of the flow of the heat transfer fluid inside the first circuit. The invention also relates to radiator for a hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for conditioning air in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a secondary cell or a fuel cell for driving wheels with a motor. The air conditioning system further includes a catalyst heater, an air conditioning duct, and an air conditioning fan. The catalyst heater generates heat by supplying a fuel and an oxidizing gas to the catalyst. The air conditioning duct is connected with an intake port and a blowing port. The air conditioning fan is provided in the air conditioning duct so that the air in the passenger compartment can circulate. The air in the air conditioning duct is conditioned by utilization of the heat generated with the catalyst heater so that the air in the passenger compartment is conditioned.

Abstract: Described is an anti-condensation method for an aircraft (13), wherein part of a stream of cold air is withdrawn, the part of a stream of cold air is heated, and the part of the stream of hot air is introduced into the crown (19) of the aircraft (13) through an air introduction duct (8). Also described is an anti-condensation device called “Air Dryer System”.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission fluid cooler system includes a transmission fluid cooler and an airflow ducting assembly engaged therewith. The airflow ducting assembly is provided to increase the amount of airflow directed toward the transmission fluid cooler so as to improve the cooling performance thereof, and includes a dam member, a duct member, and air guides. The duct member forms a passage communicating an airflow inlet opening with an airflow outlet opening. The dam member operates to scoop and direct airflow into the airflow inlet opening, and the air guides cooperate with the dam member to increase the amount of airflow scooped by the dam member which is directed into the airflow inlet opening. The airflow outlet opening is positioned to direct the airflow which has passed through the duct member to the transmission fluid cooler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a downhole heat exchanger for extracting geothermal energy from a borehole, wherein the inner surface of the exchanger tube comprises the following roughness values: a) an arithmetic mean roughness Ra according to DIN EN ISO 4287 in the range of 1 to 15 ?m, b) an averaged roughness Rz according to DIN EN ISO 4287 in the range of 8 to 80 ?m, and c) a maximum roughness depth Rz1 max according to DIN EN ISO 4287 in the range of 10 to 500 ?m, comprising an improved precipitation film during operation, such that the entire surface of the exchanger tube is uniformly wetted.

Abstract: An assembly for fastening a fitting to a hole in a tubular manifold having a hole. A plurality of refrigerant tubes extend into the manifold transversely to the hole. The assembly includes a fitting that extends along an axis and defines an opening to provide clearance for the refrigerant tubes extending into the manifold. The fitting also presents a pair of slots in spaced and parallel relationship with one another. The assembly further includes a semi-cylindrical shaped mounting plate including a bracket. The bracket presents a pair of legs which extend in spaced and parallel relationship with one another and engage the slots of the fitting to limit rotary movement of the fitting about the axis relative to the bracket before and during brazing of the fitting to the manifold to maintain a clearance between the lower section of the fitting and the refrigerant tubes.

Abstract: A device may include a housing; a heat transfer region located in the housing and comprising a plurality of heat transfer tubes, the heat transfer tubes being distributed through an entirety of a cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the housing; a bypass duct that branches off from the housing at a location upstream of the heat transfer region, wherein an opening into the bypass duct is located in an outer wall of the housing; and an actuating element comprising a flap and a pivot shaft, the flap being pivotable about the pivot shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for improving heat transfer of recirculating fluids within a system by introducing a ferrofluid in which iron oxide nanoparticles are suspended in a carrier fluid that is, in turn, added to a working fluid for increasing the heat capacity of the working fluid. The ferrofluid suspension can be prepared ex-situ and metered into the working fluid from a separate reservoir or may be prepared in-situ as needed through the use of an inline reactor. The ferrofluid can be introduced with other water treatment additives which are compatible with the colloidal suspension and monitored directly and/or indirectly for controlling the heat capacity performance of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas cooling adapter that is arranged between an exhaust port that is open to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and an exhaust manifold, and that includes an exhaust gas flow path through which exhaust gas flows from the exhaust port to the exhaust manifold; and a coolant flow path that is formed inside of an adapter wall surrounding this exhaust gas flow path, and that cools the exhaust gas that flows through the exhaust gas flow path. There is a curved portion in the exhaust gas flow path. Also, a peel inhibiting portion is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the exhaust gas flow path in a region farther toward an inside of the curve than an exhaust gas flow path center line of this curved portion.

Abstract: A device including a phase-change heat-transfer fluid cooling mechanism to cool a sheath in which is placed switchgear such as a circuit breaker. An evaporator is thus created which is connected to condensers that are placed on a roof of the sheath. The device can be for application to a medium-voltage high-current electrical installation. The device requires little maintenance and only consumes a reduced amount of energy, or even no energy.

Abstract: Shell and tube heat exchangers that include a baffle arrangement that improves the temperature profile and flow pattern throughout the exchanger and/or that are integral with a reaction vessel are disclosed. Methods for using the exchangers including methods that involve use of the exchanger and a reaction vessel to produce a reaction product gas containing trichlorosilane are also disclosed.

Abstract: Shell and tube heat exchangers that include a baffle arrangement that improves the temperature profile and flow pattern throughout the exchanger and/or that are integral with a reaction vessel are disclosed. Methods for using the exchangers including methods that involve use of the exchanger and a reaction vessel to produce a reaction product gas containing trichlorosilane are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tube heat exchanger for exchanging heat between first and second fluids includes a housing wherein one or more tubes extend between an inlet part and an outlet part for the first fluid. The tubes extend through passages through baffle plates which are secured at a distance from one another by means of one or more fastening devices that include a profile that is snapped in place in one or more recesses in the respective baffle plates. The profile is a V-profile and the recess is a V-shaped recess having protrusions on its two opposite edges behind which the V-profile is snapped in place.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes an outer tube and an inner tube coaxially arranged within the outer tube. Both of the outer tube and the inner tube include a fluid channel formed therein. A first fluid flows through the fluid channel of the outer tube, and a second fluid, in heat exchange relationship with the first fluid, flows through the fluid channel of the inner tube. At least one heat conductive feature is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube, and on an inner surface of the inner tube to maximize a heat exchange between the fluids.

Abstract: A finned-tube heat transfer device (1) has a housing (2) enclosing a first flow path (3) for a first fluid with a first inlet (4) and a first outlet (5). A tube system (9) forms a second flow path (10) for a second fluid with a second inlet (11) and a second outlet (12) and which is coupled to the first flow path (3) in the housing (2) in a heat transferring manner. The tube system (9) has a multitude of tubes (13) that are parallel to one another, which extend between two housing walls (7) laterally delimiting the first flow path (3). The tubes are provided with fins (14), within the first flow path (3), which are fluidically interconnected outside the first flow path (3). A simplified producability can be achieved if the fluidic connection of the tubes (13) is effected within the two housing walls (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) comprising a first flow passage (6) comprising a tubular element (2) comprising at least two tubular flow channels (4) separated by region (5) extending along a longitudinal Y-axis, for passage of a first medium, and a second flow passage (8) for passage of a second medium between tubular element and a heat transfer element (3). The tubular element comprises a first surface (A) comprising at least region and two bulging sections (7). The heat transfer element comprises a second surface (B) comprising at least region 5? and two indentation, cavity or nest sections (17). The first surface and the second surface are adapted to contact each other and have a complementary shape such that the bulging sections of the first surface are in continuous contact with the indentation, cavity or nest sections of the second surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spiral heat exchanger (1) including a spiral body (2) formed by at least two spiral sheet (10a, 10b) wounded to form the spiral body forming at least a first spiral-shaped flow channel for a first medium and a second spiral-shaped flow channel for a second medium, wherein the spiral body is enclosed by a substantially cylindrical shell (2) being provided with connecting elements (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) communicating with the first flow channel and the second flow channel, where the at least two spiral sheet also forms the centre of the spiral body, where each spiral sheet comprise a first sheet portion (12a, 12b) and where the flow channels comprise a second sheet portion (13a, 13b), and where the first sheet portion is made of a material that is thicker than the second sheet portion.

Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers that utilize one or more foam heat transfer units engaged with the tubes to enhance the heat transfer between first and second fluids. The foam of the heat transfer units can be any thermally conductive foam material that enhances heat transfer. In an embodiment, a liquid distribution unit is employed that sprays a fluid to maximize the energy transfer through the use of large surface/volume ratio of the sprayed fluid. The spraying can be used in combination with or separately from the foam heat transfer units. Also, the tubes can be helically twisted around the liquid distribution unit so that the sprayed fluid impinges on the tubes. The shell-and-tube heat exchangers described herein are highly efficient, inexpensive to build, and corrosion resistant. The heat exchangers can be configured as an evaporator, a condenser, or for single phase cooling or heating thermal transfer applications.

Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers that utilize one or more foam heat transfer units engaged with the tubes to enhance the heat transfer between first and second fluids. The foam of the heat transfer units can be any thermally conductive foam material that enhances heat transfer, for example graphite foam. These shell-and-tube heat exchangers are highly efficient, inexpensive to build, and corrosion resistant. The described heat exchangers can be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to, low thermal driving force applications, power generation applications, and non-power generation applications such as refrigeration and cryogenics. The foam heat transfer units can be made from any thermally conductive foam material including, but not limited to, graphite foam or metal foam. In an embodiment, the heat exchanger utilizes tubes that are twisted around a central foam heat transfer unit.

Abstract: A header plate for a heat exchanger includes a first side flange, a second side flange spaced apart from and opposing the first flange, and a generally planar surface located between and connecting the first and second flanges. The generally planar surface and the first and second side flanges together at least partially define an internal volume of the heat exchanger. The header plate also includes a bead formed into the generally planar surface to locally deform the surface in a direction away from the internal volume, the bead extending to and blending into the first side flange. The header plate also includes a tube receiving opening extending through the generally planar surface into the internal volume, the tube receiving opening extending through the bead.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for cooling one or more devices through use of a cooling plate. An example system includes multiple heat generating devices coupled to a cooling plate, each through an individual thermal interface unit. The thermal interface unit includes a compressible solid pad with at least one surface having a plurality of projections carrying a flowable material. The thermal interface units are pressed between the heat generating devices and the cooling plate so that the flowable material is completely enclosed.

Abstract: Heat exchangers are described that employ fins made of a heat conducting foam material to enhance heat transfer. The foam fins can be used in any type of heat exchanger including, but not limited to, a plate-fin heat exchanger, a plate-frame heat exchanger or a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. The heat exchangers employing foam fins described herein are highly efficient, inexpensive to build, and corrosion resistant. The described heat exchangers can be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to, low thermal driving force applications, power generation applications, and non-power generation applications such as refrigeration and cryogenics. The fins can be made from any thermally conductive foam material including, but not limited to, graphite foam or metal foam.

Abstract: A radial flow plate-fin heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange units connected together to form an annular shaped core. The core has a plurality of first fluid passageways that are circumferentially spaced from one another and that extend generally axially from a first end of the core to a second end. Each of the first fluid passageways is defined at least in part by a plurality of fins that include graphite foam. The core also has a plurality of second fluid passageways that are circumferentially spaced from one another and that extend generally radially from the central fluid passageway through an exterior wall of the core. The second fluid passageways are separated from the first fluid passageways so that a first fluid that flows through the first fluid passageways does not mix with a second fluid that flows through the second fluid passageways.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a base and a heat dissipating structure composed of columnar heat dissipating units integrally formed on the base. Air stream gaps communicating with the dissipating units, each having opposite first and second sides, are formed. The first side is an arced surface structure, and the second side has a flow-guide projection. Furthermore, the dissipating units facing the same direction are arranged in an array. Alternatively, first sides of the outermost layer of the dissipating units face directions away from the inner layer of the dissipating units, and the corresponding directions of the first sides of the dissipating units from the outer to inner layers gradually deflect. The air streams flowing in various directions have the higher possibility of entering the dissipating structure and are dispersed. Thus, the time and possibility for the air to contact the dissipating units are increased, and the dissipation efficiency is increased.

Abstract: A heat sink for dissipating a thermal load is disclosed that includes one or more heat sink bases configured around a central axis of the heat sink so as to define an interior space, at least one heat sink base receiving the thermal load, a thermal transport connected to the at least one heat sink base receiving the thermal load so as to distribute the thermal load in the heat sink, and heat-dissipating fins connected to each heat sink base, the heat-dissipating fins extending from each heat sink base into the interior space of the heat sink, each heat-dissipating fin shaped according to the location of the heat-dissipating fin with respect to the location of the thermal load and the location of the distributed thermal load in the heat sink.

Abstract: A device 1 for cooling hot liquid food items to drinking temperature comprising a cooling system 2 containing a coolant 19 with a cooling line 13 and an inflow for the hot liquid and an outflow for the cooled liquid. The device includes at least one filling vessel 3 connectable with its opening 5 to the end side of the cooling system containing the inflow to the cooling system. For connecting the filling vessel to the cooling system, each of the two parts includes complementarily cooperating connection elements 9, such that for the process of cooling a virtual unit can be formed, and as a function of the defined quantity of liquid flowing from the filling vessel into the inflow of the cooling system, and the temperature and of the quantity of the coolant, the liquid flows from the outflow of the cooling system at a temperature specified within narrow limits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole. The annular barrier comprises a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and having an inner face facing the tubular part, each end of the expandable sleeve being connected with a connection part which is connected with the tubular part, a space between the inner face of the sleeve and the tubular part, and an element arranged in connection with the sleeve, the element having a first part and a second part both of which extend around the inner face, the first part of the element being fastened to the inner face.

Abstract: A torch apparatus for consuming a material having a fuel load that produces heat and a source of oxygen when burned, and a plurality of slots having interstitial spaces therebetween for allowing longitudinal flow of fluid along the torch apparatus without interfering with the flow of fluid through the slots. The slots are oriented such that the heat and source of oxygen are provided to a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and oxygen, to thereby cause destruction of an object containing the material or disengagement of the object such that it falls into the wellbore.

Abstract: A series of ball seat assemblies preferably used to open a series of sliding sleeves for formation access to a zone that is to be fractured allows sequential shifting of the sleeves with a single ball. The ball is guided by a tapered member with a lower outlet larger than the ball. The ball lands on the segments that are initially supported. Some leakage occurs between the segments but not enough to prevent pressure buildup to shift the sleeves. The tapered member closely fits to the segments to minimize leakage. Shifting the segments axially allows them to retract so the ball passes to eventually land on a non-leaking seat so that the zone can be fractured. The ball is recovered at the surface after passing the retracted segments and going through the undistorted opening in the tapered member.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.