Abstract: A borehole is drilled from the surface to an underground shale matrix. A pipe is inserted into the borehole. Openings are created in the pipe in fluid communication with fractures in the shale matrix. The interior surface of at least one section of pipe is coated with a contaminant-capturing substance. Fracturing fluid including water, proppants and chemicals is pumped through the pipe and into the fractures in the shale matrix. The fluid re-enters the pipe from the shale matrix and moves toward the surface through the coated pipe section where contaminants are sequestered by the coating. Natural gas or oil from the fractured shale then enters the pipe and moves to the surface to be collected. The coated pipe section remains in the ground permanently such that the necessity of disposing of the captured contaminants is eliminated.

Abstract: A method of recovering oil from an oil well and producing steam for injection into an injection well is provided. After recovering an oil-water mixture from the oil well, oil is separated from the mixture to produce an oil product and produced water. In one process, the produced water is directed to an indirect fired steam generator which is powered by an independent boiler or steam generator. As water moves through the indirect fired steam generator, the same is heated to produce a steam-water mixture. The steam-water mixture is directed to the steam separator which separates the steam-water mixture into steam and water. The separated water is directed from the steam separator back to and through the indirect fired steam generator. This separated water is continued to be recycled through the indirect fired steam generator. Steam separated by the steam separator is directed into the injection well.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of producing from multiple production zones with a single trip multi-zone completion system. One single trip multi-zone completion system includes an outer completion string having at least one sand screen arranged thereabout and being deployable in an open hole section of a wellbore that penetrates at least one formation zone, a production tubing arranged within the outer completion string and having at least one interval control valve disposed thereon, a control line extending external to the production tubing and being communicably coupled to the at least one interval control valve, and a surveillance line extending external to the outer completion string and interposing the at least one formation zone and the at least one sand screen.

Abstract: A well treatment method includes drawing a solvent to a first pump, drawing a wetting liquid to a second pump, pumping the wetting liquid through a polymer mixer using the second pump, combining polymer with the wetting liquid to produce a slurry containing undissolved polymer, and combining the slurry with the solvent upstream from the first pump. Another well treatment method includes increasing dissolution time of the polymer by providing a buffering agent in the wetting liquid before combining the wetting liquid and the polymer. A well treatment system includes a polymer mixing subsystem with a mix loop having a mix loop inlet line from a first pump feed line and a mix loop outlet line back to the first pump feed line, the mix loop outlet line containing a polymer mixer.

Abstract: Methods for preventing or alleviating the loss of drilling fluids and other well treatment fluids into a subterranean formation during drilling or construction of boreholes therein include a drilling fluid including a lost circulation material. The lost circulation material includes a suspension of swelled particles of a pH sensitive polymeric material, the swelled particles capable of reversibly attaching to other swelled particles of the polymeric material. The pH of the aqueous solution is such that each particle of the swelled pH sensitive polymeric material is not attached to other swelled particles, and wherein upon lowering the pH of the suspension, the swelled particles attach to each other.

Abstract: A down hole apparatus for filtering debris from a fluid in a well bore including a screen sub, a diverter assembly connected to the screen sub, a screen section extending from the diverter assembly and connected to the screen sub. The screen section includes a plurality of openings for filtering debris from the fluid. The debris collects in an annulus between the screen section and the screen sub. The diverter assembly includes a detachable plug having a fishing portion capable of engaging a fishing tool. Removal of the detachable plug with a fishing tool opens a central passage through the diverter assembly and the screen section. The diverter assembly may include an outer and an inner body and one or more passages between the outer and inner bodies. The detachable plug may include one or more dog members capable of engaging the inner body.

Abstract: A method of foaming a fluid for recovering gas from a gas well and enhancing oil production from a gas-lifted oil well penetrating a subterranean oil-bearing formation is disclosed and claimed. The method includes introducing into the fluid a foam-forming amount of a composition comprising at least one compound having the general formula: R1 is selected from a saturated linear or branched alkyl, an unsaturated linear or branched alkyl, a substituted naphthalene, a substituted benzene, a natural oil, and a natural oil derivative. R2 is a C2-C8 alkyl. R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from trimethyl, triethyl, diethyl, monoethyl, benzyl dimethyl, and benzyl diethyl. X is selected from hydrogen, methyl, and ethyl. Z? is a negatively charged counterion.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in completing a well includes a plug body selectively securable to a wellbore at a desired elevation and having a flowbore. A non-dissolvable flow restrictor is operably disposed in the flowbore and operates to restrict fluid flow through the flowbore, and a time-dissolvable retainer or spacer is operably coupled to the flow restrictor to retain the flow restrictor in a first position within the flowbore. The retainer is dissolvable within a predetermined passage of time to release the flow restrictor to move between the first position and a second position within the flowbore to control the flow of fluid through the downhole tool.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to directing a flow from a borehole termination structure. Embodiments include a device for containing fluid flow from a borehole. The device includes an engagement body and a sealing member located within a cavity of the engagement body. The cavity is configured to receive a portion of a borehole termination structure extending from the borehole and to direct fluid from the borehole into a fluid conduit. The sealing member has a changeable shape configured to surround the borehole termination structure and to form a seal between an outer surface of the borehole termination structure and an inner surface of the body of the containment assembly based on the borehole termination structure being positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: Systems for accessing a well bore including a BOP stack with a universal intervention interface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a BOP stack and a valve assembly. The BOP stack has a throughbore and is installable on a well such that the throughbore is in fluid communication with the well bore. The valve assembly is coupled to the BOP stack and includes a fluid flowpath in fluid communication with the BOP stack throughbore, two valves connected in series and disposed along the fluid flowpath, the valves operable to control flow through the fluid flowpath, and a ROV panel including ports accessible by a ROV for operation of the two valves.

Abstract: An electrical and hydraulic configuration on a subsea tree that facilitates the use of an ROV control system to operate the tree during well installations, interventions, and workovers. An SCM at the tree is in communication with a fixed junction plate that receives a production umbilical during normal operation. The ROV can be deployed to disconnect and park the production umbilical during well installations, interventions, and workovers to prevent accidental operation of the SCM or tree. The junction plate is configured to connect with the ROV and thereby establish communication with the hydraulic lines of the SCM. The ROV may carry an umbilical from a vessel to provide electrical and hydraulic service to the SCM during well operations. In addition, the ROV has facilities to repressurize spent control fluid to thereby allow reuse of the control fluid by the SCM.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead body which disposed to support an isolation sleeve for a production tree and to support below the isolation sleeve a production casing hanger for a production casing string. The body also supports a second casing string outside the production casing string whereby to form an annulus between the casing strings. The body includes a passageway which is in communication with the annulus near a lower end of the body and extends upwardly within the wall of the body towards the upper end of the body. A valve is accommodated in the upper part of the body and provides controlled communication between the passageway and a port which can be coupled to the isolation sleeve. The valve is controllable from a production tree in particular is moveable between an open position and a closed position in response to fluid pressure applied to the valve from a production tree by way of the isolation sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for releasing fluid from a subsea marine riser is disclosed. A housing defines an interior space and an exterior region. The housing includes first and second ends adapted for respective sealed connection in a marine riser assembly. The housing may be defined on its interior space by a central cavity adapted for passage of a drill string. A plurality of ports may be provided for fluid release from the housing upon emergency disconnect of the riser from a subsea well. One or more gates may be provided in mating configuration with the housing. The gates may be moveable from a sealed position that restricts fluid flow through the ports to an open position that facilitates fluid release from the riser through the ports.

Abstract: A drilling riser adapter variably connects and releases a riser from a subsea wellhead assembly. The drilling riser adapter has a hydraulically actuated engagement assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging a lower end of the marine riser. The drilling riser adapter also includes a control panel communicatively coupled to the engagement assembly for actuating the engagement assembly to engage and disengage the lower end of the marine riser. The drilling riser adapter also includes a hydraulic fluid pressure receptacle on the control panel for engagement by a remotely operated vehicle to supply hydraulic fluid pressure to the engagement assembly. The drilling riser adapter may be actuated subsea to release a first riser from the wellhead assembly, and connect to a second riser.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly made up of a wellhead housing, a production tree mounted on the wellhead housing, tubing suspended into a wellbore from within the wellhead housing, and an annulus between the tubing and the wellhead housing. A shuttle valve is provided within a tubing hanger that supports the tubing from within the wellhead housing. An accumulator is disposed in the annulus that is in fluid communication with a closed position port on the shuttle valve. Pressure is maintained in the accumulator for closing the shuttle valve when a force for opening the valve is removed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing a riser or similar object against motion can include engaging two or more cylinder apparatus to the object. Communication of fluid between cylinder apparatus, responsive to a force on the object, can limit movement of the object, such as through extension or retraction of pistons within the cylinders. The cylinder apparatus can include internal channels that can accommodate coiled tubing, slickline, wireline, and similar conduits or devices, enabling operations to be performed through the cylinders, independent of their position.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use between wellbore tubulars employs an inner seal ring partially circumscribed by an outer seal ring. The seal rings are axially slidable with respect to one another and can be made from pliable inelastic materials such as graphite or a fluoropolymer. The seal rings contact one another along profiled surfaces that are angled such that by axially urging the seal rings towards one another produces a bulge in the seal assembly directed radially outwards and inwards. The bulging seal rings come into contact with opposing sides of the wellbore tubulars to define a sealing surface. Axial supports at opposing lateral ends of the seal rings maintain the seal between the tubulars.

Abstract: Vibration of an electric submersible pump assembly is monitored to produce a vibration spectrum. The vibration spectrum is compared to a known vibration signature for a pump condition that precedes gas lock. The pump condition is at least one of an impeller rotating stall condition, a diffuser stall condition, a pre-surge condition, and percentage of free gas within the wellbore fluid. Operation of the pump is then adjusted in response to the similarity of the vibration spectrum to the vibration signature for the pump condition to prevent impending gas lock.

Abstract: A wet connection system suitable for use in hydrocarbon wells preferably comprises one or more elongate, small diameter conduits (50) which extend down the wellbore (2) and terminate adjacent a locating structure (11) on the production tubing (10). Equipment (70) deployed at the locating structure is connected to one or more self supporting conductors (30) which extend down the conduits from the wellhead (5). Preferably the conductors are retractable and the conduits are sealingly connected to the equipment, allowing the equipment and conductors to be deployed and recovered independently of each other and to be flushed with dielectric oil (99) pumped down the conduits after re-connection.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing bomb that can be pre-programmed to explode 2-200 feet above the ground or tree line. The bomb employs a laser or barometric altitude sensor in combination with a GPS-altitude sensor for failsafe detonation with extreme accuracy at the proper altitude. The redundant failsafe altitude-dependent detonation system ruptures a container carrying a payload of wet or dry fire retardant/suppressant, preferably dry environmentally-friendly fire-retardant powder having no toxicity and having fertilizer properties. Upon detonation the device coats the ground below with a uniform fire extinguishing coating. The core components of the bomb can be biodegradable, or alternatively can be readily retrieved and reused after each activation, thereby increasing both economy and reducing environmental concerns.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a suppression system in which a carrier gas and suppression liquid are contained in a common containment vessel and separated by a separation member. The separation is one or more of movable, deformable, or shape changing in response to pressure exerted by the stored gas.

Abstract: A system of operating a plurality of fire extinguishing units. The system comprises a plurality of valve control units each set to activate one of the plurality of fire extinguishing units when triggered and to trigger the activation of another of the plurality of fire extinguishing units by another of the plurality of valve control units substantially simultaneously and an actuating element which triggers one of the plurality of valve control units.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element (7) intended to decrease the risk of explosion when handling fuel inside a container (1). The element is adapted to be positioned inside the container and is arranged to suppress a possible combustion of the fuel inside the container. The invention also relates to a use of such an element inside a container to decrease the risk for explosion when handling fuel.

Abstract: A plastic mulch retriever comprises a body and at least one set of cutting or digging elements mounted to the body to loosen plastic mulch embedded in the ground. At least one conveyor is mounted to the body rearward of the at least one set of cutting or digging elements. The conveyor engages the loosened plastic mulch and removes at least some of the ground material attached to the extracted plastic mulch. At least one storage device can be mounted to the body rearward of the conveyor to store the retrieved plastic mulch. Embodiments of the plastic mulch retriever comprise multiple sets of cutting or digging elements and multiple respective conveyors.

Abstract: A tillage implement has gang assemblies of rotatable tillage tools that can be angle-adjusted from the seat of the towing tractor using hydraulic actuators. The tillage tools may comprise generally flat, wavy coulter blades or the like so that the machine may be set up for vertical tillage with the coulters aligned at a zero degree angle with the path of travel of the implement or for residue management operations with the coulters maintained at an oblique angle of up to ten degrees relative to the path of travel. A six degree angle is preferred for the residue management position. A master-slave hydraulic flow arrangement for the actuators assures simultaneous actuation, while mechanical synchronizing apparatus between the two front gang assemblies on the center frame section of the machine assures synchronized movement of those assemblies. Mechanical motion-transmitting mechanism transmits the hydraulically powered adjusting movement of the front gang assemblies to the rear gang assemblies.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a frame, a circle gear mounted to the frame to rotate relative thereto, a moldboard coupled to the circle gear to rotate therewith, and a circle drive gearbox comprising gearing, a first worm, and a second worm, the gearing meshing with the circle gear, the first and second worms meshing with the gearing.

Abstract: System for conducting remote biometric operations that includes a biometric data reading device connected to a personal computer and configured to send said encrypted data to a remote data authentication center for establishing a secure communications channel once the user identity has been verified by means of said biometric data. This invention refers to a remote biometric operations system that can be connected to a computer to carry out electronic banking and other similar operations with a certain degree of safety.

Abstract: An electric power tool includes a motor; a speed reducer for transferring a rotational power of the motor at a reduced speed; and a reduction ratio changing unit for changing a reduction ratio of the speed reducer. The speed reduction mechanism includes an axially slidable changeover member and a gear member, the changeover member being engaged with or disengaged from the gear member depending on an axial slide position thereof. The reduction ratio changing unit includes a shift actuator for axially sliding the changeover member, a driving state detector for detecting a driving state of the motor, a slide position detector for detecting a slide position of the changeover member and a controller for driving the shift actuator and for changing a drive control of the shift actuator depending on detection results of the slide position detector unit and the driving state detector unit, respectively.

Abstract: Shock waves produced during electro-hydraulic drilling can be reflected into a rock body where the reflected shock waves are converted from compression waves to tension waves, which are more efficient at breaking down the rock body. A system configured for electro-hydraulic drilling where shock waves produced during drilling are reflected into the rock body includes two electrodes and a shock wave reflector disposed at an electro-hydraulic drill head. The two electrodes are configured to (1) facilitate formation of a spark along a spark path spanning the two electrodes and (2) facilitate a pulse of electricity being passed through the spark to form a primary shock wave emanating from the spark path. The shock wave reflector is configured to reflect a portion of the primary shock wave such that the reflected shock wave is concentrated to a focal region within the rock body.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a downlinking system deployed in a downhole tool body having an internal through bore. The downlinking system includes a differential pressure transducer configured to measured a pressure difference between drilling fluid in the internal through bore and drilling fluid external to the tool (in the borehole annulus). The differential transducer is electrically connected with an electronic controller (deployed substantially anywhere in the drill string) that is configured to receive and decode pressure waveforms.

Abstract: Methods and associated tools and components related to generating and obtaining performance data during drilling operations of a subterranean formation is disclosed. Performance data may include thermal and mechanical information related to earth-boring drilling tool during a drilling operation are disclosed. For example, a cutting element of an earth-boring drilling tool may include a substrate with a cutting surface thereon. The cutting element may further include at least one thermistor sensor coupled with the cutting surface, and a conductive pathway operably coupled with the at least one thermistor sensor. The at least one thermistor sensor may be configured to vary a resistance in response to a change in temperature. The conductive pathway may be configured to provide a current path through the at least one thermistor sensor in response to a voltage. Other methods, tools and components are provided.

Abstract: A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and one or more compliantly coupled gauge pads. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be coupled with chassis. The one or more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components disclosed herein provide propagation of light signals from an external source to a borehole mining mole which includes an optical/electric transducer configured to provide propulsive power for the borehole mining mole and its associated mineral prospecting tools. Some embodiments include one or more umbilicals connected from a remote source location to an onboard reel incorporated with the borehole mining mole. The umbilicals are spooled outwardly or inwardly from the onboard reel during traverse of the borehole mining mole along a path in an earthen environment.

Abstract: A horizontal direction drilling system comprises a power pack coupled to a source of compressed air and a water reservoir and forms a mixture of compressed air, water, and oil. The horizontal direction drilling system further comprises a steerable horizontal drill. The steerable horizontal drill includes an air powered reciprocating hammer, and a drill head. The steerable horizontal drill receives the mixture to power the reciprocating hammer. The drill head includes a drill face and the mixture exits the steerable horizontal drill through the drill face.

Abstract: Expandable reamers for enlarging wellbores include a tubular body and one or more blades configured to extend and retract. A sleeve member within the tubular body has open ends to allow fluid to flow therethrough. A fluid port extends through a wall of the sleeve member. A restriction member within the sleeve is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, fluid flow through the downhole end of the sleeve is generally unimpeded, and fluid flow through the fluid port is generally impeded. In the second position, fluid flow through the downhole end of the sleeve member is generally impeded, and fluid flow through the fluid port is generally unimpeded. The restriction member may be configured to move responsive to changes in the rate of fluid flow through the sleeve member. Methods of using such reamers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method of shearing drill collars used in the drilling of oil and gas wells, comprising providing an outer sleeve of a first material for carrying structural loads, providing a second material within the outer sleeve which is lower in shear strength and is greater in unit weight than the first material, and providing a hole in the second material for the circulation of fluids.

Abstract: Earth-boring rotary drill bits may include a bit body attached to a shank assembly at a joint. The joint may be configured to carry at least a portion of any tensile longitudinal and rotational load applied to the drill bit by mechanical interference at the joint. The joint may be configured to carry a selected portion of any tensile longitudinal load applied to the drill bit. Methods for attaching a shank assembly to a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include configuring a joint to carry at least a portion of any tensile longitudinal and rotational load applied to the drill bit by mechanical interference. The joint may be configured to carry a selected portion of any tensile longitudinal load applied to the drill bit by mechanical interference.

Abstract: A drill tool comprises includes a bit body, at least one bearing shaft extending from the bit body and a cone mounted for rotation on the bearing shaft. The bearing system for the tool includes a radial thrust bearing from which cone pumping pressure pulsation originates. A lubricant sealing system including an annular seal gland and a seal ring retained within the annular seal gland functions to retain lubricant in the bearing system. The tool further includes a lubricant cone pumping pressure restrictor system formed by an annular gland (separate from the annular seal gland) and a pressure restricting ring retained within the annular gland. The lubricant cone pumping pressure restrictor system is positioned between the radial thrust bearing system and the lubricant sealing system and is adapted to attenuate cone pumping lubricant pressure pulsation from acting on the seal ring retained within the annular seal gland.

Abstract: Wellbore tools include a body and a superhydrophobic surface disposed over at least a portion of the body. The superhydrophobic surface includes a patterned surface of a hydrophobic material exhibiting a higher hydrophobicity than an unpatterned surface of the hydrophobic material. A wellbore tool may include a seal, at least one sensor, and at least one flow line, each having at least one superhydrophobic surface. Methods of forming wellbore tools include forming a body, forming a hydrophobic surface over at least a portion of the body, and forming a pattern in a surface of the body, such that the patterned surface exhibits a higher hydrophobicity than an unpatterned surface of the same material.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods of fabricating PCD materials by subjecting a mixture that exhibits a broad diamond particle size distribution to an HPHT process, PCD materials so-formed, and PDCs including a polycrystalline diamond table comprising such PCD materials. In an embodiment, a PCD material includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains that exhibit a substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution characterized, at least in part, by a parameter ? that is less than about 1.0. ? = x 6 · ? , where x is the average grain size of the substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution, and ? is the standard deviation of the substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution.

Abstract: An electric utility cart to assist in transportation and hauling various items is disclosed. The utility cart includes a handle with a throttle to control the speed of the cart during use. A single 360° rotatable front wheel in combination with a pair of wide rear wheels which are joined to a differential allows the cart to turn in tight circles. A directional switch proximate the handle allows the user to drive the cart in either a forward or rearward direction. An auxiliary rack can be mounted on the cart as needed for carrying surf boards or other large items. A hitch rod allows the cart to be suspended and transported by a conventional vehicle such as a car, SUV or pickup truck having a typical tubular hitch.

Abstract: Here invented are efficient road vehicles having special aerodynamic shapes, with stabilizing provisions that enable aerodynamic efficiency. It is a vehicle that is configured to include a carriage part that encloses a driver and passenger riding in tandem. This car width is for persons seated in single file, enabling a narrow width that makes a body shaped like an airship practical, where that shape is characterized by a very low drag coefficient in free flow conditions. This body is elevated on struts above a wheel system to enable such free flow aerodynamic conditions, thus, the drag coefficient of the airship is made applicable to this road vehicle. The wheel system includes wheels on each side of the vehicle that are arranged in horizontal columns, to which the struts are attached. The horizontal columns act as individual aerodynamic entities that function independently of the carriage aerodynamic operation.

Abstract: A powertrain is adapted to drive ground-engaging elements disposed along longitudinally-opposing sides of a vehicle. The powertrain includes at least one engine, a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a third electric machine, a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism. The engine and first electric machine are operatively connected to the first and second differential mechanisms. The second electric machine is operatively connected to the first differential mechanism and the third electric machine is operatively connected to the second differential mechanism. The first and second differential mechanisms are each operatively connected to drivable engage one or more ground-engaging elements disposed on a different one of the longitudinally-opposing sides of the associated vehicle. A vehicle including such a powertrain as well as methods of using the same are also included.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a braking system of a hybrid vehicle that can be driven by an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine. A brake pressure for a mechanical brake in the braking system is reduced during braking with recuperation, in comparison to the brake pressure during braking without recuperation. A braking system and a vehicle having a braking system that functions in accordance with the method also are provided.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine in a vehicle includes measuring a current to or from a generator mechanically coupled with the engine and determining at least one operating parameter of the engine. The method also includes providing an amount of fuel to the engine based on the current and the at least one operating parameter.

Abstract: A method of priming a common bus of a machine having an engine, a generator and an auxiliary power source is provided. The method may determine an operational state of the auxiliary power source, operate the engine at a predetermined idle speed if the auxiliary power source is determined to be inoperative, and enable the generator to regulate the common bus in response to the predetermined idle speed of the engine.

Abstract: An in-the-wheel hub-less suspension system for use on a vehicle is disclosed. The suspension mechanism has at least two vertical guides; at least two mounting brackets to be affixed to diametrically opposing positions on the rim of the wheel to which the suspension system is to be attached; at least one shock absorber unit; and one spring for each vertical guide. Each of the vertical guides extends through one of the at least one shock absorber units, wherein the spring for each vertical guide is located underneath the at least one shock absorber unit and encloses the vertical guide; and wherein each end of each of the at least two vertical guides engages with the corresponding mounting bracket.

Abstract: An electric vehicle capable of protecting a coupling portion between a wheel and an axle from disturbance. An electric vehicle includes an axle that is a hollow cylindrical shaft passing substantially coaxially through a wheel in a manner extending from both sides of the wheel. A motor shaft is inserted into a hollow portion of the axle substantially coaxially with the axle in a manner extending from both ends of the axle. In this case, a motor is connected to a base end of the motor shaft extending from one end of the axle. Between the wheel and the motor, there are provided a coupling portion for coupling between the one end of the axle and the wheel, and a labyrinth structure for sealing between the wheel and the motor in a manner surrounding the coupling portion.