Abstract: This invention relates to a pipeline assembly especially for offshore installation comprising an inner carrier pipe, a casing and at least one closed-cell and/or solid thermal insulation material layer placed in between the casing and the inner carrier pipe, and the at least one insulation layer being directly or indirectly bonded to at least the casing and the inner carrier pipe. The pipeline assembly has improved bending properties which is achieved as the insulation material layer comprises at least one slit substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the pipeline assembly. The slit can be applied as a helical or circumferential cut, enabling the pipeline assembly to be rolled onto a reel or spool which greatly improves the pipeline assembly installation process. Methods of improving the bending properties of such a pipeline assembly are also described.

Abstract: A fluid jacket concrete pipe system includes a concrete pipe enveloped by a fluid-filled jacket. The fluid-filled jacket includes an inner jacket wall, an outer jacket wall, and a first and second side wall interconnecting the inner jacket wall to the outer jacket wall. A fluid inlet is disposed on the outer jacket wall. The outer jacket wall has a thickness dependent on a diameter of the concrete pipe and an external loading of the fluid jacket concrete pipe system.

Abstract: This method, for simultaneously weaving on a loom two fabrics (42, 44) provided with piles (424, 444), comprises the steps of weaving an inner layer (FL2, FL4) and an outer layer (BL2, BL4) for each distance fabric, binding the inner and outer layers with connecting warp yarns (401-404) extending between the inner and outer layers, weaving pile warp yarns (501, 502) between the distance fabrics, and cutting the pile yarns. During weaving, the inner and outer layers of each distance fabric are kept apart by respective lancet means (202, 204). Moreover, for each pick (P1-P13) and for each connecting warp yarn (401-404) and each pile warp yarn (501, 502), one selects on the basis of the information relating to the layer (BL2, FL2, BL4, FL4) in which said warp yarn has been interlaced in the previous pick, on the basis of the shedding pattern and amongst several predetermined positions, a position (A1-A8, B1-B12) to be taken by a shedding element (10) driving said warp yarn (401-404, 501, 502) during said pick.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel inlet shut-off valve assembly includes a two-piece housing having inner and outer housing components secured to each other. The housing components can be provided of different materials, with a surface coating. A flapper door assembly is secured in the outer housing component and includes directionally biased interlocking components that facilitate installation and inhibit disconnection after assembly with redundant connections.

Abstract: Included are tread bands for use on retreaded tires and methods for retreading a tire using such tread bands. Embodiments of such tread bands include a primary groove having a top opening that is open to a ground contacting front face of the tread band and a secondary groove having a bottom opening that is open to a back face of the tread band. The groove top of the secondary groove is higher than a groove bottom of the primary groove so that the secondary groove top is opened to the ground contacting front face of the tread band prior to disappearance by wear of the primary groove. Particular embodiments may also further include an overflow reservoir having a reservoir opening that is open to the back face of the tread band, the reservoir opening being positioned adjacent to an edge of the secondary groove bottom opening.

Abstract: A device and method for increasing tire friction is provided. The device is especially suitable for use on slippery roads, such as roads which have snow and/or ice. The device is permanently secured to the vehicle wheel assembly and easily installed over the tire for use. The device has a plurality of friction grips which independently move from an inactive first position secured to a sidewall of a housing center of the device to an active second position secured over the tire of the vehicle wheel assembly.

Abstract: A tire traction device installable on a vehicle tire tread surface, including a parallelepiped strip of a polymeric material, the strip having a protruding tread in a repeat pattern across an exterior surface, each strip having an interlocking hinge at the strip front and rear end by which the strip connects to other such strips by means of an insertable pin, the strip secured to the vehicle wheel by means of an adjustable belt member, the belt member having a buckle piece and a thread piece, secured around the vehicle wheel rim by means of a fastener.

Abstract: An air-maintenance tire system includes a compression actuator mounted to the tire carcass configured for operative actuation by tire deformation during a tire revolution, a pump assembly affixed to the tire carcass and including a compressor body affixed to the compression actuator and having an internal air chamber, the air chamber having an inlet opening for admitting air into the internal air chamber and an outlet opening for conducting air from the internal air chamber to the tire cavity. The air compressor body further includes a piston valve member and an outlet valve member located within and at opposite respective ends of the internal air chamber, the piston valve member and the outlet valve member moving within the internal air chamber responsive to actuation by the compression actuator between respective open and closed positions, whereby cyclically opening and closing the inlet and the outlet openings during an air compression cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved shear band for use in non-pneumatic tires, pneumatic tires, and other technologies. The improved shear band is uniquely constructed of honeycomb shaped units that can replace the elastomeric continuum materials such as natural or synthetic rubber or polyurethane that are typically used. In particular, honeycomb structures made of high modulus materials such as metals or polycarbonates are used that provide the desired shear strains and shear modulus when subjected to stress. When used in tire construction, improvements in rolling resistance can be obtained because of less mass being deformed and reduced hysteresis provided by these materials. The resulting mass of the shear band is greatly reduced if using low density materials. Higher density materials can be used (such as metals) without increasing mass while utilizing their characteristic low energy loss.

Abstract: This invention relates to tacky finishes and to the textile materials and articles treated with the tacky finishes. The tacky finishes provide improved processing features for end-use articles that contain such finishes. The tacky finish may be combined with other adhesion promotion finishes in the treatment of textile materials. The textile materials and articles may be used as rubber reinforcing materials, such as automotive tire cap ply, single end tire cord, carcass reinforcement and side wall reinforcement. End-use articles that contain the treated textile materials include rubber-containing materials such as automobile tires, belts, and hoses. This invention also relates to the methods for manufacturing the treated textile materials and articles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of: treating an organic polymer with an electron beam-generated plasma; exposing the treated polymer to air or an oxygen- and hydrogen-containing gas, generating hydroxyl groups on the surface of the polymer; reacting the surface with an organosilane compound having a chloro, fluoro, or alkoxy group and a functional or reactive group that is less reactive with the surface than the chloro, fluoro, or alkoxy group; and covalently immobilizing a biomolecule to the functional or reactive group or a reaction product thereof.

Abstract: A die bonder is provided comprising a bond head including a collet for picking up a die and bonding the die at a bonding site. The die bonder further comprises a first motor which is connected to the collet by a shaft for driving the collet in driving directions towards and away from the bonding site and a second motor which is connected to the bond head for driving the bond head in directions parallel to the driving directions of the first motor. A rotary motor is also operatively connected to the collet for rotating the collet about a rotational axis that is parallel to the driving directions of the first motor. The shaft is slidably connected to the rotary motor and is slidable relative to the rotary motor when it is driven by the first motor to move.

Abstract: To automatically perform an attachment work of a material supply to a target object, a robot system includes a robot provided with a body, a first arm provided for the body and having a plurality of joints, a second arm provided for the body separately from the first arm and having a plurality of joints, and hand units respectively provided for the first arm and the second arm. The robot holds one of a plurality of types of workpiece components using the hand units of the first arm and the second arm at the same time, and the remaining type of the workpiece components is held and carried by the hand unit of the first arm or the second arm.

Abstract: Described is a sheet-fed offset printing press including: a printing unit 20 printing on paper sheets 1; and laminate unit 40 for applying lamination to the paper sheets 1 printed by the printing unit 20, the lamination unit 40 being provided downstream of the printing unit 20 in a transport direction of the paper sheets 1.

Abstract: A tubular heating element which is resistant to damage caused by foreign material is disclosed. The tubular heating element is pivotably attached to the side sealing machine at its leading (upstream) edge. The trailing (downstream) edge of the tubular heating element is moved by means of a compressible force, such as an air cylinder. In this way, the air in the cylinder pushes the tubular heating element downward into the plane of the film. However, a foreign object located on the film can overcome the force of the air cylinder, thereby lifting the tubular heating element out of the path of the film.

Abstract: Ultrasonic welding tools for joining two or more components include a horn and an anvil. The horn work surface(s) has a plurality of protrusions, each having a base, a lower portion projecting from the base, and an upper domed portion projecting from the lower portion, substantially resembling a domed cone. The anvil work surface(s) has a plurality of protrusions, each having a basal portion and an upper tapering portion projecting from the base, substantially resembling a pyramid. The span of each pyramid base is no greater than the span of each domed cone base. The geometric center of each domed cone base on each horn work surface aligns with the geometric center of the valley surrounded by four adjacent pyramids on the matching anvil work surface.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel alternative to side-hinged swinging doors that offers access to a broad egress opening width needed to meet higher occupancy egress requirements while simultaneously qualifying as a fire/smoke barrier. In a preferred embodiment, a single overhead coiling fire door shaft assembly is counter-balanced to allow a fire door curtain to automatically close at a governed controlled descent upon reaching an established critical low battery condition. An operator is provided that will run the door under both normal condition and during a power failure or fire/smoke condition at an established average door speed, and also provide established levels of low battery warning signals/actions while also providing the ability to open as required for emergency egress until the temperature at the opening is not conducive for human life.

Abstract: The present invention is generally concerned with a breakaway door panel system comprising an impact resistant panel pivotally assembled to a pair of connecting members mountable to a door adjacent a first end and a second end of the panel respectively, and at least one impact releasable panel locking device comprising a first compliant holding element mounted at an end of the panel, a second complementary compliant holding element mounted to one of the connecting member adjacent the panel end, and a connecting bar releasably connecting the first holding element to the second holding element, whereby, when an impact force of at least a predetermined strength in applied to the panel, the bars are extracted from at least one of their respective holding elements, leaving the panel break away from the door, pivoting in the direction of the impact force.

Abstract: A roller shade assembly comprises a tubular roller having a generally cylindrical internal cavity, an generally tubular extension telescopically mounted within the internal cavity of the roller tube, and an outer tube mounted over the extension. The extension includes an outer wall and a plurality of winged splines located around the outer circumference of the outer wall which extend along at least a portion of the length of the extension tube.

Abstract: A mold package for casting a wheel assembly includes a sand printed drag mold having a cavity with a chill support chamber and a metal chill received in the support chamber. The mold package further includes at least one sand printed mold insert received in the cavity of the sand printed drag mold and a sand printed cope mold coupled to the sand printed drag mold such that a casting cavity for the wheel assembly is created by the exterior inner surfaces of the cope mold, the drag mold and the at least one insert.

Abstract: Maintaining the shell surface temperature profile under transient conditions by spray water cooling in continuous casting of steel is often desired to reduce occurrence of surface cracks. For this purpose, a real-time spray-cooling control system is provided that includes one or more of: a virtual sensor for accurate estimation/prediction of shell surface temperature, control algorithm and data checking subroutines for robust temperature control, server and client programs for communicating between these software components and the caster, and a real-time monitor to display the predicted shell surface temperature profiles, water flow rates, and operating data, among other things.

Abstract: An arc melting furnace apparatus is provided which reduces an operation burden on a worker and shortens working hours. An arc melting furnace apparatus 1 includes a housing 2 having formed therein a melting chamber 2a, a hearth 4 provided within the melting chamber 2a and having a recessed portion 4a, and a heating mechanism 10 for heating and melting a metal material supplied into the recessed portion 4 to generate an alloy ingot. The apparatus comprises a turning member 23 rotatably supported on a supporting member 21 standing within the melting chamber 2a, a perimeter edge of the turning member 23 rotating and moving along the inner surface of the recessed portion 4a to lift the alloy ingot generated in the recessed portion 4a above the hearth 4 and turn it over, and a resilient turn-over assisting member 24 provided above an upper end of the recessed portion 4a.

Abstract: Heat is exchanged between exhaust gas passing through a plurality of tubes and cooling water passing through a plurality of passages defined outside of the plurality of tubes layered with each other. A heat exchanger includes a temperature decreasing portion arranged in a predetermined area on an outer surface of the tube adjacent to an inlet side of exhaust gas. The temperature decreasing portion is configured to decrease a temperature of a thermal boundary layer of the outer surface of the tube relative to cooling water by increasing a heat transmitting ratio between the outer surface of the tube and cooling water.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a single flow circuit, at least one fluid pump, and a periodic fluid direction-change operative control device for periodically changing the flow directions of the pumped fluid in a first or second direction.

Abstract: A cooling system for a heat-generating structure includes a heating device, a cooling loop, and one or more reservoirs. The heating device is configured to heat fluid coolant comprising a mixture of water and antifreeze and vaporize a portion of the water into vapor while leaving a portion of the antifreeze as liquid in the fluid coolant. The cooling loop has a portion that splits the fluid coolant received from the heating device into a first path configured to receive at least some of the portion of the water as vapor and a second path configured to receive at least some of the portion of the antifreeze as liquid. The one or more reservoirs are configured to receive one of the at least some of the portion of the water as vapor from the first path or the at least some of the portion of the antifreeze as liquid from the second path.

Abstract: A modular control system includes a control module removably attachable to an exterior of a downhole tool. A controlled device, the controlled device providing a function for the downhole tool. The controlled device controlled by the control module.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly valves) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a selected valving member.

Abstract: A top drive assembly that includes a gauge for measuring strain in a linkage coupling the top drive to a drilling rig frame. The strain measuring gauge, which can be a strain gauge, is disposed on a pin that pivotingly links members of the linkage coupling. When a motor in the top drive assembly operates to rotate an associated pipe string, the torque generated by the motor can be estimated by monitoring strain measured in the pin.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10. The adjustable guide 10a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30, each having a sloped surface 30A to engage a pipe end 90. Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60. The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28, each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40.

Abstract: A well conveyance apparatus for conveying equipment into a wellbore possessing long-lasting movable and slidable hydraulic seals against the interior of a borehole casing located within a wellbore in a geological formation in the earth that is caused to move by the application of pressurized wellbore fluids against the seals. The seals are allowed to rotate on bearings about the tool mandrel to prevent the build-up of torque on the seals to minimize wear and to extend the life of the seals. Vibratory means are attached to the tool mandrel to vibrate the sealing portion of the seals, so as the extend the life of the seals and to minimize wear of the seals. Sensor arrays provide information to a computer system that is used to control the vibratory means, pressure relief valves, and other parameters to minimize wear of the hydraulic seals.

Abstract: A packer for a well. The packer comprises a seal element and seal setting apparatus. The seal setting apparatus is moveable with respect to the seal element in a setting direction to apply a setting force to the seal element to move the seal element from a run-in configuration to a set configuration in which, in use, the seal element forms a contact seal with a conduit wall. In use, the packer is arranged such that, in the set configuration, a pressure differential across the packer, which creates a force in the setting direction, will increase the setting force applied by the seal setting apparatus to the seal element to maintain the seal.

Abstract: A swellable packer device upon exposure to brine in a well. The device may be swellable to a substantially constant profile in spite of significant fluctuations in brine concentrations. Thus, the likelihood of packer failure due to under-swelling or over-swelling is reduced. Indeed, the packer may be employed for long-term operations or isolations ranging from a couple of weeks to twenty years or more without undue concern over packer failure from under or over swelling.

Abstract: A hydraulic packer including a chamber and at least one piston that slides down inside said chamber. The entire mandrel is made of a glass-fiber composition including glass-fiber 30%, resin 60%, and epoxy with accelerator 10%.

Abstract: Apparatus for downhole filtration of fluids in a wellbore. The apparatus has a diverter and a filter slidably mounted on a mandrel. The diverter has a circumferential wiper element between the mandrel and the casing within which the apparatus is run. When fluids are reverse circulated, or the tool is being pulled out, the diverter shifts to a downward position, wherein it seals against an upper end of the filter, filtering out solids in the fluids and retaining them in a chamber between the sleeve and mandrel. When running the tool into a wellbore, the diverter shifts to an upper position to permit fluids to bypass the filter sleeve. The filter sleeve bears against a spring loaded seat, which permits creating a gap between the diverter and an upper end of the filter sleeve to allow fluids to bypass the filter sleeve should the filter sleeve slots become plugged.

Abstract: A plurality of rows of locking dogs are provided with housing flexibility between rows to allow them to share a shear loading while leaving enough structural integrity in the housing to define the windows through which the dogs emerge. The dogs can also have extensions with a surface that grippingly engages the housing adjacent the window on extension of the dogs such that loads can transfer from the housing into the extension and into the profile in which the dog is disposed rather than passing the shear stress through the window edge into the dog that is in the profile. The dog configuration can also share the load on multiple contact surfaces of the housing to reduce stress at each contact location.

Abstract: The subject matter describes a tactile sensing device comprising an end effector and a control unit. The control unit is capable of receiving tactile information from the at least one end effector. The device enables a user to identify and relatively quickly map the shape and location of unknown surfaces.

Abstract: A new method separating sand, solids, and produced particulates down-hole in a well producing hydrocarbons. The separation assembly can include ether one, two, or more segments or stages of varying lengths depending upon the individual application. The assembly is installed into the tubing string or delivery conduit of a well producing hydrocarbons. One stage can consist of a velocity chamber whereby separation of particulates occurs by increasing the downward velocity of particulates and reducing the upward velocity of hydrocarbons thereby allowing the particulates to “fall-out” into a lower chamber where the particulates are captured. Another stage can consist of a filter whereby particulates are captured in a chamber that can consist of filtering materials such as gravel, rock, sand, wood, or manmade materials. Each of the stages can be employed individually or in combination.

Abstract: The uncontrolled flow of fluid from an oil or gas well may be reduced or stopped by injecting a composition including 2-cyanoacrylate ester monomer into the fluid stream. Injection of the monomer results in a rapid, perhaps instantaneous, polymerization of the monomer within the flow stream of the fluid. This polymerization results in formation of a solid plug that reduces or stops the flow of additional fluid from the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore and is subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the management of injection and production of well fluids in a subterranean well is described to optimize the use of stimulation fluids to enhance their compatibility with subterranean reservoirs and the surface environment and thereby reducing the damage said fluids induce in subterranean reservoirs and upon flow back to the surface reduce their damage to the environment is described. More specifically, this method is directed to the subterranean treatment of injection fluids.

Abstract: A gas lift valve that has a longitudinally extending tubular body having an inlet and an outlet, a flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a flow tube located inside the body. The flow tube is translatable in the axial direction between at least a first and a second position. A venturi orifice located inside the body along the flow path. A seal part is located proximate to the outlet of the body. A flapper is connected with the body by way of a hinge part and the flapper has at least a first open position and a second closed position. The closed position is where the flapper contacts the seal thereby closing the flowpath and the second closed position is where the flapper does not contact the seal and does not close the flowpath.

Abstract: removable blowout recovery valve. The large end of the valve (or funnel) is placed over a well pipe (or other pipe) through which oil (or other fluid) is flowing out. The small end of the valve is connected to a return pipe. A high pressure pipe with a smaller diameter is inserted into the well pipe. A sleeve connected to the return pipe is placed over the well pipe. A locking collar is attached to the sleeve. Positioning rings are attached to the high pressure pipe, that can fit inside the well pipe. A sharp edge extends from the sleeve, by which irregularities in the well pipe can be cut. Lasers or other cutting devices are attached to extension arms, that can also cut irregularities in the well pipe. The slope of the valve can be changed. The valve can be removed and raised with the aid of floats.

Abstract: Systems can be configured to move a ram block in a blowout preventer. The system includes: a first bank of accumulators configured to provide a first pressure to move the ram block; a second bank of accumulators configured to provide a second pressure to move the ram block, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure; and a controller configured to sequentially control the first bank of accumulators to apply pressure to move the ram block and to then control the second bank of accumulators to move the ram block after the first bank of accumulators has moved the ram block a first distance.

Abstract: A slim hole production system for pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well and especially a hydrocarbon well that is producing both natural gas and liquids where the diameter of the hole in the production area is too small to get production tubing and a sucker rod into a productive arrangement. The slim hole pump includes a hollow tube that raises and lowers the plunger and carries the liquids to the surface and uses the annulus to produce the gas.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA), adapted to be positioned in a casing and to isolate a portion of a wellbore, which includes a packer assembly with a first sealing element extending between first and second portions of the packer assembly. A method of setting a BHA in a casing which includes increasing a BHA pressure to activate an anchor assembly, applying a mechanical force to mechanically deform a first sealing element to thereby establish an initial seal between the first sealing element and an interior surface of the casing, and increasing a pressure in a space between the BHA and the casing and in a cavity within the BHA to increase a differential pressure across the first sealing element and thereby establish a pressure-energized seal between the first sealing element and the interior surface of the casing.

Abstract: A horse shoe shielding device comprising: a shielding member comprising a concave portion adapted to receive the heel of a horse shoe when worn on a horse such that the heel of the horse shoe is covered by the shielding member; and attachment means adapted to allow attachment of the shielding member to the horse shoe, wherein at least a portion of the shielding member extends rearwards from the attachment means and then upwards to shield the heel of the horse shoe, and wherein the horse shoe shielding device is adapted to cover only a portion of the hoof of the horse.

Abstract: A jetting apparatus for fire extinguishing gas has a gas cylinder which is charged with pressurized fire extinguishing gas therein and onto an opening of which a sealing plate opening is attached. The jetting apparatus has a two part case that can receive the gas cylinder. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member that has a neb capable of breaking the sealing plate. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder that is attached the seal breaking member. The jetting apparatus has a mouth part of the gas cylinder that is attached detachably, and a cylinder holder that has a through hole movably housing the seal breaking member therein. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder and a cylinder holder that can relatively approach each other. The jetting apparatus has a jetting port that is provided on the outside of the apparatus and can communicate with the through hole.

Abstract: A jetting apparatus for fire extinguishing gas has a gas cylinder which is charged with pressurized fire extinguishing gas therein and onto an opening of which a sealing plate opening is attached. The jetting apparatus has a two part case that can receive the gas cylinder. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member that has a neb capable of breaking the sealing plate. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder that is attached the seal breaking member. The jetting apparatus has a mouth part of the gas cylinder that is attached detachably, and a cylinder holder that has a through hole movably housing the seal breaking member therein. The jetting apparatus has a seal breaking member holder and a cylinder holder that can relatively approach each other. The jetting apparatus has a jetting port that is provided on the outside of the apparatus and can communicate with the through hole.

Abstract: Included are embodiments of a power assisted garden tool. Some embodiments include a handle and an interchangeable tool implement including a garden tool end, a connection end, and an impact platform. Similarly, some embodiments include a drive mechanism coupled to the handle, the drive mechanism including a power source, a motor that provides rotational motion to a rotary shaft, and a piston coupled to the rotary shaft, the piston exhibiting reciprocating motion from the rotational motion, the piston making contact with the interchangeable tool implement, such that the reciprocating motion of the piston causes motion of the interchangeable tool implement.

Abstract: A manually operated hammer drill (1) includes a spindle (3) that drives a chuck (5) in a rotary manner about an axis of rotation (6) in a drilling mode, and includes a pneumatic hammer mechanism (4), that hammers against a tool inserted in the chuck (5) in a hammer mode. The hammer mechanism (4) has a piston (10) which performs reciprocating movements (12) parallel to the axis of rotation (6) in a cylinder (11) conformed inside the spindle (3) when hammer mode is activated. The piston (10) has at least one radial groove (21) in which an annular seal (22) is arranged.