Abstract: A vehicle stowage assembly having a housing, a door and a retaining device. The housing has an opening. The door is movable between a closed position and an open position. The retaining device includes a ferromagnetic element, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a control unit and a detection device. The electromagnet is magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic element and/or to the permanent magnet. The control unit controls the electromagnet the electromagnet to reduce the magnetic attraction between the housing and the door to a stop value of less than said nominal value during a stopping period following the detection of the arrival of the door near the closed position. The detection device is able to supply a signal representing the arrival of the door in the closed position to the control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus has an actuator housing with a transmission side that defines a transmission slot. A slider is disposed in the actuator housing and has first and second ends which define a post receiver. The slider is movable between a first and second position. The post receiver is aligned with the slot when the slider is in the first position and the second position. A lever pivotably connected to the actuator housing is configured to move the slider from the first position to the second position. The transmission has an elongate element with a first and second end which is disposed outside the actuator housing and substantially parallel to and proximate the transmission side. A post extends from the first end and is received in the post receiver. A locking element is disposed proximate the second end of the first elongate element and is configured to receive the second end.

Abstract: An apparatus has an actuator housing with a transmission side that defines a transmission slot. A slider is disposed in the actuator housing and has first and second ends which define a post receiver. The slider is movable between a first and second position. The post receiver is aligned with the slot when the slider is in the first position and the second position. A lever pivotably connected to the actuator housing is configured to move the slider from the first position to the second position. The transmission has an elongate element with a first and second end which is disposed outside the actuator housing and substantially parallel to and proximate the transmission side. A post extends from the first end and is received in the post receiver. A locking element is disposed proximate the second end of the first elongate element.

Abstract: A window lock assembly is provided for locking a window with a cord. The cord allows a window to be opened a small amount. The lock can be locked and unlocked without a key, and in some embodiments, can be operated with one hand.

Abstract: A locking system has a base, a receiver, a bolt assembly and at least one link member. The bolt assembly has a bolt that slides through the link members and the base, and into the receiver. The bolt assembly has an end plate with a padlock tab that projects through a slot in a plate on the link member. Each link member has another plate with a padlock tab that can projects through a slot in a plate on the base or a slot on an adjacent link member. The padlock tabs each have a padlock aperture for a padlock or a puck lock. Removal of a lock allows a user to slide the bolt out of the receiver.

Abstract: A latch including a housing having side members each having an elongated slot, a bolt mounted rotatably to the housing and positioned between the side members of the housing, an adjustment mechanism, and a pin and roller positioned slidably within the elongated slots of the side members of the housing. The adjustment mechanism includes a compression spring, a central cap for receiving the pin and roller therethrough, and a nut for adjusting the load on the compression spring. The bolt is moveable between a first, closed position, in which the pin and roller are engaged with the bolt, and a second open position, in which the pin and roller are disengaged from the bolt. The latch can be opened automatically when a defined load, as adjusted by the adjustment mechanism, is provided on the bolt to disengage the pin and roller from the bolt.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a hook, a displaceable handle, and links connected between the handle and hook for the operation of the latch mechanism. The handle and links cooperate with the hook to hold the latch mechanism in a locked position.

Abstract: A shower door enclosure has fixed and pivotable hinge halves which can be preinstalled to fixed and pivotable panels, respectively. One or both of the hinge halves can be adjusted at the installation site without hinge disassembly. In particular, each hinge half may be mounted to its respective panel via a fastener passing through the panel and into a floating bushing. The floating bushing is received in a seat formed in the body of the hinge half. The bushing and seat are shaped to prevent continuous rotation of the bushing within the seat, allowing the fastener to be tightened against the panel without requiring external access to the bushing. Upon assembly of the door panel to the adjacent fixed panel via the respective hinge halves, the bushings may be allowed to “float” laterally and vertically within the hinge bodies while the panels are adjusted to a proper orientation, and the fasteners may then be tightened to fix the panels in place.

Abstract: A compatible door hinge for vehicles includes a lower plate which has a pin hole and a hinge hole in which a hinge pin and a bushing pin are respectively disposed, an upper plate which is coupled to the lower plate by the hinge pin and can be changed in position relative to the lower plate, and a body plate with which the lower plate and the upper plate are integrated by the bushing pin passing through them. A minimum required setting distance between the door hinge and an upper or lower door skin of a vehicle door can be maintained without changing the design shape of the door skin. Particularly, a door opening trajectory can be formed closer to the door skin and reduced in radius, such that a rotation gap is ensured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge device for opening and closing a cover of office equipment, and more particularly to a hinge device disposed at a cover which is rotatably opened and closed and having a multi-layered cam and a slider, so that a free stop section and a slow down section are performed in closing the cover, thereby reducing a noise in closing the cover and improving a sensibility of product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sunroof control apparatus for preventing malfunctions. The sunroof control apparatus includes a sunroof motor which opens and closes a sunroof and a control portion which outputs a first control signal which drives the sunroof motor in a direction of opening the sunroof and a second control signal which drives the sunroof motor in a direction of closing the sunroof. Here, the control portion estimates angular velocity, torque, and a torque change rate according to a current voltage of the sunroof motor based on an estimator designed in advance. Also, when the estimated torque change rate is a preset threshold or more, the control portion determined that an object is caught in the sunroof while the sunroof is being closed and outputs the first control signal.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes: a door; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the door; a push-open actuator mounted at a rear of the door, the push-open actuator configured for pushing against a body of the vehicle; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle. A system for a vehicle includes: a front door; a rear door behind the front door, the rear door having a dual-hinge design that opens and closes in a substantially vertical direction; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the front door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the front door; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle.

Abstract: An inflatable barrier (10) including a wall member (12) which includes at least one inflatable element, and at least one frame member (22), the frame member (22) including a guide formation (16), the at least one guide formation (16) including a channel in which at least a part of a corresponding guide member (24), which is carried by the wall member (12), is receivable, wherein in use, at least a part of the guide member (24) is able to travel along the channel of the guide formation (16), to at least assist in erecting the wall member (16) from an inactive position to an in use position.

Abstract: An electronic safe and hinge combination is addressed in which hinges are integrally formed from a door plate and safe wall plate, such as a safe side wall. No exterior welds are employed so that a strong and aesthetically pleasing fascia results. Additionally, a hinge and removable hinge pin arrangement is provided which allows the safe body to be constructed separately from the doors and mated together during final assembly, as well as, facilitating repair of a damaged door and retrofitting one door for another for an in the field upgrade. An electronic drop safe is described employing two or more doors and mounted to a safe having a sidewall with an integrally formed hinge.

Abstract: A buck panel adapted to be interconnected with other panels to form a buck to frame a bulkhead or an opening in an insulated concrete form wall for receiving a window or door. The buck panel has a foam portion, a central support beam, a first lateral support beam, and a second lateral support beam. The central support beam is positioned longitudinally within a center portion of the foam portion. A plurality of wings extend from the central support beam in such a way that the wings protrude from an internal surface of the foam portion so as to be received in concrete poured over the internal surface. The first and second lateral support beams are positioned longitudinally within a first side and a second side of the foam portion, respectively.

Abstract: A threshold assembly for use with an entryway disposed within an aperture of a structure, which has an exterior and an interior and includes a door panel moveable between open and closed positions, includes a sill and a rail. A rail is rotatably supported above the upper sill surface between an initial position when the door panel is in the open position, and a second position different from the initial position when the door panel is in the closed position. A biasing member is disposed between the upper sill surface of the sill to bias the rail from the second position toward the initial position. A protrusion extends from the sill towards the rail, with the protrusion configured to rotatably support the rail and configured to prevent the biasing member from rotating the rail beyond the initial position.

Abstract: An extrusion for a multiple configuration window base frame is disclosed. In one aspect, the frame includes a main body defining an interior-side surface and an opposite opening-side surface extending between first and second ends. To facilitate use with different window types, part or all of the opening-side surface can be formed in a parallel arrangement with the interior-side surface. The frame can include a first attachment arrangement located proximate the main body first end that is configured for attachment to one or more cladding members. In one aspect, the first attachment arrangement includes a first clip member having a first outer portion and a first inner portion that define a first female receiving area and having a first overhang portion extending at least partially across the female receiving area to enable a snap-fit connection between the main body and the cladding member.

Abstract: A safety gate for use in household openings, such as doorways, hallways, and stair landings. The gate includes a color-coded closed/opened status indicator. In some embodiments, the barrier may be unlocked and locked with one-handed operation. The gate may include an automatic closure mechanism for moving the door from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A safety gate is provided with one or more of a curved path for holding a pressure mount to prevent unlocking, and a color-coded locked/unlocked status indicator for use in openings, such as doorways, to provide a barrier for a small child or for any other suitable use. The changing of the colors, from, for example, red to green indicates to a user that the gate is locked (green) or unlocked (red). The door opening mechanisms may allow the door to be unlocked or locked with one hand.

Abstract: A modular shade includes at least one module that consists of a head rail unit, a foot rail unit, at least one intermediate rail unit, and a plurality of slat components. A top slat may be coupled to the head rail unit and the intermediate rail unit, and a bottom slat component may be coupled to the intermediate rail unit and the foot rail unit. Further, additional intermediate rail units and intermediate slat components may be added to the module to alter the shape and size of the module, and the module may be coupled to one or more additional modules to change the overall shape and size of the modular shade.

Abstract: A system for biasing or encouraging a sheet of material to gather in one direction when one edge of the sheet of material is moved toward an opposite edge of the sheet of material is provided. A plurality of strips of material may extend along a face of the sheet of material and may be laminated to the face of the sheet of material. The plurality of strips of material may overlap each other and may define stiffened regions extending along the overlapped interface between the plurality of strips of material. When the covering is moved from an extended position to a retracted position, the sheet of material may gather in loops of material that may have apexes defined at or adjacent the overlapped interfaces of the plurality of strips of material.

Abstract: A headrail structure includes a front side plate, a rear side plate, and a transverse plate, wherein the front side plate and the rear side plate are respectively connected to two different long edges of the transverse plate. The transverse plate of the headrail has at least one opening. The front side plate has a protrusion extending downward, and the protrusion is near the opening. A covering device for a building opening, which includes the headrail structure, is disclosed herein. In the covering device, part of a control unit would be exposed through the opening, or would extend out of the headrail structure through the opening. Whereby, the protrusion of the headrail could shield the opening to make an appearance of the headrail simple and clean, which enhances the quality of the whole covering device.

Abstract: A window body brake mechanism for non pull cord window blind includes a rolling-up unit including two coil spring winding wheels meshed together and a coil spring connected between the coil spring winding wheels, a transmission unit including two transmission gears respectively meshed with the coil spring winding wheels and two transmission cords respectively connected to the transmission gears, and a brake unit including an operating button having a braking portion disposed between the two coil spring winding wheels and so configured that when the operating button is operated into a press position, the braking portion is released from the coil spring winding wheels for allowing synchronous rotation of the coil spring winding wheels; when the operating button is operated into a release position, the braking portion is engaged with the coil spring winding wheels to stop the coil spring winding wheels from rotation.

Abstract: A roller shade system comprising a covering material windingly coupled to a roller tube such that rotation of the roller tube causes the covering material to be raised or lowered. A mechanism is coupled to the roller tube to rotate the roller tube and a level adjuster is attached to each end of the roller tube. The level adjuster is a baseplate with a leveling bar pivotally coupled to the baseplate. The baseplate also has a flange having a threaded aperture and a screw coupled to the aperture. The leveling bar is provided with a protrusion at an end aligned with the flange, a mantle at its centre, and a pivot coupling to the baseplate at its other end. The protrusion is engaged by the tip of a bolt such that further fastening of the bolt causes the leveling bar to pivot causing an adjustment to the height of the mantle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stabilized rope ladder comprising stabilizing steps that are lengthwise extensions of normal rope ladder steps and which further comprise a strength-enhancing metal scaffold enclosed in a polymeric composition.

Abstract: A mountable ladder caddy for securing to the top of a conventional step ladder in order to provide storage space for tools and other items to be used while on the ladder. The mountable ladder caddy includes a caddy base having top shelf with an open top and a plurality of dividers which is connected to a base assembly having a support base and a lower extension and which includes a hook attachment mechanism operative to enable the mountable ladder caddy to be selectively secured to the top of the ladder. The hook attachment mechanism includes a first spring loaded hook attached to the support base and operative to swing in a first direction and a second spring loaded hook attached to the lower extension and operative to swing in a second, opposing direction relative to the first direction.

Abstract: A ladder stabilization device includes a generally L-shaped frame member having a horizontal section and a vertical section. A ladder connection hinge is disposed along one end of the frame, a foot is disposed along another end of the frame, and a panel member is connected therebetween. A ladder stabilization system includes two stabilization devices. The system transitions between an open configuration where each foot is engaged with the ground, and a closed configuration where each panel blocks the ladder steps.

Abstract: A ladder bracing system is used to safely lean a ladder against a building. The system includes a ladder, a first bracing arm, a second bracing arm, a bridge, a first ladder-gripping clamp and a second ladder-gripping clamp. The first bracing arm and the second bracing arm are connected to opposing ends of the bridge. The first bracing arm and the second bracing arm are used to stabilize the ladder against a building without damaging the building. The first ladder-gripping clamp is connected to the first bracing arm and the second ladder-gripping clamp is connected to the second bracing arm. The first ladder-gripping clamp and the second ladder-gripping clamp are used along with the bridge to secure the first bracing arm and the second bracing arm along the ladder. The bridge may be moved along the ladder through the use of an adjustment cable and a pulley.

Abstract: A ladder stabilizing system for incorporation into a roofing system and for receiving and releasably retaining a ladder therein. The ladder stabilizing system includes a mounting plate disposed between layers of the roofing material and further includes a ladder bracket fixedly attached to the mounting plate and includes a section adapted to accommodate the features of the edge of the roofing system. The ladder bracket further includes a set of lateral supports for receiving the ladder there between and retention members for releasably securing the ladder to the ladder stabilizing system.

Abstract: A driveshaft transmission assembly may include a catch assembly. The catch assembly may prevent the loss of certain driveshaft transmission assembly components downhole in the event of a failure of the driveshaft transmission due to dynamic loads produced during operation of a drilling system. The catch assembly may be coupled to a first radial bearing assembly using locking devices. The driveshaft transmission assembly may also include a second radial bearing assembly interlockably coupled to a thrust bearing and a bearing housing.

Abstract: A down-hole drilling apparatus includes a bearing housing defining a longitudinal axis and upper and lower portions. The upper portion of the bearing housing is configured for connection to a drill string, and at least one annular bearing package disposed within the bearing housing. A drill bit is coupled to the bearing housing and rotatable with respect to the longitudinal axis. The drill bit includes a leading body supporting a plurality of cutters thereon for engaging a subterranean rock formation, a shank portion projecting from the leading body, and a mandrel portion engaging the shank portion and defining an inseparable connection therewith. The mandrel portion extends longitudinally into the bearing housing and through the at least one annular bearing package.

Abstract: A rock formation drill bit assembly with electrodes includes a drill bit including a hollow portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the drill bit. The hollow portion extends from a first end to a second end opposing the first end. Cutters as positioned on the first end. The cutters are configured to cut the rock formation resulting in a rock core protruding from the rock formation into the hollow portion. The rock core includes a circumferential surface. Multiple electrodes are positioned within an inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion. The multiple electrodes are configured to apply electrical discharge across multiple locations on the circumferential surface of the rock core. The electrical discharge causes the rock core to fracture.

Abstract: A hybrid drill bit includes a bit body having a central bit body axis at a center of the bit body, a blade on the bit body extending from an end of the bit body, and a roller disc rotatably coupled to the bit body about the end of the bit body to rotate on a roller disc axis. The roller disc axis extends toward the central bit body axis, and the blade includes a plurality of fixed cutting elements.

Abstract: A downhole cutting apparatus includes a tubular body and a cutter block extending radially therefrom. The cutter block includes at least one row of cutting elements. The row or cutting elements defines a cutting profile having a first underreaming cutting edge, a second underreaming cutting edge, and a first backreaming cutting edge between the first underreaming cutting edge and the second underreaming cutting edge.

Abstract: A downhole cutting apparatus includes a cutter block having a longitudinal blade. The longitudinal blade includes a first cutting edge adjacent a second cutting edge, and the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge are both either underreaming cutting edges, backreaming cutting edges, or a combination of underreaming and backreaming cutting edges.

Abstract: An under-reaming tool comprises a body and a plurality of extendable cutters mounted on the body. The under-reaming tool is configured to be cycled between a first configuration in which the cutters are retracted and a second configuration in which the cutters are movable between retracted and extended positions. The under-reaming tool is configured to prevent extension of the cutters by an external fluid in the first and/or second configuration/s.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of designing a downhole drilling tool may include generating a three dimensional (3D) downhole drilling tool model including a plurality of cutting elements on a plurality of blades and simulating engagement of the 3D downhole drilling tool model with a 3D model of a borehole bottom. The method may further include calculating a cutting force of a cutting element of the plurality of cutting elements, calculating a wearflat frictional force of the cutting element, and modeling a drilling efficiency of the 3D downhole drilling tool model based on the cutting force of the cutting element and the wearflat friction force of the cutting element. In addition, the method may include determining a design parameter of the 3D downhole drilling tool model based on the drilling efficiency of the 3D downhole drilling tool model.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond include subjecting a particle mixture to high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) conditions to form inter-granular diamond-to-diamond bonds. Before being subjected to HPHT conditions, the particle mixture includes a plurality of non-diamond nanoparticles, diamond nanoparticles, and diamond grit. The non-diamond nanoparticles includes carbon-free cores and at least one functional group attached to the cores. Cutting elements for use in an earth-boring tool include a polycrystalline diamond material formed by such processes. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convex ridge type non-planar cutting tooth and a diamond drill bit, the convex ridge type non-planar cutting tooth comprises a cylindrical body, the surface of the end portion of the cylindrical body is provided with a main cutting convex ridge and two non-cutting convex ridges, the inner end of the main cutting convex ridge and the inner ends of the two non-cutting convex ridges converge at the surface of the end portion of the cylindrical body, the outer end of the main cutting convex ridge and the outer ends of the two non-cutting convex ridges extend to the outer edge of the surface of the end portion of the cylindrical body, the surfaces of the end portion of the cylindrical body on both sides of the main cutting convex ridge are cutting bevels. The convex ridge type non-planar cutting tooth and the diamond drill bit have great ability of impact resistance and balling resistance.

Abstract: Abrasion resistance in well fluid wetted assemblies is described. A method of enhancing an abrasion resistance of submersible assemblies includes polishing a first running surface of a sleeve and a second running surface of a bushing until the first running surface and the second running surface have a roughness average of four micro-inches roughness average (Ra) or less, coating the polished first running surface and the polished second running surface with one of titanium nitride, titanium aluminum nitride or a combination thereof, and placing the sleeve and the bushing in an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly component such that the first running surface faces the second running surface and the first running surface rotates with respect to the second running surface, and pumping a fluid from an underground formation to a surface location using the ESP assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for steering a drilling assembly (200) during drilling operations for oil and gas. The steering assembly being disposed in a borehole (10) and comprising a drill bit (120) attached to a drill collar (210) having an eccentric stabilizer (220) disposed thereupon. The eccentric stabilizer either in an engaged state whereupon rotating concentrically with the drill collar, or in a released state whereupon as the drill collar rotates the eccentric stabilizer is positioned eccentrically relative to the drill collar creating a lateral deflection in the borehole that may be used for changing the direction of the drilling assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sleeve for fitting around a spooling drum: the sleeve comprises at least a groove for receiving a conveying element to be spooled around the drum, is made of flexible material and is configured so as to be able to take a first configuration in which the sleeve forms a flat sheet, the groove extending in a direction, called spooling direction, and a second configuration in which the sleeve forms a cylinder, with the groove is situated on an external face of the cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator device for remotely engaging, in fail-safe fashion, the slip segments on a slip-type elevator used in connection with a drill pipe, casing, or other object being lowered into or pulled out an oil, gas, geothermal, water, mining or other subsurface well. An actuator drive mechanism is provided and capable of extending a cylinder to engage the top surface of a slip segment or slip setting plate to cause the slips to be pushed into gripping engagement against the outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or other object. The slips may be equipped with retention springs to move the slips back to their non-engaged positions when the actuator drive is disengaged or to urge continued engagement. The actuator drive cylinder can also be directly attached to the slips or slip setting plate and is capable of moving the slips into and out of their engaged position.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the volume of cuttings exiting a shaker table is disclosed. The system comprises a shaker table configured to be adjusted based on information compiled by a processor and at least one camera configured to monitor said shaker table. The camera may be operably connected to the processor. The processor may be configured to identify drill cuttings and estimate the volume of the cuttings exiting the shaker table using machine vision techniques.

Abstract: A method for separating solids from a drill cuttings and drilling mud mixture feed in a shale shaker includes providing a shale shaker (1) having a basket (4) including a stack of at least two screen decks (8,8a, 8b), wherein the screening surfaces (9,9a, 9b) of the decks are spaced apart and superposed one above the other. A fluid retaining wall (5) and the feed receiving end (12a, 12b) of the screening surface of the lowest screen deck define a pond region (15). In use of the method a drill cuttings and drilling mud mixture feed (18) forms a pond of solids and liquid in the pond region that immerses a portion of the screening surface at the feed receiving end of each of the two screen decks. Apparatus for use in the method is also described.

Abstract: A tubing or casing hanger seal assembly is disclosed including an actuation sleeve to be mounted on a tubing hanger, a shoulder member to be mounted on the tubing hanger, and a seal assembly disposed between the actuation sleeve and the shoulder member. The seal assembly includes a first set or pair of seals engaged at a tapered interface, and a second set or pair of seals engaged at a tapered interface. Radial sectional areas can differ between seals of the seal pairs. Further, the first set of seals can be coupled to the second set of seals such that the first and second sets of seals are energized by the same setting motion of the actuation sleeve.

Abstract: An annular blowout preventer (BOP) includes a housing comprising a bore extending through the housing, an annular sealing element configured to be displaced inwardly into the housing bore, and an actuating member configured to be actuated radially or perpendicularly with respect to an axis of the annular sealing element to compress the annular sealing element inwardly into the housing bore.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a blowout preventer housing comprising a bore extending through the blowout preventer housing and an inflatable element positionable within the blowout preventer housing and comprising an internal cavity. The internal cavity is configured to receive fluid pressure to expand the inflatable element and facilitate forming a seal within the blowout preventer housing.

Abstract: A pipe ram blowout preventer may be used for sealing about an object positioned in a vertical bore extending through the blowout preventer. The blowout preventer includes a pipe ram assembly movable towards the tubular, the pipe ram assembly including a packer assembly comprising an elastomeric body for sealing against the object. The packer assembly includes an upper plate position above the elastomeric body which includes a tab extending from the upper plate. The tab resists extrusion of the elastomeric body in high temperature environments by containing the elastomeric material and forming a metal-to-metal seal about the object positioned in the blowout preventer vertical bore.

Abstract: A pipe ram blowout preventer (“BOP”) may be used for sealing about an object positioned in a vertical bore extending through the BOP. The BOP includes a pipe ram assembly movable towards the tubular, the pipe ram assembly including a packer assembly comprising an elastomeric body for sealing against the object. The packer assembly includes a packer insert within the elastomeric body, the packer insert comprising a generally interlaced structure, such as a wire mesh. The packer insert reduces deleterious effects of using a pipe ram assembly in high temperature environments by resisting crumbling of the elastomeric material when it becomes brittle.